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public institution, as the London University College, and of a sound course of lectures on Systematic Theology, and another on Biblical Criticism, Ecclesiastical History, &c., &c.

By lodging near the university, the student might attend the courses of Natural Philosophy, Logic, Mental Science, and Hebrew; and, at the same time, pay a limited degree of attention to a Theological Course of Lectures, provided in the neighbourhood by the union of all the orthodox Dissenters and Methodists, waving the questions of Baptism and Church Government; and, during half the long vacation at the University College, devote the whole of his attention to Theology, &c.

The great advantage of this plan would be, the undivided study of a few subjects at the same time, and more powerful excitement to application, with intercourse, during the two last years, with young men of other persuasions and habits: and the writer is fully convinced, that by this process young men would leave the tutors much better prepared, so far as human instruction goes, for their awful and interesting work.

In point of economy, the comparative expenses would be thus: viz.

First three years at college.

Building, taxes, &c. ...... Repairs, stationery, &c. Board of twelve students Tutor's salary

.....

£400 0 0

100 0 0 400 0 O 250 0 0

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This, divided by 12, gives 701. for each student. Here is then a saving of about 301. per annum the first three years, and of 551. per annum the last two years, on each pupil; making a total saving of 2007. in the whole course of each, and giving an education which, in our judgment, will be of much greater efficiency than that which is now usually bestowed on our rising ministry.

An impartial committee for examination of the students, according to a standard of attainments agreed upon, before they are allowed to pass from the college to the theological course; and the examination

for a degree in the London University, will powerfully aid the success of the plan here proposed, as they will furnish a stimules which all private colleges, whatever may be the excellency of their principles, so much need. A TUTOR.

PROVIDENTIAL REMINISCENCES.

NO. V.

It often happens that we are not permitted to see in this world the beneficial effects of those efforts which God has taught us to enploy for the spiritual welfare of our fellow. creatures. The inspired declaration, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt find it after many days," ought, however, to animate our hearts amid all the discouragements under which we labour. The good seed may be long buried in the ground: at a time when all hope regarding its vitality has been abandoned, it may spring up, and thus at last the promise may be most unexpectedly fulfilled, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

The narrative to which these remarks are introductory we shall present in the simple language of a pious British sailor.

"I was aroused by God, with an opporte nity, when 'afar off upon the sea,' of witnessing the power of Divine truth on a heart which had long been careless and callous: he benevolently communicated what he had seen and heard to those who for years had received no tidings regarding their absent friend, and who from his habits and pursuits had relinquished the expectation of ever hearing of his interest in the blessings of religion.

"My acquaintance with Captain began and ended in Valparaiso, under the following mysterious circumstances, in which you will clearly perceive the hand of Divine Providence. I then commanded the brig

of Liverpool. On the night of the 27th of January, 183-, while my crew and myself were assembled in the cabin, in prayer to that good and gracious Being who had preserved and protected us amid the perils to which we had been exposed, a boat came alongside, and the chief mate immediately went on deck. Some high words were heard, and, almost directly after, an officer in the Chilian service came down the cabin ladder in a great hurry. When he got to the bottom, seeing us in the attitude of prayer, he made a full stop, stood a fe seconds-went up again-stopped about s minute-descended once more-approached to the cabin table, and knelt down. While this took place the service went on,

Soon after, I concluded it, feeling a good deal astonished, and rather agitated; on rising, the stranger appeared much affected, made a feeling apology for having interrupted our devotions, and remarked, that during the twelve years he had been in South America he had never witnessed such a scene as he then beheld. He proceeded, evidently under the influence of very deep emotions, to speak of the way in which he had been instructed in youth by his pious parents, explained the purpose for which he had come on board, and left, apparently much affected. After he took his leave, the mate, in explanation of the circumstances that had taken place, informed me, that when he went on deck he saw a person in a military uniform who wished immediately to see me. He was told that we were at prayers, and would soon be done. He replied, that he was on service; that he must see me, and would see me. The mate still objecting, he rushed past him, and came into the cabin. When he came up the ladder again, the mate stated he was like one paralyzed. He took off his military cap, struck his hand on his forehead, and exclaimed, 'O, sir, why did you not tell me of it?' He then came down, as before related.

