תמונות בעמוד
PDF
ePub

ON Monday, October 11th, the Rev. Samuel Clarkson, late of Spring Hill College, Birmingham, was ordained to the work of the ministry, as pastor of the church and congregation meeting in Howard-street, Sheffield. The Rev. W. B. Landells read the Scriptures and offered prayer; the introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. T. R. Baker, Hebrew and Classical Tutor of Spring Hill College; the usual questions were asked by the Rev. Joseph Fox, formerly minister of Howardstreet chapel, to which the most satisfactory answers were given by Mr. Clarkson; the Rev. Thomas Smith, M.A., Classical Tutor of Rotherham College, offered the ordination prayer; and the Rev. J. Sutcliffe, F.S.A., of Ashton-under-Lyne, gave the charge to the minister.

In the evening, the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, addressed the members of the church, amidst a crowded and attentive auditory, in Nether chapel, kindly lent for the purpose by the Rev. Thomas Smith and his people.

The devotional exercises were conducted by the Revs. Messrs. Bellamy, Docker, and Rhodes.

We learn that the engagements of the day produced a very salutary impression, and one likely to be permanent; while the minister and members of the church retain and wish to record a grateful sense of the services rendered by the several ministers on the occasion. The presence of the Rev. A. Clarkson, of Bingley, (Mr. Clarkson's father,) who, but for his ill health, would have taken some prominent part in the service, added to the interest of the day.

ON Tuesday, December 7th, 1847, at Bethel Chap-1, Easington-lane, Durham, Mr. Alexander Anderson was publicly set apart to the work of the ministry in the above place of worship. The Rev. A. Reid, of Newcastle, delivered the introductory discourse; the usual questions were asked, and the ordination prayer presented, by the Rev. S. Watkinson, of Monkwearmouth; the Rev. A. Jack, of North Shields, gave the charge to the minister; and, in the evening, the Rev. S. Watkinson preached to the people.

THE REV. W. Crease, of Edinburgh University, was ordained pastor of the Congregational church, Wilmslow, near Stockport, on November 23rd. In describing this new and interesting sphere of labour, the last report of the Cheshire Union states: "Till within three years, our missionary efforts had not been brought to bear on the village of Wilmslow. But in that short

space of time, and through the Spirit's benediction on the untiring labours of our esteemed brother, Mr. Crease, a congregation has been collected; a beautiful and commodious chapel, capable of seating 350, opened; and a church formed, consisting of more than thirty members."

STROUD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE.

ON Thursday, Nov. 4th, 1847, the Rev. Thomas Nicholas, of the Lancashire Independent College, was ordained to the pastoral office, at the Old Chapel, Stroud.

The Rev. Samuel Davidson, LL.D., Professor of Biblical Literature, and the Rev. Robert Vaughan, D.D., President and Professor of Theology, of the Lancashire Independent College, took the more prominent parts in the services; the former delivering the introductory discourse (morning service,) and the latter offering up the ordination prayer (morning service), and delivering the charge to the minister (evening service). The Rev. W. Wheeler, of Stroud, proposed questions to elicit Mr. Nicholas's views on vital points in theology, church government, &c.

The devotional parts of the services were conducted by the following ministers :- Rev. Benjamin Backhouse, of Rodborough; Rev. Richard Knill, of Wotton; Rev. T. Maund, of Stonehouse; Rev. W. Lewes, of Frampton; Rev. B. O. Bendall, of Kingswood; Rev. Mr. Butterworth, of Stanley; Rev. Mr. Room, missionary; Rev. J. Hyatt, of Gloucester; Rev. William Winlaw, of Wellington; Rev. E. Bewley, of Cirencester; Rev. B. Parsons, of Ebley.

In order not to make the services of Thursday inconveniently long, the "Sermon to the people" was delayed till the following sabbath-morning, when it was preached by the Rev. Richard Knill, of Wotton, to a

crowded audience.

