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which the two following propositions are well and strikingly illustrated.

I. Man's estimate of successful soldiers they are conquerors ;-and, II. God's estimate of faithful Christians-they are more than conquerors. In the first part of the discourse, in a somewhat desiderating tone, Dr. Brown shows how it has come to pass, that warriors have been so exclusively placed in the rank of conquerors; and he illustrates his theme, by pointing to the outward show of military life, the instigations of ambition, and the influence of Patriotism, so called. Many thoughts on war are here introduced, well worthy of the attention of Christian patriots. In the second part of his discourse, Dr. Brown shows that Christians are more than conquerors, because the war they wage is of a better sort; because the weapons of the Christian warfare are better than the weapons of conquerors; and because the issues of the warfare in which they engage are better than all the conflicts of earthly warriors.

| Society will object to a good deal that Mr. Forster has advanced. But we think he is substantially right. Whether he has not said more of the religion of the late Duke than the facts of the case will sustain, may be reasonably desiderated. But the sermon is much above mediocrity.

THE PEOPLE'S PALACE AND THE RELIGIOUS WORLD; or, Thoughts on Public Agitation against the Promised Charter to the New Crystal Palace Company, and on "Sabbath Desecration." By A LAYMAN. 8vo. pp. 24.

Arthur Hall, Virtue, and Co.

THE author of this pamphlet confesses to his being "a Layman;" and from the contemptuous style in which he speaks of the "state-appointed religion and priesthood," he must be a Dissenting Layman. We are sorry for it. His views of God's day, were they largely to obtain, would bring evangelical Nonconformity to ruin. He is in great wrath with The preacher then concludes with a justly- the whole Dissenting press, except the Nonmerited tribute to the memory of one of Eng-conformist, for the determined opposition it land's greatest heroes, most distinguished statesmen, and most upright citizens.

As a memorial of Wellington, we recommend this discourse to our readers generally.

THE LIFE OF WELLINGTON: ITS LESSONS TO YOUNG MEN. A Discourse. By Rev. W. FORSTER. Preached in the Congregational Church, Kentish Town, on Sunday Evening, October 3rd, 1852. Small 8vo. pp. 36.

Ward and Co.

THIS is a truly vigorous discourse, well sustained throughout. The preacher, who seems to be filled with a high admiration of the character of Wellington, points to two classes of lessons, which may be learnt from his eventful life. I. General. II. Particular.

Among the general lessons, Mr. Forster enumerates the following: That Divine Providence uses great men for the safety, progress, and happiness of society;-that Providence can make war and warriors bring men peace, security, and prosperity;—what power there is in the ministers and means of good to withdraw our trust from Him who gives them, to themselves.

Among the particular lessons we are reminded of the importance of a thorough study of the work which a man has to do;-of the value of self-control and temperance;-of the force of self-reliance and industry;-of the importance attaching to the faithful discharge of duty;-of the noble lesson of the love of country;-and of the propriety of attention to the forms and services of public worship.

We suspect that the members of the Peace

has made to the chartering of the Crystal Palace. Upon what page of Nonconforming history can he fix to show that in this opposition evangelical Dissenters are inconsistent with themselves? We defy him to point to the page, unless he selects it from the writings of men who are steeped in continental latitudinarianism;-the Young England party of the day. He tells us that the proprietors of the Crystal Palace will open it on the Lord's day whether it gets the charter or not. They may dare such a measure; and in doing it may continue to evade the laws by charging for a refreshment-ticket, instead of an entrance-fee. This will be very degrading to themselves; but it will not implicate the crown or the government.

The author's homilies on the chasm which now exists between the masses and the evangelicals is, in our judgment, pure cant. Does he think that religious men, who believe in the sacredness of God's day, are likely to come into useful contact with the masses, by concealing their opposition to their Sabbath-desecrating habits? Would he have the evangelicals become as irreligious as the masses, in order to work out his very doubtful reformation? But why all this lugubrious talk about the masses? Are not evangelical men the great labourers, in every way, for their melioration? Can they keep silence, then, in reference to a scheme which threatens, under a royal charter, to open facilities for their increased neglect of God's grand institution for their spiritual, moral, and social renovation? We suspect that our "Layman" must feel that he has overshot the mark. The masses, after all, will have more faith in the motives of the evangelicals, than in those of the proprietors of

the great Sydenham speculation. To talk of such reformations, is like pleading for the morality and religion of the theatre. With or without a charter, religious men can but oppose the opening of the Crystal Palace on the Lord's day.

