in fact, the only thoroughly educated man now occupying the European thrones. He has mixed with all classes, and had experience of every condition, from the depths of poverty upwards, to the treasury of Empire! He is, moreover, a pupil of the best school on earth-of England. He knows her language, her people, their spirit, institutions, peculiarities, and everything essential to be known in order to a thorough appreciation of the British Empire. For purposes of government; this knowledge will be constantly availing, and increasingly important. This visit of our Queen suggests a multitude of thoughts to the Christian observer, for which, at present, we have not room; but, should circumstances permit, we may return to it next month.

Among the sects, the only thing of importance is the Methodist Conference. The amount of business as usual done by that body, was great; but altogether an air of sadness pervaded, or ought to have pervaded, its proceedings. The whole of the system, once so powerful, seems now to be pervaded by a species of paralysis, from which it is but slowly recovering; it remains, indeed, to be seen whether it is to recover at all, or whether the decline will not go on in spite of all human endeavours to arrest it. Methodism is no longer reporting an annual increase to its numbers of 10,000, 20,000, or 30,000; decrease, for years back, and still, is the order of the day. Notwithstanding the perfection and power of its pecuniary machinery, it is even crippled for funds; so much is this the case, that for a number of years there has been no addition to its Ministry. All that has been aimed at, or accomplished, has been to supply the vacancies, amounting to about forty annually, occurring through deaths and other causes. The spirit which pervaded the Conference was one of anxiety to bring about a better state of things, and a determination to leave no means unemployed so to do.

Some important changes-removals, resignations, and settlements-have taken place amongst our Ministers. The Rev. John Glanville exchanges Kingswood for Wotton-underedge. Having given to Kingswood nearly twenty years of vigorous labour, and achieved great things for that ancient community, called into existence by the sanctified eloquence of the seraphic Whitfield, he considers that his work is done there; and that, upon the whole, it may conduce more to the general interests of the Gospel, that he should start afresh in

the commanding sphere of Wotton-underEdge. The Rev. J. Jukes has left London for Plymouth; the Rev. Messrs. Feaston, Evans, and Hartland, it will be seen, have also removed.

Nothing of importance has occurred in the field of Foreign Missions, where the work of evangelization is going steadily and quietly forward. The intelligence, generally, is pleasing; and so far satisfactory, although there is a longing desire for more of Divine power to attend the ministrations of our Missions abroad, as well as our Ministry at home.

In the British Colonies all is peace and progress. The last accounts from New South Wales, Victoria, and the other Colonies, are fraught with cheering intelligence of the temporal prosperity of the people, and the spiritual activity of the churches. From Canada, the intelligence is highly gratifying; the resources of that colony, destined to be a great nation, are being rapidly developed. There are indications also of an increased emigration thither; and the more the better, for there is no region of the earth to which the English emigrant can go with greater hope of improving his condition, and realizing the ends for which he has exchanged one land for another. We know many who have gone thither, and, without exception, they are all doing well.

In the United States, religion appears to be on the advance. The Gospel there has been accustomed, from the first, to spread by outbursts called "Revivals." Of these a number have occurred of considerable power, which are believed to have been attended with much conversion. The churches also are full of solicitude about the Colleges, for which prayer is being constantly made, to an extent never hitherto exemplified. Piety appears to be spreading in those institutions; and altogether, the religious aspect of the land is full of promise, while its secular resources are being continually developed on á scale still greater and greater. The rail is working marvels by reducing its stupendous dimensions to more manageable limits, and thus expediting the intercourse of the most distant regions, and bringing the harvest products to suitable markets. No country more required the rail than America, or has more rapidly and abundantly benefited by it.

