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sympathy and help for the poor members of the Body than we have noticed in simple Congregationalism." He then adds, "If a stranger may say so, two things have greatly interfered with the usefulness of the Body. The first has been that usually its ministers have adopted the colder Calvinism of the school of Dr. Hawker, rather than the enlarged views and impassioned earnestness of Baxter, or Jonathan Edwards. And the second has been, that almost as the result of this, the Connectional ministers have assumed too exclusively conservative a character." Now we know not from what sources Mr. Hood has gained his information, but he certainly is in error. He shows clearly enough that Mr. Parsons was not open to either of these strictures; the first, the "colder Calvinism" cannot, therefore, be applied universally to the Body. Her Articles, signed by all her ministers, are a standing witness against the aspersion; and though, as in the case of all bodies, an individual minister may give prominence to certain doctrines, it does not follow that the body is to be charged with the peculiarities of a few. The charge could just as truly be preferred against the Establishment, or the Congregational Body. We hardly know what Mr. Hood means by the second charge. If he means that we have adhered to but one mode of worship and order, it is partly false and partly true;-false, because unfortunately too many congregations have departed from the original form of worship; and true, because we conceive that such conservatism is the best mode of providing for the religious wants of our land. If he means, that we have adhered to the good old doctrines, and rejected the neological refinements of one class, and the sceptical mysticism of another class we admit and glory in our conservatism, and would sooner lose our existence as a Body, than be the followers of an Anglicised-german diction and sentiment. We should also have expected that, as Mr. Hood feels it necessary more than once to state that he "is not endorsing his own individual sympathy with every attitude of his hero's mind," charity towards those ministers who could not conscientiously adopt all the plans of Mr. Parsons, should have prevented him calling them "the cold, the superficial, and the tame spirits of the age," and by still stronger epithets. Mr. Parsons held extreme opinions on many points, and

expressed them in very strong language; for all reformers aim at the whole that they may get a part; and while he is deserving of all respect and veneration for his adherence to his opinions, the conscientious scruples of others should be respected. The stern champion for freedom and toleration should be the last to violate the spirit of liberty.

We had marked several passages for extract, as specimens of Mr. Parsons' wit, learning, and style of address; but our space forbids, and we gladly send our readers to this volume that they may become better acquainted with our friend, and gather instruction from his example. The volume, however, is too large and expensive, and could easily be condensed with advantage; and the style of Mr. Hood is too careless, and individualized; nevertheless, it will be eagerly read by all to whom the name of Benjamin Parsons is familiar as a household word.

THE CORONET AND THE CROSS; or Memorials of the Right Hon. Selina Countess of Huntingdon. By the Rev. A. H. New, Leamington. Partridge and Co., London.

We are glad to see the first number of this work, with its most appropriate and felicitous title, for which, we are informed, we are indebted to a lady. We had looked forward to it with some degree of interest, and confess we are not disappointed. Such a book has long been wanted, and ought to have appeared some half century ago. Up to the present hour, but little is known by the masses of the people of this extraordinary lady, but this work will bring it within the reach of all classes, and we doubt not will be read by thousands. If the first number is a fair specimen of what is to follow, we think the Committee have selected the right man for the task. The striking incidents, the distinguished characters, the instructive anecdotes which will necessarily be brought out, will invest it with no ordinary interest. In making these remarks, however, we hope the author will not lead us to suppose that the subject of his memoir was free from the imperfections of human nature, a practice not uncommon by some biographical writers. It was the earnestness and the reality about all the religious movements of the Countess, which led George the 3rd to say,

"I wish there was a Lady Hunting

don in every diocese in the kingdom." | We cannot conclude this brief sketch without saying that we think it an admirable plan to publish the work in sixpenny numbers, and we are much pleased with the excellent type and paper which have been used. We can only say, let all our readers obtain the first number, and we are greatly mistaken if they rest satisfied until they possess the whole.

LECTURES TO CHILDREN ON THE BIBLE., LECTURES to CHILDREN ON SCRIPTURE DOCTRINES. By Samuel Green, B.A. Sunday School Union.

THE works of Samuel Green are well known, and obtain a wide circulation among the friends of the young. These are two admirable little books, conveying great truths to little minds in simple natural language. We advise all teachers to peruse them as models of the best way of imparting deep thoughtful instruction to young persons.

Chem that Sleep.