"I afterwards learned that the name of the gentleman was; that he was a native of, in England; that his character stood high with all parties for bravery and humanity; that he was aid-de-camp to General ; and that he was always the first where dangers and difficulties were opposed to courage and intrepidity. Feeling greatly interested in him, and being desirous to endeavour to deepen the impression which had been made on his mind, I sat down the same evening, and wrote to him to the following effect :

"The circumstance of your coming on board the last evening, the situation in which you found us, and the apparent effect it had upon you at the moment, I cannot but attribute to Him whose providence directs every thing in this lower world, and I look upon it as one of those mysterious ways in which it pleases Him to direct our attention to the one thing needful,-the salvation of our souls. I confess, I was much surprised at the circumstance, especially when, after you were gone, I learnt your rank in the service, and your character (sans flatterie) as a brave soldier. May you, my dear sir, enter yourself under the banner of the Captain of salvation, and prove yourself courageous and zealous in His service, and he will give you a crown of glory which fadeth not away. I should not have presumed thus to address you, but from the feeling manner in which you expressed yourself to me. May He who sees

me, and knows the purity of my motives, bless our intercourse to the salvation of your soul! May He who holds our fragile lives in his hand guard your head in the day of battle; and if we meet no more on earth, may we be found together at the right hand of God when he shall judge the world in righteousness!'

"The transports were now getting under weigh. After some search, Captain was found on board one of them, and the letter was handed to him. After reading a few lines the tears were seen to start from his eyes, and he hurried into the cabin. Scarcely had the bearer of my letter returned when Captain was announced. On coming on board my vessel, he took hold of my arm, and hastened with me into the cabin.

"O, sir!' he exclaimed, 'you have almost broken my heart!' He sat down, and burst into tears.

"I was much affected, but endeavoured as well as I could to compose and cheer his mind, by directing him to that Saviour who died for sinners, such as he and I.

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"Oh,' said he, I am inded a great sinner; nothing but the prayers of my good old mother have preserved me in the field of battle.'

"He lifted up his hands, and said, as if in agony, Lord, have mercy upon my poor soul. O, sir,' he added, 'pray for me!'

"He then took my hand, blessed me, ascended the ladder, pulled his cap over his eyes, and hurried into the boat. I saw him no more. He sailed for Coquimbo with the troops. I wrote to him again, requesting him to allow me to inform his friends, on my arrival in England, of what had taken place, but I received no answer. Soon after I learnt that a general engagement had taken place in the plains of Moule, in which my lamented friend Captain fell. I do trust he sought and found that mercy regarding which he was so solicitous, and is now among those before the throne who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb."

May this remarkable exemplification of the providential dealings of Jehovah encourage those who mourn over the indifference not unfrequently manifested by beloved relatives to the things of God. May parents especially show, both by their efforts and their prayers, that they are imbued with the spirit of the apostle, when he exclaimed, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." Then may we with strong faith, and with lively hope, present the petition of the Psalmist, "Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord

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On the 10th of April, the Rev. Thomas Colledge, of Masbro' College, was set apart to the pastoral office, over the church and congregation assembling in the Independent Chapel, Riddings, Derbyshire. Rev. J. Pottenger, (Baptist,) read portions of Scripture and prayed; after which the Rev. J. Gawthorn, of Derby, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. W. H. Stowell, Theological Tutor of Masbro' College, asked the usual questions; and, when the Rev. J. R. Gawthorn, of Belper, had offered the ordination prayer, gave a most faithful and affectionate charge to the minister; the Rev. T. Room, of Sutton, concluded the morning service with prayer.

In the evening the Rev. J. Roscoe, of Heanor, introduced the service with prayer, and the Rev. J. Gilbert, of Nottingham, preached to the people.

