much larger portion of carbonic acid, which gives to it a sparkling and transparent appearance, and renders it grateful to the palate. Several physicians, who have had patients residing at the spring, affirm that it is useful in all those diseases for the relief and cure of which Cheltenham has been so long and so deservedly celebrated. The peculiar recommendations of the spa (independent of its proximity to London) are the singular beauty of its scenery, and the fascinating arrangement of its walks; and, to the Christian, it has several attractions which should secure for it a preference to any other similar place of resort. It is rigidly closed on the sabbath, notwithstanding the importunate solicitations of multitudes, and many of them of the highest rank. In this respect it stands alone; and the determination of the proprietor of the grounds, that they shall not be opened on that day, redounds much to his credit and consistency. On other days the arrangements are such as exclude all improper company, so that the most fastidious and timid may rove here without the possibility of annoyance. Many whose limited incomes, or engagements in business, or from other causes, could never visit Cheltenham, and obtain the inestimable blessing of health from its salubrious springs, may now secure all its benefits within seven miles of the metropolis; and the Christian may not only be kept out of the sphere of dissipation of a fashionable water. ing-place, but, by saving the expense of travelling to a distance, have something more wherewith to advance the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom.

PROVINCIAL.

GREAT AND DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT BRADNINCH,

DEVON.

We regret to state that, on the 18th of July, an alarming fire broke out at Bradninch, which, in the course of two hours, destroyed forty-eight houses, together with a Baptist Chapel and a new school-house adjoining. This disaster has reduced numerous families to a state of the greatest destitution. A more legitimate claim to commiseration has rarely been presented to the public, and an earnest hope is indulged that Christian sympathy will alleviate in some measure the aggravated distress which now reigns in Bradninch.

Henry Bowden, Esq., the Mayor, with a committee of gentlemen, have undertaken to apply in the most equitable and judicious way whatever contributions may be obtained by this appeal to the benevolent.

Subscriptions, we understand, will be received by Hankeys and Co., Bankers, 7, Fenchurch Street; also by Holdsworth and Ball, 18, St. Paul's Church-yard; Messrs. Westley and Davis, 10, Stationers' Court; and by Mr. George Wightman, 24, Paternoster Row.

SIR, AS nothing can interest Christians more than to hear of the advancement of religion, I beg leave to congratulate you on the subject of a revival in North Wales, ever since the day of humiliation and prayer appointed to be held in March last. On that day there were more people than ordinary, of all ranks and ages, in every place of worship through the whole country: a great fervency of prayer was manifested; and it is thought that the Lord has poured his Spirit on the churches, from the results; as many, many, are now crying out for mercy, especially among the young people of Sunday schools. Others of harder hearts, who were hitherto ready to mock at the fervour shown by the awakened, have been struck with such concern for their salvation as to become even more vociferous than they.

Prayer-meetings are frequently held through the night, among the poor slate quarrymen; their voices in singing and praying being heard miles off. Last week a brother minister from Denbigh informed me that about two hundred have joined different societies of Christians there, being roused, it is thought, by the visitation of the cholera. May it please the Almighty to kindle this spark into a flame, and that the shaking of the dry bones may quicken into life and immortality! Llanrwst, July 23, 1832. E. D.

WESTERN ACADEMY.

The anniversary of this institution, which took place on the 26th and 27th of June, at the house at Exeter which has been recently purchased for its use, was attended by a numerous company of ministers, subscribers, and friends of the institution. On the former day, the students were examined by a committee appointed for that purpose, who make the following report.

"We have been highly gratified with the results of a long and scrutinizing examination of the students, in theology, Hebrew, Latin and Greek classics, mathematics, natural philosophy, and mental science; time not permitting them to enter into all the subjects of the course of study for the year. This examination equally evinced the zeal and fidelity with which the highly esteemed tutors have discharged the duties of their respective departments, and the application and diligence with which the young men have prosecuted their various studies."

On the latter day the general business of the institution was transacted, and in the

evening, Mr. Edwards, one of the senior students, delivered an essay, in Castle-street chapel, on the difference between natural and moral inability.

ROTHERHAM COLLEGE.

