and Rev. G. H. CURZON ; the Rev. J. DAVIS; Colonel PHIPPS; Lieut. BROWN; and the Rev. G. W. PHILLIPS. The meeting was interesting upon the whole; but there was a slight portion of the leaven mixed up with it which has so seriously interrupted the peace of the Bible Society, We trust that all pretensions of superiority among brethren will speedily be laid aside. PORT OF LONDON AND BETHEL UNION SOCIETY. The thirteenth anniversary of this truly excellent institution was held at the City of Londern Tavern, on Monday, the 7th of May, Lord MOUNTSANDFORD in the chair, who apologized for the absence of Lord Gambier, the president of the society, who was prevented from taking his place by severe indisposition. He said he had been his messmate many years ago, and he would endeavour to fill his place as well as he could. After prayer, by Mr. Drury, the Rev. E. MUSCUTT, the Secretary, read the report, which stated that the FLOATING CHAPEL had been well attended throughout the year, and that more than one half of the attendants were sailors, 5239 having at least made their appearance in the chapel. It also stated that twelve BETHEL MEETINGS for prayer were held on the river weekly. The LOAN LIBRARY was increasingly prized by the sailors, who were becoming a reading and thoughtful race of men. The number of books lent to sailors amount to 1300 volumes, including boxes of books lent to captains of ships going long voyages, and 5 Bibles and 51 Testaments given to sailors and apprentice-boys. The DAY-SCHOOLS at Wapping, established for the children of seamen and rivermen, averaged in attendance 140 boys, and 70 girls. The boys educated in these schools are eagerly sought after by the masters of vessels. The MERCHANT SEAMAN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM had received, during the past year, most valuable marks of public patronage. Since its establishment, four years ago, 39 boys and 24 girls had been admitted, making a total of 63 orphans wholly clothed and supported. The report referred to the public testimony which had been borne to the merits of the society by several ministers in the metropolis, who had affixed their names to a document strongly urging its claims on the warm support of British Christians. The receipts of the society, we regret to say, have only amounted to £709 10s. 6d. This is not as it should be, when the importance and excellence of the society is taken into account. The meeting was interestingly addressed by the Rev. JOHN CLAYTON, jun.; the Rev. J. ROBINSON; the Rev. T. LUKE; the Rev. Mr. SCOBELL; R. H. MARTIN, Esq.; W. Moved by the very Rev. Dean of Salis. bury; seconded by the Rev. Professor Scholefield : 1. That the Report, an abstract of which has been read, be received and printed under the direction of the committee; and that this meeting recognizes with thankfulness the continued goodness of God to the society during the past year. Moved by the Rev. J. W. Cunningham; seconded by the Rev. William Jowett : 2. That the removal of those Christian brethren, who have been taken from the service of their Saviour on earth, should be considered as a solemn call to those who survive diligently to avail themselves of present opportunities, and to be followers of them who through faith patience inherit the promises. Moved by the Bishop of Calcutta ; seconded by the Rev. J. H. Stewart:— 3. That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Rev. Edward Bickersteth, for his sermon preached before the society last evening; to the president, vice-patrons, and vice-presidents, and to all those friends who, during the past year, have exerted themselves in its behalf; and that the following gentlemen be appointed the committee for the year ensuing, with power to fill up vacancies. Moved by the Rev. E. Bickersteth; seseconded by Lieutenant-Colonel Phipps -: 4. That this meeting regards the various trials which the society has experienced in its foreign operations, and in the diminution of its pecuniary resources as special calls to increased dependence on the promises of God; and that it thankfully views the steady progress of the work abroad as an encouraging proof of the divine presence and blessing on the society's labours. Moved by the Rev. C. Simeon; seconded by the Hon. and Rev. G. T. Noel : 5. That this meeting desires to remind the members of the society that the times in which we live are such as should excite every member of the church of Christ earnestly to intercede for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, that the church, receiving a full blessing herself, may be made the instrument of an extensive blessing to the world. Receipts of the year £40,751 18s. Od. CONGREGATIONAL