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RESOLUTIONS ON THE PARLIAMENTARY GRANT TO MAYNOOTH COLLEGE, IRELAND.-At a Meeting of the Committee of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, especially convened to consider the proposal for an increased grant to Maynooth College, on Wednesday, the 12th of March, 1845, held at the Library, Blomfield Street, Finsbury, Benjamin Hanbury, Esq. Treasurer, in the chair-— The following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

1. That the announcement in Parliament, by her Majesty's Ministers, of their intention to propose a greatly augmented grant in support of the Papal College of Maynooth, taken in connexion with the Charitable Bequests Bill for Ireland, passed in the last session of Parliament, indicates an altered line of public policy in respect to Popery in that country, and a design to conciliate the injured Roman Catholics by means involving wrong to other classes of her Majesty's subjects, and tending to uphold and extend that unjust and injurious system of ecclesiastical establishments which already inflicts so many evils on this nation; because the obvious design is, by resources drawn from general and compulsory taxation, to enable the Protestant Episcopal Church in Ireland to keep secure possession of the entire ecclesiastical resources and powers of that country; that is, to maintain one great injustice by another.

2. That this Committee looks back, with indignation, upon the wrongs under which the Roman Catholic population of Ireland so long groaned, and rejoicing that many of them have been redressed, would have every remnant of them removed by equitable and enlightened legislation;-but this Committee protests, with equal and decided earnestness, against every employment of the resources or power of the state, either to sustain, or to suppress, the Roman Catholic religion, or any other religion whatever; and feels entirely consistent in opposing with double energy grants of public money, in aid of what it deems deadly error, while it stedfastly resists the granting of state-assistance for what it regards as the highest truth.

3. That this Committee deems the present a favourable and an urgent occasion for a decided manifestation of Protestant zeal and union. The movements of the Papal party at this time throughout the world appear to confirm what the experience of all history attests, that Popery is a system insatiably grasping at dominion and aggrandisement—unscrupulous in the employment of every resource of force or fraud-unchangeably hostile to charity, liberty, and truth-and possessed of vast resources to compass its tyrannous ends. This Committee would therefore deem supineness and divisions among Protestants, at the present juncture, a guilty and fatal treachery to the dearest interests of the church of Christ, and of the whole race of man.

4. This Committee would therefore call the immediate attention of the Independent Churches of England and Wales, and of their pastors, to these intentions of the Government, and would invite their zealous co-operation in all consistent and wise plans for defeating them; but this Committee would especially advise, that in any efforts for the great common cause of Protestantism in which Independents may unite with other Protestants, effectual care may be taken not to compromise or conceal their broad and simple principle of uncompromising and impartial opposition to the establishment or endowment, in any form or degree, of any religious body whatever, by human legislation.

5. That the foregoing resolutions be advertised in the Patriot and Times newspapers. That a copy be transmitted to every member of both Houses of Parliament, and that other suitable measures be adopted to secure for them the widest practicable circulation.

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ASSOCIATION.-RESOLUTIONS AGAINST THE GRANT TO MAYNOOTH COLLEGE.-The annual meeting of this Association was held in their county town, on Monday, 17th, and Tuesday, 18th days of March.

The sermon before the association was preached on Monday evening, at Friar's Lane Chapel, by the Rev. James B. Brown, B.A., of London Road Chapel, Derby, on a subject of great interest-"The claims of the labouring population on the sympathies and zealous efforts of the churches of Christ."

The business of the following day was commenced with an early prayer-meeting. The forenoon of Tuesday was occupied with the affairs of the Association, at which the Rev. Joseph Gilbert presided.

Inter alia; It was resolved,-"That this meeting has heard with sorrow and alarm that it is the intention of her Majesty's ministers to propose an increase of the parliamentary grant to the seminary of the Roman Catholic priesthood at Maynooth. That while this meeting disclaims the least animosity towards any class of their fellow-countrymen, and would assert the right of Roman Catholics to an equality of civil and political privileges with all other subjects of the realm, it regards the appropriation of funds raised by public taxation to religious purposes, as unauthorised by the word of God, vicious in principle, and fruitful in mischief both to religion and the commonwealth, and holds that such appropriation of any part of the national revenue is doubly objectionable, when (as in the present instance) its avowed purpose is to disarm political hostility, and its sure effect, in the judgment of every conscientious Protestant, to perpetuate errors dangerous to the souls of men."

In the evening a social meeting of the friends of the Association was held at the New Mechanics' Hall. Tea was served to not less than five hundred persons; and at seven o'clock the public proceedings commenced, when J. Herbert, Esq., the treasurer, was called to the chair. The report presented by the Rev. S. Mc All was highly encouraging. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. H. L. Adams, of Newark, J. Barfett. of Grantham, J. K. Stallybrass, of Retford, J. Gilbert and Mc All, of Nottingham, &c. The attendance was numerous and cheering.

NEW CHAPELS.