We must not close without observing that the Anti-Slavery spirit is manifesting daily increased vigour. During no summer of

past years has more progress been made in sowing the seed of justice and humanity retative to the slave. The Maine Law question continues to agitate almost every part of the Union, sometimes advancing, and some

times driven backwards. The ultimate fate of this extraordinary movement it is impossible to predict; but in the meanwhile the agitation has been attended with unspeakable good,

AUTUMNAL MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

OUR provincial readers are already aware that it has been determined this year to hold the Meetings of the Congregational Union in London. This is a new and an important step in the history of the organization, and there is every ground to anticipate from it the happiest results. It is, to be sure, an experiment; and in all such cases, allowances are to be made for inadvertence and oversights, easily observed after the event, but not so easily descried beforehand. Al. lowing for these-an allowance, however, which will probably not be necessary-there is every reason to anticipate such a series of Meetings as has nowhere yet been held. Nothing will be left undone by the Committee which its officers can accomplish; and we are sure nothing will be wanting on the part of the Metropolitan churches to enable them to carry out their plans with the fullest effect. The Milton Hall, we regret to say, will not be ready. Had it been otherwise, the junction of the Club House and the Hall would have presented one of the most commodious and symmetrical arrangements for the Meetings that can well be conceived. As it is, however, the Club House will be available for the accommodation of the friends of the Union. Great efforts have been made to secure this; and we are happy to announce that it will be opened some weeks previous to the Autumnal gathering. Among the important events of recent years, few are entitled to more distinguished consideration; few reflect more honour on the public spirit, zeal, and intelligence of their authors, than this does on Mr. Bateman and his Friends.

Thus much by way of a premonitory note; particulars will, of course, appear from the proper authority in our next Number.

ORDINATIONS.

Redbourn, near St. Albans, Herts.-On Tuesday, July 31, the Rev. John Cooke Westbrook, grandson of the late Rev. John Cooke, of Maidenhead, Berks, was publicly set apart for the work of the ministry, at the Independent Chapel, in the above place. The Rev.

the

J. M. Charlton, M.A., of Totteridge, delivered the introductory discourse, in which he presented a very lucid and condensed view of the nature of a Christian Church. The Rev. John Harris, of St. Albans, with much feeling, proposed the usual questions to the minister, and delivered ordination prayer. The Rev. William Leask, of London, (Mr. W.'s former pastor,) delivered a charge, founded on the words, "It is required of a steward that a man be faithful," I Cor. iv. 2, and which may be characterised as faithful as it was powerful and edifying to all. In the evening, the Rev. W. Upton, of St. Albans, preached the sermon to the church and congregation, from Heb. xiii. 17, which was a clear and beautiful exposition of the text. The Revs. Messrs. Davies, of Luton; Johnson, of Harpenden; Wake, of Marky ate-street; Rought, (Wesleyan;) Bird, of Hatfield; Wainwright, of Wheathamstead; and Robinson, of Southgate, took part in the services, which were well attended, the chapel and school-room adjoining being crowded both afternoon and evening. The account given by Mr. Westbrook of his religious history, and of the circumstances which, last autumn, led him to Redbourn, was listened to with great interest, and the whole of the services were of the most gratifying character.

Shetley, Swansea.-On Monday and Tuesday, the 2nd and 3rd of July, the Rev. Lewis Davies, of Brecon Independent College (son of the late Rev. D. Davies, of Sardis, Carmarthenshire), was set apart to the pastorate of the Congregational church assembling at Bethel Chapel, Shetley, two miles from Swansea. The first day, at seven o'clock, P.M., the Rev. W. Humphreys, Cadley, introduced the services, and short addresses were delivered by the Revs. D. Evans. Clydach; E. Lewis, Cwmbach; and R. Lewis, Tynycoed. Tuesday morning, at ten o'clock, the Rev. J. Rees, Llansamlet, introduced; the Rev. E. Jacob, of Swansea, delivered the introductory discourse; the usual questions were proposed by the Rev. E. Griffiths of Swansea ; the Rev. J. Evans, Three Crosses, offered the ordination prayer, and the Rev. D. Evans, of Neath, delivered the charge to the young minister. At two, P.M., the Rev. T. Thomas, Glandwr, introduced; and the Revs. W. Jones, Castle-street Chapel, Swansea (English), and J. Daniel, Mynyddbach, preached. At six, P.M., the Rev. Mr. Evans, introduced, and the Rev. E. Jones, of Myddfai, delivered the charge to the church; and the Revs. T. Davies, Horeb, Morriston, and J. Rees, Canaan Chapel, Swansea, addressed the congregation. Mr. Davies enters on his

duties at Shetley, under very encouraging circumstances.