UNION. We have much pleasure in apprising our readers generally, that, after very mature deliberation and consultation, a union of the Congregational churches has been at last effected. On Tuesday morning, the 8th of May, and on Friday the 12th of that month, meetings were held at the Congregational Library for the purpose of effecting an object so desirable. The secretaries read a report of the provisional arrangements which had been made preparatory to the said meeting, after which the following basis of union was proposed and adopted. I. That its object is to promote Evangelical religion, in connexion with the Congregational Denomination. II. To cultivate brotherly affection and sincere co-operation in every thing relating to the interests of the associated churches. III. To establish fraternal correspondence with Congregational churches, and other bodies of Christians throughout the world. IV. To address an annual or occasional letter to the associated churches, accompanied with such information as may be deemed necessary. V. To obtain accurate statistical information relative to the Congregational churches throughout the kingdom and the world at large. VI. To inquire into the present methods of collecting funds for the erection of places of worship, and to consider the practicability of introducing any improved plan. VII. To assist in maintaining and enlarging the civil rights of Protestant Dis senters. For the purpose of accomplishing these objects, and the general interests of the union, it was agreed that an annual meeting shall be held, consisting, if practicable, of an equal number of ministers and laymen, and that each association throughout the country may appoint such a number of representatives as it may deem necessary; that the annual meeting shall be held in London, or such other town or city as may, from time to time, be appointed; and that at the annual meetings of the delegates, every minister and officer connected with any association united in the general body shall be eligible to attend and vote. purpose It was further agreed that, for the of defraying the necessary expense of printing, postage, committee meetings, &c., connected with the business of the union, it is recommended that the churches united should severally send an annual contribution, to be transmitted on or before the first day of May, in every year, to the official persons connected with their respective associations, and by them remitted, before every general meet. ing in every year, to the treasurer of the union. tlemen, resident in London, with power to add to their numbers; viz. the Rev. Dr. Bennett, the Rev. Dr. H. F. Burder, the Rev. Dr. Fletcher, the Rev. John Clayton, M. A., the Rev. John Burnett, the Rev. W. S. Palmer, Thomas Wilson, Esq., Dr. J. B. Brown, Mr. Challis, Mr. Coombs, Mr. Morley, Mr. Coles, Mr. Jackson, Mr. W. C. Wright; and the following gentlemen are the officers of the Union for the same period; Mr. Benjamin Hanbury, treasurer, the Rev. Arthur Tidman, the Rev. Joseph Turnbull, A. B., and Joshua Wilson, Esq., secretaries. LONDON SOCIETY FOR FEMALE SERVANTS. The Report read at the nineteenth anniversary of this useful institution (of which the Lord Mayor is president) states, that during the past year, seventy-seven Bibles and £570 13s. 6d. have been given in 385 rewards to the servants of subscribers. Since the commencement of the society £6507 7s. and 1459 Bibles have been given to servants in 5154 rewards. The Bible is in truth "a servant's directory;" it inculcates contentment in the station in which God has placed us, though it be comparatively humble. It is a book for all, and graciously intended of God for the good of all. The society gives annual rewards to the servants of subscribers, to induce them to view their employers as friends, and to continue as long as possible in the same service. Subscribers are allowed as many servants on the books for rewards as they subscribe guineas, besides the privilege of resorting to the Society's Registry, 110, Hatton Garden, for servants free of expense. ON A SEASON OF THANKSGIVING. SIR, It is not long ago that the Christian public was most seasonably and seriously addressed on the duty of prayer and fasting. A heavy judgment was hanging over our guilty land, and had already begun the work of destruction in our borders. The panic prevailed in all directions; and such was the alarm that our national interests were for the time materially affected. At length the desire of many hearts was granted, and a day was set apart to confess our personal and public offences before God, and to implore, as with one voice, the divine clemency. It was a season of