Bishop of Chester. By Archibald Jack, Minister of Duke-street Chapel.

Biblical Researches, and Travels in Russia, including a Tour in the Crimea, and the passage of the Caucasus, with Observations on the State of the Rabbinical and Karaite Jews, the Mahommedans, and the Pagan Tribes inhabiting the Southern Provinces of the Russian Empire. By Dr. Henderson, Author of "A Residence in Iceland."

Literary Intelligence. We have observed with much pleasure, a new work edited by the Author of the Evangelical Rambler, entitled the Spirit and Manners of the Age; it forms an honorable exception to the mass of Weekly Publications, and we trust will obtain that popularity which its design and execution justly merit. SELECT LIST.

Poetical Efforts. By the late Sophia Maria Burder. Westley and Davis. 1s.

A Book of Martyrs, for the Young, with upwards of 50 Engravings. By Rev. Isaac Taylor, of Ongar. 12mo, half bound. 4s. 6d.

The Spirit and Manners of the Age. Author of the Evangelical Rambler. 3d. each; or Part I. Is.

Edited by the

Nos. 1. to 6,

Hanbury's Enlarged Edition of the Diary of Joseph Williams, of Kidderminster. In 1 vol. 12mo, with a Portrait and Autograph. 7s. bds.

Religious Education, a series of Observations on the Instruction of the Young. By A. H. Davis. In 1 vol. 12mo, bds.

We are happy to find that a Weekly Newspaper, published on Wednesday, under the name of "The Dissenter's Gazette," has recently made its appearance. Such a work was wanted, and we hope it will uniformly advocate the cause of Religious Liberty, true Religion, and good morals. The first Numbers promise well, both in talent and principle.

A Funeral Sermon for the Rev. John Hyatt, preach, ed at Ebenezer Chapel, Shadwell, by his brother, Charles Hyatt, and published for the benefit of the younger branches of the bereaved family.

E. M-r.

E. M--n.

E. M-r. Presb. P-d. Indep.

A. P.

J. R.

M. S.

A. T.

A. W.

A. W.

E. W.

A. B. D.

M. D.

LONDON.

PETITION TO PARLIAMENT

Of the three Denominations of Protestant Dissenters in and about London and Westminster, against Slavery.

SHEWETH,

THAT your petitioners feel it to be their duty to express their deep and painful regret that slavery should continue to exist in any part of the British dominions; because they consider such a degraded condition of society utterly incompatible with the principles of natural rights, directly opposed to the genius of Christianity, and hostile to the spirit of the British constitution. That your petitioners regard it as in the highest degree dishonourable to the character of their country, that upwards of eight hundred thousand of their fellow subjects, equally entitled with themselves to share in the advantages of freedom, and the blessings of religion, should still wear the oppressive and galling yoke of slavery, and, with their yet unborn progeny, be doomed to endure all the physical and moral evils incident to such a state, without any adequate protection by law, and without any effective means of redress, and to be virtually excluded from the blessings which flow from early moral instruction, from the acknowledged sanctity of the marriage life, and from the exercise of the rights of conscience, and uncontrouled religious worship. That although your petitioners might call the attention of your Lordships' Right Honourable House to the manifold objections which obviously suggest themselves to the monoply granted to the West India planters in the British market, and to the enormous burthens thus imposed upon the people of Great Britain, they nevertheless content themselves with most humbly urging upon your Lordships' Right Honourable House the still higher considerations of humanity, liberty, and religion, not doubting that these will have their due weight in procuring for the negro slaves that legislative protection which pledged to this unhappy portion of our fellow subjects, by the unanimous resolution of Parliament of May 1823, that so they may be delivered, at the earliest moment that the claims of justice will allow, from the incalculable evils of a state of bondage, and be raised to a full participation of the civil and religious rights and privileges which are enjoyed by any other classes of his Majesty's subjects.

And your petitioners will ever pray, &c.

NEW COLLEGE AT HIGHBURY. We have great pleasure in inserting the following letter, addressed by Thomas Wilson,

Esq., to Ministers, on behalf of the above College. We confidently hope that the appeal will not be in vain; a better cause.. there cannot be.

