PROTESTANT SOCIETY,

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For the Protection of Religious Liberty. THE Twelfth Anniversary Meeting of this Society was held May 17, at the City of London Tavern, Lord Dacre in the Chair. The Meeting overflowed, as usual, at an early hour.

After a few introductory observations from the noble Chairman, and some "extracts from the minutes of the Committee, read by Mr. Pellat, Mr. John Wilks, the other Honorary Secretary, rose and addressed the Meeting with his usual ability and effect. Taking a review of the cases of the past year, he divided them into the usual classes, beginning with those of a pecuniary nature, as Turnpike Charges, Taxing of Chapels, &c. Mr. W. informed the Meeting, that since the last Anniversary an Act had been passed, exempting Dissenters, as well as Churchmen, from all Sunday tolls in going to, or returning from, their customary places of worship. Several fresh attempts had been made to assess Dissenting Chapels and School-rooms; and a Mr. P. Watson, of Newcastle, had been imprisoned for a contempt of the Ecclesiastical Court, arising out of Easter Offerings.

Parochial relief had been withdrawn from paupers on account of their attendance at Dissenting Chapels; and a publican had been threatened with the loss of his licence because an itinerant preacher put up there. Several riots had taken place at Dissenting places of worship, and in some cases the magistrates had taken part with the rioters. In other instances, however, justice had been done. Some refusals of burial, and even of marriage, had occurred. In one instance, a Welsh clergyman refused to marry a man who had been twice baptized, in infancy and when adult; and made him submit to a third baptism from his own hands before he performed the marriage ceremony. The Court of Chancery had also lately decided, that a registry of baptism, on the plan of Dr. Williams, at the Red Cross-street Library, was no legal record.

The subject of out-door preaching was attended with considerable difficulty. Preaching in a street or highway was manifestly improper; yet some had been so imprudent as to preach facing the church door while service was performing. If above twenty persons were assembled in any uncertified place, they were liable to a penalty. They might certify a field, which was not a highway, but the legality of the certification was not settled. The Committee would endeavour to ascertain it.

Mr. W. then exhorted Dissenters to contend for equal rights and privileges with members of the Establishment-for exemption of their chapels from taxation -for the right of marrying their own members, like the Jews and Quakersfor the repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts, &c.

Mr. W. concluded a long and eloquent speech with a hasty glance at the state of religious liberty on the Continent and in America; and with his warmest wishes for its triumph and progress through the world.

The various resolutions which follow

ed, were severally moved and seconded by the Rev. Dr. Newman, W. Townsend, Esq. Rev. J. Townsend, Rev. Mr. Stewart, (of Dublin,) W. Bateman, Esq. Dr. J. H. Brown, Rev. Messrs. Adkins, G. Townsend, T. Smith, T. Young, J. Dyer, and M. Wilks. The noble Chairman stated the high gratification he had derived from attending the Meeting, and his earnest wishes for the universál spread of civil and religious liberty.

The Annual Contributions from congregations is 21. in England, and Il. in Wales.

NOTICES.

HOMERTON ANNIVERSARY. The Friends at the Academy at Homerton, are respectfully invited to the ensuing Annual Meeting, on Wednesday, June 25, at nine o'clock, the Ministers educated in that Institution, or favourable to it, will breakfast together at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry.

The same day, at twelve at noon, will be held at the King's Head Tavern, the other Friends. 'Annual Meeting of the Subscribers and

'be preached at the Meeting House in On Wednesday evening, a Sermon will New Broad-street, by the Rev. Thomas Raffles, LL.D. Service to begin at halfpast six-And on Thursday, June 26, the

examination of the Students will be at the Academy at Homerton. The chair to be taken at eleven precisely.

The Ministers will please to observe, that no circular letter will be sent, this notice of the Anniversary being deemed sufficient.

COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON'S COLLEGE.

The thirty-first Anniversary of the above Institution will be held at Cheshunt, on Thursday, the 26th of June.

The Rev. Thomas Young, of Margate, is expected to preach. Service to com mence in the morning, at 11 o'clock,

SURREY CHAPEL.

