He administered the Lord's supper the Lord's day before, quoting that text, Luke xxii. 18, which was fulfilled in him. He appeared more than ordinarily affected in that service, and a flood of tears almost stopped his voice, the cause of which was unknown. He was a popular preacher, and instrumental of good to many." His suc: cessors have been Caleb Threlkeld, - Parton, Henderson, Adam Dean, Andrew Carnson, James Scott, Haddock, John Scott,-Shawyer, W. Gibson, J. Redmayne. Home Chronicle. 46 THE MARROW OF THE CONTROVERSY." We deeply regret, that through an inadvertency, for which the Editor was in no way responsible, an advertisement of this mendacious pamphlet, which contains more falsehoods and misrepresentations than it does pages, found a place in our advertising columns of last month. We have such intense abhorrence of the conduct of all anonymous libellers, however much they may cant about truth and justice, that we would as soon indorse the proceedings of the midnight assassin, or the highway robber, as give currency to their foul and malignant attacks. We look with perfect loathing on the labours of “ Luther and Melancthon,” and the little clique with whom they stand associated; and we know a little more about their trumpery conspiracy than they would like us to know. Will they give us their names? Will they tell us how many hands and heads were engaged on "The Marrow?" Will they say to whom the proof sheets were sent? Will they venture, in their impertinent communications with the constituents of the London Missionary Society, to say whose purse it is that bears the burden of their Quixotic warfare? An answer to these questions, we thoroughly believe, would termi self. Never before surely were the honoured names of Luther and Melancthon so utterly profaned. Never did small men, of wrong purpose, so mistake their true position. Never was so bad a cause ushered into public view under such false colours. Luther and Melancthon indeed! How would the assumption look, if we were to give the real names of the parties? Some men think of themselves more highly than they ought to think. To our friends, who, from all parts of the country, ask us what they are to do with the bales of "The Marrow" which they have been threatened with for distribution, we would say,-make them perform quarantine in the fire, and thus abate a great public nuisance. One individual, we understand, boasts, that he has, with his own hands, addressed 1,200 parcels or letters. Will he be able to find his 4,000 churches of which "The Marrow" speaks? But to be serious, as the occasion demands, when his hands are paralyzed in death, will it comfort him to think that he did all he could to arrest the progress of one of the earliest and grandest of our missionary organizations ? We can only say of "The Marrow," &c., that it is a most putrescent concern ; and we are thankful to say, that its rottenness is nate all their power for doing any more of fully discovered by wise and good men the Devil's dirty work. The enlightened public will duly appreciate the homily of "Luther and Melancthon" upon the menaced liberty of the press. What can the empty pretenders mean by such ridiculous cant? Does any one deny them the liberty of making themselves as odious as they please in their own proper organs? Would they claim the right, under guise of fair discussion, of making other people as foolish and guilty as themselves? Surely the conductors of the Christian Witness and the Evangelical Magazine have a right to choose the company they think fit to keep, and to determine on the kind of communications they will admit into the Periodicals committed to their care. The liberty of the press indeed! who would deny it them? But, then, let them remember that they exercsie it under an awful moral responsibility to the Christian cause, and to God him wherever they are. The great and honoured Society which it attempts to destroy is safe in the hands of its friends, and in the watchful care of that omnipotent Redeemer whose glory it has aimed successfully to advance. From the heart, we say, May God confound the devices of its enemies! THE CLAIMS OF THE FAMILY OF THE LATE REV. WILLIAM HAWIS COOPER, OF DUBLIN Sir,-Will you permit me, through your valuable Magazine, to call the attention of the religious public to the fact, that the late much-esteemed and beloved minister of Christ, the Rev. W. H. Cooper, of Zion chapel, Dublin, has left a family consisting of eight children, six of whom are daughters, wholly unprovided for. He did what he HOME CHRONICLE. could, with his very limited income (he had no private property) to provide a small pension for his bereaved widow; but could not make any provision for his children. Some friends in Dublin, of different denominations, have commenced a subscription, in order to raise a sum to be placed in the hands of trustees for their benefit, and to show their high regard to the memory of one who, during life, was the zealous, devoted, and disinterested friend of poor benighted Ireland. The friends connected with Hoxton Academy chapel had the satisfaction, before his decease, of raising nearly one hundred pounds as a tribute of affection to one who had for many years been a very useful and much-loved supply in that place; and now that he has entered into his rest, they intend again to express their grateful remembrance of his valuable services, and their high estimate of his character as a minister and a Christian, by contributing to Should any the fund already referred to. Christian friends, who delight in doing good to the "household of faith," feel disposed to aid this