LONDON.

(CIRCULAR.)

TO THE PROTESTANT DISSENTERS OF ENGLAND.

[Inserted by request.]

The Address of the Deputies of the Dissenting Congregations in the Metropolis and its vicinity.

Ir is generally known to the Dissenters of England that "the Deputies from the various Congregations of Presbyterians, Independents and Baptists, in and near London," were originally assembled for the purpose of applying to Parliament for the Repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts; and that, after the failure of their attempts in the years 1736 and 1739, it was deemed expedient to continue the Institution as a permanent guardian of the civil interests of the Dissenting body, to which recourse might be had for assistance in procuring redress of injuries suffered in consequence of their religious profession; the current business having from the first been transacted by a Committee annually elected from among the whole number of Deputies for that purpose.

After the defeat of the application in 1739, no further attempt to obtain the repeal of the obnoxious laws took place till 1787, when a motion to that effect was made with great judgment and ability by Henry Beaufoy, Esq. then member for Yarmonth. This also failing, it was repeated in 1789, and again rejected, though by the small majority of twenty only, a circumstance which could not but excite sanguine hopes of early success, and induced the Dissenters to request of Mr. Fox to renew it in the following year, with which he complied; but by the united efforts of all their adversaries an overwhelming majority of 294 to 105 was then obtained against them, which, with the events that soon after happened, destroyed all hopes of succeeding, till some important change in public opinion should be manifested.

Subsequently to this period, the attention of the Committee has been chiefly called to the vindication of religious liberty in cases of insulted ministers and interrupted worship; of refusals on the part of clergymen to

perform the rites of baptism and burial, and various other matters, which though separately of minor importance, might have swelled into a considerable mass of persecution, had no such protection been at hand. And they have also had the satisfaction of recovering many dormant endowments, and of composing differences which have occasionally arisen among the members of Dissenting congregations.

With great satisfaction, however, they are enabled to state that the increasing liberality of the times has, on the whole, greatly diminished the former and more public branch of their employment. The first important instance of the prevalence of this spirit may, perhaps, be traced in the decision of the Sheriff's case by the House of Lords in 1767; it re-appeared in the bill which was passed in 1779 "for the Relief of Protestant Dissenting Ministers and Schoolmasters; a desire for which, publicly expressed by Dr. Ross, the then liberal and enlightened Bishop of Exeter, was speedily matured into a law; and, with the exception of the defeat of Mr. Fox's motion in 1790, (for which the influence of temporary causes may in a great degree account,) the general tendency both of public sentiment and legislative enactments may be regarded as progressively favourable to religious liberty, exemplified in the rejection of Lord Sidmouth's Bill in 1811, by which (though doubtless unintentionally) toleration would have been narrowed;-the repeal of the statutes (called) "against blasphemy," but by which all discussion of very important disputed points was forbidden, under dreadful penalties, and very many other instances of regulations and interpretations of law, tending to relax the common exclusive spirit of establish

ments.

The main object of the Dissenters is, however, even yet unattained. Though no longer restrained in the exercise of their worship, or in the discussion of their religious tenets, and though according to the highest judicial authority, the imputed legal guilt of Nonconformity is done away; yet, by a strange inconsistency, the punishment remains; and with respect to holding offices of trust, power, and emolument, they are still under the same ban with

persons convicted of perjury and other infamous crimes. The avenues to honourable distinction and advantage in the professions most honourable and advantageous, are closely barred against them; and they are forbidden either to serve their country or to benefit themselves in those stations of society which are most eagerly coveted by generous and aspiring minds-a prohibition which they hold to be unjust in theory, and know to be injurious in its general effect, even to the most unpretending, because it affects all Dissenters unfavourably in public estimation, stigmatizing them with comparative disaffection, and thereby holding them forth to the ignorant, the bigotted, and the malevolent, as marks for obloquy and even persecution.

Since the discussions on the Catholic Question, the Committee, though aware of the broad distinction between that case and their own, yet seeing also in how many points they were connected, and how great an influence the decision of the one might have on the other, have deliberately preferred rather to be vigilant than active; but considering the great length into which that question has been, and may yet further be drawn, and sensible that many excellent and judicious persons are extremely anxious that the Dissenters should be fully prepared for another unanimous and energetic Appeal to the justice and liberality of the Legislature at the very first favourable moment, they have now resolved to recal your attention immediately and earnestly to this subject, ever deemed of so high importance to our civil and religious interests:-And as well to lead your own thoughts to its principal points, as to show that they have not been unmindful of their duty, they subjoin a copy of the Petition which on behalf of the whole body of Dissenters was in July 1820 presented to the House of Lords by the Right Honourable Lord Holland, and to the House of Commons by Mr. William Smith, M. P. for Norwich, Chairman of this Deputation.

