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We have thus ventured to name this business to our brethren, because we heard of none others who were intending to do so; and we have taken this step without consulting others, simply because there was not time to do so. The impious negative which has been put upon the proposal for a national fast, seems to render it imperative upon us to wait no longer.

We are, dear brethren and friends, yours unfeignedly to love, and faithfully to serve, GEORGE REDford, J. A. JAMES.

CHOLERA MORBUS.

We cannot but highly approve of the following resolutions of the British and Foreign Bible Society; they reflect much credit on the piety of its excellent Committee.

At a meeting of the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, Nov. 21, 1831,

Resolved,-That it be referred to the SubCommittee for General Purposes to confer with the several auxiliary societies as to the practicability of supplying the whole of the poor, who are destitute of the New Testament, with a copy on loan, in order that in the event of the epidemic disease being permitted in the course of Divine Providence to visit their families, they may not be found without a copy of God's holy word; and that the Sub-Committee be authorised to direct the issue of such copies, for the above purpose, as they may think proper.

At a meeting of the Sub-Committee, Nov. 25, 1831,

This Sub-Committee having taken into consideration the subject above referred to them, it was resolved,

That while this Committee have much satisfaction in knowing that in every place the necessary precautions are actively taken to prevent, if Divine Providence permit, the introduction of the Cholera, and that suitable preparations are also entered into to meet it should it appear, they do consider that there is a voice of the Almighty to be regarded in this visitation, and a duty to be performed by the British and Foreign Bible Society.

That this Committee record their devout conviction that the truths of the sacred volume, when accompanied by Divine teaching, can minister patience and strong consolation under the severest sufferings, and prepare the immortal spirit for its departure to another world, by the reception of the knowledge they convey of Him who, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, was lifted up, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

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That this Committee express their hope that when the hand of the Lord is lifted up some may be led to consider their ways, and to desire the instructions of Heavenly Wis

dom, and they therefore regard it most necessary that the New Testament should be ready at hand for every one whom affliction may be the means of disposing to peruse it.

That while this Committee remember, with gratitude to Him who has crowned the past labours of the Society with good success, that there are countless multitudes now in possession of the Scriptures, who, humanly speaking, would not have possessed them but for the efforts of Bible Societies; they yet remember that in England generally, and in the metropolis especially, thousands of families still remain unsupplied.

That it be recommended to the committees of auxiliary and branch societies to communicate with their respective associations; and to appoint an immediate investigation into the wants of their neighbourhoods, and wherever they find a family destitute of the Scriptures to offer a copy of the New Testament with the book of Psalms as a loan.

That the expense of providing a loan stock for the above purpose be borne by the Parent Society.

[Extracted from the Minutes.]
A. BRANDRAM, Secretaries.
J. HUGHES,

AN ORIGINAL LETTER OF THE LATE VENERABLE DR. WAUGH.

Mr. Editor,-Pray be so kind as to insert in your Magazine an original letter of the justly venerated Dr. Waugh. It is one of the last letters which his noble and benevolent heart dictated, and is signed by a hand, tremulous with the shaking of the tabernacle which was soon to be dissolved. Before the letter had reached its destination the happy spirit of its author had ascended to his God.

In the beautiful memoir of this holy man there is a slight reference to his visit to the West of England. There is one circumstance, however, connected with that visit, which I imagine was unknown to his biographers, but which Dr. Waugh ever regarded with peculiar delight-which he sometimes mentioned with his sparkling eyes streaming with tears-which he refers to in the accompanying letter with great affection-and which the writer and many others will have reason to bless God for through the countless ages of eternity. I presume it will be gratifying to your readers to be acquainted with this circumstance, and to the preachers of "Missionary Sermons" it may furnish a fresh stimulus, to call loudly and earnestly on young disciples to devote themselves to the service of Christ among the heathen.