These solemnities excited considerable

interest in the town. A large number of

ministers and friends from a distance were present, and were entertained by an excellent dinner and tea, provided by the ladies of the congregation. On sabbath-afternoon a delightful season was enjoyed, when the sister church from Redford-street, which branched off from the original interest in 1837, simply from want of room, and a desire to extend operations, together with other Christian friends, from the neighbourhood, met the church at the Old Chapel around the table of the Lord. The Rev. John Burder, A.M., of Bristol, formerly pastor of both churches, successively presided.

The church at the Old Chapel is one of considerable antiquity. Although we can

not trace its origin to the first Nonconformists, it is quite certain that it followed closely upon the Act of Uniformity. From the notice Mr. Burder has prefixed to the Church book, it appears that so early as 1675, only thirteen years after the Bartholomew-day of 1662, the Nonconformists met for worship here. The barn in which they met in Dyers'-court, Silver-street, was afterwards-probably about 1687 - converted into a chapel, and was called the "Nonconformists' Meeting-house." At what time the present site was first occupied is not known.

The church has suffered many reverses. It has seen times of prosperity, and also times of trial. It was not allowed to escape persecution. It is pleasing, however, to reflect that during the ministry of the Rev. Richard Rawlin, the first pastor, who settled here in 1731, (one hundred and thirtyfour years ago,) and died twelve years afterwards, the church consisted of about one hundred members. About fourteen years elapsed after Mr. Rawlin's decease before they had another permanent settlement of a pastor; and during this period, it seems that the discipline of the church was sadly deteriorated. This is seen from a somewhat curious entry in an old church-book: "June 10, 1742. Agreed, by the pastor, officers, and members present, by the assistance of God, to settle the discipline of the church at Stroud, according to the rule of the gospel."

The newly-ordained minister is the thirteenth; and it is remarkable that, with one exception, and that a doubtful one, they have all been sound in doctrine as evangelical divines. Six of these ministers have been furnished by Wales, four from the same county, Pembrokeshire, and two from the same church.

About two years ago, this venerable sanctuary underwent extensive improvements and enlargement, at a cost of above 700l. The new frontage then erected, from designs by Franklin, Esq.,' architect, of Liverpool, is in excellent taste-its style (the Gothic) and the admirable proportions observed comporting so well with the known antiquity of the place.

[ocr errors]

NEW SCHOOL-ROOM, WIVENHOE, ESSEX.

ON Tuesday, the 26th of October, the new school-rooms for the accommodation of the schools in connection with the Independent church at Wivenhoe were opened. The Rev. G. Smith, of Poplar, London, preached a very appropriate and impressive sermon on the occasion, from Canticles, chap. i. ver. 6-"They made me keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept." The Rev. T. W. Davids, o Colchester, concluded with prayer. About one hundred persons afterwards partook of tea at the Falcon Inn, from whence they adjourned to the chapel; when a public meeting was held in the evening. J. A. Tabor presided, and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. S. Hubbard, minister of the place; Revs. R. Langford, of ColSmith, of London: J. Appleby, of Brightchester; C. Rigges, of Tiptree; George lingsea, &c. &c. The school rooms, which are very spacious and commodious, were built at the sole expense of John Sanford, Esq., of Wivenhoe, brother of Thomas Sanford, Esq., who recently erected, at an expense of more than 2000l., the elegant chapel which adorns the village.

The schools will accommodate about three hundred children.

GREAT HADHAM, HERTS.

A NEW chapel was opened at Great Hadham, Herts, on Tuesday, the 20th of April, 1847, when the Rev. W. H. Hurndall, of Bishop's Stortford, preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. J. Anthony, of Hertford, in the evening. The Revs. Messrs. Besley, Hodgskins, (Baptist,) Gill, and Phair, conducted the devotional exercises.

The above chapel will accommodate upwards of two hundred persons, and is in connection with the Congregational Church at Little Hadham, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. W. Phair, and is opened for Divine worship on sabbath evenings, when the above minister preaches to a large, attentive, and for the most part, a new | congregation.

