AIREDALE COLLEGE, YORKSHIRE.

The Annual Meeting of this Institution was held on Wednesday, June 21st. The attendance of subscribers and friends was numerous, and the proceedings of the day were gratifying. In the unavoidable absence of the Treasurer, Henry Forbes, Esq. of Bradford, was called to the chair, and ably presided over the business of the meeting.

After prayer had been offered up by the venerable T. Taylor, formerly minister of Horton Lane Chapel, Bradford, essays were read by the two senior students, who are leaving the College, Mr. Galsworthy for Rowell, Northamptonshire, the former sphere of the Theological Tutor; and Mr. Glendenning to succeed the late excellent Dr. Boothroyd, of Highfield Chapel, Huddersfield. eloquent address to the students, proposing to them the high models of ministerial excellence, which the past history of the church supplies, was then delivered by the Rev. J. Glyde.

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The Report, detailing the proceedings of the past year, was read by the Rev. Walter Scott; and addresses, urging the importance of academical institutions, and the especial claims of Airedale College to the support of the Congregational Churches in that neighbourhood, and of those Christian Societies which have received their pastors from it, were delivered by various speakers. The Report of the Examining Committee was read by the Rev. T. Scales, of Leeds, affording a very encouraging view of the usefulness of this Institution, and the efficiency with which the present worthy tutors are conducting its affairs. After reciting the classical examination, the report states :

"To the original languages of the Old Testament, considerable attention has been devoted, and large portions of them have been carefully and critically read during the session, and with what advantage was very satisfactorily proved by the portions of Hebrew and Chaldee which the students of both the classes translated at the direction of the examiners: one class also appears to have made respectable attainments in the Syriac of the New Testament, and read a portion of the Gospel of Matthew. The German and French are not considered as an essential part of the College course, and exercises in them are voluntary on the part of both the tutors and students; but several of the students, with commendable industry and no slight measure of success, are prosecuting the study of these useful languages.

"The questions proposed to them on subjects more immediately theological, elicited proofs that they have been successfully investigating the evidences of Christianity from prophecy, the internal evidences of Scripture, and the nature and evidences of inspiration. On the whole, the Committee feel the highest pleasure in announcing that the Institution appears to them to be in a most satisfactory state, and that the course so diligently and faithfully pursued by your valuable tutors, is furnishing an excellent preparation for the Christian ministry, to the pious young men who are now under your patronage in this College.'

In the evening a powerful, eloquent, earnest, and impressive sermon on behalf of the College was preached in Horton-lane Chapel, Bradford, by the Rev. James Parsons, of York, one of the former pupils of this Institution, while it was under the able superintendence of the late Rev. William Vint.

NEW CHAPEL, CHORLEY, LANCASHIRE.

On Thursday, the 1st of June, a new Independent Chapel was opened for divine service in Chorley, Lancashire. The Rev. Mr. Harris, of Horwich, commenced the services in the morning, by reading the scriptures and prayer. After which the Rev. John Kelly, of Liverpool, preached a very interesting sermon from Micah vii. 18. In the evening of the same day, the Rev. Robert Lang, A.M., late pastor of the Independent Church, in Ayr, Scotland, was publicly recognised as pastor of the church and congregation for whose use this chapel has been erected. The Rev. S. T. Porter, of Darwen, having read the scrip

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tures and engaged in prayer, Mr. Kelly delivered a clear and able exposition of the nature, constitution, and offices of the church. The Rev. William Jones, of Bolton, then proposed the ordinary questions to the pastor, from whom he received satisfactory replies. The adherence of the church and congregation to the unanimous invitation which they had presented to Mr. Lang, and his acceptance of the same being then signified, Mr. Harris implored the blessing of God to rest upon pastor and people in the relation into which they thus entered. Mr. Jones then delivered to the pastor a suitable exhortation from 2 Tim. ii. 15, after which the Rev. J. J. Carruthers, of Liverpool, exhibited to the church the principles by which they ought to be governed, and the course of conduct which they ought to pursue towards their pastor. Mr. Cunningham, late of Chorley, then concluded by prayer.

On the Sabbath following, Mr. Lang entered upon his pastoral labours, being assisted by Mr. Cunningham, who kindly consented to remain for this purpose. At the close of each of these services, collections were made to assist in defraying the expense of erecting the chapel, &c. These amounted in all to £70.

The chapel which has thus been opened for the worship of God, was designed and erected under the superintendence of a few individuals, who felt deeply interested in the success of the gospel and the purity of the church. Though exceedingly simple and plain, it is thought to be elegant by many who have seen it, and worthy to become a model which might in many cases be copied with great advantage. It is calculated to accommodate 450 sitters. There is an excellent school-room underneath, and a yard or burial ground around, which is enclosed by a stone wall and iron railing. The expense of the whole will not exceed £1,100.

ORDINATIONS.