On the 13th of April, 1814, Dr. Waugh preached at Bridport. His text was,-" And it shall come to pass in that day that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish, and shall worship the Lord in the holy mountain at Jerusalem." The words " ready to perish,"

furnished him with solemn, awful, melting views of the miserable condition of the hea then. The "blowing of the great trumpet" drew forth every feeling of his mighty mind. He did blow it, indeed, with power and sweetness too. It was the trumpet of the gospel. It suited him. He loved it. It was sweet melody from his lips. It proclaimed salvation! After expatiating for some time on this particular, he raised his voice with uncommon energy-his eyes flashed fire as he spake he seemed as if he would have sprung over the pulpit to his auditors, while he exclaimed," We want men of God to blow this great trumpet to the heathen, and we must have them. The heathen are ready to perish; and they will perish if the great trumpet do not bring them the joyful sound.

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I say again, we want men of God to blow this great trumpet, and we must have them." Then, after this peal of thunder, he paused, and, in a softened, melting tone, inquired, "Is there not one young disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ present, who has love enough in his heart to his Divine Master to volunteer his services, and to say, "I will go?" This word reached my heart-it penetrated my inmost soul. I silently said, Yes, Lord, if thou wilt help me I will go. There is not in this congregation a greater debtor to mercy -and, perhaps, there is not one present, who has more ardently longed to be engaged in missionary work. If thou wilt accept me, O Lord, I will go."

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My honoured tutor and all his students were invited to dine with the ministers, but nothing appeared so desirable to me, with my present feelings, as a private room, where I might spend a few hours in meditation, and fasting, and prayer. This room was granted by the relatives of a dear fellow-student-and it was indeed a Bethel; there I again said, "Yes, Lord, if thou wilt help me 1 will go." And I did go. And have I had cause to repent it? O no! O no! It has been a source of unutterable joy, and so, I doubt not, it will be for ever. And I recommend the service to young, warm-hearted disciples, as the happiest and the best in which your adorable Master can employ you. call you to make a little sacrifice, but it will be for the sake of Jesus; and, when once made, it will be attended with that felicity which will make you live a heaven upon earth.

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of earthly good to fail. In this state of weakness and exhaustion a letter from a son (for in this light you have long stood before my eyes) soothes, strengthens, and animates my heart.

"The occasional information I receive of you at the Missionary Rooms must be ever interesting to me; and I exceedingly regret that to write is now become a heavy burden, and my scrawl, when finished, scarcely legible even to myself. But, my dear friend, we can meet, where, I trust, we daily do meet at the throne of our Father and our God. We are now separated by seas which the hand of God will soon turn to stone; but, as St. Paul says, there is a gathering day coming, and it will be worth while to be gathered together on that day, for there will be no sin, and no separation. In the present state it is with some of us winter all the year round our Siberian hearts, cold as your snows, and hard as your granite-but we'll get near the Sun by-and-by. Meanwhile, let us live by the faith of the future ;— let us live upon the arm of covenanted power, and make the grasp to be felt by the ardour of our confidence; then we may expect that strength will emanate from the arm we grasp, so that we shall almost lose the sense of our own weakness in the assurance that He on whom we lean is Almighty.

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"Mr. Rahmn and my excellent countryman, Dr. Henderson, are both well, and eagerly engaged in their sacred work. The spirit of peace and love continues to shed his benign influence over our assemblies, and the stream of public generosity will, I humbly hope, by the time of the annual meetings, have supplied the deficiencies of the preceding year.

"As to my own family I have nothing to ask but the fulfilment of the promise, 'I will pour out my Spirit on thy seed, and my blessing on thy offspring. One shall say, I am the Lord's, and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Jacob.'

"The death of my dear son Alexander was accompanied with such evidences of high-toned personal piety, as to silence even the legitimate reluctances of paternal affection. His death was calm but triumphant; and his memory is still dear to good and discerning men.

"Since the union of the two bodies of the Secession Church things in the north have been managed with much peace and cordiality, and the efforts now making to introduce the light of Evangelical truth by our Synod into the dark places in the Highlands, and, also, to extend that instruction to our colonies in the western world, are, I hope, the dawn of a bright day.

"You will be much pleased, also, that the cause of pure gospel truth is gaining ground in the Establishments in both ends of the island. But I must call a halt.

