new ground by preaching in the open air, or in public buildings not usually employed for worship; and who by efforts at once bold, enterprising, and calculated to excite attention, yet prudent and well directed, would accomplish ends unattainable by more regular and customary labours: but no agent shall be so employed unless approved by the Directors, nor in any locality, but in cooperation with the brethren managing the Home Missionary efforts of that district. This Society shall also render assistance to country ministers whose Home Missionary labours, in their respective vicinities, are impeded by want of pecuniary resources.

4. That as the apostolic churches were organized not only for the preservation, within themselves, of the Gospel of Christ, in its purity, but also for its spread in the regions around them, Home Missionary efforts become an imperative duty of churches

And as in all districts the destitution of particular places, must be supposed to be best known to the churches nearest to those localities, and the means for sup plying it will be best administered by them; so there are some methods of promoting the spread of the Gospel, such as the calling forth and superintending of lay-agency, which cannot be safely and scripturally entrusted to any authority but that of churches and their pastors - therefore

This Society will, as far as practicable, conduct its operations through the local associations, or in harmony with such efforts as may be undertaken independently by them. But as it is believed that in some districts there are not regular associations, and as in others those now existing may not have been formed with a view to Home Missionary efforts; it is respectfully recommended to brethren throouhout the country, either to form new associations, or to remodel those already existing, with express adaptation to Home Missions within their own districts, and to co-operation with this Society in efforts embracing the whole kingdom. And while contributions for this Society will continue to be sought in the various ways hitherto adopted, yet, as the object is peculiarly appropriate to churches, an especial appeal for pecuniary aid shall be made to them; and every church shall be invited to make an annual contribution, however small, for the general Home Missionary fund, in addition to whatever may be raised by it in aid of the association with which it may be connected, or for Home Missionary labours, more exclusively its own.

5. That it is adopted as a principle by this Society, that while lay-agency, if wisely directed, may be of great value in Home Missions, yet no one ought to be employed as a ministerial missionary, ordained for the work, and recognized by the Society, without appropriate education. Every accepted candidate for employment as a ministerial Home Missionary, shall therefore receive a suitable training under the patronage of this Society; unless, in any particular instance, evident preparation is already possessed, in strong natural powers and acquired knowledge.

6. That the efforts of this Society shall be directed to missionary operations. in towns as well as in rural districts; especially whenever co-operation is sought of the Directors by brethren having the management of the efforts of the churches.

7. That the Directors will endeavour to obtain annually from the Secretaries of all associations engaged in Home Missions, copies of their reports, that they may embody in their own a digest of these documents, so as to present the results of the whole in one view, in a tabular form.

8. That the objects of the Home Missionary tours in which it is proposed to engage the occasional labours of brethren suitably qualified, will be-to promote a Home Missionary spirit in the churches they may visit-to confer with pastors and other brethren on Home Missionary interests, plans, and operations; and, when practicable, to obtain contributions-to visit Home Missionary stations, and encourage the brethren labouring in them-to engage in aggressive movements in co-operation with the brethren of the districts visited; such as preaching in the open air, or holding services in buildings not usually employed for worship,

with a view to excite attention, and to gain the attendance of the careless and irreligious.

9. That the contemplated provincial autumnal meetings of the Society shall include both meetings of the brethren delegated to the assembly of the Congregational Union, specially devoted to Home Missionary objects; and, open popular meetings of the Society itself, for public proceedings, as well as sermons in aid of Home Missions, and devotional services to seek the Divine blessing on the Society and its operations-the Society and the Union thus acting in concert, agreeably to their respective constitutions, for the promotion of their great common object.

ARRIVAL OF DR. ROSS AT CAPE TOWN.

