is at hand.

Work the work of God while it is day; the night cometh when you cannot work.

We believe that much of the good which has lately been effected among our brethren, is the result of fervent intercessions in their behalf at the throne of grace. Therefore we say to you, bear them, O, bear them on the arms of faith-plead for them-continue to plead till thousands and thousands more are brought to Christ, and made the monuments of his richest grace!

Christian pastors! bring, we pray you, the claims of seamen before your respective congregations; impress on their minds, that on the salvation of sailors depends the salvation of the whole world; that their obligations as Christians to redeeming grace can never be discharged till they have put forth their best efforts for the spiritual welfare of seamen.

Christians! you are responsible for what you possess-responsible for what you do-responsible for what you fail to do. We charge it on your consciences that the salvation of seamen is committed to you by God himself that from this duty you can never be released; and that a spirit of apathy or neglect may involve the most tremendous consequences-their blood may be required at your hands-their condemnation may be charged to your account.

Brethren we have spoken out of the fulness of our hearts-we have expressed ourselves with great plainness of speechwe have given utterance to our feelings and our solicitude, as in the sight of God. 0, bear with us! We are pleading for our brethren-our kinsmen according to the flesh-we shall soon be called to render our final account-we must soon meet there at the judgment-seat. There is no time to delay. While we delay they are passing to eternity-they are perishing! Great God! how can we be cold, or indifferent, or inactive? Now is the time; yes, the time has come to favour seamen, and if the pastors and churches of this land will but take up the subject with heart and hand, we are firm in the belief that soon, and very soon, the abundance of the sea shall be converted, and through their conversion, the world be saved! Let the love of Christ constrain you let the grace and authority of God influence and govern you. We ask you to be co-workers with us in this great work. A voice from the ocean, a voice from your Saviour's cross, and your Saviour's throne, says, "Come and help us!"

We leave the cause in your hands. God is blessing-Christ is pleading-the Spirit is working-angels are expecting-heaven is rejoicing-hell is moving-death is approaching-eternity is at hand-and now it remains for the Church to awake, to work,

to plead, to persevere, and the great design is accomplished.

The following is the covenant into which we, one hundred Bethel Captains, have solemnly entered; and to which, through promised aid, we purpose to adhere :

I. That we most cordially approve of the constitution and objects of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society, and are prepared to give it our support and co-operation.

II. That more effectually to accomplish the great end of the salvation of seamen, we declare our willingness to embrace every suitable opportunity of directing their attention to the things which belong to their peace, whether on sea or on shore, and uniting with the Society's agents in their

various services.

:

III. That since we possess acknowledged influence over our own crews in particular, and seamen in general, we consider ourselves called to special exertion among them, and, therefore, are anxious to lend our best energies and influence to promote their welfare and under the conviction that we are responsible not only for our own souls, but for the souls of our crews, we purpose, by the grace of God, to follow whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, and thus set before them an example of faith and holiness.

IV. That being impressed with the value and efficacy of prayer, and that some of the most important promises and prophecies stand connected with the abundance of the sea being converted to our blessed Redeemer, we pledge ourselves daily to intercede with God for the salvation of our seamen and the still greater success of the Society.

Signed on behalf of the one hundred,

Captain H. HUDSON.

should be deprived of natural sight, and thus be unable to read His most holy word by the use of the eye; but he has now provided an antidote for the seeming evil, and has endued the mind of some with wisdom to devise plans, by which these pitiable objects may read his will by the use of the finger in tracing the sacred page; and thus it may be said, in reference to the above passage, that a literal fulfilment thereof is taking place, by the establishment of a Society called THE METROPOLITAN SOCIETY FOR EDUCATING, CLOTHING, AND BOARDING THE NECESSITOUS BLIND; which is held at No. 32, Sackville-street, Piccadilly.

It appears the Committee thereof are about speedily to open an asylum for the purpose of receiving inmates, from the age of seven years to thirteen; and, at the same time, to impart instruction, not only to them, but to blind persons of all ages who may apply, upon the system of Mr. J. GALL, of Edinburgh, who is now immediately identified with the Society; and the system is universally approved.