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On Wednesday, Dec. 14, the Rev. Wm. Legg, A. B., of the Universities of Glasgow and Aberdeen, and late of the Theological Academy, under the care of the Rev. Greville Ewing and Dr. Wardlaw, was ordained as co-pastor with the Rev. Archibald Douglas over the congregational church, Broad Street, Reading, Berks. The Rev. R. Bolton, of Henley, commenced the services of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. B. Pearce, of Maidenhead, delivered the introductory discourse on the principles of dissent, asked the usual questions, and received from Mr. Legg an interesting account of his conversion and his confession of faith; the Rev. A. Douglas then offered up the ordination prayer with much affection and solemnity; and the Rev. John Morison, D.D., of London, gave the charge from 1 Tim. iv. 16, "Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine;" which, from the practical lessons it afforded, and the kind affection it displayed, prompted by early attachment to the individual to whom it was addressed, could scarcely have been surpassed in utility and interest. The Doctor concluded the morning service with prayer. In the evening, the Rev. T. Styles, of Marlow, opened the services by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. George Clayton, of Walworth, delivered a most impressive discourse from Deut. i. 38, " Encourage him ;" in which he detailed the discouragements of the Christian ministry, and urged on the people the duty they owed to their pastor, in a manner as faithful and forcible as the' obligations of the pastor to his people had been enforced on him in the morning. The Rev. W. M. Harvard, of Reading (Wesleyan), closed the services of the day by prayer. In the course of the services hymns were given out by the Rev. Messrs. Caston, J. H. Hinton, A. M., of Reading (Baptist), T. Stamper, of Uxbridge, and Wardle, of Thatcham; and the large and commodious chapel was crowded in both parts of the day.

VOL. X,

FOREIGN.

VALLEYS OF PIEDMONT.

Extract of a Letter.-Paris.

The note in the Evangelical Magazine of August last, to which you refer, and which was probably written in consequence of a conversation with me, is generally correct. I visited the valleys with the desire both of informing myself perfectly on the state of the churches, and of contributing to restore peace and toleration. Alas! I learnt that recollections and illusions may not only give charm to a narrative, but aggravate the contrast which realities present. Ancient symbols and discipline-the records of sacrifices and sufferings for the truth-will not supply the absence of spiritual instruction and of Divine influence; and I had often to lament over a population, very partially enlightened, and almost wholly occupied with the cares and interests of the world.

I had opportunities of seeing nearly all the ministers, and almost all those of the valley of Luzerne together; all lamented the state of their people, and nearly all professed warm attachment to the faith of the founders of their churches. Mr. Bert, pastor of La Tour, had just published a catechetical work, to which he had annexed the confession of faith and the manifesto of the Vaudois churches, published in 1655. These pastors expressed their disapprobation of the violence and intolerance that had dishonoured St. Jean, and bore testimony to the piety and good intentions of those persons whose conduct and more zealous profession of religion they did not vindicate in every act and word, and with whose sufferings the readers of the Evangelical Magazine are acquainted.* I endeavoured, in several interviews with the pastor and the principal persons of the church, held both privately and publicly, to obtain entire oblivion of the past, and, for the future, that those members of the church whose social meetings had given so much offence, should be allowed the use of the temple or the school for the instruction of children and the

and

exercise of prayer. Promises made, and even written (in the hope, it is probable, of obtaining the establishment of the college, for which contributions have been raised in England, in the commune of St. Jean,) have remained, I am sorry to say, unfulfilled; violence, such as would have disgraced the most irreligious and the most vulgar assemblies, has been exercised against the minority, which manifested on every occasion on which I was present, a patience, a humility, and a docility worthy of the gospel. By this violence and these retractations the breach was widened; and those whose consciences and liberties were violated, determined to separate themselves from the church

* See Evan. Mag, Jan. 1830.

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as at present administered. They reclaimed the ancient discipline and doctrine of that church, and requested to be permitted to commune in churches of which the pastors were known to believe and preach the truth of the divinity of the Saviour's person. This permission being refused by the Table, or directory of the churches, they felt it to be their duty to commune among themselves.

