you may one and all say, or sing, "What hath God wrought!"

The number and strength of the churches of your denomination were more than trebled during the general and most powerful revivals which occurred in the years 1828, 1839, and 1849. In the last of these visitations, the Rev. T. Rees tells us, about ten thousand members were added to them, in parts of four counties of South Wales. The present number of the Welsh Congregational churches, including eighteen in England, is, he states, 740, and of the ministers and preachers 612. The communicants are about 75,000; and the regular attendants, who are not church members, are estimated at about 130,000. Upon the whole, your denomination is the strongest and most flourishing in Wales. The chapels of the Calvinistic Methodists exceed yours by above one hundred, but your ministers and preachers outnumber theirs by nearly a hundred, and your communicants are fourteen or fifteen thousand more.

This is truly cheering; but, brethren, while you have a history, you have also a mission, and a glorious one. You are "witnesses" there as everywhere for much-neglected, yet all-important truth. You are debtors to your brethren of the Established Church, to the Calvinistic Methodists, and all others. You possess great principles which all require to have constantly kept before them. That you may do this, you must hold them yourselves with a strong and

steady grasp. They are vital. Yourselves getting nearer and nearer to the Divine pattern in spirit, mind, and polity, you will operate on all around you with increasing energy and success.

Fathers, brethren, and friends, in conclusion, if you continue valiant for the truth, if you follow on to know the Lord, and prove the power of prayer to the uttermost, a glorious future awaits you. You may realise and enjoy heights and depths of the love of God to which you and all of us are yet strangers. The united church of the Principality, as composed of all who love the Lord and keep His way, may become the spiritual Goshen of Europe. You may burn with the fervours of charity, and shine in the beauties of holiness to an extent that may render you the admiration, the joy, and the hope of the whole earth. You are happily, to a large extent, exempted from the sorest evils which in other countries obstruct the Gospel. The language of the prophet is largely fulfilled in your case-"Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together!" The honour thus placed within your grasp is such as was never offered to any people in Europe. You will know how to rise to the level of your privileges, that you may fulfil the behests of your Master, and thereby prove a blessing to England, to Europe, and to the whole earth!

SIR,-In the pretty little town of Southportwhich contains about 8,000 inhabitants, of which I have the honour to be one-there has for some years past been existing a beautiful union among the Christians of different denominations there located; a union which has evinced itself to be genuine by its fruits of Christian concord, fellowship, and sympathy; and it is to these Christian graces, as shown in this town, that I wish to draw the attention of your readers, in the hope that ere long, through their endeavours, many towns may present the same Christian concord.

The town itself has two places of worship belonging to the Established Church, one belonging to the Congregationalists, and another to the Wesleyans, besides one or two others belonging to bodies not so numerous. Among the first three-named, there exists the Bible

UNITY.

politeness which enjoins them to "be kindly affectioned one to another, in honour preferring one another;" and so much is this carried out, that should the usual week-night service of one clash in time of holding with the anniversary missionary service of the other, such week-night service is dispensed with; and the pastor of that congregation will announce the fact from his pulpit on the previous Sabbath, together with the statement of the anniversary missionary meeting of the other denomination. Thus, at the last Annual Meeting of the London Missionary Society, 'held in the Congregational Chapel, the claims of that Society were advocated from the platform by Episcopalian, Wesleyan, and Independent ministers of the town; and the same is done when either the Wesleyans, or Churchmen, hold their missionary anniversary.

It is partially owing to this co-operation and reciprocal fellowship, that I think may be attributed the liberal contributions which this town sends up to the different missionary Societies, contributions so large, that when the number of inhabitants is taken into consideration, there are not many, if any, towns in the United Kingdom whose contributions equal them. Take, for instance, the support given to the three principal Missionary Societies. The Churchmen last year forwarded to their Missionary Society, £279 7s. 101d.; the Independents to the London Missionary Society, £142 14s. 1d.; and the Wesleyans (including a donation of £100), £222 11s. 2d.; thus we have £644 13s. 1d. from this little town for these three Societies alone; besides several hundred pounds more, annually contributed by this town, to British missions, Colonial missions, missions to the Jews, Irish missions, Patagonian Missionary Society, British and Foreign Bible Society, and other kindred Societies.

But, still further, we have the same hearty co-operation at the revival prayer meetings, which are held in the town-hall. You see Churchmen, Wesleyan, and Independent, each represented on the platform by their respective ministers, and each importuning at the Throne of Grace for the same blessing.