CHRISTIAN LIFE, ITS EXPERIENCES AND EVIDENCES; extracted from the Diary of an eminent Divine of the last Century; with Remarks, by the Rev. A. MORTON BROWN, LL.D., Cheltenham. 32mo. pp. 184.

Ward and Co.

THIS is a valuable companion for the believer in his retired moments, when he wishes to commune with his own heart and be still. Dr. Brown has performed an acceptable service to the Christian church, in the republication of a volume originally edited by the famous Moses Browne, and the constant closet companion of the immortal Hervey. "It is," observes the present editor, "the consideration that the following pages present a faithful picture,-first, of the power of indwelling sin, in its multitudinous forms, met and mastered by grace and truth;—and, next, of what are really the tokens to us of our being in Christ, and of our safe conduct heavenward, through the Spirit's guidance, which has induced me to desire their publication." We must add, that Dr. Brown's own Remarks, appended to the First Part of the volume, which treats of Christian Experiences, are in keeping with the text;-very scripturalvery pertinent and very full of unction.

THE BROKEN WREATH, AND THE CROWN OF SPRING FLOWERS; Sketches by Miss ELIZA THORPE. Small 8vo. pp. 110.

Hamilton, Adams, and Co. THE hearty recommendation, on the titlepage, of these family Sketches, by the Rev.

|

Heary Gwyther, M.A., the excellent Vicar of Yardley, will be their sure passport to public fame. Considered as the production of a mind only just rising to maturity, they are indeed full of promise. No one can glance at them without feeling that the writer is endued with powers which, diligently cultivated, may conduct to great and blessed results. We always regard it as one of our most cherished privileges, as conductors of the public press, to encourage youthful genius, when found enlisted on the side of morality and religion. The object of these Sketches is to advance the cause of temperance; and, without committing ourselves to human theories, except so far as they are in harmony with the Word of God, which we believe to be a perfect-the only perfect-code of morals; we regard them as eminently adapted to the accomplishment of their object. No one can rise up from the perusal of either "The Broken Wreath," or, "The Crown of Spring Flowers," without being thrilled with the horrors of intemperance, and animated with a fervent desire to diminish, and, if possible, destroy the deadly reign of this heart-withering,

- soul-destroying vice,- which blights the peace of families, saps the public morals, and sends millions to an early grave, and to a miserable eternity.

If the fair author of these sketches will listen to our friendly counsel, she will never again reward the heroine of her tale, when she happens to be a domestic servant, by uniting her in marriage to her master's son. Such things may happen; but they are never to be commended. It is true, good Jane deserved a better husband than even teetotalism had made Charles Stanhope; but such alliances are unnatural, and ought not to be exhibited as the appropriate rewards of virtuous character.

Home Chronicle.

NOTICE TO WIDOWS.

ALL Widows receiving assistance from the Funds of the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, and who had no grant at Midsummer, are respectfully requested to send their applications, forthwith, to the Editor, through the Publishers; as without such application no grant can be made at the approaching Christmas Distribution. The Widows' letters should be in the hands of the Editor on or before the 25th of December.

AUTUMNAL MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGA

TIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

THE town of Bradford presented an animating spectacle, on occasion of the late gathering of Congregational Pastors and Delegates, on the 18th of October, and fol

lowing days. Perhaps there has been no meeting of the Union at which matters of greater importance have been discussed, or at which a better spirit has prevailed. For an ample report of its proceedings we are deeply indebted to our friend Dr. Campbell;

who, in a supplement to the "British Banner," of the 27th October, has furnished a fall and correct memorial of the greatest value to the Denomination. For this and every other good service rendered by him to the cause of Congregationalism, we offer him our sincere acknowledgments.

On Monday evening, the 18th October, the Sittings of the Union commenced with a devotional exercise. Prayers were offered up to God by the Rev. Messrs. J. Alexander, R. Ashton, and G. Smith, (Secretary); and an address of considerable force was delivered by the Rev. Newman Hall, B.A., on the Nature and Efficacy of Prayer, and other kindred topics. It was a very stirring appeal, in which we could generally agree with the preacher; though, perhaps, his ideas of Congregationalism are a little more latitudinarian than ours. But it was a fine, healthy, energetic address.

