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the paramount object of their concern; keeping minor and merely political differences in subordination to this great end:

"To unite the Protestants of the empire in a firm and persevering demand, that the national support and encouragement given to Popery of late years should be discontinued. In this demand would be included all endowments of Popery, in every form and of every kind, drawn from the public revenues, the concession of rank and precedence to Romish ecclesiastics, and the allowance of conventual establishments not subject to the inspection and control of the law."

To the importance of these objects all those who have since joined the Alliance have thereby signified their assent. Upon all such persons, therefore, the Committee may reasonably urge the importance of acting out, in the present juncture of national affairs, those principles to which in calmer moments they have signified their full consent.

The Protestant Alliance is a body composed of persons of various political opinions, and holding various and conflicting views on Church matters. The one link which unites all these, is a firm conviction that the object which the Alliance has in view is of far higher importance than any of those topics on which the members differ from each other. Commercial and financial questions arise, endure for a few years, and then pass away. Religious differences among Protestants, urged with warmth for a time, may change their aspect and disappear. But the contest which began at the blessed Reformation still endures, and cannot end until either Rome changes,-which she herself declares to be impossible, or until either Rome or the Reformation is conquered and annihilated.

The Committee know not whether, in the excitement of the present moment, these considerations have been overlooked by some, who, a few months since, acknowledged their weight; but they are aware of the temptations to lose sight of them which arise out of the present crisis. They think it incumbent on them, therefore, to bring these things again before those who, in times past, have admitted their truth and importance. And they cannot too strongly urge upon their friends, in whatever part of the country, and under whatever circumstances, the necessity of adhering, in the moment of political action, to those principles which, in hours of calmer consideration, they have acknowledged to be deservedly paramount.

They might appeal to the conduct of the partisans of Rome, who at this moment, throughout Ireland, are making devotion to the interests of their Church the sole point of inquiry in the case of any candidate for their suffrages. The Committee of the Protestant Alliance will not propose this example as one deserving imitation: but they would call the attention of Protestants to the fact, and would ask, What must be the issue, if, while Romanism is made, on one side, the grand and only point of recommendation, Protestantism, on the other, is allowed to take a lower place than any of the momentary controversies of the day?

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
ROCHESTER.

THE population of Rochester and Chatham, with their respective suburbs, amounts to upwards of forty thousand inhabitants.

Amid this large population there is but one Congregational Chapel, which is situated at Chatham, and in which there is a flourishing church under the care of the Rev. P. Thomson, A.M.

For several years, many of the members of the Chatham Church have wished to see a Congregational cause established in the city of Rochester; for a long period, however, an eligible site for a building could not be obtained, and after this difficulty had been removed, the friends were retarded in their efforts partly from the want of sufficient funds; but chiefly from not having a prospect of a minister calculated to take a proper standing in a cathedral city.

Before the immense importance of this contest, the Protestant Alliance holds that all ordinary political differences ought to give way. Even viewed merely in its lowest aspect, Protestantism is inseparably connected with the prosperity and well-being of the nation. Since Popery was dethroned from its supremacy in England, the advances of the British people in freedom, in happiness, and in physical and moral power and influence, have exceeded all precedent in the history of mankind. And to allow Rome once more to assume her ancient rule over England, would be an instance of human weakness and of suicidal folly, such as no nation on the globe has yet been guilty of, Hence the Committee adhere to the language of their original declaration, that," in the exercise of constitutional privileges, Protestant-picious circumstances encourages them to ism ought to be regarded as the paramount "arise and build." A generous friend, who, object; and that minor and merely political a few years ago, purchased an eligible freedifferences ought to be kept in subordination hold piece of land with a view to remove the to this great concern." difficulty in reference to a site, nobly offers

VOL. XXX.

At the commencement of this year, Providence seems to have opened a way for these friends to renew their attempts to originate a cause in Rochester. A combination of aus

to present them with it gratuitously, provided | two thirds of the sum required for the building is raised. Many of the inhabitants, chiefly members of the Church at Chatham, have come forward and contributed liberally, according to their ability, towards the object; the amount of these contributions, in addition to the ground, is already £640.