SION CHAPEL, LONDON, Two of the departments of christian agency connected with this place of worship, have recently been visited by the angel of death. The Sabbath School has lost a devoted teacher, in the decease of Mrs, Putney, who, within the short space of five weeks became a bride and a corpse. She was not surprised by death, but waited with unruffled calmness of spirit his sure approach. She knew him to be disarmed of his sting, and that he came merely as the bearer of a message from One who loved her, and had washed her from her sins in his own blood. She has entered into rest. One month a bride; the next, an inhabitant of the sphere where they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God. A funeral sermon in connection with this event was preached by the minister, on Sunday evening, August 3rd, from the words of the Apostle James, chap. iv. verse 14, Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." Nearly all the Sunday

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School children were present, and the elder girls especially were affected by the appeals made to them to become followers of her who now, through faith and patience, inheriteth the promises.

While this solemn service was being held, another sainted member of the congregation was preparing to depart, and to be for ever with his Lord. And ere the month closed, a second funeral service was held for the

DEATH OF MR. POTTER,

one of the most active and zealous members of the Society for visiting the sick poor. Those ministers who have supplied at Sion will remember the loud Amen, that used to come from the pew, right in front of the pulpit. That response, so regular and so fervent upon earth, is now heard in the sanctuary above.

The following is an abstract of the paper read at the close of the funeral

sermon.

"The late Mr. William Potter was born at Cambridge, in the year 1787. Of his early life little is known, save that he was the son of a pious mother, of whom, as well as of his father, he was bereft while quite young.

"At the age of 20, he came to London, and was led to attend the ministry of the late Rev. Robert Stodhart, of Pell-street chapel, where the word was blessed to his conversion. He was led to give himself first to God, and then to his church, to spend and be spent in his service. With this section of God's people he remained connected about 35 years, the early part of which he was an active Sabbath School teacher, and afterwards for above 25 years he sustained the office of deacon. At the dissolution of that church, he sought and found a home at Shadwell, under the ministry of the late Rev. C. Hyatt, and his son, both of whom were soon after called to their rest. He was thus again for a short time without an earthly sanctuary, and finding some of his earlier associates worshipping at Sion chapel, he cast in his lot among them, and soon became happy in his attachment to the people as well as to the pastor of their choice. Thus he was permitted to spend some 50 years of active life in the steady profession of faith in Christ. In the family, and in business, in the church, and in the world, we think we can safely say, it was his aim to live the christian.

His reverence for the Sabbath, and his steady adherence to the daily habit of family prayer, have left impressions on the minds of his children not easily to be effaced, nor will his fervent pleadings at the throne of Divine Grace be, by them, ever forgotten. But the work of his life was that of visiting the sick poor, and relieving their distress. In the abodes of poverty, where his voice was most known, he will be remembered with the deepest gratitude. And may we not hope that by many to whom he commended the Saviour, and for whom he pleaded when upon earth, he may have been welcomed into glory.

"During his last illness, which lasted four weeks, his one desire was to depart and be with Christ. His hope never failed him, nor for one hour did any cloud appear to darken his mind. His constant reply to the enquiries of sympathising friends was- All right. Precious-Precious Saviour.' He came to his grave like a shock of corn fully ripe. On the 13th of August he feel asleep in Jesus, in sure and certain hope of a glo

rious resurrection unto eternal life.

"I saw him when the time of his release was come,

And I longed for a congregated world to behold that dying saint;

As the aloe is green, and well liking, till the last best summer of its age,

And then hangeth out its golden bells, to mingle

glory with corruption

Such was the end of this righteous man."

General Intelligence.

THE KING OF NAPLES.

For some months past, the petty kingdom of Naples has attracted the attention of the world, chiefly because there have been so few matters of importance in national life, and because of the fearful consequences which will ensue, if an outbreak occur in the peninsular. With the sole exception of the heroic Sardinia, Italy is in a terrible condition. Its prisons are full of victims, its spies are everywhere, its rule is despotic and hateful, and the whole land slumbers on a volcano. The convulsions of 1848 shattered the reign of tyranny, and wrung out a few concessions to liberty. The foolish old king of Naples is adopting the fatal policy of resisting every thing which does not coincide with his wishes, and madly persists in it, when wiser heads

and older sovereignties than his have remonstrated with him. His folly may create the spark which will enkindle Italy, and involve Europe in a fresh struggle; and France and England are anxious to prevent it. Remonstrances have been unheeded: kingly courtesy has been insulted; and matters are now fast tending to the crisis. The ultimatum of the allied sovereigns has been sent; the English and French fleets are hovering near the coast; and if king Bomba does not yield, perhaps before these lines reach the public eye, our friendly relations with Naples will have ceased.

