THE REV. W. GEAR (formerly of Market Harborough) departed this life on June 3rd, in the 62nd year of his of a quarter of a century over the entur 380, after a pastorate Independent church, at Bradford, Wilts. He was a sound divine and an attractive preacher, and highly esteemed among those that had known him most. To a well-furnished mind there was united in him an exuberance of wit and a liveliness of imagination which rendered his conversation very attractive. Naturally frank and open, he detested anything covert or disguised; and, kind himself and warm in his attachments, he was peculiarly sensitive to the esteem of others. About a year ago he relinquished his charge, but his health had been undermined by anxieties associated with his ministry, so that he rapidly declined, and

now rests from his labours, awaiting the approval of the Lord the righteous Judge. If there was any fault in him, it was that he applied himself too restrictedly to the office of preaching, regarding this as his peculiar vocation; thinking that, in devoting his energies to this one thing, he should best subserve the interests of his people.. He was educated at Hoxton, under the presidency of Dr. Simpson, and after him, of Dr. W. Harris. Great respect was shown to his memory by the inhabitants of the town—as well Churchmen as Dissenters-many of whom followed him to his grave, among whom were ministers of the Established Church, of the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, and of the Independent, Wesleyan, and Baptist denominations.

of the Association; after which a resolution appointing the officers for the ensuing year was moved by the Rev. R. S. Short, of Wiveliscombe, seconded by the Rev. E. Jones, of Bridgewater, and carried unanimously. The meeting was then addressed by the Rev. A. McMillan, of Taunton, on "The World's Need," and by the Rev. R. S. Short, of Wiveliscombe, on "The Promised Supply." The whole of the services were well attended. The Association now sustains two agents, who preach the Gospel and visit the people in large districts of the county, where evangelistic effort is much needed. It also votes grants to several of the churches.

ORDINATIONS.

Independent Chapel, Cecil-street, Margate. -On Tuesday, June 2nd, the Rev. Thomas Moore was publicly ordained to the pastorate of the church and congregation assembling in the above place of worship. The introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. W. Massie, D.D., LL.D., from Titus iii. 4-7. The Rev. H. Cresswell, Canterbury, asked the minister the usual questions. In the course of the replies of Mr. Moore it appeared that he originally studied with the view of devoting himself to the ministry of the Established Church, but was subsequently induced, by reasons which he stated, to alter that intention, and to adopt, in accordance with conscientious convictions, the Congregational views of church polity and worship. The statements of one of the deacons were then called for, relative to the circumstances that resulted in the unanimous invitation of the church to the Rev. T. Moore to accept the pastorate. The Rev. H. J. Bevis, of Ramsgate, offered the ordination prayer. The Rev. H. Allon gave the charge to the minister, from 1 Tim. iv. 16: "Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine." The Rev. Dr. Hillier, of Sandwich; Rev. Mr. Blandford, of Herne Bay; and other ministers, took part in the service. In the evening the Rev. J. Frost, of Cotton End Theological Academy, preached to the church and congregation from the words, "Encourage him," Deut. i. 38.

Romsey. The Rev. Wm. Crosbie, LL.B., was publicly ordained pastor of the church assembling at the Abbey Chapel, on May 20. The services were opened by the Rev. Johu Woodwark, of Southampton, with the reading of the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. J. F. Falding, M.A., of Rotherham College, delivered the introductory discourse, on the principles of Nonconformity. The questions on faith and discipline were asked by the Rev. II. J. Chancellor, of Salisbury, to which answers were given by Mr. Crosbie; after which the ordination prayer was offered up by the Rev. Thomas Adkins, of Southampton, during the latter part of which the imposition of hands, by various ministers, according to Scriptural apostolic practice, took place. The charge to the young pastor was delivered by the Rev. Samuel McAll, of Nottingham. In the evening, the Rev. Henry Allon, of Islington, preached to the church and congregation, from 2 Cor. viii. 22-24: "The love of the churches."

RECOGNITIONS.

New College Chapel, St. John's Wood.The public recognition of the Rev. Henry Christopherson (late of Bowdon, Manchester), as minister of the above chapel, took place on Thursday evening, the 28th of May. The Rev. Dr. Angus, of Holford-house College, Regent's-park, read appropriate Scriptures and offered prayer. The Rev. Thomas Binney had engaged to give the charge to the new minister, but, in his absence, from illness, his place was occupied by the Rev. James Sherman. The Rev. Henry Allon, of Islington, then offered prayer for the Divine blessing on the pastor and people; after which the Rev. John Stoughton, of Kensington, delivered a discourse from Hebrews i. 7. The Rev. George Wilkins, of Portland Chapel, concluded the service with prayer. The Revs. John Graham, of Craven chapel, and Samuel March, of Fetter-lane, were also engaged in parts of the service.