The Rev. Dr. Jenkyn, late President of Coward College, who has repeatedly preached in Rochester and Chatham with much acceptance, has consented to take the pastoral charge of the infant Church, and the friends consider themselves favoured in procuring the services of a man of his talents and standing in the ministry. The Independent Church at Chatham, together with its esteemed pastor, cordially sympathize in this movement; several of its members are about to be dismissed from it in the most amicable manner, and with the sanction and best wishes of the pastor; these, with some other friends, will form the nucleus of the Congregational Church at Rochester; and they hope, through the Divine blessing on their efforts, and on the labours of the minister, to raise a flourishing congregation from among the multitudes who, in Rochester and its environs, are living in the neglect of public worship, and for whom no adequate provision has been made. They propose to erect a chaste and commodious edifice, capable of containing, without galleries, (for the erection of which arrangements will be made when required,) about six hundred persons, and the estimated cost of the building will be about £2000. As the friends on the spot, none of whom can be deemed wealthy, have contributed with much liberality towards this object, they feel encouraged to make an appeal for the assistance of the Christian public, and to that especially, of their own denomination. They are persuaded that their movement is a providential one, and that the Head of the Church, himself, opened a door of usefulness, and that it is their duty and privilege to enter. Several friends in the Metropolis, in the county of Kent, and in other places, have, at different times, expressed a desire to see a Congregational Chapel erected in this renowned and important city, and their readiness to contribute towards its erection; and now, when the Congregationalists are resolved to make the effort, and have very gratifying prospects of success, they feel assured that their appeal for the pecuniary assistance of their friends, will not, in the cause of Christ, be made in vain.

Donations will be gratefully received by Mr. Toomer, the Treasurer, 10, Newton-terrace, New-road, Rochester; and in London, at the Banks of Messrs. Challis, 37, West Smithfield; and of Messrs. Roger Cunliffe and Son, Bucklersbury.

THE REV. THOMAS SCOTT'S COMMENTARY.

WE are truly gratified to find, that another cheap edition of this invaluable work is about to be issued by Wertheim and Macintosh. To have the whole six quarto volumes, with all Mr. Scott's last corrections and additions, at less than half their original cost, is, indeed, a great boon to the Christian Church. They were first published at EIGHT GUINEAS, then at Six, and now they are offered at THREE, equally well printed, and with all the Illustrations and Maps. The publishers justly observe, "that such a work, at so small a price, is one quite without a parallel, and could only now be offered but by the combination of the greatest economy in production, and the issue of a large number by subscription."

We do wish great success to this new issue of Scott's Bible. If our young ministers would regularly consult this sober and judicious Commentator, they would improve their own piety, and add greatly to the edification of their flocks. And private Christians could scarcely do a better thing for their childen and households than to furnish themselves with this admirable work for the domestic library.

Persons desirous of availing themselves of the new edition, are requested to transmit their names, before the 20th day of May, 1852, to Wertheim and Macintosh, 24, Paternosterrow, accompanied with the sum of Ten Shillings per copy, as part payment, and as a guarantee to the Proprietors that all copies will be taken up when this Subscription Edition is ready. The remainder of the Subscription to be paid on the volumes being ready for delivery. As the Copies will be delivered in the order in which Subscribers' names are received, immediate application is respectfully requested.

WEEKLY TRACT SOCIETY.

We

THIS Institution is doing a great and good work. Its Tracts are peculiarly excellent; and now amount to more than two hundred, all upon topics of vital moment, and written in the most simple and direct form. know of no Tracts more suitable for general distribution, or more calculated to be generally useful. We think the Society deserves a larger countenance than it has yet received. If those who seek to do good by the distribution of Tracts will call at the Office, 8, St. Ann's-lane, St. Martin's-le-Grand, and purchase a complete set of the Society's Tracts, we are quite sure they will approve of our recommendation. We know of some happy instances in which the Tracts have been read with great profit.

THE REV. THOMAS ELLIS, of Rotherham College, having consented to become the

Pastor of the Independent Church, Pontefract, entered upon his duties on the first Sunday of February.

THE REV. ROBERT BEST, of Kirkham, has accepted the unanimous call from the church and congregation assembling in Maudsley; street, Bolton, to become their Pastor, and entered on his responsible labours on Lord's day, the 4th April.

