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LONDON.

To the Ministers, Deacons, and Members of the Congregational Church.

CHRISTIAN FRIENDS,

Every renewed Election of Children into the Congregational School, proves its importance and utility by the number of applications, and the earnestness which ministers discover for the admission of their sons.

Yet still there is reason to lament that the ministers and churches in the country do not exert themselves for its continuance and enlargement as might reasonably be expected. Some few have shown their good will forthe object,but it is very far indeed from being general; and the Committee have felt this the more powerfully in the recollection of nearly all the London congregations having had one Collection, and some have even had more; and also that the children, who are now receiving, and who may be expected in future to partake of the blessings of this Institution, are the children of poor ministers in the country, many of whom have large families and small incomes.

The writer of this address hopes that the ministers, officers, and members of the Congregational churches in the country, will see the propriety of immediately making collections, or procuring a few annual subscriptions; if it were only to the amount of three or four guineas, they would be favourably received, and show that our country brethren do not wish the London churches and ministers to bear the weight of this merciful and highly useful Institution alone. It would

indeed stimulate the Committee to commence a new course of labour, with greater confidence of raising the Institution to a much higher degree of reputation and usefulness than it has ever yet attained.

Some of our benevolent Institutions have not only been preserved from embarrassment, but have attained to much prosperity by frequent and handsome legacies from this source the Congregational School has not reaped the assistance which might reasonably have been expected, when it is considered how many of the Congregational denomination have died in the possession of great abundance, a small portion of which might have been devoted to this object without the least injury to the survivors. Let us hope that some of our wealthy

brethren, ministers and laymen, will not overlook this hint.

Some of the friends of the Institution have thought that it has been conducted upon a plan too expensive; while, on the contrary, some have been ready to charge the Committee with a parsimo nious conduct. The truth is, that a small number of pupils requires almost as expensive an establishment as would support a larger number of pupils. If the school could be raised to the number of forty or fifty boys, the average expense of each scholar would be greatly diminished; and the Principal be more amply remunerated for his arduous labours.

The Rev. Mr. Simper having resigned the office of Principal, the Committee have chosen the Rev. Mr. Hope, formerly Classical Tutor for three years in the Independent Academy at Blackburn, in Lancashire; and the Committee are led, from a combination of circumstances, to believe, that useful as the Institution has been already, it will be more abundantly so, if the ministers and churches in the country will assist to supply the means of carrying it on.

This address is not a matter of course; it arises from the urgent necessity of the case. At the meeting of the Committee in April, there was not cash enough in the hands of the Treasurer to pay all the bills which were presented. The Treasurer is one hundred pounds in advance, and not one farthing in the funds. The call therefore for aid, for immediate aid, is clear and powerful; and in the confidence of now receiving it the Committee have increased the number of

pupils from twenty to twenty-five.
Bermondsey,
April 10, 1823.

JOHN TOWNSEND

ON Thursday, March 20, the Rev. Jos.Denton was set apart to the pastoral office over the Independent Church at Mill Wall, near Limehouse, London. The services were commenced with reading and prayer by Mr. J. Vautin; Mr. Hooper, of Hoxton, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. G. Evans asked the questions; Mr. T. Williams offered the ordination-prayer; Mr. J. Fletcher delivered the charge from 1 Tim. vi. 20.5 Mr. A. Reed preached to the people from Deut. i. 38; and Mr. Mackenzie concluded with prayer. The Rev. Rowland Hill preached in the evening for the Sunday-schools.

MARCH 26. A new Chapel in Jewinstreet Crescent was opened for the congregation of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists assembling at Wilderness-row.

Dr. Collyer preached in the morning from Zech. xiv. 4, 5; in the afternoon, Mr. Fletcher, of Stepney, from Matt. xxviii. 18; and in the evening, Mr. Rowland Hill, from Isaiah xxvi. 2.

