STATISTICS.

A series of papers on educational statistics has been prepared and approved by the Board. They embrace, General inquiries-Congregational day-schools-Congregational Sunday-schools- Congregational infant-schools-Evening classes-British and Foreign schools—National-schools-Sunday-schools belonging to other denominations-Infant-schools of other denominations-Endowed, grammar, and other general day-schools-Boarding-schools for boys-and for girls-and dame-schools. They will be printed at the earliest convenience, and forwarded to every Congregational minister in the kingdom, and if carefully and faithfully filled up, will disclose facts on the subject of education of the most extraordinary character.

MEETING OF THE SUPPORTERS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL MAGAZINE. THE Rev. George Smith, of Trinity Chapel, Poplar, very kindly convened a meeting of ministerial brethren interested in the support of this periodical, which was held at the Congregational Rooms, on Friday, December 6th, 1844, when the Rev. James Matheson, D.D. was called to the chair. Of this meeting the Editor knew nothing, till he received a circular inviting his attendance, and was much encouraged by the presence, counsels, and co-operation of so many highly-esteemed friends. The following resolutions were proposed and adopted, and we insert them as a gratifying record of the opinions which are entertained respecting the character of our humble labours.

On the motion of the REV. ALGERNON WELLS, Secretary of the Congregational Union, Seconded by the REV. J. J. FREEMAN, Secretary of the London Missionary Society,

I. That, without designing in any degree to reflect on other existing or forthcoming Periodicals advocating the principles of Evangelical Nonconformity, this Meeting expresses with pleasure, its deliberate and unbiased conviction, that the CONGREGATIONAL MAGAZINE is a work of the greatest general worth, and is the most authentic and complete existing repository of the facts which have transpired in connexion › with the history of our denomination, during the last quarter of a century; that it is especially adapted to the present times, and entitled, by its Christian temper, its varied learning, and its decided advocacy of our denominational principles, to the increasing confidence and support of the Congregational Churches in Great Britain and in the Colonies.

On the motion of the REV. JOHN STOUGHTON, of Kensington,
Seconded by the REV. JOHN WOODWARK, of Tonbridge Chapel,

II. That this Meeting cheerfully records its opinion, that the CONGREGATIONAL MAGAZINE has, during the years of its existence, rendered essential service to the sacred cause of religious freedom, by repelling attempts which have been made on the Christian liberties of Nonconformists, by a consistent resistance to church rates, and to other practical grievances, and by its decided opposition to church extension and exclusive education at the national expense; and that by its able advocacy it assisted to secure the abolition of the Test and Corporation Acts, and to effect the enactment of a general registration of births and deaths, independent of ecclesiastical services; while all persons who have laboured for the attainment of these and kindred objects are much indebted to the statistical facts and calculations published from time to time in that journal, and that it has thereby laid the entire dissenting community under obligation, and entitled itself to the grateful support of the churches of our faith and order.

On the motion of the REV. THOMAS JAMES, Secretary of the Irish Evangelical Society, Seconded by the REV. SAMUEL RANSOM, Classical Tutor of Hackney Academy,

III. That while this Magazine has never received the full amount of support which it has deserved, the recent extension of our periodical literature has interfered with its circulation, and rendered an appeal on its behalf indispensable, in order to secure its efficient and lengthened continuance; and that this Meeting would earnestly entreat the Pastors and Deacons of our churches to render an act of tardy justice to this the earliest organ of our denomination, by recommending it, either from the pulpit during the present month, or at their next church meetings, and by adopting such other means as may appear suitable for extending its circulation, especially amongst the thoughtful and more educated portions of the congregations. On the motion of the REV. JOHN HUNT, Secretary of the Protestant Union, Seconded by the REV. EDWARD MANNERING, of Holywell Mount Chapel,

IV. That this Meeting, satisfied with the manner in which this Periodical has been conducted, derives additional pleasure from the conviction, that arrangements are made by its gifted and laborious Editor, with a view to its decided improvement, and especially for adapting it more thoroughly to the wants and wishes of pious individuals, and of Christian families; and indulges the confident hope, that he will be generously sustained by the churches, in his endeavours to advocate Congregational interests in connexion with the extension of evangelical godliness, amongst Christians of every community throughout the land.

On the motion of the REV. JAMES CARLILE, of Hackney,
Seconded by the REV. J. C. HARRISON, of Tottenham,

V. That copies of these Resolutions, signed by the Rev. George Smith, the Convener and Secretary of this Meeting, be forwarded to the Pastors of our churches, and that they be inserted in the Patriot and Nonconformist Newspapers, and in

other Journals.

GEORGE SMITH, Secretary.

ORDINATION.

On Wednesday, October 30th, 1844, the Rev. George Hillyard, student of Airedale College, was solemnly set apart over the church assembling in Ebenezer Chapel, Pocklington, vacant by the lamented death of the late Rev. Thomas Pearson, cut off in the vigour of life and great usefulness.

