accompanied with such information as may be deemed necessary.

5. To obtain accurate statistical information relative to the Congregational churches, throughout the kingdom and the world at large.

6. 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.

7. To assist in maintaining and enlarging the civil rights of Protestant Dissenters.

IV. To promote the accomplishment of these objects, and the general interests of the Union, that an Annual Meeting shall be held, consisting, if practicable, of an equal number of ministers and laymen, and that each Association may appoint such a number of representatives as it may deem necessary; that the Annual Meeting be held in London, or such other town or city as may from time to time be appointed; and that at the Annual Meeting of Delegates, every minister and officer connected with any Association united in the general body shall be eligible to attend and vote.

III. Moved by the Rev. T. P. Bull; seconded by James James, Esq. and resolved unanimously,

"That for the purpose of defraying the necessary expenses 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 meeting in every year, to the Treasurer of the Union."

IV. Moved by the Rev. Samuel Hillyard; seconded by the Rev. James Brown, and resolved unanimously,

"That the Committee for the following year consist of the Treasurers and Secretaries of all the united Associations, (being members of churches,) together with the following gentlemen, resident in London, with power to add to their number, viz. the Rev. Dr. Bennett; the Rev. Dr. H. F. Burder; the Rev. Dr. Fletcher; the Rev. John Clayton, M.A.; the Rev. John Burnet; 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 that the following gentlemen be the officers of the Union for the year ensuing,-Mr. Benjamin Hanbury, Treasurer; the Rev. Arthur Tidman; the Rev. Joseph Turnbull, A.B.; and Joshua Wilson, Esq., Secretaries.

The Rev. J. A. James then introduced a paper, containing a declaration of the principles of faith and order of the Congregational Body, drawn up by an individual at the request of several brethren in town and country, and which he proposed to read to the meeting, which having been assented to, the declaration was read at length by Mr. James, and the business of the Union was adjourned until Friday morning, the 11th of May, at nine o'clock.

The Rev. Dr. Bennett concluded with prayer and thanksgiving.

Adjourned Meeting, Friday Morning.

The Rev. Thomas Palmer Bull in the chair.

After prayer offered up by the Rev. Archibald Douglas, of Reading, the minutes of the former meeting were read; upon which the Rev. J. A.James was requested to read the preliminary notes of the declaration, which had been read at the conclusion of the former meeting. After lengthened conversation on the subject, it was,

v. Moved by the Rev. H. F. Burder, D.D.; seconded by the Rev. Thomas James, and resolved unanimously,

That this meeting respectfully invite the opinion of the Associated Ministers and Churches on the following questions:

66

Whether, in accordance with the example of our Nonconformist ancestors, it be desirable to present to the public a declaration of the leading articles of our faith and discipline; and whether, if it be deemed desirable, that declaration should be made by such a statement as the following,* which has been read, but not dis

*The declaration being of some length we are obliged to defer the insertion of it until our next number.--Editors.

cussed in the meeting of the Union, subject to such modifications as may be suggested, and generally agreed on at the next annual meeting?"

VI. Moved by Dr. J. B. Brown; seconded by the Rev. Dr. Bennett, and resolved unanimously,

"That the Committee be instructed to prepare a letter to accompany the proposed declaration, carefully stating its object to be, the communicating of information to the public, on the doctrines generally held and maintained by the Congregational denomination, at a period when so much ignorance and misrepresentation prevail upon those subjects."

VII. Moved by the Rev. J. Burnet; seconded by J. Brown, Esq. of Wareham:

"That this meeting deems it highly expedient, that a sum not less than £10,000 be collected for the erection of such a building in London as the Congregational Union may consider necessary for the permanency and efficiency of their operations, and the promotion of the general interests of the denomination; and that application be made to the members and friends of the Union in London and in the country, for their co-operation in the contribution of funds for this purpose.'

VIII. Moved by the Rev. Dr. Fletcher; seconded by the Rev. G. Redford, and resolved unanimously,

"That the Committee of the Union be requested to confer with the Committee of the Congregational Library, on the subject of the previous resolution, and to adopt such measures as they may think proper for carrying it into effect."