Rev. Messrs. Brown, of Wirksworth; Reece, of Bakewell; and Colville, of Masbro' College, took parts in the highly interesting and encouraging services of the day.

On Monday, April 23rd, 1838, the Rev. O. Owen was recognised pastor over the Congregational church assembling at Tipton, Staffordshire. The Rev. J. C. Galloway, M.A., of West Bromwich, introduced the service by reading and prayer; the Rev. J. Dawson, of Dudley, by whose services this cause was originated many years ago, delivered a very appropriate and lucid address on the principles of dissent; the Rev. J. Jackson, of Walsall, proposed the usual questions, and received the confession of faith; the Rev. J. Hammond, of Wandsworth, offered the recognition prayer; and some very affectionate counsels were given to the minister, by the Rev. F. Watts, professor of theology, Spring-hill College, Birmingham, founded on 2 Tim. iv. 2; and the Rev. W. Rogers, Baptist minister, Dudley, concluded the solemn service with prayer.

In the evening the service was introduced by the Rev. J. Hill, of Kniton; and the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham,"preached a very clear and impressive sermon to the people, on their duties to their pastor, and to each other, founded on 2 Thess. v. 12, 13; and the Rev. D. Owen, of Smethwick, (the minister's brother,) closed the interesting services of the day with prayer. Appro priate hymns were given out by the Rev.

Messrs. Mather, of Bilston, and Newton, of Great Bridge.

The services were well attended, especially that in the evening. The minister entered upon this promising sphere of usefulness with considerable diffidence, having remained a twelvemonth on probation on account of the low state of the cause; but as his prospects are now, by the Divine blessing, more auspicious, he has fully accepted the charge, humbly hoping that permanent good will ensue from the union of church and pastor, and that it will prove a mutual blessing.

The Rev. James Bilson was ordained to the Pastoral office, over the Congregational church assembling in Bethel Chapel, North Shields, on Tuesday, the 5th of June. The Rev. A. Reid, of Newcastle, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. A. Jack, of St. Andrew's Chapel, North Shields, gave the charge; and the Rev. J. W. Richardson, of Sunderland, preached the sermon to the church and congregation. The devotional parts of the service were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Caldwell, Christie, Ferguson, Froggatt, Watkinson, and Evans.

This is a new interest in a very populous and much-neglected part of North Shields, and it has been raised by the Divine blessing on Mr. Bilson's labours.

On Thursday, the 28th of June last, the Rev. Joseph Williams, having passed through a regular course of studies at Newtown College, was ordained co-pastor over the church and congregation assemb ling for Divine worship at Bethlehem St. Clears. Appropriate discourses were delivered the day preceding, by the Rev. Messrs. Robert Thomas, Llandwr; David Evans, Penygraig; James Griffiths, St. David's; and Joseph Evans, Capel Zion. The Rev. Owen Owens, of Bwlchnewydd, commenced the service on Thursday, by reading and prayer; the Rev. John Davies, Glandwr, described the nature and design of a Gospel church, from Malachi iii. 16; the Rev. James Philipps, Bethlehem, asked the usual questions, and received the confession of faith; the Rev. John Evans, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Edward Davies, of Newtown College, delivered an affectionate and solemn charge to the young minister, from 1 Timothy iv. 6; and the Rev. David Davies, of Carmarthen College, preached to the church, from Rom. vi. 11.

In the evening, the Rev. John Breeze, of Carmarthen, and the Rev. David Davies, of London, preached at St. Clears: the former from Eph. iv. 20, 21; and the latter

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from John xvii. 22. The whole of the services were particularly interesting and solemn.

On Thursday, July 6th, the Rev. John Rogers was ordained over the church and congregation assembling in the Independent chapel, Lowestofft, Suffolk. The service was introduced by the Rev. John Flower, of Beccles, reading suitable portions of Scripture and prayer; the Rev. A. Creak, of Great Yarmouth, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. A. Ritchie, of Wrentham, asked the usual questions, and offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. A. Stewart, of Barnet, delivered the charge, after which the Rev. John Willis (Wesleyan) concluded with prayer.