But, beside all this, there is also shown Christian sympathy of the warmest kind, and that between Churchmen and Dissenters. Of this there was a beautiful specimen the other week, which I will just mention, though it has not been publicly acknowledged. A few Sunday evenings back, whilst the minister was officiating at the Congregational Chapel, a burglar entered his residence, which had been left without an occupant, and from it took some jewellery; but the quantity taken was not of great value. This circumstance brought into action the Christian sympathy of a fellowlabourer in the vineyard of Christ,-an Incumbent in the Established Church,-who waited upon a few wealthy members of his congregation, and he and they made up a sum of £50, and gave it privately to the brother Dissenter whose house had been robbed, as a sympathetic proof of their esteem.

Thus are these different sections of the church of Christ dwelling in unity, "and provoking one another to good works," and at the same time showing to worldlings that, though differing as to minor points, still they are one in heart, and love each other as brethren in Christ Jesus. Yes, the power that has thus fused them together is love deep love in the heart of each to the same Saviour has begotten in each heart love to one another. "Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." I am, Sir, Yours faithfully,

Southport, Oct. 8, 1859.

J. W.

AID ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILY OF POOR MINISTERS.

SIR,-As your mind and pen have for many years been so laboriously and successfully employed for the benefit of Evangelical minis

'ters, I am induced to believe you will welcome a suggestion which may in any degree promote the furtherance of that object.

I am desirous of bringing before the public notice, through the columns of your widely circulated and useful periodical-which I trust some rich Christian men in this country may be disposed to avail themselves of-a means of relieving the distress of many a poor but excellent minister, whose income being barely sufficient to support his family during his life, has his mind often disturbed respecting the future condition of his family when he is removed by death. It is, that a sum of money be set apart for the purpose of Insuring the Lives of worthy ministers whose incomes are small; such sum to be placed in the hands of a sub-committee, appointed from among the Directors of the Missionary Society, or some body of men, in whom the donor has confidence. If only a £100 interest could be realised for this purpose, as the annual premiums are so small for the sums insured, several truly excellent and devoted men, who are doing a good work among a poor people, might have a weight of anxiety removed from their minds all their lives.

I will not venture more upon the subject at present, but only ask, if it commends itself to your judgment, that you will kindly give it a place in your valuable work, or lend it the support of your pen.

I am, yours, &c.,

Cheshunt, Oct. 11, 1859.

JOSHUA DUKES.

BURY ST. EDMUND'S.-The blessing which God is giving to many at this time, in answer to fervent prayer, is proving, as we think, a peculiar encouragement to those who desire yet greater things. In this town a series of morning and evening prayer-meetings has been held for more than eight weeks; the morning services commencing at six o'clock, and those of the evening at eight. In this movement the several denominations of evangelical Dissenters have been cordially united; and the meetings have been held for a week at a time in their different places of worship, viz., the Baptist Chapel, Garland-street; the Independent Chapel, Whiting-street; the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Garland-street; the Wesleyan Chapel, St. Mary's-square; and the Independent Chapel, Northgate-street;-the same order being resumed for a second time. These meetings have been attended throughout most encouragingly, and although there have not been witnessed such results as have been in many places, it is evident that the blessing of God attends the movement,-a more fervent tone of prayerfulness prevails, and the union of heart amongst those who have thus met together has been most gratifying.

As a result, a very thrilling service was

held in Whiting-street Chapel on the 29th ultimo, when the ministers, the office-bearers, and many of the members of all the several communities met at the table of their common Lord, to commemorate His dying love. At this service, which was held in the evening, the body of the chapel was filled with communicants, and the galleries were filled also with attentive spectators. The Rev. A. Tyler, minister of the place, presided, and opened the service with prayer and a short address. Before the distribution of the bread, the Rev. C. Elven (Baptist) addressed the communicants on Christian Union. " Before the distribution of the wine, the Rev. W. Bealby (Independent) addressed the members on "Christian Effort and Individual Responsibility." The

Rev. G. Dawson (Primitive Methodist) then spoke to the spectators generally, and the Rev. G. Parsonson (Wesleyan) addressed the young. In the course of the service several verses were sung, and prayers were offered by the different ministers. The evening was one of peculiar solemnity and enjoyment, and long to be remembered for the hallowed pleasure excited.

The daily prayer-meetings are still held; a weekly meeting has also been commenced in connexion with the Established Church; and it is much hoped that all will yet meet on common ground, to seek thus unitedly the one important object. A. T.

October 12, 1859.

REVIVAL OF RELIGION.

THE interest of this subject is constantly on the increase in Ireland, Scotland, and England. The intelligence from all parts is most cheering. As it is of great moment to keep in view principles amid the excitements of the day and the scene, we have in the present Number given insertion to two addresses of special importance, which will amply repay the most deliberate and devout perusal.

