and still attended to with seriousness, in the citadel of Valenciennes. Yours, &c.

W. E. Citadel of Valenciennes, June 19, 1809.

My dear Mother,

WE have, by the distinguishing providence of God, an excellent minister of the gospel here, viz. Mr. Jer. Cowell, who was brought up under the ministry of Dr. Rippon, in London; and he has been the instrument, through the blessing of divine grace, of bringing me, in some measure, to see my wretched situation; and I hope the God of all grace will enable me to praise him for his unbounded goodness, and that he will teach me how to approve my gratitude to him. -I will trust him for the help of his preserving grace, while I thank him for bringing me to this place, to release me from the bondage and slavery of sin and Satan. Not that I doubt but his sovereign grace could have effected this wonderful change elsewhere; yet thus it hath pleased him to act with me, and, blessed be his name, not with me only, but with several others who are living witnesses of the abundant mercy of God in Christ Jesus. The number of prisoners at this place is 1500, of whom 70 are under the immediate care and direction of Mr. Cowell. Thus, you see, my dear mother, that we have the blessed sound of the Gospel in an enemy's country, and within the walls of a prison! Happy and glorious privilege! O may we all know how to value this blessjng! Dear mother,

Your affectionate son,
W. T.'

To Mrs. T. Leeds.

THE last time I was with ..... in London, he made me beastly drunk; and pretty fools we both were, I dare say! Well, I hope I shall no more be caught in such snares as these.

I have been

joined to a society of Christians nearly 18 months; therefore it is time to put off the unfruitful works of darkness, and awake out of sleep, that Christ may give me light. But, I suppose, you will say I have turned Methodist at last; and truly I have taken another method; that is, to serve God instead of the Devil, whose willing servant I too long have been. You will then say, I am no longer any company for my old jovial companions: true, for what communion hath light with darkness? Christ with Belial-or, he that believeth with an infidel? Therefore, come out from among them, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you and ye shall be my sons,' saith the Lord almighty. But to put you out of all suspense, I do not belong to that sect of Arminians, commonly called Methodists, though I believe all are called Methodists who live up to what they profess; which I am afraid few of us do. We have two societies in this place; one of Arminians, and ours; we profess to be the followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, without setting up either sect or party. Our principles are after the Church of England and Scotland, being built upon Election, that cornerstone which is laid in Zion; but a rock of offence and a stumblingblock to those that cavil at the word. Well, my brother, I think I have nothing more to say at present, but to tell you, that if you are

Mrs. Hall, of the Green Man, York Street, Cavendish Square, is sister to G. N. and will furnish any information.

Provincial Intelligence.

The Independent Chapel at Chichester having been enlarged to nearly double its former size, was re-opened Feb. 16, by two sermons from Mr. Bogue, on Haggai ii. 7. and Psa. cxlii. 4. Mr. Hunt, minister of the place, preached in the afternoon. This congregation having declined under a constant change of ministers, were desir ous to have a settled Pastor; and the Trustees of the late Countess of Huatingdon's connection yielding to their wishes, they formed themselves into a congregational church, and chose their present minister; since which their most sanguine expectations of the success of the gospel have been exceeded.

The West Kent Union met at Mr. Ralph's, Maidstone, April 21, 1812. Mr. Knott preached from Luke xiii. 21; and Mr Slatterie, from Eph. ii. 21, 22. The next meeting to be at Mr. Kent's, Gravesend, Tuesday, Oct. 20. Mess. Rogers aud Prankard to preach.

*

The Hampshise Association held their Half - yearly Meeting at Ringwe od, April 13; when Mr.Griffin preached, on the most usual causes of the decay of religion in congregations; and the best mears of pron oting its revival,' from Rev. iii.3, 3 ; Mr. Hunt, of Chichester, preached in the evening from Dan. X. 11. Early in the morning Mr. Bruce, of Newport, preached from Pet. ii. 7; and on the preceding evening Mr. Adkins, of Southampton, from 2 Pet. iii. 18. The next meeting is to be at Southampton, Wednesday, September 23. Mr. Loader to preach on the latter day glory;' Mr. Winchester to preach in the morning at seven; Mr. Bennett in the evening; and on the preceding evening, Mr. Hunt.

Mr. Buck, of Wivilscomb, preached in the morning from Psalm 1xxii. 7. The other parts of the service were conducted by Mr. Lewis, Mr. Tozer, and Mr. Herdsman. In the afternoon Mr. Isaac Tozer, of Froome, prayed; Mr. Lane preached from Prov. viii. 35; and Mr. Toms concluded. The evening service was begun by Mr. Cope; after which Mr. Golding preached from Acts xx. 20, 21; and Mr. Winton concluded with prayer. The evening before, Mr. Magor preached from Gal. vi. 16.

when

June 17, the Annual Meeting of the Surry Mission Society was held at Mr. Jackson's, Stockwell, Surry ; an appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. Alex. Fletcher; and the Rev. T. Jackson was unanimously requested to take upon him the office of Secretary, in place of the late Mr. Bowden; to which he acceded for the present year. While the friends of this Society rejoice in the spread of the gospel in the dark villages of Surry, they have to lament that their finances will not allow them to extend their exertions in any way adequate to the calls from different places, Come over and help us.'