THE Annual Meetings of the Society commenced on Wednesday morning, as usual, in the above Chapel, The prayers of the Established Church were read by the Rev. Rowland Hill. The Rev. Richard Alliot, of Nottingham, prayed before the sermon. The Rev. John Leifchild, of Kensington, preached from 2. Cor. x. 4. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God," &c. The preacher, after adverting to the charge of extravagance brought against those who attempt the conversion of the world to Christianity, by persons who, on the supposition that the charge is founded, stand aloof from their proceedings, and treat them with indifference, bordering upon contempt; proceeded at once to the object of the discourse, which was to show the sufficiency of Christianity, in itself, apart from worldly rank and carnal policy; and, by the simple means of information and preaching, to extend itself throughout the earth. He argued this, on the grounds of its authority, as a divine revelation; its adaptation to alleviate the deep anxieties of the human breast; the divine intention respecting the sphere of its publication and prevalence; and the specimen already afforded in the earlier ages of its progress and triumphs. In this latter particular, he took a view of the peculiar feature of the extensive progress of the gospel in the first three centuries, as distinguished from that of all other religions, in the human means and resources to which they were indebted; comparing Christianity, in this respect, to a living spring, pursuing a course totally opposite to that of all other streams, receiving no tributary aid, like them, to swell its waters, but being every where resisted and opposed, and yet spreading into a wider circum

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ference and rolling with a mightier impetus than all the rest. He then dwelt on the duty and encouragement of Christians to persevere in attempting to secure its universal promulgation. He insisted on the essential connexion, by divine appointment, between the spread of the gospel and the instrumentality of Christians; on the genius also of Christianity and the spirit it was calculated to inspire; and on the numerous and incontestible signs of the actual concurrence of Providence with the efforts of Christians at the present day, in rapidly advancing the religion of Jesus among the nations of the earth. Mr. Leifchild alluded to the supposition that the millennial glory of the church was passing away, and combated it, at considerable length. The preacher closed, by enforcing, most earnestly, the several topics of prayer for the Holy Spirit christian co-operation and union; the interests of our own country, as inse-` parably connected with the prevalence of a missionary spirit; the duty and privilege of the young to occupy, as soon as possible, the posts which the recent death of several of our missionaries had occasioned to be vacant; and the loud call that was presented, by the new openings for missionary exertion, on the pecuniary efforts of all the friends of truth and of the gospel. The congregation whom he addressed, he said, had always been generous and noble; and he called upon them, at that time, to set an example of increased liberality and fervour; urging them to spare nothing for the cause, and to look for no blessing on what was improperly withheld from it. The appeal, we are happy to say, was crowned with the greatest

TABERNACLE.

In the evening, the Rev. William Chaplin, of Bishop Stortford, preached. The subject of Mr. Chaplin's discourse was the example and success of primi tive missionaries, founded on Mark xvi. 20. "They went forth and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following." I. Their employment. 1. "They went forth." The spirit of going forth in that age was contrasted with the indolence which afterwards prevailed, and which still too much remains. The preacher then pointed out the methods of going forth in the present day. Some are to go personally, as with their lives in their hands-all are to go forth with their silver and goldwith their influence, and with their prayers. 2. "They went forth and preached." The work of preaching was considered as divinely appointed; and as the peculiar and prominent object of missionary undertakings, combined with other modes of instruction, as auxiliaries to that object. Several considerations were advanced to illustrate the wisdom and goodness of God in commanding the gospel to be preached. 3. "Every where." A short sketch was given of the progress of the gospel in the apostolic age, and the importance of its being preached "every where" now, was faithfully represented.

II.The Divine concurrence with their labours. "The Lord worked with them," not only by miraculous attestations, but also by the converting influence of divine grace. 1. It is clear that they worked. They did not expect success without labour. Hence the necessity of zealously working, if we would hope that the Lord will work with us. 2. What is the nature of that influence by which the Lord works with his servants? Distinctions were here drawn between the agency of Providence in the material world, and the influence of the Spirit upon the human mind. When the Lord worked, it was by a kind of influence suited to the object influenced, and the effects produced. 3. The importance of a constant feeling of entire dependance upon this influence, applied to all the branches of missionary labour, and to all the agents employed. III. The manifest proofs given of the truth and importance of their preaching; confirming the word with signs following." Mr. C. adverted briefly to the signs of that age, and then proceeded to those of the present, which, though not mi

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raculous, are still very striking and encouraging. 1. The partial destruction of idolatry. 2. The extensive trauslation and dispersion of the scriptures. 3. The progress of knowledge, and the advancement of civilization. 4. The fruits of righteousness in a desert world. A variety of facts and illustrations was brought forward upon each of these points; after which the preacher mentioned, 5thly, some encouraging signs at home; such as the spirit of union among Christians of different denominations, which this cause has evidently promoted; the extraordinary generosity manifested in support of the great object; the activity and exertions of the age, and the beneficial effects produced in the revival and prosperity of religion within our own Christian realm.-The discourse was closed by an urgent appeal to the vast assembly, in favour of the pecuniary interests of the Society.