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT SHREWSBURY-OPENING OF THEIR NEW CHAPEL, AND ORDINATION OF THEIR FIRST PASTOR. This new society and place of worship originated as follows:-"The majority of the church and congregation worshipping at Swan Hill meeting-house in this town, thinking it desirable to have a co-pastor, and finding it impossible to carry their wishes into effect so as to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,' ultimately determined, that since they could not work in peace and harmony together, they would leave the old place of worship, and endeavour to establish a second church, into which they might throw all their energies in order to extend the kingdom of Christ.

"It will naturally be asked, whether there be room for two Independent churches in Shrewsbury? To which the best answer that can be given is, to state the number of the population, which is about 23,000. Up to the present time there has been but one Independent chapel here, and that not able to seat 600 persons.

"All who know the town, can bear ample testimony that there is abundant room for two large and vigorous interests; and to all who pray for the prosperity of Zion,' it must be a matter of grief that there should not be such. The sincere prayer, and the chief aim of those who have made this effort is, that this object may be speedily accomplished."

Accordingly, on Tuesday, March 4th, a neat and commodious chapel in Castle Gate, with spacious school-rooms, was opened for public worship, by the Rev. Thomas Raffles, D.D., LL.D., of Liverpool, who delivered an eloquent and impressive discourse, founded on Matthew xvi. 18.

On Lord's-day, March 9th, two sermons were preached by the Rev. William Urwick, D.D., of Dublin. The collections at the above services amounted to rather more than £100.

On Wednesday, March 5th, the Rev. Edward Hill, late of Spring-hill College, Birmingham, was solemnly ordained to the pastoral care of the newly-formed church now assembling in the above place of worship. The Rev. Thomas Weaver, of Shrewsbury, commenced the service by reading suitable portions of Scripture, and offering prayer; the Rev. T. R. Barker, Classical Tutor of Spring-hill College, delivered the introductory discourse, in which he gave a very lucid and scriptural view of the principles of the Congregationalists; the Rev. Francis Watts, Theological Tutor of Spring-hill College, received the confession of faith, and offered the ordination prayer; and the Rev. William Urwick, D.D., of Dublin, gave a very impressive charge to the minister, founded on the former part of the 7th verse of the first chapter of Titus.

In the evening, the Rev. John Raven, of Dudley, preached to the people. This discourse was characterised by much fervour and affection, and will long be remembered by those who heard it.

The chapel was crowded on each occasion. The whole of the services were marked by deep solemnity; and it was truly gratifying to the friends engaged in this undertaking to have the presence of nearly forty ministers of different denominations, several of whom took part in the services, and, with many other friends, dined in the school-rooms, which are over the chapel.

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL, MARGATE.-It had long been the desire of many persons, holding Congregational sentiments, that a church in connexion with their own denomination, should, if practicable, be raised at the much-frequented watering-place of Margate. There were various obstacles in the way of such an attempt, but these having been removed, and this desire having been more strongly expressed by friends on the spot and elsewhere, application was made to the Congregational Association for Kent, and to the Home Missionary Society, soliciting their help. These two societies agreed to co-operate in adding to the means of Christian instruction, as there was a prospect of great good being done both to the residents in the town and to many of the visitors. The building in Hawley-square (but having the principal front towards Cecil-street) formerly called Batson's Library, was accordingly obtained, and fitted up as a place of religious worship.

Wednesday, March the 5th, was the day appointed for the opening services, but a heav fall of snow, which obstructed the roads, prevented the attendance of multitudes who had purposed to be there, and prevented the arrival of the Rev. J. Blackburn, of London, who was to have preached in the morning, till after that service was over. The Rev. John Pyer, of Devonport, therefore, preached in the forenoon, and Mr. Blackburn, having reached the town in time, in the afternoon, and Dr. Campbell, of London, in the evening.

Although the season was most inclement, several ministers from the neighbourhood attended to sanction this effort, namely, Rev. Messrs. H. Cresswell, Canterbury; D. Harrison, Whitstable; H. J. Bevis, Ramsgate; T. H. Brown, Deal; T. Vincent, Deal; H. J. Rook, Faversham; and others. All present expressed their satisfaction at the neatness and good taste with which the place is fitted up, and their hope of much usefulness.

NEW CHAPEL, HECKMONDWIKE.-On Wednesday, March 19th, the new Upper Independent chapel, at Heckmondwike, Yorkshire, was dedicated to the public worship of God. The opening prayer in the morning service was offered by the minister of the place, the Rev. Henry Bean, after reading portions of Scripture appropriate to the occasion. The Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, preached from Matt. xvi. 18, and the Rev. James Scott, of Cleckheaton, concluded with prayer. In the afternoon, the Rev. T. Scales, of Leeds, preached from Psalm cxxii. 9; and prayer was offered up by the Rev. R. Martin, of Heckmondwike, and the Rev. E. Brown, of Hunslet. The Rev. W. Lucy, of Bristol, read the Scriptures and prayed in the evening; after which, the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds, preached from 2 Chron. vi. 18. The attendance at all the services was large and respectable; and liberal collections were made, which, with those yet to be made, will, it is hoped, go far towards meeting the entire expense of the erection, and thus furnish another demonstration of the efficacy of the voluntary principle. The congregation is greatly indebted to the pious liberality of a worthy lady, Miss Parsons, of Stancliffe Hall, who, in a manner as kind as it was unostentatious, contributed the sum of £600 towards the object. The chapel is a handsome structure, and an ornament to the village. Its interior arrangements are very neat and convenient.

