greatly rejoice. But we must look to those friends whose wishes we are anxious to consult, that they will do the utmost in their power by promoting the sale of the Magazine, to prevent loss to the cause of the widow and fatherless. N.B. A few engagements have been made by our Publishers, which must be kept. NEW ASYLUM FOR INFANT ORPHANS, ON LIBERAL AND NOT EXCLUSIVE PRINCIPLES. THE noble stand made by the founders of this charity against Church bigotry, entitles them to the warm confidence and support of all who respect the rights of conscience, whether members of the Establishment or Nonconformists. For sixteen years the "Infant Orphan Asylum" had been conducted upon moderately fair and liberal principles, a circumstance by no means remarkable when the origin of the institution is taken into account. But, in the course of last year, a Church-catechism-mania seized upon the minds of a majority of the committee; and, in an evil hour, it was resolved that the children in the asylum should be indoctrinated in the baptismal regeneration of that very objectionable formula. Of course, such a violent innovation upon the practice of sixteen years could not fail to be very offensive to Nonconformists, and especially to Dr. Reed and the little circle of friends who formed the institution upon an enlarged and catholic basis. Sufficient had been conceded to Episcopalians in allowing the children to attend church; but, from the commencement, it had been a distinct and expressed understanding that the Church Catechism was not to be introduced. In vain did the minority remonstrate; the change of constitution was resolved upon; the scruples of influential friends were disregarded; a proposal even to exempt the children of Dissenters from the operation of the new law was rejected, and the asylum was stereotyped an express institution of the Church of England. What, in such circumstances, were the liberal members of the committee to do? Were they not bound to act faithfully to their own consciences and to the public trust reposed in them? It may be said, and we know it has been said, Ought not a minority in a committee quietly to submit to a majority? Upon ordinary occasions, where only a difference of judgment occurs upon minor details, we think it ought, and to avoid as much as possible any course tending to division and strife. if a majority in a committee attempt to violate ancient understandings, to introduce laws subversive of great constitutional principles, to trample on the conscientious VOL. XXIII. But scruples of their brethren in office, to convert a charity intended for the poor of all denominations into the organ of a sect, then does it become the duty of a minority to protest earnestly against such malversation of understood trust, and thereby to prevent a generous public from being imposed upon by professions of liberality no longer acted upon. We will suppose a case, which may tend to the illumination of those who formed the majority in the "Infant Orphan Asylum." Suppose, then, that Dr. Reed, the founder of the institution, and a Congregational Dissenter, had been in a majority, and that he with his friends had attempted to introduce a Dissenting catechism. How would his Church brethren have relished the change? Would they not, one and all, have cried out fie upon his bigotry? Nay, more, would they not have been fully justified in quitting the institution, and doing their best to form one upon a broad and catholic basis, which should not compromise the conscience of either Churchman or Dissenter ? This is just what Dr. Reed and the five members of committee who acted with him have done, in precisely similar circumstances. We think they acted right well in so doing. And it will be a lasting discredit to Dissenters and Liberal Englishmen in general, if the New Asylum for Infant Orphans does not become one of the most popular charities of the age. It has our best wishes, and our conscientious approval; and we are happy to say that it is daily rising in public esteem. In the words of Dr. Reed, we express the grounds of our approbation of this charity: The New Asylum, while religiously conducted, will be open to all, without constraining the conscience of any." N.B.