Imatges de pàgina
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tracts.

March, 1839, 3650 ships and other vessels have been visited or revisited in the London river and docks; that, of 943 commanders of vessels spoken with particularly, 725 entirely neglect the duty of prayer with their men when the Sabbath is spent at sea; that, during the same period, 1590 books of common prayer, and 200 books of family prayers, taken from the Liturgy, in English; also 15 books of a selection of prayers from the Liturgy, in German and Spanish; and 6 whole books, and 15 books of select homilies, have been purchased by the sailors at reduced prices; also, that 696 books of select homilies in English, 20 dit:o in French, and about 500 homily tracts, have been distributed gratuitously on board the ships visited. In addition to which, by aid of a donation from a kind lady, the following gratuitous supply of books was left on board the ship Buckinghamshire, for the express use of emigrants on board, bound to South Australianamely, 4 prayer-books, 25 books of family prayers in large type, 14 books of select homilies, and 50 homily Other emigrant- ships have likewise been supplied with books. The grand total of vessels visited or revisited in the London river and docks, and at Gravesend, by this society's agents, and of books sold at reduced prices, or distributed gratuitously, may usefully be reported on the present occasion; and, it is hoped, will shew the importance of this part of the society's labours, and its claims on Christian liberality, for aid to pursue its work not only in the London river, but in every sea-port and canal station in England, where agents may be found to carry forward its labours, not only by supplying our maritime population with the formularies of our Church, but also by calling their particular attention to a proper use of them. From May 1824, to 31st March, 1839, there have been 27,960 ships and other vessels visited or revisited in the London river and Gravesend only. During the same period, the sailors and boatmen have purchased, at reduced prices, of this society's agents, 16,040 prayer-books, 200 books of family prayers, taken from the Liturgy, and 217 books of homilies. There have also been distributed gratuitously, during the above-named period, 13,910 books of select homilies, for the use of seamen, on board their ships.

Issue of Books.-During the past year there have been issued as follows:-Prayer-books, psalters, and books of homilies, bound, 23,040; homilies, festival services, and articles of religion, 87,787; also, collects, catechisms, baptismal service, family prayer-books, service for consecration of churches, and forms of prayer used in both houses of parliament, 32,308; making a grand total issue, from the commencement of the society, of 365,972 bound books, and of tracts 2,336,737.

Funds. It is with feelings of pleasure that your committee announce an increase of nearly 1004. in the receipts

CHURCH PASTORAL-AID SOCIETY.

The following are some general results, in a tabular form, from the Report for 1839, page 102.

.

Derbyshire, 9; and Staffordshire, 15

Lancashire, 36; and Cheshire, 11.

Cornwall, 2; Devon, 6; and Dorset, 1
Gloucestershire, 4; and Somersetshire, 6

Kent, 2; Sussex, 1; Surrey, 7; and Hants, 5

Norfolk, 4; Suffolk, 2; and Cambridge, 1 ...
Nottinghamshire, 1; Leicestershire, 1; and Northamptonshire, 2
Herefordshire, 2; Shropshire, 1; Worcestershire, 2; and Warwickshire, 5

Buckinghamshire, 2; Bedfordshire, 1: Middlesex, 10; and Essex, 1

Isle of Man

Wales, North, 1; and South, 12

Yorkshire
Northumberland, 1; Durham, 1; Cumberland, 2; and Westmorland, 1

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of the society during the past year. The total amount of GONENGON
moneys received is 25237. 16s. 9d. Still the liabilities of
Your ses are very, very heavy, and they most earnestly
and affectionately appeal to their friends and to the re-
ligious public, and to all lovers of our venerated Church,
to come forward to extricate them from their difficulties.
If principles subversive of truth are being widely dis-
seminated on the right hand and on the left, then, if sup-
port be given to that society which circulates exclusively
the formularies and standard works of that Church, to
whose authority we profess, as Churchmen, to bow, as far
as she bows to the authority of Christ, it cannot but follow,
that in proportion to men's acquaintance with the Scrip-
tural expositions of our Church, concerning doctrines,
ceremonies, and practice, will be their attachment to our
venerable establishment, and their conformity to her prin-
ciples: thus we shall see the maxims of order, truth, and
holiness, disseminated throughout the length and breadth
of the land, and we shall behold the Church of England,gdongMtN∞
that blessing to our country in particular, to Protestantism
and true religion generally, and to the world at large,
which, as a Church founded on the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, it is
intended she should be, and which she is capable of be-
coming, and which her extended dominion and commercial
intercourse throughout all parts of the world appear to
point her out as the instrument destined by Providence to
become.