The Rev. D. Stuart, prayed before, and the Rev. Mr. Curwen after, the ser

mon.

Hymns. Rev. Messrs. Golding, Sevier and Noble.

TOTTENHAM COURT CHAPEL. Thursday Evening.

The prayers of the Church of England were read by the Rev. Mr. Geary. The Rev. Mr. Marshall prayed before the

sermon.

The Rev. J. Mc Donald, of Urquhart, preached from Acts ii. 17, 18. "And it' shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh," &c. The preacher first pointed out the connexion of the words with the day of Pentecost, quoted from Joel ii. 28, 29. Contain a promise which points to gospel times, and to men of every nation under heaven-a promise which merits the serious consideration of Christians in general, and of Christian Ministers and missionaries in particular. The preacher proceeded to consider and improve the promise. 1. The great subject of it— The outpouring of the Spirit.-Here the preacher considered, the divine nature of the Spirit-His distinct personalityHis influences-His official, or relative characters-and his peculiar department of operation in redemption. II. The source whence it (the promise) proceeds -The sovereign will and grace of God the Father, considered as the first person in the Godhead, as well as the first in the economy of redemption. He is the ori

ginal source and moving cause of man's salvation. III. Its relation to Christ The promise intimately connected with his death and ascension-The Spirit given to him, rests upon him, and throngh him, as the channel, is communicated to men. IV. The glorious results of its fulfilment-Originally, miraculous gifts bestowed-use and design of these now laid aside; but in all ages, saving blessings communicated, and a great moral change, or new creation, effected.-Results: Conviction, spiritual knowledge faith in the Redeemer-holiness of heart and life, or devotedness to Godtrue consolation-and the hope of eternal glory. These results were considered particularly in regard to the ministers of religion, missionaries, and all connected with the missionary cause.--Improvement. 1. The importance of the promise, and of our being the living subjects of its accomplishment. 2. It presents a loud call to prayer; the promise fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, and in all ages since, in answer to prayer, -Ministers, and private Christians are therefore called upon to unite with fervour and importunity in this important duty. 3. It is peculiarly connected with missionary enterprises--Is the origin, life, and success of these-Day of Pentecost, an example of this. 4. Calls for the exercise of Christian liberality-Spirit works by means of the Word, as the seed, and in connexion with the labour of Missionaries-These must be provided and supported by means of pecuniary resourses. Miracles are no longer to be expected; ordinary means must supply their place, and a field therefore left open, for the trial and exercise of Christian benevolence.

The Rev. Mr. Hooper concluded with

the Redeemer's kingdom, as being entirely spiritual; and pointed out the effects of his administration, as exhibited in the faith, love, and holiness of his subjects. II. The subordinate means by which the promised new creation is to proceed to its final glory:-viz. 1. The faithful preaching of the gospel, by ministers and missionaries of pure motives, animated zeal, and fervent piety: 2. By the circulation of the Holy Scriptures:—and, 3. By the various other modes of imparting religious instruction. With respect to missionaries appointed to heathen countries in a state of civilization; the preacher pointed out the importance of their minds being stored with such appropriate learning and information as may enable them to combat prejudices; and, in a measure, to disarm opposition: and, with regard to missionaries sent to uncivilized countries, of their being qualified to communicate useful instruction as to temporal affairs and the arts of civilized life; in reference to which subject he mentioned the observation of Mr. Locke, that "when God makes the saint, he does not unmake the man." III. The glory of the final consummation of the new creation. IV. The assurance felt by the Christian that the joyful anticipation of the text will be realized; arising from his faith in the promises and power of Jehovah, and the evidence he possesses of the beginnings of a new creation in his own soul. Here the preacher observed, that the missions which had been undertaken in various parts of the world, but particularly those in the East Indies, were themselves a proof of reliance on the faithfulness and power of God; while the success which had already crowned the labours of missionaries, especially in the South Seas, af fords a strong incitement to future exertions. In the concluding part of his discourse, he observed, generally, that

BLACKFRIARS.

Friday morning.