SIR,

Persuaded of your cordial interest in every measure for promoting the best of causes, and especially for endeavouring to increase the respectability and usefulness of our academical institutions, the Committee of the Hoxton Academy presume that an account of the progress of that arduous undertaking, which has been entrusted to their superintendence will afford you pleasure. The removal to a more salubrious situation, the advantage of spacious grounds for exercise, and the superior accommodation provided in the new erection, must recommend the proposed change to every considerate person. Favoured by a concurrence of auspicious circumstances, the building has proceeded with a rapidity equal to their most sanguine expectations. Highbury College is now covered in, and there appears every prospect of its becoming ready for occupation by the commencement of the session, after the next Midsummer vacation. In the judgment of those friends who have examined the situatión and structure, the former appears almost unrivalled, and the latter well adapted both to the business of the Institution and the comfort of the academic family. One important point will then be realized, viz. That of providing a separate sleeping-room over each study, measuring 10 feet by 9, and 10 feet in height for every student. You will be gratified to learn, that the contributions of about seven months amount to £8000, more than the whole of which has been

already expended on the building—(the four acres of freehold ground being the gift of the Treasurer.) The contract amounts to £16,397. Although the sum to be raised is considerable, still it may be hoped that the resources will prove not inadequate, considering how comparatively small a proportion, both of individuals and congregations, have yet had the opportunity of expressing their good will on this important and pressing occasion. It is highly desirable that general and extraordinary exertions should be made to meet the urgency of the present demanda demand which, in the history of this Instihuman probability, will never occur again. tution, has never before occurred, and, in all Convinced that, under these circumstances, it would be a cause of regret to all the friends of a gospel ministry, should the Institution become paralyzed and restricted in its permanent usefulness by a weight of pecuniary debt; the Committee are induced to make a general application, both in London and throughout the country; and in doing this they are greatly encouraged by the general approbation and support already

manifested, especially by many highlyesteemed ministers, not particularly connected with Hoxton Academy.

In a list of subscriptions which is added to the above address, we are happy to notice two of 2007. each; twenty-seven of 1007. each; two of 521. 10s. each; fourteen of 501.each; one of 317. 10s.; three of 307. each; six of 251. each; five of 211. each; and twelve of 207, each,

ant Dissenting Ministers, will be preached on Wednesday the 5th of April next, at the Old Jewry Chapel, removed to Jewin-street, Aldersgate-street, by the Rev. F. A. Cox, LL.D. of Hackney. Service to begin at 12 o'clock at noon, precisely. The subscribers and friends to the Society will afterwards dine together at the Albion, Aldersgate-street.

CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION SOCIETY.

THE operations of this Society promise much spiritual benefit to the metropolis, particularly in their bearing upon the humbler classes of the community. It aims, by an extensive system of visitation (something similar to Dr. Chalmers's plan), at bringing the poor, who crowd our alleys and garrets, under the stated ordinances of religion. We are happy, also, to learn, that a LECTURE, which this Society has established for the express benefit of MECHANICS, assumes a most encouraging aspect. The first Lecture was preached to a crowded auditory, on Thursday evening, 2d Feb. at eight o'clock. The whole list is interesting, and, at the present moment, when infidelity is bestirring herself, is peculiarly seasonable. I. The nature and worth of the soul; Feb. 2.-Mr. Morison. II. The necessity of a revelation. from God; Feb. 9.-Mr. Blackburn. III. The excellence of revelation in its exhibition of the moral character and government of God: Feb. 16.-Dr. Styles. IV. The character and books of Moses defended; Feb. 23.-Dr. P. Smith. V. The character and inspiration of the writers of the New Testament; March 2.-Mr. Rayson. The evidences of Christianity derived from its Founder; March 9.-Mr. Philip. VII. The evidences of Christianity from the miracles of Jesus and his apostles; March 16.

VI.

Mr. J. Fletcher. VIII. The evidences of Christianity from the prophecies of Jesus Christ and his apostles; March 23.-Mr. H. F. Burder. IX. The evidence of Christianity derived rom the resurrection of Christ; March 30.- Mr. Curwen. X. The evidence arising from the influence of Christianity in the formation of character; April 6-Mr. Orme. XI. The evidence of Christianity arising from its influence on social happiness; April 13.-Mr. Davies, of Harecourt. XII. The evidence derived from the progress and triumphs of Christianity; April 20. Mr. Stratten.

We expect much good to accrue from the discussion of this judicious list.

WIDOWS' FUND.

THE annual Sermon for the Relief of the necessitous Widows and Children of Protest

SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF INFIRM
MINISTERS.

A Sermon will be preached on behalf of this institution, by the Rev. Joseph Hughes, A. M. at the Rev. Dr. Winter's Meeting, New-court, Carey-street, on Wednesday, March 15; service to begin at 11 o'clock,

CONGREGATIONAL BOARD.