General Chronicle.

CHINA.

Ir a few friends would follow the noble example of Mr. and Mrs. Caston, the field of missions would soon put on a new aspect.

A GENEROUS OFFER ON BEHALF OF THE CHINESE CONVERTS.

To the Rev. Dr. Morison. Stratford-on-Avon, Dec. 9, 1847. MY DEAR DOCTOR, - In common, I doubt not, with many of the friends of

missions and of our beloved Society, I and mine have read with much interest the statement respecting China and its "first fruits to Christ," from the pen of your excellent son-in-law, in the Chronicle of the last Magazine. Our hearts have been deeply affected with it. Our best feelings and prayers have been called into exercise by it. We have long thought and felt much about China, but now more than ever; and I have much pleasure in communicating to you the resolution which my dear wife and myself have come to, with affectionate solicitude for all concerned, with willing hearts and many prayers.

We wish to do something more for the Chinese Mission; to have a more special bond of union to it; and a particular object for supplication concerning it before the Lord.

Our desire, therefore, is to support one of the three young men recently baptized at Huntly, on the terms propounded in Dr. Legge's communication; that is, at the rate of 251. a year for the space of three or four years. We presume that this will be about the time requisite for him to remain as a student in the seminary. And we earnestly pray that, during that period, both human instruction and Divine may richly qualify him to dispense the word of life among his benighted countrymen. Our prayers will henceforth ascend to God on his behalf; and our satisfaction will be to hear that he becomes a devoted, holy, and useful evangelist in China.

If he be not already engaged, we should much like to select the one whose letter and name appear in the Chronicle; and if no other benefactor has previously claimed him, you will please to afford us that gratification. On this, however, you can inform me; not failing to remember that, from the time you receive this, he is engaged, if no other application has been made, though I hope there may be many. Peace be to all the Chinese brethren, "with faith and love, which are in Christ Jesus."

Present our Christian regards to Dr. and Mrs. Legge, with our most affectionate wishes and prayers for them. Should the Doctor travel this way, it would give us much pleasure to see him; but before the time of their departure from England I expect to be in London, and shall hope for the gratification of an interview with him, and with our Chinese friend, whom, from the first of January, 1848, or from the time of their embarkation for China, or of their arrival at Hong-Kong, whichever you and the Directors shall determine, we shall be happy to consider at our charges in the manner and to the amount above proposed.

Earnestly praying that the great Lord of

the harvest may raise up many friends and labourers for China,

I remain,

My dear and honoured friend,
Very truly yours,

M. CASTON. N.B.-The Editor is thankful to add, that the young people connected with the Rev. Robert Philip's congregation have agreed to supply the necessary funds for the education of another of the Chinese converts.

NEW COLLEGE, CALCUTTA.
To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine.

Mission House, London, Dec. 7th, 1847. DEAR SIR,-In a recent number of the Evangelical Magazine you kindly inserted a notice of the proposed college at Calcutta. It will, I am sure, afford you, and those interested in the success of the plan. pleasure to learn that the statement in the Evangelical and other periodicals has not been without effect. From the friends and Christians at Leith and Edinburgh, we have obtained 5001; from Bristol, upwards of 100%; Dudley and West Bromwich, 50%. each; a Christian lady, 100l. Other places have begun a fund, which I hope soon to report With the sums raised in India and Britain, together with the London Society's donation, I believe we have raised about half the 5000l.,or 2500l. of the whole amount.

upon.

Besides these sums, friends have forwarded a clock, barometer, a globe, an orrery, a microscope, and some excellent books.

My best thanks are tendered to the friends who have so generously and promptly come forward to the aid of this good work. We still need upwards of 25007, (as well as instruments and books,) to compass all the objects comprehended in the plan. In addition to the money, gifts, and donations of books and instruments, we have received three scholarships. Ten or twelve pounds per annum will provide for a scholarship.

