to the Rev. J. Stoughton for the paper which he had just read.

CONGREGATIONAL

PRINCIPLES.

A meeting was held in the evening for the Exposition of Congregational Principles." Mr. Samuel Morley occupied the chair.

The Rev. Dr. Ferguson, of Ryde, moved, and Mr. Pye Smith seconded the following resolution, which was carried:

That a regard to the sacred interests of revealed truth, and a due consideration of the circumstances of the times in which we live, render it, in the opinion of this meeting, incumbent on the Congregational churches of this country to clucidate and enforce, as they have opportunity, the peculiar principles embodied in our ecclesiastical polity, embracing, as they do, the complete sufficiency of the sacred Scriptures, the unrestricted right of private judgment in matters of religion, and the spiritual nature of that kingdom of which our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the glorious and only head.

The Rev. S. M'All moved, and the Rev. T. Aveling seconded, the next resolution:

That the continued firm adherence of our pastors and churches to the great principles of evangelical Christianity, calls for devout expressions of thankfulness to the Author of grace and truth, while this meeting cherishes the conviction and the hope, that in the future, as in the past, the Congregational denomination in England and Wales will be marked by its uncompromising attachment to the Gospel, and by its prayerful endeavours, in a dependence on the Divine and ever-blessed Spirit, to aid in widening its diffusion at home and abroad.

The Rev. George Smith moved, and Mr. Edward Baines seconded, the following resolution, which was carried:

That this meeting, recognizing the duty of the Congregational body to promote the religious and voluntary education of the people-believing that the future prosperity of our churches depends much, under the Divine blessing, upon the religious training of the young by Christian teachers, and rejoicing in the educational establishment at Homerton, as giving every facility for this workwould respectfully urge on the ministers and members of our congregations to take, with increasing earnestness, their share in the important undertaking, with a view to diffuse the blessings of Scriptural education to the largest possible extent, intimately connected as it is, and must be, not only with our denominational vigour, but with the advancement of civil and religious freedom, and the national prosperity of our country.

THIRD SESSION.

After the usual devotions, Mr. Mather, an Indian missionary, delivered an address on "The Aspect of Affairs and the Prospects of Christian Missions in India."

Mr. S. Morley moved, and the Rev. N. Hall seconded, the following resolution, which was adopted:

That this Assembly would express its deep sorrow at the calamities which have fallen upon India, its Christian sympathy with the sufferers from the mutiny there, and with those in this country who have thereby been bereaved; with the earnest hope that God may overrule the events which have happened for the downfall of idolatry and the diffusion of Christian truth in the East; and further, it presents acknowledgment to the Rev. R. C. Mather for his valuable paper on India,

with a request that he will allow it to be published with the minutes of the sessions.

Prayer was then offered by the Rev. Dr. Massie, with special reference to India.

The Rev. T. James moved, and the Rev. R. Ashton seconded, the following resolution, referring to part of the business of the preceding day:

That this Assembly would respectfully recommend to the deacons and members of the smaller Congregational churches the earnest consideration of the best means by which they can provide for the more adequate support of the Christian ministry among themselves; and would especially invite the attention of the County Associations forthwith to this important subject; and that, in the meantime, it be referred to the Committee of the Union to take measures for holding a Special Conference of ministers and laymen in relation to this matter, at as early a period as possible. That a copy of this resolution be transmitted immediately to the secretaries and treasurers of the County Associations throughout the kingdom.

The subject of the next Autumnal Meeting followed.

The Rev. G. Smith moved, and the Rev. Dr. Brown seconded:

That respectful application be made to the pastors and churches of our denomination in Halifax, requesting them kindly to arrange for receiving the Congregational Union in that town in the autumn of next year.

The kindness of the Cheltenham friends was most cordially and gratefully acknowledged in the following resolution.

The Rev. G. Smith moved, and the Rev. George Wood, B.A., seconded:

That the pastors, delegates, and visiters attending this Autumnal Meeting are delighted with the kind and efficient arrangements made by the Rev. Dr. Brown and the Local Committee for their reception and entertainment; and would offer grateful thanks to those Christian families of our own and other denominations who have, with so much liberality, received them into their houses; and would fervently pray, that the Divine benediction may rest upon them and theirs for time and eternity.