effort of Christian benevolence, their subscriptions will be thankfully_received by the following gentlemen: Mr. Leonard, of the Power of Attorney-office, Bank of England; Mr. Way, of the same office; Mr. Cross, of the Religious Tract Society; Mr. Skinner, of King-street, Finsbury-square; or, at the Vestry, Hoxton Academy Chapel, Hoxton; Mr. Stroud, 7, Richmond-place, Brighton; and Messrs. J. D. Latouche and Co., Bankers, Dublin. I am, dear sir, yours, with much Christian esteem, J. LEONARD. Power of Attorney Office, Bank of England, or 14, Aske-terrace, Hoxton. [We cannot allow this statement to appear in our columns, without expressing our sincere and earnest approval of the object which it proposes to accomplish. Few men have better deserved to share in the confidence and love of the Christian church than the Rev. W. H. Cooper; and surely many will be found in our various circles, who will cheerfully come forward to raise a humble pittance for his excellent widow and fatherless children. -EDITOR.] PLAN FOR RAISING THE AVERAGE QUALI- We have been much interested in reading slender qualification of many youths who We We think, honestly, that an experiment should be made, in some central place, such as Aberdeen ;-that a school, on a higher principle than the ordinary run of parish schools, should be opened, in which the youths who now enter college so ill-prepared, may be trained to habits of severe study, and may, at least, obtain a thorough acquaintance with the minor Greek classics, and with the first six books of Euclid. think the Scottish professors are more interested than any other class in carrying out this plan; and we are satisfied that, in the present state of school-education in the north, except in some rare cases, they cannot effect any great change by demanding higher attainments in those who enter college. Where are the boys who come to college, in many instances, to find the means of equipping themselves for higher professions when they present themselves at the door of the university? And how are many of the peasants of Scotland to bear the expense of keeping their sons two or three years longer at school, where, perhaps, the benefit to be derived would be very proble matical? The institution for which we would contend, is one which ought to be supported vigorously by exhibitions drawn from the wealth of successful and enterprising Scotch men, now to be found in all parts of the world. And we are persuaded they will respond to the call, whenever a well-digested and efficient plan is presented to their serious consideration. Nothing could more tend to raise the tone of Scottish education than such a plan if carried out with spirit, and by men who are thoroughly alive to the improvements in modern education. ONE CENTRAL INSTITUTION, at least, be tried, and we venture to predict that, in ten years, it will raise the value of the universi. ties themselves full twenty per cent, and make the duties of the professors, in having to deal with a more advanced state of mind, a thousand times more agreeable. CHURCH STATIONERY. David Robertson, Bookseller to Her Majesty, Glasgow. Let Under the above title, Mr. Robertson has published a series of books, or forms, calcu lated to serve the purpose of facilitating the transaction of church business, of increasing its accuracy, and of lessening the trouble of those on whom such duties are devolved. This is a comprehensive purpose, truly; and, after a careful inspection of the whole series, we think they present a means of its entire achievement. The arrangement in each case is exceedingly judicious, and the general design at once simple and efficient. The series comprises the Communicants' Roll Book, on a plan which has already met with universal approbation; the Elders' or Deacons' District Roll Book; Clergymans' Visiting Book, with index; Baptismal Register, suitable for either parochial or congregational registry; Certificate Book to correspond with the above; and Disjunction Certificate Book. This form is to supply skeleton of certificate usually given to members of churches leaving a particular church -names, places, and dates left blank. This form is printed to save ministers and sessionclerks trouble. A book, neatly done up, containing nearly two hundred certificates, 38. 6d. Church Collection Certificate Book; Seat-letting Book, with Cash Book to correspond, on a plan generally applicable to the mode of seat-letting in all churches; Minute Books for sessions and presbyteries, and tune boards for advertising the congregation, by the leader of the music from his desk, the tune which they are to join with him in singing to the portion of psalm or hymn given out for worship. These are beautifully and tastefully printed in gold, with chaste and elegant border, and can be read with ease from a great distance. The tune boards are so decided an acquisitiontheir utility so obvious, that it becomes matter of surprise that any church should be without them. We believe they are not in use in England; but this must be simply because they are not known or have not been seen there; otherwise, we feel satisfied they would be at once adopted. CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL, LEWISHAM, 35, Fenchurch-street, July 13, 1847. Sir, I recently did myself the pleasure of attending the annual examination of the Congregational School at Lewisham, and was much pleased with the respectable and healthy appearance of the children. Indeed, the whole establishment seemed to me to reflect great credit on the managers. The boys were examined by Dr. Ferguson, of Stratford, and the Rev. J. Kennedy, of