The Committee of the Colonial Missionary Society have the pleasure of announcing that letters have reached them from their beloved brother, Dr. Ross, dated from Cape Town on the 4th of January last. He and his beloved partner and family had reached that point in their voyage in circumstances of great comfort and mercy. They experienced from Dr. Philip, who was also in excellent health, the hospitable welcome of a christian brother. Dr. Ross, who arrived opportunely a few days before the Sabbath appointed for those services, was hoping to preach one of the anniversary sermons on behalf of the Cape Town Auxiliary Missionary Society; yet not without apprehension that the too early sailing of the vessel might occasion disappointment. The Doctor's efforts for usefulness during the voyage had met with much acceptance from the passengers and emigrants, and had not been left without indications of the Divine blessing.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE CHRISTIAN UNION.

A Society was formed in the County of Gloucester, in 1836, denominated the "Gloucestershire Christian Union." Its nature and objects will be best explained by quoting its first two rules.-I. That all ministers holding the doctrines of the Trinity-Atonement by the Death of Christ-The necessity of the Holy Spirit's influence to renew and sanctify the sinner, and the immutable obligation of the moral law as the rule of conduct, shall be eligible as members of this society.-II. That the objects of this Society be, the personal improvement of its Members, both as Christians and Members - the promotion of brotherly kindness and charity' among themselves and their Churches - the interchange of friendly offices-and the general diffusion of the Gospel, especially within the limits of the county."

were

Fifty Ministers of the Independent and Baptist denominations stand connected with the Society. At the commencement of the present year it was determined that a vigorous effort should be made by means of open-air preaching, to disseminate the Gospel throughout the county. The county was accordingly divided into sections, and two brethren, a Pædo-Baptist and a Baptist, appointed to each section; with an understanding, that at some convenient period during the summer, the intended sphere of labour should be Occupied. This plan has been partially carried into effect; one hundred and thirty-eight towns and villages have been visited; twenty-five thousand persons attended as hearers, of which number it is computed about ten thousand never or very occasionally visit the house of God. Twelve thousand tracts and books were distributed. The deportment of the hearers, with but few exceptions, was most serious and attentive. Several who had been living in the total neglect of divine worship, have been known subsequently to attend the means of grace. What will be the ultimate results of the above labours, it is of course impossible to state; but may it not be justifiably anticipated, accompanied as they were by earnest prayer for the divine blessing, that they may be productive of much good to immortal souls?

It is expected that the Society will be enabled more extensively to carry out the plan in the coming year, and that Open-air Preaching will form a prominent part of its yearly operations.

The necessity of such efforts cannot be reasonably questioned when it is

remembered, that a large proportion of the population never attend divine worship; numbers of whom can be brought under the sound of the Gospel only by these out-door labours. In one section, visited by two members of the union, it was ascertained that of 2,200 hearers, 2,000 never entered the House of Prayer. When the practice in question shall become general on the part of the Ministers of Christ throughout the land, hundreds of thousands will be placed under the ministry of the word, who but for the employment of such means would never have had an acquaintance with a solitary portion of divine truth. This surely is an answerable argument in favour of Open Air Preaching,

It is respectfully recommended that a society similar to the Gloucestershire Christian Union be formed in each county. Union is strength, and the truth of this axiom will be verified and most powerfully illustrated in the prosecution of Out-door Preaching labours for the conversion of souls. To the carrying out of the proposed plan to any considerable extent, a union of the Ministers of Christ of different denominations is conceived indispensable. A union based on an agreement in the fundamentals of Christianity, and perfectly compatible with the maintenance of the peculiar views which each party entertains in relation to the subordinate parts of divine truth.

Brethren in the Ministry! As you are desirous to extend the Kingdom of the Redeemer in your own land; as you wish that the proclamation of mercy should reach the ear of those who neglect your stated ministrations; unite and co-operate in a plan which will convey the truth to multitudes who despise and contemn the Sanctuary of the Most High. "The great mass of our countrymen are yet irreligious, if not profane, and they pass by our places of worship, with their able ministrations and well-ordered services, in indifference and contempt. This must not be. The Church must arise and come forth from her retreats. She is formed for action, not for enjoyment, and must exercise her moral powers in the alleys, and courts, and villages, and highways of our towns and country. She must go forth to meet the outcasts, and compel them to come in." Thornbury, Dec. 12th, 1839. W. J. CROSS, Secretary.

