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people not the least intelligent, enterprising, and energetic, and placed in circumstances to render the consolations, the restraints, the repose, the influences of Christian ordinances and Sabbaths peculiarly needful. It seeks to spread among our countrymen who have gone to cultivate wide and fertile regions of the globe, which they find a wilderness, and convert into scenes of smiling industry and plenty, the pure Gospel of salvation,

the unsearchable riches of Christ. It labours to establish churches on those free principles, which will both preserve in them the truth and purity of the Gospel, and at the same time harmonise with those liberal institutions which colonies obtain and cherish. It aims to plant religion and virtue amidst the rudiments and beginnings of communities of mankind, of which there is a moral certainty that they will grow to be great, free, commercial, and enlightened nations." It is under the influence of sentiments like these the operations of the Society have now been conducted for more than a quarter of a century. The success that has been realized, great as it is, is not more than might have

been anticipated by those who commenced their labours with such views as are expressed in this extract. On these identical principles its affairs are still conducted. What, then, may be reasonabiy expected will be the state of society in those attractive regions at the end of the next quarter of a century? Let us be willing to part with some of the members of our churches to aid in forming new settlements in the vast territories of Australia, which only need the presence and labour of such to constitute for them a happy and prosperous home. Let some of our younger and enterprising ministers go forth in the spirit of their Divine Master, willing to spend and be spent in His service; and let our British churches, the stronger with their abundance, and the feebler in their measure, so replenish the funds of the Society, that the necessary cost may be satisfactorily met; and finally, let all be accompanied with [fervent believing prayer. We may then confidently expect the fulfilment of the prediction that the "Spirit shall be poured from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest."

Literature.

Freedom and Happiness. By the Rev. JAMES STRATTEN. Nisbet and Co.

THERE are great numbers of Christian people who will be glad to hear that a volume of discourses has been published by the Rev. James Stratten, for many years one of the best and most successful preachers in or around this great Metropolis. Mr. Stratten

one of those gentlemen who have never done justice to themselves. While potent beyond most men in the pulpit, and equal to great things from the press, he yet eschewed it. The cause of this, we believe, was a natural shrinking from publicity, and an entireness of consecration to the work of the study and the pulpit. At last, however, he has been constrained to give the churches this volume, comprising twenty discourses, all on topics of the highest moment. We gather from the preface, that they appertain to a ministry of nearly fifty years, and the preacher is unwilling to leave this world for another, and a brighter, without some memorial of the truth and doctrine which he has endeavoured for so long a period honestly and faithfully to dispense and deliver.

The True and Beautiful. By the Rev. HENRY GILL. Ward and Co.

THE Volume consists of a multitude of beautiful paragraphs on important points. The notion of the work is novel. We remember nothing corresponding with it, but the excellent publication of Dr. Parker, of Manchester, comprising a multitude of passages from sermons. It forms excellent reading, and a capital companion for travelling.

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THIS work comprises a very wide scope, and presents consequently a multitude of objects arranged on no systematic principles, but their multifariousness is no objection to them. The work commenees with Creation, and is constructed on a somewhat peculiar plan, which is indicated as follows:-It is printed in four coloured inks. The RED type denotes the sin of man; the BLUE, the Judgments of the Lord; the PURPLE, His dealings in Mercy; the BLACK, some connecting links of History and Prophecy, with occasional remarks. Its object is to elucidate the dealings of God with man from the earliest ages; and this is done so truly and simply, that it cannot fail to afford help to teachers of Scripture classes, Bible women, city missionaries and their superintendents, or to Christians engaged in public or private instruction to all classes. It is also calculated to interest the unconverted, and may, in God's mercy, lead some to a better understanding of His wondrous grace as revealed in His holy Word.

Of such a volume very little need be said; it is clearly a book which may be read by all classes and conditions of Christian society with interest and benefit. It is very ingeniously constructed and elegantly put together, and the employment of the various inks, black, blue, and red, renders it striking and attractive. It is a volume which, wherever it appears, can scarcely fail of obtaining at least one perusal, and they who have read it once will be very likely to read it again. It indicates very considerable talents, and careful study. The matter is solid, and the style popular.

From the Cradle to the Crown. By the Rev. JOHN HUNTER. Nisbet and Co.

THE theme of this work is good, and it is stamped with an air of originality. We have here the baby-boyhood-the friend of every day the worker the sympathising kins

man alone and lonely and the judge. Although these points indicate only a few of the footsteps of the march from the cradle to the crown, yet, so far as they go, they are excellent, and the lessons conveyed by the several chapters are much calculated to make a lasting and a beneficial impression on the mind.

Intelligence.

CONGREGATIONAL RECORD.