COUNTIES.

Number of Incum

bents aided.

Population under their charge.

Number of Churches

and Chapels.

Number of Persons

accommodation for.

Number of

officiating Clergy.

Additional Curates.

Additional Lay
Assistants.

Miscellaneous.+

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Statistics of Parishes, &c. before aid.

Objects and results ofaid, beside pastoral visitation, &e,

respect of their regular charge, grants have been made for five Beyond the foregoing grants to incumbents of parishes in clergymen to be employed in charge of railway-labourers.

A lay-assistant is simply to be employed as a district visitor and tract distributor, and by no means as a public instructor or preacher.→→ See Circular to Applicants for Aid, p. 106.

+ This column includes grants for clergymen to give up tuition, and be wholly devoted to the work of the ministry; towards main

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"The aggregate amount of contributions received during the past year is 17,504. 19s. 2d., being a decrease of 1,5497. 9s. 6d., as compared with the receipts of the preceding year. Your committee have, however, to state, that of this decrease, the sum of 9997. 19s. 11d. occurs under the head of the Jerusalem Church and Mission account, leaving only a deficiency of 5461. 9s. 7d. in the amount contributed to your general objects; and when they add, that there is a diminution of 8571. 6s. 3d. under the head of legacies, you will rejoice to perceive that there is an actual increase of 3107. 16s. 8d. from the aggregate sources of your income for the ordinary purposes of your society. The contributions from auxiliary societies exceed those of the past year by the sum of 6551. 4s. 6d., a most gratifying indication of the progress of your society. Of the gross amount mentioned, the sum of 16,275l. 17s. 8d. was contributed to the society's general fund; and 1,2297. 1s. 6d. to the Hebrew Church and Mission at Jerusalem, and objects connected therewith. In referring to the contributions received from Ireland, your committee are happy to state, that they have amounted to the sum of 1,4671. 13s. 9d., applicable to the general purposes of your society; and 81. 14s. 11d. in aid of the fund for the Hebrew Church and Mission at Jerusalem; making a total of 1,5311. 8s. 8d., exhibiting an increase of 581. 3s. 8d. over the remittances from your Irish auxiliaries during the preceding year. Your committee have in hand, to carry on the work of the society, the sum of 4,000l., vested in exchequer bills, and 1,2897. 14s. 3d. in the hands of the treasurer, on account of the society's general designs; and further, on account of the Jerusalem Church and Mission, they have 7001. in exchequer bills, and 8931. 14s. 10d. in the hands of the treasurer. In estimating the progress of the Jewish cause, your committee cannot leave out of the question the decided increase of contributions on various local appeals which have arisen out of the success of your labours. The real advancement of the cause of your society can only be based upon enlarged views of the place which the destinies of Israel occupy in the purposes of God as revealed in holy Scripture; and to the gradual diffusion of such views, your committee can confidently trace the past increase of exertions; whilst from the same cause, under the Divine blessing, they expect a growing addition to their means of usefulness. It has not been by any extraordinary excitement, or by means of any extended agency, that your cause has gained ground; but simply through a growing conviction on the minds, both of clergy and people, that it is the cause of God's truth. The clergy in their respective parishes have been its chief promoters; they have called the attention of their people to the promises of God to his people Israel, and to their scriptural claims on Gentile Christians; and have then recognised in your society the best means of discharging a portion of their obligations to that people. Your committee regard this method of promoting their object as being at once most effective and most conformable to the order of the Church of England. They desire to see the great principles which they advocate adopted by the national clergy upon the basis of the Word of God, as that which is most calculated to secure efficiency to your labours, and to bring down a blessing upon the Church established in this land, even the blessing of Him who said, Blessed is he that blesseth thee.' Your own agency is needed in diffusing that information which is necessary as to your plans and proceedings, and in responding to the calls now made from all parts of the kingdom for detailed statements of your operations, of the condition of the Jews, and of the results of your past labours; and whilst your committee have to acknowledge with thankfulness the valuable assistance that has been rendered in this department of labour by several clergymen, they look to Him who has all hearts at his disposal, to raise up more tenance of clergymen for churches built, but unable to be opened for want of endowment, or sufficient means of support for the minister; and towards the erection or purchase of chapels, and the fitting-up of school-rooms, &c. to be used as chapels.