The services of the day were of no ordinary kind; Rev. G. Schofield, of Malton, introduced by reading suitable portions of Scripture and prayer. Rev. T. Stratten, of Hull, described the constitution of a Christian church, and asked of the young minister the usual questions, which were answered in a manner highly satisfactory. The Rev. Walter Scott, president of Airedale College, offered the ordination prayer. The Rev. John Ely, of Leeds, gave the charge to the minister. And in the evening the Rev. James Parsons, of York, preached to the people.

Dinner was provided for ministers and friends from a distance in the vestry of the chapel, and a public tea was held in the Odd Fellows' Hall, at which upwards of three hundred sat down. Addresses were given by the Rev. Messrs. Ely, Stratten, Bruce, Birch, and others. It was the dying prayer of Mr. Pearson, that God would guide the church in the choice of his successor; which prayer they feel is more than answered in Mr. Hillyard.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

VOLUNTARYISM IN SWITZERLAND.

THE following are the declarations and resolutions agreed upon at a meeting of Christians, members of different evangelical churches, held at the city of Lausanne, on the 4th of December, 1844, in order to concert means for realising in French Switzerland* the voluntary church system, or that of the reciprocal independence of the church and state.

"I. They avow their determination to act only in conformity to the word of God. Consequently, in order to render to Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's, they acknowledge it their duty to obey the magistrate in everything that is not contrary to the word of God; and, for the obtaining of the special object proposed by them, they will employ no means but such as are conformable to that word. And, for rendering to God the things which are God's, they regard themselves bound to work with all their might for the advancement of his kingdom, by which they mean the triumphs of the doctrinal truths of revelation, and the purification of worship, discipline, and morals. This is the distinct and sole object of their association.

"II. They believe that God forbids equally the church and the state, under any pretence whatsoever, to interfere as church or state, in the concerns of each other. "III. One of the especial characteristics of the Scriptures, in their view is, that acts professing to be religious are not acceptable to God unless they flow from the free choice of the mind.

"IV. They esteem it to be at once the duty and the invaluable privilege of Christian churches to be governed by and within themselves, solely according to the word of God, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and the supreme authority of Jesus Christ, the only Head of the church.

"This meeting consisted of persons from different cantons, and belonging to different religious denominations. It adjourned to the 5th of March next. If it be asked, What has been the effect of this first meeting? we answer, that the doctrine of the reciprocal independence of the church and the state, thus avowed by a body of honourable men, is brought into a decisive and practical form, an incorporation; that it is no longer a theory; that it is, in the eyes of its adherents, a common fact, whose actual establishment it is our duty to accelerate by all the righteous means in our power. This is the sum of the manifestation. The convictions and professions of individuals which preceded it, have received from it a confirmation, at once their effect and their reward. For sustaining any great principle, there must ever be both the insulated mental action, which consists especially in the investigation of the questions, and the collective practical efforts which are necessary for the application of the truths discovered. Upon the principle of the separation of state and church there has been no want, in French Switzerland, of the former of these requisites; † and now we may hope that the latter also, the practice, will no more be wanting."-Semeur, December 11, 1844.

BRIEF NOTES ON PASSING EVENTS.

"By the good hand of our God upon us," we are brought to the commencement of the year of grace 1845! Who can foretel the events of its successive months? Who shall live to see its close?

*The cantons of Geneva, the Naud, Neuchatel, and portions of Berne, Bâle, Soleure, Fribourg, and the Valais. They contain nearly half-a-million of the population of Switzerland; that is, about one-fifth.

+ Referring to M. Vinet's work, and other publications.-Ed. Con. Mag.

For four centuries the year '45 has been marked by rare events in the history of mankind.

A.D. 1445 witnessed the art of printing just struggling into life. "The Press, that villanous engine, invented much about the same time with the Reformation, that hath done more mischief to the discipline of the church, than all the doctrine can make amends for. 'Twas a happy time when all learning was in manuscript, and some little officer did keep the keys of the library; when the clergy needed no more knowledge than to read the liturgy, and the laity no more clerkship than to save them from hanging. But now, since printing came into this world, such is the mischief, that a man cannot write a book but presently he is answered! There have been ways found out to banish ministers, to fine not only the people, but even the grounds and fields where they assembled in conventicles: but no art yet could prevent these seditious meetings of letters. Two or three brawny fellows in a corner with mere ink and elbow-grease, do more harm than a hundred systematical divines with their sweaty preaching. O Printing! how hast thou disturbed the peace of mankind! that lead, when moulded into bullets, is not so mortal as when founded into letters!" In this fine strain of irony did Andrew Marvel treat the inestimable worth of this great invention.

A.D. 1545 saw Pope Paul III. open the Council of Trent, "in order to condemn new errors that were broached against the faith," &c.; or, in other words, to suppress and anathematise those opinions which Reformers had derived from the word of God, and which the press had multiplied and diffused throughout Europe.

A.D. 1645, found England the scene of an awful conflict,-not the struggle of the pen only, but of the sword. Princely and prelatical prerogatives had been enforced with iron despotism, and popular rights and Christian liberty were triumphantly won at "the cannon's mouth." In that year the superstitious, hoary-headed primate, William Laud, perished on the scaffold, and the best blood and treasure of the Royalists were lost at the fight on Naseby field.