RECENT CHANGES.

The nations of the earth are passing through important changes; and the christian should note them, and trace the finger of Providence. The reign of military despotism in Spain is short. O'Donnell and his colleagues have resigned; the enlightened party, the Progressista, with Espartero, have been passed by; and the moderate constitutional party, with Narvaez, President of the Council, have triumphed. Russia has abandoned her pretensions to the Isle of Serpents, which Turkey now possesses; and thus another "bone of contention" has been removed. Austria is

greedily snapping at what she covets, and is endangering the pacific settlement of the Moldavian question by seizing the ports of the Danube. The growl of war has begun to murmur in India, where an expedition is fitting for the Persian Gulf; doubtless, to counteract the crafty influence of Russia, and to preserve our authority in the East.

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Changes are not confined to politics; they have lately been frequently seen among the high dignitaries of the English church. Dr. Tait passes to the see of London; the Bishop of Ripon, Dr. Longley, to that of Durham; and the Rev. R. C. Trench to the Deanery of Westminster. The latter gentleman was appointed by the Premier to the see of Gloucester, but the Queen refused to sanction it, because her consent was not first asked before the appointment was made public.

The case of Archdeacon Denison is decided, as far as the present suit is concerned. The Archbishop has passed

sentence upon him for refusing to retract | in whose schools he was a scholar at his errors of doctrine. He, however, Swansea, and showed to the meeting a has the power of appeal to the Privy hymn book she gave to his father. Council. Several other speakers addressed the meeting, and urged upon the friends to support the present superintendent, by whose persevering efforts the schools have been continued, and the number of scholars greatly increased. After a vote of thanks to the Ladies who provided tea, and to the Chairman, the meeting separated about ten o'clock.

The Baptist College at Stepney has been removed to Holford House, Regent's Park, for the convenience of the students in attending the classes of the London University. The great controversy respecting the Negative Theology is still going on among the Independents. The autumnal meeting of the Congregational Union was to have been held at Cheltenham; but the ministers of that town refused to welcome it, unless that question should be kept in abeyance. The secretaries, of course, could not pledge themselves that it should not be mooted in the assembly, and the meeting has not been held.

Connexion Intelligence.

BIRMINGHAM.

JUBILEE OF LADY HUNTINGDON'S SUNDAY
SCHOOLS.

GORING AND SOUTHSTOKE,

TESTIMONIAL TO THE REV. J. HOWES. -After two and forty years labour in these villages, our esteemed brother, the Rev. J. Howes, has been compelled to relinquish the active duties of the ministry. The friends associated with the congregations, with some others, embraced the opportunity of testifying their high esteem for their minister, by presenting him with the handsome sum of One Hundred Sovereigns. We consider this liberal act highly creditable to the congregations, especially when their limited number is borne in mind. We sincerely trust that the doctrines so long proclaimed to others, will cheer and sustain the mind of this servant of Christ in the decline of life, and in the article of death. The Rev. R. Pingree, late of Maidstone, has succeeded the Rev. J. Howes at the above places, on whose labours we trust a special blessing from the great Head of the church may signally descend.

ILFRACOMBE.

On Sunday, July 13th, sermons were preached commemorative of the fiftieth anniversary of these schools. The Rev. C. Lee preached in the morning at Gooch Street, and in the afternoon at Severn Street, from the same text, "A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you." The spacious room at Severn Street was thrown open, and the large namber of children in attendance presented a very interesting appearance. The Rev. J. Jones preached at Gooch Street Chapel in the evening, from the text, "Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound." On Monday afternoon, about 100 friends of the schools took tea at Severn Street, most of whom wore a medal, commemorative of the event, the tables having been kindly furnished by ten ladies at their own expense, and the proceeds of the sale of tickets were devoted to the cause at Severn Street. The arrangement did great credit to the ladies who were concerned in the management of the tea. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. C. Lee, and the reference made by the different speakers to Old King Street Sunday The Autumnal meeting was held at Schools rendered the meeting_exceed- Canterbury, on Wednesday, October the ingly interesting. The Rev. J. Jones Sth; there was a good attendance of the spoke as to the useful labours of his brethren, and we were glad to find all predecessor, Mr. Bennet. Mr. Parkes the managers of the chapel present. spoke of the excellent Lady Huntingdon, | The Rev. J. G. Carpenter presided. The

CHRIST CHURCH. The anniversary sermons were preached on Sunday, the 24th of August, 1856, by the Rev. J. La Trobe of the Moravian church, Bristol, to large and attentive congregations. On the following Thursday the annual treat to the Sabbath school children and teachers was given at Heale, and the children addressed at the close by the Rev. E. J. Hartland, of Bristol.