The proceedings of this Society are to be free from all sectarianism; and the children are to be fed, clothed, lodged, and taught to read the word of God.

It is absolutely needful that the Christian public especially should be alive to the importance of this object; extensive pecuniary aid is needed to carry on the work, and maintain the outgoings of such an asylum; and the committee will be glad of additions to their number, of some efficient persons who will take an active part in promoting the cause of the blind.

This Society has the high honour to be patronised by our most gracious Sovereign, and her illustrious mother, the Duchess of Kent; the Right Honourable Lord John Russell is President; and Thomas Fowell Buxton is Vice-President, thereof; and it is recommended by many respectable ministers of various denominations. Subscriptions and donations are received by the following bankers :-James Ashley, Esq., 135, Regent-street; Messrs. Coutts and Co., 59, Strand; and Messrs. Williams and Co., Birchin-lane, bankers to the Society; and also by the Secretary, or other office bearers, at the office of the Society, 32, Sackville-street.

May the God of all grace bless this humble effort in the cause of the Blind, so that it may be the means of salvation to many immortal souls, and to his name shall be all the praise and glory for ever.

ON RESTITUTION.

Amen.

To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine. REV. SIR,-I have just received a letter calling my attention to the obituary of

Joseph Reyner, Esq., in the Evangelical Magazine for last month, as containing a most incorrect version of a note, in "Simpson's Plea for Religion."

Mr. Reyner's respected biographer evidently made the reference from memory; it is, however, obscure and contradictory, since it first describes my father as saying, "It is the duty of all to make restitution; and immediately after, it represents him as retracting" but this is only fit for a Reyner."

The insertion of the original note, in your valuable publication, will at once remove any misapprehension that may have been occasioned by Mr. Campbell's statement; and I am sure that it will afford you pleasure to perform this act of justice to the memory of my revered father. I remain, Rev. Sir, Yours respectfully, DAVID SIMPSON.

Heavitree, near Exeter,
March 14, 1838.

"Among other unfavourable signs of the times, the vast number of bankruptcies in this kingdom is none of the least. I suppose we average six or seven hundred every year, besides all the composition businesses, which are still more numerous.

But what

I here chiefly refer to, as a proof of depraved morals, is, that, of all the instances of defraud, intentional or otherwise, practised upon the public, an instance of afterpayment is rarely recorded; and whenever such an instance occurs, it is always spoken of with astonishment, as a thing not to be expected. If a man goes upon the high road, or breaks into your house, and robs you of a few pounds, he is infamous; and if he can be caught and arraigned, and the thing proved, he atones for the offence at the expense of his life. But a man, in a way of trade, shall cheat you of hundreds and thousands, shall pay you ten, five, or even only two shillings in the pound, yet be is a good fellow, a man of honour; he begins again, keeps it up, cuts a dash, cracks again, and all is well. He never dreams, that upon every principle of justice, honour, and conscience, he is as much a debtor for all his deficiencies, as though the law had never acquitted him. What an accumulation of guilt is upon this land on these accounts? Of the many thousands in this country who fall short in their payments, how few, how extremely few do we meet with, or hear of, who, afterwards, like the most worthy Reyner, call their creditors together, and pay them what, indeed, is justly due, but what they never could demand."—Simpson's Plea for Religion, p. 538.

OPENING OF ABNEY CHAPEL, STOKE

NEWINGTON.

This place was opened for Divine worship on Thursday, March 22, 1838. The morning service commenced at twelve o'clock. The Rev. John Jefferson, minister of the place, offered the opening prayer; the Scriptures were read, and the general prayer was presented by the Rev. T. Lewis, of Islington; after which, the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, D.D., of Stepney, preached from Hab. ii. 19, 20; the Rev. John Campbell, of Kingsland, concluded with prayer. In the evening, at half-past six o'clock, the introductory services were conducted by the Rev. Robert Halley, D.D., of Highbury College; and the Rev. James Bennett, D.D., of Silver-street chapel, London, preached from Matt. xviii. 20; the Rev. R. Philip, of Maberly chapel, concluded.

