consideration. But, be this as it may, I can view the matter no otherwise than I have done. I speak as my heart dictates -good or ill it must come out. If I be wrong, may God pardon me! May God also be with you, and forgive you, if your conviction lead you into error. For what is conviction, if it do not correspond with the word of God recorded in the Holy Scripture? Nothing but deception and delusion!

"Every where this affair excites extraordinary interest, and is rigidly canvassed, although as yet the absolute certainty of the fact is not generally known. Do not, therefore, allow yourself to be deceived respecting the friendly reception, which, as you say, you in some measure experienced on your return at Coethen, and which, as we afterwards learned, was marked by a most unpropitious event.* The honest, worthy people of Anhalt cannot fail to disapprove, as indeed they ought, the step which their Princess has taken; and what is more, it will mortify them severely, though like faithful vassals they may not give to the vexation they feel an expression sufficiently audible to reach your ears.

"I cannot close my letter without expressing my sincere regret that I should be placed in the painful situation of saying so many unpleasant things to you. At the same time I must add the request, that you will communicate this letter to the Duke, Ingerheim, and Brandenburgh, that they may know my sentiments on this subject.

"FREDERICK WILLIAM."

March 18. No. 4.--The minister to whom this was voted, (p. 53,) declined to accept it. It was, therefore, transferred to another, (see p. 164) whose losses and sufferings have been great, though he has not been actually banished.

March 20. No. 5.--An occasional preacher, banished for ten years from Neufchâtel, for having held a religious meeting at his house, in which the Lord's Supper was administered by an ordained minister. This was by the operation of a very old law, revived for the occasion.

April 5. No. 6.--A lady, banished for attending and promoting religious meetings.

April 13. No. 7.--A minister, or probably a private person, (as our letters merely give his name,) recommended by strictly faithful and judicious friends at Geneva, and approved by the Paris Committee.

April 14. No. 8.-In the same circumstances.

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OPENING OF THE NEW CHURCH AT
HAMBURG.

On Sunday, July 16, 1826, the English reformed church in Humburg, was opened for divine service. On. the long-expected occasion, the Rev. Dr. Raffles preached to large congregations in the morning and evening, and owing to the Rev. Mr. Waterhouse, of Dewsbury, being by domestic afflictions prevented from taking the part he had engaged, Mr. Matthews preached in the afternoon. A dedicatory address was delivered in the morning by Dr. Raffles, previously to his sermon, which was founded on Ps. xliii. 4. The discourse in the afternoon was from

1 Chron. xvi. 29; in the evening from 1 Tim. i. 11. There were present a deputation from the Senate, other public officers of the State, some of the City clergymen, as well as a considerable number of British and other seamen in the gallery, which contains 150 seats, and is set apart for their accommodation permanently. After the services, collections were made to the amount of £85. Under the same roof with the chapel, is built a house for the minister; the ground was generously granted by the Senate of Hamburg. The Directors take this public opportunity of returning their most sincere and affectionate thanks to their many friends of various denominations of Christians in England and Scotland, for their liberal assistance to the building of this house of God.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF SCOTLAND.

We have received the 14th Report of this very interesting Society, from which it appears they have been enabled to assist twenty poor churches with grants of sums from £5. to £21. each-to aid fifteen pastors and preachers in propagating the Gospel in the Gaelic tongue-to maintain missions to the Orkney and Shetland Isles, besides several extensive itinerances in other destitute parts of Scotland.

We regret we cannot present our readers with extensive quotations. The following extract cannot fail to interest.

