Page images
PDF
EPUB

the dust. In the midst of the great popular commotion which now obtains, in which all ranks are seeking to testify their respect to the memory of the noble Duke, we have been filled with one all-pervading sentiment, viz. the wisdom and goodness of God, who, in his merciful providence, raised up for us, in our time of need, a man gifted by nature for the arduous work to which he was called. We honour Wellington as God's instrument for putting down one of the greatest usurpers whose name appears on the page of history; and, comparing him with other great warriors, we feel that he is worthy of being had in perpetual remembrance. His death and funeral have, we fear, been associated with something bordering on creature-idolatry; but it is difficult, in such cases, to evince the respect due to departed greatness without indicating something like excess. Few public men have better earned their country's reverential love than the late Duke. Whatever might be his infirmities, he was beyond doubt a patriot-spirit; for he knew how to sacrifice his own cherished predilections for what he deemed the public weal. There was nothing little or mean in the character of Wellington. He was less, perhaps, a partyman, strictly speaking, than any distinguished Whig or Tory of his day. No circle of politicians could make him their creature. He had and preserved his own identity. And, all things considered, he was made a blessing to his country. Great in war, he was equally great in peace; and strenuously contended for its conservation by all honourable means.

THE SYDENHAM PALACE.

WE are thankful for the great unanimity of the religious world in opposing the Sabbath-desecrating portion of this otherwise great and desirable undertaking. The exceptions are so fractional, as rather to help than hinder. It would damage the noble stand made, if certain opponents were to become converts to the views of the majority. We earnestly entreat prompt and continued action against the illegal and unrighteous movement, which would do more to change the aspects of English society than even the far-famed Book of Sports. We say to all who do not wish to see a continental Sabbath in this country,-Petition your Sovereign, memorialize the Prime Minister, without delay, against the proposed Charter.

THE REV. WILLIAM JAY.

THE late indisposition, and proposed retirement from the pastoral office, of the dear and venerable Mr. Jay, have awakened many pensive, as well as many grateful feelings, in the Christian community. His day of service has been long; his sphere of usefulness has been

wide and varied; his career has been unusually brilliant; and his evening hour has corresponded to the morning and meridian of his remarkable life. Many are the prayers which rise to "the God of all comfort," that it may please Him to smile graciously upon the last days of this veteran of the Christian cause. He has "borne the burden and heat of the day" with an unfaltering zeal, and, by the grace of God, with an unrivalled consistency of character. If, as Britons, we do honour to our hero of a hundred battles, with what love and reverence, as Christians, ought we to look on his contemporary, who has spent more than sixty long years fighting the battles of the Lord, as a good soldier of the cross; and contending for "the faith once delivered to the saints," from the pulpit and the press. Our fervent prayer is, that it may be light and joyous with our revered friend, at eventide; and that when he vacates that charge which he has so long held with honour to himself, and benefit to his flock, the "Chief Shepherd" may provide a meet successor, who shall, with equal zeal and fidelity, proclaim and defend "the truth as it is in Jesus!"

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT

WOOLWICH.

SEVERAL members of various Congregational churches, feeling desirous to unite together in Christian fellowship, and believing that there was ample scope in the town and neighbourhood of Woolwich for a new interest in the above principles, after holding various meetings to seek Divine guidance, and for consultation amongst themselves, resolved, relying upon God's grace and assistance, to form themselves into a new church, on Independent or Congregational principles, in accordance with New Testament Scripture. They have hired, for a term of years, determinable at their own option, on giving six months' notice, a building in Williamstreet, Woolwich, which they have duly registered as "Ebenezer Chapel." The chapel was built about two years ago, for an auction room, but is peculiarly adapted for the purpose to which it is now dedicated. It is fortynine feet long, by twenty-five feet wide; twenty-one feet high, with arched ceiling; has been fitted up with gas, and open benches throughout, in accordance with the modern system of fitting up chapels; will seat two hundred and fifty persons comfortably, and has a vestry adjoining. The friends met together in the chapel on Monday, the 23rd of August last, and formed the church. Deacons were chosen on the 3rd of September, and on Tuesday, the 7th of September, the opening services were held. At the morning service, the Rev. John Cox, Baptist minister, of Woolwich, conducted the devotional ser.

vices before the sermon. The Rev. Patrick Thomson, A.M., of Chatham, preached an eloquent and affectionate sermon, from the seventh verse of the fifty-sixth chapter of Isaiah, "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar, for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."