AXMINSTER, DEVON.-On Wednesday, December 10th, the Rev. S. J. Le Blond was publicly recognised as the pastor of the Congregational church assembling in this town. The Rev. R. Penman, of Seaton, commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. D. Hewitt, of Exeter, delivered an introductory discourse, founded on Acts xxiv. 14, showing the reasons why Congregationalists dissent from the Established Church. The Rev. J. Hoxley, of Honiton, asked the newly-elected pastor how in the providence of God he had been led to accept the pastoral charge of the Congregational church at Axminster? To which question the Rev. S. J. Le Blond replied, and gave a brief statement of the doctrinal views usually held by Congregationalists. After which the Rev. J. Hoxley addressed words of brotherly counsel and encouragement to the pastor. The Rev. J. Guennett, of Point-in-view, near Lympstone, offered up a recognition prayer. The Rev. W. Densham, of Chard, in addressing the people, offered some very valuable and useful suggestions touching the relation and duties of the church towards their pastor. Hymns were given out by the Revs. E. Aulton, of Lyme; R. Hutchings, of Ottery; W. Major, of Colyton; W. Wells, of Musberry, and J. Collier, Wesleyan minister of

Axminster.

BEVERLEY.-The Independent chapel here has been closed for about six weeks, during which time the Rev. G. Richards has preached to large congregations in the Mechanics' Hall. It was re-opened Nov. 30th, when the Rev. G. Richards preached two sermons appropriate to the occasion. On Monday evening the Rev. H. Ollerenshaw, of Hull, preached a most interesting sermon. On Tuesday evening the recognition services took place. The Rev. R. A. Redford, M.A., LL.B., of Hull, gave the introductory discourse. Mr. Sibree offered the recognition prayer. The Rev. E. Jukes, of Hull, preached the sermon to the church and people.

BROMSGROVE.-On Wednesday, Dec. 3d, very interesting services were held, in connexion with the ordination of the Rev. Robert Tuck, B.A., as minister of the Congregational church in this town. The Rev. J. Marsden, B.A., of Kidderminster, gave a clear and earnest exposition of Congregational principles, and the usual questions were proposed by the Rev. J. Richards, of Stourbridge; after which the ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. W. H. Dyer, of Argyle Chapel, Bath; and a charge delivered to the pastor by

his late tutor, the Rev. T. R. Barker, Principal of Spring-hill College.

HAMMERSMITH.-The Rev. J. E. Richards at Christmas resigned the pastorate of the church at Coverdale Chapel, Limehouse, which he has held for fourteen years, and last Sabbath entered on the pastorate of the church at Ebenezer Chapel, Albion-road, Hammersmith.

HEYWOOD. RECOGNITION SERVICE. The services in connexion with the public recognition of the Rev. Slade Jones, late of Leamington, the newly appointed minister to the Independent church, York-street, Heywood, have been held recently. On Sunday, Nov. 26, preparatory sermons were preached in the morning and evening by the Rev. J. Falding, D.D., Principal of Rotherham College. On Monday afternoon the recognition service took place. The Rev. W. H. Parkinson, of Rochdale, delivered the introductory address. The Rev. Professor C. C. Tyte, of Rotherham College, having offered the recognition prayer, Mr. T. Knight, the senior deacon of the church, made the statement customary on such occasions, of the cause of the appointment of a new pastor by the congregation. The Rev. T. S. Jones then stated the reasons which induced him to settle at Heywood, and explained his views of church polity. The Rev. Dr. Falding then delivered the charge to the minister. The afternoon service was then brought to a close. At five o'clock a tea party was held in the school-room, to which about 300 sat down. At half-past six a public meeting was held in the chapel, which was well attended. The Rev. T. S. Jones presided, and the communion space under the pulpit was filled with ministers who had come to do honour to the occasion. The Rev. J. H. Ouston, of Bury, the Rev. J. R. Thomson, the Rev. G. Snashall, B.A., of Rochdale, the Rev. Dr. Falding, the Rev. W. H. Parkinson, the Rev. R. Dawson, B.A., late of China, and E. Dawson, Esq., J. P., of Lancaster, addressed the meeting, bearing high testimony to Mr. Jones's character and talents. The concluding prayer was offered by the Rev. G. Shaw, of Patricroft, and the meeting separated after singing the doxology.

PETERSFIELD, HANTS.-The Rev. James Duthie, pastor of the Congregational church at this place, having accepted a cordial invitation from the Congregational church at Beaconsfield, Bucks, was entertained at a farewell tea-meeting held in the British schoolroom, Petersfield, on Monday the 1st ult. The

entire proceedings were deeply interesting both to the retiring minister and to the people lately under his charge. POLESWORTH AND BADDESLEY. Mr. Thomas Vine, of Blandford, Dorset, has accepted a cordial invitation to the pastorate of Polesworth and Baddesley, Warwickshire.