labourers in this work, deeply imbued with a knowledge of Divine truth on the subject of the Jews, and able to instruct the Church in the knowledge of that great mystery respecting the state and prospects of this people, concerning which God himself would not have us to be ignorant. It has been the desire of your committee, and is still their persevering endeavour, to carry out their designs, and to esta blish their missions as much as possible in strict subordination to the doctrine and discipline of the Church to which they belong. As ministers or members of that Church, your missionaries, whilst they abstain from all interference with foreign churches, incur less danger of being mixed up in the disputes which agitate them. The ministrations and liturgy of our Church are peculiarly suited to the minds and habits of the Jews; and the establishment of a regular Hebrew service, first in your episcopal chapel in London, subsequently at Liverpool, and more recently at Jerusa lem, has led your committee to anticipate the period when it can be introduced at all your chief missionary stations. Your principal missionaries at Jerusalem, Tunis, and Constantinople, were all ordained to their respective stations by the Bishop of London, under whose episcopal authority they still continue. Your committee earnestly trust, that the day is not far distant when, by God's blessing, your missions to the Jews shall be so far recognised in their scriptural object, in their wise and regular administration, and in their evidently beneficial results, as to enjoy the countenance and the approving patronage of the bishops of our Church. They believe that such an event would be a means of giving increased efficiency to the labours of your society, and of bringing a blessing upon the Church we love. Nor can they hear of the recent measure adopted by the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, of sending a deputation to investigate the state of the Jews in Europe, and along the shores of the Mediterranean, preparatory to further exertions, without indulging a hope that the Church of England may be permitted to stand foremost in this holy cause, and with one united voice to say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh!' In closing their re

port, your committee would recall your attention for a few moments to the consideration of the general results of your past labours under the blessing of Almighty God. To consider a particular mission in its immediate effect, may appear sometimes discouraging; but when we review the past, and survey the general results of the whole, it excites astonishment and thankfulness. Your committee, therefore, venture to report some statements which have been previously made, but which will come before you with growing evidence of their truth and importance. The increasing acquaintance with the Word of God, the growing desire for the Scriptures, which has urged influential Israelites recently to publish editions and translations of their own, and widely spreading knowledge of Christian doctrines, and the animated discussions now carried on amongst this people, are becoming matter of general notoriety. Numerous conversions also attest that the Gospel is not preached, nor the Word of God distributed, in vain. The baptismal register of the Episcopal Jews' Chapel contains a list of two hundred and seventy-nine individuals of the Jewish nation received into the Church of Christ by baptism, 190 having been baptised in the chapel, and seventy-nine previously to its having been opened for divine service. Of the whole number, ninety-six were baptised as adults, and the rest as children. Besides these, many Israelites have been baptised in different parts of the kingdom, of whom we have no accurate account. There are now, at least, eight clergymen of the Church of England who are of the Hebrew nation; and twenty-three of the missionaries and agents of the society are converts from Judaism. Dr. Tholuck, an eminent professor in the Prussian university of Halle, has stated with reference to the continent, that it is undoubted matter of fact that more proselytes have been made during the last twenty years, than since the first ages of the Church. Not only in Germany, but also in Poland, there has been the most astonishing success; and he bears testimony to what has come under his own observation in the capital of Silesia, his native place, where many conversions have taken place. In the University of Breslaw there are three professors who were formerly Israelites,-a professor of