Your co-operation will be esteemed a favour, and your correspondence may be addressed,

"WILLIAM SMITH, Esq. M.P.

Chairman to the Dissenting Deputies, &c.

PROVINCIAL

CONFERENCE OF THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS.

THE Eightieth Annual Conference July 30, and was continued by various commenced at Sheffield on Wednesday, adjournments until Monday, Aug. 11. About 350 preachers were in attendance. sident, and the Rev. Robert Newton, The Rev. Henry Moore was chosen PreSecretary. The most delightful spirit of piety and brotherly affection prevailed during the whole period.

Mr. Moore preached on Sunday, Aug. 3, on Heb. vi. 1. and Dr. Clarke on John iv. 24. Sixteen preachers, after due examination and probation, were received with great satisfaction into full connexion with the Conference.

The total increase in the Methodist ported to be 9,659; viz. 8,006 in Great Societies during the last year was reBritain, and 1,653 in various foreign Missions.

Two Catechisms have been prepared, and have received the sanction of the Conference. These are considered as the standard Catechisms of the body, and are intended for the use of all the Methodist families and schools. A third

Catechism, on the Evidences of Christianity, will probably be forthwith pro

vided.

ference, one was to discourage the teachAmongst the Resolutions of the Coning of Writing in the Sunday-school on the Lord's Day; and another expressed their disapprobation of Sunday Baking.

A tribute of affection was paid by the Conference to the piety and worth of thirteen preachers who died during the last year: two of whom, Messrs. Sargent and Lloyd, died in consequence of the overturning of the coach on which they were travelling to the Conference.

ORDINATIONS, CHAPELS, ETC. ON Friday, May 2, the foundationstone of a new Independent Meetinghouse, (45 by 39,) was laid at Manningtree, Essex, by the Rev.JJ. H. Cox, of Hadleigh. Messrs. Muscutt and Ainslie engaged in the devotional exercises. In the evening an appropriate sermon was preached by Mr. Herrick of Colchester on the site of the intended meeting. Wed. July 30. The Meetinghouse was opened, when two sermons were preached, by Mr. Blackburn of London, and Mr. Burls of Waldon. The other parts of the services were conducted by Messrs. Hordle, Muscutt, Pain, Ainslie, Rogers, Law, and Taylor. The services were very numerously attended, and 371. collected. In connexion with this new interest, a Meeting-house at Wix was lately erected by J. Everett, Esq. of Wix Lodge, at his own expense, where is preaching every Sabbath evening, and once in every alternate week. In the two congregations there are from 7 to 800 hearers, and 250 Sunday-school children. Mr. Ainslie, late of Hoxton Academy, is now supplying.

June 11. A new Independent Chapel was opened at Stony Stratford, Bucks. Three sermons were preached, by Mr. Stratten of London, Mr. Hillyard of Bedford, and Mr. Chapman of Greenwich. The devotional parts of the services were conducted by Messrs. Bull, Seavier, Gunn, Barling, Burkett, and Simmons. The congregation at Stratford has been collected by the blessing of God upon the labours of the students of Newport Pagnell Institution, and those of Mr. Gilbert, who has resided there since he left the Academy.

July 1. The Rev. H. Birch, from

Blackburn Independent Academy, was ordained over the Congregational church at Keighley, Yorkshire. Mr. Cockin, of Halifax, opened the service; Mr. Parsons, of Leeds, offered the ordina tion-prayer; Mr. Dixon, of Sheffield, delivered the charge; and Mr. Parsons preached to the people. Several other ministers assisted on that occasion. In the evening, Mv. Cockin preached on behalf of the Sunday-school.

July 21, was held the First Anniversary of the opening of the Independent Chapel, Stansted, Mountfitchet. Mr. Castleden, and Mr. Lockyer, of London, preached on the occasion. The above chapel, (measuring 43 feet by 48,) was opened July 21, 1822. The whole expense incurred has not exceeded 5801. There existed on the day of the Anniversary only a deficiency of 301; half was then collected, and in the course of that week the remainder was advanced by the friends of the cause. The pastor (the Rev. Jos. Redford) on the following Sabbath had the pleasing satisfaction of informing the church and subscribers, that by their united and liberal endeavours the chapel was released from all pecuniary embarrassments. A church has been organized of nearly thirty members. Eighty children are educated in the Sabbathschool. And the gospel is every alternate Sabbath evening preached in a neighbouring village, where the attendance is numerous and serious.

