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the true dissenters are those who dissent from the institutes of Christ; and I rejoice that the time is come when you, as dissenters, feel it to be your duty to protest against those who have departed from the simplicity of the truth. Brethren, I wish that you could have, like the General Assembly of Scotland, a longer period allowed you for the expression of your sentiments. There is only one other point upon which I would for a very short time detain you, and that is the question of Home Missions. (Hear.) I hold in my hand a document which I have been very anxious to have prepared before I came to your meeting to-day, containing a calculation in reference to this interesting subject. It has been prepared by a humble and pious minister, who has obliged me by rendering this service. In a district of four miles round my home-and, that I believe him to be thoroughly competent to judge of the religious character of the persons whom he visits-he has visited 324 families. Out of that number he found 345 persons who could read, 189 who were utterly unable to read, 245 houses possessing the Bible, 77 houses not possessing a page of the Scriptures; and, which is the most grievous part of all, he has found 245 families totally ignorant of the principles of evangelical religion, 69 who, though ignorant, are anxious to be informed; and throughout that whole district he has only found 10 families among the peasantry which are imbued with the principles of vital religion. (Hear.) Brethren, with this statement I come before you. Such is the destitute condition of a rural district with which I am connected, and I believe I may say, it is a fair sample of the rural districts throughout the country. (Hear.) Now, I am prepared, as the Home Missionary Society is established on a new basis, to divert part of the contribution I promised to the Christian Instruction Society, for itinerant objects, for the purpose of throwing into the funds of that Society which is now being, as it were, formed anew. (Hear.) I mention it at this moment solely with the view of inducing others to come forward. I beg, therefore, to say, that I intend to offer to the Home Missionary Society a residence for a Home Missionary, in Hertfordshire, and another residence for another Mis sionary, in Lincolnshire, together with £150 a year for the support of effective Missionaries, if the Society will accept it. (Cheers.) This I will guarantee to the Society for at least three years. It is very important that this work should be entered upon by all of us in the right spirit, and that we send persons who are likely to take with the people; because, although I value personal piety very highly, yet, I think it very important that the manners of your Missionaries, and indeed every thing about them, should be of an order that will take with the class of persons amongst whom they have to go. (Hear.) Dear friends, I hope that you are now going to begin anew-I trust that you will go heart and soul to work. (Cheers.) If at the time when the vision of the armed man of Macedon was seen, it required nothing but that vision to stir up the church of Christ to extraordinary exertion, surely you will not be unmoved by the state of your own country. There were no railroads then, there was no easy transit. Here am I amongst you, I tell you of the state of the country within a very short distance of London. Shall I put before you the state of Macedonia in vain? I will not believe it. You will be roused by such statements as you have heard to increased and zealous efforts in the cause of your Master. (Great cheering.)

The Rev. THOMAS PULLAR, of Glasgow, delegate from the Congregational Union of Scotland, then addressed the meeting to the following effect:-My esteemed christian brethren, I felt, when I was requested to appear among you in the name of the Scotch Congregational Union, that I was undertaking a task for which I was very inadequately qualified, and I feel so still. But, Sir, I should belie all the feelings of my heart if I said that I was unwilling to accept that appointment. (Hear.) No, Sir, I loved you too well. I loved the great cause with which you are associated too well, and I thought it too high an honour and too precious a privilege to be with you at this season of holy festivity and joy, to decline the honour conferred upon me by the courtesy of my brethren. In the name of the Congregational Union of Scotland, I have to congratulate you not only on the auspicious formation of that Union which has taken place amongst you, but also on the progress which it has made during the last ten years.