Last year a young minister, Mr. Gay, lately ordained and expecting to be appointed by the Table to a church, returned into the valleys. At first he determined to act on the presumption, that his Christian friends might have conducted themselves imprudently, and that the opposition they experienced was directed rather against the mode than the principle of their religious profession; but when he was convinced that it was because they "lived godly in Christ Jesus, that they suf fered persecution," he openly espoused their cause and associated in their meetings. He has become the object of dislike; and I am sorry to add, that the pulpits are generally shut against him, and that the Table has not appointed him to a church, as he might have expected. Some months since, a certain number of the Vaudois of St. Jean resolved to notify officially to the civil authorities their intention to form a separate assembly for the celebration of worship, and for the observance of the ordinances of Christianity. The communion was administered, for the first time, to this assembly last Whit Sunday, and since that period the authorities have protected these conscientious and pious per

sons in the exercise of their religious rights and duties. From love to the gospel, and zeal for the glory of their Saviour, these humble worshippers have, as a body, exposed themselves to many trials of mockings and sufferings; as individuals, several have been obliged to forego domestic comfort and protection, and, with their minister, to leave father and mother, for the sake of Christ; and as a church, they have no resources for the support of a minister or of their poor, but such as they find in their poverty and in the promise and grace of Jesus. The commune of St. Jean is the richest of the valley; and, as a proof of this fact, I may mention, that when a subscription to the college was set on foot, the Vaudois of that commune offered to give 8000 francs, provided the college was established in their commune. Had the spirit of true Christianity its influence, the resources of this commune might be most beneficially directed for the intellectual and spiritual amelioration of the valleys. Unhappily, its worldly pre-eminence now renders its example the more injurious. In several communes there are individuals and families who unite in sentiment and affection with the few persecuted of St. Jean; but they are not sufficiently numerous to hold assemblies, and the inhabitants of St. Jean are not allowed to act to any extent beyond their own commune. In stating to you these few facts, I wish to guard you against misapprehension, and to excite anew your prayers and those of your friends for this interesting people.

M. W.

MR. THOMAS WONTNER.

OBITUARY.

Mr. Thomas Wontner, of Tibberton Square, Islington, was born at Leominster, in the county of Hereford; he served his apprenticeship to a hat-maker in the city of Worcester. It was before this engagement terminated that he was brought to a knowledge of the gospel, by hearing the Rev. Mr. Biddulph preach at Tibberton from 2 Tim. iii. 4. His previous habits were, upon the whole, regular, and a regard to truth having been strongly impressed on his mind by the early instructions of his mother, it laid the foundation of that strict integrity which marked his active course. It is very remarkable that the sermon which was blessed to his conversion was also made useful to one who afterwards proved his endeared companion for fifty-three years. His natural character was suited to encounter difficulties, with many of which he had often to contend. From the time of his experiencing the power of vital religion his conduct was regulated by the principles of the Bible, to which he adhered

with unabated zeal, notwithstanding much opposition and ill-treatment. On the expiration of his apprenticeship he came to London, and eventually commenced business in the Minories in 1772. Here, under the smiles of a gracious Providence, which he never failed gratefully to acknowledge, his industrious attention was crowned with success; and he conscientiously devoted a portion of his property the remainder of his days to promote the cause of the Redeemer's kingdom, and to aid the necessities of the poor by public and private acts of benevolence. To many valuable institutions he was personally and practically attached during his extended life. He was one of the managers of the chapel in the Mulberry Gardens, erected by the Coun tess of Huntingdon, of honoured memory, and continued his energetic and devout exertions in that congregation about forty years, until circumstances arose which induced him to become a member of the church at Lower Street, Islington, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Joseph Yock