-OFFICE OF THE INSTITUTION, 32, POULTRY, WHERE ATTENDANCE GIVEN DAILY FROM TEN TILL THREE. IS THE CURTAILMENT OF BUSINESS HOURS. A MOVEMENT of a most desirable and encouraging character has been going forward, for more than two years, with a view to shorten the hours of business, and thereby to afford time for intellectual and religious culture, and to prevent that over-taxation of the powers of life which the present unhappy system necessarily involves. "The Metropolitan Drapers' Association" have done good service in awakening attention to a subject which has been too long overlooked. They have held public meetings, printed and circulated admirable addresses to shopmen and masters, secured the cooperation of clergymen and Dissenting ministers, and, in some of the largest esta D blishments in the metropolis, have succeeded in carrying out their proposed plan. We honour them for their energy and perseverance, and wish them all the success they can possibly desire. At first, they had many difficulties to encounter in their laudable effort, arising from ignorance, prejudice, inveterate habit, avarice, and jealousy of popular movement. But by prudent and wise measures they have done much to enlighten the public mind, to overcome existing scruples, to break in upon ancient usage, to allay apprehension on the score of economy, to prove that their plan of operation is peaceful, humane, and strictly voluntary; and have thus shown their entire effort to be a measure of public utility, beneficial to all parties concerned, and injurious to none. Let them proceed as they have begun, but with redoubled zeal and diligence, and a public sentiment will, ere long, be formed on their side, which will shut every place of business in the metropolis and the provinces at a reasonable hour, and which will secure for young men and women in our shops and public establishments, sufficient leisure for self-improvement, and annihilate that species of refined slavery which has too long obtained in various departments of mercantile life. It is really deplorable to reflect on the condition of tens of thousands of shopmen in our great cities, immured in business, and tied to the counter from Monday morning till Saturday night, with no interval whatever but the few hours allowed them for food and sleep. They can indulge none of the habits of friendship, they have no time for reading and mental culture, no opportunity for healthful exercise, scarcely any leisure for devotion. And what is the natural consequence? Is it not that the sabbath is too generally devoted to purposes for which it was never intended, and that thoughtlessness and irreligion are the offspring of unnatural and oppressive restraint? And why all this deprivation of health and energy, and mental power, and social happiness, and religious privilege? Why? For no better reason, alas! than because blind custom and tyrannous usage have ordained it. Such protracted hours are shown to be unnecessary and injurious. They add nothing to the wealth of proprietors, and extremely little to the convenience of the public. But if they could be proved to be a source of immense revenue, and if the abridgment of them should be fraught with inconvenience both to the rich and the poor, what then? Are injustice and inhumanity to be practised for the purpose of increasing wealth, and adding to the mere convenience of a few? Assuredly not. Our shopmen and shopwomen have souls,-have a social nature, have a moral being,--and shame on the system which would trample on all these for no better reason than mere custom, convenience, or gain. May we be permitted to make our respectful appeal to the Proprietors of our mercantile establishments, and to entreat that they will heartily co-operate in the good work now so hopefully begun? Their countenance will not only secure its ultimate success, but will form a link of confidence and respect between them and their servants highly conducive to their future comfort. Nor must we omit to counsel the young men in these establishments, to seek the attainment of their object in a becoming spirit, and to be mainly anxious that the contemplated or realized change in their position may be turned to good account; that it may advance their intellectual, their moral, and religious improvement, as well as yield a larger measure of personal and social happiness. GERMAN JUBILEE SERVICE. On the evening of Lord's day, Dec. 1, 1844, a special service of an interesting character was held at the German Lutheran Church, Savoy, Strand, commemorative of the formation of a Christian church in that place, 150 years ago. The spacious building was well filled, there being present on the occasion many members of the other German Protestant churches in London, with their respective pastors, who severally took part in the solemnities. After prayer had been offered by the Rev. Dr. Tiarks, of the Reformed Church, Dr. Steinkopff preached the sermon from Psa. cxxvi. 