"It has frequently been remarked, that if the Gospel is to be published in the Highlands, such as publish it must be supported by those in the Lowlands who know its value. For such is the want of circulation of money among them, such the real poverty of many, and such the scattered state of the Gaelic population, that they can do, or will do next to nothing in the way of contributing for religious purposes. Certainly, with regard to many, they are absolutely without the power. One of our brethren, in giving

some account of an island where he had been preaching last summer, and the utter inability of the people even to purchase the Scriptures, says There are hundreds of people in this island who have not a bed to lie upon, but lean upon a stone or a turf in their clothes by the fire all night.' But our countrymen in these quarters, however poor, have immortal souls, and are in guilt and exposed to condemnation. How appalling then the thought of their dying without a knowledge of salvation! Nor would it be easy to fix on a sphere of labour more encouraging, as well as more necessitous, than that of the Gaelic population of Scotland, comprising the number of about 400,000; respecting whom it has been often stated,

comparatively few can read; and many of whom reside twenty, or even thirty or forty miles distant from their parish churches; while, in the most destitute districts, there are no dissenting places of worship of any denomination. Add to all this, the anxiety of the people to hear the Gospel. One of our brethren who spent some months last summer in one of the Western Isles, says,

I never witnessed such eagerness to hear the Gospel as was manifested by the people there, some of whom travelled thirty miles to enjoy the preaching of the word on the Sabbath. I saw on one occasion above 500 hearers sitting for nearly three hours upon the rocks by the sea-side, under a heavy fall of rain, without the least symptoms of weariness. On the Sabbath, when we were at S, 1,400 people assembled by eleven o'clock on the preaching green from three to four hundred of them, who had come from a considerable distance, kept their place on the green, from that hour till eight o'clock at night, that they might hear all the three sermons: they never left the place during the intervals, but kept together reading (such as could read) or conversing on what they had heard.""

ACADEMY AT IDLE, YORKSHIRE.

This Seminary, which has lately received the designation of "Airedale Independent College," continues to rise in importance and usefulness, and to be distinguished by its increasing prosperity. The annual examination, which generally in prospect appears so formidable to the youthful inmates of our literary and theological establishments, took place at the Academy House, on Tuesday, June 20th. The students read,

Description of Ancient Rome, Cicero's In Latin, a passage of Cæsar, Sallust's Statement of the Doctrines of the Stoics, in his Oration for Murena, and part of his Oration for Archias; Virgil's Account of the Death of Priam, and his Delineation

of the System of Nature, Enied, Lib. 6; an Ode of Horace; a Specch of Hanno's and part of Juvenal's 13th Satire. to the Carthagenian Senate, Livy, Lib, 21;

In Greek, one of Lucian's Dialogues; two passages in the First Book of Xenophon's Cyropedia, Homer's Iliad, Lib. 1, 304-350, and Lib. 3, 161--221; and the Description of the Ancient Greeks given by Thucydides, in the Introduction of his History.

In Hebrew, Gen. chap. ix.; Exod. chap. xi.; Isa. chap. xl.; and in Chaldee, partof the 2d chapter of Daniel.

The talents which they discovered in the course of their examination, gave promise of future distinction in the stations they may be called to occupy in after life.

Through the past year, the usual attention has been paid to Philology, Belles Lettres, the composition of sermons, and other academical studies.

The next day after the examination, the friends of the Institution assembled in the adjoining chapel; but it being the day appointed for the election of four Members of Parliament for Yorkshire, the numbers were not so great as on former Anniversaries. Mr. Scott having prayed, four of the students delivered Essays. Mr. Redmayne, on Human Depravity; Mr. Armstrong, on the Condescension of Christ; Mr. Massey, on the Practical Influence of Christianity; and Mr. Hunter, on the Mysteries of Providence. When these Essays were concluded, Mr. Hudswell gave the students many important instructions for the regulation of their studies, and the direction of their conduct in future years. J. Holland, Esq. was then requested to preside; the report was read by the Tutor, and the business of the Academy was introduced; the discussions on which were in no ordinary degree gratifying to the audience. In the evening, Mr. Sutcliffe, of Ashton-under-Lyne, concluded the Anniversary with a judicious discourse.

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The scale of this Institution has lately been enlarged, and the number of students increased; there are at present eighteen. This augmentation the exigencies of neighbouring congregations imperiously quired. Within the distance of twenty miles from the Academy, there are at this time fourteen congregations in want of Ministers. Not long ago an unknown benefactor transmitted £50. to the Tutor, towards defraying the expenses of the enlargement, the receipt of which cannot be acknowledged through any private medium.

ORDINATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS,

March 15, the Rev. W. Vint, jun. from the Academy at Idle, was solemnly set apart to the pastoral care of the Independent church at St. Helen's, Lancashire. After Mr. Fox, of Bolton, had read select portions of Scripture, and prayed for the blessing of heaven on the services and engagements of the day, Dr. Raffles fully stated the principles of dissent, and proposed the usual questions; Mr. J. Toothill, of Rainford, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Vint, the father and tutor of the young minister, gave him a charge; and Mr. Charrier, then apparently in the full enjoyment of health, but in a few days after consigned to the silent grave, delivered a faithful discourse, enforcing with earnestness and particularity the duties incumbent on the church and congregation, arising from the connection they had formed and ratified. Mr. Sharp, the former minister, concluded with prayer.

At this place, Mr. Sharp, to the spiritual advantage of many, spent the whole of his ministry, extending over nearly half a century, and when the failure of his strength began to incapacitate him for the discharge of his ministerial duties, he resigned his charge. The place of worship had been erected in the year 1710, and was not in a dilapidated state, but when the people chose a new minister, they resolved to have also a new chapel, and for this purpose subscribed among themselves £1800. The old structure was then taken down, and a building of a modern construction commenced, which is not yet completed. Here the prospect of usefulness is cheering; the fields seem white unto harvest.

March 29th, the settlement of the Rev. David Dunkerley, over the church and congregation assembling in Ebenezer Chapel, Macclesfield, was publicly recognized. The Rev. G. Ryan, of Stockport, opened the service with reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. Pridie, of Manchester, delivered the introductory discourse, and received the answers of the church and pastor to the usual questions; the Rev. W. Silvester, of Sandbach, implored the divine blessing on the union; the Rev. J. Adamson, of Charlesworth, gave the charge; and the Rev. Job Wilson, of Northwich, preached in the evening, The devotional parts were conducted by other ministers, and the whole of the services were well attended. The Rev. J. Pridie preached on the preceding evening.

April 25th, the Rev. John Harris, from Hoxton Academy, was ordained to the pastoral office over a congregation at Epsom, in Surry. Dr. Harris, his theological tutor, gave a scriptural view of the formation of a church, and asked the questions. Mr. Henry, of Tooting, offered the ordination prayer. Mr. Morison, of Brompton, gave the charge. Dr. Philip, from the Cape of Good Hope, addressed the congregation. Mr. Forster, of Blackburn, Mr. Maulden, of Chichester, and Mr. Woods, of Nuneaton, (who were Mr. Harris's fellow-students,) gave out the hymns.

The Dissenting interest at this place was in existence at the Revolution, in 1688; and the Rev. B. Rowe was the minister about that time. The Rev. Thomas Valentine came in 1700, and officiated for fifty-six years, when many respectable families attended. Three ministers succeeded him, but their names are not recorded; and, at length, from causes too remote to be traced, the interest became extinct. A gentleman, who lived near, and supposed to be one of the latest attendants, took possession of the chapel, and occupied it, for a length of time, as a depot for the produce of his grounds, At

one time, some attempt was made by a person in London to obtain the use of the place for public worship; but the effort proved ineffectual. At a future period, a gentleman, who then resided in Epsom, made application, and succeeded, first by obtaining a lease, and afterwards by purchase. The chapel was then repaired, at an expense of £400., and was opened in July, 1805, when sermons were preached by the Rev. George Clayton, and the late Rev. James Dore. But, notwithstanding this favourable commencement, very little atteution was excited, and no stated minister was obtained, till the late Rev. John Atkinson, formerly one of the tutors at Hoxton Academy, came to preside over a Classical School in Epsom, which afforded him an opportunity of occupying the pulpit. Still the congregation was small; and, after his removal, the cause was left without any effective manage. ment, and without any suitable supplies. In this deplorable state it would most probably have continued, had not a kind Providence excited a desire in the minds of some friends in Epsom, that the chapel should be placed on a respectable foundation; hoping that a more general attention would be excited to attend on the

worship of God. These good people proved their sincerity, by the offer of

100. towards a new roof, and other repairs, which led to the accomplishment of the object, at a cost of £500. The chapel was re-opened in December, 1824, by the Rev. George Clayton, and the Rev. James Stratten, and has been regularly and acceptably supplied from Hoxton Academy, whih has led to the present settlement of Mr. John Harris. Thus that prediction is fulfilled, 66 They shall build the old wastes; they shall repair the desolations of many generations."