Falcon-square Chapel, Aldersgate-street.— On Monday evening, June 25th, Mr. John Bartlett (late of New College), was ordained to the pastoral office in association with the Rev. James Bennett, D.D., at Falcon-square Chapel, London. The Rev. E. Mannering commenced the service with a short prayer, and then read and prayed. Rev. John Stoughton asked the questions, which referred to Mr. Bartlett's past history and present position, to his views of Christian doctrine and church polity, and to his intentions and prospects in the future; to each of which he gave satisfactory replies. The ordination prayer was offered by the senior pastor, the venerable Dr. Bennett, accompanied by the laying on of the hands of the ministers present. Rev. Dr. Harris, Principal of New College, gave the charge to the newly-ordained minister, taking for his subject," The Idea and Aim of the Christian Ministry."

Downings Congregational Chapel, Sheffield. -This chapel was opened for public worship on Thursday, 12th July, when the Rev. T. Binney preached in the morning, on Titus iii. 5; and the Rev. H. Allon preached in the evening, on Heb. i. 2. On Wednesday, the 18th of July, the Rev. J. B. Paton was publicly ordained to the pastorate of the church worshipping in the above place of worship. The Rev. J. Baldwin Brown, B.A., delivered the introductory discourse; the usual questions were proposed to the deacon and minister by the Rev. J. Hope Muir; the Rev. Professor Barker, of Spring-hill College, offered the ordination prayer; and the Rev. Dr. Brown, of Cheltenham, delivered the charge from 1 Tim. iv. 16. In the evening the Rev. E. Mellor, of Halifax, preached to the people from Micah vi. 8.

Chard, Somerset.-The ordination services in connection with the settlement of the Rev. William Lentham, as pastor of the Independent church in this town, took place on Wednesday, July 11th. The Rev. W. H. Griffiths, B.A., Classical Tutor of the Western College, gave the introductory discourse; the Rev. R. Alliott, LL.D., Theological Tutor of the Western College, delivered the charge, and the Rev. H. Addiscott, of Taunton, preached to the people. The church and congregation here give indications of increased spiritual life, and things generally wear a pleasing and hopeful aspect.

OPENINGS.

Stanningley, near Leeds.-On the 25th of last month, the Congregationalists at Stanningley, opened for Divine worship their new chapel. It is a neat Gothic structure, containing 450 sittings on the ground floor, with arrangements for a western gallery when needed; and the entire cost, ground included, amounts to about the sum of £1,400, most of which has already been secured, and the whole of which present efforts promise to wipe off in a very short time. An object every way so desirable and gratifying could by no means have been obtained by the

friends at Stanningley, but for a liberal grant from the "6 English Congregational Chapel Building Society," and the generous and active assistance of ministers and gentlemen in Leeds, and other neighbouring towns. On the 25th, the Rev. John Stoughton preached twice; and on the Sabbath following, the Revs. W. Hudswell, A. McMillan, and G. W. Conder each occupied the pulpit once; while in the evening a large surplus audience, unable to gain access to the crowded interior, gathered together outside the chapel, and listened to a discourse from the Rev. Thomas Betty, minister of the place. On the 31st, a public tea-meeting was held in the town School-room, over which Edward Baines, Esq., presided. Either on the day of opening, or at the public meeting, the following gentlemen and ministers were present and took part:-John Crossley, Esq., Halifax; R. D. Newman, T. E. Plint, Esqrs., of Leeds; the Revs. J. G. Miall, J. R. Campbell, T. Scales, G. Gladstone, J. H. Morgan, J. Aston, J. B. French, Isaac Lord (Baptist), J. Marsden, B. A., and the brethren who preached, all manifesting their kindly interest in this rising station, than which none in the Riding more needed a house for the worship of God.