REV. J. A. JAMES.

OUR friends, every where, have already learned the sorrowful intelligence of the death of the venerable J. A. James, of which an account will be found in another column. The event has awakened the most extensive concern throughout the country; no man in the Congregational Body was ever more beloved, revered, and admired; no man of any Body, perhaps, ever left behind him such a multitude of affectionate friends in all bodies. He was alike respected in every section of the Church of Christ. As he sowed he has reaped; his charity was comprehensive of the whole Family of God, and every member of that Family feels that he has lost a friend and a brother, a teacher and a pattern. All unite to extol his worth, deplore his loss, and honour his memory. His usefulness, both through his pulpit and his press labours, was exceeded by no man of his time, and equalled by very few. His name will long be fragrant among the churches of the British Empire. Generations yet unborn will glorify God in the Minister of Carr's Lane.

SOCIAL SCIENCE CONFERENCE. THE great home event of the month is the late meeting of this organization at Bradford. The subjects discussed were both numerous and important. We hope to be able to present some sort of digest of the moral and social papers next month.

It is worthy of notice, that two of the greatest Engineers of the present day, Messrs. Brunel and Stephenson, have died within a brief space of each other. The former built the Great Eastern, and both were on board the vessel at the time she left the River. Both these eminent men were in their full prime of intellectual manhood, and their unexpected removal is a great public loss.

FOREIGN LANDS.

NOTHING very material has occurred in the course of the month. The friends of the Gospel are not idle in Italy. While the portentous calm continues, they are every where sowing broadcast the seed of the Kingdom.

The condition of the Pope is very peculiar. His temporal power is in danger; although he retains Rome for the present, he has lost the Legations, that is, the bulk of his subjects and territory. The French Emperor announces the early withdrawment of the French army, and then will come the hour of peril to the "Man of Sin." For ten long years it has kept him on his throne; the moment it retires, there must either be reform or revolution! There seems reason to hope that the end draws nigh.

Religion continues to spread in Sweden and other places in the North of Europe. Reform

and liberty advance in Russia, and the prospects of Evangelism in that Empire continue to brighten.

Things remain exceedingly unsatisfactory in Turkey. It is becoming daily more doubtful whether the endeavours of the Western Powers to save the Empire will not be a failure. It appears doomed to destruction; it seems as if nothing can save it.

Affairs in China remain much the same. The allied squadrons have blockaded the Peiho, and await reinforcements. A large number of the disbanded troops of India have taken the bounty, and gone to China, a circumstance very favourable to England. The work of Chinese Missions has of course received a shock in the meantime. Their friends have only to wait and pray, however, till the Master shall have set all right. Let them take heart, and have patience.

The Colony of the Cape has been much distressed by the recall of Sir G. Grey by the late Government; the Colonists, as one man, remonstrated, and petitioned the present Government for his restoration, as he is the best Governor they ever had. Their petition has been granted, and Sir George returns. This is a very propitious event for the Missions of South Africa.

Things in India are not quite tranquil, but there is no ground for any serious apprehension. Lord Clyde is about to return. The great question now, is one of Revenue; and Mr. J. Wilson, a man of large experience in matters of finance, is just setting out to superintend the affairs of the Government.

From Australia, Canada, and the United States there is no intelligence of a religious character worth notice.

Local Matters.-Our friend the Rev. must not be offended, but really, we cannot publish the account of his tea-meeting. There is nothing in it of the slightest public interest, and that is the principle which must govern us. Why should all the world be told of "bad weather"-" the decorations of the room" -"comfortable tea"-a "hymn composed for the occasion"-"an old debt removed"-and "thanks to the chairman," &c.? Such things throw a littleness over Dissent, and excite the ridicule of judicious men. We notice this case only as a type of numbers that are constantly being sent to us from obscure places and small churches, we never have any from the large churches and the large towns; in London it is never dreamt of,-which, however reluctant to give pain, we feel in duty bound to reject. We have often, from false tenderness,

complied when we ought to have declined. The thing is a mere waste of type and paper. If proper in one it is proper in all cases, great and small, in town and country, and then we should have at least a hundred every month!

Received from H. T., for the Aged Ministers' Fund, 10s.

R. K. has no right to complain of the nonappearance of intelligence which was never sent! The affair is his, not ours; and if men will neglect their own business we cannot help it. It is enough that we insert what comes, without going elsewhere in search.

Essays on the Diaconate.-The matter will remain open till the 10th of November, and the best Essay will appear next month.

Articles, &c.-All writers have our cordial thanks. Much matter stands over till our next issue.

