many hindrances to the accomplishment of their purpose. At length they were enabled, last summer, to lay the foundation of their intended building, and have now been permitted to consecrate to the Lord the house which they have erected for his service and worship, with several convenient appendages, including comfortable apartments for the residence of him who may minister in holy things.

The services of that day on which it was first opened for worship, will long be remembered with interest by those who were privileged to worship within its walls on that occasion. On Saturday, the 5th of September, the church and congregation assembled in the chapel at 11 o'clock, when their late pastor, Mr. Brown, in their name, implored the divine presence, and that preparation of heart which was necessary to acceptable worship. Mr. Ellerby, who now preaches to the congregation worshipping there, then gave out a hymn, and presented a general prayer. Mr. Brown then read part of the 28th and 29th chapter of 1st Chronicles, delivered an appropriate address, and in prayer implored the Most High to accept the offering of his people, which, in the uprightness of their hearts, they desired should be dedicated to his service, and be for ever a house of prayer. A hymn having been sung, Mr. Adams, an American clergyman, now labouring as chaplain at the Port of Cronstadt, read the 6th chapter of 2d Chronicles, and after an eloquent and appropriate address, implored the divine blessing on all the services, which in time coming might be presented within that sanctuary, devoted to God as a thank-offering by his people. Another hymn was sung, and previous to pronouncing the apostolic benediction, Mr. B. requested the members of the church to remain, and unite with him in the observance of the Lord's Supper, as it was probable they should never again all unite in the celebration of the same festival. The congregation also remained. It was a season of deep solemn feeling. Mr. B. had afterwards an opportunity of taking leave of his beloved flock, and his brethren of the Lutheran and Moravian churches, who had joined in the worship of the day, and in a few hours embarked on his return from that interesting and important station he has hitherto filled to his native land.

The site and building of the British and American chapel has cost nearly £5000, of which between £1500 and £1600 was contributed by the churches in Britain and America; the remainder was contributed by the church and congregation in St. Petersburgh. They are neither numerous nor wealthy, neither were they actuated by any sectarian motive, but they saw the importance of their undertaking, and they trusted in God for the power to accomplish it. More than one individual, and they oftener than once have literally cast into the treasury all their living, and others have practised self-denial for years, that the saving thereby effected might be devoted to the work. They feel grateful to their brethren in England and America who have aided in the erection. The building is neat and substantial, and whatever is expensive or ornamental has been the produce of the labour of the female members of the church and congregation, and they believe that they have neither misapplied the widow's mite, nor the contribution sent to them from a distance. To God they feel grateful for having enabled them to present to him their erection free from debt or incumbrance. The expression of their feeling is, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory." "Oh Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people."

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL IN THE CITY OF PARIS.

The absorbing interest excited in our churches by the success attendant upon missionary exertions amongst the heathen, accounts in some measure for the comparative apathy with which they have listened to statements respecting similar results nearer home.

An event has transpired within the last few months, attended with circumstances so propitious, and effects so remarkable, as to make the observer exclaim, “What has God wrought." It is an event unparalleled in the history of that country in which it occurred; calculated to produce unprecedented influence on its religions interests; and being peculiarly associated with the scripture principles of our denomination, requires of us special notice and encouragement.

We allude to the purchase of a freehold site, and the actual erection and opening of the first Independent Chapel in the city of Paris, in the heart of the métropolis of the great and influential empire of France.

It is generally known that our gifted and devoted brother, the Rev. Mark Wilks, many years ago gave himself to the cause of God in France, when all that vast country, with its crowded millions, presented the spectacle of a great moral waste. Many were the long years, during which little or nothing could be done but in secret, through the bigotry of the government and the jealousy of the priests.

By personal intercourse, by kindly sympathies, by silent tract distribution, and evening meetings in a private house for the exposition of the Scriptures in French, our brother succeeded, under the blessing of God, to impress the hearts of a few who received the fundamental truths of the Gospel. Still nothing could be done openly, and the Lord, as it were, made this a season of preparation for those whom he was shortly about to call into action.

The great Revolution of July, 1830, which hunted down the elder branch of the Bourbon dynasty, crushed to the earth again the Jesuit influence; and whilst the confusion was at its height, and the civil government yet unestablished, Mr. Wilks and other devoted friends seized the moment of freedom to open a public school, and to establish public worship. These were easily recognized and legally sanctioned in the first burst of generous liberty with which the new dynasty was ushered in.

The infant cause was first in the Rue Montblanc, in a small room, where in a few Sundays they were cramped for space, a removal was effected into the Rue Taitbont, into a coachmaker's repository on the ground floor, where equal success caused a second removal. A large room on the Boulevards, over a bazaar, was then selected; but from thence, likewise, the congregation was obliged to remove for want of room. At this juncture the Saint Simonians, who had hired for their "Socialist Assembly" a large concert hall, commonly called the Salle Taitbont, were obliged, by the summary interposition of the government in defence of the public morals, to decamp. They had taken the "Salle Taitbont," for ten years, and eight of the term remained unexpired when their preaching of blasphemy was interdicted. Burdened by an enormous rent of £400 a-year, they gladly received the offer of our friends to occupy the premises at £200 per annum, whereupon the congregation and worship were transferred to the large and commodious Salle.