philology, a professor of chemistry, and a professor of philosophy; there is, besides, a clergyman who professes the Gospel, and he was a Jew. In Halle there are no less than five professors formerly Jews; one of medicine, one of mathematics, one of law, and two of philology. Some of the Jewish conversions have taken place amongst men of the highest literary attainment; and, amongst others, he mentions Dr. Neander, of Berlin; Dr. Branis, of Breslaw; and Dr. Stahl, of Erlangen. These are all persons of the highest scientific reputation, and now faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. The city of Berlin is said to number upwards of 700 resident baptised Jews, many of whom are known to be truly converted; and the Rev. Mr. Kuntze alone, who has always taken such a lively interest in the cause of Israel, stated three years ago that he had himself baptised eighty Jews. The Rev. W. Ayerst baptised forty adults at Berlin in less than three years; and the records of the Protestant Consistory attest that 326 were baptised in eight years. It is well known that your missionaries are not usually called to baptise converts. This is the proper work of the local clergy; and in the authentic registers preserved by them in some districts of the continent, your committee discern a striking evidence of the Divine blessing. They are not of course acquainted with all the individuals referred to in these statements; but they lay before you the documentary evidence they contain, as of the most important and interesting nature. The Royal Consistory of Silesia state that, from 1820 to 1834, no fewer than 347 individuals of the Jewish nation were baptised in the Protestant communion; and 108 in that of the Roman Catholics, making a total of 455 in fifteen years. In 1835, thirty Israelites were baptised, and twenty-seven in 1836, of whom only three were baptised in the Romish communion. In 1837, the number of baptisms was forty-three. A similar official statement from Königsberg, gives a total of 234 baptisms in twenty-four years; of which 217 are in the Protestant Church, and seventeen among the Roman Catholics. In 1836, thirty-nine were baptised, only one being in the Romish communion; and in 1827, there were twenty-two, all in the Protestant communion. In the whole Prussian dominions, 1888 Israelites were baptised in fifteen years. The missionaries at Warsaw have furnished a list of 130 persons baptised by themselves. Your committee are expecting to receive official statements of this kind from several other places; and they ask, Is there not abundant evidence that a blessing rests on the work of the society? They are prepared to expect difficulties, but they desire to go forward in humble reliance on Divine grace. They are urged on by every motive of gratitude, justice, and humanity; they are encouraged by the sure word of prophecy- All Israel shall be saved;' and they are sustained by the promise-They shall prosper that love thee.'"

NEWFOUNDLAND AND BRITISH NORTH AMERICA SOCIETY FOR EDUCATING THE POOR.

In adverting to their home proceedings for the last year, the committee feel there is cause both to thank God and take courage. During the year new associations have been formed at Clapham, Preston, Newcastle, Shrewsbury, and Kendal, which places, with several others, were visited by Mr. S. Codner, to whom the committee desire to express their sincere thanks for his zealous labours on behalf of the society. Many of the old associations have made larger remittances to the parent society, more especially the ladies' associations in and near the metropolis. To them the thanks of the committee are eminently due; and it is hoped that not only may they be still increased, but similar ones may be formed in other parts, both in London and in the country. The committee have much pleasure in acknowledging the following various grants-From the British and Foreign Bible Society, 3,000 copies of the Scriptures; from the Religious Tract Society, tracts and books to the amount of 801.; from the Sunday-school Society, school-books to the amount of 271. 1s.; and homilies to the amount of 51. from the Prayer-book and Homily Society. Several other grants of religious books have been received from private individuals; and the committee would take this opportunity again to notice, that such gifts are extremely valuable for the use of the loan-libraries more especially,