July 23. The Rev. S. Little, late a student of Hackney Academy, was ordained over the Independent church at Mere, Wilts. Mr. Doney, of Frome, opened the service; Mr. Tidman, of Ditto, explained the nature of a gospel church, and received Mr. Little's confession; Mr. Good, of Salisbury, offered the ordination-prayer; Mr. Collison gave the charge; and Mr. Kent, of Trowbridge, addressed the people and concluded. Mr. East, of Birmingham,preached in the evening; Mr. Sims, of Hindon, and Mr. Chapman, of Hurstmonceaux, assisted.

July 29, 30, Sion Chapel, at Michaelstone, Glamorganshire, was opened, for the congregation of Mr. H. Owens; when a number of sermons were preached there and in the surrounding neighbourhood, by Messrs. Jones and Bowen, of Neath; Griffiths of Altwen, and Griffiths of Neath; Elias Thomas and J. Rowland; W. Beynon and J. Williams; T. B. Evans, &c. &c. Towards 1757. 17s. 6d., the expense of the build

ing, 105l. 73. 6d. have been paid off, and the cause appears very prosperous. July 31. The Rev. J. Roaf, jun. late of Hoxton College, was ordained over the church and congregation of Queen Street Chapel, Wolverhampton. Mr. Scales, of Leeds, (Mr. Roaf's predecessor,) delivered an excellent introductory discourse; Mr. Hudson, of West Bromwich, asked the questions; Mr. Cooper, of ditto, offered the ordinationprayer; and Dr. Harris gave the charge. Mr. James, of Birmingham, preached to the people in the evening. The subordinate parts of the service were conducted by Messrs. Hammond, Dawson, and Freeman.

Aug. 6. A neat and commodious Independent Meeting-house was opened, at Framlingham, Suffolk. Messrs. Ward of Stowmarket, Hickman of Denton, and Cox of Hackney, preached on the occasion. The devotional services were conducted by Messrs. Cox of Hadleigh, Atkinson, Sloper, Pearce, Garthwaite, Bromiley, Mayhew, Fisher, and Stow, (late of Gosport Academy,) who has officiated as minister of the congregation for nearly a year past. The place was much crowded; and in the afternoon, Mr. Garthwaite preached in the Methodist chapel (kindly granted for the purpose) to a large assembly, who were unable to gain admittance into the new place. The collection amounted to nearly 547.

The origin of the interest at this place was singular and interesting. It

commenced in the formation of an Auxiliary to the London Missionary Society, about five years since; this led to a prayer-meeting, and subsequently to occasional preaching, which, by the assistance of the County Society, soon issued in regular Sabbath worship. The Meeting-house, which was opened four years since, and afterwards enlarged, being found inadequate to accommodate the increasing congregation, it was judged advisable to erect the present place. Towards the liquidation of the debt thereby incurred, including the collection on the day of opening, this infant cause has raised 4007.

Aug. 6. The Rev. Josiah Davies, late of Axminster Academy, was ordained over the Independent church at Kingsbridge, Devon. Mr. Clapson, of Exmouth, commenced the service; Mr. Hartley, of Plymouth, delivered the introductory discourse, &c.; Mr. Stenner, of Dartmouth, offered the ordination-prayer; Mr. Rooker, of Tavistock,

gave the charge from 1 Tim. iv. 16; Mr. Windeate, of Totness, preached to the people from Heb. xiii. 22; and Mr. Nicholson (Baptist minister) concluded. Mr. Horsey, of Budleigh, and Mr. Perrott, of Plymouth, preached on the preceding evening.

Aug. 21. Rev. G. Neeton, late a student in Lady Huntingdon's College, Cheshunt, Herts, was ordained as a minister in her Ladyship's connexion at St. John's chapel, Runcorn, Cheshire, when the following ministers took part in the service :-Mr. Bridgman, of Chester, read the Scriptures and prayed; Mr. Foster, of Rochdale, delivered the introductory discourse from 2 Tim. ii. 2; Mr. Hay, of Warrington, offered the ordination-prayer; Mr. Stodhart, of London, gave the charge from 1 Cor. ii. 2; and Mr.Williams, of Chester, concluded.

NOTICES.

The Wilts Association will hold their next Half-yearly Meeting at Rook-lane, liott, of Devizes, is the morning preachFrome, on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Mr. El er, and it is understood that the Union which has recently taken place between the church and congregation assembling at Rook-lane will be publicly recognised on the evening of that day,

The Anniversary of Mr. Yockney's Chapel, Lower-street, Islington, is intended to be held Oct. 29th. Rev. J.

Fletcher, and J. Clayton, jun. to preach, morning and evening.

FOREIGN.