Stepney, in the various branches of useful learning; and I must acknowledge, that I was agreeably surprised at their proficiency; but I was grieved to hear from the secretary, the Rev. G. Rose, that so valuable an institution has great difficulty to sustain its existence, and was seriously in debt. I think, sir, this reflects no honour upon us as a denomination; for what charity can have a stronger claim upon us than one whose object is to educate the children of those pious and devoted ministers of Christ whose extremely limited incomes are a source of anxiety, if not, at times, of distress? I understand there are at present 46 boys in the establishment, which is in debt to the treasurer and committee to the amount of 3007., and that there are no funds to pay the masters. I am sure, sir, the Christian public are not aware of this, or they would willingly come forward to free so important an institution from its embarrassments. The way to do this effectually and easily, would be for several of our wealthy churches to allow a collection to be made on its behalf. It is impossible for the secretary or committee to call upon individuals for assistance; and yet, at this time, when we are boasting of the voluntary principle, it will not do to allow so useful an institution to be abandoned, or even crippled, for want of a little exertion. Mr. Kennedy was kind enough to promise that a sermon should be preached for it at Stepney; and I do hope that other ministers will bring the subject before their churches and congregations without loss of time. It appears to me to be a matter which should immediately be taken up by the pastors and deacons of our more influential churches. Were but twenty or thirty such to be appealed to for assistance, there cannot be a doubt that the institution would be relieved from its difficulties, without a single individual being required to make a sacrifice. A collection from each would pay the debt which is endangering its very existence, and leave the committee at liberty to carry out their plans for putting it in a condition, for the future, more honourable to us as a Christian denomination. I remain, Yours respectfully, WILLIAM EDWD. FRANK. ORDINATION. On Wednesday, June 30th, the Rev. G. B. Scott, formerly of the Manchester mission, was solemnly ordained to the office of pastor over the Independent Church, Shelley, Yorkshire. The services were commenced in the afternoon by the Rev. James Potter, of Houley, in reading a portion of the Scriptares and prayer. Rev. John Cockin, of Holmfirth, delivered an admirable introductory discourse on the nature of the principles of a church of Christ. Rev. Richard Skinner, of Huddersfield, proposed the usual questions to the minister. Rev. John Glendenning, of Huddersfield, offered the dedicatory prayer, with laying on of hands. Rev. Dr. Nolan, of Manchester, delivered the charge from 2 Tim. iv. 5, and the Rev. C. H. Bateman, of Hopton, concluded with prayer. Tea and other refreshments were provided in the school-room, of which about two hundred persons partook. In the evening, the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds, delivered a most impressive discourse from 2 Cor. i. 11, to the church and congregation. Revs. James Buckley, of Thurlstone: I. Francis, of Kirkheaton; John Sowerby, of Flockton; and G. S. Spencer, of Ashton, also engaged in the services of the solemn occasion. [It is hoped the peculiarly interesting services of the day will be made a blessing to many souls.] RECOGNITION. On Tuesday evening, June 15th, a tea. meeting was held in the lower school-room of Bethel chapel, Henry-street, Bury, to congratulate the Rev. W. R. Thorburn, A.M., on his settlement as pastor of the church and congregation there assembling. The attendance was numerous. After tea, earnest and affectionate addresses were delivered by the following ministers, who expressed their pleasure at being present on the occasion, viz.: Rev. Messrs. W. Roseman, of Bury; J. Anyon, of Park; J. Harrison, of Heywood; J. Kennedy, of Bury, (the oldest Nonconformist minister in the neighbourhood); and the Rev. Messrs. F. Skinner, of Blackburn, and W. M'Kerrow, of Man chester. The two latter have been intimately acquainted and associated with the newlysettled pastor for many years, and spoke in the highest terms of his character as a devoted, pious, and successful minister of the gospel, and earnestly entreated the church and congregation to esteem and aid their pastor in every effort which had for its object the glory of God and the happiness of man. The following gentlemen also took part in the proceedings of the evening: Messrs. Hodgkinson, Hadfield, Hampton, and Heap. The meeting separated about ten o'clock, all being edified and encouraged by the animated and eloquent addresses, as well as by the fervent prayers which had been offered to the great Head of the church to bless both pastor and people. AIREDALE COLLEGE. On Wednesday, the 23rd instant, the anniversary of Airedale College was held, at the Institution-H. Forbes, Esq., in the chair. After singing and prayer, by the Rev. J. Scott, two of the students delivered essays, Mr. Alfred Briggs, on "Eminent Piety Essential to Eminent Usefulness;" and Mr. J. G. Hughes, on "Civil Establishments of Religion wrong in their Principles and injurious in their tendency;" both of which gave great satisfaction to the audience. The Rev. A. Savage, of Wilsden, delivered a thoroughly good address to the students, on ministerial conduct and duties; after which the theological tutor read the report for the past year, and the treasurer gave an account of the finances, from