In the evening, the Rev. John Alexander, of Norwich, preached to the people.

The ordination of the Rev. D. D. Evans, late of Rotherham College, to the pastoral office, over the Congregational church, Melbourne-street, Gateshead, took place on Tuesday, July 17, 1838. In the morning, at half-past ten, the Rev. W. Froggatt, of Morpeth, commenced the services by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. A. Jack, of North Shields, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. A. Reid, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, asked the questions; the Rev. Mr. Harper, of Alston, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. W. H. Stowell, of Rotherham College, gave the charge to the minister; and the Rev. W. Ferguson, of Felling, concluded.

In the evening, the Rev. G. Sample, of Newcastle, read the Scriptures and prayed; the Rev. J. Ely, of Leeds, preached the sermon to the church and congregation; and the Rev. J. Raine, of Horsley, concluded.

The hymns were given out by the Rev. Messrs. Anderson, of Easington; Colville, of Rotherham College; Payton and Forsaith, of Highbury College; and Douglass, of Durham.

The borough of Gateshead-on-Tyne contains a population of about twenty thousand souls, and had no congregational place of worship previous to the erection of the above chapel, which will accommodate nearly seven hundred hearers, and was opened by the Rev. J. Parsons, of York, March 15, 1837. In April last, a church was formed by six of the neighbouring Congregational ministers; and some good appears to have been done by the preaching of the Gospel.

On Thursday, August 16, the Rev. W. Powell, from Cheshunt College, was pub

VOL. XVI.

licly set apart to the work of the ministry, at Zion Chapel, Folkestone, when a numerous and highly respectable audience were assembled. The solemn services were commenced with reading and prayer, by the Rev. S. Gibbs, of Canterbury; the Rev. J. Blomfield, of London, (late of Canterbury,) delivered a very lucid and scriptural discourse on the origin, transfer, and perpetuity of the Gospel ministry, asked the usual questions of the minister, and received from him his confession of faith; the Rev. Thomas Young, of Margate, offered the ordination prayer, accompanied with the imposition of hands of the presbytery; the Rev. J. Sherman, of Surrey Chapel, London, (Mr. Powell's pastor,) gave a most solemn and affectionate charge to the minister; and the Rev. Thomas Anderson, of Dover, concluded the service.

In the evening, the Rev. J. Clarke, of Folkestone, commenced the service with reading and prayer; and the Rev. J. Sherman preached a most interesting and important sermon to the people, from Hab. iii. 2. The hymns were given out by the Revs. S. Gibbs, Briscoe, Clarke, Anderson, and Blomfield. The services throughout were fully attended. May the dew of heaven descend both upon pastor and flock!

On Tuesday, May 1, 1838, a church of the Congregational order was formed at Upway, near Weymouth, by the Rev. R. Keynes, of Blandford, and on the following day, the Rev. James Le Conteur was ordained to the pastoral office over this church. The Rev. Mr. Evans (Baptist) commenced the morning service with reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. H. J. Crump, of Weymouth, delivered the introductory discourse on the nature of a Christian church; the Rev. John Anderson, of Dorchester, proposed the usual questions, and received from Mr. Le Conteur an impressive and gratifying statement of the circumstances which, under God, led to his conversion and subsequent choice of the ministry; the Rev. R. Keynes offered the ordination prayer, accompanied by the laying on of hands, and also gave the charge to the newly-ordained minister, from 2 Tim. iv. 5; the Rev. Mr. Cannon, of Portland, closed the service with prayer.

In the evening, after reading the Scriptures and prayer, by the Rev. J. F. Guenett, of Hope Independent Chapel, Weymouth, the Rev. G. H. Davis, (Baptist,) of the same place, preached an appropriate sermon to the people, from Luke viii. 18, "Take heed therefore how ye hear."

May the blessing of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls rest upon the pastor and upon his infant charge, and may the little one speedily become a thousand! 2 x

CHAPELS.