Two

Hendon Congregational Chapel.-On July 18th, the above chapel was opened. sermons were preached on the occasion; that in the morning, by the Rev. J. C. Harrison, of Camden Town; that in the evening by the Rev. J. Fleming, of Kentish Town. The Rev. J. Nunn, the Rev. R. Martin, Professor Newth, of New College, and M. A. Garvey, Esq. LL.B., took part in the services. During the interval,about seventy friends met, and partook of a cold collation; after which several addresses were delivered. All present appeared pleased with the beauty of the building, and rejoiced to hear the Gospel, in its simplicity and purity, proclaimed in a locality which has hitherto been so inadequately supplied with the means of grace.

REMOVALS.

Guernsey.-The Rev. J. T. Feaston, while visiting Guernsey, in May last, received an unanimous and earnest invitation to become the pastor of the English Congregationalists in that island. With the expectation that his health will be greatly benefited by the change, he has accepted this unlooked-for invitation, and resigned his connection with the Tabernacle at Wotton-under-Edge. Birdbush, Salisbury, Wilts.-The Rev. D. W. Evans, of Market Drayton, having received and accepted a most cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the above old established interest, entered on his stated labours on the second Sabbath in August.

Brunswick Chapel, Bristol.- The Rev. Edwin J. Hartland, of Warrington, has accepted a unanimous call to the pastoral care of the church and congregation at the above place of worship, as the successor of the Rev. John T. Beighton, and commenced his labours there on the second Sabbath in August.

MARCHING, and fighting are ideas with which the inspired penmen were peculiarly familiar. The life of a Christian

is a combat; but it is a combat of which the child of peace need not be ashamed, for it is against evil, falsehood, and wickedness. Paul designates it as a "good fight." It is to be sustained against iniquity, both within and without. It is not till men be called, by the grace of God, that the conflict, in good earnest, begins-not till they have followed the Lord fully, and confessed him before the sons of men. In Paul's exhortation to Timothy, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on life eternal, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses," it is assumed, that he had received the truth, chosen his side, and was walking in the fear of the Lord. "Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.'

It is faith that first provokes the contest, and faith that ultimately leads to victory. While man remains dead in trespasses and in sins, he moves on in peace; but it is the peace of death! His heart is wholly occupied with the present world; he has nothing to do with any hope, and derives neither pleasure nor pain from the world to come. He moves about in the earth, amid the innumerable wonders of creation, without so much as one thought about the God who made it all. Nothing that he sees excites so much as one spiritual idea in his mind: he is alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in him. His understanding is darkened; he has now no will but the will of the flesh, and his heart being at enmity with God, he sinks into communion with the creature. His whole mind is carnal; his affections are altogether earthly. His pursuits are after temporal things, to the utter exclusion of eternal concerns. His pleasures are wholly the delights of sense; in this state, he lives a mere animal existence, "having no hope, and without God in the world." He is as completely estranged from the Most High as any fallen spirit, entirely opposed to his Creator, and

VOL. XII.

wholly bent on seeking happiness out of God! He has no friendship with him; in fact, no gracious knowledge of him. His earthly and sensual appetites everywhere take the lead, and the wishes of his mind, and the desires of his heart bear exclusively on one point -personal gratification. He walks emphatically by sense, and not by faith. He is like a needle thrown amid a thousand magnets, attracted now by one, and then by another, according to position and vicinity. Every rank, and age, and employment has its peculiar set of magnets; every set succeeds in estranging the souls of men from God. This most awful state of things is common to all mankind. The works of God have everywhere become a substitute for God; and all men have sought pleasure in the creature to the exclusion of the Creator, who is " God over all blessed for ever." It was not for naught, therefore, that the inspired penman wrote: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him, for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." All that is in the world, is the means of feeding some lust; man's evil heart perverts everything to mischief. It grasps at everything, and its view terminates there. It will not look through nature or Providence, up to God. It is not the use of the world that is condemned, but the love of it. In all this, there is no contest. The sinner is moving along with the wind and tide of corruption: the world to come has had nothing to do with the business. The only concern has been about the world that now is; how to command it-how to enjoy it. It is true, happiness has never been found; but it is as true, that the ability of the world to impart that happiness has never been suspected, and it has always been believed, that more of the same thing, or a certain measure of something different, would confer the wished for bliss. The general feeling is, that if happiness be not found in the world, it is to be found nowhere. Thus matters go on till the mercy of God send