The admirable spirit which marked the entire proceedings was thus recorded:

The Rev. Dr. Campbell moved, and the Rev. T. Haynes seconded:

That this Assembly cannot separate without placing on record the expression of its devout thankfulness to the God of love and peace for the hallowed, united, and fervent spirit which he has graciously poured out on his servants assembled at this the eighteenth Autumnal Meeting of the Congregational Union.

The sense of the Assembly touching the management of the general business was then expressed as follows:

The Rev. N. Hall, LL.B., moved, and the Rev. W. R. Dale, M.A., seconded:

That the cordial thanks of this Assembly be given to its indefatigable Secretary, whose efforts have so largely contributed to the profitable character of its meetings.

Mr. Smith acknowledged the vote, which was enthusiastically adopted.

When the business was completed, the Assembly gave itself to prayer, when three members engaged.

The Chairman closed with the benediction.

this beyond all question. We are called upon, then, to advance further, till we arrive at such a proficiency in the study and treatment of Scripture as is worthy of men and of kings, and corresponds with sufficient closeness to the perfection of Scripture itself. Men must, however, be prepared for this by passing previously through the ordeal of difficulties. The history and description of those ages would furnish fitting matter for an accurate and useful treatise; but other things are more necessary in this place.

Volume III. is devoted to the Epistles to the Romans and the Corinthians, and conducted on the same principles as the comment on the Gospels.

The publication is to the Messrs. Clark necessarily one of great cost, and to the public one of great value. For expository purposes its importance can hardly be over estimated.

Thoughts for the Devout; Selections from the Writings of the Rev. John Howe. By T. C. HINE. John Snow. CONCERNING John Howe the whole Christian world is of one opinion. All are agreed, that of the many gifted spirits to whom England has given birth, a foremost place is due to this man of imperial intelligence and spotless character. His works are a great storehouse of evangelical truth, exhibited through a medium of glorious light and of matchless grandeur. But the man was even greater than his works; he never succeeded, in our opinion, to do himself full justice. He lived in troubled times, which necessarily interfered with the course of his studies. Otherwise circumstanced, he might have effected things incalculably superior to all that he has left behind him. His works proper, that is, those published in his lifetime, are a costly affair, either in the folio or the octavo form; and, with the posthumous additions of the late Mr. Hunt, the price is nearly doubled. This fact placed them far beyond the reach of the millions, and greatly injured the range of their circulation even among the middle classes, till the year 1848, when Mr. Tegg issued his beautiful and most economical edition in three octavo volumes, comprising the whole of Howe's works, as published in the edition of 1724. That is by far the cheapest edition we have; it is hardly possible, indeed, to publish Howe on terms more advantageous for the public.

But notwithstanding this excellent

edition, Mr. Hine has done well in issuing the presént volume, which presents a multitude of choice passages equally fitted to instruct and to edify the great majority into whose hands the complete works will never come. It will, indeed, be welcome even to those who possess one or more of the complete editions. It forms excellent reading under any circumstances; and for those who have quiet and leisure to go about such things in a regulated manner, it supplies a passage in the form of a lesson, subjoined to a text of Scripture, for every day in the year. Upon the whole, Mr. Hine, we think, has exercised a sound discretion in his selections, and by issuing the book he has done good service to the church of Christ.

Mr. Hine has quoted from Dr. Watts the following:

"Howe hath an ample orb of soul, Where shining worlds of knowledge roll, Where love, the centre and the pole,

Completes the heaven at home,"

These lines are both good and true, but vastly inferior to other lines of Watts on the same subject, some years previous to the death of Howe, which run thus:

"Howe is a great, but single name;
Amidst the crowd he stands alone;
Stands yet, but with his starry pinions on,
Dress'd for the flight, and ready to be gone.
Eternal God, command his stay;
Stretch the dear months of his delay;
Oh, we could wish his age were one immortal
day!

But when the flaming chariots come,
And shining guards, to attend thy prophet
home,

Amidst a thousand weeping eyes,

Send an Elisha down, a soul of equal size, Or burn this worthless globe, and take us to the skies."

The volume of Mr. Hine has our cordial commendation, as comprising a valuable collection of important thoughts.

The Sheepfold and the Common; or, Within and Without. Vol. I. Blackie and Son.