Three sermons were also preached on the following Sabbath, (March 25th,) in further aid of the Building Fund. In the morning, by the Rev. R. Wardlaw, D.D., of Glasgow, from Isaiah iv. 5; in the afternoon, by the Rev. John Jefferson, from Haggai ii. 9; and in the evening, by the Rev. John Blackburn, of Claremont chapel, from John vii. 37. The attendance at all these services was exceedingly numerous; a truly devotional spirit seemed to prevail, and valuable impressions, it is hoped, were made. The collections amounted to 1867.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL GOVERNMENT.

This important subject has been recently brought under the special attention of Sunday-school teachers in the Metropolis, in a series of lectures delivered in different school-rooms, by Mr. Henry Althans, of the Sunday-school Union. It has been frequently remarked by strangers who have visited Sunday-schools, that they do not, in general, present the fairest patterns of order; that, although the teachers have evinced great assiduity in their endeavours to impart knowledge to the scholars, yet they manifest deficiency in cultivating good discipline and subordination. Mr. Dunn, in his Normal School Manual, refers to this drawback upon Sunday-schools, and intimates the necessity for some improvement. This has led the lecturer to a serious consideration of the entire subject, with a view to a practical remedy; and the result has enabled him to offer a system of schoolgovernment for the adoption, in whole or in part, of his associates in the good work of Sunday-school instruction. He stated at the outset that he was quite weary of hearing Sunday-school teachers admonished to try special remedies for the existing defect such as the necessity of punctuality of attendance, rewarding the scholars, and

What he consi

other minor expedients. dered requisite was, a thorough organic change, by the adoption of a general system of government, through moral means alone. Many teachers seemed to hold that their sole province was-" to teach;" but he asserted, " to rule" was also their legitimate duty; and that "they who would teach must rule." In school-government he stated that three modes courted their attention:-1. By corporeal force. 2. By natural affection. 3. By moral influence. Wholly rejecting the first of these modes, he conceived that by a union of the two latter, a system of school-government might be framed which would enable "mind to govern mind," and thus be best suited to sentient and rational beings under a course of early religious pupilage. Mr. Althans illustrated his positions by various anecdotes derived from his lengthened experience, and suggested the propriety of having his plan fully discussed at social meetings of teachers.

PROVINCIAL.

ORDINATIONS.

The Rev. Edward Edwards was recently ordained Pastor of the Independent Church at Moelvro, in the Isle of Anglesea. The Rev. E. Davies, of Llanerchymedd, delivered an introductory discourse descriptive of the nature and constitution of a Christian church. Rev. D. James, of Rhosymeirch addressed the young minister from 2 Tim. iv. 5; and the Rev. William Griffith, of Holyhead, preached to the people from 1 Cor. xvi. 10. The questions were proposed by the Rev. J. Evans, of Beaumaris, and the ordination prayer offered by the Rev. W. Jones, of Amlwch.

The ordination of the Rev. John George to the pastoral office, over the church and congregation assembling at Cratfield, Suffolk, took place on Wednesday, March 15, 1837, when the Rev. J. W. Mayhew, of Walpole, commenced the services with reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. W. Garthwaite, of Wattisfield, delivered the introductory discourse, and proposed the usual questions; the Rev. J. Dennant, of Halesworth, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. J. Leifchild, of Craven chapel, gave the charge; and the Rev. J. Buck, of Harleston, concluded with prayer. In the evening, the Rev. J. Raven, of Hadleigh, preached to the people. A preparatory sermon was delivered the previous evening, by the Rev. J. Whitby, of Ipswich.

On Thursday, October the 19th, 1837,

Mr. James Richards, late of Hackney Theological Institution, (son of the Rev. John Richards, of Birmingham, late of Norwood, Surrey, and formerly of Stourbridge, Worcestershire,) was solemnly and publicly set apart to the pastoral office, over the re-organised Congregational church, in the town of Collumpton, Devon.

The Rev. J. Barnsale, of Ottery, delivered an interesting and powerful address on the nature of a scriptural church; the minister's father offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. G. Payne, LL.D., of Exeter, very affectionately and impressively addressed the minister. The Rev. J. H. Cuff, of Wellington, W. H. Heudebourck, of Taunton, and N. Hellings, of Exeter, conducted the other parts of the service.