TUESDAY, OCT. 19.

The first meeting of the Union, for business, took place on Tuesday morning, the 19th, at half-past nine o'clock, when the Rev. Dr. Harris took the chair; read suitable portions of Scripture, and called on the Rev. J. C. Potter, of Whitby, to implore the Divine blessing on the proceedings of the day. The Chairman then rose, and delivered an address, which will be long remembered by all who listened to it. It was confined to the momentous topic-" The mode of preaching suited to the present day." It is as beautiful and chaste as a composition, as it is logical and convincing as an argument. No better tract of its kind has seen the light. We could wish that it might be read by all our brethren in the ministry. No wonder that, at its close, a burst of rapturous applause rose from all parts of the assembly.

At this juncture of the proceedings, the Rev. W. Swan, and the Rev. C. D. Cullen, a Deputation from the Congregational Union of Scotland; the Rev. J. C. Geikie, from Canada; and John Fairfax, Esq., from Sydney, were introduced to the assembly, by the Rev. Thomas James and the Rev. G. Smith, and took their seats accordingly, being heartily welcomed by the brethren. The

Rev. James Parsons moved, and the Rev. John Kelly seconded, a vote of thanks to Dr. Harris for his address, with a request that he would give up the manuscript to the Union for publication. These brethren beloved pronounced a glowing but just eulogy on the powerful address to which the Union had listened; and their motion having been car ried by the assembly, Dr. Harris, with his accustomed simplicity, at once surrendered the manuscript to the Committee. We eannot but augur great good to the churches from its extensive circulation.

Letters were then read from the Rev. Dr.

Raffles and the Rev. Thomas Binney, expressive of their deep regret at not being able to attend the meetings of the Union.

After these letters had been read, the Rev. H. R. Reynolds, of Leeds, moved, and the Rev. Walter Scott, President of Airedale College, seconded, a vote of thanks to the Rev. Newman Hall, for his valuable and suggestive address of the preceding evening, accompanied with a request, that it be placed at the disposal of the Committee for publication. Mr. Scott good-naturedly intimated, that some things that Mr. Hall had said "about saints' names, and about churches and steeples, and things of that kind," had gone just far enough for him. The motion was very cordially and unanimously carried, and with much cheering. Mr. Hall made suitable acknowledgment of the vote.

The Report was then read, by the Rev. R. Ashton, which showed that the expenditure of the Union had exceeded its income by £200, not so much by an extra outlay of the Committee, as by a diminution of actual receipts of not less than £100, as compared with two or three years before. But for the appropriation of the profits of the publications of the Union, to assist in meeting its liabilities, it must have been seriously impeded in its operations. Of the Hymn-Book, 250,000 copies had been sold. Of the YearBook, the edition of 3500 was sold almost as soon as published; and the Committee have resolved to print a much larger edition for the forthcoming year. The profits of the "Christian Witness" were held sacred to the assistance of aged ministers, and to enable young ministers to purchase deferred annuities for advancing years. During seven years, 315 grants had been made, amounting to £3106; and £1800 had been appropriated for the payment of twelve deferred annuities; £6000 were still in the funds to meet future applications and claims. Three applications for deferred annuities awaited the decision of the distributors of the fund at the present meeting. The Treasurer's account showed the total amount of receipts to be £186 18s. 3d.; and a balance was due to him of £122 18s.

The Rev. Walter Scott suggested that a circular should be sent round to members, when their subscriptions were due. The Rev. G. Smith said that delicacy alone had prevented this; but that in future the suggestion of Mr. Scott should be acted upon.

The Rev. J. Alexander moved, and the Rev. John Sibree seconded, the adoption of the financial statement.

The Rev. John Lockwood then came forward to read a paper which had been prepared by the Rev. Ebenezer Jones, of Ply mouth, or Evangelical Nonconformity." After proceeding with the document some

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considerable way, at the request of one or two gentlemen, it was proposed to refer it for consideration to the Committee, which was moved and seconded by the Rev. W. Spencer and Edward Baines, Esq. After a few remarks by Messrs. J. Lockwood, T. James, and H. Toller, the motion was agreed to.

