as a new Parliament shall be elected), | not hitherto opposed grants of publie to obtain their total and long needed repeal." 4. "That this meeting lament the rejection of the Unitarian Marriage Bill, not only as a refusal of just relief, but as an indication of the existence, 'amongst high authorities, of a potent spirit, hostile to liberal principles-a spirit hopeless to propitiate, and difficult to overcome. But that their regret is mitigated by their perception, that this spirit does not influence persons in such elevated situations as the Right Reverend the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and the Bishop of London, and the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, and that to those distinguished personages, as well as to the noble Whig supporters of the Bill, this meeting offer, for their more enlightened and more liberal conduct, their public and most cordial thanks." 5. "That this meeting are deeply affected by recent events in the British Colonies, especially such as are connected with the loss of the Missionary, Mr. Smith, all circumstances relating to whom they are anxious to see earnestly and thoroughly investigated; that they are assured of the vast individual, local, and national advantages that have resulted from the disinterested and holy labours of Missionaries in those distant regions; and that, by experience, they are apprehensive that ecclesiastical establishments may discourage those labours, may retard improvement, and may impede the progress of civilization and Christian truth; and that they therefore approve the purpose of the committee to petition Parliament against all needless restrictions on religious worship in the West Indian Isles; and direct their committee to watch, with the greatest caution, every measure by which the interests of Protestant Dissenters, and the cause of religious freedom, may be assailed in any part of the British Empire, now widespreading over so many realms, and so many millions of the human race." 6. "That this meeting desire that some measures be speedily adopted, whereby the baptismal registers of Protestant Dissenters and Methodists shall be rendered as availing as the parochial registers of the Established Church, and whereby the numerous Baptist brethren should have some valid register of births, and be no longer subject to those peculiar oppressions to which they have been so long and cruelly exposed." 7. "That although this society have money for the erection of new churches connected with the Established Church; yet, as they are convinced that the vast wealth of that Church supplies resources sufficient for all such purposes, as such buildings are frequently erected without necessity, and converted into means of individual gain; as themselves, at their own charges, erect and uphold all their thousands of religious edifices, and support their ministers, and yet contribute equally with their countrymen to tithes, church-rates, and all the charges of the Established Church; and as Episcopalians would freely erect such edifices, if the privilege of presenting their own ministers was not withheld. This society now specially instruct their committee to oppose any further grants for those purposes, and pledge themselves strenuously to cooperate for the prevention of the increase of burdens which ought not to be imposed." 8. That the judicious, energetic, and well-directed exertions of the committee for this society, during the past year, merit continued confidence and unabated praise, and that they be requested to form the committee for the ensuing year." 9. "That to Robert Steven, Esq. the meeting present their sincere as well as accumstomed thanks, and that he be requested to continue his efforts for religious freedom, by those useful labours for the improvement of Ireland, which tend to the greatest usefulness, and have been rewarded by great success." 10. "That this meeting cannot adequately express their high estimation of the indefatigable, intelligent, and disinterested labours of Thomas Pellatt, Esq. and John Wilks, Esq. the Honorary Secretaries to this society, and that they be respectfully invited to continue their labours through another year." 11. "That this meeting cannot separate without renewing their warmest assurances of sincere attachment to the Right Honourable Lord Holland, their Noble Chairman, and that they rejoice in another opportunity to declare, that his uniform attachment to civil and religious liberty, and his wise, liberal, and consistent conduct, have obtained, as they have well de. served, their grateful confidence and profound respect." List of the Committee of the Protestant Rev. J. Brooksbank, W. B. Collyer, D.D., G. Collison, F. A. Cox, A. M., | D. Allan, Esq., J. B. Brown, Esq. cretaries. The Continental Society, For the Diffusion of Religious Knowledge over the Continent of Europe. President, Wm. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. having precluded his attendance.)-The meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Julian, D. Ruell, Dr. Winter, J. Hargreaves; the Right Hon. Sir G. H. Rose, M. P., John Poynder, Esq., W. A. Hankey, Esq., Thomas Wilson, Esq., Samuel West, Esq., Joshua Pearson, Esq., and W. Brownlow, Esq. Since the last Report, there had been 162 applications for admission; of which 127 had been received into the Asylum; 28 had been placed out in service; 22 restored to their friends; 53 withdrawn at their own request, or been dismissed; 2 had left from ill health; and one had married. There were 107 females in the house at the last return.