Home Chronicle. CLAIMS OF MINISTERS' WIDOWS. THE following List of grants to the Widows of our beloved Brethren will show very distinctly and impressively the powerful claim which the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE has upon the vigorous support of the PASTORS, DEACONS, and MEMBERS of our Churches. Not that we would at any time rest our claim upon the mere benevolent objects to which the profits of the work are devoted. We firmly believe that, in a Literary and Theological point of view, we may venture a comparison with contemporary Publications. But when we can show, as by the following List, that we are enabled to distribute, in a single year, £1194 among the Widows of 145 of our Brethren, we do think that the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE ought to double its circulation during the present year. Let the effort be made, and it will not fail. E. H. J. J. M. J. M. L. M. A. L. Do. .... Do. Do. Do. SCOTTISH WIDOWS. ...... Independent....60.... 8 Do. .... 42.... 4 Presbyterian 68.... 8 Do. Do. .... Presbyterian 73.... .... 84.... 8 62.... 8 8 77.... 10 70.... 8 .... .... 74.... 8 ECCLESTON CHAPEL, PIMLICO. ARRANGEMENTS have been made with the Rev. James Davis, of Denton, Norfolk, to become the minister of the above chapel. Mr. Davis will commence his labours there .... 51.... 8 (D.v.) on Sunday, April 13th. .... .... .... .... .... 67....10 65.... 10 85.... 10 .... 72.... 10 .... 75.... 10 .... 69... 10 .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... WELSH WIDOWS. .... Independent.. .86.... 8 D. D. M. D. E. D. Do. .... FETTER-LANE CHAPEL. THE Rev. H. Batchelor, of Leamington, having accepted the invitation to the pastorate of the church meeting in the abovenamed place of worship, and for more than twenty years presided over by the Rev. Caleb Morris, has in consequence resigned his former charge, and will enter upon his new sphere of labour on the second Sabbath of this present month. THE Rev. Alfred Crisp was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church, Longden, Shropshire, on the 21st of November, 1850. The church had been formed a few months previously by the Rev. Thomas Weaver, of Shrewsbury; and now, with the renovated chapel, increasing congregation and schools, both Sabbath and daily, proves the efficiency of the self-denying labours of the newly chosen minister and his devoted wife. This is the more gratifying, because but a short time ago the whole place was reduced to utter destitution. The weather was not very favourable to the interesting service; but the zeal of the villagers and their neighbouring friends, did not allow it to prevent their assembling in considerable numbers. The Rev. Mr. Thorp delivered the introductory discourse, expository of some parts of congregational polity, which, for clearness of statement, calmness of temper, and conclusiveness of argument, stood in advantageous contrast to the ill-tempered declamation which it has been our misfortune to listen to, on some similar occasions. The Rev. T. E. Thoresby asked the usual | questions, and an additional one as to the manner in which the minister intended to pursue his pastoral labours; to the whole of which prompt and most satisfactory answers were given. The last question was answered by detailing what had been done in pastoral visitation, as indicative of the labourer's intention for the future. "The oldest minister in the county," the Rev. Thomas Weaver, then offered the ordination prayer. The simplicity of its expression, its comprehensive import and elevation of sentiment, rendered it peculiarly appropriate to the solemn occasion. It was accompanied by the laying on of the hands of most of the assembled presbytery. charge to the church, by the Rev. D. Roberts, of Carnarvon. At two o'clock, the Rev. M. Jones, of Baba, addressed the congregation generally, on the importance of their duties with regard to the ministry. The above ministers delivered sermons also on the previous evening, and during the whole of the day. NEWARK-UPON-TRENT. The ON Thursday, January 23rd, the Rev. John Hallett, late of Rotherham College, was publicly ordained as pastor over the Congregational Church in this town. The morning service was begun with the reading of suitable portions of Scripture, and prayer, by the Rev. J. Lockwood, B.A., of Tavistock. Rev. S. Mc All, of Nottingham, gave the introductory discourse, in which he sketched the history, and defended the principles of Congregationalism, in a very able and conclusive manner. The Rev. Professor Creak, M.A., of Airdale College, proposed the usual questions, to which Mr. Hallett satisfactorily responded. Mr. Outram (a deacon) gave, in the name of the church, an account of the steps which had led to Mr. Hallett's settlement among them, and stated that he was desired earnestly to renew their invitation, which Mr. Hallett accepted. The Rev. J. Gawthorn, of Derby, (in the absence of the It Rev. W. Salt, of Litchfield,) offered the ordination prayer. The Rev. W. H. Stowell, D.D., President of Cheshunt (late of Rotherham) College, delivered an earnest, faithful, and an affectionate charge to the young minister, founded on Titus ii. 15— "Let no man despise thee;" and the morning service concluded with prayer by the Rev. E. Crisp, of Grantham. But the most impressive part of the service was the charge delivered in the evening by the brother of the newly ordained pastor, the Rev. Edmund Crisp, late president of the Mission College, Bangalore, and now pastor of the Independent Church, Grantham. We have complied with the request to furnish this brief notice, principally to have it in our power to say a word or two upon this, as it ever will be to us, memorable discourse. We speak not of its masterly character considered as a "charge," of the chasteness and elegance of its diction-its nervous and sequent thought-but of the spirit of holiness which pervaded every sentence. came down with the dews of heaven fresh upon it, and left in the mind one desire for holiness. Oh what power there is in holiness! was the impression, or rather conviction