RE-OPENING OF SOLIHULL CHAPEL, WARWICKSHIRE.

The dissenting chapel, Solihull, which had been closed for a few weeks for the erection of a new gallery, and other internal improvements, was re-opened on Tuesday, the 18th February last. Two sermons were preached on the occasion by the Rev. J. Sibree, of Coventry, and the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham. The Revs. D. Prain, of Henley, T. Salmon, of Coleshill, and W. Hood, of Solihull, assisted in the devotional exercises. The collections were good, the attendance was numerous, and the services were truly animating. By the payment of an old debt of £200 within the last eighteen months, by recent efforts to provide for a settled pastor, and by raising the amount required for present improvements, the efficiency of the voluntary principle in this town has been most delightfully evinced.

ORDINATIONS.

On July 30, 1839, Mr. T. S. Harper, of Blackburn Seminary, was ordained to the pastoral office over the Congregational church at Ormskirk, Lancashire. The Rev. G. Greatbach, of Southport, commenced the first public service, by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. Kelley, of Liverpool, preached the introductory discourse; the Rev. G. Wardlaw, M.A. Divinity Tutor, asked the usual questions and offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, gave the charge to the pastor; and the Rev. J. Widdows, of Rainsford, closed the morning service by prayer. In the evening, Mr. Alexander, the ve nerable Bishop of Churchtown, and father of the Independent Ministers in Lancashire, began the solemnities with reading appropriate parts of the word of God and prayer. The Rev. S. Fletcher, of Manchester, preached a sermon to the church and congregation; and the Rev. D. B. Hayward, Classical Tutor; the Rev. J. Tunstall, of Kirkdale, and Mr. Robinson, an itinerant of the County Union, engaged in other devotional parts of the sacred and hallowed services.

Nathaniel Heywood, brother to the celebrated Oliver Heywood, of Yorkshire, was ejected from the living of Ormskirk, and, upon his death-bed, he was asked by a Reverend Brother, "Whether it was any trouble to him that he did not conform ?" He answered, "No, it is a great comfort to me:" this he spake with much cheerfulness, adding more words to evidence his satisfaction in what he had done and suffered. Let the youthful pastor now at Ormskirk, follow this "Israelite indeed" as far as he followed Christ.

On the 14th day of August, 1839, the Rev. Alfred Stone was ordained pastor of the Independent Church, Wickwar, Gloucestershire. The Rev. John Jack, Bristol, preached the introductory sermon; the Rev. David Williams, Kingswood, asked the usual questions, and received appropriate and satisfactory answers; the Rev. John Lewis, Wotton-under-edge, offered the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands; the Rev. William Lucy, Bristol, the late pastor of Mr. Stone, delivered the charge; and the Rev. W. J. Cross, Thornbury, preached the sermon to the church and congregation, which was followed by another in the evening, by the Rev. Eliezer Jones, Rodborough. The Revs. Messrs.. Bowrey, Whitchurch; Dove, Thornbury; Easterbrook, Overton; Evans, Rangeworthy; Howard, Newport; Shakespeare, Hillsley; and Thomas, Wotton-under-edge, also took part in the services.

The attendance was very numerous, and the services were more than ordinarily interesting and impressive. It is highly gratifying to know that the divine blessing evidently rests on the labours of our brother Stone at Wickwar, and the villages by which that town is surrounded.

REMOVALS, &c.

The Rev. John Orange, who was compelled to leave Newcastle-on-Tyne last winter on account of the protracted indisposition of Mrs. Orange, has accepted a unanimous invitation from the Independent church at Torquay, Devonshire. The Rev. John Jukes, late of Yeovil, having accepted a unanimous call from the church of Christ at Bedford, so long under the pastoral care of the late Rev. S. Hillyard, commenced bis stated labours the first Sabbath in the year, with an encouraging prospect of comfort and usefulness.

The Rev. Josiah Thomas Jones, of Cowbridge, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the churches and congregations of Llany bree and Bethesda (formerly under the pastoral care of the late Rev. D. Davies, for many years Classical Tutor of the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen,) and purposes, by Divine permission, to commence his labours before the close of the month of July next.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

DISSENTING ADDRESSES ON THE ROYAL MARRIAGE.