On Wednesday, June 27th, was held the annual meeting of the subscribers and friends of Rotherham college, at which several resolutions were passed, and the usual business of the college transacted. The preceding day the examining committee were occupied in investigating the progress of the students, and from their report it would appear that there is the highest reason to be satisfied with their diligence and attainments, and with the attention of their tutors. They observe that they are compelled to declare themselves not merely satisfied, but even surprised, with the general improvement of the young men, and they deem it alike creditable to their own application and industry and to the care and skill of their tutors, while they feel justified in anticipating, from a beginning so auspicious, a very respectable degree of scholarship at the end of their academical course, and their entrance upon the duties and relations of the Christian ministry. The general report announced the bequest of a legacy from the late Miss Elizabeth Walker, of £300; from the late Mr. Townsend, of London, £100; and from the late Mr. Josiah Parry, of Shrewsbury, £10.

KENT ASSOCIATION.

The Annual Meeting of the Kent Independent Association was held at the Rev. II. J. Rook's, Faversham, on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3rd and 4th. The Rev. J. Prankard, of Sheerness, preached on Tuesday evening, from Luke xvii. 20: "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation;" and the Rev. W. Chapman, of Greenwich, on Wednesday morning, from James v. 19, 20. The business of the Association was transacted in the afternoon. The attention of the brethren present having been directed to the government plan for educating the of Ireland, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :

poor

"That the Members of this Association feeling deeply concerned for the advancement of the cause of general education in Ireland, and conscientiously believing that the plan proposed by his Majesty's Ministers is eminently adapted to effect the end intended, would express their cordial approbation of that measure, and their earnest hope that it will be carried into universal operation."

The Rev. T. James having resigned his office as Secretary to the Association, the Rev. H. J. Rook, of Faversham, was appointed in his stead.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE ASSOCIATION.

The Anniversary of the Gloucestershire Independent Benevolent Society will be held, God willing, at Chalford, on Wednesday, October 10. The Committee will meet at the house of the Rev. T. Whitta, at ten o'clock in the morning. The public services will be at half-past two and six o'clock. In consequence of the lamented death of the Rev. William Bishop, of Gloucester, the faithful secretary of the society, it is extremely desirable that there should be a full attendance of members at the appointed hour for the meeting of the Committee.

CHRISTIAN EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF THE CONTINENT.

At the Annual General Meeting of the North Riding Association of Independent Ministers and Congregations, held at Malton, May 30th, 1832,

Resolved Unanimously,

That believing the entire extinction of the Roman Catholic religion is rendered certain by abundant divine promise, and cannot be very distant, and that it is high time to use active measures avowedly for this object, this meeting requests the attention of their Protestant Dissenting brethren throughout the kingdom to the fact, that while we have combined in missionary exertions for overthrowing, as our God may prosper us, the idolatry of distant nations, we have made no united effort towards subverting that of continental Europe, to which recent providential openings seem particularly to invite; and submits to their consideration whether it be our duty, as strenuous Protestants, to unite for this object, either by joining the British Reformation Society, or by forming a separate institution.

SCHOOL FOR THE SONS OF MINISTERS, SILCOATES, YORKSHIRE.

THE first anniversary of this useful institution was held on Wednesday, July 4th, and drew together a considerable number of ministers, and of other friends, to whom the results of the day were highly gratifying. The Rev. R. W. Hamilton, of Leeds, presided at the examination of the pupils, the several classes reading in the Delectus, Cæsar, Virgil, Horace, and Cicero, in the Latin; and in the New Testament and Euri. pides in the Greek. They were also exercised in geography, history, the mathematics, and produced specimens of their abilities in writing, mapping, English composition, &c. Prizes of books were then conferred upon those pupils who had distinguished themselves in their respective classes, and the general exercises of the school. Immediately after this, the public meeting of the supporters of the institution was held; the trea

surer, G. Rawson, Esq., was called to the chair; a report of the proceedings of the past year was read and ordered to be printed. Some important alterations were made in the laws and regulations of the school; amongst other changes it was determined, instead of limiting its advantages to the counties of York and Lancaster, to admit the sons of ministers from the adjoining counties, and, in accordance with that enlargement of its sphere, to entitle the institution "The Northern Congregational School." It is expected that there will be a considerable accession to the number of pupils at the next commence. ment, on Wednesday, August 15th; and in the meantime applications may be addressed to the principal, Rev. E. Miller, A. M., Silcoates House, near Wakefield; or the Secretary, Rev. T. Scales, Leeds.