with which we separated; some of us wishing the whole congregational ministry had been present to be refreshed and blessed as we were. We hope this charge will be heard again and again; that it will be printed, and then read by multitudes. May God's blessing rest upon Longden, and sanctify a day which many will never forget! ORDINATION. ON the 27th of December, 1850, the Rev. David Jones, from the North Wales Academy, and formerly of Llanbrynmair, was publicly set apart to the work of the Christian ministry over the Congregational Church at Wevin, in the county of Carnarvon, North Wales; the following ministers officiated on the interesting occasion:-The introductory discourse on the nature of a Christian church, was delivered by the Rev. W. Ambrose, of Port Madock; the usual questions were proposed to the young minister, by his late tutor, the Rev. M. Jones, of Baba; the ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. T. Griffith, Capel-helyg; the charge to the minister was delivered by his late pastor, the Rev. S. Roberts, M.A., of Llanbrynmair; and the A numerous party dined in the schoolroom adjoining the chapel. After which, speeches were delivered by the Revs. Twidale, of Melton Mowbray; Gawthorn, of Derby; Stephenson (Wesleyan). Muncaster, of Gainsboro'; Mc All, of Nottingham; and Weaver, of Mansfield. At five o'clock, a party of three hundred sat down to tea. The evening service was introduced by the Rev. J. Muncaster, after which the Rev. T. Raffles, D.D., LL.D., of Liverpool, preached an impressive sermon to the church and congregation, from 2 Thess. iii. 1-"Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified;" and the services of the day, which were of a deeply interesting nature, were concluded by the Rev. Doctor pronouncing the benediction. The Revs. Medcalf and Short, of Lincoln; Gingell (Baptist); Richardson (Primitive Methodist); Randerson (Wesleyan); Wynn (Methodist New Connexion); Pope, of Collingham; Leighton, of Heanor; Ash, of Laxton; and others ministers, were also present, and took part in the solemnities of the day. The attendance upon the whole of the services was highly encouraging, and gave promise of future prosperity to the church, and happiness and usefulness to the pastor. TESTIMONIAL TO DR. J. PYE SMITH. DEAR SIR,-I know you will welcome to the pages of the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE & brief account of the public breakfast which was given at the London Tavern, on Wednesday, Jan. 6th, for the purpose of presenting a Testimonial to the Rev. John Pye Smith, D.D., LL.D., F.R.S., &c., &c., on his retiring into private life. The chair was occupied by W. A. Hankey, Esq., the Treasurer to the Fund. There were present a large number of the principal ministers and laymen of the Congregational body. At the Chairman's left hand the venerable Doctor was seated, accompanied by various members of his family. After the company had partaken of an elegant repast, the Chairman introduced the business of the day in a very appropriate speech. He stated that they were assembled to give a practical answer to an important question, "What shall be done to the man whom the great Head of the Church hath honoured ?" The King of kings had honoured their distinguished friend and guest in a signal manner, by endowing him with a mind of extraordinary power, and by communicating to him, in early life, the blessings of His grace; as well as by affording him length of days, in which to exemplify the talents committed to his trust. He had been favoured with an extended period of existence, in which he had done well, and had served his heavenly Father, the Church on earth, and the genera tion in which he lived, in a conspicuous manner. Mr. Hankey also said, that he himself had been privileged with something more than a common-place acquaintance with the Doctor and his labours, during the last fifty years. The only regret he felt on that occasion was the comparative smallness of the sum which had been raised; but he trusted it would be sufficient to comfort the declining years of their honoured guest; and then would serve to found Divinity Scholarships, to perpetuate his illustrious name, in connexion with New College. The Rev. J. C. Harrison, one of the honorary secretaries, announced letters received from several noblemen, ministers, and gentlemen, expressive of their regret at not being able to be present, and read an elaborate and beautiful address to Dr. Smith, showing the circumstances which led to the proceedings of that day, the peculiar satisfaction they felt in being permitted thus to meet one to whom they, and the church of Christ at large, were under such deep obligations, that they could not suffer him to close his long and brilliant career, or to retire from the Academical position which he had sustained for half a century, without some appropriate and enduring testimonial. The Address, which was listened to with much pleasure, as expressing the feelings of the entire company, concluded with an assurance that all who were present would follow their honoured and beloved guest into his retirement with their sympathies, their affections, and their prayers that health and peace might still be afforded him; and that as his past life had been consecrated to the service of his Great Master, so his declining years might be sweetened by the consciousness of His favour, and by the bright hope of his final reward. The Chairman then, with much feeling, presented the Address to Dr. Smith; the whole company rising to do him honour. The venerable Doctor seemed quite overcome with emotion, and was only able to articulate a few words of response, which were almost inaudible. Ebenezer Smith, Esq., the Doctor's eldest son, then rose, and after a few touching and appropriate remarks, read a reply to the address, on behalf of his father, whose voice and delicate state of health were such as to render it impossible for him to make himself heard. The document, which was received with much applause, expressed in simple phrase the gratitude of a warm and loving heart, and made distinct