On Wednesday, April the 19th, 1837, Mr. Thomas Avery was ordained to the pastoral office, over the newly formed Independent church, Iden Green, Benenden, Kent. In the morning, Mr. Raban, of Marden, commenced with singing and prayer, and received the declaration of faith agreed on by the church, which was then recognized as a church of the Independent or Congregational order. Mr. Penman, of Tunbridge, delivered the introductory discourse. After which, the Lord's Supper was administered to the newly organized church, and to several members of other churches, present on the occasion. The service was resumed in the afternoon, when Mr. Eilson, of Cranbrook, asked the usual ordination questions. Mr. Gates, (Baptist minister,) of Sandhurst, offered the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands. Mr. Raban, of Marden, gave the charge. In the evening, Mr. Slight, of Tunbridge Wells, preached to the people.

The chapel has been erected, and the church formed, in connexion with the successful labours of Mr. Avery, on the spot; and it is hoped that the Lord will smile on his own cause, and bless the efforts of his servant here yet more abundantly.

On Thursday, April 27, the Rev. Henry Addiscott, of the Western Academy, Exeter, was ordained to the pastoral office, over the Independent Church at Torquay, Devon.

The services of the day were commenced by the Rev. T. Stenner, of Dartmouth, who read the Scriptures, and implored the Divine Benediction. The Rev. R. Gill, of Paignton, then offered solemn prayer. A lucid and interesting Discourse on the Nature and Constitution of a Christian Church, was delivered by the Rev. J. Bounsall, of Ottery. The Rev. W. Rooker, of Tavistock, received the confession of faith, and presented the ordination prayer:-after which the Rev. Dr. Payne, of the Western Academy (Mr. A.'s tutor), addressed to the youthful pastor a touching and impressive charge, from 1 Tim. iv. 6:-" A good minister of Jesus Christ." The interesting engagements of the morning were concluded with prayer, by the Rev. W. Tarbotton, of Totnes.

In the evening the Introductory Services were conducted by the Rev. R.

Skinner, of Newton. The Rev. W. A. Hurndall, of Devonport (Mr. A.'s pastor), preached an instructive discourse to the church, from Heb. xiii. 17: after which the delightful services of the day were closed with prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Payne.

The recognition of the Rev. H. J. Bevis (late of Torquay, Devon) as pastor of the Independent Church, worshipping in Ebenezer Chapel, Ramsgate, took place on Wednesday, the 3d of May, 1837.

The Rev. J. Vincent, of Deal, commenced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. H. F. Burder, D.D., of Hackney, delivered a candid and instructive introductory discourse. The Rev. W. Spencer, of Holloway, proposed the questions. Mr. T. T. Sadler (one of the Deacons), stated the circumstances which induced the church to give an unanimons invitation to their present pastor. The Rev. H. J. Bevis stated his reasons for accepting the invitation, and gave a sketch of the course he intended to pursue in the prosecution of his ministerial duties. The Rev. J. Knight, of Sandwich, offered up the recognition prayer. The Rev. T. Adkins, of Southampton, (Mr. Bevis's former pastor,) gave an impressive and affecting charge, founded on Heb. xiii. 17. "For they watch for souls as they that must give account." The Rev. H. Creswell, of Canterbury, concluded the service with prayer.

In the evening the Rev. W. Spencer commenced the service by reading the scriptures and prayer. The Rev. H. Townley, of London, preached an affectionate and judicious sermon to the people, exhorting them to encourage the pastor of their unanimous choice. The Rev. T. Cramp, of St. Peter's, Isle of Thanet, closed the services of the day with prayer.

The attendance on this interesting occasion from Dover, Deal, Canterbury, and the surrounding country was numerous, and about eighty friends dined with the Trustees on the occasion.

The Pastor, thus publicly recognized, has entered on an important and ample field of labour, which on several accounts may be regarded as a missionary station also, from the influx of visitors in the summer.

The Ordination of Mr. George Verrall, of Peckham, as pastor to the church and congregation assembling for divine worship in Bromley Chapel, Bromley, Kent, took place on Monday, the 29th of May, 1837. Dr. Bennett, of Silver Street, stated the nature of a Christian church. Mr. Timpson, of Lewisham, asked the questions, &c. Mr. Chapman, of Greenwich, prayed the ordination prayer. Dr. W. B. Collyer, of Peckham, gave the charge. Mr. Blackburn, of Pentonville, preached to the people, and Mr. Richards, of Marlborough Chapel, Kent Road, closed the service with prayer.