The Rev. Geo. Smith, the Secretary, then read a Report of the affiliated Societies, which was distinguished by its lucid character, and by the explanation it supplied of the nature of the connexion existing between these Societies and the Union. The Rev. J. Corbin, of Derby, moved, and Josiah Conder, Esq., seconded, the adoption of the Report.

Dr. Massie then read a Report of the British Missions, describing their fields, demonstrating their success, and stating their incomes. John Fairfax, Esq., then delivered an admirable address upon the state of the Australian Colonies, and moved a suitable resolution, which was seconded by the Rev. P. Thompson, of Chatham, and carried by the assembly. The Rev. A. Reed observed, that the success of the Irish Mission would mainly depend upon the employment of agents who could well speak the Irish language. Dr. Massie said, that two of their agents were highly qualified as Irish preachers, and that they were more and more to look for such agents.

The Rev. T. Mays moved, and the Rev. J. Raven seconded, a resolution, that all Home Missionary Society's agents, being Predobaptist Pastors of Congregational Churches, and connected with some county association, be eligible to participate in the benefits of the Deferred Annuities Fund. The proposition was carried unanimously. The Rev. Thomas James then presented a copy of the first four volumes of the cheap edition of the Congregational Lectures to the President, who spoke of the series in the highest possible terms. We do hope that the generous arrangements of the publishers, Messrs. Jackson and Walford, will be nobly responded to. At such a price as twelve shillings, for four volumes, there ought to be an immense demand; especially when pastors getting six subscribers will be entitled to a copy for themselves. We shall not be satisfied with a circulation of Ten Thousand.

Dinner.

At Dinner, in the school-room of Salem Chapel, J. Rawson, Esq., the Town Clerk, presided. After the usual loyal sentiments had been given utterance to, the health of the Secretary, the Rev. Geo. Smith;--Prosperity to the Congregational Union of England and Wales;-and to the Congregational Churches in Bradford, were proposed with much cordiality. Mr. Smith and Mr. Miall responded. After Dinner, the Distributors of the "Christian Witness" Fund met to

decide upon the election of three bretliren for Deferred Annuities.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 20.

The Rev. James Spence, of Preston, opened the Meeting with prayer. After which, the Rev. G. Smith introduced the Rev. J. L. Thompson, as the representative of the Congregational Churches of the State of New York, to the assembly, which received him with warm fraternal greetings."

The following motion was then proposed by the Rev. H. Addiscott, of Taunton, and seconded by the Rev. E. Morley, of Hull

"That in the judgment of this assembly, considerable advantage would, in all probability, result to the interests of religion in the Congregational Churches of this country, if a meeting in some central part of the kingdom were held at an early convenient time, of the Treasurers, Secretaries, and Delegates of County Associations, for a free and friendly conference on the state of the churches, and with a view to devise means for more efficiently extending the Gospel in our own country; and that, therefore, it be an instruction to the Committee to correspond with the Secretaries of Associations as to the practicability of such meeting, and the objects to which its attention should be directed, and to report thereon at the next annual meeting."

The Rev. J. A. James greatly approved of the proposed measure;-so, also, did his brother, the Rev. Thos. James.

The Rev. John Kelly objected to some of the terms, and to the indefiniteness of the resolution. The Rev. A. Reed feared the effect of such a proposal. The Rev. J. L. The Rev. Poore, of Salford, sustained it. R. Ashton explained the object of the contemplated conference to be simply for mutual strength and comfort.

The Rev. Walter Scott said, that this was doubtless a motion of very great importance, but at the same time it was one of great delicacy. He feared that it would increase the prejudice which was felt by some against The Rev. T. the Congregational Union. Mays suggested, that the proposition was quite voluntary. The associations might or might not send delegates, as they pleased. The Rev. J. Gawthorn concurred in this.

The Rev. George Smith submitted the resolution in an amended form, as follows:

"That, in the judgment of this assembly, considerable advantage would, in all probability, result to the interests of religion in the Congregational Churches of this country if a meeting, in some central part of the kingdom, were held at an early convenient time, of the Treasurers, Secretaries, and Delegates of County Associations, for a free and friendly conference on the state of the churches, and

with a view to devise means for more efficiently extending the Gospel in our own country; and that, therefore, it be an instruction to the Committee to correspond with the Secretaries of Auxiliaries as to the practicability of that meeting, and the objects to which its attention should be di-¦ rected, and to report thereon to the next annual meeting."