and for reading to the people. The remittances for the past year from donations, subscriptions, and associations, have amounted to 2,0481. 7s. 2d., being an increase of 3611. 7s. 7d. In addition to this, in answer to an appeal which the committee sent forth, the sum of 6741. 38. was raised for the specific purpose of repairing, enlarging, and erecting school-houses in Newfoundland. The contributions in Newfoundland, including 3004, the grant of the local legislature, and part purchase-money of the Central School-house, amount to 1,055. 6s. reduced to sterling money. The entire receipts, therefore, of the society available for its current expenses (exclusive of 6741. 3s. the building-fund) have amounted to 3,1031. 13s. 2d. The payments during the same period have amounted to 3,4751. Os. 11d., leaving a balance due to the treasurer of 3711. 7s. 9d.; and the committee deem it necessary to add, that relying with full confidence on increased support, their expenditure this year, in consequence of the society's extension to Canada, will considerably exceed what it has hitherto been. They have elected four additional teachers, two of whom, with the superintendent, are on the eve of proceeding to Canada. Consequent upon this step, the entire liabilities of the society cannot he estimated at less than 3,000l. for the current year, exclusive of the amount raised in the Colonies. But surely the society will not be crippled in its energies, or suffered to close a single school for the want of a sum so trivial, when the necessities and claims of our colonial fellow-subjects are considered, the blessings and advantages which the society offers, and the privileges and responsibilities of Christians at home. Let the condition of Newfoundland be deeply pondered. Well nigh half the island already Roman Catholics, and vast numbers, deprived of Protestant instruction, gone over to popery; the large majority of its churches closed for want of pastors; hundreds amongst its population who never see a minister of Christ; and whole districts without a school or a teacher-too poor and too unconcerned to provide for themselves; while immortal souls, whose value no created mind can estimate, are passing into eternity, none caring for them. Nor scarcely less appalling is the condition of thousands of our fellow-subjects in the Canadas, a name the very mention of which carries with it an irresistible argument for the necessity of the inculcation of moral and religious truth to the rising generation; the Canadas, into which every year is pouring forth its thousands, for whose spiritual necessities no adequate provision is made. Surely the time is not far distant when a Christian and Protestant government will acknowledge its highest and paramount duty to be to provide for the moral and spiritual well-being of all its dependencies. A religiously educated people is the stability and glory of a nation. Let the Bible be taught, and the fabric of the commonwealth is secure; let that be neglected, and it may soon be said, England was the first of the nations; but her latter end shall be that she perish for ever. your committee would strongly urge the duty and responsibility which devolve upon individual Christians. "Am I my brother's keeper?" is the voice of selfishness and sin. Freely ye have received, freely give," is the language of Christian benevolence. The society needs but to be more known and more examined to receive its due portion of support in this day of Christian philanthropy and benevolence. Its simple object is to furnish an education on a well-organised plan, according to the principles of the Bible and the religious institutions of our country. Any other system it believes to be defective, as it deals not with man's moral disease, and therefore is alike unfitted to form a just and righteous character on earth, or prepare for a happy eternity in heaven. The society, then, looks with confidence to the advocates of a Bible education in this day, when attempts are making to separate the instruction of youth from the direct superintendence of Christianity. Let it be remembered, as regards the field of its operations, there is no general system of a religious education furnished; the clergymen are too few and too scattered to establish or superintend schools; while your society offers, after being tried and approved for sixteen years, to supply this deficiency. Shall it be supported, or shall it resign the children of the destitute settlers in our North American colonies either on the one hand to ignor

66

But

ance and irreligion, or, on the other hand, to an instruction which, by representing all opinions as unimportant, must go far to sap the doctrine of man's responsibility.

SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IN
FOREIGN PARTS.

Letter from the Bishop of Nova Scotia.