On the 26th of April last, Mr. S. Blair, was set apart to the pastoral office, over the Independent church in Guisborough, Yorkshire. The Rev. D. T. Carnson, of Preston, Lancashire, delivered the introductory discourse, and asked the questions; the Rev. A. Carnson, of Cotherstone, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. J. Jackson, of Green Hamerton, gave the charge; and the Rev. G. Croft, of Pickering, preached to the people. The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Hinmers, of Stokesley, Benson, of Northallerton, Pemble, of Stockton, and others. In the evening the Rev. J. Parsons, of York, preached in the Methodist Chapel, which was kindly lent to accommodate the overflowing congregation.

On Wednesday, July 19th, the Rev. J. Robinson, late of Middlewich, Cheshire, was publicly recognized as pastor of the Independent church, assembling in South Street Meeting-house, Manningtree, Essex.

The Rev. G. Pearce, from Debenham, commenced the services by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. A. Wells, from Coggeshall, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Savill, from Colchester, offered up the prayer, imploring the divine blessing on the union, aud the Rev. J.Bennett, D.D. from Rotherham, gave the address to the minister, and his charge; the Rev. J. Herrick, from Colchester, preached in the evening. The Rev. Messrs. Steer, Ashton, Muscutt, and Carlile took parts in the services.

On Wednesday, July 19, the Rev. John Blackie was ordained to the pastoral office, at Bungay, Suffolk. The Rev. Robert Shufflebottom commenced the services of the day with prayer and reading the Scriptures; Rev. W. Ward, of Stowmarket, delivered the introductory discourse, and asked the questions; Rev. R. Ritchie, of Wrentham, in behalf of the church, briefly stated the circumstances which led to Mr. B.'s settlement; Rev. J. Sloper, of Beccles, offered the ordination prayer; Rev. Thomas Morell, Theological Tutor of Wymondley College, delivered the charge, founded on 2 Tim. ii. 15. "Thereby to shew thyself approved unto God;" Rev. W. Hull, Classical Tutor, preached a sermon to the people from Thess. v. 12, 13; and the Rev. Edward Hickman, of Denton, concluded with prayer. In the evening, the Rev. M. Innes, of Norwich, preached from Prov. xi. 30, (latter clause,) and the Rev. Messrs. Drain, of Guestwick, and Nottage, of Roxton, engaged in the devotional service.

August 1, 1826, the Rev. G. Redford, M. A. late of Uxbridge, Middlesex, was publicly recognized as the pastor of the Congregational Church, in Angel Street, Worcester. The Rev. Mr. Waters, of Pershore, commenced the service by prayer and reading the Scriptures; the Rev. J. Burder, of Stroud, delivered a discourse on the nature of a Christian church; the Rev. Mr. Dawson, of Dudley, asked the usual questions; Rev. A. Redford, of Windsor, offered up prayer for the minister and people; the Rev. J. Cooke, of Maidenhead, addressed the pastor from Ps. cxxxiv. 3.; the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, preached to the church and congregation from Ephes. iv. 3 to 6 verse; the Rev. Mr. Coles, of Boreton, concluded the service with prayer: Messrs. Davies, of Stourbridge, and Freeman, of Kidderminster, gave out the hymns.

The ordination of Mr. Miall, late of Hoxton Academy, as pastor of the church at Framlingham, Suffolk, took place on Wednesday, the 2d of August. Rev. Mr. Sloper, of Beccles, commenced the services of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; Rev. Mr. Ward, of Stowmarket, explained the nature of a gospel church, and proposed the questions;