LONDON DISTRICT.

attention of the meeting was directed to |
the Turkish Mission,-Connexional co-
operation in home efforts, and other
subjects of interest. The brethren were
unanimous in recommending the case of
Sandown to the sympathies of christians
generally, thinking it an opening in
every way deserving the special effort of
this Connexion. We congratulate our
brother Carpenter on the unanimity and
heartiness with which his people seem
to rally round him. The reception given
to the ministers was not only kind but
bountiful. Dinner had been provided at
the residence of J. Cooper, Esq., Ex-
Mayor of Canterbury. Beside those en-
gaged in the management of the chapel
other friends had been invited to meet
the brethren to tea and supper, forming
a social party of upwards of thirty. It
was an example worthy of imitation,
and, we think, well calculated to pro-
mote the true interests of the Connexion,
by strengthening the band of union
between our congregations and Connex-
ional movements. The Rev. T. E.
Thoresby, the president of Conference,
preached an excellent sermon in the
evening. The Rev. Mr. Turner, of
Ashford, was present, and invited the
brethren to hold the next meeting at
Ashford, in the Spring of 1857.

MAIDENHEAD.

been exceedingly gratified and humbled before God, for what I have seen and heard during my short visit. The first Sabbath, though a wet day, there was a good congregation both times. The next Sabbath, in the evening, the chapel was full to overflowing, except a few chairs in front. It was indeed a pleasing sight. I am thankful to say I was greatly assisted in preaching, and trust good may result from it."

A friend writing from Malvern, reports: "The attendance at the chapel has been remarkably good, and these refreshing seasons have been attended with the most devout solemn impressions and delightful expressions of sympathy, love, and all those christian graces which formerly grew upon these hills. I dont know when I have sat under a more melting sermon than yesterday morning, from Ephes. 3 c. 17 v. "That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith." Many throbbing hearts and dropping tears indicated the joy and vitality of by-gone days. Many who had not attended for years were drawn under the power of a searching gospel to have their hearts broken while the power of the Lord was present to heal. When we attempted to sing it was only an attempt, and the evening discourse 4 Zech. 6, 7 v., one of those old-fashioned, heart-searching, self-condemning, God-honouring, rousing sermons, which strips the sinner and leaves him naked before God, hav

TURKISH MISSIONS.-The Rev. J. Rey-ing no refuge but Christ." nolds, of Clare, will preach on Sunday, November 9th, in aid of the above mission, and the Rev. J. E. Thoresby, of Spa Fields, will preach on the same day, for the same object, at Hadleigh, Suffolk. Ministers are especially invited to arrange for sermons for this mission.

MALVERN.

The Rev. John Wood, formerly the minister of the Countess' chapel at this interesting place, having supplied it for two Sabbaths last month, thus reports; "I do not regret my visit; I am pleased with what I have seen and heard; I am especially delighted with the chapel, it is a sweet place. Great credit is due to Rev. B. S. Hollis, for the trouble taken, and the exquisitely good taste displayed. There is no doubt that ultimately all the money expended will be re-imbursed.

Of my poor self I wish to say nothing, but cannot help remarking that I have

READER! think of Malvern, "when it goes well with you." Visit it, if you can-Help to defray the expenses incurred by the recent improvements, if you can, by sending a donation to any Connexion minister for the purpose. But, above all, pray for the blessing of God to descend there, "as the dews on the mountains of Sion, where the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.' Letters respecting Malvern to be addressed to Rev. B. S. Hollis, Carlton Villa, Cononbury, London.

MAIDSTONE.

We owe an apology to our friends at Maidstonef or having omitted to notice earlier an interesting meeting which took place there on Monday evening, June 30th, when the Rev. R. Pingree bid farewell to an attentive people over whom he had presided for seventeen

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