THE REV. THOMAS GOUGH, having resigned his pastoral charge over the Independent Church at Barrington, in Cambridgeshire, has accepted a most affectionate invitation to become the Pastor of the Independent Church at Keyworth, in Nottinghamshire, and entered upon his new sphere of labour on the second Sabbath in February.

JUBILEE YEAR OF THE REV. THOMAS CRAIG'S MINISTRY, BOCKING, ESSEX.

ON the 12th of October, 1852, the Rev. Thomas Craig, will have been the ordained minister of the above chapel fifty years. In anticipation of this event some friends of Mr. Craig's met, a few months since, to consider the most appropriate manner of celebrating his Jubilee; and the intention having been communicated to Mr. Craig, he made a statement, in substance, as follows:

"As regards myself, I do not wish or desire any testimonial; but if anything is done to celebrate my Jubilee, and it can be accomplished, I should prefer, to anything else, seeing the British and Sunday-schools connected with our place of worship enlarged and altered, so as to meet the necessities of an increasing population, by admitting a larger number of pupils, as well as affording an improved system of instruction, so as to give the children of the poor a better education than we are enabled to do with the present size and construction of our school-rooms."

At a Public Meeting of the Congregation, subsequently held, the wishes of Mr. Craig having been made known, it was resolved that every effort should be made to carry his benevolent suggestion into effect, and a Committee was formed for the purpose.

This Committee have put themselves in communication with an architect, who has given plans and estimates of the kind of buildings most likely to suit the required purposes, and it is found that the expense will be about Nine Hundred Pounds.

For upwards of seventy years this congregation has taken an active part in educating the poorer classes, for in January, 1788, there is the record, in the Treasurer's books, of "a meeting of the subscribers to the Dissenters' Charity School, at Bocking," at which rules were made," in order to revive and extend

the institution, as well as more effectually promote the ends for which it was formed."

The present school-rooms were erected, and the schools themselves have been main

tained, at the expense of those frequenting the chapel, although the day-schools have tendance on the Sunday required from the been open to all denominations, and no at

children educated in them. The number of children now in the day-schools is three hundred and twenty-four, and the number in the Sunday-schools four hundred and thirty

seven.

Several individuals not of the congregation, as well as those who are, have expressed a wish to aid in the celebration of this Jubilee; and as the proposed mode of doing so requires such a large amount, it is desirable to obtain the assistance of all those who are friendly to the object. We cannot doubt that this noble enterprise will be fully carried out. Ne minister in our denomination is worthy of more honour than Mr. Craig.

Individual subscriptions, in sums varying from Fifty Pounds to Half-a-crown, have been already promised, to the amount of nearly Five Hundred Pounds.

WHITCHURCH, HANTS.

A VERY interesting meeting was held on Tuesday evening, March 23d, in connexion with the removal of the Rev. F. F. Thomas to Tooting, London. After several addresses were delivered, an elegant silver inkstand was presented to Mr. Thomas by the church and congregation, as a memorial of their affectionate regard. The deacons, on behalf of the church, expressed their regret at Mr. Thomas's removal, alluding to the unbroken harmony that had prevailed during his four years' pastorate, and to his useful and active exertions in promoting the welfare of the young in his congregation. The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Wainwright, Morris, Heathcote, Bulmer, Budden, and Chappel, each of whom expressed his esteem, and fraternal regard for Mr. Thomas. The meeting was numerously attended, and a spirit of harmony and love pervaded the minds of all present. Mr. Thomas is followed by the prayers of the people to his new and important sphere of labour.

SCOTLAND.

ANNIVERSARY MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF SCOTLAND.

THESE meetings were held this year at Glasgow, on the 6th, 7th, and 8th days of April. Fully one-half of the ministers connected with the Scottish Union assembled, and not a few members of churches in the country came to Glasgow to share in the privileges of Christian intercourse, and to communicate and receive intelligence respect

ing the affairs of the denomination, and the progress of the Redeemer's cause in general throughout our native land.

