KENT INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATION.

THE Annual Meeting of the Kent Independent Association was held at the Rev. H. J. Rook's, Faversham, on July 3d and 4th, on which occasion the Rev. Messrs. Prankard, of Sheerness, and Chapman, of Greenwich, preached. At the meeting for business, held on the afternoon of Wednesday, amongst other resolutions, the following were unanimously adopted, after considerable discussion, on the subjects to which they refer:

"That this meeting feels great satisfaction in the establishment of the General Congregational Union, and would renew the assurance of the cordial approbation which this Association has already given to the principles and plan of that important institution.

"That the Members of this Association, feeling deeply concerned for the advancement of the cause of general education in Ireland, and conscientiously believing that the plan proposed by his Majesty's Ministers is eminently adapted to effect the end intended, would express their cordial approbation of that plan, and their earnest hope that it will be carried into universal operation.”

ROTHERHAM COLLEGE.

ON Wednesday, June 27th, was held the Annual Meeting of the Subscribers and Friends of Rotherham College, at which several Resolutions were passed, and the usual business of the College transacted. The preceding day the Examining Committee were occupied in investigating the progress of the Students, and from their Report it would appear that there is the highest reason to be satisfied with their diligence and attainments, and with the attention of their Tutors. They observe, that "they are compelled to declare themselves not merely satisfied, but even surprised, with the general improvement of the young men, and they deem it alike creditable to their own application and industry, and to

the care and skill of their Tutors,— while they feel justified in anticipating, from a beginning so auspicious, a very respectable degree of scholarship at the end of their academical course, and their entrance upon the duties and relations of the Christan Ministry." The general report announced the bequest of a legacy from the late Miss Elizabeth Walker of £300; from the late Mr. Townsend, of London, £100; and from the late Mr. Josiah Parry, of Shrewsbury, of £10.

ORDINATIONS.

ON Wednesday, July 18th, the Rev. James Sibree, from Highbury College, was ordained as pastor of the newlyformed church, assembling in Nile Street Chapel, Hull.

The Rev. J. Macpherson, Baptist Minister, in Hull, commenced the solemnities of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. T. Scales, of Leeds, delivered the introductory discourse; the usual questions to the Minister and Church were proposed by the Rev. T. Stratton, of Sunderland; the ordination prayer was offered up by the Rev. Peter Sibree, of Weathersfield; and the charge addressed to the young pastor by the Rev. John Sibree, of Coventry. the evening the congregation assembled again, when the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, formerly pastor of the Church, in Fish Street, Hull, now of Nottingham, preached the sermon to the Church. The Rev. Messrs. Winterbottom, of Barton; Bramall, of Patricroft; Tarbotton, of Totness; Bergne, of Lincoln, and E. Morley, of Hull, assisted in the various devotional services of the day.

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It gave a peculiar interest to the occasion to see three brothers, the sons of the late J. Sibree, of Frome, taking their respective parts in this service; and to their surviving parent, who was present, the scene must have been gratifying and delightful in the highest degree. The Church in Fish Street, Hull, from which this is an amicable separation, was founded in the year 1769 by the

Rev. George Lambert, who was its faithful and beloved pastor, till his lamented decease, in March, 1816. His successors have been the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, already mentioned, and the Rev. Joseph Fox, now of Sheffield. The necessity of another place of worship for the accommodation, and the enlargement of the Congregational order, in Hull, has long been felt and acknowledged, and projects have been repeatedly formed for accomplishing it; at length the design has been taken up cordially and zealously, and with the most cheering prospects of success. In the course of the last year, a chapel in Nile Street was vacant; an opportunity so favourable was not to be again neglected. With the concurrence of all parties interested in the scheme, it was taken, and preaching was commenced. The ministry of Mr. Sibree, who was sent from Highbury College, proved very acceptable and useful, and the congregation rapidly increased. The Parent Society, in Fish Street, saw all this with unfeigned satisfaction; and at a Church meeting, held on Friday evening, April 6, 1832, gave an affectionate and friendly dismission to ten or eleven of their members, as the nucleus of another society. On the evening of the following Lord's-day, April 8, these persons were formed into a Church, by Mr. Scales, of Leeds, in the presence, and with the cordial sanction and fervent prayers of a large body of the deacons, and members of the venerable and honoured community, from which they had so recently separated, but with which, it is mutually hoped, they will ever be united in Christian affection and zealous cooperation. May all separations, in churches of our order, be conducted in the same spirit, and be attended with the like happy results. It should have been stated, that the services of the ordination were conducted in Fish Street Chapel. The Filial Society is taking measures for the erection of a new chapel, their present place of worship being already found too small and inconvenient.