-Among the interesting topics of the Report were the following. That the committee had, during the past year, ascertained that four of the former inmates of the The anniversary sermons of this society, were preached by the Rev. Hugh M'Neile, A.M. Rector of Al-Asylum, who had been placed in bury, Surrey, on Tuesday evening, May 11th, in the parish church of St. Clement Danes, Strand; and by the Rev. Ralph Wardlaw, D.D. of Glasgow, on Tuesday evening, May 18th, at Great Queen-street Chapel, Lincoln's-inn-fields. The Sixth General Meeting was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern in the Strand, on Wednesday, May 19th. The chair was taken a little after twelve o'clock, by Sir Thomas Baring, Baronet, M. P., the President, when an interesting Report was read by the Secretary, detailing the successful labours of the society in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. The resolutions were moved and seconded by H. Drummond, Esq., Rev. H. M'Neile, Spencer Pereeval, Esq., Rev. Dr. Thorpe, Rev. Dr. Bogue, Wm. Cunninghame, Esq., Rev. W. A. Evanson, Sir C. S. Hunter, Dr. Parker, and Rev. J. Townsend. The receipts during the past year were £1767 14s. 4d.; and the disbursements, £1935 10s. 4d. The collections at the sermons amounted to £101 3s. 8d., and that at the meeting to £55 15s. 10d., besides donations and subscriptions to the amount of £59 178. respectable situations of service, had begun to lay by money from their wagers, which they had deposited in the Savings Banks of their respective neighbourhoods; and that the amount thus saved, had been found to exceed the sum of £40. A proof, at least, of the formation of habits of industry and economy. Several letters from persons who have taken some of the former inmates into their service, were read; expressive of their good conduct and steady deportment. A committee of ladies at Hereford have united together, (in the same way as that of Brighton,) to rescue some of the unfortunate females around them; and to place them in a way of escape from their misery.-Not been able to meet the expense of a local establishment, an agreement has been made, by which ten such persons may be received into the institution at Pentonville. A small library has been formed by the ladies' committee, in each of the four wards; to increase which, any books for the edification of the inmates will be gladly received. Naval & Military Bible Society. FORTY-FOURTH Anniversary Meeting of the Naval and Military Bible Society, held at the Argyll Rooms, Regent-street, Tuesday, the 11th of May, 1824, London Female Penitentiary. THE Seventeenth Annual Meeting of this Institution was held on the 12th of April, in Stationers' Hall, Ludgate-hill; Major-General Neville, one of the Vice-Presidents, was in the chair, (the recent indisposition of the Admiral Lord Gambier, Lord Bexley; The Earl of Roden in the Chair. Movers and Seconders of Resolutions, &c. -The Earl of Rocksavage, Rev. J. | Bibles and Testaments issued during the year, upwards of 4,200 copies. Receipts, year ending 10th May, 1824...... £2277 7 9 Expenditure...... £2324 1 But there is a claim upon the society, unpaid, amounting to £600, which is £600 less than was owing last year. Collected at the Argyll £. 8. d. Room, not being annual subscriptions, or dona Mr. Smith, of Ilford, preached in the evening, from Isai. xliii. 4. At this Association the following resolution was passed: "Resolved, That this meeting most deeply sympathize with the London Missionary Society, and other friends of Missions, in the premature death of the excellent Missionary Smith; and enter their protest against the cruel and unmerited persecution to which he was exposed;-that it regards, with great satisfaction, the firmness and moderation with which they have defended his character and conduct, and the zeal with which they have maintained the liberty, importance, and obligation of Missionary enterprises." The next Annual Meeting of this Association to be held (Providence permitting,) at Colchester; Messrs. Pilkington, of Raileigh, and Keen, of Waltham Abbey, to preach; in case tions, 11th May, 1824.. 100 3 2 of failure, Mr. Bain, of Potter-street. Donations and new annual C. T. K. NEWCASTLE UNDER LYNE, STAFFORDSHIRE. IT will, doubtless, gratify the friends of the Redeemer, to hear of the enlargement of his visible kingdom, though in ever so small a degree; under these feelings we have great pleasure in transmitting the following statement. Through the kindness of our Heavenly Father, a pleasing congregation has been collected, and a church, comprising sixteen members, formed in this town, from a very small beginning -an incidental circumstance. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 18th and 19th of May, 1824, the Association of Baptist Churches, in the County of Essex, held their Annual Meeting at Waltham Abbey. - On Tuesday, Mr. Sangster, of Dunmow, preached, from Phil. i. 27. In the evening of the same day, the ministers and messengers met, to hear the letters from the several churches, which were gratifying as to the general state of About two years since, Mr. Thompthe churches, all of which evinced a son was accustomed to take advantage growing sense of the importance and of the occasional visits of ministers at necessity of the outpouring of the Holy his house, by calling together his faSpirit; of the value of Missionary ex-mily and neighbours, to hear the word ertions, at home and abroad, and in increasing zeal for their extension and prosperity. On Wednesday morning, at seven o'clock, Mr. Haines (the Association Itinerant) preached, from Heb. iv. 9; and, at eleven o'clock, Mr. Francis, of Colchester, preached, from Heb. iii. 2; also, Mr. Wilkinson, of Saffron Walden, from Acts iv. 12. After which, Mr. Haines, the Itinerant, read a Report of his labours, during the last year, which was encouraging. The Circular Letter, "On the Connexion between Doctrinal, Experimental, and Practical Religion," is put to press, and its appearance expected in a short time. of life, in one of the apartments of his own house. This being found highly inconvenient, first suggested to Mr. Thompson the propriety of fitting up a room in his manufactory, for the same purpose. From this humble commencement, and merely temporary design, has originated, under the blessing of God, the present encouraging interest. During the above interval, Mr. Smith (while preparing for the ministry,) became acquainted with Mr. Thompson, who frequently invited him, as well as other ministers, to preach in the room. Mr. Smith has recently acceded to the unanimous wish of the church to become their pastor. The formation of the church, and the services of the ordination, were solemn and interesting. On Lord'sday, the 9th of May, Isaiah Birt, of Birmingham, (who originally opened the room,) preached a most affecting sermon, from John xvi. last clause of 23d verse. In the afternoon, the friends intending to be formed into church fellowship assembled. Mr. Birt then read Romans xii.; delivered a most affectionate and faithful addressprayed-recognized the union of the members, and concluded, by administering to this infant church the Lord's Supper; several friends from a neigh-jesty would be most graciously pleased bouring church also communicated: the whole formed a highly delightful opportunity. In the evening Mr. Birt preached from John x. 27, 28. On Tuesday evening, the 11th, Mr. John Birt, of Manchester, preached from Isaiah lvi. 7. which was charged upon Mr. Smith, and on which he was found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged, by the Demarara Court Martial, the learned gentleman concluded by moving, "That an humble address be presented to His Majesty, setting forth, that the House having taken into their most serious consideration the proceedings which had taken place on the trial of Mr. John Smith, ai Demarara, contemplated, with the most serious alarm, the violation of law and justice which had then been committed; and they did earnestly pray, that His Ma The ordination services were conducted in the New Methodist Chapel, (which was generously lent for the occasion,) on the 12th. Mr. James Lister, of Liverpool, delivered an introductory discourse, from Acts ii. 47; Mr. John Birt offered up the ordination prayer, and his father gave a most impressive charge, from Luke xii. 43. The remaining services were postponed until the evening, when Mr. Lakelin, of Burslem, commenced with prayer; and Mr. Stevens, of Rochdale, addressed the church, from Phil. ii. 16. Much happiness was enjoyed on the occasion by those who were engaged in the solemnities of the day: the sphere of labour being extensive, much good is humbly anticipated from this settlement. Mr. Smith has had no inducement, from pecuniary considerations, to cast in his lot with this small infant society; but, it is hoped, through the Divine blessing upon his labours, his spiritual reward, in the conversion of souls, will be great. A most eligible piece of land has been purchased, and put in trust; and, it is hoped, through the blessing of God, and the assistance of Christian friends, a chapel may ere long be erected; the present place of worship being half a mile from the town. T. THOMPSON. Late Rev. Mr. Smith, of Demarara. THE case of this persecuted Missionary was brought before the House of Commons, by Mr. Brougham, on Tuesday, June 1. After having traced all the pretended evidence of guilt to give orders for such an impartial and humane administration of the law in that colony, as would secure the rights, not only of the negroes, but of the planters themselves." In consequence of several interruptions, this motion was not decided until Friday the 11th, when, in a House of more than three hundred members, not one of whom attempted to justify the proceedings of the Court-Martial, one hundred and forty-six concurred in denouncing them as "the violation of law and justice." We rejoice that the blameless conduct of the late Mr. Smith has been thus publicly vindicated by the British Legislature, and that the conduct of his judges has been thus pointedly reprobated. A general conviction prevails, that the reproach cast upon Missionaries, by this unhappy circumstance, has been entirely rolled away. The