Here for seven years the gospel was faithfully preached, and many were converted to the Lord, both Roman Catholics and Protestants. Such multitudes eagerly sought instruction, that many were observed, from Sabbath to Sabbath, to go away from the crowded chapel, of which even the standing room was occupied. It was then decided that the moment for a greater effort had arrived, as the people were made so willing to listen to the gospel.

After great difficulty, a site was found in the same quarter of the city, a plu of freehold ground was purchased in an adjoining street, the Rue de Provence. The congregation came forward liberally, and, being encouraged to hope for assistance from the churches of England and America, they commenced and speedily erected, at the total cost of £5500, the present substantial, elegant, and commodious chapel.

The Salle Taitbont afforded accommodation for about 600, the new chapel has 1100 sittings, and a vestry, which is capable of being opened entirely into the body of the chap. I.

The building has no elevation from the street, being situated behind a large

house, which occupies the frontage. The entrance is by a large and handsome portico, with folding doors, leading to a broad and lofty corridor, of about 100 feet long, lighted by three painted glass windows on each side. Over the entrance door in the street, the words "Culte Evangelique" are fixed in gilt letters, and, in smaller characters, the old name by which the worship has been so familiarly and favourably known, "Chapelle Taitbont," are added.

The entrance passage, or corridor, leads into a vestibule, (about twenty feet square,) lighted from above, and on the right and left two staircases are seen, by which the congregation ascend to the chapel, which is on the first floor, the basement being too damp, and too confined by other premises, to admit of the chapel being placed on the ground floor. A warehouse is, therefore, formed below, the rent of which will aid the expenses of the building.

The chapel, in its interior fittings, is precisely similar to our English places of worship, with the exception of chairs being substituted for pews. This is found to take less room, and does away with what is often justly complained of in our pewing system, the distinction of seats. The services, on the Lord's day, are in French at half-past eleven, in English at three. An evening French service is about to be established.

On the 3rd of May, the new building was dedicated to God. A crowded audience gave evidence of the interest and curiosity excited in the public mind. Many pastors of the National Church, amongst others the President of the Paris Consistory, two pastors of the Oratoire Church, some of the Lutheran, and several both National Church and Dissenting Ministers, were present to participate in the joy. In the vestry, previous to the service, not less than 20 ministers were thus harmoniously united. Dr. Grand Pierre preached from Isaiah Ix. 20, "The little one shall become a thousand," &c. or, as the French version has it, "Le petite famille croîtra jusqu'à mille personnes." He attributed the literal exemplification of these words, which the circumstances and number of the audience presented, to three causes-"The Unity, the Simplicity, and the Practical Tendency" of the doctrines he and his colleagues had preached in their old chapel. His appeals were most powerful to the minds and hearts of his hearers, and in his sermon he took occasion to express to the National ministers present, how far any thing like bigotry or unholy rivalry were from the hearts of those who had erected this first Independent Chapel which the capital of France had ever possessed.

The pastor Audibez, although suffering intensely in mind and body, having on the afternoon of the previous day followed to the grave the remains of a sainted wife, uttered the dedicatory prayer, and so touching were his petitions and affecting the circumstances, that almost the whole audience were melted to tears. The pastor Lazier read the Scriptures, and the Pastor Fred. Monod, of the National Church of Paris, closed by a beautiful and affectionate prayer, breathing out the heartfelt and unreserved sympathies which he, in common with many national ministers, felt in the work and scene.

In the afternoon the Rev. Mark Wilks opened the English service, taking for his subject, Haggai ii. 4. "Be strong all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work, for I am with you, saith the Lord of Hosts." It must have been an occasion of peculiar joy to the heart of this venerable servant of God, who was thus permitted to see the desire of his soul gratified, and the unction and energy of his discourse proved how vigorous still are the powers of his mind, and how warm are set the affections of his heart for France.

The expenses of the site and building amount to £5500, £3500 of which have been already subscribed in France and England, leaving still a heavy debt of £2000 to be discharged. Attached to the Chapel Taitbont are Schools in which nearly one thousand Roman Catholic children are gratuitously instructed every day. The Sabbath school numbers from 300 to 400 children. The new Chapel has been regularly filled ever since the opening, and many are the instances of conversion which have occurred since its erection. From the churches of England help is requested to relieve this infant cause of its debt. Not only

have the French Christians of the Chapel Taitbont nobly subscribed towards the support of their own place of worship, but they are called upon to sustain a principal share of the support of the Bible, Tract, Missionary, and School Societies which are daily extending over the towns and villages, and especail the Protestant churches of France, the reviving influence of evangelical reli_ion. The affairs of the chapel are managed by a committee of twenty gentlemen, was apply all funds sent for the progress of the gospel or the establishment of selous in Paris. The operations of the Evangelical and other societies, although conducted by most of the same gentlemen, are entirely distinct from those of Paris. and altogether separate in their funds. The annual expenditure connected wat Paris alone is nearly £1400.