3, "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." The venerable Doctor, who has presided over the flock there statedly assembling for forty-three years, gave a detailed history of this religious interest, which appears to have originated with a few pious Germans living in the neighbourhood, who, in the year 1694, met for public worship in an old building, nobly given for that purpose by William III., and which formerly stood upon the site of the present edifice. Subsequently both the congregation and its schools have largely shared the generous benefactions of various branches of the Royal Family. Since the foundation there have been twelve successive pastors, all sound in the faith, and several distinguished by literary eminence. In the course of the evening, appropriate addresses were delivered by Dr. Kuper, of the German Chapel Royal, and by the ministers of the other Lutheran churches, pastors Walbaum and Cappel. Affection and earnestness pervaded the whole. An anthem composed by the late Dr. Latrobe, to the words Psa. cxi. 4-9, was sung by the choir. Several foreign ambassadors were present, and a collection for defraying the expenses of recent repairs was liberally responded to. PROVINCIAL. ORDINATIONS. Rev. T. R. Brown. The ordination of Mr. Thomas R. Brown, as pastor of the Independent church and congregation assembling at Mill-wall chapel, took place on Wednesday afternoon, October 2nd, 1844. The Rev. Henry Althans, of Virginia-row chapel, commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. Ebenezer Halliday, of Ratcliff, delivered the introductory address; the Rev. C. J. Hyatt, of Shadwell, proposed the questions to the church and to the minister; those to the church were replied to by J. Hooper, Esq.; the Rev. C. Hyatt, sen., offered the ordination prayer without imposition of hands; the Rev. W. Hodson, of Sion chapel, Whitechapel, (Mr. Brown's pastor,) delivered the charge; and the Rev. T. Hill, of Chigwellrow, concluded with prayer. In the evening, the sermon to the people was preached by the Rev. G. Wilkins, of New Broad-street chapel, City; the Rev. R. Saunders, of Mile-end, and the Rev. C. J. Hyatt, also taking part in the ser vice. The cause at Mill-wall is the only one on the Isle of Dogs, the population of which is rapidly increasing. It was newly revived, under the auspices of the East London Association of Ministers and Churches, in June 1843, when the trustees generously relinquished their claim to a considerable debt, and also liberally contributed toward the necessary repairs of the chapel. For the first six months, it was supplied by various ministers, and at Christmas, 1843, Mr. Brown commenced his labours, since which time a church has been formed, the congregation has gradually increased, and the Sunday-school, under the enlightened superintendence of J. Hooper, Esq., has so increased, that the rooms are inconveniently full. If flourishing churches in other localities were thus to take the weaker ones by the hand, might it not be expected that similar results would follow? Rev. G. Hillyard. On Wednesday, the 30th of October, 1844, the Rev. George Hillyard, late student of Airedale College, was ordained pastor over the church assembling in Ebenezer chapel, Pocklington, vacant by the recent death of the Rev. T. Pearson, in the vigour of life and great usefulness. The services of the day were of no ordinary kind. Rev. George Schofield, of Malton, (whom Mr. Pearson selected to preach his funeral sermon,) introduced the services by reading suitable portions of Scripture, and invoked a blessing on the services of the day. The Rev. T. Stratten, of Hull, in a masterly discourse, described the constitution of a Christian church, and asked of the minister the usual questions, which were answered by Mr. Hillyard in a manner highly satisfactory to the auditory. The Rev. Walter Scott, Theological President of Airedale College, offered the ordination prayer; and the Rev. John Ely delivered a very solemn charge to the minister. In the evening, the Rev. James Parsons addressed the congregation, when a collection was made towards defraying the expense of recent repairs and improvements, which amounted to 15. Dinner was provided for strangers in the vestry of the chapel, and a public tea was held in the Odd Fellows' Hall, when upwards of 300 sat down, after which the assemblage were addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Ely, Stratten, Seott, Bruce, Birch, and others. Rev. Thomas Davies. The services connected with the ordination of the Rev. Thomas Davies, late of Highbury College, as pastor of the Congregational church at Maidenhead, were held on Tuesday, the 27th of November, 1844. The Rev. J. Haydon, of High Wycombe, commenced the morning service by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. H. Godwin, Resident Tutor of Highbury College, delivered an introductory discourse from the words, "My kingdom is not of this world," full of convincing argument and beautiful sentiment. The questions addressed to the pastor and to one of the deacons, were put by the Rev. J. Rowland, of Henley, after which the Rev. S. Curwen, of Reading, engaged in solemn prayer for the Divine blessing to rest on the young minister. The Rev. Dr. Leifchild, of London, then gave the charge, from Malachi ii. 6, 7, which was characterized by his usual power and practical wisdom. After the morning service upwards