After some discussion, in which the Rev. J. Dickinson, the Rev. Baldwin Brown, the Rev. Dr. Vaughan, the Rev. J. Alexander, the Rev. J. W. Richardson, the Rev. Dr. Halley, and James Carter, Esq., took part, the motion, in its amended shape, was unanimously adopted.

The Rev. G. Smith then read the Report of the Committee, in reference to the question of Ministers' salaries. After a very interesting discussion, in which the Rev. J. Gawthorn, Henry Bateman, Esq., Edward Swaine, Esq., Geo. Hadfield, Esq., M.P., Dr. Halley, and the Rev. J. Dickinson took part, the following resolution was carried unanimously :

"That the Report of the Committee on the Augmentation of Pastors' Salaries be adopted, and that the valuable paper of Mr. Swaine, placed at the service of the Union, be remitted to the consideration of a Committee consisting of the following gentlemen, with a request that its suggestions and recommendations will be carefully considered by them, and reported thereupon at the next annual meeting of the Union-Mr. J. Cheetham, M.P.; Messrs. H. Bateman, E. Swaine, B. Hanbury, J. Carter, Charles Reed, Henry Rutt; Mr. Milligan, M.P.; Mr. Hadfield, M.P.; Mr. E. Baines, Mr. Kershaw, M.P.; Secretaries of British Missions and of the Union. (With power to add to their number.)"

The Sabbath.

Then followed a noble discussion upon Sabbath Sanctification, which did great credit to the Union. Never did it occupy higher ground than in that discussion. In connection with one of his most powerful addresses, the Rev. J. A. JAMES moved the following resolution :

plated, much social evil will result, even to this class of people, by making the Sabbath a day of mere pleasure; that it will necessarily lead to the employment of a large number of servants and others, who will thus be deprived of their weekly season of rest; that it lays down an untrue distinction as between the sanctity of canonical and other hours; that it can scarcely fail of leading to an increasing neglect of public worship, and producing disastrous effects on the moral and religious habits of the community. On these, and on other grounds, this assembly utters its protest against this contemplated evil, and calls on the friends of Sabbath observance, in the employment of all Christian means, to use their best endeavours to prevent the infliction of this calamity on the metropolis, the influence of which will extend to the provinces of the kingdom."

SAMUEL MORLEY, Esq., seconded the resolution; when EDWARD BAINES, Esq., o Leeds, delivered a speech of great moral power, and proposed the following addition to Mr. James's motion :

“And that a Memorial, embodying the sentiments of this resolution, be presented to the Directors of the Crystal Palace; and, further, that a Memorial be presented to Her Majesty the Queen, respectfully intreating Her Majesty to withhold her royal sanction from that part of the charter which provides for the opening of the Crystal Palace on the Lord's-day, if Her Majesty be solicited to give her sanction; and that it be a recommendation from this assembly to the Christian congregations of this country to take similar steps, with a view to avert this threatened infliction of a great evil. That a sub-Committee, consisting of the mover and seconder of the resolution, with Mr. Baines, be appointed to draw up these Memorials, and to present them to the assembly to-morrow."

DR. MASSIE and some others objected to the addition; but the resolution passed unscathed through the assembly; for which we sincerely bless God.

SAMUEL MORLEY, Esq., then read a Report from the Board of Education, which was moved by the Rev. Walter Scott, seconded by the Rev. A. Reed, and unanimously adopted. On this frequent and important subject, G. Hadfield, Esq., M.P., and Dr. Vaughan, expressed their opinions. After some conversation on the topic of the place of meeting for the next autumnal meeting, the sitting of the Union was adjourned, after singing the Doxology.

"That this assembly cherishing, as it does, a deep conviction of the Divine authority of the Lord's-day, and of the numerous advantages resulting from its observance in this land, views with alarm the increasing temptations presented by public bodies and others to pleasure excursions on that day, and has heard, with intense concern, the reported intention of the managers of the New Crystal Palace to open that building on a part at least of that day. Anxious at all times for the welfare of the working classes, and for At the Dinner, the Mayor of Bradford pretheir due relaxation from bodily and mental sided, supported by Robert Milligan, Esq., toil, this assembly is, nevertheless, apprehen- M.P.; G. Hadfield, Esq., M.P.; John Resive that by such a step as that now contem-mington Mills, Esq.; Benjamin Hanbury,

Dinner.

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