ORDINATIONS.

On Tuesday, the 31st July, the Rev. George Legg, A. M., of Highbury College, and formerly of the University of Aberdeen, was ordained pastor over the Independent church assembling in Bridge Street Meeting, Bristol. The following was the order of the services on the solemn occasion:-The Rev. Mr. Lucy, of Lady Huntingdon's chapel, commenced the proceedings of the day with prayer and reading the Scriptures; the Rev. Mr. Davies, of the Tabernacle, delivered the introductory discourse and received the confession of faith; the Rev. William Thorpe offered up the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. John Morison, of London, gave the charge; the Rev. Robert Philip, of London, preached to the people; and the Rev. Mr. Winter (Baptist) concluded the interesting solemnity with prayer. Mr Legg's prospects of happiness and usefulness are very encouraging, and his answers to the questions proposed to him on the day of ordination were such as to leave a lasting impression on all who heard them.

On Thursday, the 9th August, the Rev. William Campbell, A. M., late of Highbury College, and formerly of the University of Edinburgh, was ordained over the Independent church assembling in Highbury Chapel, Cheltenham. The Rev. H. Williams opened the service with prayer and reading the Scriptures; the Rev. J. Burder delivered the introductory discourse, and proposed the usual questions; the Rev. R. Philip, of Maberly Chapel, offered up the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. Morison, of London, delivered the charge; and, in the evening, the Rev. George Redford, of Worcester, preached to the people. The Rev. George Legg, of Bristol, the Rev. Mr. Clapp, of Cirencester, the Rev. J. Brown, of Cheltenham, and the Rev. Mr. Gallaway, conducted the various parts of the devotional services.

VOL. X.

"

The prospects of Independency at Chelten ham, we rejoice to say, are beginning to wear an inviting aspect.

October 18, 1831, the Rev. J. K. Field, late student in the Western Academy, Exeter, was set apart to the work and office of a gospel minister among the Protestant Dissenters of the Independent denomination, assembling for worship in the old meetinghouse, Ashburton.

The Rev. R. Harley, of Plymouth, explained the nature of a gospel church, proposed the usual questions, and received from Mr. Field an interesting statement of his experience and confession of faith. One of the deacons having previously given an account of the circumstances which induced the - church and congregation to concur in a call to Mr. Field to become their minister, the Rev. W. Rooker, of Tavistock, offered up the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. Payne, Mr. Field's tutor, delivered a most impressive charge from 1 Tim. iv. 16; and Rev. Mr. Gill, of Paignton, concluded the service by prayer.

In the evening, the Rev. W. Rooker delivered a most appropriate sermon to the people from Heb. xiii. 22. On the evening previous, the Rev. Mr. Gibson, of Newton, delivered a sermon from Acts xiv. 3. The services were solemn and interesting, and numerously attended.

The great Head of the Church appears to have marked with peculiar approbation the engagements of the day, two persons, who had been hitherto careless, having been awakened to a deep and serious concern about the salvation of their souls. It is not a little remarkable that, on a similar occasion, many years since (at the ordination of Rev. J. Kelly), another individual received the first saving impressions; this pleasing circumstance led some of the ministers to implore the Almighty to signalize these services with some especial token of his redeeming love, which he has condescended graciously to answer. It is sincerely hoped that the Union formed will be productive of great good; and, sanctioned by the divine presence and blessing, the word preached may have free course, run, and be glorified.

On Tuesday, May 22nd, the Rev. John Harrison, late of the Independent College, Rotherham, was ordained as co-pastor with the Rev. W. L. Prattman over the Independent Church assembling in Newgate Street Chapel, Barnard Castle, Durham, when the following ministers took part in the sacred solemnity. The Rev. R. Gibbs, of Darlington, commenced the services of the day by prayer and the reading of the Scriptures; the Rev. J. Matheson, of Durham, delivered

2 P

evening, Mr. Edwards, one of the senior students, delivered an essay, in Castle-street chapel, on the difference between natural and moral inability.