The Rev. William Lucy, of Greenwichroad Chapel, conducted the closing devotional service, and the Rev. Thomas Timpson, of Lewisham, gave out the hymns. The Revs. Robert Thompson, and J. W. Close, Wesleyan ministers; W. M. Thompson, of the Presbyterian church, and William Woodlands, Independent minister, all of Woolwich, were also present on the occasion.

The attendance at the morning service was not numerous, but the congregation comprised many of the respectable and influential inhabitants of Woolwich. It was anticipated that the chapel would be much too small for the evening service; and application was therefore made to the Trustees of the Wesleyan Chapel in William-street, for permission to hold the service there, and, pending that application, the Baptist friends kindly offered the use of their Queen-street Chapel; but the Wesleyan friends having kindly granted permission, the service was held in their chapel. The attendance was very considerable, clearly showing the propriety of the arrangement.

The Rev. Robert Thompson, Wesleyan minister, of Woolwich, conducted the devotional services before the sermon. The Rev. Samuel Martin, of Westminster, preached a most touching sermon, from the 2nd Samuel, 14th chapter, and 14th verse, "Yet doth he devise means that his banished be not expelled from him."

The Rev. J. W. Close, Wesleyan minister, of Woolwich, concluded by prayer. The services were most interesting, and the impression produced it is hoped will prove deep and lasting. Arrangements have already been made with several metropolitan and county ministers to supply the pulpit, and it is the intention of the church, after having thus received and interchanged Christian fellowship with other churches, to proceed to a choice of a permanent ministry. It is hoped that this movement will prove a lasting blessing to the town, and its immediate neighbourhood.

ORDINATIONS.

STROUD.

ON Thursday, October 7th, Mr. D. J. Evans, late of Homerton and New College, was publicly ordained as pastor over the old chapel in this town. The morning service

Both

was begun with the reading of suitable pas sages of scripture and prayer by the Rev. W. Wheeler, Stroud. Mr. S. S. Marburg, (deacon,) in the name of the church, gave an account of the steps which had led to Mr. Evans' settlement among them. The Rev. John Burder offered the ordination prayer, and the Rev. Charles Wills, M. A., delivered an earnest address from the words, "Keep thine heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." The Rev. Joseph Hyatt concluded the service with prayer. the introductory discourse and usual questions were omitted: in lieu of the latter Mr. Evans gave an address appropriate to the occasion. A numerous party dined in the school-room adjoining the chapel, when speeches were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Hyatt, of Gloucester; Burder, of Bristol; Thodey, of Rodbourgh; Wheeler, of Stroud; and Watson Smith, of Wolverhampton. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the Rev. Charles Wills, for his excellent address, accompanied by the earnest desire that he would allow it to be printed. At five o'clock a large party sat down to tea. In the evening the Rev. Watson Smith preached an impressive discourse from the words, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father." The Rev. Messrs. Whitta, of Chalford; Parsons, of Ebley; Mound, of Stonehouse; Lewis, of King Stanley; Newman, of Shortwood; Hebditch, of Ashburton; Ayers, of Presteign; with several other ministers, were also present and took part in the solemnities of the day.

ASTON TIRROLD, BERKS.

THE public recognition of the Rev. H. Pawling, as pastor of the congregational church, in Aston Tirrold, took place on the 5th instant. The Rev. E. A. Claypole, of Wallingford, introduced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. J. B. Brown, B.A., of London, delivered a clear and impressive discourse on the nature of a New Testament church. The Rev. W. Harris, of Wallingford, proposed the usual questions and offered the designation prayer. The Rev. W. Legg, of Reading, severally addressed the pastor and the people. The Rev. Messrs. Lapine, of Abingdon; Woolley, of Pangbourne; and Howse, of Goring, took part in the service.

JOHN GRIFFITH, of Portway, Bryngwyn, was ordained pastor of the Congregational church worshipping at Hermon, near Painscastle, in the county of Radnor, on October 5th.

The Rev. W. D. Ingham, of Pembridge, delivered the introductory discourse. The

[ocr errors]

Stowell; Richard Slate; Anthony Bateson, of
Egerton; Mark Hardaker, of Pendlebury; W.
Hope Davison, of Bolton; and Mr. Charles
Thorpe, one of the deacons of the church.

