one another. Now, take such a family and one in which the existence of a God is not so much as acknowledged, and the difference which will be observed in the manners, tempers, pursuits, and enjoyments of the two will be prodigiously great. But the beneficial effect of domestic wor ship will not be confined to the family circle. It will be felt in the church of which the master is a member, and throughout the neighbourhood in which he resides. Such a man is a blessing to the church and the world; nor will it ever be known in the present state, how many judgments of the Almighty he has averted by his prayers from his neighbours, who at best are but practical atheists. This witness is true. For what idea can that man have of God who never acknowledges his goodness at the domestic altar, or implores the forgiveness of sin through faith in the blood of atonement? Oh! if this subject was but deeply felt; if heads of families could but be induced to view it in all its bearings; if they would but consider that the neglect of family prayer may lead to the loss of one of their children's souls; if they did but know the baneful effect which their example in this respect has upon their servants and their ungodly neighbours; and if they would but remember the fiendish delight with which Satan and the powers of darkness contemplate such professors of religion, they would at once and for ever surmount every obstacle and cast down every barrier which may have hitherto prevented them from erecting the domestic altar. Conceive of a child at the bar of God assigning as a reason-and the supposition is by no means an improbable one, awful as it is-why he failed to attain unto eternal life the want of family worship in his father's house, and you have at once a proof of the importance of domestic religion, and an irrefragable argument for the erection of the family altar. He might allege, not for the purpose of vindicating his unbelief, but as a palliation of his guilt, that he never heard either his father or his mother pray for their children's salvation, and that although he knew of their church-fellowship, he thought lightly of it, seeing they lived in the neglect of family worship. Or, what is still more probable, that he was led to regard professors in the light of hypocrites, which gave an awful intensity to his natural enmity against God. What parent can contemplate such a scene without horror? and what mother can hear her condemned and lost son exclaiming, as he sinks to hell, My sentence is just; but would that sentence have been passed upon me had I been taught in my infancy, both by precept and example, the necessity of prayer? without an agony of mind approaching to that of souls in perdition! "There is a dreadful hell, And everlasting pains, Where sinners must with devils dwell In darkness, fire, and chains." Seeing then that this subject is of vast, incalculable importance, let the ministers of Christ bring it more frequently before their hearers; animating those of them who have family worship to continue the godly practice, awful amount of guilt which they daily incur. and warning those who neglect it of the And let every head of a family, whether male or female, regard it as a most solemn duty, which neither business nor pleasure, persecution nor even attention to other religious duties must on any consideration induce them to neglect "When God, even our own God, shall bless us," and we shall escape the wrath which he will pour out upon the families that call not on his name. J. H. THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE. THE Sixth Annual Conference of the British Organization of the Evangelical Alliance was held in Dublin, in the last week in August. The sittings commenced on Wednesday the 25th, when about 200 members and friends were present. The Rev. Dr. Blackwood presided, and read a spirited and excellent paper, in which he contended for the soundness of the essential principles of the Alliance, and successfully repelled the objections to this great Organization, which represent it on the one hand as superfluous, and on the other as injurious. The Rev. J. P.. Dobson read the Annual Report of the Executive Council, from which it appeared that, at the suggestion of Dr. Townsend, a meeting was held in London, in March last, with a view to promote a better union among Christians, and to secure the conversion of Papists, the removal of unnecessary dissent, and the more perfect reformation of Episcopal Churches in England and America. That the question of altering the basis of the Alliance had been considered; but no alteration has been made, on the ground that the British Organization being only a section of the Alliance, is incompetent to effect any change in its rules, or platform of doctrines. That it had been resolved to offer a prize of £100 for the best Essay on the Sabbath, more especially for