A.D. 1745, beheld our country resist, for the last time, the claims of the exiled Stuarts, and their popish adherents. All the realm rose against the Pretender, not so much in support of their German sovereign, as of those principles of which he was at once the personification and the protector.

And what events will the year of the Lord 1845 disclose?

It is not for us "to know the times and the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power;" but if anything of the future may be anticipated from the aspect and complication of passing events, we are safe in predicting that all the elements for good and evil that we have seen struggling for ascendency during four successive centennial cycles, will during the present year be again in motion. In France and Switzerland, in Germany and Britain, ay in Italy herself, these elements are in fact already in action, and the up-heaving soil threatens successive earthquakes that will prostrate every edifice, and unroot every tree that the Divine Builder has not reared, and that the Heavenly Husbandman has not planted; for it is the infallible testimony of "the faithful and true Witness"-" Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up."

The American Mail has arrived just as we are going to press, and we have therefore only time to record that the news from MEXICO threatens the recurrence of war and violence, and indicates that the utmost forbearance will be necessary amongst the statesmen of the leading powers to prevent collision and conflict.

In Europe, we trust that the dangers of international war are lessened, for the speech of the king of the French, on the opening of the Chambers, breathes a spirit alike favourable to the prosperity of FRANCE, and the repose of surrounding nations. It is said, that in PRUSSIA, there are such decided indications of dissatisfaction amongst the people, that Frederick William has resolved to redeem the pledge of his royal father, and to give to his country a constitution favourable to popular rights.

Events occurring in the BRITISH ISLES are however those to which we should give "more earnest heed," especially at the present time, as there are combinations of circumstances that demand our vigilant, prayerful attention. The rubrical controversy, aided as it has been, by the new position taken by "the leading journal," has aroused the people to a respectful but firm resistance to the commands of their bishops in three dioceses, and has excited in the Corporation of London itself, amongst both of Whigs and Tories, such hostility as may lead even his lordship of London "to walk softly." Scripturally right, but ecclesiastically wrong, the laity must either appeal to the New Testament against the usurpations of those who 'lord it over God's heritage," or again yield their necks to the episcopal yoke; and the conduct of the Bishop of Exeter proves that after all the solemn protestations of duty and conscience in the imposition of the surplice, and other rubrical follies, he and his brethren are prepared to relieve its pressure, now that the people show symptoms of determined resistance. Certainly it would be an inconvenient result, were the people to learn that there can be "a Church Without a Prelate."

In the University of Oxford an overture is to be made in the convocation, which will meet next month, to make subscription to the Thirty nine-Articles more specific, with a view to shut out Dr. Pusey and his adherents. This will bring both parties into open conflict; and the discussion must serve the cause of truth and liberty whatever be the decision.

In IRELAND, "The Charitable Bequests Bill" has occasioned a dangerous squabble amongst the popish bishops and clergy. Fourteen prelates, twelve hundred priests, and many of the people, have protested against this measure, and yet the Royal Gazette has announced the appointment of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests-five Roman Catholics, four Episcopalians, and one Presbyterian. Of the Roman Catholic members, there are two archbishops and one bishop-Dr. Crolly, of Armagh, Dr. Murray, of Dublin, and Dr. Denvor, of Down and Connor. No such persons as Irish Roman Catholic bishops were known to the laws of Ireland till now. And who are the Episcopalian members of the Board? Dr. Beresford, Archbishop of Armagh ! and Dr. Whately, Archbishop of Dublin ! So that now the State recognises two archbishops in Dublin, and two in Armagh! Cyprian, speaking of Novatian, who had got himself consecrated Bishop of Rome in opposition to Cornelius, says, that "There ought to be but one bishop in a church at a time, and one judge as the vicegerent of Christ. Therefore Novatian was no bishop, since there could not be a second after the first; but he was an adulterer, and a foreigner, and an ambitious usurper of another man's church, who had been regularly ordained before him." We leave "the most reverend archbishops "the joint Commissioners, to determine to which of them these pretty names belong, for, on episcopal principles, they must stick somewhere. But though we smile at these follies, yet let Protestants be vigilant. It is plain that, though McHale thunders and O'Connell declaims, "the Castle" has charms for Popish as well as Protestant bishops, and that Popery will be established in Ireland, and the empire cursed with the monstrous birth of ecclesiastical twins, bound together like the Siamese boys, but without their sympathy, save for the ligament of State favour, which makes them one. Nothing, we fear, will avert this but the most strenuous opposition; and we therefore open the new year with the same exhortation that closed the old :—Union! union! amongst all those who would escape the plagues and woes of Babylon, and who would avert an act of national apostacy.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The Editor regrets that he has been compelled to defer several important articles, but hopes to insert them in the next. He would also express his thanks to those friends who have encouraged him by promises of their literary contributions and kind influence, to extend the circulation of this periodical.

Cursory Notices of New Publications will be resumed in our next.