remarkable seriousness. There were few who did not outwardly respect the appointment. Our churches and chapels were thronged, and business was permitted to give place to devotion. What has been the issue? Shall we not acknowledge that God has dealt graciously with us, that he has turned away the fierceness of his anger, and in the midst of wrath remembered mercy? Surely then such an 2 A instance of the divine goodness and forbearance deserves especial and public commemoration. Shall we not be chargeable with ingratitude and inconsistency if we are not as ready to praise God as we were to implore his blessings? Days of thanksgiving are as scriptural and as profitable as days of humiliation and prayer; and if it is not thought possible or expedient to encroach so far on the ordinary business of life as to consecrate a lengthened period to this exercise, may not some evening in the week be fixed upon for our different congregations to assemble and openly to present with their respective pastors a tribute of gratitude and praise? Other reasons might be urged for this. We have still to desire a sanctified use of this alarming visitation; and if we have found the efficacy of prayer on our own land, we should become the more earnest in our intercessions for others. Must we not feel, and deeply feel, for those who are now smitten with that very pestilence which has so lightly afflicted us? and whilst we recognize, in this spreading evil, the consequence of sin and the display of divine indignation, shall we not beseech the great arbiter of life and death to render this event effectual to silence infidelity and subdue corruption where vice and impiety have so fearfully prevailed? The Bible abounds in invitations to thanksgiving, and contains some illustrious examples of gratitude for benefits received. In the narrative of the ten lepers who were cleansed, we read of one only who returned to give thanks unto God. Where were the nine? Wholly insensible perhaps to the blessings they had received. Referring them to second causes rather than to God, or perhaps abusing the return of health and strength to provoke additional displays of the divine displeasure. In the 20th chapter of the 2nd of Chronicles we have an account of a solemn fast proclaimed by Jehoshaphat; and at the close of the same chapter, after God had answered the prayer of the people, and given them signal success, we read that they re-assembled in the valley of Berachah expressly to bless the Lord. We can scarcely imagine, however, that these citations are necessary; and we venture to hope that it will not be long before the subject is taken into earnest and effectual consideration. HOMERTON COLLEGE. The annual meeting of the subscribers and friends of this institution will be holden at the College, on Thursday, the 28th of June, at ten in the forenoon; after which the public examination of the students will take place. The anniversary of this Institution will be held (D. v.) on Wednesday, the 27th of June, at the Academy-House, Exeter, at 9 o'clock, A. M., when the subscribers and friends of the Institution are urgently requested to attend. There will be a public meeting in the evening. The examination of the students, by a committee appointed for that purpose, will take place on the preceding Tuesday, commencing precisely at 11 o'clock. The examination will of course be open to all subscribers, and it is hoped that as many as possible will attend. The Independent Chapel, Milbourne Port, Somersetshire, was re-opened on the 16th of November last, after a considerable enlargement. The Rev. Thomas Evans, of Shaftesbury, and the Rev. John Jukes, of Yeovil, preached on the occasion. Since the enlargement, the number of hearers has increased, and the cause has greatly improved. NEW INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, HOUNSLOW. The Rev. T. Atkinson, late of Halstead, and formerly of Homerton College, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church and congregation assembling in the New Chapel, Hounslow, and commenced his stated ministry in that place on the first Sabbath in May. ORDINATIONS. On Thursday, April 5th, the Rev. Joseph Sortain, of Trinity College, Dublin, was ordained to the pastoral charge of the church and congregation assembling at the late Countess of Huntingdon's chapel, Brighton. The Rev. James Trego, of London-road Chapel, commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. William Hodson, of Zion Chapel, London, delivered a succinct and Scriptural introductory discourse, and asked the usual questions, which, on behalf of the people, were answered by Henry Brooker, Esq. The Rev. John Finley, of Tonbridge