ST. ALBAN'S.-The recognition of the Rev. William Braden, late of Cheshunt College, as pastor of the Congregational Chapel, St. Alban's, took place on Thursday, Dec. 11th, 1862. After singing, the first portion of the afternoon service was conducted by the Rev. H. A. New, of Bushey, who read the Scriptures and offered prayer. The Rev. H. B. Ingram, of Paddington Chapel, London, then gave an able address upon "The constitution of a Christian church." After which a statement was made by Mr. George Allen, secretary of the church, of the circumstances which resulted in the cordial and unanimous invitation to the present pastor. This was followed by the Rev. W. Braden reading a paper stating his reasons for its acceptance. The Rev. Thomas Hill, of Cheshunt, then offered the recognition prayer. The charge to the pastor was delivered by the Rev. A. M. Henderson, of Claremont Chapel, London, from 2 Tim. ii. 15. At five o'clock many persons adjourned to the vestry for tea, where various addresses were delivered by some of the ministers and friends present. At halfpast six o'clock, the evening service was begun by the Rev. W. Griffiths, of Hitchen, reading the Scriptures and offering prayer. The Rev. Thomas Jones, of Bedford Chapel, London, then preached to the people. These interesting services were brought to a close by the Rev. S. Davies, of Barnet, offering

prayer.

ÜLLESTHORPE, LEICESTERSHIRE. - On Tuesday, December 2, interesting services were held at Ullesthorpe in connexion with the settlement of the Rev. William Harbutt as pastor over the Independent church and congregation of that place.

CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES.-The Committee have accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation from the pastors and deacons of the churches in Liverpool to hold the autumnal meetings in that town in October next.

LONDON CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. -On the evening of Wednesday week a preliminary meeting of ministers and deacons of Congregational churches in Lambeth and Southwark was held in the library of Surrey

Chapel, to consider the question of forming a local union in affiliation with the London Congregational Association. The Rev. Newman Hall was in the chair, and expressed his cordial approval of the object of the meeting, and his hope that this movement of forming local unions for the evangelization of London in connexion with the parent association, would not only be a great good in itself, but tend to stir up every other evangelical denomination to do more than had yet been done in that blessed work. The meeting was only preliminary to a more general meeting. The Rev. J. H. Wilson, as a deputation from the general society, went fully into the whole question of working by means of local unions, the central society being satisfied that localised efforts, independent of, and yet affiliated with, a central power, was the most practical way of promoting, in as far as a denomination they could promote, the evangelization of London. He stated that the Eastern Union had already been formed, and was in working order, and that other district unions were in progress. After a full and free conversation, in which the Rev. Robert Robertson, Rev. Dr. Waddington, Rev. Mr. Herschell, Rev. Mr. Nimmo, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Murphy, and others, took part, the project was cordially approved, and a committee appointed to collect statistics of the spiritual destitution of the Borough, and report to a meeting, to be called on an early day, representative of all the churches, to take what further measures may appear necessary to give it full effect.

THE LATE REV. G. CLAYTON.-A handsome tablet has been placed in Upminster Chapel, to commemorate this eminent servant of God, by his mourning widow, containing the following inscription:-"Sacred to the memory of the Rev. George Clayton, of Gaines-park, who for more than fifty years honourably sustained the office of pastor over the Independent church in York-street, Walworth, discharging his duties with an untiring fidelity and Christian courtesy which secured the warmest affection of a numerous congregation, while at the same time every effort to spread the kingdom of Christ received the benefit of his eloquent and earnest advocacy. The latter years of his life were employed in promoting the work of God in this village, and were honoured by many tokens of Divine favour. He was born the 9th of April, 1783, and peacefully closed a life of holy devotedness on the 14th of July, 1862, aged 79 years. 'Where I am, there shall also my servant be.'-John xii. 26."

REVIEW OF CONSIDERING the season of the year and the state of trade, the distress in London has not been great, but crimes of a certain class have abounded to an alarming extent. As the result, the question of returning to transportation begins again to be seriously agitated. The prison discipline, it is asserted, is by much too lax. Culprits fare much better in gaol than multitudes of honest labourers in their cottages.--The annual meeting of the Society for the Evangelisation of London has

THE MONTH.

been held, and the very interesting report read will be found in our present number. It is there shown, that only about half a million of the population attend on the ordinances of religion; that is, only a sixth part of the present population, which now amounts to about three millions; and that a full million, who might attend, pay no regard whatever to the Sabbath or the sanctuary. The increase of population during the last ten years amounts to nearly half-a-million of souls.