of 150 members of the congregation and friends sat down to dinner at the Town-hall, which was kindly granted for the occasion by Mr. Higgs, the mayor. After the cloth was removed, interesting addresses were delivered by Rev. Dr. Leifchild, Revds. J. H. Godwin, W. Legge, S. Curwen, Woodhouse, of London; and the newly-ordained pastor, who presided. In the evening. the Rev. W. Legge, B. A., of Reading, preached an admirable and impressive sermon to the people, from 2 Thess. ii. 19. The following_ministers also took part in the services:-The Revds. Weston, of Wooburn; Harsant, of Beaconsfield; Porter, of Staines; Hall, of Poyle; Armitage, of Carleon; Woodhouse, (Countess of Huntingdon's connexion,) of London; and Fleming and Conder, of Highbury College. The services were attended by very crowded congregations, comprising many friends of other denominations. The day was one of holy interest and gratification to all, and it is hoped will be found to have been productive of lasting spiritual good to ministers and people. Rev. James Hughes Morgan. The ordination of the Rev. James Hughes Morgan, late of Airedale College, as pastor of the Independent church in Christian fellowship at Marshall-street chapel, Holbech, Leeds, took place on Thursday, September 12th, 1844. In the morning, the services were opened by reading the Scriptures and prayer, by the Rev. Thomas Scales, of Queen-street chapel. Then a comprehensive and lucid statement of the principles of a "self-regulating" New Testament church was given by the Rev. Richard W. Hamilton, LL.D., D.D., of Belgrave chapel, by whom also the usual questions were proposed. The special prayer was offered by the Rev. David Morgan, of Pendre chapel, Llanfillin, the young minister's father; after which a charge, manly, Christian, and truthful, was delivered by the Rev. Samuel Bowen, of Townley-street chapel, Macclesfield. In the evening of the same day, the Scriptures having been read, and prayer offered by the Rev. Robert Bowman, of Sunderland, the Rev. John Ely, of Eastparade chapel, preached a very impressive sermon to the people. The Rev. Messrs. Hudswell, Leeds; Jones, Booth, Martin, and Kean, Heckmondwike; Paul, Wibsey; Oddie, Ossett, Morris, Morley; Cooke, Gomersal, Brown, Brigg; and Lewis, Robinson, and Harris, of Airedale College, conducted the interjacent and concluding services. There were thirty ministers from neighbouring churches, and almost all the students of Airedale College present on the occasion. On the evening of the following day, a welcome tea-meeting was held, when some of the above-named ministers and other gentlemen addressed the numerous company of friends convened. RECOGNITION. Rev. James Macfarlane. On Wednesday, November 6th, 1844, the Rev. James Macfarlane, late of Wick, Scotland, was publicly recognised as pastor of the Congregational church assembling in Duke-street chapel, Whitehaven. The Rev. Messrs. Jack, of North Shields; Wight, of Carlisle; Wilson, of Cockermouth; Reeve, of Aspatria; and Potter, of Workington, took part in the services of the day. In the morning, the Rev. Mr. Wight preached the introductory discourse from 1 Tim. iii. 15, and, as is usual on these occasions, gave a clear elucidation of the character and constitution of a scriptural church of Christ, showed how various corruptions were gradually introduced, which were not entirely purged away at the Reformation. After this calm and clear exposition of the principles of Congregationalism, the pastor and people, having mutually expressed their concurrence in the solenın connection about to be recognised, the Rev. Mr. Jack implored the Divine blessing, accompanied with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. The Rev. Mr. Wilson delivered an affectionate and impressive charge to the pastor from 1 Tim. iv. 16, "Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine." He urged the following points:Take heed unto thy health, thy soul, thy reputation, thy doctrine, thy flock. dwelt much on the necessity of deep personal piety as being a requisite indispensable to ministerial success, and showed that wherever personal holiness is possessed in an eminent degree the church is edified and souls saved. Under the head of doctrine he insisted on the necessity of the gospel being preached fully, freely, constantly, remarking that the determination of every minister should be the determination of the He prophet Micaiah, when Ahab would have prevailed upon him to become a time-server and to prophesy smooth things, "As the Lord liveth, what my God saith, that will I speak." The service of the morning was closed with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Reeve. In the evening an eloquent and earnest address was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Jack to the church and congregation from 1 Thess. v. 12, 