circulation among the higher classes. And that an edition of the Bible, free from typographical errors, and containing all the improved new readings, is about to be published under the superintendence of Dr. Brown, Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Alexander, and Mr. Goold. On Thursday, the 26th, the Rev. R. G. Cather presided. The Rev. R. Redpath read a paper on the best means of promoting the efficiency of the Alliance; Dr. Steane read a translation of a paper on the state of Protestantism in France, Switzerland, and Belgium. Dr. Mapei gave an account of the progress of the gospel in Italy. On Friday, the 27th, a public meeting was held, when J. Henderson, Esq, occupied the chair. M. Kuntre gave an account of the state of religion in Germany; Dr. Begg gave a popular explanation of the principles of the Alliance; and Dr. Steane submitted a scheme for holding a Conference on Missions. On Saturday, the 28th, J. P. Stanley, Esq., presided. Dr. Edgar read a paper on Ireland as a field for united Missionary efforts, fraught with melancholy interest. The ignorance, crime, and social debasement of the Irish are truly appalling, and evidently traceable to the influence of Popery. These meetings of the Alliance must have been refreshing and instructive to the members and friends, who had the opportunity of attending them. It is impossible, indeed, that pious and earnest-minded men can meet together, for prayer and deliberation touching the kingdom of Christ, without benefiting each other, and producing happy impressions on the various sections of the church. The Alliance, we trust, may become the means of exciting and extending brotherly love among Christians of all denominations, and of giving a fresh impulse to the work of Missions, both at home and abroad. On Monday, the 30th, the Rev. T. R. Birks presided, and the Rev. C. T. M'Carthy presented a very interesting statement of the remarkable success which has recently attended the labours of the Irish Church Mis sionaries. It was resolved at the same sitting, that the Council be authorized to memorial NEW COLLEGE, LONDON. In our Advertising columns will be found a reference to the "Lay-Student department" of New College. Our full conviction is, that respectable Nonconforming families will find, in this provision of the College, all the benefits, for their sons, of a University education, without its risks; and, moreover, at a rate of expense not equalling that of the better class of boarding schools. Let those who are anxiously exercised about the education of their sons, well consider this disinterested reference. So good an opportunity has never hitherto been presented to Dissenting families for the thorough education of their sons. A MEETING of a deeply interesting character was held, on the 8th of Sept., in the Independent Chapel, Gornal, Staffordshire, on the occasion of the settlement of the Rev. S. M. Coombs (late of Rich Hill, Ireland) as pastor of the church there. The cause in this wide and important district is a century old. Evangelical truth bas for this long period been proclaimed on the spot where the present very neat and commodious chapel stands. After being without a minister for some months, the people have now to rejoice that their prayers have been answered by the evidently providential direction of their present pastor among them. The service was exceedingly encouraging, both to pastor and people. A large number of ministers were present, together with many friends from neighbouring churches. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. J. Hudson, of West Bromwich. DevoJ. Robinson, of America. The Rev. D. K. tional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Shoebotham, of Dudley, delivered an address, of a very lucid and catholic character, on the "Constitution of a Christian Church." The Rev. S. M. Coombs then gave a nar ize the Grand Duke of Tuscany on behalf of the persecuted Madiais. In the evening a numerously attended public meeting was held. On Tuesday, the 31st, the Rev. Dr. Ur-rative of the circumstances of his settlement, wick presided, and addressed the meeting on what he deemed the benefits and the proper province of the Alliance. The Conference terminated with an address from the Rev. Dr. lars, but intimated that brethren in Ireland Kirkpatrick. CENTENARY OF THE WESTERN COLLEGE. ON Wednesday, the 8th of September, very interesting services were held, at Plymouth, on occasion of the Centenary of the Western College. Dr. Morison addressed the students, under the care of the Rev. Dr. Alliott, and the Rev. Mr. Newth, on the opening of a new Session, and preached the Centenary Sermon. We are compelled to defer a report of the animating services till next month. accompanied by the statement that the cause of his leaving the land of his adoption was not his own choice, but that he was compelled to do so. Mr. Coombs