109 Piccadilly, Sept. 4, 1839. Rev. and dear Sir,-I have much pleasure in sending you another report of a gratifying visit on behalf of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. It was made to Huntingdonshire and Essex, whence I have lately returned—having been most kindly received as a representative of the society at Huntingdon, St. Ives, and Braintree, where public meetings were very respectably attended; and having preached for the society in the two churches at Huntingdon, and also at St. Ives, and St. Neots. The collections at all these places exceeded the expectations of those who seemed best acquainted with them. But there is every reason to believe, with thankfulness, that the benefit will extend far beyond the immediate assistance which has been thus procured for the society. The feelings and the exertions of the clergy are above all praise, and these are now extending to the lay members of the Church, in the most gratifying manner. A growing conviction is pervading the whole body of the Church, that it is the bounden duty of her members to carry out the richest blessing which they enjoy at home, the possession of a pure and holy faith in the Redeemer of the world, to every member of the flock, wherever dispersed, and to be active agents in the holy work of making known the way of God throughout every portion of the world. Indeed, there is a strong and growing persuasion that the very extraordinary facilities which the wealth, and power, and dominion, and commerce, and enterprise of this favoured nation afford for the performance of this work, create extraordinary responsibility in those who are so highly distinguished and while a solemn duty is thus imposed, the privilege which is mingled with that duty appears to be rightly seen and felt. If God, in his mercy, shall bless the extension of such views and feelings among all the members of the Church, the great objects of the society, or rather the great objects of the Church, (for she must be the distinguished missionary, under the Divine head) will be effectually obtained; and the progress of a knowledge of the saving health which has been revealed from heaven, will soon be manifested, with abundant blessing, in the north and in the south, in the east and in the west, in every

colony and in every clime. Several of the places at which our meetings have been held with the most gratifying encouragement, have hitherto been considered, from particular circumstances, as unfavourable scenes for such efforts. But the zeal of the clergy has disregarded these circumstances; they have made the attempt in a becoming spirit of faith and humility, and hope and love; and the result has exceeded their expectations, and crowned their pious wishes. This fact is important, because it may well encourage similar efforts in other places, where little hope of success has hitherto been entertained. There is evidently a spirit in the Church, and holy feelings among her members, which only require to be called into action by zealous, pious, and judicious exertion; and it is not too much to hope, with humble confidence, that these will be brought into general and permanent effect in every part of the kingdom, in every diocese and ecclesiastical division of the country, until every parish and hamlet has its share in the holy work. It is, therefore, very gratifying to see in the country papers the long lists of places where meetings have been, or are to be held, on behalf of the Church in the colonies, that their religious destitution may be relieved by the efforts of the same Church at home. Parochial associations are forming in numerous places to carry on this good work permanently, and it is felt that every effort to which the members of the Church in this country are thus called, on behalf of the suffering members abroad, facilitates similar exertions for all the important objects of the Church at home. It is the sound feeling of the Church called into active operation, upon sound principle and under Church direction, and looking to that blessing which alone can give it any value. Well, therefore, may we all join in fervent prayer that such feeling and such effort may abound on every side, and be richly blessed by the mercy of our God, and of his Christ. Much remains to be done, but that blessing will make the accomplishment of it easy and delightful.-I remain, rev. and dear sir, your faithful servant,

The Rev. the Secretary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

JOHN NOVA SCOTIA.

Departure of Missionaries.-For Van Dieman's Land: Rev. G. Bateman, M.A., Trin., Camb. For Upper Canada: Rev. R. J. C. Taylor, B.A., Trin., Dublin. For Jamaica: R. Robinson, B.A., Queen's, Oxford.

Appointment of Missionaries.—For Upper Canada: Rev. J. Radcliffe. For Newfoundland: Rev W. Bowman, perp. cur. of Queenborough, to the mission of Ferryland. Mr. J. Vicars, Mr. T. Boone, Mr. G. A. Addison, B.A., Trin., Camb.

Diocesan Entelligence: England and Freland.

CHESTER.