Times paper of June 17, says, "At Barbadoes advices had been received from Demarara of the 26th of April. These supply one remarkable fact, taken in con. nection with the late proceedings in Parliament, relative to the case of the unfortunate Mr. Smith, the Missionary, which is, that the Rev. Mr. Austin, a clergyman of the Established Church, and Mr. Arrindell, the prisoner's counsel, had had the boldness to circulate letters in the colony itself, after the proceedings had closed, expressing their belief of Mr. Smith's entire innocence." Test and Corporation Acts. A PETITION was presented to both Houses of Parliament, from the London Dissenters of the Three Denominations, on Thursday, the 17th Ult. praying for the repeal of the above mentioned penal statutes, signed by about 10,000 persons. We copy from the Times Journal an extract from what is reported to have fallen from Mr. Wm. Smith, member for Norwich, on that occasion. "They complained that, in consequence of differing from the church of England, they were subjected to many civil disabilities. They maintained that they ought not to be placed on the same footing as the Roman Catholics, because the latter acknowledged a foreign potentate, whilst they acknowledged no power superior to that which existed in this country." This is placing the subject of the difference in political sentiment between the Protestant Dissenters and Roman Catholics upon the only just principle: their political disabilities as Dissenters in common from the Church of England, ought never to have been spoken of as constituting a common cause, in regard to the penal statutes against Dissenters. Loan for New Churches. In the House of Lords, June 17, it is stated that Lord Liverpool said, "The Bill proposed to apply £500,000 'towards the building of churches. It was, however, provided, that a congregation which paid two-thirds of the expense of building a church should be allowed to choose their own ministers." This, we hope, will prove favourable to evangelical preaching. Lord King is reported to have approved of this plan, though he objected to money being exacted from Roman Catholics and Protestant Dissenters for such a purpose: remarking, that "churches ought to be built for them in return." So said the late Rev. Thomas Scott. Such a grant, however, to Dissenters, would, in all probability, bring them under some regulations unfavourable to their religious liberty! We are glad the Protestant Dissenters have not expressed any opinion against money being voted exclusively for New Churches: it proves that such pecuniary considerations are too trifling to engage their attention, while any measure affecting their liberties, would rouse them to petition from one end of the kingdom to the other. The maxim of SELDEN is inwrought, as it were, in their minds, "Above all liberty." population being large enough fully to justify such an addition to its existing means of religious improvement. A building, easily convertible into a small chapel, having presented itself, it has been very neatly fitted up for divine worship, and was opened for that purpose, March 11, 1824. The Rev. T. Griffin, of London, commenced the services of the day by reading the word of God, and prayer; after which, Dr. Rippon, of London, preached; and the Rev. Mr. Loyd, of Southgate, concluded. The afternoon services were held in the Wesleyan Chapel, kindly lent for the occasion. The Rev. Mr. Thomas, of Enfield, began, by reading the scripture and prayer; the Rev. Mr. Williams, of London, preached; and the Rev. W. Shenston, of London, concluded. Assembled again in the evening, when the Rev. T. Rippon engaged in prayer; the Rev. Dr. Newman, of Bow, preached; and the Rev. T. Griffin concluded. ON Monday, March 29, 1824, the foundation stone of a new BaptistChapel was laid in the very populous town of BARNSTAPLE, North Devon. In the morning, by seven o'clock, the church met for prayer; at ten in the forenoon we assembled on the ground; commenced by singing; Mr. Pulsford, of Torrington, prayed; Mr. Johns, our minister, delivered a most appropriate address, from Joshua xxiv. 27: closed by singing and prayer, by Mr. Johns. This church arose from the following circumstance. About the year 1814, Mr. and Mrs. Ferres, then members of the Baptist Church at Folkestone, in Kent, were sent by Government to Barnstaple, in the Barrack Department. There were, at that time, not above one or two Baptists in the town, and no preaching, except a minister occasionally came by, and gave them a sermon; Mr. Ferris invited Mr. Harris, (a Baptist minister, who was labouring in some parts of North Devon as an Itinerant,) to preach in Barnstaple, and with great difficulty obtained a room for the purpose. It was impossible that Mr. Harris could regularly supply Barnstaple, consistently with his other engagements; but his lack of service was supplied, by Mr. Ferris instituting prayer-meetings A NUMBER of respectable persons and reading sermons. Circumstanced residing at TOTTENHAM, and its as they were, they were obliged to vicinity, who are attached to the Bap-move from room to room, but their tist Denomination, have long wished efforts were blessed, so that, Novemto possess a place of worship; the ber 19, 1817, a church was formed, ORDINATIONS, &c. |