did not detail particu agreed with him that he should dissolve his connexion with the Irish Evangelical Society, while they deplored his loss to the country. This was followed by the recognition. A member of the church, deputed to do so, rose to welcome the new pastor, and extended to him the right hand of fellowship. The Rev J. Hammond, of Handsworth, then implored God's blessing on the union. The Rev. J. A. James next delivered an address on the duties involved in accepting a pastorate; which was followed by an appeal to the people, on the privileges and obligations of those who enjoy a gospel ministry, by the Rev. W. Bevan, of Wolverhampton. The chairman pronounced the benediction, and the congregation separated with a deep feeling of the goodness of God in the favour conferred on them by the interesting and sanctifying solemnities of the evening. AT Tooting, Surrey, the recognition of the Rev. F. Fox Thomas, late of Whitchurch, Hants, took place on Wednesday, June 30, 1852. The morning service was commenced by the Rev. T. Kennerly, Mitcham. The Rev. J. Stoughton, Kensington, delivered an introductory discourse. The usual questions were proposed by the Rev. W. Davis, Borough. The Rev. R. Ashton, Putney, offered the designation prayer; after which the Rev. T. W. Jenkyn, D.D., | Rochester, delivered the charge. In the evening the Rev. D. Thomas, of Stockwell, preached to the people. Rev. James Roberts, of Potton, preached the sermon to the people. The services of the day were well attended, and were of a very pleasing and satisfactory character. ON Wednesday, the 25th of August, Mr. John Hutchinson, late student in the Glasgow Theological Academy, was set apart to the pastoral office over the Congregational church at Elie, Fifeshire. The service commenced at one o'clock, P. M. Mr. D. Davidson, author of the "Pocket Commentary," and other valuable theological works, read appropriate passages of Scripture, and prayed. Mr. Leitch, one of the deacons, in the name of the church, signified their adherence to the call. The usual questions were put by the Rev. G. M'Gregor, of the Congregational Church, Portobello, to which highly satisfactory answers were given by Mr. Hutchinson. The ordination prayer, accompanied with imposition of hands, was offered up by the Rev. James Robbie, of Kirkcaldy. The Rev. W. Pillans, of Perth, gave the charge to the pastor, and the Rev. W. Lothian, of St. Andrews, addressed the church. The Rev. J. Hamil ton, of Leven, concluded with prayer. The newly-elected minister was cordially wel The Rev. Messrs. Ashton, of New College; Hunt, of Brixton; Davis, of Crediton; Bulmer, of Overton; Rymes, B.A., of Kingston; Beelby, late of University College; Jones, of New College; Davies, of Putney; and Jacobs, of Sutton, took part in the services of the day, which were of a very interesting cha-comed by the members of the church, and other friends, at the dismissal of the congregation. racter. The Congregational Church at Tooting owes its origin to the celebrated Daniel de Foe, the result of whose benevolent efforts was the formation of a Christian church, composed of the Dissenters then residing in the neighbourhood. Divine worship was held in a private house until 1711, when a chapel was erected on the same site as that occupied by the present. The first pastor of the church was Mr. (afterwards Dr.) L. Oldfield. The exact period Mr. Oldfield commenced his labours at Tooting is not known; but it is certain he was minister there in 1688. The successors of Dr. Oldfield were the Rev. Mr. Freeman, Dr. Mills, Dr. Wilton, &c., &c. THE Ordination of the Rev. Joseph Twidale, Pastor of the Congregational Church, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, was held on Thursday, July 8th, 1852. Rev. William Bedford, of Narborough, read the Scriptures, and prayed; the Rev. Thomas Mays, of Wigston, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. G. K. Miall, of Ullesthorpe, asked the usual questions; the Rev. Thomas Mays, of Wigston, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. W. H. Stowell, D.D., President of Cheshunt College, delivered the charge. In the afternoon, a large company of ministers and friends dined and had tea together in the school-room; and in the evening, the In the evening, a Social Meeting was held in the chapel, at half-past six, Mr. Hutchinson in the chair; when most of the ministers in the neighbourhood, of different denominations, were present, and took part in the proceedings, presenting a pleasing epitome of an Evangelical alliance. The Rev. Mr. Morrison, of the Free Church, opened the meeting with prayer, and addresses were delivered, on various important subjects, by the Rev. William Milligan, minister of the neighbouring parish of Kilconquhar; the Rev. Walter Wood, of the Free Church, Elie; the Rev. Dr. Andrew Thomson, of the United Presbyterian Church, Edinburgh; the