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The presidents, tutors, and students of the New College, Cheshunt College, and Hackney Theological Institution were invited by the Rev. Samuel Martin, Chairman of the Congregational Union, and his friends to soirée at Willis's Rooms, where they met in large numbers, and spent a very pleasant evening. The chairmanship of Mr. Martin is quite an era in the history of the Union in the Metropolis; both the spring and the autumnal gatherings were invited to Westminster to a sumptuous breakfast, which was followed by very profitable intercourse, and interchanges of opinion on divers important subjects.The Liberation Society, in the course of the month, has held several large and enthusiastic meetings in furtherance of its object in various parts of the country.Nothing of a religious importance has occurred in Wales, or Scotland; and in Ireland there has been a cessation of those violent crimes which lately prevailed.--Some feeble attempts have been made to get up a cry in favour of the recognition of the Southern States of America, but without success. Some hold that such recognition is only a question of time, but men of higher principle contend, that no time can ever render it proper. Mr. John Bright, at a meeting of his constituents in Birmingham, bore noble testimony on this point. He said:-"Slavery has been the huge foul blot upon its fame; it is a hideous outrage against human right and divine law; the pride and passion of man will not permit its peaceable extinction; the slaveowners of our colonies, if they had been strong enough, would have revolted too. I believe there was no mode short of a miracle more stupendous than any recorded in the Holy Writ which would in our time, or in a century, have wrought the abolition of slavery in America, but the suicide which the South has committed, and the war they are now waging. Is there a man here who doubts that the object of the war, on the part of the South, is to maintain the bondage of 4,000,000 of human beings? That is only a small part of it, because their further object is to perpetuate for ever that bondage over countless millions. I could quote documents till 12 o'clock in proof of what I say, if I found any man who denied it. The object of this war is that white men on that continent may lord it over countless millions of blacks, made black by the very hand that made us white. Their object is that they should have a power to breed negroes, to work negroes, to lash negroes, to sell negroes, to deny them the commonest ties of families, to break their hearts by separating them at their pleasure, and to close their mental eyes from a glimpse of that knowledge which separates us from brutes (for by their law it is criminal and penal to teach negroes to read), to scal from their hearts the book of our religion, to make chattels and things of men, women, and children. I wish to ask whether this is to be the foundation of a new slave empire, and whether it is intended on this audacious and infernal basis that England's new ally is to be built up?"--Russia is still making slow advances towards a state of modified liberty; the sacred Scriptures are now suffered to be circulated, and are being diffused to a con

the

siderable extent.--The throne of Greece, while we write, is still vacant, but the interests of true liberty are not suffering. On the contrary, they are advancing, and the Minister of Instruction has ordered the introduction of the New Testament into all the national schools-a most important step in the right direction. Prussia is still in trouble from the perverseness of the King, and a desire has been shown to gag the press, which renders formidable opposition to his reactionary proceedings. The people, however, are resolute, and the attempts, accordingly, are hopeless.The cause of freedom rapidly advancing in Austria. The Emperor shows a strong desire to meet the wishes of his people. Religion has been a great gainer by the recent changes.--France is tranquil, and several things have occurred showing somewhat of a disposition to favour Protestantism.--Italy is still very unsettled, owing to the conduct of France in continuing to occupy Rome with her troops, but the cause of constitutional government is proceeding, and the interests of religion are gaining ground.--Things are quiet in South Africa; but the Bishop of Natal, Dr. Colenso, has perpetrated an unheard-of enormity, by the publication of a book, in which he labours to subvert the authority of the sacred Scriptures! The subject is being taken up with spirit in church circles at home, and it is to be hoped the Bishop will not be allowed to return to his see to sow the seeds of his pestilent heresy.

-Dr. Williams and Mr. Wilson have just been suspended by the Court of Arches from office and emoluments for heresies less pernicious than those of Colenso, and even-handed justice requires that the bishop shall be weighed in the same balances as the presbyter, and have the same measure meted out to him.

-The King of Madagascar has been crowned, and the Popish clergy have endeavoured to turn the matter to account for the glory and the honour of their own false church. The Rev. William Ellis, who is on the spot, will clear all up in due season.--Nothing material has occurred in India. The work of missions is proceeding satisfactorily.--In China there is trouble from the rebellion; the Western Powers are taking side with the Government against the Taepings, which may lead in the end to serious consequences.The intelligence from Australia is satisfactory, both as to politics and religion.--The grand object of interest just now on our globe is the Northern and Southern States of America. There is no prospect of the war coming to a speedy end. The wisest man among us can form no augury as to the issue. The North has upwards of 800,000 men in arms, with fleets which command 13,000 miles of coast, and which are sufficient to traverse all the rivers, and to crush everything before them. With such a force it seems at least within the limits of possibility that they may prostrate the South, deprive them for the present of their State rights, and convert them into territories, till the spirit of the millions be prepared for restoration to the Federal Union. Be this as it may, it seems probable that slavery will be uprooted, which appears to be the predestined purpose of the Most High in promoting this tremendous convulsion.

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