June 30. Rev. J. Abbott (late Student at Homerton) was ordained over the Independent church at Wymondham. Mr. Richie, of Wrentham, in troduced the service by reading, &c. ; Mr. Hull, of Norwich, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Carter, of Mattishall, received the cosfession of faith, prayed the ordination prayer, and gave the charge; Mr. Dennant, of Halesworth, preached to the people from Phil. ii. 29; and Mr. Phillips, of Norwich, concluded. In the evening Mr. Richie preached and Messrs, Hubbard and Green prayed.

May 27, the Somerset Association was held at Broadway, near Ilminster.

their neighbourhood. In the evening Mr. Gilbert, of Rotherham, prayed; and Mr. Gill, of Market Harborough, Next morn. preached on 1 Tim. i. 2.

Mr.

ing at 10, Mr. Earl was set apart to the pastoral charge of the united churches of Shipsea and Leaven in Holderness. Mr. Kidd began with prayer; Williams explained the nature of a church, and asked the usual questions; Mr. Lambert gave the charge from Ezra vii. 10: and Mr. Bottomley preached from 1 Cor. iv. 1. Mr Earl has been some years a Missionary in these parts, and will still continue to itinerate as opportunity permits. In the evening Mr. Mather prayed; and Mr. Collison preached for the benefit of the Missionary Society.

July 15, the New Baptist Meeting at Aldringham, in Suffolk, was opened for public worship; on which occa sion Mr. E. Mansor, of Horsham, introduced the service by reading and prayer; Mr. Cowell, of Ipswich, gave the address, on the nature of a gospel church, and asked the usual questions: Mr. R. Wilson, the proposed pastor, then related his experience, rehearsed the articles of his faith, &c.; Mr. Waring, of Warpool, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Thompson, of Grondesburg, gave the charge to the minister Mr. Tipple, of Oɩley, prayed; and Mr. Wilson (late of Tunstall) gave the exhortation to the people.

July 15, the Rev. Fr. De Faye and J. Sohier were ordained at Gosport, to the pastoral office, in the Isle of Jersey. Mr. De Faye over the newly formed church at St. Jean's; and Mr. Sohier as assistant to the Rev. Francis Perrott, at St. Helens. Mr. Howell, of Alton, began with prayer and reading the Scriptures; Mr. Hunt delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Mosely asked the usual questions; Mr. Bogue (their tutor) prayed the ordinationprayer; Mr. Griffin gave the charge, from 2 Tim. iv. 5; and Mr. Scamp concladed.

Next day the Rev. W. Milne, destined to China, was ordained at Mr. Griffin's Mectiog, Portsea, to the office of a Missionary. Mr. Hunt began with prayer, &c; Mr. Bogue delivered the introductory discourse and offered the ordination - prayer; Mr. Griffin proposed the usual questions; and in addition requested Mr. Milne to declare his reasons for devoting himself to the service of the heathen. These questions were answered in a manner which afforded great pleasure to a very numerous assembly. Mr. Bennett gave

'Ao am

the charge from Jer. xlix. 14. bassador is sent unto the heathen. Mr. Scamp concluded.

The friends of religion will doubtless rejoice to learn that a substantial house, capable of holding nearly 300 persons, has been purchased at Wickham Market, Suffolk, the place where those riots took place some months ago, which so much disgraced the coun try. On Tuesday, July 21, this house, which has now been fitted up with suitable accommodations, was opened for divine worship. Mr. D. Smith, of Brentwood, read the certificate of Re

-

gistry, and began the service by prayer, &c. ; Mr. Atkinson, of Ipswich, engaged in prayer; and two appropriate sermons were preached by Mr. Hickman, of Wattisfield, and Mr. Gunn, of Hadleigh; the former from Isa. xxvii. 13; and the latter from Acts xiii. 26; Mr. Cowell, of Ipswich, concluded. In the evening Mr. Dennant prayed; and Mr. Smith, of Brentwood, delivered an impressive discourse from 3 John 8.. Thus, through the good, band of God, has a place been provided for the regular dispensation of the word of life. May he smile upon the preaching of the gospel in this dark village, and make it efficacious to the pulling down the strong holds of sin and Satan. There was no serious interruption during divine service. A number of idle boys countenanced by a tew of the lowest classes, made a shorting, and a few guns were fired off; but not one person of respectable appearance was seen to encourage them.