ney, soon after the decease of his beloved wife, in the year 1823. At the beginning of the present year he was chosen a Deacon of that Christian community-an office, the duties of which he was pre-eminently suited to fulfil; and his labours of love in the neighbourhood will be long remembered by the objects of his kind attention and Christian solicitude. In the summer a gradual decay of bodily strength was apparent, till, at the close of October, he was attacked by severe disorder, and his aged frame progressively sunk under the shock. During his illness his mind was delightfully calm and composed; he expressed his cordial acquiescence in his heavenly Father's will; but evidently seemed to be looking and longing to be released. To him the king of terrors had no terror; and though, from weakness, he could not say much, when he did speak his expressions indicated the firmness of his faith and his love to the Saviour. His answers to questions put to him were always cheerful and satisfactory. On receiving a visit from his highly-esteemed pastor, on one occasion, he asked him if he might carry his love to the church; he raised himself, with some effort, in his bed, and, with affectionate energy, said, "A whole heart of love." To an inquiry, at another time, how he felt, he replied, "Still in the land of the living, longing to be gone." To the question, "Are you in pain?" "No." It was then said to him, "That is a comfort." He rejoined, "It is a mercy." The same individual added, "You are right; I stand corrected." To which, with his usual kindness, he answered, "We should correct one another in love." Upon one saying to him, "Have you any fear of death?" he, with much emphasis, said, "No, none." Looking on some of his family, he expressed himself thus: "I love you all in the Lord; for you; I pray God to sanctify you wholly." And when those near expressed a hope that his prayers might be answered, he added, "Christ's prayers it is all Christ." was much pleased with hearing a favourite hymn repeated, "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds;' "and at another time, that hymn beginning with "Jesus, lover of my soul." Being addressed as likely soon to be in glory, he exclaimed, "What an honoura poor sinner like me!" In fine, he was the same man dying that he was when living --a humble believer. The kingdom of Christ was much on his heart; and petitions offered up for the diffusion of the gospel seemed to engage his whole soul. It might truly be said of him, that he loved all that loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Having for several days declined to take any nourishment, his strength sunk, till he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus early on the morning of the 10th of November, without a struggle or a groan-his happy spirit thus taking its flight, and entering upon a glorious immortality. To his family,

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friends, and the church he has left an example of a long, useful, honourable, and happy life, spent in the service and to the glory of Christ-the Master he so faithfully served. Mr. Wontner was 84 on the 12th of Sept. last.

MRS. MARIA HADLOW

Was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Blake, of Sherborne, in the county of Dorset, where she resided till she was about ten years of age. She had the advantage of a religious education, and the impressions thus made were never effaced. In 1817 she came to London, and in 1819 was united in marriage to her now bereaved partner. Her former connexion was with the church of Christ assembling at Hoxton college; in 1827 she joined the church at Clapton, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. H. Evison. In her letter to the church on that occasion, she says, "If I have tasted that the Lord is gracious, he has drawn me to himself by the cords of love, for I cannot date my conversion from any remarkable period or circumstance. I feel, however, that we all are by nature evil in the sight of a just and holy God, and that every moment of our lives there is some sin of omission or commission to be repented of. I know that my own heart is full of rebellion and enmity to God, and that without the intercession of a Mediator, I never can come into his presence. I feel that unbelief exists there, so that I am obliged continually to cry, Lord, increase my weak faith, I beseech thee! O God, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.' As a sinner, know I cannot be just in the sight of God, but through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ; through that righteousness alone I hope to stand before a pure and holy God with acceptance. My desire to become a member of a Christian church, of which privilege I am totally unworthy, springs, I hope, as far as I know myself, from a desire to manifest my love to Him who has died for sinners, and given even me a hope of salvation. He has commanded his disciples to commemorate his death till he come; and I hope, in paying obedience to this command, to enjoy his divine presence, and thus go on my Christian course with rejoicing. I am aware, that fresh obligations will be laid upon me; but I must, and, with Divine assistance, will endeavour to discharge them, that I may enjoy the privileges of being in communion with God's people. I have only now, Sir, to request, which I do most earnestly, that you, as my pastor, will pray most fervently for me that I may endure to the end, and grow in grace, and at last be among the redeemed before the throne." This her earnest request has been complied with. She has been enabled to endure to the end. Her conduct has been uniformly consistent: she has been enabled to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, as a member of this church.

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