Wells, offered the ordination-prayer. The charge was given by the Rev. James Sherman, of Reading, in a manner the most impressive and affectionate, from 1 Tim. iv. 16; and the Rev. J. N. Goulty, of Union Chapel, concluded. In the evening, after a prayer by the Rev. John Edwards, of Hanover Chapel, a very forcible and appropriate sermon to the church and congregation was preached, by the Rev. G. Clayton, of Walworth, from Deut. i. 38; and the Rev. John Harris, of Epsom, closed the solemn and ever-memorable services of the day. The hymns were given out by the Rev. Messrs. Owen, Lambert, and Soale. We understand that, agreeably with the urgent request of the ministers and congregation, the services will be published. On Tuesday, the 24th of April, the Rev. H. Wingar, formerly a student at Highbury College, was publicly recognized as the pastor of the Independent Church at Roxton, Beds. The Rev. R. Cecil, of Surrey, commenced the services of the day by reading and prayer; the Rev. R. Halley delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. S. Hillyard, of Bedford, offered up the ordination-prayer; the Rev. H. F. Burder, D. D., gave the charge, from 1 Tim. iv. 15, 16; and the Rev. T. Middleditch, of Biggleswade (Baptist), concluded with prayer. In the evening, the Rev. J. K. Holland, of St. Ives, began with prayer; the Rev. T. Morell, Theological Tutor of Wymondley Academy, addressed the people from Acts xii. 5; and the Rev. Mr. Miall, of St. Neots, closed the services of the day with prayer. On Wednesday, May 2nd, the Rev. John Robertson, late of Airedale Academy, was ordained to the pastoral charge of the Independent church at Selby, Yorkshire. The Rev. I. Wilkinson, of Howden, commenced the services; the Rev. Thomas Scales, of Leeds, delivered the introductory discourse, and proposed the usual questions; the Rev. James Jackson, of Green Hammerton, offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. R. W. Hamilton, of Leeds, delivered the charge to the minister; and the Rev. James Parsons, of York, preached to the people. Although the day was very unfavourable, the attendance was numerous; and the services produced an impression which it is hoped will be long remembered, and abundantly useful. FOREIGN. LETTER FROM AMERICA. To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine. Surrey Chapel, April 12, 1832. DEAR SIR, The accompanying letter was given to me the other day by Josiah Marshall, Esq., a gentleman from America; it was written by one that was formerly an attendant at Surrey Chapel. We have heard much of late of the gracious out-pouring of the Spirit of God in that happy land. Why are we not more in earnest for the like manifestations of a divine power amongst ourselves? I think this letter will be judged a rich specimen of what the grace and power of God can do upon the heart; and as such may not be unworthy a place in one of the numbers of your magazine. Yours, sincerely, ROWLAND HILL. P.S-If the letter from a young clergyman to an old man be not printed, I shall thank you to return it. [The letter here referred to shall appear in some future number.-ED.] Auburn, North America, Sept. 4, 1831. DEAR BROTHER AND SISTER, Feeling as I do on the confines of eternity, and every moment getting nearer and nearer unto it; lying on the very brink of the river of death, and viewing the stream gliding swiftly by me; waiting and looking out for the coming of the Son of Man; as the end of my pilgrimage appears more distinctly in view, I long to be holy that I may see him as he is, and be with him, whom my soul loveth. I am anxiously waiting for his appearing, that I may get down at his feet, and begin my happy employment to bless him to eternity. I feel ready and willing to quit my hold of all those things that have occupied me in the world, and am anticipating a thrill of unknown joy, when I shall distinctly perceive the prints in his hands, and shall begin to join the general assembly, singing, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. I am yet a living witness that to them that believe he is precious. How often, in the wilderness, since I came out of Egypt about forty years ago, has he satiated my soul with his goodness! How often, under a deep sense of my guilt and pollution, and while filled with shame and remorse, have I been overwhelmed and captivated with some view of the most precious Redeemer; or by some sweet word of his promise been encouraged to trust in him! I could not do other than come to him weeping for joy, knowing, experimently, that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins. Dear brother and sister Marshall, oh, how shall I speak of his kindness, during the