The Rev. John Richards preached to the church and congregation, and administered the Lord's-supper to the church on the evening of the following Sabbath. The services will be long remembered.

Pleasing indications of prosperity have, through the Divine blessing, followed the re-opening of the Congregational chapel in this populous but greatly depressed town; and should it be found practicable, without burdening other churches, to raise sufficient funds to justify such a step, it is in contemplation to erect school rooms (which are much needed) in connexion with the chapel.

On Thursday, December 7, 1837, the Rev. William Ambrose was publicly ordained pastor over the Independent church, assembling for Divine worship at Salem Chapel, Port Madoc, Carnarvonshire. The service was introduced by the Rev. Joseph Morris, of Llanengan; the Rev. Edward Davis, of Trawsfynydd, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. David Griffiths, of Bethel, asked the usual questions; the Rev. Thomas Pierce, of Liverpool, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. William Hughes, of Saron, (aged eighty,) was particularly requested to deliver the charge to the young minister; and the Rev. William Williams, of Carnarvon, preached to the people.

At two o'clock, sermons were delivered by the Revs. Lewis Everett, of Llanrwst, and Thomas Pierce, of Liverpool; and in the evening, at six, by the Revs. Thomas Davis, of Festiniog, and William Jones, of Pwllheli.

The preceding evening, the Revs. Thomas Edwards, of Ebenezer, and William Morris, of Sleyn. The devotional parts of the services were conducted by the Revs. James Jones, Capel Helyg; Owen Thomas, Tal y sarn; and Lewis Everett, of Lanrwst.

The congregations were very numerous, the sermons evangelical, and the whole of

the services solemn, interesting, and impressive.

On Thursday, November 9, 1837, the Rev. John Parry, from the Newtown Academy, was set apart to the pastoral office, over the Congregational church, meeting at Salem, Machynlleth, North Wales. The Rev. E. Davies, of Trawsfyndd, delivered the introductory discourse, from Ephesians i. 22; the Rev. C. Jones, of Dolgellan, received the confession of faith; the Rev. S. Roberts, of Llanbrynmair, offered the ordination prayer; a very judicious charge to the minister was given by the Rev. M. Jones, of Lllanuwchllyn; and an affectionate address to the church, by the Rev. D. Williams, of Llanurtyd. On the same interesting occasion, instructive addresses were also delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Griffiths, of Llanegryn, Evans, of Barmouth, Price, of Penybont, Everet, of Lanrwst, Morgans, of Sammah, J. Roberts, of Llanbrynmair, and Williams, of Dinas.

On Thursday, the 25th of January, 1838, the Rev. S. Muller was ordained to the pastoral office over the church and congre. gation assembling at the Independent Chapel, Edgware, Middlesex. The Rev. F. W. Meadows, of Shepherd's-market, commenced the service, by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. S. A. Davies, of Enfield, delivered the introductory discourse, and received the answers of the church and pastor to the usual questions; the Rev. W. Clayton, of Mill Hill, offered up the ordination prayer; the Rev. C. Morris, of Fetter-lane, gave an impressive charge, founded on Romans x. 1-4; the Rev. A. Stewart, of Barnet, preached to the people; after which, the Rev. J. Durrant, of Gate-street, concluded with prayer.

CHAPELS.

On Thursday, October 5, 1837, Cratfield Chapel was re-opened for public service, after a very considerable enlargement. The Rev. W. Garthwaite, of Wattisfield, preached in the morning; the Rev. J. Alexander, of Norwich, in the afternoon; and the Rev. J. Raven, of Hadleigh, in the evening. The circumstances under which this enlargement has taken place are peculiarly interesting, and the most pleasing prospects are afforded of extensive usefulness.

On Sunday, December 17, 1837, the Independent Chapel, Howden, Yorkshire, after being considerably enlarged and improved, was re-opened for Divine service. The Rev. James Sibree, of Hull, delivered two excellent sermons on the occasion.

During the week, the congregation was also favoured with the able services of the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds, and the Rev. James Parsons, of York. The collections, together with previous efforts, amounted to the sum of 2607.