The Rev. Noble Shepperd, of Newry, then addressed the meeting on behalf of the Congregational Union of Ireland, and one of the Secretaries read a letter from the Rev. James Carlisle, of Belfast, Secretary to the Irish Union, expressing their cordial concurrence in the Union for England and Wales; when it was

IX. Moved by the Rev. J. Blackburn, seconded by Dr. Fletcher,

inform his beloved brethren, how happy we shall always be to receive delegates from their body at our sessions."

One of the Secretaries having read a letter from the Rev. John Watson, of Musselburgh, Secretary to the Congregational Union of Scotland, containing the following resolution passed at Edinburgh on the 3d instant: viz.

"That this meeting, sensible of the importance of union, in devising means for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, without pledging themselves to all the details, express their happiness at the proposals now making for the formation of a General Union among the Congregational Churches in England."

x. It was then moved by the Rev. John Blackburn; seconded by the Rev. George Redford, and resolved unanimously,

"That the resolution passed by the Congregational Union of Scotland at their last annual meeting, held on the 3d instant, has given us great satisfaction; and that our Secretaries be requested to communicate to that body the expression of our respect and fraternal regard, soliciting correspondence from time to time on the subjects of the Congregational Union in both countries.'

XI. Moved by the Rev. Archibald Douglas; seconded by the Rev. T. Timpson, and resolved unanimously,

"That the Congregational Union now formed, authorize their Secretaries to write to those associated ministers and churches in England and Wales, who have not yet concurred in the measure, respectfully inviting them to join us in affectionate cooperation."

XII. Moved by the Rev. Dr. Bennett; seconded by the Rev. Geo. Redford, and resolved unanimously,

"That the cordial thanks of this meeting be presented to the Treasurer and Committee of the Congregational Library, for the use of the Library on the present occasion, with the best wishes for the prosperity of that Institution."

XIII. Moved by the Rev. Joseph Turnbull; seconded by Dr. J. B. Brown, and resolved unanimously,

66

That at the Annual Meetings of

the Union, there shall be a public religious service connected with its spiritual interests."

XIV. Moved by Dr. J. B. Brown; seconded by the Rev. R. Ashton, and resolved unanimously,

"That the next general meeting of this Congregational Union be held, (D.V.) in the Congregational Library, on Tuesday the 9th of May, 1833, at ten o'clock, A.M."

The thanks of the meeting were then offered to the Chairman, who concluded the whole business of the meetings with prayer.

ARTHUR TIDMAN,
JOSEPH TURNBULL, Secretaries.
retaries.
JOSHUA WILSON,

ESSEX COUNTY ASSOCIATION.

At a Meeting of the Associated Congregational Ministers of the County of Essex, held at Witham, (Rev. R. Robinson's,) on May 2d, 1832. It was resolved nem. con.

"That the Members of this Associa

the

tion, earnestly desirous that the Holy Scriptures should receive the widest circulation, decidedly approve plan of education for Ireland proposed by His Majesty's Ministers, being fully persuaded that this important object will be more effectually promoted by such plan than by any other hitherto adopted.

"That a copy of the above resolution should be forwarded to one of the Members of His Majesty's government.

"That this Association is prepared to concur with other County Associations, to establish a general Congregational Union, upon the plan described in the Congregational Magazine, and ap; point the Rev. Messrs. Craig and Wells, together with Messrs. Robt. Dixon, Wickham, and Stephen Unwin, Coggeshall, to attend the meeting of Delegates in Loudon, on the 8th instant."

Signed on behalf of the Meeting,

STEPHEN MORELL, Chairman.
JOSEPH GRAY, Secretary.

SUSSEX CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.

The half-yearly Meeting of the Sussex Congregational Society, was held at the Rev. W. Malden's Chapel, Chichester, on Thursday, May 3d,

1832.