Also on Good Friday, the following Sabbath, and Monday, several sermons were preached appropriate to the occasion, by the Rev. J. Elias of Anglesea, G.Solomon of Carnarvonshire, T.Hughes of Liverpool, J.Hughes of Deptford, and J. Lewis of Rotherhithe. The congrega tions were numerous; and on Sabbath afternoon the new chapel was so crowded, that it was thought proper to have service in the evening at Wilderness-row also, when both chapels were filled. The contributions after the several sermons amounted to upwards of 1507. exclusive of upwards of 4007. collected by the congregation previous to the opening of the chapel. The expense of this chapel, and the house adjoining, which is now building, will amount to upwards of 2,600%. Land near 2000. yet remains.

ON Friday, April 4, Founders'-ball Meeting, near the Bank, was re-opened for the use of the congregation of the Rev. S. Mummey, late of St. Mary Axe; ~on which occasion Dr. Collyer preached in the morning, and Mr. J. Fletcher in the evening. The devotional parts of the service were conducted by Dr. Winter, and Messrs. J. Townsend, J. Brooksbank, sen., J. Pinchback, of Hoddeston, W. F. Platt, and - Mackenzie, of Deptford.

WE understand that a very commodious Chapel is erecting at North Brixton, on the estate of Lord Holland, for the purpose of accommodating the rapidly increasing population of that district with the means of evangelical instruction. It is further rumoured that the above Chapel is to be occupied by the Rev. Dr. Styles, now of Brighton.

PROVINCIAL.

July 29, 1822, Mr. Macklawrin, late student at Rotherham Independent College, and at Glasgow, was ordained over the Independent Church at the island of Islay, Argyleshire. Mr. E. Campbell read the Scriptures and prayed. Mr. Mackay, of Arrau, delivered the introducasked tory discourse from Acts ii. 49; the usual questions; offered up the ordination-prayer, and delivered an impres

sive charge from 1 Tim. iv. 16. Mr. Murry, of Kintyre, preached to the people; Mr. Mackay concluded.

Sept. 19, the Rev. S. Ransom, formerly of Hackney Academy, and late of Rowell, was publicly ordained over the church and congregation at Fordham, Cambridgeshire. Mr. Sheppard, of Burwell, commenced the services of the day; Mr. Thodey, of Cambridge, delivered the introductory address; and Mr. Roote, of Soham, offered up the ordination-prayer, with the laying on of hands. Mr. Chas. Hyatt, of London, gave the charge, from 2 Cor. vi. 4.; Mr. Lee, of Newmarket, preached to the people, from Deut. i. part of the 38th verse; and Mr. Audley, of Cambridge, concluded. Mr. Hyatt preached in the evening, when the devotional parts of the service were conducted by Messrs. Whittingham (Wesleyan minister) and Barber, of Wymondly College.

A neat Meeting-house, about 30 feet by 20, has been erected at Kepley; a small village between Christchurch and Ringwood, Hants. The preaching of Messrs. D. Gunn and A. Bishop, at places of worship distant about a mile on either side from that now erected, had produced considerable effect, and was the immediate cause of its erection. The expense incurred in the building of it has been defrayed by the congregation of Protestant Independent Dissenters of Christchurch; and the house and a small burial-ground have been vested in the hands of trustees. The above place was opened on Friday, November 29, 1822. A sermon was preached by the Rev. D. Gunn, from Psalm Ixxii. ver. 16; and prayer was offered by the Rev. A. Bishop. The other parts of the service were supported by various individuals. It is a satisfaction to observe, that the meetinghouse is completely filled. About a mile and a half from this, at Bockhampton, is a place of worship, which has also been enlarged at the expense of the congregation at Christchurch. This place is capable of seating nearly 300 people, and is also completely filled.

December 11 and 12. Meetings were held at Cwmaman and Cwmllynfell, in the county of Glamorgan, S. Wales, on the removal of the Rev. John Rowland from Llanybree to the places mentioned; in which meetings the following ministers preached: T. Jones, of Newport, Wm. Jones, Rhydybont, D. Jones, Crygybar, H. Owens, Swansea, R. Powell, Cross Inn, L. Powell, Mynyddbach, and J. Davies, Swansea.