Ar a Meeting of the BOARD OF CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS, held at the Bank Coffee House on Tuesday evening, Feb. 14, 1826.

The Rev. ROBERT WINTER, D.D. in the Chair.

It was moved by the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, M. A. and seconded by the Rev. J. P. Smith, D.D.

"That though it has not been the usage of this Board to advert to the decease of its members, it is, nevertheless, deemed proper to record on its minutes a special resolution, expressive of its deep regret of a recent event, which, in the dispensations of Divine Providence, has removed from their fellowship on earth the Rev. JOHN TOWNSEND, whose memory they desire to cherish with grateful recollections, on account of his eminent Christian philanthropy, and especially the practical and efficient benevolence which he displayed, on behalf of that Denomination to which this Board more particularly belongs.

"On this account they deem it their incumbent duty to pay this tribute to the character of their departed friend, as the only practicable method of expressing their affectionate respect and profound veneration."

(Signed) ROBERT WINTER, Chairman,

ORDINATION OF THE REV. JOSEPH HAGUE.

ON Wednesday morning, Jan. 25, 1826, the Rev. Joseph Hague, late of Hoxton Academy, was ordained, in the Poultry Chapel, London, to co-operate with the Rev. Mr. Wood, in the pastoral duties of the English church at Rotterdam. The Rev. H. F. Burder, A. M. commenced the service by prayer and reading the Scriptures,

The Rev. Dr. Harris delivered the introductory discourse, on the constitution of a Christian church; and proposed the questions usually answered by candidates for ordination. The Rev. J. Clayton, A. M., offered the ordination prayer, accompanied by the laying on of hands. The Rev. G. Clayton gave an impressive charge, (about to be printed,) from Josiah iii. 1, 2. The Rev. J. P. Smith, D. D. preached an excellent Sermon, from 2 Thess. iii. 1, calculated to enforce on British Christians the duty of promoting evangelical religion on the Continent; and the Rev. B. Rayson concluded with prayer. The service was numerously and respectably attended, and gave unusual satisfaction.

PROVINCIAL.

ASSOCIATIONS.

THE next return of the half-yearly meeting of the Middlesex and Herts Association will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 1826, at the Rev. George Clarke's Chapel, Ponder's End. The preacher, the Rev. Mr. Bennett, of Cheshunt; subject, The necessity of preaching the whole gospel of Christ. Service to commence at 11 o'clock.

The Dorset Association will be held at Beaminster, on Wednesday the 29th of the present month, when the New Independent Chapel will be opened. Mr. Wills, of Wareham, is engaged to preach the forenoon ser

colony. Mr. Greig, however, solitary as he was, prosecuted his labours among the natives with great diligence and zeal. The Susoos heard him with great attention, but there was no ground to think that any of them were really convinced of the evil of sin, or that they received the truth in the love of it. On the whole, however, the mission was beginning to assume a promising appearance, when a period was unexpectedly put to it, by the death of Mr. Greig.

In January, 1800, this excellent missionary was murdered by a party of the Foulah nation, who availed themselves of his hospitality as the means of taking his life.

After the murder of his pious colleague, Mr. Brunton was obliged to leave the coast of Africa, as his constitution was already materially injured, and threatened soon to sink under the wasting effects of the climate. On the restoration of his health, he set off on a new mission to the countries in the neighbourhood of the Caspian Sea.

*JAMAICA.

In February, 1800, the Rev. Joseph Bethune, and Messrs. Williams, Clark, and Ebenezer Reid, sailed from Leith for Jamaica. Scarcely, however, had they arrived, when Messrs. Bethune and Clark were attacked with fever, and died within a few days of each other. Mr. Reid, who was now left alone, laboured for some years among the negroes and people of colour in Kingston and the neighbourhood, but his exertions having been materially impeded by the hos tility of the legislature of Jamaica to Christian missions, he afterwards accepted the offer of a respectable situation as a teacher on the island.

In January, 1824, the Rev. George Blyth sailed from Leith for Montego Bay, with the view of commencing a mission in that neighbourhood. There he has access to the slaves on three different estates,-Hampden, Dundee, and Content, the proprietors of which have generously undertaken to bear a considerable part of the expense of the mission. On Hampden the negroes appeared to be in a considerable state of preparation for the reception of the gospel. It appears that on this, and some other estates, the slaves had for a number of years past met for conversation and prayer, but they said they did not know whether they were in the right way or not. They hailed with delight the arrival of Mr. Blyth among them and listened to his instructions with the deepest attention. Many of those who appeared to be previously impressed with religion, had their impressions greatly increased through the means of his instructions, while others, who had formerly been ignorant and careless, were now brought under serious concern about their souls.