On Wednesday, June 27, the Rev. J. G. Hewlett, late of Newbury, Berkshire, was ordained to the pastoral care of the Independent Church at N. S. No. 93.

Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

The

Rev. W. Wild, of Harborough, commenced the services of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. T. Price, of Devonshire Square, London, described the nature of a Christian church; the Rev. Walter Scott, of Rowell, received the confession of faith, asked the usual questions, and offered the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands; and the Rev. Dr. Collyer delivered an impressive and appropriate charge to the new minister, from 2 Tim. ii. 15. The Rev. E. Webb, of Leicester, concluded the morning service by prayer. In the evening the Rev. T. W. Price, of Warwick, preached to the people from 2 John, ver. 8. The Rev. Messrs. Mansell and Trestrail conducted the devotional services.

The Independent Church and Congregation at Lutterworth appear to have now presented to them the prospect of much comfort and prosperity, in the settlement among them of the Rev. J. G. Hewlett, at their unanimous invitation. The services of the day were numerously attended by the ministers and Christian friends of the county. They were of a peculiarly interesting, and it is hoped profitable character, both to the parties more immediately concerned, and to those from other Christian societies who attended on the occasion.

On Tuesday, July 24th, 1832, the Rev. Isaac Evans, from the Academy at Newtown, Montgomeryshire, was ordained to the pastoral office over the Independent Church at Weedon Bee, Northamptonshire. The service was commenced by reading the Scriptures and prayer, by Mr. Miller, of Branston; Mr. N. M. Harry, of Banbury, stated the scriptural constitution of a Christian Church; Mr. Davis, of Daventry, asked the usual questions; the ordination prayer was offered by the former pastor, Mr. Pinkerton, of Totteridge; the charge was delivered by Mr. Scott, of Rowell, from 2 Tim. iv. 5. latter part, "Make full proof of thy ministry;" and Mr. Prust, of Northampton, closed the morning service with prayer.

In the evening the people assembled again, when, after prayer by-Woodwark, of Northampton, a sermon was 4 E

addressed to the people by Mr. Griffith, of Long Buckby, from 1 Cor. xvi. 10. "See that he be with you without fear, for he worketh the work of the Lord;" and the service was closed with prayer, by Mr. Gray, of Northampton.

On Tuesday, July 31, the Rev. George Legge, A.M., was ordained to the pastorship of the Independent Church at Bridge Street Chapel, Bristol. The Rev. Mr. Davies, of the Bristol Tabernacle, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. Wm. Thorpe offered the ordination prayer ; the Rev. John Morison, D.D. of London, gave the charge; and the Rev. Robert Philip, of London, preached the sermon to the Church. The other devotional services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Lucy, Crisp, Legge, of Reading; Campbell, of Cheltenham, &c. On Thursday, August 8, the Rev. Mr. Campbell, A.M. was ordained to the pastorship of the Independent Church, at Highbury Chapel, Cheltenham. The Rev. John Burder, A.M.

of Stroud, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. Robert Philip, of London, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. John Morison, D.D. of London, gave the charge; and the Rev. George Redford, A.M. of Worcester, preached the sermon to the Church. The other devotional services were conducted by neighbouring ministers.

REMOVALS.

THE Rev. R. Ashton, late of Dedham, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the Independent Church at Warminster, Wilts, and will enter (D. V) on his pastoral labours in that town on the last Sabbath of the present month.