ROTHERHAM COLLEGE.

Wesleyan Chapel, ved for the purpose, Ker, F. Smith, AM, the

On Wednesday, June 27th, was held the annual meeting of the subscribers and friends of Rotherham college, at which several re solutions were passed, and the usual busir of the college transacted. The precedir the examining committee were occr investigating the progress of the and from their report it would there is the highest reason with their diligence and with the attention of their serve that they are comp selves not merely s prised, with the ger young men, and t' to their own app the care and s feel justified i

so auspicion

Pas of York, with

great

from Acts ix. 31, and then h prayer. Hymns were

given

scholarshi course, a and rela general

legacy of £3

Lon

Par

and Hawthorn (Wesleyan).

affecting,

attended,

by which they were interesting and an impression which it is and lasting.

were deeply and have produced hoped will be useful the close of the morning service, the

which a very interesting account of the proministers and friends dined together, after gress of religion in Barnard Castle and its Congregational Union was very ably disPratiman, and the subject of the proposed

neighbourhood was

cussed.

given by the Rev. W. L.

The ordination of the Rev. D. Senior, of the Independent College, Rotherham, over the united church of Fairburn and Brotherton, took place on Wednesday, May 30th, the morning, the Rev. J. Robertson, of Selin the Wesleyan Chapel, Brotherton. In by, commenced the services by the reading of the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. Rawson, of Pontefract, delivered the introductory discourse, and proposed the usual questions; the Rev. J. D. Lorraine, of Wakefield, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. T. Scales, of Leeds, gave the charge; and the Rev. J. Armstrong, of Wortley, concluded with prayer. In the evening, after prayer by Rev. W. Gothard, of Knottingley, the Rev. J. Pridie, of Halifax, preached to the church and congregation, and closed the impressive and interesting solemnities with prayer.

The Rev. Ebenezer Prout was ordained over the Independent church at Oundle, Northamptonshire, on Wednesday, 20th of June. Rev. D. Parkins, of Aldwinkle, opened the morning service by reading the Scrip

E; the Rev. R. Halley, clas

The Anniv Highbury College, delivered the discourse; Rev. T. Haynes, of Independer y God will asked the usual questions; Rev. T. Kettering, offered the ordination er; Rev. J. Blackburn, of London, the charge; and the Rev. C. T. Sevier, Wellingborough, concluded with prayer. In the evening, the Rev. E. Prust, of Northampton, read and prayed; Rev. J. Robertson, of Wellingborough, preached to the people; and the Rev. C. J. Hyatt, of Northampton, closed the interesting and most impressive services with prayer.

On Tuesday, June the 26th, the Rev. Thomas Giles was ordained to the pastoral office over the Independent Church at Chal font St. Giles, Bucks. The Rev. G. Newbury, of Burnham, offered the first prayer; the Rev. J. Statham, of Amersham, read the Scriptures and prayed; the Rev. T. G. Stamper, of Uxbridge, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Harsant, of Beaconsfield, asked the usual questions; the Rev. W. Sexton, of Chesham, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. J. Jukes, of Yeovil, Mr. Giles's pastor, gave a suitable and impressive charge; and the Rev. J. Hall, of Chesham, preached to the people. The Rev. Messrs. Weston, of Wooburn, Allom, of Missenden, and West, of Chenies, engaged in the other devotional exercises, Appropriate hymns were read by the Rev. T. Styles, of Marlow, and the Rev. J. Cooper, of Amersham. The whole of the services were deeply interesting, and will be long remembered by the ministers and friends who were present.

On Wednesday, June 27th, the Rev. J. G. Hewlett, late of Newbury, Berks, was ordained to the pastoral care of the Indepen. dent church at Lutterworth, Leicestershire, The Rev. W. Wild, of Harborough, commenced the services of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. T. Price, of Devonshire-square, London, described the nature of a Christian church; the Rev. Walter Scott, of Rowell, received the confession of faith, asked the usual questions, and offered the ordination prayer, with im position of hands; and the Rev. Dr. Col, İyer delivered an impressive and appropriate charge to the new minister from 2 Tim. ii. 15. The Rev. E. Webb, of Leicester, con cluded the morning service with prayer.