mention of several of the Doctor's earliest and constant friends, some of whom were present, but many of whom had fallen asleep in Jesus. W. Fox, Esq., solicitor, then read a draft of the deed of trust, which contained the names of fifteen trustees, who were to present the interest of the money which had been raised, to Dr. Smith during his life, and then to found Divinity Scholarships, to bear his name, at New College. The Rev. Dr. Leifchild considered that the honour and privilege of being permitted to say a few words, on that auspicious day, could only be conferred on him by reason of his age. He was delighted to echo the sentiments of reverence and esteem which had been so forcibly expressed for his much-loved friend, Dr. Pye Smith, who possessed a rare and happy combination of classical, theological, and scientific knowledge; all departments of which had been enriched by his pen. The Rev. Dr. Harris, President of New College, was sure that all present must feel that, in thus meeting to pay their tribute of respect to their venerable and venerated friend and father, Dr. J. Pye Smith, they were doing | ness to Dr. Smith's services to the literature themselves quite as much honour as they of our denomination. were doing him. Samuel Morley, Esq., could never forget the kind attention and important lessons he had received in his early days, as well as in later years, from their distinguished friend and guest. The Rev. G. Clayton referred most touch He considered that, in this day of homage to mere wealth and title, it was something to be able to feel that the object of their respect was one whose character was wealth, and whose name had long been an honoured title. Thomas Piper, Esq., referred, in very touch-ingly to the members of the Doctor's family, ing terms, to his long and intimate connexion with his valued and honoured friend, and expressed the heart-felt gratification he had found in the engagements of the morning. The Rev. T. Binney had great pleasure in being present, although it was at much personal inconvenience. He should have been extremely sorry, if he could not have been there to pay respect to such distinguished worth as was combined in their friend, whom they rejoiced to honour. E. Miall, Esq., was happy to unite in paying that tribute of esteem and affection to their honoured guest, the more especially as his own feelings and sentiments had gathered strength from Dr. Smith's example. The Rev. Dr. Campbell was able to speak to the generous and heart-felt affection with which Dr. Smith was regarded beyond the Tweed. His was the first great English name with which he himself became acquainted. Twenty-three years ago, he felt it to be an honour and a privilege to make the acquaintance and friendship of the author of the "Messiah,"-that great work which will go down to a distant posterity, and class him with our Owens, Baxters, and other illustrious divines. The Rev. J. N. Goulty, a pupil of the Poctor's about forty years ago, bore an affeconate testimony to his personal worth, and the high estimation in which he was held by all his students. H. Rutt, Esq., felt no ordinary gratification in being permitted to express his entire concurrence in all that had been said respecting Dr. Smith's private and public worth. Professor William Smith, LL.D., of New College, bore testimony to Dr. Pye Smith's exalted personal piety, superior mental attainments, and earnest studiousness, even at his present advanced age; of which he adduced some striking illustrations. The Rev. J. Davies, successor, and formerly co-pastor with Dr. Pye Smith, testified to the cordiality which had always subsisted between them. The Rev. J. C. Harrison expressed his sense of the lasting obligation under which he had been laid to Dr. Smith, by the valuable instruction he received while at Homerton College, as well as by the numerous instances of kindness shown him since that period. The Rev. S. Thodey was able to bear wit and could not but be thankful that such a father was to be represented by such children, when he should be no more. J. W. Smith, Esq., of Sheffield, another son of the venerable Doctor, acknowledged, in very appropriate terms, the reference which had been made to the family to which he had the privilege to belong. Thus terminated the interesting proceedings of the day, around which, however, there was thrown considerable gloom, as it was apparent to all, that, within the last few months, one who had long been so full of health and vigour, was becoming so feeble and infirm. Still, the heart's desire and prayer to God of all present was, that he whom they had assembled that day to honour, might be spared for many years to come; a desire and prayer in which, I am quite sure, dear sir, you join most cordially. Yours truly, Hackney. I. V. M. NORTHERN CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL FOR THE SONS OF MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES. DEAR SIR,-I shall be happy, through your kindness, to lay before the readers of the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, some account of this Institution, whose existence is probably unknown to many of them, and known to others only by name. I think we may warrantably affirm that we have not been guilty of obtruding our affairs and claims either frequently or offensively before the Christian public; but, as a Committee, have laboured in a quiet, unostentatious manner to maintain the interests of the school, and to diffuse its benefits. It is now almost twenty years since its formation. During that period it has received, to the enjoyment of its educational advantages, the sons of our Christian pastors in all parts of the kingdom, and of our devoted missionaries in various quarters of the globe. Its object, as originally announced, was "to provide a religious, classical, and commercial education, on economical terms." Its managers confidently appeal to the history of the past, and to the results which have been achieved, as satisfactory proof that its benevolent design has thus far been pursued and accomplished; and they have the |