Tetbury. The public services in recogni.. tion of the Rev. Thomas Page, late of Hanham, as the new pastor of the Independent church and congregation in this town, took place on Wednesday, May 27th. The introductory devotional service in the afternoon was conducted by the Rev. J. Davis, Baptist minister of the town, after which a discourse on the "Nature of a Christian Church" was delivered by the Rev. Jos. Stratford, of Cirencester. In the evening the devotional exercises were conducted and the questions asked by the Rev. Thos. Haynes, of Chelten ham, who also offered up the recognition prayer. A discourse to the pastor and people was afterwards delivered by the Rev. A. M. Brown, LL.D., of Cheltenham.

NEW CHAPEL.

Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.-The corner. stone of the new Congregational chapel was laid on Wednesday, the 27th of May, by Richard Ash, Esq., of Clifton, after which the Rev. R. C. Pritchett, the pastor, briefly addressed the assembly. Prayer was offered by the Revs. H. Quick and Geo. Wood. A public tea meeting was held in the British school-room, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. D. Thomas, Geo. Wood, R. G. Soper, C. J. Eastmead, and R. C. Pritchett. W. O. Wills, Esq., of Bristol, occupied the chair. The old chapel having become too small for the resident worshippers and the numerous visitors to this watering-place, Richard Ash, Esq., has munificently promised to contribute £1,700 towards a new building on the condition that £500 are raised by the efforts of the church and congregation. Of that sum £400 have already been promised, and it is hoped that the remainder will be obtained before the completion of the building.

REMOVAL.

Hungerford, Berks.-The Rev. Theophilus Davies, late of Manchester, has accepted the cordial invitation to the pastorate of the Congregational church, Hungerford, Berks, and will enter on his stated labours (D.v.) the last Sabbath in June.

The Gospel in the Village.

IN the year 1821 I first visited B, and not knowing a single individual I stopped at one of the public houses, and took an opportunity of calling the landlady of the house aside, to ask her a few questions, such as, "Have you any Methodists in this village?" "Yes, there is one." "Who is it? A man or a woman?" "A woman, sir." "Is she considered honest? does she bear a good character?" "Oh, yes, I never heard anything against her in my life, only that she is cracked." "But she is a good hand at her business. Why do the people think she is cracked?" Why, she talks such stuff; such as speaking to One above, who answers her; that she has a house not made with hands; that her best bread comes down from heaven; and a great deal more of this sort." I was directed to the house of this good woman. She gave me a very hearty reception, but I perceived a gloom on her countenance, the cause of which I was afraid to ask. She soon, however, gave vent to her feelings, and informed me, by pointing to Luke vii. 12: "Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow," etc. In addition to which all her property was gone; but she added, "All this I can bear; it is the Lord's will; and I pray for greater submission to him, for I know my dear boy is gone to glory, but I am so surrounded with heathens and scoffers, that the place is become intolerable. Here is no sympathising friend, no Christian society, no means of grace; we are more than a mile from the church, and the road is very bad to get to it. Some time back Mr. Mused to come, but now we have none to speak of the consolations of the Gospel. I shall get away; I hope the Lord will direct me where, for he only knows."

We conversed together some time about Him in whom her soul delighted, and at length I told her to dry up her tears, for I was come with glad tidings, namely, that the Home Missionary Society had sent down a minister to preach at B- and the adjacent villages; at the very sound of which she burst into tears, and, sobbing, said, "Oh, dear sir, with the exception of one poor woman, there is not a single soul in the place that would give sixpence for the Gospel; they don't know its value. Once I was able to help on the work, and I did it with pleasure, but now I cannot afford it, for I am to quit my house at Christmas, as the rent is more than I can pay;" and added, "You know these things cannot be done without expense."

I then explained to her that the Home Missionary Society was established to send the Gospel to such places, and that if she

would consent to stay in the village, and retain her house, the Society would assist her in the payment of the rent, so that there would be preaching next week. "Oh! I will stay, I will stay, I will stay, with all my heart," she replied. The joy of this dear woman was greater than I am able to describe; she cried and laughed alternately, and exclaimed, "Oh, my dear Lord has at last answered my prayers. How have I prayed for this wretched place;" and added, "You must please to go with me to an old woman in the village, who will indeed be delighted." We immediately set off, and on communicating the intelligence to this poor dear old disciple, she clapped her hands and cried aloud, and appeared in such an ecstasy of joy as to overpower my feelings, and we all sat down and wept together; and after lifting up our hearts to Him who has said, "At evening time it shall be light," we separated, but not till they had reminded me again and again of my promise.

Oh! what a mercy to be enabled to contribute, if it is but the widow's mite, towards the comfort of any of the despised followers of Jesus, and not less to be the harbinger of peace to eight hundred immortal souls as dark as midnight. Thus a door has been opened in one of the most wretched places in this county.