Encouraged by the pleasing prospects of

this mission, the Directors are anxious to extend their operations in that quarter of the globe, and it will afford them much pleasure to receive applications from gentlemen connected with the West Indies, for Missionaries to undertake the instruction of their slaves.

RUSSIA.

In April, 1802, the Rev. Henry Brunton and Mr. Alexander Paterson sailed from Leith on an exploratory mission to the countries lying between the Black and Caspian Seas. After visiting different parts of the country, they resolved to take up their residence in a village called Karass, containing upwards of 500 inhabitants, all of whom were Mahommedans. Besides this station, the Directors afterwards established others at Astrachan, at Orenburg, at Nazran, and in the Crimea. At these places the Missionaries have had to struggle with many difficulties; and though at each of them there were, at different periods, very encouraging appearances, yet, after some time, they vanished like a vision of the night. The aspect of Christian missions, in the Russian empire, as well as of the Bible Society, the prospects of which were at one period so bright and cheering, have of late been completely beclouded, and the Directors, after a long and painful struggle, have resolved materially to abridge their operations in that quarter of the globe. Astrachan and Karass, indeed, are now the only stations which remain, the others being already relinquished. As a Missionary station, it is even intended to abandon Astrachan. Mr. Glen will remain simply for the purpose of superintending the translation of the Old Testament into Persic, as the British and Foreign Bible Society have offered to engage him in carrying on that important work, it being understood that the manuscript shall be sent to England, for the revision of Professor Lee, of Cambridge, and of other Persian scholars.

INDIA.

In 1822, the Rev. Donald Mitchell, John Cooper, James Mitchell, and Alexander Crawford, set off from Edinburgh, and proceeded to Bombay, with the view of establishing a mission in that quarter of India. A Corresponding Committee having been established at the seat of the presidency, for the purpose of superintending the affairs of the Society, they fixed on the Southern Concan as the scene of their operations. Here, accordingly, two different stations have been established, Bancoot and Severndroog. Im médiately on settling at these places, the Missionaries began to establish schools for the instruction of the native children, and introduced into them the Lancasterian system of education. At Bancoot they had eleven schools under their care, containing 434 children, and at Severndroog they had

twelve schools, containing nearly 600 children. By late accounts, the Missionaries have so far acquired the Mahratta language, that they have begun to address the natives on the great concerns of eternity.

Subscriptions will be received in London, by Dr. Ramsay, Church-street, Chelsea; Drs. Waugh, Manuel, and Blythe; Rev. Messrs. Broadfoot, Irving, Greig, and others.

IRELAND.

DUBLIN ACADEMY,

Under the Irish Evangelical Society.

Yes,

"THE Committee rejoice to state, that the advantages afforded by the Academy, as subservient to the great objects of your Society, are growingly appreciated in Ireland. At this time there are three additional candidates, whose character and attainments point them out as peculiarly eligible for admission; among whose recommendations, strong and unqualified, are found the names of evangelical ministers of the Established Church, the Moravian Church, the Congregational, and other departments of the Church of Christ; and it would rejoice your Committee immediately to place them on the lists of the Institution, but, owing to the limited state of the Society's funds, they have been compelled to hesitate. though associated for the very purpose of promoting the moral culture of the country; though the fields are opening all around, and, in many parts, whitening to the barvest; and though suitable and promising labourers are thus coming forward, and saying, send us into the harvest,' your Committee are obliged faithfully to tell you, that without more extended contributions they cannot be received." Such is the statement which the Committee submitted to the members and friends of the Society at its Eleventh Annual Meeting in May last. spirit of enquiry abroad among the people was then recognized as the harbinger of Ireland's reformation, and considered as loudly calling for increased exertions to supply it with the word of life. A resolution was unanimously adopted, authorizing the Committee to extend the number of students in the Academy, and receive the above candidates; recommending, at the same time, such further pecuniary efforts as the additional expenditure of the Society would render absolutely necessary. John Broadley Wilson, Esq. of Clapham Common, with his well known Christian liberality, generously offered to bear the entire expense of one of the candidates, during the term of his facademical course, provided the three were admitted, Other friends to the cause

The