Same day a neat little place of wor ship was opened at Echinswell, near Kingsclere, Rants. Mr. Neves, of Hungerford, began the services; Mr. Winter, of Newhery, read the Bishop's certificate, and engaged in solemn prayer; Mr. Jefferson, of Basingstoke, preached from 2 Cor. x. 14; and Mr. Browne, of Tadley, concluded the services of the morning. In the evening Dr. Winter, of London, preached from Isa. xxv.6 Mr. Bingham, of Whitchurch, and Mr. Pinnell, of Mortimer, conducted the devotional parts of the worship. The gospel has been introduced into this village, and the place erected, through the zealous exertions of the friends belonging to Mr Win ter's church of Newbury; and there is a pleasing prospect of usefulness. The place was crowded both morning and evening; and it is hoped was conse crated by the preseɛce and blessing of the Great Shepherd and Bishop of souls.

July 26, was held the Third Anniversary of opening Mr. Collett's Meeting House, at Swanbourne, Bucks; when three sermons were preached by Messrs Gardener, Scraggs, and Patricks, of Fenny Stratford. Mess. Williams and Dormer engaged in prayer.

July 28. A respectable Meeting was held at Woodford; when an Auxiliary Society, for the south-western district of Essex, in aid of the British and Foreign Bible Society, was formed. Admiral Harvey, one of the members for the county, presided. The company consisted of Ladies and Gentlemen of different religious denominations; among whom the Society of Friends,' usually called Quakers, made a conspicuous and interesting figure. The Rev. Mr. Owen, Dr. Schwabe, Rev. Mr. Hughes, Mr. Marten, Rev. Mr. Layton, Rev. Mr. Lacy, Rev. Mr. Parker, Mr. Blair, and several other gentlemen, delivered their sentiments in an impressive manner. We regret that our narrow limits forbid the detail. One sentiment, however, uttered by Admiral Harvey, must not be omitted. He was convinced that the distribution of the Bible must be attended with the happiest effects; for he had himself observed that there was the bigbest state of discipline on board those ships in which the Bible was the most read— Such a candid, ingenuous, and open declaration from so experienced a commander, will be duly appre ciated by the public, and cannot fail to be received with universal admiration;

and what a powerful argument does it furaish to provide all our seamen (and soldiers) with the Bible!

LONDON,

CITY OF LONDON

AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

On Thursday, Aug. 6, in the Egypian Hall, at the Mansion House, a Meeting was held of Gentlemen and Ladies desirous of promoting an Esta blishment for the circulation of the Bible among the Poorer Classes of the metropolis.

The Lord Mayor, from the Chair, opened the business; after which the Rev. Mr. Owen explained the particular object of the institution, and introduced the Rev. Dr. Brunmark, Chaplain of the Swedish Embassy, in the place of the Rev. Mr. Steinkopff, the Foreign Secretary, who is abroad on the business of the Bible Society. This gentleman stated, in strong and affecting terms, the pacific effect of

the parent institution on the people of Sweden. Mr. Hughes followed, and explained at length the distinction between the present local establishment and the parent society.

The Resolutions, which respected the government of the New Society, were proposed by the Lord Mayor, and unanimously carried.. Mr. Rowcroft then expressed his approbation of the institution; as Mr. Favel also did, intimating his wish to quarter, in the Arms of the City, opposite the Dagger, which excites the idea of blood, the BIBLE, which inculcates peace and good will among mankind. moved the Thanks of the Meeting to The Chancellor of the Exchequer the Lord Mayor, in a speech expressive of his warm approbation of the meeting, and his expectation of its great utility. Mr. R. H. Martin seconded the motion. The Lord Mayor returned thanks for the honour done him. Mr. John Thornton, in a speech of considerable interest, moved the Thanks of the Meeting to the Vice Presidents; which was seconded by the Rev. Mr. Hateh. Mr. Alderman Scholey, in their name, returned thanks. Mr. Pearsall moved Thanks to the Provisional Committee, who had been instrumental in promoting the instituwards, of Doctors' Commons. tion; which was seconded by Dr. EdMr. Benjamin Neale returned the Thanks of the Committee, in an energetic spcech.

The Rev. Mr. Wilson, of St. John's New Society, closed an appropriate adChapel, one of the Secretaries of the dress of much interest, by moving Thanks to the Secretaries of the present Institution; which was seconded by the Rev. Henry Forster Burder, another of the Secretaries. The Rev. Mr. Owen acknowledged this honour in his usual eloquent manner. Mr. Gurney Barclay, another Secretary of the New Society, enlarged on the personal bene. fits resulting to its members from the institution. 'The benefits,' said be,

which we confer upon others, are reflected back upon ourselves; the remedies we apply to others, in passing through our hands, administer to our own welfare, and the physician heals himself.' - Useful observations were made on the local circumstances and opportunities of the Citizens of London, evincing the great advantages of the new institution. Mr. Barclay concluded, with moving the Thanks of the Assembly to the Chancellor of the Exchequer; who made a suitable acknowledgment. Mr. Alderman Wood ad