The Rev. Richard Fletcher, of Manchester, delivered a charge to the church and congregation on the Sunday afternoon following, from Rom. xvi. 3.

Rev. William Jones, of the Gore, asked the usual questions; the Rev. Thomas Rees, of Huntingdon, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Thomas Evans, of Carmel, delivered the charge to the minister; and Rev. David Price, of Cabaeth, preached to the people. The service was attended by a numerous and respectable congregation. At night of the same day, the Rev. J. Evans, of Eardisley, preached from Job, 3rd chapter, 19th verse; and the Rev. Henry Jones, of Uley, Gloucestershire, late pastor of the church at Hermon, preached from Daniel, 3rd chapter, 16th verse. The evening service was opened by the read-pendent Church assembling in George's-street ing of the Scriptures and prayer, by the Baptist minister residing at Painscastle.

SOUTH OCKENDON AND AVELEY, ESSEX.

THE Independent churches in the two above-named villages having become destitute of a minister, through the decease of their late most excellent pastor, the Rev. A. Brown, the Rev. J. Morrison, late of Romford, has been chosen to fill the vacancy.

On Tuesday, Sept. 7th, 1852, the new minister was publicly recognized in the presence of a large audience, and of all the neighbouring Congregational ministers.

The Revs. G. Corney, B. H. Kluht, J. S. Hall, R. Burls, C. Berry, J. Tippetts, J. Joseph, J. Young, and Wm. Joseph, took part in the services.

It was a day of hallowed enjoyment, and one suggestive of hopes of future usefulness and comfort.

STAND.

THE church and congregation assembling in the Independent Chapel, Stand, near Manchester, having admitted Mr. Alexander Anderson, B.A., to the office of pastor, several pastors and members of neighbouring churches joined with them on Wednesday, the 29th ult., publicly recognizing and confirming the union. A part of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians was read, and prayer offered, by the Rev. W. R. Thorburn, M.A., of Bury; the Rev. J. Clunie McMichael, of Farnworth, delivered a discourse on Ecclesiastical Polity; the Rev. Richard Slate, of Preston, sketched the local history of the Independents from the time of the Act of Uniformity; and then requested and received a brief expression of Mr. Anderson's religious experience and be lief; the ordination prayer was then offered by the Rev. James Griffin, of Manchester; after which, the Rev. William Hendry Stowell, D.D., President of Cheshunt College, addressed the minister, founding his charge on that of Paul to Archippus (Col. iv. 17,) and, in conclusion, invoked the Divine blessing.

Upwards of a hundred of the assembly remained to dinner in one of the School-rooms; and enjoyed the speeches of the Revs. Dr.

CORK.

THURSDAY, August 12th, the Rev. A. M. Henderson, late of the Wesleyan connexion, was publicly recognised as pastor of the Inde

Chapel, Cork, formerly under the pastoral
care of the Rev. John Burnet. The Rev.
John Stroyan, of Dublin, commenced the
services of the occasion, by reading the Scrip-
tures and prayer. The Rev. William Tar-
botton, of Limerick, stated the principles of a
New Testament Church. The cordial and
unanimous invitation of the church to Mr.
Henderson having been declared, Mr. Hen-
derson then gave a full and interesting state-
ment of the reasons which induced his sepa-
ration from the Wesleyan body, and ascribed
to the study of the word of God alone the
decision he had taken to discharge the duties
of the Christian ministry in connexion with
the churches of the Congregational order
The Rev. Alexander King, of Dublin, offered
prayer for a blessing on pastor and people.
The Rev. John Burnet then gave the charge
to the pastor, on his duties and responsibili-
ties.
In the evening a public meeting was
held; the Rev. W. Tarbotton presided. The
people were addressed on their duties by the
Rev. Alexander King, the Rev. John Stroyan,
and the Rev. John Burnet.

FOLKESTONE.

ON Wednesday, September 8th, the Rev. J. M'Neil Boyd was publicly recognised as pastor over the Congregational church at Folkestone, Kent.