Lancaster. It will be seen that we this week announce the probability of another church being built in Lancaster. It is a startling thing, we dare say, and no doubt many persons will ask the necessity of another church. The necessity is simply this-that we have now a population of 16,000 or 17,000 persons, with church-accommodation for only 4000 or 5000, Skerton Church included; and we may be sure that if we of the Establishment do not build places of worship to meet the wants of an increasing population, the papists, or the dissenters, perhaps both, will. Indeed, with the former it is a favourite device to build upon speculation even. That is the secret of the vast and otherwise unaccountable increase of Romish chapels all the country over. We do not believe, we never have believed, that there has been any increase of Romish worshippers at all commensurate with the astonishing multiplication of chapels which we witness, not only in this county-so unenviably famous for the great proportion of Romanists its population presents, but in almost every part of Great Britain. We should say it was desirable to take a leaf out of the same book in general, but with regard to Lancaster in particular the suggestion does not

apply. Here we have a very large portion of the inhabitants positively unprovided for in respect of church-room. We have said that there is only accommodation for between 4000 and 5000; that includes every class. We doubt whether as many as 500 of the poor are provided for. And besides, we must remember that our population is an increasing one-so much so, that it is supposed by the next census it will not be far off 20,000. Let us remember that the want of church-room has been one great means of augmenting the congregations of other communions; and so remembering, let us omit no opportunity of retrieving the past, and of removing the reproach that certainly clings to us in this particular. Owing to the liberality of certain kind and munificent friends in the town, such an opportunity now presents itself, and, for the character of the place, we anxiously hope it will not be lost.-Lancaster Gazette.

Protestant Operative Association, Liverpool.-An address, of which we subjoin a copy, was lately forwarded from this valuable association to the Archbishop of Canterbury, expressive of their gratitude for his grace's firm and Christian defence of scriptural education; and we now

From the "Liverpool Standard."

present to our readers the reply of his grace, together with the letter of the Rev. J. R. Connor, which accompanied the address :—

"To his Grace the Abp. of Canterbury, and those other lords, spiritual and temporal, who supported his grace's motion, for an address to her majesty, upon the late ministerial proposal for an education grant.

"We, the undersigned members and friends of the Liverpool Protestant Operative Association, desire to express to your lordships our most earnest and heartfelt sense of gratitude for your firm and Christian defence of scriptural education, more especially at a time when the enemies of the pure word of God are making such efforts to break down the barriers which exist between truth and falsehood. The temperate and dignified, but at the same time uncompromising, course which your lordships felt it your duty to pursue in opposing the late attempt to force upon the country (contrary to the wishes of nearly onehalf the House of Commons, and the general sense of the nation as expressed by more than 3000 petitions) a grant for a system of education not only unscriptural in its character, but opposed to the established Church and the Protestant institutions of the land,' demand from the nation at large their most grateful acknowledgments, and for which we first offer our hearty thanks to our heavenly Father for his over-ruling providence to this our native land. We rejoice to have the opportunity of thus expressing our gratitude to his grace, who stood forth as the first prelate of the Church, and to your lordships, both spiritual and temporal, who so faithfully supported him in resisting the encroachments of those opposed to the true principles of Protestantism, which have existed for so many years as the bulwark of the English constitution."

The Rev. J. R. Connor's Letter." My lord archbishop, -at the request of the Protestant Operatives of Liverpool, I have the high honour of enclosing to your grace an address unanimously carried at their last public meeting. "The address has been presented through the medium of the press to the other spiritual and temporal peers who voted with your grace on the motion alluded to; but a special allusion having been made to your grace in the address, as the originator of the motion, the operatives conceive that they are bound to transmit their address to your grace personally. They do it, presuming upon the high and holy feelings ever manifested by your grace for the spiritual welfare of the country, and humbly hoping it will be received as the ebullition of hearts grateful to God, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and to his bishops, the instruments by whom he guards the towers of Zion. It may not be irrelevant to add, that the Liverpool Protestant Operative Association is strictly a religious society, established to support our national Church-the glory of our land. I have the honour to remain, your grace's humble and obedient servant,

"J. R. CONNOR, Chairman, "Minister of St. Simon's, Liverpool." Lambeth, September 5. The Archbishop's Reply." Rev. Sir,-I trust that my absence from home on official duties, which occupied the whole of my time during the last three weeks of August, will plead my excuse for having so long delayed my acknowledgment of your letter, and of the address which accompanied it, from the members and friends of the Liverpool Protestant Operative Association. 1 am exceedingly gratified by the approbation thus expressed of my conduct, and the attachment implied in that approbation to our national Church; and I beg you to assure the parties who have signed the address, that I consider it as an imperative duty to oppose every measure which may have the effect of depriving any portion of the people of that early instruction in the faith and fear of the Lord, which is only to be found in the Scriptures, and to which every child that is born in a Christian country has an undoubted right.—I remain, reverend sir, your humble and obedient servant, "W. CANTERBURY."