May I entreat those who intend to aid the object to forward, as promptly as possible, either their gifts or an intimation of the same, to my address, for in this, as in every good work, that which is done quickly is twice done.

Christian Friends,-in apportioning your property at the beginning of the new year, remember the Christian College at Calcutta. Yours truly,

THOMAS BOAZ,

Pastor, Zion Chapel, Calcutta. P.S.-The instruments still needed are, models of a steam-engine, railway, steamboat, electrical machine, air-pump, &c., &c.

VOL XXVI.

MISSIONARY MAGAZINE

[blocks in formation]
[graphic]

A HINDOO PRIEST EXPLAINING THE MOHARABUT.-Vide p. 42.

THE BRAHMIN, THE JAIN, AND THE BUDDHIST.

OUR engraving for the present month is copied from the Rev. J. W. Massie's book on "Continental India,”—a work to which it gratifies us to refer, as containing a large amount of interesting and valuable information, especially on Missionary subjects. The sketch that occupies the preceding page pourtrays a scene of very common occurrence in many parts of India. It represents a number of Hindoos assembled in a Native Temple to receive religious instruction from their Gooroo, or Priest, who is engaged in expounding the text of the Moharabut, a celebrated poem of great antiquity, chiefly relating to the doctrines and precepts of Hindooism, and, as it might be supposed, replete with error, though not wholly destitute of the traces of true religion and pure morality.

The Author of the above work thus refers to a few particulars connected with some of the principal forms of Paganism in the East:

"Though the Hindoo Race (he observes) inhabit the whole of Hindostan, the varied tribes are not less diversified than the distinct branches of the elder Scythian family now scattered over the Continent of Europe. It is true, the religion of Brahminism possesses sway in the principal seats of commerce and of population throughout British India, and religion is the general modeller of human character. But the unity is a name rather than a reality, and that which is prevalent is susceptible of shades as varying as the changes of colour.

"The theory of Brahminism itself affords scope for schism and distraction. There are three great gods, distinct not in name merely, but in essence. They have each their respective worshippers; and, while the followers of Mahadeva (Seva) contend for the pre-eminency with the votaries of Vishnu, the Buddhist, who adores, according to the Brahmins, the ninth Avatar of Vishnu, has been reluctantly, and perhaps with difficulty, constrained to give place to the domination of proud and supercilious Brahmins. Among the nations with whom the votaries of Boodh found an asylum, the Huns are expressly mentioned. Their name occurs in Bahar Inscriptions, and is repeatedly found amongst other barbarian tribes enumerated in the prophetical chapter annexed to some of the Puranas. It would be a singular fact in history, could it be ascertained, that the bands of Attila, who laid waste the plains of Italy, were the followers of Boodh.

"The adherents of the Jain Faith have yielded to the overwhelming force of a more sanguinary and less tolerant sect, and their fugitive progress may be traced through Continental India by their sacred edifices, generally in ruin. They have left these scattered over the Peninsula, as numerous fragments of their devotion and free-will offerings.

"The more opulent members of this sect find it convenient, in their persecuted condition, to seem to belong to the orthodox persuasion. Conformity is an easier matter with them than it was with the Buddhists, so far as the distinction of Castes had an influence. They are as merchants still found dispersed over the whole continent of India, but it is only in the central and western parts of the Peninsula they are sufficiently numerous to constitute a distinct population. Their proper designation is Arhats, from Arhat, to be revered; because thus they distinguish the objects which they worship. They are an ingenuous, simple, and mild people, in their social intercourse, and in their transactions with others. They have been sought after by some of the most devoted Missionaries in the Peninsula. Mr. Rhenius, late of Palamcottah, made several excursions among them while he lived at Madras. Numbers of them reside at Arnee, in the vicinity of Arcot, where they maintain the reputation of a mild, unsuspecting, and plain-thinking people."

« הקודםהמשך »