THIS work was originally published some thirty years ago, under a different title, when it enjoyed a popularity then unparalleled in the case of any similar publication. It is computed that the circulation in England was between sixty thousand and a hundred thousand, while in the United States the work was received with equal favour.

Such an amount of popularity can only be accounted for on the supposition of real merit, and such was the fact. It was a new thing, occupying a place between dry discussion and mere religious fiction. In looking for the cause of the surprising success of the work we find it mainly confined to this circumstance. The author set out with the determination to present the grand doctrines of Christian faith in a pleasing and attractive manner, and although he eschewed the briery mazes of controversy, many of the more prominent points of theology were subjected to a severe examination under the lights of the Inspired Word, and thus the flower was obtained without the thorn. The writer, moreover, did not confine himself to the mere didactic points of religion, but launched forth into the discussion of questions important to the church at large, and to the wellbeing of society, everywhere clothing his conceptions in pure idiomatic English, terse and vigorous, alternately pathetic and pleasant, easy and elevated.

『, * *

We congratulate the author on the aspect of the work, which is, doubtless, an immense improvement on the original edition. The tact and skill displayed in the typography, as well as in the numerous and beautiful illustrations are worthy the genius of the writer; and the result, we venture to predict, will be most materially to contribute to the diffusion of the highest truth, and thereby to the interests of Scriptural Christianity. Messrs. Blackie, assuredly, have done it justice, and we doubt not the public will acknowledge their claims in the way which is most intelligible and satisfactory to a publisher.

ཟིན་x』

Of the Light of Nature. A Discourse by NATHANIEL CULVERWELL, M.A., edited by JOHN BROWN, D.D. With a Critical Essay on the Discourse, by JOHN CAIRNS, M.A. Edinburgh: Constable. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

HERE assuredly we have strong meat for men; even Tucker himself would have found a feast in this most profound and powerful volume, which is too little known. The very profundity of the work, we presume, has hitherto stood in the way of its popularity. It

has

is a book for the Princes of the Empire of Letters, which in a world of babes but little to hope. If, however, it has been long neglected, it is now in a fair way of attaining to at least a measure of justice. Its fate for generations was that of Milton's "Paradise" till brought to light by the admiring genius and the exquisite pen of Addison. We anticipate somewhat of a corresponding result with respect to the present volume.

The work is edited by a man whose name will suffice at once to commend it to the British churches, Dr. John Brown, of Edinburgh, while Mr. Cairns, of Berwick-on-Tweed, has prefixed a critical Essay on the book which will be specially serviceable to the earnest student. The idea of this Essay was an excellent one, and very admirably has it been executed. Although brief, not longer, indeed, than the admirable Preface of Dr. J. Brown, it possesses a special value. These two masterly compositions, indeed, constitute one whole. The Publishers, as well as the Editor and Critic, have deserved well of the public; they are entitled to the special thanks of the British Pastorate, as well as of the Universities, Colleges, and Academic Institutions. The book is the result of intense thought, and enlarged comprehension; and they who desire an exercise that shall brace the mental and moral faculties to the utmost cannot too soon enter into communion with the author of a work which has now been completed upwards of two centuries.

Cassell's Art Treasures Exhibition, October, 1857. THE present number comprises portraits of Charles I., Snyders, Langlois, Sir Thomas Lawrence, the Countess Gower, George IV., Lambton, the Duchess of Sutherland, Kemble as Hamlet, Rubens, Henry IV., the Flight into Egypt, the Descent from the Cross. The best, most striking, and affecting of the whole, are the Meeting of Mary and Elizabeth and the Sons of Rubens. While the whole are beautifully executed, the text presents all the facts necessary to the comprehension and enjoyment of the picture.

HARTSHILL, ATHERSTONE.