Acceptable and appropriate sermons were preached by the Rev. T. Cousins, of Portsea, and the Rev. J. Chapman, of Billingshurst. The attendance and collections were encou⚫ raging. Ministers, and other agents connected with the Western Committee regularly preach the gospel in eleven villages. Sixteen Sabbath schools stand connected with the Western Division of the County Society. During the past year, two small chapels have been generously built by two individuals in this part of Sussex. viewing the past year, the Committee thank God and take courage. Much land, however, yet remains to be possessed; and our cry to our Christian brethren is that of the Macedonian to Paul and his companions-" Come over and help us!"

Re

R. CHAMBERLAIN, Secretary.

ORDINATIONS.

On Thursday, April 5th, the Rev. Joseph Sortain, of Trinity College, Dublin, was ordained to the pastoral charge of the church and Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, congregation assembling at the late 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 Tunbridge Wells, offered the 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. 30, and the Rev. John Harris, of Epsom, closed the solemn and ever memorable services of the day. We understand, that agreeably with the urgent request of the minister and con

gregation, the services will be published.

at

On Thursday, April 26th, 1832, the Rev. W. Jones, was ordained pastor of the Congregational church Pwllhely, Carnarvonshire, North Wales. The Rev. W. Williams, of Carnarvon, commenced the service by reading and prayer; the Rev. E. Davies, of Llanrwst, stated the nature of the gospel church; the Rev. Arthur Jones, (the young minister's relative, of Bangor,) proposed the usual questions to the church and pastor, which having been satisfactorily answered, the Rev. Ll. Samuel, of Bethesda, offered up the ordination prayer, accompanied by imposition of hands: the Rev. D. Griffith, of Bethel, delivered the charge from Acts xx. 28. The Rev. D. James, of Paradise, addressed the church from Exod. xvii. 12; and the Rev. A. Jones, of Bangor, closed by prayer the truly solemn and pleasing service. In the afternoon two sermons were delivered in the presence of a numerous assembly, who had come together in the buryingground adjoining the chapel, where the precious dust of the late ministers is entombed; and overpowering and pathetic indeed was the effect, especially upon the old people, when the preachers alluded to the names of

Harris and Jones. The union of feeling manifested by the ministers on this occasion, was peculiarly delightful,and evinced a sincere regard for the welfare of the church and pastor. The Lord be praised. Messrs. R. Rowland, Henryd; W. Davies, Nevyn; R. Owen, Llanengen; and J. Harries, Talsarn, were engaged in the work on the preceding and succeeding evenings. We trust the Lord smiles again upon his people and his cause in this town and its vicinity.

On Wednesday, May 2d, the Rev. John Robertson, late of Airedale Academy, was ordained to the pastoral charge of the Independent church at Selby, Yorkshire. The Rev. J. Wilkinson, of Howden, commenced the services; the Rev. T. Scales, of Leeds, delivered the introductory discourse, and proposed the usual questions; the Rev. James Jackson, of Green Hammerton, offered the ordination prayer; 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.

ON THE STATE OF RELIGIOUS AN IMPORTANT PART O

(Concluded from pag

FFAIRS IN RMANY.

4.)

"WE have this year a general synod, to which I have also been chosen, which will probably be held in Nuremberg, and will last two or three weeks. The rationalists are making angry preparations to gain the victory. For the church, the evangelical deputies are preparing themselves; they are in proportion to the former but as one to six; but they trust in the Lord with great confidence. All Bavaria, the two consistories and the superior consistory, are looking with anxious expectation to this meeting of the general synod; the rationalists will chiefly assail me, because they regard me as the cause of all the supposed evil, and increasing darkness. The Lord will give

me, poor and weak man, at the time, what I shall say. I will give you notice when the synod takes place; and then double your intercessions for our church and for your unworthy brethren. The rationalists and the mystics will probably both agree, that the oppressive burdens which lie upon the Bavarian clergy, should be diminished. They often cannot be paid. Thus, for instance, during my eighteen years' service, I have had to pay for deanery and quarterly charges (that is, the tax of 25 florins for every 100 florins of income, on entering into office) one per cent. taxes, i. e. the half-yearly tax of one florin for every 100 of incomein dues and taxes therefore already 882 florins, which was a very heavy burden for me, who did not possess one farthing of property. My promotion to my present situation cost me, including the