In the evening, the Rev. T. W. Percy, of Warwick, preached to the people from 2nd Epistle of John 8. The Rev. Messrs. Mur sell and Trestrail conducted the devotional services.

The Independent church and congregation at Lutterworth appear to have now presented to them the prospect of much comfort and

-Monday the Rev. Charles Tho. Cheshunt College, was ordained at ey Tabernacle, Gloucestershire, as an evangelist. An excellent and judicious charge was delivered by the Rev. Thomas Griffith, of Cam; and a sermon addressed to the people on their duties by the Rev. Benjamin Parsons, of Ebley. The Rev. George Neaton, of Dursley, John Lewis, of Wotten, John H. Cox, of Uley, and other neighbouring ministers, engaged in the services. The day was marked by much spiri tual enjoyment, and the statements of present and the prospects of future success are truly animating.

The Rev. Joseph Fox, late of Hull, has accepted an unanimous invitation to the pastoral office from the congregation of Howardstreet Chapel, Sheffield, and has entered on his stated duties at that place.

The Rev. R. Ashton, late of Dedham, Essex, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Warminster, Wilts., and commenced his labours there on the last sabbath in August.

FOREIGN.

POPERY IN THE UNITED STATES.

It is not, perhaps, so generally known in this country as it should be, that, in conse quence of the immense tide of emigration which is rolling on towards the shores of the western world from Ireland and other parts of papal dominions, popery-that system of impiety and imposture is most alarmingly on the increase in that country, and threatens, by pursuing a course of vigorous and artful proselytism, to undermine the foundation of Christianity, and to root up the tree of liberty which has afforded its grateful shade to so many thousands of our own and other climes. In America, so highly distinguished as it is for the gracious and sovereign effusions of the Spirit's influences, there are half a million papists ready at a moment's warning to take up arms in defence of their unhallowed religion, and spread desolation and death through that now peaceful and flourishing quarter of the globe; and every wave that lashes the western shores of the Atlantic, bears on its

bosom a reinforcement to this already formidable army.

Protestants, however, are not asleep. There are many in whom breathes the inspiration of Luther, and Melancthon, and Huss, and Wickliffe; upon whom the mantles of these noble reformers have descended, and who dare to make a firm and uncompromising stand against this Hydra of Antichrist.

In the contest, however, which is now carrying on with the Jesuits in that country, they feel most lamentably the want of standard works on the popish controversy, as books of reference, evidence, &c. The object of the writer in making this communication, is to lay before Christian ministers and others the difficulties under which our American friends labour in pursuing this contest from the above cause; and thus publicly to express a hope, that, should there be reposing undisturbed on the shelves of any of our ministers' or public libraries, duplicates of any of the standard authors on this controversy, there would be no reluctance on the part of their owners in transporting them to the new world, where they might again do the wonders of former times.

The following extract from a letter addressed to the Rev. Octavius Winslow, of London, by the editor of the New York "Protestant,' " will more explicitly unfold the object of this appeal

New York, May, 1832. MY DEAR SIR. Having heard that you are about to return to the United States, I beg to remind you that any books upon popery, especially the standard authors, would be invaluable to us here. I am continually at a loss for documents and books of reference. No present could be more acceptable than one hundred volumes of the best works upon popery and Jesuitism, ancient and modern, and these could be obtained in London immediately. We have organized a regular public discussion with the papists in this city, and the priestly foxes are continually calling upon us for documents, proofs, evidence, &c., and you know that, in these respects, we are most lamentably deficient. You could not perform a more beneficial service to the protestant cause than to bring over with you a quantity of the most important books upon the papal controversy. Any minister in England would certainly devote a superfluous book from his library in consideration of the public purposes to which it was to be consecrated in the warfare in this country. I am, your friend and brother, G. BOUDNE.

The writer of this communication would only add, that any books on this subject, addressed to the Rev. Octavius Winslow, from America, and left in care of Mr. R. Baynes, Paternoster Row, would be thank fully received, and promptly forwarded. London, July 20, 1832.