We also learn that the Rev. Luke Foster, of Blackburn, Lancashire, has accepted the call of the Church and Congregation assembling at Abbeylane Meeting, Saffron Walden, Essex, late under the pastoral care of the Rev. W. Clayton, now Chaplain to the Dissenters' Grammar School, Mill Hill.

INFORMATION ON THE RELIGIOUS
STATE OF HOLLAND.

A minister of the German Lutheran Church has lately been in England, whose pious and amiable character, evangelical sentiments, and rich stores of information, rendered him a very acceptable companion to all who had the happiness of enjoying his society;-the Rev. Theodore Fliedner, pastor of Kayserswerth, near Düsseldorf. Last year he published, at Essen, in Prussian Westphalia, his Travels in Holland, two volumes. This work is chiefly occupied with the statistics of pious and benevolent institutions, missionary, Bible, and other S ocieties; and, in particular, the schools, the universities, the established church, and the different classes of dissenters from it, the theological literature, and the apparent state of vital religion within every circle of his observation. The fulness and minuteness of his communications, and the excellent spirit which they breathe, render them highly valuable. This value and the interest thence arising, are much increased by the references and comparisons continually made to the

state of religion and religious institutions in Germany. The size of the work (the two volumes making more than 1000 pages) preclude the hope of seeing it in an English translation; but it supplies one motive, in addition to many others, stimulating to the study of German language, for th Bological literature. From ve select the following very important paragraphs. "My remarks, in the way of complaint or censure, extend chiefly to the state of the CHURCH, and the institutions for EDUCATION; particularly in reference to the spirit of refined infidelity, [under the name of rationalism,] which is now spreading itself in the evangelical church of Holland. [We apprehend, that Mr. F. uses this designation to comprehend the Reformed as well as the Lutheran communities.] My opinions upon this point, I am well aware, will, to neither party, the rationalist or the orthodox, appear perfectly unexceptionable; since both go into extremes, a fact, however, very difficult for them to perceive in the heat of the theological controversy which is now carried on between them

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ficiency to these exertions, it is felt to be a matter of importance to urge on the friends of religion and order UNANIMITY ON ESSENTIALS; lest, in spending strength on disputable points, they should diminish the force of that general effort, which should be made by Christian electors on the members of the new parliament. This effort, though proceeding from parties in different and distant quarters of the United Kingdom, and unconnected, except by a common principle, will act with the force of a combined movement. How powerful that force may be if the effort be universally made and well sustained, may be inferred from the consideration, that, notwithstanding the abounding and daring impiety of the times, there can be no reasonable doubt that the number of conscientious persons who live and act in the fear of God is very great-far inferior, indeed, numerically, to those who have no true fear of God; but a noble company, when considered in the aggregate; and of a moral power only short of irresistible, if wisely and steadily acting toward a proper point, in reliance on the divine blessing. Nor can it be doubted, that if the Reformed Parliament shall collect an increased number of members with feelings hostile to the interests of true Christianity and religious order, it will present on the other hand increased facilities for the impartial discussion of topics connected with the cause of social improvement, of humanity, and of pure religion.

There is another point which it seems fit to urge upon this occasion. Attaching the importance which in the judgment of a Christian ought to be attached to the election of men of religious principles as members of parliament, it is earnestly recommended that suitable candidates of this character should be SOUGHT OUT, and that all proper influence should be used to prevail on such persons to come forward at this crisis.

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Further if, as it is hoped may be the case, this Appeal should come into the hands of gentlemen of religious principles and eligible qualifications, but who may not have hitherto considered the obligations which devolve upon them to stand forth as candidates at this exigency of our national affairs, let such persons weigh well the duty which they owe at this time to their country and to God. Let them not lightly neglect any available opening presented to them for obtaining a seat in parliament, there to devote themselves, with all the powers with which it may have pleased God to endow them, in aid of the endeavours made by the friends of humanity and religion to repress the current of ungodliness and

anarchy, and to promote every measure for advancing the cause of good government and religious improvement both at home and abroad.

In addition to all these suggestions, it is earnestly recommended, that the local endeavours used to influence members should not cease with the elections, but be followed up and maintained during the continuance of the parliament, by the electors addressing their representatives, from time to time, on all important subjects in which the interests of religion, morality, and social order may be involved.