There was a thrill of joy, Sir, passed through our hearts, when we heard the intelligence from Birmingham in October last. We rejoiced that the English Congregational churches, with their numbers, intelligence, wealth, and public spirit, were about to devote themselves to the great work of evangelizing more thoroughly their country, and spreading the light of saving truth through every dark village and hamlet, as well as in the neglected towns and cities of the country. We rejoice, Sir, in the facts that you have thus far been enabled to proceed in your great undertaking, and we pray with heart and soul that the Head of the church may pour out on you all, ministers, deacons, and churches, the healthful spirit of his grace, and that all your most sanguine anticipations may be fulfilled in the diffusion of divine truth in connection with Congregational principles throughout the length and breadth of beloved England. Sir, in the name of the brethren whom I represent I will say that we love you warmly; I cannot employ terms too strong to express the affection which the Congregational churches of Scotland bear to the brethren in the southern part of the island. (Cheers.) We feel, Sir, that we are one with you, that we have one faith and hope, and the fellowship of the gospel, that we are one with you with regard to the spiritual character of the Redeemer's kingdom, that we are one with you for the conversion of the world by the diffusion of divine truth in our own country and in distant lands. (Cheers.) Yes, Sir, our hopes rest on the same glorious foundation, the same Holy Spirit animates, as his temple, our hearts; we have the same glorious hopes; and we anticipate a meeting together in the same paternal home in the sky, where the dispersed of Israel shall be gathered into one, and all the churches of God shall form one glorious, pure and happy assembly. And if, Sir, if in this world our friendships can be sweet,

"What heights of rapture shall we know,

When round the throne we meet !"

There are various topics which I might have alluded to, but I confess I feel somewhat embarrassed by the limited time that I can address you. I had thought of a great variety of interesting points to which I might have adverted, but I scarcely know which to select for the few precious moments which are allotted to me on the present occasion, I need, Sir, scarcely say any thing to you with regard to the history of our denomination in Scotland. Our flag, Sir, has now for nearly thirty years "braved the battle and the breeze." Lately, at Dundee, we celebrated the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Scottish Congregational Union. We embrace a large field. Our funds have, for some years past amounted to £1400; one half of which has been devoted to the Islands of Scotland. Here, as you may probably be aware, there is a fearful destitution of the means of grace. Some of those northern churches have not been able to collect for themselves above six or eight pounds per annum; and, I believe, though the churches amount to about one hundred, nearly one half of them require assistance from the funds of the Congregational Union. It was resolved, however, during the progress of last year, to increase the contributions to the funds of the Union. The demands for labour from all parts of the country having become more numerous, and doors being constantly opened which we were not able to supply with the means which we possessed, it was resolved, if possible, that the sum which I have mentioned should be increased to £2000; and I believe, according to the last information which I received, when all is reckoned, that amount will be realized. (Cheers.) We have forty labourers engaged in various parts of the country, and should employ double that number if we could find means to support them. The whole country is opening before us. In the year 1825 eighteen new churches were formed, and six or seven have been added every ensuing year. We are strict Congregationalists, as you are aware, Sir, in the north. (Hear.) We hold our principles firmly, and on all occasions we avow them freely and frankly. Yet, though we are Independents, we do not feel that Independency is inconsistent with union. We are as closely united in our churches throughout the country as any Presbyte