There was a public meeting of the friends of the Glasgow Theological Academy held in Nile-street Chapel on the evening of Tuesday, the 6th, when the Rev. W. Swan, Secretary of the Union, occupied the chair. Ꭺ highly-gratifying Report of the state of the Academy was read by the Rev. G. D. Cullen, the Secretary; and W. P. Paton, Esq., the Treasurer, presented a statement of the financial affairs of the Institution, from which it appeared, that during the past year a considerable amount of debt had been paid off, and that the prospects of the Academy, in a pecuniary view, were encouraging. The respected Tutors of the Academy, the Revs. Dr. Wardlaw and Alexander Thomson, gave a report of the studies pursued during the year, and also a very satisfactory account of the students, both morally and intellectually. The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. Robert Lang, of Dundee, who moved the adoption of the Report; by the Rev. Dr. Morison, Delegate from the Congregational Union of England and Wales, who seconded it; by the Rev. J. R. Campbell, of Edinburgh; and the Rev. W. Wilson, of Linlithgow.

On Wednesday forenoon, the Preliminary Meeting of the Congregational Union was held in Nile-street Chapel, and after the usual business was transacted, three ministers from different and distant parts of the country gave very interesting and striking accounts of their respective fields of labour, of the state of religion in their districts, and of the difficulties, as well as encouragements, they experienced.

On that evening a soirée was held in the Trades Hall, which was filled with a delighted company of friends and brethren. The Rev. David Russell, of Glasgow, occupied the chair. The speakers were Dr. Geo. Wilson, of Edinburgh; the Rev. Alexander Hannay, of Dundee; J. H. Wilson, Esq., of Aberdeen; and Dr. Morison concluded with an impressive and appropriate address on "An improved church the best hope of an unconverted world."

On Thursday morning there was a public breakfast in Merchants' Hall, when that large place was filled with friends of the Union, who, after their morning repast, were gratified by hearing Mr. Cullen's favourable Report of the state of the Widows' Fund Scheme, which has been ably and successfully managed for many years. Matters connected with that scheme, and with one for a provision for decayed ministers, formed the topics of conversation, in which several brethren present took part. At twelve o'clock, Dr. Morison preached in Dr. Wardlaw's chapel, West George-street, an able and most appropriate

sermon on Eph. iv. 3. The subject, "the Unity of the Spirit," was well chosen as a Union Sermon;-it was wisely, solemnly, affectionately treated; and that blessed results may follow from the delivery of that sermon, many and fervent prayers have been offered.

On Thursday evening, the public meeting of the Union was held in West George-street Chapel, when R. Goodwin, Esq., was called to the chair. The Secretary read some parts of the Report, and gave a brief statement of the general aspect of the churches aided by the Union,-of depressions in some quarters of increase and prosperity in others,-of the difficulties arising from the tide of emigration carrying away multitudes from the highlands, and of the pastors in some large towns being disheartened by inability to reach the uninstructed masses around them. The Secretary stated that these subjects had been occupying the serious attention of the Committee, who were anxious, in spreading evangelical truth among the people, both in town and country, to adopt such measures as should be found best adapted to meet the peculiar state in which they were found.

The Treasurer's accounts showed, that during the past year the Union had expended in grants to churches, and for the support of itinerancies in the Lowlands, £1139 10s.; and for similar purposes in the Highlands and Islands, £759 68. 6d., making together the sum of £1898 16s. 6d.

The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Alexander, of Edinburgh; the Rev. G. Clarkson, Superintendent of the City Mission, of Edinburgh; Dr. Wardlaw; Dr. Morison; the Rev. John Tait, of Blairgowrie; and by G. D. Cullen, of Leith. At this meeting, Dr. Morison was formally introduced by Dr. Wardlaw, in his official character as Delegate for the Congregational Union of England and Wales, and gave an address fraught with warm Christian feeling, and with noble sentiments of enlightened wisdom, catholicity, and charity. Dr. Morison's accurate acquaintance with the history of the Scottish Union, and his entire sympathy with its interests and objects, rendered his addresses at this meeting, and at all the meetings, most effective, valuable, and delightful to all who heard them.

The Meetings this year, as a whole, have been in a high degree animating and refreshing. And having been so pleasant to those who attended them, it will be the aim, it is hoped, of all concerned, to prove that they have been truly blessed and profitable, as leading to renewed consecration to Christ's service, and to more humble, loving, and zealous efforts, during the year on which we have entered, to extend his peaceful kingdom.