On Tuesday, January 2nd, 1838, the first stone of a new Independent chapel was laid in the village of Ousefleet, in Marshland, Yorkshire, by Jarvis Empson, Esq., jun., who, in conjunction with his respected father, J. Empson, Esq., of Goole, Hull, have given the ground, accompanied with a handsome donation to assist in the erection. The day being fine, a considerable number of the villagers attended, and manifested by their appearance much pleasure in the services connected with the occasion. The Rev. H. Earle, of Goole, gave out the hymns; the Rev. T. Stratten, then delivered a very appropriate address; and the Rev. J. Bruce, of Howden, concluded with prayer.

SMETHWICK.

A public meeting of the friends of the Redeemer was held on the 13th of April, 1837, for the purpose of forming a Christian church, (originally the members of Carr'slane, Birmingham) and of recognising the Rev. D. A. Owyn, late of Samey, Montgomeryshire, as their pastor. The order of the service was as follows:

In the afternoon, the Rev. J. P. Jones, of Abbots Bromley, commenced by reading appropriate portions of Scripture and prayer; the Rev. J. C. Galloway, of West Bromwich, delivered a most clear and elaborate discourse on the nature of a Gospel church; the Rev. J. Hammond, of Handsworth, offered the designation prayer; the Rev. J. A. James, Birmingham, delivered a most concise, affectionate, and pathetic address to the people (members of his church,) whom he resigned to the charge of their newlyelected pastor; and who now formed themselves into a distinct church. The usual questions were proposed by the Rev. J. A. Jamet; the answers to which were brief, simple, but most appropriate. The scene during this part of the service was truly affecting; and but one delightful feeling prevailed among all; the Rev. Richards, of Birmingham, concluded by prayer. At the close of the service the ministers and friends drank tea together in the body of the chapel.

At six o'clock the Rev. Mather, of Bilston, commenced by reading the Scripture and prayer; the Rev. Thomas W. Jenkyn, of Stafford, delivered an impressive charge to the pastor; and the Rev. J. A. James preached to the church and congregation;

the Rev. O. Owyn, (the minister's brother,) and the Rev. Isaac Newton, engaged in the devotional exercises of the day; and we can with feelings of thankfulness say, “It was well for us to be here."

PROSPERITY OF

RELIGION IN THE INDEPENDENT CONNEXION IN YORK.

The great increase of the church and congregation under the care of the Rev. James Parsons, has led the friends of the interest to the resolution of building a new chapel capable of seating 1500 persons. It is rather more than twenty-one years since Ludd Chapel was erected, which was entirely cleared of debt by the liberality of the congregation last year, and is still intended to be continued as a place of worship in the same denomination, having been already the birth-place of many hundred souls. The site of the new chapel is to be in St. Saviour's-gate, about half a mile from the other, where the house of the late Gilbert Crompton, Esq., now stands, in a most eligible part of the city, which is said to have increased in population to the amount of 10,000 during the last twenty years.

INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, ST. HELIER,
JERSEY.

The Congregational church in this populous town, under the pastoral care of the Rev. W. Forster, have, since their formation under the ministry of the Rev. C. Traveller, been obliged to rent a place of worship, at a considerable annual expense, which they found to be a great detriment to the cause. They have, however, been enabled, through the liberality of friends and their own exertions, to erect for themselves a neat and commodious chapel. The building was opened for Divine service on the 23rd of October, 1837, by the Rev. H. Griffiths, of the Isle of Wight, who preached morning and evening to crowded and respectable congregations. The deep and solemn impressions produced by his discourses, but especially by that of the evening, which possessed uncommon force, elevation, and splendour of thought, will not soon be forgotten. The chapel has been regularly vested in trust for the Independent denomination. The yearly increase of the English residents in this lovely island presents an important and widening sphere of ministerial usefulness.

NOTICE OF REMOVAL.

The Rev. Charles Hickman has accepted a unanimous invitation to the pastoral office, from the Independent Church at Heacham, near Lynn, Norfolk, and commenced his stated labours on the first Sabbath in the present year.