December 12. A meeting was held at Pantley, in the same county, when Mr.

Davies of Neuadhuyd, L. Powell, Mynyddbach, and Davies, of Sardis, preached. On the 13th day, Mr. Philip Griffith was set apart to the work of the ministry amongst the Independent denomination, and to the pastoral care of the church at Alltwen, Glamorganshire. Mr. Lewis, of Hermon, introduced; Mr. Evans, Mynyddbach, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Howels, of Baran,asked the usual questions; Mr. Jones, of Crygybar, offered the ordination-prayer; Mr. Bowen, of Neath, addressed the young minister; and Mr. Davies, of Sardis, addressed the people,

and then concluded.

December 26, was re-opened the new Independent Chapel, Okehampton, Devon. Appropriate sermons were preached by the Messrs. Good, of Launceston, and Rooker, of Tavistock. The devotional exercises by Mr. Pool, of Bow, agent to the Home Missionary Society; Mr. S. Rooker, of Bideford; and Mr. G. Moase, the stated minister.

Pembrokeshire Itinerant Society.-The subscribers and friends of this Society are respectfully informed, that their itinerant, the Rev. D. Phillips, has continued his labours on the same extensive scale as last year. It appears that his endeavours to propagate the gospel, have met with increasing acceptance, and that a great spirit of hearing has been excited in the English parts of this .county, and also in the neighbourhood of Laugharne, in Carmarthenshire. At many places, crowded congregations assemble; good appears to have been done; and neighbouring places of worship have, in consequence, been better attended. Of these facts, some of the acting members of the society have received satisfactory assurance. Mr. Phillips was accompa nied in his journies, last spring, by one of the secretaries, the Rev. J. Griffiths, of St. David's; and recently by the Rev. W. Davies, of Pen Caer; both of whom give a most favourable account of what they saw and heard in several of the preaching stations. The prospect of erecting a place of worship at Manorbier Newton, mentioned in the last Report, has since been realized; a plain and convenient chapel, 34 feet by 22, having been opened there on the 27th of last November. Upon the whole, the society has much reason to be thankful for what has been done, and abundant encouragement to persevere in its exertions. B. Thomas, Esq. Narbeth, is appointed Treasurer; Rev. J. Griffiths, St. David's, John Bulmer, Haverfordwest, and T. Harries, Pembroke, Secre. taries.

NOTICES.

The Gloucestershire Half-Yearly Association of Independent Ministers will meet at Chalford, on the 21st of May, and not on the 28th, as formerly mentioned. The Committee will meet on the preceding evening at Mr. Wild's.

On Wednesday, the 28th of May, three sermons will be preached at Hindon, Wilts, by the Rev. W. H. Murch, of Frome, to young people; A. Tidman, of Frome, in behalf of the Sunday Schools; and J. E. Good, of Salisbury.

On Thursday, May 29th, (the last Thursday in May) the Anniversary of the

Somerset Association of Ministers and Churches is appointed to be held at the Independent Chapel at Ilchester. The Rev. S. Pittard of Rodwell, and the Rev.. T. Luke of Taunton, are expected to preach on the occasion. The services to commence at 11, 3, and 6 o'clock.

The Anniversary of the Union of Christians, formed at Bedford, will be held at Bedford on the first Wednesday in June; when Dr. Steadman of Bradford, Yorkshire, and Mr. Cutriss of Ridgemount, are expected to preach.

The next Annual Meeting of the North Bucks Association will be held at Buckingham on Tuesday the 3d of June. The Rev. Dr. Winter, of London, has engaged to preach on the occasion.

FOREIGN.

AMERICA.

REVIVAL OF RELIGION.

DICKINSON COLLEGE, CARLISLE.

[From the Christian Herald.]

"IN the midst of mercies and of judgments, how delightful is the assurance that the people of these United States are not forgotten before the Lord. He has been mindful of his covenant.