13, "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake," &c. He adverted in a feeling manner to his former connection with the church. Twenty-five years had elapsed on that very day from the period when he preached his first sermon in Whitehaven. Fifteen of these years he had sustained among them the office of pastor, and, while there was much in the history of the church which called for humiliation, there was also much which called for thanksgiving to God. Amidst all their short-comings the Lord had continued to add unto them of the saved, some of whom were now engaged in the missionary field, and others preparing for the work of the ministry. He concluded his address by an earnest appeal to the unconverted, and the minds of all seemed to be deeply impressed. The whole proceedings of the day were characterised by deep solemnity and devout attention. May the gracious Head of the church countenance this union with his richest blessing, making it conducive to the perfecting of the saints, and to the reclaiming of many a wandering immortal to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. Amen. CHAPEL S. Wickham Market, Suffolk. The Independent chapel, Wickham Market, Suffolk, having been recently enlarged, was re-opened on Thursday, the 3rd of October, 1844. The Rev. R. Skinner, of Hadleigh, preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. G. L. Smith, of Halesworth, in the evening. The Rev. Messrs. J. James, of Debenham; John Ross, and J. Hayward, both of Woodbridge; H. Tayler and W. H. Hines, of Brandeston, took parts in the interesting services of the day. Middleton, Northamptonshire. On Monday, September 30th, 1844, was opened the Independent chapel at Middleton, Northamptonshire, when two sermons were preached; that in the afternoon, by the Rev. J. McAll, of Nottingham; and that in the evening, by the Rev. H. Toller, of Harborough. The chapel was crowded both services, and very many were obliged to remain outside for want of room. The day was providentially fine. Friends from Kettering, Wellingborough, Uppingham, and the neighbouring villages, attended to encourage and assist. One hundred persons sat down to tea under a large booth, while very many were accommodated in the houses of friends. The collections and donations at the two services amounted to 471., leaving a debt of 100l. After the evening service, a proposal was made to raise at once the sum required to liquidate the debt. The Rev. J. Dear, of Great Easton, promised to raise 401. before the anniversary. Other individuals then promptly seconded, and the whole amount was pledged before the service was concluded. We may thus rejoice and give glory to God that in a few months a house to his praise has been erected, at the expense of 2804, and out of debt. May He now send prosperity in blessing his word to the conversion of souls, and all will be well! THE WELSH CORNER. MORGAN ON THE REVELATIONS. One of the misfortunes of the Welsh language is, that it prevents its writers from attaining that reputation and fame which would be their share, were their writings in the language of the empire. Probably this was the sentiment embodied in the myth of Virgil when he said Namque (fatebor enim) dum me Galatea tenebat i. e., who, as long as he was charmed with the rustic poetry of Mantua, and composed his verses in the Mantuan patois, he was always a poor son of the soil; but when he wrote in the language of Rome, he attained to wealth and fame. Mr. Morgan is well known and much admired in Wales. He is a powerful and popular preacher, a clear and original thinker, an acute theologian, and a learned historian. In some of these characters he may have many equals; but, take him all in all, he has scarcely a competitor. The ardour of his mind in literary and intellectual' pursuits is indomitable. He has had much to try him, and some things to disgust him— some in the neglect of his countrymen, and some in harsh treatment. In the midst of all, his mind has continued strong and fresh, his principles unchanged, and his consistency unimpeachable. Some years ago, he published a large work, entitled, "A History of the Christian Church." This is the only valuable work on ecclesiastical history in the Welsh language. He may, therefore, be called the father of Welsh ecclesiastical history. In saying this, we do not forget the " History of Religion in Wales," by the late Rev. D. Peter, of Carmarthen. The work of Mr. Peter is a mere compilation. He seems to have collected and translated his materials, and then to pen them without submitting them to a digestive process in his own thought. Mr. Morgan writes church history as one who has thought out his subject, and as one who could philosophise on the tendencies of ecclesiastical events. Were the rising ministry of Wales to give a few months to Mr. Morgan's History of the Christian Church, they would acquire more |