But, after all, in the confessedly peril. ous position of our national affairs, the noblest and only effective means of action will be those which obtain the exertion of divine power on behalf of our country. The inadequacy of the human agency sought to be employed at this crisis disappears before the energy of the Omnipotent Arm. Let but those who are here addressed seek the union which has been recommended let that union be as comprehensive as the most favourable construction of character will justify -let the combined endeavour commence with the humble and sincere acknowledgment of incompetency, and fervent prayer for divine direction--imitating herein the conduct of the devout ruler of Judah in his emergency, Neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon Theeit will then remain to be seen, whether, as in that case, wisdom, courage, perseverance, and success against the irreligious spirit and influence of the day, may not be bestowed-such as may even yet avert the impending calamities of our country; and lead to the lengthening of our tranquillity, by the temperate and wholesome reform of those imperfections which adhere to our most cherished institutions, and by the removal of those legalised outrages upon humanity in one quarter; and that connexion with heathen idolatries and superstition in another, the continuance of which, with our multiplied national sins, have so evidently drawn upon us, as a people, the righteous displeasure of our offended God.

To the Editors.-A paragraph having appeared in The Morning Herald, "That all proprietary chapels in St. Marylebone Parish are to be rated for the poor, &c." and a proposal to the same effect (as it respects Tottenham Court Chapel) having been made in the vestry meeting of St. Pancras, though negatived for the present, I beg to suggest to the friends of truth and benevolence the propriety of obtaining from all candidates, that may apply for their suffrages, a pledge that

MARINERS' CHURCH DISTRICT TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

The third public meeting of this Auxiliary was held in the Mariners' Church, Wellclose Square, on Monday last, when, after prayer by Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Coleman was unanimously called to the chair.

Mr. T. A. Smith proceeded to address the meeting upon the subject of temperance, and very clearly stated the origin and progress of the Temperance Society, its usefulness and necessity.

Mr. Fry, jun. detailed the lamentable effects of intemperance, and pointed out the real necessity existing for such associations all over the world.

Mr. Clutton, in a most ingenious speech, illustrated by a variety of comparisons, showed the ill effects of ardent spirits taken by painters. He used once to do so; but had since abandoned a practice destructive to the physical powers.

Mr. John Boyd, (a mechanic,) whose employment required him to stand in water nearly all day, used to take ardent spirits to preserve him from cold; but since he became a member of the Society he scarcely drank any thing but water, and could work as hard as those who consumed so much ardent spirits.

Mr. Talbot, who was present at the last meeting, rose again to oppose the objects of Temperance Societies. He said

that it did not regard the drunkard, but merely the temperate man, who was safe. He compared the drunkard to be the man who stood upon the brink of a river, whom we should spring forward to save.

Mr. H. Jenkins, (of Lambeth,) rose to reply. He said, that the temperate man was the man on the brink, but the drunkard had fallen into the river, and was coming up the last time. Of the latter, there were little hopes, for the former there was security, and that was to be had by joining the Society, the principles of which he felt would soon be as universal as the light of heaven.

Mr. Simpson also replied to Mr. Talbot, whom he said would no doubt become a member and firm advocate shortly; that such men were the best supporters of the cause by their opposition.

Mr. Talbot confessed he had not read the pamphlets upon temperance, and begged for information, when Mr. Simpson furnished him with the publications. After spirited and eloquent speeches by Messrs. Fry and Clutton, in reply, the meeting, which was crowded, adjourned to that day month.

RECENT DEATH.

We regret to record the decease of the Rev. William Williams, late Pastor of the Church and Congregation assembling in the Independent Chapel, Norwood, Surrey. This painful event took place at his residence, in the King's Road, Chelsea, on the 2d of August, 1832, after a painful illness of only six days. We regret to state, that Mr. W. has left a widow and numerous family to lament their irreparable loss. The greater part of these are dependent on the exertions of their bereaved parent. Under the excruciating sufferings of a painful disease Mr. W. enjoyed an invariable tranquillity of mind.

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