"If pestilence, wasting sicknesses, and death have visited many parts of our country, to humble, to solemnize, and to awaken us, yet God has been pleased, in many places, also to vouchsafe the healthful influence of his grace; sanctifying the dispensations of His providence for the salvation of precious and immortal souls. Revivals of religion, commonly so called, are blessings almost peculiar to this country; and for which every heart that breathes adoration to God and benevolence to man is bound to be grateful to the Author of life, the giver of every good and perfect gift. We are often forcibly reminded of the prophet's declaration in past ages, 'In the

last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.'

"In many instances the Lord hath mercifully sent the showers of his grace on our seminaries of learning, consecrating by his Holy Spirit the tender affections of youth to the love and service of the divine Redeemer of their souls. Dickinson College, lately resuscitated at Carlisle, has been favoured with a revival of religion, as well as a part of the Rev. Mr. Duffield's congregation in that borough.

"In the months of September and October last, some dispensations of providence in the surrounding country were of a nature calculated to awaken reflection. The preaching of the pastor was faithful; his attention to pastoral duties diligent; and his prayers for a revival of religion ardent and persevering. The communion season, in the early part of November, was unusually solemn, and some of the young men in the College were seriously impressed. One or two of them applied for Christian instruction. On the 16th of November took place the death of Mr. James Hall Mason, a young gentleman who had graduated in June last, and had for two months taught the Grammar-school with much approbation. He was the fourth son of the Rev. Dr. Mason, president of the College, and a youth so pious, amiable and exemplary, as to have commanded, in an uncommon degree, the affections of his youthful companions, and the sincere esteem of a respectable community. It was remarked, that no decease within recollection had produced so powerful an effect on the public feeling. The young men in College, by whom he was greatly beloved, were penetrated with grief at the sudden decease of their youthful friend; and some of them, on that very day, were roused to a sense of their own danger, and to call on the name of the Lord, that they might be saved. The funeral was numerously attended on the following day, and the address at the grave, delivered by the Rev. Mr. M'Cartee of New York, proved pungent and powerful, so that the whole assembly were bathed in tears. In the College there were, from the beginning of the present session, ten youthful professors of religion, of decided piety. From them accounts reached Mr. Duffield, two days after the funeral, that there were eight more of the students deeply exercised about the state of their souls; the number soon increased to fourteen.

The

eight that were originally impressed, had some bosom friends in college, who felt alarmed at the rashness (as they deemed it) of the young converts; fearing it was only a temporary excitement which would wear off, and leave them with the reproach of being hypocrites or backsliders. Frequent interviews, however, assured the friends of the young inquirers that the work of grace in their hearts was genuine; and their conviction and sincerity likely to ensure a consistent and persevering profession of religion.

"This produced a most happy effect; the doubting advisers became themselves also earnest inquirers; and, blessed be God, were enabled to lay down the wisdom of this world at the foot of the Cross, and with their affectionate friends to desire the sincere milk of the word, that they might grow thereby. Some of them passed through deep exercises of mind, of fasting, and agonizing prayer, before they received that hope that maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. They immediately formed themselves into a Society for prayer, and met weekly at the hour when the new inquirers, and those of the students who came for the first time, were to meet in private with the Rev. Mr. Duffield, for religious instruction and direction. In the college rooms, where the occupants were of the number thus awakened and comforted, morning and evening worship was attended to in the manner usually followed in family worship. The peace and joy which filled the minds of those dear young men, led them forth as zealous missionaries to plead with their fellowstudents yet careless, to seek after God; and to persevere in seeking until they found him. The first arrow which seemed to fasten in their youthful minds was the fear of death: Were I called by a rapid fever, as James Mason was, to pass into eternity, have I a solid hope for my immortal spirit that all would be well in that interminable state of the soul?"