On Tuesday, March 3, the General Body of the Three Denominations of Protestant Dissenting Ministers in and about the cities of London and Westminster, proceeded from the Congregational Library, Finsbury, to Buckingham Palace, Pimlico, with congratulatory addresses to her Majesty, Prince Albert, and the Duchess of Kent. More than a hundred ministers attended on the occasion, headed by the Rev. Edward Steane, of Camberwell, and the Rev. Dr. Cox, of Hackney, their Secretary.

On their arrival at the palace, they found themselves in company with the University of Oxford, the Corporation of London, and the Unitarian ministers who seceded from the General Body about four years ago.

Before the Ministers of the Three Denominations were ushered into her Majesty's presence, the Marquis of Normanby requested, in her Majesty's name, that on account of her great fatigue, the Body would, on the present occasion, waive their ancient right of being presented and kissing hands: at the same time his lordship assured them that the concession should

not be made a precedent, and that her Majesty would now continue the privilege to each member of the Body, if it were claimed. The general feeling was, that her Majesty's convenience ought to be consulted, and it was agreed that only seven of each denomination should be presented. The Body then entered the royal presence. Her Majesty being seated on the throne, supported on her right hand by Prince Albert; the Rev. E. Steane was introduced by Dr. Cox, who read, in a subdued and impressive manner, the following address:—

"To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty.

"Most gracious Sovereign,-We, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the General Body of Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the Three Denominations, residing in and about the cities of London and Westminster, approach your royal presence to offer our congratulations on your Majesty's auspicious marriage with his Royal Highness Prince Albert of Saxe Cobourg and Gotha.

"We regard this happy event with patriotic joy, as amongst those special occurrences of a wise and gracious Providence by which the Divine favour is evinced, both towards our revered Sovereign and our beloved country. In our public and domestic devotions we shall not cease to invoke the all-merciful God, through the Divine Redeemer, to confer upon your Majesty, and your Majesty's Royal Consort, the richest gifts of heaven; that the conjugal relation, with its holy charities, may be a solace to your Majesty amidst the duties and high responsibilities inseparable from a throne; and that, to your Majesty's faithful people, this auspicious union may be the source of numerous blessings and the security of national greatness."

To which her Majesty gave the following answer, which was read with remarkable dignity and sweetness :-

"I am much gratified that you should see in the event which is the subject of your congratulations, not only the prospect of domestic comfort to myself, but an additional mark of the Divine favour towards this country; and I earnestly assure you that, fully impressed with the responsibility of my station, I feel that my own happiness must always be inseparably connected with the welfare of my people."

After rather a tedious delay in the splendid apartments of the palace, the body were summoned to wait upon his Royal Highness Prince Albert in his own private room, which, being obviously formed for domestic comfort, rather than for state effect, was not capacious enough to receive the whole body. His Royal Highness was attended by the gentlemen of his household, and listened with respectful attention to the following address, which was also read by Mr. Steane :

"To His Royal Highness Prince Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel, Duke of Saxe, Prince of Sare Cobourg and Gotha.

"May it please your Royal Highness, to permit the General Body of Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the three Denominations in and about the cities of London and Westminster, to congratulate your Royal Highness on your singular happiness in contracting a marriage alliance with her most excellent Majesty our gracious Queen.

"We rejoice to believe, that in the person of your Royal Highness her Majesty has found a consort worthy of her affections, in whose manly virtue and generous friendship she may at all times confide, and by whose gratifying attentions and ingenuous sympathy, both her solicitudes may be diminished and her joys enhanced.

"Descended from a race of princes illustrious in the annals of Protestant Europe, and especially famous for their heroic defence of the fathers of the Reformation, we hail the event which unites your Royal Highness with the Sovereign of the British Empire, confidently expecting that the commanding influence attaching to your high position will be uniformly exerted in support of that large and genuine Protestantism which is based upon the exclusive