USEFULNESS OF RELIGIOUS TRACTS. The W- a vessel upwards of 400 tons, was freighted from this port, (Liverpool) for a trading voyage up the Mediterranean sea. I was intimately acquainted with the captain's nephew, an accomplished young man, of handsome person, but, alas! a willing victim at the shrine of pleasure. He had shipped himself for the voyage as steward. When leaving Liverpool I put into his hands a small bundle of Tracts, and, in proof of his esteem for me, he promised to read them at his leisure, and likewise to distribute some among the ship's company. Not an individual, from the captain to the cabin-boy, had the least sense of religion, nor do I believe they had a Bible or Testament on board. On the return of the vessel,

about twelve months afterwards, as soon as my young friend could step on shore, he paid me the first visit. On my saluting him with,Well, what cheer my lad?' he answered, (at the same time the' tears trembling in his eyes,)" Through the mercy of God, I am well, and the whole ship's crew.' Surprised at hearing a strain of pious gratitude flow from those lips which formerly were seldom opened except to pollute them with profane conversation, I said, 'William, what has produced this change in your look, your address, your language! How is it that you acknowledge it is of the Lord's mercies you are not consumed?' "Sir," said he, "I will relate particulars.

"You recollect on my taking leave of you, you placed in my hand a small parcel of tracts, and I promised to read hem: this I have done. On leaving the port we had a favourable wind through the Channel, the wind then chopped round direct in our teeth. We had to contend with light contrary winds till we entered the Gut of Gibraltar. During this part of our voyage I had little or no opportunity to read the tracts. I did on the first Sabbath turn them over, and put a few in my pocket, and occasionally taking one out, gave it a sneering glance, and then handed it to one of the boys or men with a smile of ridicule. On passing the Gut, we had a tedious though pleasant voyage to Smyrna. Having much time upon my hands, I now and then looked at a tract to pass away time. One evening, (I well remember the evening,) about an hour before sunset, scarce a breath of air, we had spread all the canvass we could, which lay flapping idly against the mast, the men on board, some sitting on the forehatch, others lolling over the windlass, now and then whispering a curse instead of a prayer for a breeze; a boy sitting athwart a gun; the captain in the cabin smoking his cigar, with his allowance of grog before him; the wide and beautiful expanse of water, smooth as glass, bounded by a clear and serene sky; the smoke of Mount Vesuvius just visible in the horizon, bearing E.N.E.; every object hushed into silent solitude; not a sound heard but our own breathings, and the gentle breaking of the sea against the bows of the vessel;-I was looking over the ship's side, viewing the calm and peaceful close of another day. This brought to my recollection the scenery and calmness of the evening when I took my last farewell of my friends at

home. It was at sunset on a lovely evening in July. Musing thus of home, my mind had aequired a tint of melancholy. I just then put my hand in my jacket pocket, and feeling some paper, took it out, and it proved to be a tract,

The Swearer's Prayer.' I read it aloud, in the hearing of the whole of the crew, and I suppose much of the tincture of my feelings was mixed with my tone of voice. When I had read it, a curious kind of silence ensued: not one of us felt inclined to raise his eyes from what they were fixed upon, fearing to meet the look of another, and knowing that, to a man, we were all shockingly guilty of swearing. At length we looked at each other in a side-long kind of way, and one man said, ' Mr. William, I never heard or thought of this before: this kind of reading has made me feel very strange. I'm all over trembling; I don't think I shall like to swear again; shall you, Jack?' turning short to a seaman alongside of him, who looked him full in the face, and burst into tears. The shedding of tears ran like a contagion through the whole of us, even to the boy across the gun. After weeping in silence with our faces hid with our hands, one man said, 'Jack, suppose we hand up a prayer to God for forgiveness. Mr. William, you have had more learning than we, you can make a prayer.' Alas! I had never prayed; I could only sigh; I really thought my heart would burst. O how dreadful did sin appear! One of the men then broke the silence of grief. With his arms across his breast, and the tears of penitential sorrow rolling down his manly countenance, he cried out, O God, who made our souls, have mercy, and pardon the miserable and damned crew on this deck.' Not a heart but what responded, Lord, hear this prayer, and forgive.' But not to enter too long into detail, the Lord was pleased to work a change in the whole of the ship's company. One circumstance I must not to forget to mention. The captain, a drunken, swearing character, thought his men bewitched. the following morning he came on deck, and, as usual, was giving his orders, mixed with fearful oaths, when one of the men, in a most respectful manner, begged he would not swear at them; they should obey his orders with more comfort to themselves without it. Indeed the captain remarked to a person on his return, that he was obliged to refrain from swearing, it began to appear on board so singular."

On