last eight months, when he gave me a true token that I should soon see him in the light of eternity; he has surely kept some of his best wine to the last! Oh, how he makes it sweetly light at eveningtide, and gives me a relish and an appetite for spiritual provision, of which I had very inadequate ideas while coming through the wilderness! Sometimes I look over the river and listen to their song, and humbly endeavour to join them and imbibe their spirit. I stretch my eye to the place where his honour dwelleth, and long to mingle in their employment. I range among and view the amazing perfections of God, sometimes one and sometimes another; and, while looking, I can distinctly perceive the glory of the Most High expanding and looking greater in my eye than I ever saw it before. His separate perfections mingle their glories until I, sweetly bewildered, cry, "Who is a God like unto thee!" Oh, the height, oh, the depth of the amazing glory! Who would not fear, who would not love thee! Surely, I never before, as I have done lately, have seen that, over all his other glories, his sweet purity casts a divine radiance that illumines and enlivens the worlds of light, and fills every inhabitant with the deepest awe-the most profound reverence; and, while I am in mediation on this subject, before ever I am aware, I feel myself less than nothing and vanity; I long to get down at his feet, I cannot get down low enough. Oh, it is sweet to lie low before God, and I do lament I cannot feel humble! I look around me and discover the millions of the redeemed on their faces before the throne. Oh, to join them! Indeed, I think this is one of the happiest spots I ever saw; I feel myself to have arrived on the very banks of Jordan; the world withers and fades away from my view; the things of eternity come near, feel real, and are quite substantial in my eye; the glory of God every thing, myself nothinghis will delightful to me, my own seems lost-I feel sometimes as if I had none. It is a matter of indifference to me whether he comes at midnight or in the morning watch-whether all alone, or in the midst of my family. I sometimes look up and wishfully say, "How long, Lord, how long?" but generally check myself, saying, "All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come. My mind has been remarkably clear; there, surely, is a clearness of vision in those that lie right on the river side, that they that live far back in the wilderness can have no conception of. You know it is said, “He that believeth shall not make haste;" I sit down and calmly look around me, I deliberately look at the ground I have trod, and look at the motives of my heart, as I have come on my journey, and am convinced, and am certain, if the Lord deals with me according to my deserts, I sink to hell, and all heaven and hell, and myself must approve the sentence; but, oh, glory for ever be on his head that was separated from his brethren, I am not now left to inquire, what shall I do to be saved? When I was about twenty years of age, through grace, I believe I honestly repented of sin, and fled to Jesus, and found him all and in all to my soul; and now, through grace, when I am sixty, I hope I honestly repent of sin and flee to Jesus, and have no refuge beside, and, under a view of my unprofitable-my waste life, I cling closer to the most precious, and say, "O precious blood of sprinkling! O wondrous fountain, opened for sin and uncleanness!" and without which, after all, I should beund one. I rejoice that report says you are a working Christian-may the Most High keep you in the way, and he will do it, if you are kept humble and dependent upon him. Oh, seek not great things for thyself in this world; but let your eye, and your heart, and your treasure, be above, and the Lord will make you a blessing! Oh, cease from man whose breath is in his nostrils, for wherein is he to be accounted of! Oh, it is the sweetest life in the world to live as seeing him who is invisible, to act as in his presence, and to feel what we do, is approved of by him! Oh, for more of this honest, simple-hearted, communion with him! Oh, what shall I do, my dear brother and sister, as I am stepping into the river, unless I can get a firm hold of the most precious; but he said, "Fear not to go down, for I will be with thee!" And he has almost assured me, as I pass over, the enemy shall be still as a stone; but I do not know it is my business to trouble myself about the mode of my death -for surely the sting is gone; and I, base wretch as I am, will shortly lift up my head with joy, when the day of my redemption is come. Oh, I promise myself I will shout hallelujah! And now that the world is |