A preparatory sermon was preached on the previous evening by Rev. J. H. Bevis, of Ramsgate. The service, on Wednesday, was commenced by Rev. D. Jones, B.A, of Folkestone. Rev. Dr. Bennett, of London, delivered a succinct and impressive discourse on the Nature and Duties of a Christian Church. The Rev. Henry Cresswell, of Canterbury, asked the usual questions. The recognition prayer was offered up by Rev. H. J. Rook, of Faversham; and, in the absence of Dr. Massie, Dr. Bennett kindly and promptly complied with the request of the ministers present, and delivered a charge characterized by the wisdom of "such an one as Paul the aged." The Rev. Edmund Jenkings, of Maidstone, addressed the church and congregation on their various duties in relation to their pastor, each other, and the world.

In the evening, a public meeting was held in the chapel; Henry Leavers, Esq., of Isling ton, in the cbair; when, after prayer by the Rev. Wallace, from Ireland, addresses were delivered by the chairman; Revs. Messrs. Massie, D.D., Cresswell, and H. J. Rook; also Alexander Swan, Esq., J. Deuce, Esq. and J. Bamford, Esq. Rev. J. M.Neil Boyd concluded the services of the day with prayer.

Since the introduction of Mr. Boyd, the church and congregation have greatly increased, and the people been encouraged to say, "Let us arise and build." A suitable! site for the erection of a chapel has been secured, and contributions to a considerable amount promised, so that it is confidently hoped, that before the next season for the influx of visitors for summer recreation in this rising sea port, a place of worship will have been erected, adapted to accommodate the worshippers, and prevent the very great inconvenience experienced last summer. this undertaking is in great part designed to afford accommodation for visitors from distant congregations, it is hoped that such will promptly contribute to meet the cost.

As

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REV. J. STRIBLING'S SETTLEMENT. ON Thursday, August 26th, the friends connected with the Old Independent Chapel, Chase Side, Enfield, met to celebrate the Twentieth Anniversary of the Rev. John Stribling's settlement among them.

Tea was provided in the British Schoolrooms, to which about 250 persons sat down.

In the evening a public meeting was held, the attendance having been considerably increased by the addition of friends from other churches and congregations in the neighbourhood; when addresses were delivered of a highly interesting and instructive character, by the Revs. James Sherman, of Surrey Chapel, London; J. D. K. Williams, of Tottenham; J. Lockyer, of Ponder's End; G. Wilkinson, of Enfield, and W. Weare. The Rev. S. J. Smith, B.A., Minister of Baker-street Chapel, Enfield, very ably occupied the chair. Mr. Richard Rowsell, one of the deacons, on behalf of the church and congregation, after a very affectionate address, presented to the Rev. John Stribling an elegant timepiece; and Mr. Haward Cole, another deacon, in the name of the Sabbath-school, presented to the pastor a very chaste and handsome silver pencil-casc, accompanied by an appropriate address. The Rev. J. Stribling, in reply, acknowledged, with much warmth and feeling, these tokens of their respect and affection.

Long may the blessing of God continue to rest on this interesting cause.

Several of the Independent churches in the neighbourhood owe their origin to the exertions of friends connected with this chapel. It has its Missionary, Tract, Sick Visiting and Maternal Societies, with a well-attended Sunday-school. The friends, although they cannot do all they could wish, being chiefly of the humbler class, are doing all they can for the spread of the gospel at home and abroad."

GOSPORT NEW INDEPENDENT OR CONGREGA

TIONAL CHAPEL.

ON Lord's-day, the 12th September, two Sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Wyld, of Albion Chapel, Southampton, when a new organ, built expressly for this place of worship, was opened. The collection after the services amounted to £26.

This chapel was built in 1827, at a cost of £2300; but, from a succession of untoward circumstances, had become private property. Since the Rev. A. Ewing, M.A., nearly five years ago, became the pastor of the church, the state of things has much improved. The chapel has been recently purchased, and conveyed to trustees on behalf of the church, agreeably to the rules usually adopted by Independents. After having undergone extensive alterations and repairs, it was opened, in the month of June last, by the Rev. J. B. Brown, B. A., and the Rev. J. W. Richardson, of London, when very liberal collections were inade. Within the last nine months nearly £200 have been contributed, besides £100 from five of the late proprietors, in reduction of their shares, towards the purchase and improvement of this place of worship.

A debt of £300 still remains, which it is hoped, with the kind assistance of friends, will be speedily reduced.

ROTHERHAM COLLEGE.