2 G

relief, or till the soul is lost in hopeless perdition!

In the case of every convert, faith comes at last, and the object of faith is the Lord Jesus Christ, "who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from the present evil world." He has come to deliver us from the love and the power of that world, which has too long tyrannised over us. Jesus came to conquer our enemies, and among the rest, the world, which, without the Tempter, now that we are fallen, would succeed abundantly in destroying us. Jesus entered into an open war with it, and overcame it in every contest. Power, and fame, and wealth, and pleasure were all presented to his notice, but on the eve of his departure for heaven, he said: "I have overcome the world." He saw everything in its true character. To his holy mind, creation was a Bible. Every part of it revealed the wisdom and the goodness of God. He used the world, but he did not love it; he battled with the things, the men, the rulers of it, and from first to last, with the prince of it," the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." how imposing were his representations! How dreadful his assaults! What a constellation of worldly splendours blazed within him! but all to no purpose. The most determined and deadly attempts of the devil on the mind of Jesus, were only as the attempts of a man to kindle the ocean with a torch! Nothing could move him; he overcame all his foes. He is complete conqueror, and he conquered for his people.

Oh!

In consequence of the Saviour's victory, his people are destined alike to overcome; and all that believe in him shall conquer too. "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?" This is our victory, even our faith. He who has this is in everything a victor, through the Lamb that was slain. The Master is conqueror, and as such, is crowned alreadycrowned in the name and person of all the redeemed. His own battle is ended; but every one of his people must fight the good fight of faith, and 'lay hold of eternal life" for himself, taking up his cross, and following his Saviour. Jesus Christ makes a distinct promise to "him that overcomes," of all the blessedness which even he can impart. The successful fighter is

He

born of God; he is taught of God; he believes whatever God has said. On these points, it is impossible to place too much stress. "Whatever is born of God overcometh the world." He who is so born receives a new nature, which is spiritual and heavenly. He has a taste and a relish for heavenly objects and contemplations. These spiritual senses and faculties are such, that spiritual objects can act upon them, and affect the soul through them. Such men "have tasted that the Lord is gracious," and his very name is now become "a precious ointment to them. They have none in heaven but him; and there is none on earth they desire besides him. engrosses all their affections, and fills their whole soul; he possesses their entire being. They now enjoy spiritual blessings such as were never experienced by "men that have their portion in this life;" all such men are taught by the Spirit of the Lord: the great change which we have mentioned is wrought upon the soul, but it does not consist in making known any truth in the first instance. It is only a susceptibility and capacity for receiving divine instruction-a preparation of the heart for entering the school of the Lord. The process of teaching is still to come. Faith is the instrument

of conquest; but faith can only act upon truth. God's word is truth; truth was the means of Christ's own

victory over the world. The design, the magnitude, the end of this, the children of the Most High are all taught. This teaching is matter of humble boast to all who are the subjects of it. It is the first step, without which there cannot be a second. The doctrine of his victory is the great instrument with which we are to achieve This is the foundation; let the reader, therefore, see that he build upon it.

ours.

In the course of this teaching, the soul is particularly brought to recognise the fact, that Jesus Christ is to him "wisdom." The vanity and emptiness of the world, and its utter inability to make men happy, are now clearly seen. He shows them, that what is highly esteemed amongst men is an abomination with God. He makes known to them, both by word and experience, wherein true blessedness consists. He tells us that in the presence of God is "fulness of joy," and at his right hand are "pleasures for evermore."

He