ORDINATIONS, ETC.

THE designation services in connexion with the settlement of the Rev. John Raven as pastor of the Independent church at Dudley, were held on the 22nd of October, 1844. The Rev. J. Hill, A.M., of Gornal, introduced the solemn services of the day by reading suitable portions of the Scriptures, and by prayer. The Rev. J. Ashwell, of Bromsgrove, gave a lucid statement of the nature of a Christian church. In answer to questions by the Rev. J. Hammond, of Handsworth, a most satisfactory account was given of the steps which had led to the union of pastor and people. The Rev. John Fernie, of Brewood, offered the designation prayer. After which the afternoon service closed, and the friends adjourned to the school-room, where between two and three hundred sat down to tea. The Rev. S. Jackson, of Walsall, began the evening service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, addressed the pastor from Matt. xxv. 21. After which the Rev. J. G. Pigg, of Wolverhampton, offered prayer. Dr. Redford, of Worcester, preached to the people from 2 Cor. xi. 2. The Rev. Messrs. Dyer and Cooper, of West Bromwich; Parsons, of Brierly Hill; Sibree, of Birmingham; the Wesleyan, and New Connexion ministers of Dudley, took part in the devotional services of the day. May the labours of our beloved and honoured brother be crowned with even more success than they were either at Birmingham or Hadleigh!

On Thursday, February 20th, the Rev. H. B. Creak, M.A. of the University of London, was ordained pastor of the Independent church, Atherstone, Warwickshire. The Rev. Thomas Lord, of Wollaston, has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastoral office from the Congregational church at Bridgstock, Northamptonshire, and purposes entering upon his stated labours the first Lord's day in May.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

RESISTANCE TO A PARLIAMENTARY GRANT TO MAYNOOTH COLLEGE.-A committee, composed of Protestants of various denominations, having been appointed by the public meeting held at Exeter Hall, on Tuesday, the 18th of March, to carry out its objects, and to concentrate the efforts of Protestants in opposition to the proposed

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measure. It has chosen an executive committee, which sits daily at the London Coffee House, Ludgate-street, London, Sir Culling Eardley Smith, Bart., chairman, for the purpose of affording every assistance and information in their power to all who are disposed to concur in their great object.

The following practical suggestions are offered :—

1. The importance of getting up congregational petitions, addressed to both Houses of Parliament, but more especially to the House of Commons. These should be properly signed, that is to say, they should only be signed by males, above sixteen years of age.

2. These petitions should be put into the hands of the members of towns and counties, and of noblemen in their neighbourhood, with an earnest entreaty that they will support the prayer of the petition. If parties have any difficulty on this point, they are requested to forward their petition to the committee, at the London Coffee House, who will take care that it is duly presented.

3. That public meetings should be held, for the purpose of stirring up Protestant feeling and principle in opposition to the measure, if local circumstances admit; and, wherever there is a Town Council likely to co-operate, it should be especially convened, and urged to petition in its corporate capacity. The committee will be happy to give every assistance in their power, by means of deputations to attend public meetings.

4. It is of immense importance, that Protestant electors should use their personal influence, in the way of direct appeal to their own representatives, whether Liberal or Conservative. Any considerable number of electors combining to assure their representatives, that, if they vote for Maynooth, it is highly probable that it will materially prejudice them at the next election, will ensure such serious consideration as no petitions to parliament would be likely to command.

We are well aware of the dangerous proximity of the subject of endowing the College of Maynooth to questions upon which Protestants are not agreed. There is a conscientious diversity of sentiment as to the propriety of the civil government giving any support to religion; and it may reasonably be expected, that this diversity of opinion will, to a certain degree, modify the grounds on which different petitions are founded. But we are persuaded, that a cordial attachment to the great principles of the Protestant Reformation, and a stedfast abhorrence of Popery, as a system opposed to Christ and his Gospel, will furnish a broad and sufficient ground of co-operation among all Protestants in opposition to the measure proposed.

BRIEF NOTES ON PASSING EVENTS.

THE lapse of another month has developed some questions, and matured others to which we have referred in our previous notes.

The Congress of the UNITED STATES has "consented," by a vote of 27 to 25, that "the territory included within, and rightly belonging to, the republic of Texas, may be erected into a new state, to be called the State of Texas." This startling fact immediately preceded the inauguration of the new President, Mr. Polk, whose elaborate and able installation address reveals the fact that he is haughty and uncompromising republican, who regards foreign relations with little favour, and who dreams of such democratic glories in the New World as shall eclipse all the splendours of the old. This temper would be harmless enough, if it did not lead him dogmatically to settle questions which were supposed to be still open to negociation. "Our title to the country of Oregon is clear and unquestionable;" and therefore he

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