All the schools are crowded, and 300 or 400 applications have been refused during the past year. Had the committee funds, several large schools might be immediately opened in other destitute quarters of Paris. Oh that the Christians who are zealous of good works, would visit and see with their own eyes what God has wrought in the short space of ten years in the midst of this sensual city. May He who has all hearts in his hand, dispose some to use the opportunity which may not be long continued, of promoting the welfare of a people whose influence for good or evil on the various nations of the continent is acknowledged to be paramount.

We take this opportunity of acquainting our readers that the Rev. Mark Wilks resides at No. 15, Place Vendome, and his assistant, the Rev. Royde Birch, at No. 33, Rue Neuve de Luxembourg, and either of these ministers will be happy to receive subscriptions in aid of their work, and likewise request the favour of those friends who may visit, or have relations visiting Paris, to cal upon them, when they will be happy to show them their various institutions.

NEW CHAPEL, SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE.

A new chapel was opened at Skipton, Craven, Yorkshire, for the use of the church and congregation under the pastorate of the Rev. R. Gibbs. Sermons were preached on Wednesday, 10th July, 1839, by the Rev. T. Raffles, D. D., LL.D., and the Rev. R. W. Hamilton, of Leeds; on Sabbath-day, 14th July, by the Rev. J. Pridie, of Halifax, and the Rev, W. Fawcett, of Sutton. The collections at the close of the services amounted to £514 17s. 1d. To this must be added previous subscriptions of £170, materials and workmanship, with the gift of an organ, amounting to a further sum of £170, making a gross amount of £854 17s. lid., as the effect of the voluntary principle.

RE-OPENING OF HANLEY TABERNACLE, STAFFORDSHIRE, AND
ORDINATION OF THE PASTOR.

This place of worship, after having been closed during seven or eight months for extensive repairs and alterations, was re-opened on Lord's-day.

March 1, 1840. It is now greatly improved in its external appearance and interior arrangements, and will hold, including the Sunday-school galleries, between eleven and twelve hundred persons. The sermons in the morning and evening were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Fletcher, of Stepney; and that in the afternoon by his son, the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, who had been elected to the pastoral office during the preceding summer.

On the following Tuesday, March 3, Mr. Joseph Fletcher was solemnly ordained to the pastoral office in the above chapel. The Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, delivered the introductory discourse; the questions were presented by the Rev. Joseph France, A. M, of Ham; the ordination prayer, accompanied by imposition of hands, was offered by the Rev. Dr. Matheson, then of Wolverhampton; after which an address was delivered to the young pastor by his father, the Rev. Dr. Fletcher. In the evening the Rev. Dr. Halley, of Manchester, in the room of the Rev. J. A. James, who was prevented by indisposition, preached to the church and congregation. The chapel at both times was crowded to excess, and a numerous assemblage of the pastors of neighbouring churches was convened on the occasion.

The collections for the enlargement of the chapel, on the Lord's-day and in the evening of the day of the ordination, amounted to nearly £267. The expenses of the enlargement have exceeded £1300; but the congregation have made liberal arrangements for the removal of the debt, without appealing to the resources of other churches; an instance of the voluntary principle, well worthy of imitation wherever it is practicable.

ORDINATION.

On Tuesday, April 14, 1840, the Rev. II. Rees, late of Highbury College, London, was publicly recognized as the pastor of the Independent church assembling for divine worship in the populous village of Broadway, Worcestershire.

The solemn engagements of the evening were commenced with the usual devotional services, conducted by the Rev. J. Hockin (Baptist) of Evesham ; the introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. Dawson, of Dudley; the usual questions were proposed, and the confession of faith received by the Rev. T. Ashwell, of Broomsgrove. Prayer for the pastor (accompanied with the laying on of hands,) was offered by his father, the Rev. T. Rees, of Huntington, Herefordshire. The charge was given by the Rev. G. Redford, D.D. of Worcester, and the sermon to the people was preached by the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham.

The tokens of the divine approbation already vouchsafed to this union are evident in the increased spirit of hearing, and the additions to the church which have accompanied the commencement of the young minister's labours, and have rendered the enlargement of the chapel absolutely necessary. But the present place being incapable of enlargement, and in too dilapidated a state to admit of alterations, the church and congregation have resolved, under the advice of the ministers of the County Association, to build a new place of worship, to accomplish which a plot of ground has been purchased; vigorous efforts and generous contributions have already been made by them, and they are thus deserving the sanction, and will, we trust, receive the kind assistance of the christian public.

PRESENTATION OF A SILVER VASE TO THOMAS WILSON, ESQ. Many ministers educated at Hoxton and Highbury Colleges, who dined together last May in the metropolis, (vide page 423) agreed to subscribe for the purchase of a piece of plate, to be presented to Mr. Wilson as a humble memorial of their affection and gratitude. By the labours of a Committee, of which the Rev. Messrs. James and Aveling were the secretaries, the subscription has been completed, and a beautiful vase, weighing 300 ounces, was executed. This presented to the venerable gentleman at a meeting of the subscribers and

was