Rev. Mr. Meikle, of the United Presbyterian Church, Anstruther; and the Rev. Messrs. M'Gregor and Robbie. The Rev. J. Craig, of the Congregational church, Anstruther, concluded with prayer. The Rev. Messrs. Kerr, of Pittenweem; Kennedy, of Barnyards, and Thomson, of Slateford, United Presbyterian ministers, also attended. The chapel was filled on both occasions by a highly respectable audience, comprising members from other churches, most of the principal families in the village, and strangers sojourning in that favourite watering-place; and Mr. Hutchinson enters on his stated labours with encouraging prospects of success. May the Great Head of the Church bless the union thus formed, and render it a source of lasting good, both to the stated residents, and to the numerous families from Edinburgh and other places, who resort thither in the summer months, to enjoy the benefit of sea-bathing, or are attracted by its salubrious air and beautiful scenery! ON Tuesday, the 17th of August, the Rev. G. C. Morrison, M.A., from Glasgow, was ordained as pastor over the Congregational Church at Berwick-on-Tweed. After the introductory devotional services, which were conducted by Mr. Greener of Alnwick, the engagement between Mr. Morrison and the church was mutually recognized, and Mr. Morrison responded to the questions usually asked on such occasions in a manner highly satisfactory to all who heard him. Mr. Ayre, of Morpeth, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Wallace, minister of Frederick-street Chapel, Aberdeen, delivered a very interesting discourse from Acts xx. 28, which embraced a lucid statement of the nature of a Christian church, and of the pastor's duty toward the flock. Mr. Jack, of North Shields, addressed the church from 1 Thess. iv. 1; and Mr. Rogers, of Amble, concluded the morning services. A public meeting was held in the evening. Mr. Jack presided. The Rev. M. Porteous, Presbyterian Minister at Spittal, Tweedmouth, implored the Divine blessing. Animated addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Kirkwood, Baptist; Peden, United Presbyterian; and Railton, Wesleyan, all of Berwick; Greener, of Alnwick; and Ayre, of Morpeth. The attendance at both meetings was good, and a hallowed spirit pervaded them. May the day prove the beginning of a long course of usefulness and peace to the beloved pastor! ST. AUSTELL, CORNWALL. THE Rev. W. G. Kileman, late of the Western College, Plymouth, has accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation from the Independent Church in this place, and entered on his stated labours on the first Sabbath in July, with encouraging prospects of usefulness. LOZELLS, BIRMINGHAM. THE Rev. John Baker having resigned the pastorate in the above place, a meeting of his friends was convened on Wednesday, 21st July, expressive of their appreciation of his past labours, their attachment to him, and their sincere interest in his future success. As a testimonial of these feelings his church and congregation presented him with a purse of gold, accompanied by a suitable and affectionate address. The Rev. John Hammond presided over the meeting, which was addressed by the Revs. New, Swan, Grant, and Sibree. The Rev. Brewin Grant, in the name of his own church and congregation, presented the reverend gentleman with a gold watch and chain, as a proof of their high estimation of his talents, worth, and zeal in the cause of truth and religious liberty. The meeting concluded with prayer by Rev. John Thomas. TOTTON.-REMOVAL OF REV. G. STEVENS. ON Wednesday, July 15th, the friends of the Rev. G. Stevens, of Totton, held a social Tea-meeting, the object of which was to present their beloved pastor with a testimonial of their respect and esteem on the occasion of his removal to another sphere of labour. Although very little notice had been given, the meeting was well attended, and one universal feeling of sympathy seemed to prevail. After tea an appropriate hymn was sung, and prayer being offered by the Rev. R. Compton, of Lyndhurst, the Rev. J. Fison, of Romsey, gave a most eloquent address suited to the occasion. The deacons then presented the reverend gentleman with a purse containing Twenty Sovereigns, accompanied by a very neat card, containing the following: "Independent Chapel, Totton.-Presented with a purse of Twenty Sovereigns to the Rev. G. Stevens, by the church and congregation at Totton, as a token of respect for his indefatigable labours among them during a period of twenty-five years; also for the zeal he has manifested in the instruction of the rising generation. "J. WATTS, "J. HILL, "W. GILBERT,, } Deacons." The Revs. R. Compton, of Lyndhurst, and Kiddle of Codnam, gave suitable addresses, and the meeting separated. Mr. Stevens leaves Totton respected and regretted by all who knew him, by Episcopalians as well as by his own church and congregation. |