THIS venerable and honoured Institution, after sustaining reverses which at a recent period threatened its speedy extinction, has revived, and has now the prospect of much prosperity and usefulness. The property of the College has been safely and profitably invested. Two able and learned professors have been appointed, the Rev. F. J. Falding, M.A., as Principal and Professor of Theology and the kindred sciences; and the Rev. T. Clark, B.A., as Professor of Languages and Mathematics.

Mr. Falding has had the sole charge of the students for the past eighteen months, and has been elevated to the presidency of the institution as the result of the confidence It was felt by all present, that a most gra- inspired by his remarkable efficiency as a tifying opportunity had thus been afforded of teacher. Mr. Clark has the highest testicultivating and enjoying Christian fellowship.monials to his ability and attainments, and

especially as a linguist. Three of the students matriculated at the last examination of the London University. Eight students are now in the house. The Com nittee, at their recent meeting, directed important additions to be made to the library, and improved provision to he made for the health and comfort of the students. The friends of the college cherish confident expectations of its future

success.

TRURO, CORNWALL.

THE Rev. R. Panks, late of Bridgewater, has accepted an invitation to become the pastor of the Church of Christ assembling in Bethesda Chapel, Truro, and commenced his stated labours on the first Lord's-day in October.

General Chronicle.

BRITISH MISSION TO THE JEWS.

kingdom, namely, to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In addition to this, we are assured of the prosperity secured to all who shall be found engaged in supplication for the increase of the Messiah's reign universally. Now if we connect the spiritual prosperity of the Christian church with her efforts to spread the knowledge of the Lord, we shall not be slow to discover that she has failed, to a great extent, in fulfilling her high and holy mission. In looking at the present condition of the church in reference to Missionary efforts, we perceive that she is awak

In the September Number of the EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, I directed attention to the claims of this Mission, which has for its object the dissemination of the Scriptures among the Jewish people at home and abroad, and seeking to evangelize them, by sending Missionaries qualified to preach the glorious gospel of the grace of God. Having suggested a plan for raising the funds of a Society so eminently calculated to accomplish the work of the Lord in their conversion, by the members of churches aiding and sustaining so holy a cause by united efforts, and annual sub-ened but partially and feebly to her high priscriptions, I have begun to try the experiment of ascertaining what may be done by a little perseverance and persuasion, com nending the attempt to Him who alone can prosper it. Accordingly, I sent to the Treasurer, requesting him to send me a supply of tracts, which was kindly and promptly acceded to. These I sent in envelopes to the members of our church and congregation. I then called on them personally, asking for an annual subscription to sustain the funds of the Society. Suffice it to say, that hitherto I have met with no instance of a refusal. My visits have been cordially received, and already I have the promise of many pounds in the shape of subscriptions and donations. stead of sending up next year a solitary subscription, or something beyond, to the Treasurer, I shall have the pleasure of forwarding a more substantial sum. I carry with me a collecting-book, lined and marked in due form, for the convenience of receiving quarterly, half-yearly, or annual subscriptions and donations, and by a plan so simple, I have already succeeded in doing what every member of a church may do, excite an interest for the salvation of Israel, and promote a spirit of inquiry and prayer for the cause of Zion and its prosperity. How emphatic is the language of Holy Writ, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee." In this passage we have the duty prescribed, and obligatory on all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and the advancement of his spiritual

In

vilege and obligations. Instead of the Jewish Mission being advocated and sustained by general co-operation, it is a fact, that few comparatively feel an interest for its prosperity. The word of the Lord, however, is binding on every believer, and the command gone forth," Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Jerusalem was a type of the gospel-church, and as such, does it not devolve on all who are looking for the in-gathering of the Jews, and the future prosperity of Christ's glorious kingdom, to pray and labour for its universal increase? We are to give him no rest until he establish and make Jerusalem a praise in all the earth. How important, then, is the spirit of prayer, as the appointed means to insure success in the spread of gospel truth, and how great the responsibility resting on those who have the light to diffuse its beams, until the Jew and the Gentile shall be brought under its life-giving influence! The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent taketh it by force. The hope of the church, and the revival of religion at home and abroad, are encouraging in proportion to the prayers of the Lord's people. If brighter times are at hand, the discovery will soon be made by a large increase of the spirit of prayer. This is God's order, his appointed means, his revelation to the church, and the channel through which all spiritual blessings are bestowed. To give him no rest, would imply strong, ardent, continued pleading with God, for the outpouring of his Spirit in the closet, at the

« PreviousContinue »