which we were sorry to learn that the College is still in debt. The ordinary business of the Institution was then transacted, and several animated addresses were delivered, particularly by the chairman, the Revs. Professor Stowell, of Rotherham College; J. Scott, J. Ely, and J. Pridie. The meeting was well attended, and was throughout of an interesting and pleasing character. The annual examination of the students took place on Monday and Tuesday-the Rev. B. B. Haigh, in the chair on Monday, assisted by the Revs. J. Stringer, J. Glyde, and J. A. Savage. The Rev. T. Scales occupied the chair on Tuesday, assisted by the Revs. B. B. Haigh, J. Pridie, and J. A. Savage. The following is the report of the examiners: Theological Examination. The department committed to the undersigned, though entitled theological, embraced far more subjects than that term properly designates, and branched out into a variety of other important subsidiary pursuits. The examination, which occupied a long day-but which was not long enough for the purpose-was conducted both viva voce and by papers written in answer to questions given at the time. In Divinity, those questions related to the existence of a First Cause, and the proofs of His being derived from creation and other sources, and to the objections alleged by atheists against that doctrine. A second series of questions arose out of readings in Bellamy's "True Religion delineated." In Church History, the early persecutions of the Christians were reviewed, and their causes traced. Inquiries also were proposed and answered on the subject of the Government and Discipline of the first Churches, as developed in the New Testament, and discussed in the pages of Mosheim; on Rhetoric, from Blair; Questions on Logic, from Whateley, and on Intellectual Philosophy, from the writings of Reid and Brown-also engaged the attention of the students, and elicited papers of various degrees of merit. In Mathematics, several problems were readily and clearly demonstrated. The three Hebrew classes severally read and translated in the books of Genesis, Job, and the Lamentations of Jeremiah. The examination, on the whole, has been very satisfactory; and the committee feel gratified that it warrants them to speak favourably, not only of the devotedness and ability of the tutors, but also of the diligence, intelligence, and attainments of the students generally. For some of them, indeed, they are induced to presage a more than ordinary measure of literary acquisition and distinction, should their future course correspond with their early promise, prosecuted with becoming zeal and assiduity. THOMAS SCALES. JAMES PRIDie. JAMES ADOLPHUS SAVAge, June 22nd. This examination commenced on Monday morning, and was continued until noon on the following day, when it was brought to a close. The vivá voce examination of the students, in the different branches enumerated in the report, was protracted and searching. Questions in writing were also placed before the students, to which they were required to furnish written answers. It is but justice to say that those answers were of such a character as to warrant the conclusion, that the subjects to which reference had been made were closely canvassed. In the Greek and Roman classics, the examination was very extensive and free. The students gave evidence not only of their acquaintance with the genius, structure, and laws of those languages, but also with the characters of the respective authors, and the times and events of the age in which they lived. The committee are happy to state, from the specimens which have been read, that they are convinced that the students have pursued their duties with much ability and untiring industry, and reflect great credit on the diligence and skill of their respective professors. The Hebrew classes also read with fluency, translated with ease, and analysed with accuracy portions of the Hebrew Scriptures appointed by the examiners. June 21st, 1847. B. B. HAIGH. JOSEPH STRINGER. JONATHAN GLYDE. J. A. SAVAGE. BRECON COLLEGE. The annual examination of the students of this College took place on the 8th and 9th of June, in the presence of several ministers, and other friends of the institution. The usual subjects to which the attention of the young men had been directed in the course of the session, were brought under consideration; and they were extensively examined in Hebrew, the Greek and Latin Classics, English and Welsh Composition, History (Civil and Ecclesiastical), Mental Philosophy, and Theology. result was very satisfactory to all who were present, who testified their great pleasure at the progress elicited in the various departments of learning. The students were affectionately and impressively addressed by Mr. Davids, of Colchester; Mr. Blow, of Monmouth; and other ministerial friends, on the important work to which they had devoted themselves as candidates for the Christian ministry. The An unusual number of the students leave the institution this year, and it is pleasing to think that they have all been invited to spheres of usefulness-a circumstance which shows that the supporters of the College do not labour in vain, and that there is a considerable demand for able, devotional pastors. May such be abundantly supplied from our schools of the prophets throughout the land! THE LATE ELECTIONS. Her Majesty's Ministers will have learnt from the defeat of so many of the Cabinet, that Dissenters are not to be treated with contempt; and that the endowing system is not to go on. If they cannot receive this lesson, they will be taught it by the growing force of public opinion. |