rian in the land, yet is there no rule, authority or domination over individual churches. (Hear.) We have a Congregational Union embracing every Congregational church in Scotland; and that Congregational Union is divided, if I may so speak, into various district associations, who care for the interests of those in the several localities where they are formed, and such associations exist, I am happy to say, over the whole of broad Scotland. The ends for which we are united are mutual aid and combined effort for the spread of the Gospel. But, Sir, I must hasten to a topic, which I should not feel that I had done my duty unless I said at least a word or two upon it. While we admit only those who are converted, what is to be done without conversions? Blessed be God, conversions have been multiplied by scores and by hundreds during the past year. God has poured out his Spirit on the churches in Scotland. Such scenes had never been witnessed before in the same extent of territory; and, I believe, we have seen something very nearly approximating to those glorious scenes which were witnessed at the beginning of the Gospel, on the Pentecostal day. The first meeting was held in connection with a small church in the southern part of Scotland, at Denham, and that church doubled its numbers, I believe, in ten months, For a long time they had had no addition to their numbers; they were led to humble themselves before God, and to present united prayer; the Word was preached with power, and continually, to assembled multitudes; the Lord poured out his Spirit, and the work was wonderfully extended. You will naturally ask, "But has there been no relapses since that period? A considerable time has elapsed since that revival-what then are the present prospects of the church at that place?" Why, brethren, the work is going on more rapidly than ever; week after week sinners are falling under the power of divine truth. The cry is heard in the place and neighbourhood, almost without intermission, "What must I do to be saved?" and sinners are finding rest from week to week in the belief of that blessed truth which saves and sets the guilty free. I have a letter with me from the pastor of the church at Denham, from which I will read an extract or two, requesting, as a favour, that it may not appear in print. (The Rev. Gentleman then proceeded to read from the letters statements respecting the state and prospects of the church at the above place.) I might go on thus, Sir, for a whole day, giving you delightful intelligence of what God is doing for us in Scotland. In the church over which I have the happiness to preside we have received into fellowship during the last year about 180 individuals, mostly converts from the world, or who, though they had made a profession, had only done so in name before. There have been meetings held for the revival of God's work in Edinburgh, St. Andrew's, Perth, Fife, the town of Stirling, Dumfries, and various other places. I will say, however, in regard to our series of meetings, those held in Stirling, (perhaps I might make the remark of many more similar meetings which have taken place,) that there the Lord has indeed been carrying on a great work. The church of Stirling was presided over at one period by your esteemed friend the late Rev. Mr. Henry, of Tooting. For many years it was in a lukewarm state, and had received no addition to its members: every thing seemed cold and cheerless in its prospects. They were led, however, to unite in prayer that God would pour out his Spirit upon them. They then resolved to hold a series of meetings for preaching and prayer. Pastors residing at a distance were invited to attend the meetings. After one or two nights, their place of worship, which holds four or five hundred, became too small, and the largest place in the town, the secession place of worship, which is capable of holding 1600 people, was kindly offered to accommodate them. There their meetings were held; and they were full, and even overwhelming. I shall only mention what fell under my own observation. I believe it occurred on the fourth night of the meetings. That night, all who were under convic tions of sin were requested to remain after the congregation had been dismissed, to receive a few words of advice adapted to their peculiar circumstances. Never shall I forget the scene then witnessed; for six or seven hundred

persons remained, who, with wistful faces, and flowing tears, and audible sobs, proclaimed their deep anxiety to be informed about the things of salvation. They hung upon the speaker's lips: a deep and solemn silence pervaded the assembly, and when, at the close, an hour was appointed of the next day, to be spent in conversation, many requested that they might be allowed to keep their pews, which they did in deep contrition of spirit, till they could have a word of conversation with the ministers respecting the one thing which pressed with deep and awful force upon their souls. These meetings were held for twelve days continually, and the numbers continued to increase till hundreds could not find admission. My dear friends, you may naturally ask as to the particular kind of preaching or other measures which were employed in the work of the Lord.` In regard to this I wish to say, that there was no effort on the part of the speakers to work upon the feelings of the people. It was cool, I had almost said cold, intellectual statement; the truth was presented simply, but clearly, and the speakers appeared to keep themselves under restraint from the application of any modes of address which would operate merely upon the feelings of their auditors. (Hear) This was confessed by those who came in the most sceptical frame of mind in regard to the measures employed. In conversing with inquirers, we endeavoured to direct them at once to Christ, without any preparatory process. Indeed, the topics upon which we chiefly dwelt in our public discourses, were the importance of immediate belief in the truth and immediate repentance. Not one moment, we said, was to be lost; throwing the whole responsibility upon the sinner-charging him with not receiving God's salvation; and even when inquirers were in the deepest agony of soul, we said every moment was a moment of unutterable guilt and awful danger till they counted the heavenly message true. This was the method of preaching adopted at all the various places. I shall never forget one individual with whom I conversed on one of these occasions. When going round amongst the inquirers, I saw a young man apparently in deep distress. Tears were flowing copiously from his eyes. I asked him the usual question, "How he felt in regard to the state of his soul." Very bad, Sir," was his reply; "I have been a great sinner; there is no hope for me, no mercy for such a sinner." I then endeavoured to point out to him the fulness and freeness of gospel grace, and mentioned to him many cases of great sinners who had found mercy. He said to me, "All you have said does not meet my case; my guilt is of a deeper dye. I have made a profession for at least two years, and have all the time been a hypocrite." I said, "Your guilt is deeply awful, but there is one passage which meets your case-' The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth from all sin."" I dwelt upon that for some time, not knowing whether any effect had been produced, or not. Two nights afterwards I met him in the same place, and his very looks were changed. He was sitting with a Bible open before him. He said, "Oh, Sir, I have found it, I have found it!" and in tones of rapture he exclaimed-I think I still hear him-"The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth from all sin! I believe that, Sir; it meets my case, and I am happy!" He has since been received as a communicant, and he is now a humble and consistent disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Cheers.) I ain sorry that I have detained you so long; but I could not get out of the track into which I was led. We have reason to exclaim, Sir, on a review of the whole, "What hath God wrought!" We are placed in circumstances of deep responsibility. Pray for us, beloved brethren, that we may be thankful and improve our privileges. We congratulate you also on what we have heard that God is doing in this city, and in many parts of the country, in pouring out his Spirit upon you all. May he go on to show mercy, until all the churches are revived and refreshed. There is a great work before us, beloved brethren. There are many obstacles in our way; but he is on our side, and therefore who shall be able to retard our progress? God shall arise; his enemies shall be scattered, and they that hate him shall flee before him. In the name of my constituents, Sir, I tender you our affectionate, our warmest re3 I