THE Society was again accommodated by the Rev. Mr. Saunders, rector of the parish, and the churchwardens, with the use of this church. The Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Saunders.

The Rev. Edwin Sidney, B.A. of Lopham, Norfolk, preached from Rev.xxi. 5. "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." The preacher considered, I. The nature of

der Providence, greatly depends on the personal spirituality of those who com pose them; on the gifts contributed for their support, being offered from pure motives, with fervent prayer, love to Christ, and zeal for his glory; and on the simplicity of aim, and anxiety for the salvation of souls, by which bis ministers are actuated in preaching the gospel and advocating the cause of the heathen.

SPA-FIELDS CHAPEL.

THE Rev. Joseph Fletcher, M.A. of Stepney, preached on Friday evening

at this chapel, to the Members of Juvenile Missionary Societies. His text was from Rom. x. 13-15. "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord,' &c. &c. The introduction contained some observations on the sources of prejudice and indifference amongst nominal professors of christianity, in reference to the cause of missions. In tracing these causes, some were ascribed to ignorance and inconsideration; some to sectarian feelings and educational associations; some to instances of partial failure and occasional disappointment in particular instances of missionary operation; and some to erroneous and antiscriptural views of religion itself. All were considered as proofs and illustrations of human depravity; and in opposition to their influence, and the influence of all possible objections to Christian missions, the preacher brought forward the argument contained in the text. He then proposed to consider, I. The important connexion on which the argument is founded. This connexion, he observed, was threefold. 1. A connexion between salvation and calling on the name of the Lord. The former, he considered as a state of acceptance with God, and restoration to his favour. The latter, as describing the act and the habit of prayer; and therefore implying the conviction of sin-the knowledge of what God has revealed concerning the way of salvation—and the influence of such convictions and feelings on the state of the heart, and especially the habit of intercourse with God. Hence he inferred, 2. A connexion between calling on the name of the Lord, and faith in the divine testimony; and endeavoured briefly to explain and illustrate the principle of this connexion. But this implied, 3. A connexion between faith and the appointed means of instruction. Here the preacher particularly dwelt on the preaching of the gospel, as the most important medium of instruction; observing, that the argument applied to all the methods by which the divine testimony is, or may be presented to the attention of men. He then proceeded to consider, II. The facts which this connexion supplies to prove and illustrate the necessity of missions. He observed, that the whole argument of the text implied, 1. The awful state of those nations which are destitute of the gospel. For this purpose he referred to their ignorance, their pollutions, and their cruelties. The great subjects on which it is of importance to possess right conceptions

are the object of worship-the rule of conduct-the nature of happiness: but on all these, the nations destitute of Christianity are in the most awful condition. He then considered, 2. The adaptation of the gospel to the condition of man; and after glancing at its characteristic discoveries, adverted to it as a system of instruction, as a source of consolation, and as the appointed medium of divine agency, by which alone its moral and spiritual results are secured. He then specified, 3. The exclusiveness and the universality of the gospel, as facts involved in the argument stated in the text, and as constituting the most important reason why we ought to be active and persevering in the diffusion of the truth. Having discussed these topics, the preacher closed the discourse by stating, III. The obligations by which the duty of the young is enforced, in reference to this great cause. For this purpose he referred, 1. To the claims of the cause itself, and its appeal to the conviction of duty; the sense of gratitude, and the principle of benevolence. 2. The actual success of the cause furnished a reason why the young, ought to feel particularly interested in its promotion. It was no longer a novelty, it had been tried, and they might safely expend upon it their ardour and their resources. 3. The importance of early habits and associations was then urged upon their attention, and their influence in the formation of character applied to the subject. 4. The peculiar state of the times called for their exertions. Here the preacher adverted to the increasing facilities possessed by the friends of truth, the melancholy removals of distinguished labourers, and the necessity of more extended exertions: and, finally, he referred to the still binding commission of the Redeemer, and the promise of his presence, in connexion with the agency of his people, "to the end of the world."

MISSIONARY COMMUNION.

SION CHAPEL.

THE REV. JOHN Griffin presided.— Addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Cockin, Hillyard, Rees, and Matt. Wilks. Prayers, Rev. Messrs. J. Eastman, Townsend, and Matt. Wilks. Distribution of the Elements. The bread, by Rev. Messrs. Brooksbanks, sen. and jun., Coulson, Geary, Hillyard, C. Hyatt, Kingsford, Lockyer,