W. S.

NEW CHAPEL, HUNTLY, ABERDEENSHIRE.

ON Wednesday, January 7th, public services were held in the new Congregational Chapel, Huntly, N. B., on the occasion of its opening. It may be interesting briefly to record the efforts of the last few years, made by the church and congregation, and which have issued, through the Divine blessing, in the erection of this handsome and commodious building.

The old chapel, built during the pastorate of the Rev. G. Cowie, a name, after the lapse of nearly half a century, of interest and of power, and ministered in latterly for thirty years and upwards by the Rev. J. Hill, likewise a name of most blessed memory, had continued to be burdened with a heavy debt. Some eight years ago the church determined, by a series of annual collections, to rid itself of this burden. At the first of these collections the preacher was the Rev. Dr. Morison, of London. The result of it was a fine instance of mutual confidence. The poorer and the richer nobly helped each other. This was the leading feature, and very animating it was, of every successive effort, until, at the end of four or five years, the debt had ceased to exist. The old chapel, however, with whatever was objectionable in its construction, remained. Nevertheless, a respite-a breathing time of some duration was now looked for and desired. But no. The house was found to be unsafe. Although but just paid for, it must be taken down. The case was a hard one, but it might have been worse. An old debt and a new chapel required, that, indeed, would have been disheartening. So far, then, they were encouraged. The beloved and universally respected pastor, Mr. | Hill, who had gone in and out before the church for a whole generation, had now departed to his rest. He lived not to rejoice in the complete extinction of the debt. The work had devolved on his successor, the Rev. R. Troup. The young pastor had but fairly commenced his labours, when it became necessary seriously to entertain the idea of a new chapel. He called the church together, stated the case, and the decision come to was to rebuild. The first Sabbath of last year witnessed the church and congregation assemble for the last time in the old sanctuary, sacred as the house in which themselves and their fathers had so long worshipped.

Through the Christian kindness and liberality of her Grace the Duchess of Gordon, and other friends, the use of the vacant English Episcopal Chapel was obtained, and in it during an entire year the congregation

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assembled. The Messrs. Robertson, Bankers, likewise kindly and generously gave the use of a school-room for week-evening meetings. In the good providence of God, so excellently accommodated, the congregation hardly missed a place of its own. Still the day of the opening was looked forward to, and when it came, hailed with gladness. The services were commenced by the Rev. J. Rennie, of Culsalmond, who read the Scriptures and offered an appropriate prayer. The pastor of the church then read an interesting sketch of its origin and history. He was succeeded by the Rev. D. Arthur, of Aberdeen, who preached an eloquent sermon from the words, "Ye are the light of the world." In the evening a public meeting was held, and addresses on important topics delivered by the Revs. Messrs. Miller, Inverury; Murker, Banff; Nicol, Rhynie; Whyte, Duncanston; and Morison, Millseat. Both morning and evening the chapel was quite filled. sum cast into the plate at the doors amounted to £146 138. 4d., which, with a previous collection before leaving the old chapel, makes nearly £300 towards the expense of the new

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The chapel will seat five hundred, and the adjoining vestry, for prayer-meetings and Sabbath-schools, one hundred and twenty The style of the building is Gothic. The plan of the front elevation was furnished by Messrs. Mackenzie and Matthews, architects, Aberdeen; the details by Mr. James Mortimer, builder, Huntly; and the whole admirably carried out under his superintendence. The whole cost, including the vestry, is about £700, and the old materials. Still a few more annual collections, and the church will again be free of debt. In this respect God hath prospered in times past. The church and congregation would not exult as if they had done well. Dependence, humility, gratitude, are the more fitting states of mind. The silver and the gold are the Lord's. And he has higher blessings than these. On this church may these descend; and then shall the house erected for his worship be filled with his glory.

The Rev. J. Kennedy, of Benares, had been announced to continue the opening services on the following Sabbath, but being prevented by a snow-storm, he did not get forward till Sabbath, the 18th of January, when he preached, in the morning, a discourse very appropriate to the occasion, and in the evening, an interesting Missionary sermon; closing his refreshing visit by an address on the Monday evening to the Youth's Missionary Society.

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