N. S. VOL. IV.

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gards, and pray that grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied to you, and to all the churches of the saints. (Loud cheers.)

The Rev. Mr. SOPER, of Grantham, rose and said-My dear brethren, I will not detain you a minute; but, after our brethren who have come from so great a distance have favoured us with their presence and animated us with their speeches, I think it would be highly indecorous, if we were to pass the resolution which I have the honour to propose, without assenting to it from our hearts. I certainly feel disposed, therefore, cordially and personally, and when I say personally, I am sure I carry with me also the feelings of my brethren present, (cheers) to thank our honoured brethren who have met us as delegates from the churches in Ireland and Scotland, and to thank them especially for the intelligence which has been conveyed to our heads, and has, I trust, warmed our hearts. (Hear.) And my desire, Mr. Chairman, is, that not only may we meet brethren, to hear their respective speeches, but that when we retire to our various stations, we may carry the warmth with us, and thus let others see that we meet not here merely for the purpose of making speeches and listening to them, but for higher and holier ends. I was peculiarly struck by the remarks of Sir Culling Smith upon the spiritual destitution of our land. It is most affecting to think, that whilst we are enjoying the light of the Gospel, there are so many of our fellow countrymen which are sitting in the shadow of death, within the sphere, as I may say, of Home Missionary operations. But, I believe that most rural districts are equally destitute with that to which Sir Culling Smith has referred. I myself could mention two-and-thirty villages, containing a population of 18,000 souls, where there is not to be found a ray, not one single ray of evangelical light emanating from the pulpits of the established church. I dare say, there are many who differ from us as to what is evangelical preaching; but all my brethren will agree with me upon that subject. In the rural districts there is an evil existing which does not exist in large towns. Whilst the members of our churches in large towns, can go out into the lanes and alleys, and endeavour to evangelize their countrymen, in the rural district sthere is so much opposition to the truth, that it is only by an individual going about in a kind spirit, and visiting from house to house, and trying to find his way to the minds and hearts of the people, that good can be done; and I am therefore of opinion, that if any portion of home missionary effort were withdrawn from our rural districts that it might be given to the larger towns, an enormous amount of evil would be inflicted upon our country. (Hear.) I trust, therefore, that we shall carry with us from this meeting, and from those which lie before us, the spirit of prayerfulness and devotedness to our Divine Master, and a determination to spend and be spent in his blessed cause. There is one thing more, Mr. Chairman, which I would mention in conclusion. When I came to this meeting, it struck my mind that it was exceedingly delightful to hear that the cause of Christ was progressing in distant parts of the empire, and every thing that increases our knowledge of these things, must necessarily increase our pleasure. There is something, I conceive, exceedingly delightful in the idea, that when the churches of England are depressed, the churches of Ireland pray for them, and that when the churches of Scotland are depressed, the churches of England rise in their behalf. (Hear.) And there is another advantage from it, namely, that it knits closer together the various bodies of Christians; and as others are arraying themselves against the principles and the progress of dissent, it is of great importance that the churches of England and Scotland should be prepared, as the heart of one man, to make any movement that may be requisite against this domination. (Hear.) I trust, therefore, that the effect of the deputies coming before us this morning, and the oneness of kind feeling expressed by them, will awaken universal interest, and that we shall all be prepared, not merely to pray for each other, but to work with each other whenever it shall be required. (Cheers.) I will not trouble you further, but I beg to move,

5. That this Assembly has hailed with great delight and affectionthe presence

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