A series of jubilee services, in connection with the Congregational cause here, has just been held, commencing on Sabbath morning, August 30th, with a prayer-meeting, at halfpast six o'clock; after which, the Rev. Thomas Hall preached two sermons, appropriate to the occasion, to large and deeply interested congregations. On the following day, the venerable Rev. Mr. Percy, of Warwick, preached in the afternoon, from Acts xix. 23; and in the evening of the same day, the Rev. John Sibree, of Coventry, delivered a discourse, from Psalm lxxxix. 15, to a large and attentive audience. A numerous and highly respectable party took tea, amounting to between 400 and 500 persons. After tea, a public meeting was held on the platform were Revs. and Messrs. Hall, Sibree, Hillyard, Reed, Saddler, Johnstone, Dyall, and Percy. E.Evarad, Esq., Quarry-house, Attleborough; and Mr. Thomas Rathbone, of Hartshill, were also present and addressed the meeting. Rev. Thomas Hall presided over the meeting, and read a letter from the Rev. Mr. Cooke, of Uttoxeter, regretting his absence, and promising two guineas to the jubilee fund. The Rev. John Sibree then presented an elaborate memorial of the life and labours of the late Rev. J. Dagley, the first pastor of the Independent church at Hartshill. The Rev. Samuel Dyall then proposed, and the Rev. W. J. Percy seconded, the following resolution:-"That the best thanks of the meeting be presented to Mr. Sibree, for his kindness in preparing the memorial, and that he be requested to allow it to be printed." In reply, Mr. Sibree intimated his intention kindly to present the manuscript to the "jubilee committee." It will be printed, and the profits will be given to the "jubilee fund." Rev. Mr. Johnstone then proposed a vote of thanks to Messrs. Percy and Sibree, for their sermons on the previous day, seconded by the Rev. Samuel Hillyard, of Bedworth. Rev. James Reed then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Samuel Drakeford, the secretary to the "jubilee fund," for his zeal and activity in promoting and managing the jubilee services, which was seconded by Thomas Rathbone, Esq., and acknowledged by Mr. Drakeford. The meeting closed at nine P.M. Between 600 and 700 persons were present at the meeting, and, as a whole, this series of meetings has been very successful and pleasurable, and will long be remembered. They were brought to a close by a treat to the Sabbath and day-schools, on Wednesday week.

BANGOR.

THE first anniversary of the English Congregational chapel has just been held. The Rev. R. Bruce, A.M., of Huddersfield, and the Rev. G. W. Conder, of Leeds, preached on Wednesday, September 2nd; and, on Sunday, September 6th, the Rev. William Roaf,

of Wigan, preached twice. On the Sabbath especially, the congregations were most cheering. The Divine Spirit seemed to pervade the people, and blessed impressions were made on many hearts. The weather was beautiful, and all things conspired to render the day a very happy one. May we hope the Christian visiters and tourists will arrange to spend some of their Sabbaths at this most lovely place, and to help this excellent cause in extinguishing the debt on the building. A vestry and school-room are much needed. Bangor is easily accessible, both by rail and steamer. It is an enchanting locality, and is surrounded by many spots of surpassing beauty. Those who wish to blend the pleasant with the useful will do well to arrange for a Sabbath stay at Bangor, with its excellent chapel, erected under the auspices of the English Congregational Chapel-Building Society. The writer will long remember with deep interest the Sabbath he stayed there, enjoying scenery and hearing sermons truly refreshing to the body and the soul.

TESTIMONIALS.

REV. THOMAS ADAMS.

THE Rev. Thomas Adams, of Stone, Potteries, on the occasion of his leaving that place to become the pastor of another church, received a testimonial. The assembly-room was filled upon the occasion, H. C. Taylor, Esq., of the Hayes, occupying the chair. After tea, the meeting was addressed by the chairman, who congratulated himself and the company upon the fact of so many members of other denominations of Christians being present, and specially because the Church of England, to which he belonged, was represented by the clergymen near him. The vicar followed, and concluded a suitable address by an encomium upon the spirit and conduct of Mr. Adams. Mr. Peach, in presenting the testimonial-Bagster's Polyglott Bible and Prayer-book-expressed the sentiments of the congregation, and remarked how much Mr. Adams would be missed, not only by his congregation, but by the town and neighbourhood generally, in consequence of the active services he had rendered to various valuable undertakings, especially the Mechanics' Institution. Mr. Adams, in a brief but expressive address, expressed a hope that all present would feel assured of his lasting interest in their welfare. The Rev. Mr. Drane, Independent minister from Hanley, and the Rev. R. Cowburn, curate of Christchurch, afterwards addressed the meeting.

REV. Q. STOW.

On the 30th of April, a purse of £1,000 was presented to the Rev. T. Q. Stow (formerly pastor of the Independent church at Halstead) by the members of his congregation and others, on the occasion of his retirement from the pastorate of the Independent church at Adelaide, in which colony he has ministered nearly twenty years.