THE Annual Report of the RegistrarGeneral contains in its appendix a valuable paper from the prolific pen of Dr. William Farr, on "The Causes of Death in England" (in the year 1857.) In conformity with the Act of Parliament, the causes of death were specified in 414,835 instances, more or less correctly, more or less distinctly,—in 4,980

cases no cause was assigned. The mortality of 1856 was unusually low; the slight increase of deaths noticeable in 1857 was chiefly due to diarrhœa and to bronchitis, induced probably by influenza. The temperature of 1857 was distinguished by a general elevation at all the stations. The heat (of this year) was intense in June, and the 26th of

that month (a well-remembered Sunday in London) was the hottest day observed since 1846. August was the hottest month on record. The air over London, and probably over other parts, was unusually stagnant; it passed over Greenwich at the rate of three and onethird miles per hour only-the average of preceding years having been four and a half miles. The wind is a most important sanatory element; it brings and carries away the organic elements which are the seeds (sometimes) of zymodic (epidemic, endemic, and contagious) diseases. Heat and stagnant air are both favourable to the development and prevalence of the diarrhoeas, which were unusually fatal, and tend, perhaps, to diffuse, if not to develop, the new variety of disease, often erroneously called "sore throat," "croup," and "scarletina," but now better known as diphtheria.

As regards the causes of the deaths, it is found that 90,414 persons died of zymotic diseases, in the ratio of 22 in every 100.

Nearly 4,000 patients succumbed to smallpox-an alarming increase of no less than 1,659 upon the deaths of the preceding year. Whooping-cough destroyed its 10,138 children. Of all infantile zymotic diseases, except one, scarletina was the most fatal; to it 13,831 persons succumbed. The mortality from croup exceeded the normal average. 53 males and 35 females actually died of that peculiar affection of the parotid glands commonly called "mumps." Diarrhoea was fatal to 21,189 persons, dysentery to 1,698, and cholera to 1,159. The deaths from diarrhoea were more numerous than the deaths from that disease in 1854, when the cholera was epidemic. The influence of a high temperature in producing this disease is evident; not less so its influence in accelerating the decomposition of organic matter. Of 1,576 deaths ranged under erysipelas, 69 died of phlebitis, 1 of "hospital" gangrene, 2 of necusia (dissection wound), 3 of glanders, 13 of erythema, one (italicized by Dr. Farr) of irritation from a blister, and 9 from porrigo, leaving 1,478 fatal cases of erysipelas proper, supervening in many cases under unfavourable sanatory conditions, or wounds and injuries. Typhus, or typhoid fever (typhia), and relapsing fever (typhinia), are not accurately distinguished in the returns: 18,249, in the aggregate, died of these fevers. 66 Only three persons," writes

Dr. Farr (but three too many) "died of hydrophobia in all England, against 5 in 1856, 14 in 1855, and as many as 25 in some of the previous years."

84,458 deaths were caused by "constitutional" diseases,-at the rate of 20 in 100, or 1 in 5. 65,762 of these deaths were from tubercula diseases, and 18,696 from diseases" of uncertain and variable seat." The mortality from consumption was rather less than in 1853 and 1855.

The human frame is so constructed that certain topical affections or diseases of parts are fatal. 158,899 deaths were from " "local" diseases (52,103 from cerebral, 14,784 from cardiac, &c., 58,320 from pulmonary, 23,532 from alvine or gastric, and 3,072 from diseases of the generative organs). Nephria (Bright's disease) is killing double the number of patients as compared with the rate of seven years ago. Diseases of the skin and the integumentary system are less common now than in the "dark" or dirty ages, when England was covered with lazar-houses for filthy lepers. Soap and water, however, are still strangers, or anything but familiar friends, to "the people" at large; the result being, not only local affections of the skin, but the induction of some forms of zymotic disease, from the reabsorption of its very complex and various excretions. These, of course, act as direct poisons to the circulating mass, like the analogous saline ingredients of the renal excretions, when the kidneys fail (as occasionally) to perform their eliminant functions. Farr gives a broad hint that washing the face and hands even 66 more than once a day," is not quite enough; the skin is co-extensive with an immense superficial area, and the use of the shower-bath, with warm, tepid, or cold water, is delicately but pointedly suggested.

Dr.

1,035 persons, chiefly children, died from diseases of growth. 26,847 deaths, or 65 in every 1,000, were referred to the incurable disease-if disease it be called "old age."

Not

15,027 were "violent" deaths. that the action of all their causes is attended with positive violence, but it is fatal when it attains a certain degree of intensity. Thus, intemperance acts as a slow poison, and the deaths from drunkenness and delirium tremens together exceed in number the deaths from all other poisons. But it is diffi