The following week brother P-- commenced his work, but soon found that the room would not contain half of the people who wished to attend. We consulted together on the best means to remedy this difficulty, and at length came to the determination of renting two cottages and converting them into a chapel. This was done, and the building was filled with attentive hearers. I never went to any village where there was less opposition made to the introduction of the Gospel. A few months after it was opened, the Lord was pleased to give testimony to the word of his grace; a church was formed, consisting of eleven members, and for several years the labours of Mr. P were owned and blessed, until he removed to another place. Afterwards the work was carried on at B- by Mr. C, during which time many were added to the church. A larger building was found necessary, and within the last few years, through the zealous efforts of brother C assisted by a dear Christian friend a few miles off, long distinguished for his generosity and zeal in the cause of God, a substantial chapel has been erected in the very centre of the village, capable of holding three hundred people. There are three services every Lord's day well attended, but in the evening filled. There are twentysix members, and a Sabbath-school of about fifty children. There are more attend the chapel than the established church, the latter being so far from the village.

A chapel has lately been erected at Zwhich place being only two miles distant from B, the people have agreed to unite the two churches, and invite a minister to take the oversight of them. One is now on probation.

The Contrast.

One of the members of the church at C had a brother who had often been heard to say, that no village was like D--; no man seemed to care for the souls of the people. This having reached my ear, though the distance was great, I took the earliest opportunity of going there. The prejudices of the people against all Dissenters were too strong to expect any one to open his house for preaching. At length the good man already alluded to said, "It is a long distance for you, but if you could come, you shall have my kitchen, and my family will make a little congregation, and perhaps we may be able to persuade a few neighbours to come in." The following week was appointed to commence, when, including the family, thirty-three were present.

The next time I went I was told that the poor man who rents the house I preach in, together with eight acres of land, was sent for by his landlord the rector, who is also a magistrate, and severely reprimanded for allowing me to preach in his house. The poor man said, "I hope, sir, I have not committed any crime against the laws of my country. I should not have been surprised if you had sent for and reproved drunkards, cockfighters, and adulterers, but it seems very odd, sir, that you should reprove me for allowing a preacher to come to try to make these bad men better."

I find the devil is determined to contest every inch of ground with me here. Several have been threatened; the fear of losing parish pay alarms many, but before I left my spirits were somewhat cheered. A young man, who has been one of my constant hearers at this place, came up, and expressed his warm attachment to me, whom he acknowledged, with tears of gratitude, to have been the instrument in the hands of the Lord of doing good to his soul. I asked him what evidence he could give of any saving grace. He modestly replied, "Because I hate what I once loved, and love what I once hated." And his wife, who was standing by, said, "He is a better husband, sir; and swearing has been exchanged for praying." "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name be all the glory."

According to a previous arrangement, I went to D-- to organize a Sabbath-school. Four young persons came forward and kindly offered their services. Public notice having been previously given, we had twenty-two children to begin with, and on the following Sabbath we numbered thirty. This roused the rector, and occasioned a great stir. His lady took the matter up, went round to the different cottages, and told the people that she was going to keep a school herself, and expressed a hope that all the children would come. She warned the parents against the

awful sin of schism, and partly by promises, threats, and other means, she took most of the children away. But it did not last long. This lady soon proved her unfitness for the work. One of the eldest girls soon returned to our school. On my asking her a few questions as to what she had been taught, her reply was, that it plainly appeared from the very first, that her chief object was to prejudice the minds of the children against Dissenters. Mrs.-- said, that "what they called their preachers were a poor ignorant set of upstarts, who wanted to thrust themselves into the priest's office for a morsel of bread," and then ordered the children to open their Bibles, and read Num. xvi. 23-35, prefacing it with the following remarks:

Now, my dears, I wish you to understand what you read. To be taught to read is well, but reading will be of no service unless you can be taught to understand the meaning of what you read. Now these three men, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were Dissenters! You read that the earth opened and swallowed them up, and, sooner or later, the earth will open and swallow up all Dissenters. Go not near them; have nothing to do with them; or, as sure as you are alive, you will be swallowed up also!"

After two years' labour at D--, I find in my journal, "To-night three more were admitted, making the number of communicants thirty-four." It is truly delightful to hear what God has done for souls who were, a few months back, dead in trespasses and sins, living in the habitual practice of every abomination, now separated from the world, forsaking their idols, bearing the reproach of the cross, and who deliberately, with hand and heart, have virtually subscribed to the following solemn oath, "I will, by the help of the Lord, forsake sin, deny myself, take up the cross, and follow Christ. I will be a Christian living and dying."

Before I went amongst them the Sabbath was profaned in the most awful manner; the farmers' men were to be seen on Sabbathdays some wrestling, some playing at different games, and others, maniac-like, hooting and hallooing at any stranger who might happen to pass; and many a time, when on my way to D-, have I seen groups of these idlers exhibit marks of their enmity. Now old things are passed away. These very men, whose hearts seemed so full of gall, now receive me with all the kindness imaginable; the Sabbath is revered; and whenever preaching is announced the room is filled.

What is D- now? There are two chapels which are regularly supplied every Sabbath and once in the week. There are between thirty and forty in church fellowship and two Sabbath-schools. I was there in 1851, and found that the chapel I preached in was crowded every Lord's-day. There were eight young men who not only laboured in the Sabbath-school, but generally held a prayer-meeting between the hours of Divine service. I have lately heard that they have now engaged a resident minister for the place.