DURUAM.

Sons of the Clergy.-The anniversary meeting of the Society of the Sons of the Clergy in the diocese of Durham, and of Hexhamshire in the diocese of York, was held on Thursday last, at the Assembly-rooms in this town, and

from thence the rev. gentlemen present proceeded to St. Nicholas' Church, where a sermon was preached by the Right Rev. E. Maltby, D.D., lord bishop of Durham. The rev. the vicar of Newcastle read prayers; after which the lord bishop delivered a discourse from the 6th chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Galatians, v. 2, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." After discoursing on these words in their application to all cases in which man may convey relief to his fellowcreatures by Christian sympathy, and by the exercise of charity, his lordship referred at length to the society in whose behalf he appeared. This society has subsisted for upwards of a hundred years. It has for its objects the relief of the widows and orphans of those clergymen who have devoted themselves to a profession in which they have been cut off from the power of providing for their families in the ordinary roads to wealth, and after having laboured to maintain the respectability of their office, and promote the interests of religion and virtue, have been obliged in death to leave their families to the care of charity. Of objects of the above description, the society, during the year 1838, aided or supported one infirm clergyman, twenty-eight widows, eight sons, and thirtythree daughters of clergymen deceased; upon the pensions and allowances made to whom, and other casual disbursements, the sum of 9621. 3s. was expended-a sum which could have been enlarged in affording relief to many individuals in real distress, had the amount of the society's funds enabled it to fulfil its wishes. The balance remaining in the hands of the treasurer on the 1st of January this year, was only about 771. Upon the present occasion, the attendance was by no means numerous, the weather being very unfavourable. In the afternoon, upwards of forty of the clergy dined in the Assembly-rooms, when Archdeacon Thorp, presided, being supported by the Rev. Mr. Green, as vice-president.-Newcastle Journal.

ELY.

Bedford. A most satisfactory meeting of the county of Bedford was held Scp. 10, (after a sermon at St. Paul's Church, by the Bishop of Ely), for the benefit of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The collection after the sermon and meeting amounted to nearly 100, independent of annual subscriptions, equal almost to another hundred. The resolutions approving of the objects of the society, and pledging the district of Bedford to further exertions in its behalt, were moved by Lord Charles Russell, Baron Parke, Rev. Dr. Russell, Rev. H. Hayne, Rev. J. H. Brooke Mountain, &c.

LONDON.

Sunday Trading.-It is gratifying to know, that in many parishes in the metropolis, Sunday trading is likely to be discontinued, as it must of course be by all who have any regard to the glory of God, and the welfare of their fellowcreatures. Sep. 6th, most of the tradesmen in the parish of St. Clement Danes posted notices in their shops, that no business would in future be done on Sundays. Similar arrangements are being made in the parishes of St. Ann, Soho, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Other parishes are following the example.

King's College Hospital.-The Rev. J. H. Fisk, of Norwich, has presented the munificent donation of 1000l. to the funds of this institution. Every one who wishes to see education conducted on sound and religious principles, must rejoice at the success which this institution is receiving. It is intended to supply a defect which, it must be admitted, did exist in the Medical School at King's College, and which it is to be feared debarred many from availing themselves of the advantages which that institution affords to students in all its departments. At all times, but most especially at the present, a collegiate establishment in which pure and orthodox religion is interwoven, with all its educational advantages, is deserving of support, and it is to be hoped that the noble example of Mr. Fisk will meet with many imitators.Conservative Journal,

RIPON.

Bowling. The Bowling Iron-Works Company, near Bradford, have given a munificent donation of 40004

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