"Aware of their past neglect, of the value of the soul, of the possibility of sudden death, of their absolute dependance for temporal life from hour to bour, on that God whom they were daily provoking by their sins, they perceived the necessity of immediate attention to this, of all others the most important object, and betook themselves to prayer, reading of the word of God, and anxious inquiries of their spiritual guides,' What they could do to be saved? It is worthy of observation also, that as each of them found peace, it was generally given by

the powerful application of some comforting promise in the sacred text to the heart and conscience, (we have reason to trust) by the Spirit of God. It was a work truly delightful, to behold sometimes two, at other times four new students coming forward as humble and anxious inquirers after the way of salvation.

"The number of the awakened soon increased to twenty-six; and now there are probably thirty-five, of whom good hopes are entertained for thirty, as being truly regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and united by a living faith to that dear Redeemer who is the living vine, able to nourish all the living brauches to eternal life.

"This number, added to the ten originally pious, form a happy proportion of the whole number of students in Dick inson College, which does not exceed seventy-seven. Nor is the mere profession of religion the only fruit of this re vival. The awakened students display in their whole conduct the lovely deportment of the disciples of the blessed Saviour, and a noisy college is now trans formed into the peaceable order of a regular family!

"An opposition was at first manifested by some of the students, and a regular organization threatened to counteract the religious exertions of the new converts. One or two of those fell off from the ranks of opposition, and became themselves warmly engaged on the side of truth. A seasonable and powerful address from the Rev. Dr. Mason put an end to all show of opposition; and the attendance of the students on many religious exercises of a public nature became almost general.

"This special attention to spiritual things was not confined to the college, but was found to prevail in a proportion of Mr. Duffield's congregation. He ap pointed an inquiring meeting on Monday evening the 25th of November, when there were present about sixty persons from the college and congregation.

"At this meeting, one of the ministers found himself seated between a hoaryheaded man of seventy years and a boy of ten, a Sunday-scholar, whose softened heart bore testimony to the work of grace.

"Turning from the youthful disciple, the minister thus addressed the aged inquirer: Are you come to teach or to learn? Surely thou art not come here to learn of me.' 'Oh yes,' was the reply; though old in years, I am but a babe in the spiritual life.'

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"A lad of fourteen, who had been able

to give a touching and satisfactory account of his passing from darkness into light, and of his resolution to serve the Lord in the strength of his grace, was asked if he had any difficulties? With a solemn air, and after a pause, he said, "The suggestions of Satan trouble me; if I pursue the course I have now entered upon I shall forfeit the pleasures of this world, and his suggestions trouble me at all times.'

"During a visit of nearly a fortnight, the Rev. Mr. M'Cartee was actively enand gaged in forwarding the good work; his ardent preaching was evidently ac companied by a divine blessing.

"Mr. Duffield has the happiness to find in the Rev. Professor M'Clelland a diligent, evangelical, and able coadjutor. The Rev. Mr. Ebaugh, of the German church, gives all the kind and cordial assistance that the cares of his own congregation will perinit.

"On Saturday evening, the 30th November, Mr. Duffield held a meeting of his church members, in which they mutually engaged, as in the sight of God, to be more alive to the spiritual interests of themselves and others; and to do all in their power by prayer and exertion to forward the good work now going on; and to avoid whatever might prejudice sinners against the religion of Christ. At the next inquiring meeting on the 2d December, there were about seventy present, and lately there have been eighty-five, at a time when it was known that about fifteen or sixteen who had obtained a hope were absent.

"May a gracious God continue to vouchsafe the influences of his Holy Spirit, until many more shall be added to the church of such as shall be saved! The statement of facts given above is no doubt correct, and may be acceptable to many readers. It is impossible, however, to impart the spirit, the life, the mourning and the joy alternately in exercise, where a revival of religion extensively prevails. Christians of experience appear to have their graces rekindled anew; new-born Christians are lost in admiration at the view imparted by faith of the glory of God, the love of Jesus, and the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit.

"Parents rejoice over their children; brothers embrace in spiritual joy; the word is preached with power, and received in love; gracious affections flow out, and the weeping, yet rejoicing assembly gives an animating hope that God is near.

New York, 30th December, 1822.

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