most simple and necessary household expenses, more than 300 florins; but now I hope, if God will, to continue here till death, and thus be able to enter into a truly paternal connexion with my parishioners. If I can in time do away with the taxes that are attached to my situation, which is perhaps possible, I can then breathe more freely. It is estimated at 885 florins, but from this 75 florins are deducted for house and barn; and I have then a yearly tax of 50 florins and 40 florins dues to pay. After the lapse of three or four years, I hope to do away with the yearly tax of 50 florins. You may think, my dear brother, that under these circumstances, (especially whilst being above 600 in debt,) assistance from Christian friends was a very great benefit. The Lord bless all those who so charitably stood by me in the time of need! My son

costs

me yearly only about 150 florins, since he resides with my sister, where he has board and lodging free, and Dr. attends to him with a father's care, which is a great ease and comfort to me. If he continues to act thus, in his learning and conduct, he may hope in three years to obtain the gymnasial stipend of 100 florins per annum, so that I can then spare something for my second son, the godchild of dear Mr. Bomhurn, who a few days ago, chose me to be the godfather of his second son. When I reflect upon my past life, I must ever exclaim, What am I, O Lord, and what is my house, that thou hast brought us hitherto? I am unworthy of all the mercy and faithfulness which thou hast manifested to me.' Often when the necessity was the most urgent, help came in the most surprising manner, and drew from my eyes tears of thanksgiving and joy. I will, therefore, cheerfully commit all my ways unto the Lord. O! that I could only serve him more faithfully, and show myself more grateful to all those through whom, as instruments, he has so favoured me!

>

much instruction as pleasure. He has been residing here for a week, in order to have the advice of his spiritual brethren here, with regard to his further proceeding in his important affair, which is now come to a crisis. O! how much could I write regarding him! For the present I can only express myself briefly. You already probably know, that Lutz has been long contemplating joining our church, as well as his congregation, consisting of 1100 souls, whose hearts the Lord has enabled him to turn as the water brooks. The Episcopal commission at Augsburg thought to obviate the scandal, by nominating him to a very considerable living, with the order to euter upon it immediately. Another vicar, of the name of Bruer, was, at the same time, nominated to Carlshuld. Lutz's immediate protestation, that he had not applied for that living, and was resolved to stay where he was, was most promptly replied to, that the authorities were commissioned to represent to him, that the will of the commission could not be changed, and if he did not obey it within two days, they were forcibly to expel him from the vicarage. He continued in refusing to obey the mandate, and retired to Maxfeldt (a few miles from Carlshuld), where his sister is living. The new vicar did all he could to bring the people to other sentiments, and not less was attempted by a member of the Privy Council, from Augsburg, who was there as commissioner. It was all in vain! Nearly 1100 members of his congregation, with Lutz at their head, made an affidavit before the commissioner, of their going over to the Evangelical [Lutheran] Church, and communicated the same immediately afterwards in a letter to the superior consistory. Lutz's reception amongst the Protestant clergy, presentations, rights of the church, free choice of the elders, articles of the Lutheran Church, the hymn-book, Presbyterian constitution after the example of the reformed, form the chief points of that which they desire. We are now anxiously expecting the sequel and result of the matter. For many of the [Catholic] clergy in the Bishopric of Augsburg, according to Lutz's affirmation, are, with their congregations, of the same sentiments. The king, it is said, is angry at this event, and suspects there is a secret inclination to excite disturbances. Lutz's raising his congregation, during his five years' ministry, from its former state of the deepest misery, both of body and soul, borders on the incredible, and leads us back to the times of the Apostles-the same, the very same operation of the Holy Spirit! Also, with regard to tem3 D