On Friday, May 22nd, a neat little chapel was opened for Divine worship, in the village of Ipplepen, South Devon. Three sermons were preached on the occasion, by the Revs. James Roberts, of Melton Mowbray; W. Addiscott, of Torquay; and R. Skinner, of Newton. The services of the day were peculiarly delightful and refreshing; the congregations were very large, being composed not only of the villagers, but of numerous visitors from the neighbouring towns of Newton, Totnes, &c. Ipplepen is the centre of a new Home Missionary station, embracing several villages, hitherto in great spiritual destitution. Under the auspices of the South Devon Congregational Union, this neighbourhood is now favoured with the labours of a devoted Missionary, who has already enjoyed proofs of the Divine blessing, such as encourage the hope that his ministry will be more extensively useful.

ON Tuesday, Aug. 7, the Congregational chapel in the village of Leafield, Forest of Whychwood, near Witney, Oxfordshire, was opened for public worship. The Rev. J. Hill, of Oxford, (Independent,) preached in the morning from Phil. iii. 8. In the afternoon addresses were given by the Rev. J. Hirons, Milton; R. Tozer, Witney; and J. Hill, Oxford; while, at the same time, a sermon was preached in the open air, by the Rev. T. Crumpton, of Shrewsbury, from 1 Pet. iv. 18, to an attentive audience, who could not gain admittance to the chapel. In the evening the Rev. T. Coles, M.A., of Bourton-on-the-Water, (Baptist,) preached from John i. 42, (first clause ;) and the Rev. T. Crumpton again addressed a number who were congregated without the walls.

Although the situation of the village is beautifully romantic, being nearly surrounded by forest scenery, it has, alas! for a long time assumed the aspect of a moral desert, and been one of the strongholds of sin and Satan. The services of the day were marked by deep devotional feeling, and the impression produced, it is hoped, will not soon be effaced, but form a new era in the village annals. The weather was favourable, and the lively feeling of interest elicited on the occasion for this infant cause, was truly gratifying both to the pastor and people of the Independent church at Witney, by whose united efforts this neat substantial building has been erected. Great exertions have already been made, and the collections of the day amounted to nearly 14.; yet a debt of 657. is still resting on it, and for which it will be necessary to appeal to Christian friends.

WITHERIDGE, NORTH DEVON.

Under the indefatigable labours of the Rev. William Neill, an agent of the Home Missionary Society, and formerly in connexion with the London City Mission, a considerable religious excitement has been created in the village of Witheridge, in North Devon. During the first eight months of Mr. Neill's residence in that place he had preached 210 times, to more than 19,250 persons, having travelled upwards of 1,350 miles. On the 28th of June, the day of the Queen's Coronation, the foundation stone of a new Independent chapel was laid by him in the village, intended to accommodate 450 persons. An interesting service was held in the open air, on the spot, at half-past eight o'clock A.M., which was commenced with singing the 183rd hymn, in the Congregational Hymn-Book; after which solemn prayer was offered up to God; and, the stone having been laid, a suitable address was then delivered to the people assembled. The new chapel is built on a freehold, and is regularly vested in trust, for the use of the Independent denomination; and all the legal expenses of preparing the deeds, &c., have been borne by William Collard, Esq., of Wellington, who in addition, has subscribed the sum of 157. to the new building. Mr. Neill has just returned to his sphere from the metropolis, where he has been collecting, with good success, for his new chapel. Both in the country and in London, he has been greatly encouraged; and we do assure our friends, that in aiding this devoted servant of Christ, they will be performing a good and acceptable service, which the Divine Master will not fail to reward.

REMOVALS AND SETTLEMENTS.

The Rev. Thomas K. Verdon, late of Clare, Suffolk, has resigned, amidst tokens of sincere affection, his pastoral charge of the Independent church in that town, and has accepted an unanimous call from the new Independent church at Sudbury, in the same county.

The Rev. W. Jackson, son of the Rev. Thomas Jackson, of Stockwell, and lately a student at Highbury College, has accepted an unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the Independent church at Surrey, vacant by the removal of the Rev. John Harris to Cheshunt College.

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