William the Fourth, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, to our trusty and well beloved Joseph Phillimore, Doctor of Civil Law, Henry William Tancred, and Edgar Taylor, Esquires, Thomas Rees, Clerk, Doctor of Laws, John Bowring, Esquire, John Nicholl, Doctor of Civil Law, Robert Winter, Samuel Gale, John Parker, Samuel March Phillipps, and Thomas Henry Lister, Esquires, and John Shoveller, Doctor of Laws, greeting: Whereas, We have thought it expedient that a Commission should forthwith issue for the purpose of inquiring into the state, custody, and authenticity of any such Registers or Records of Births or Baptisms, Deaths or Burials, and Marriages, lawfully solemnized, as have been heretofore or are now kept in England and Wales, other than the Parochial Registers and the copies thereof deposited with the Diocesan Registrars, and also for inquiring whether any and what measures can be beneficially adopted for collecting and arranging all or any of such Registers or Records, and for depo

siting the same, or copies thereof, in the office of the Registrar General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in England, appointed under an Act of the last Session of Parliament, entituled "An Act for Registering Births, Deaths, and Marriages in England," or for otherwise preserving the same, and also for considering and advising the proper measures to be adopted for giving full force and effect, as evidence in all Courts of Justice, to all such Registers as are found accurate and faithful, and for facilitating the production and reception of the same. Now know ye, that We, reposing great trust and confidence in your zeal and ability, have authorized and appointed, and do by these presents authorize and appoint you, the said Joseph Phillimore, Henry William Tancred, Edgar Taylor, Thomas Rees, John Bowring, John Nicholl, Robert Winter, Samuel Gale, John Parker, Samuel March Phillipps, Thomas Henry Lister, and John Shoveller, or any three or more of you, to be Our Commissioners for the purposes aforesaid; and We do hereby authorize and empower you, Our said Commissioners, or any three or more of you, to obtain information thereupon, by the exami nation of all persons most competent by reason of their situation, knowledge, or experience to afford it, and also by calling for all documents, papers and records which may appear to you, or any three or more of you, calculated to assist your researches, and to promote the formation of a sound judgment on the subject. And We do also hereby give and grant unto you, or any three or more of you, full power and authority, where the same shall appear to be requisite, to administer an oath or oaths to any person or persons whatsoever to be examined before you, or any three or more of you, touching or concerning the premises. And We do hereby command and require you, or any three or more of you, to report to Us, in writing under your hands and seals, with all convenient speed, your several proceedings by virtue of this Our Commission, together with your opinion as to the most proper measures to be adopted for giving full force and effect, as evidence in all Courts of Justice, (to) all such Registers as are found accurate and faithful, and for facilitating the production and reception of the same. We will and command, that this Our Commission shall continue in full force and virtue, and that you, Our said Commissioners, or any three or more of you, may, from time to time, proceed in the execution thereof, and of every matter and thing therein contained, although the same be not continued from time to time by adjournment. And We hereby command, all and singular Our Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, Mayors, Bailiffs, Constables, Officers, Ministers, and all other Our loving subjects whatsoever, as well within liberties as without, that they be assistant to you and each of you in the execution of these presents; and for your further assistance in the execution of these presents, We do hereby authorize and empower you, or any three or more of you, to appoint a secretary to this Our Commission, whose service and assistance We require you to use, from time to time, as occasion may require. In witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent. Witness Ourself at Westminster, the thirteenth day of September, in the seventh year of Our reign.

By Writ of Privy Seal,

And

EDMUNDS.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

THE HAPPY ACCESSION OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA THE FIRST.

The Regency Act, passed 23d December, 1830, restricted the minority of her Royal Highness the Princess Victoria to her eighteenth year. On the 24th of May last her Royal Highness attained to that age, which excited throughout the empire very marked expressions of public gladness.

The Corporation of London was amongst the first to offer their grateful congratulations to the Duchess of Kent, and expressed to her Royal Highness

"their unfeigned hope that she might long witness the fruits of her care and attention bestowed in so exemplary a manner upon the education of her Royal daughter, in the admiration and affection of a free people.” The Duchess replied in the following affecting address:

"If I consulted my own feelings, I would abstain from a reply, except to assure you that my heart is filled with gratitude.

"The Disposer of all human events has vouchsafed to allow me to be rewarded far beyond what I deserve, by witnessing, at this epoch so dear to my maternal feelings, such general expressions of loyalty to our King, hope and confidence in my child, and approbation of the way in which I have brought her up. It makes me feel I should add a few words more, as what I say on this occasion may reach many who take a lively interest in the event you congratulate me on; and, as this is most probably the last public act of my life, I feel called on to do so.

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"I pass over the earlier part of my connexion with this country; I will merely briefly observe, that my late regretted consort's circumstances, and my duties, obliged us to reside in Germany. But the Duke of Kent, at much inconvenience and at great personal risk, returned to England, that our child should be born and bred a Briton.'

"In a few months afterwards my infant and myself were awfully deprived of father and husband. We stood alone, almost friendless and unknown in this country. I could not even speak the language of it.

"I did not hesitate how to act. I gave up my home, my kindred, my duties, to devote myself to that duty which was to be the whole object of my future life. I was supported in the execution of my duty by the country-it placed its trust in me, and the Regency Bill gave me its last act of confidence.

"I have, in times of great difficulty, avoided all connexion with any party in the State, but if I have done so, I have never ceased to press on my daughter her duties, so as to gain by her conduct the respect and affections of the people. This I have taught her should be her first earthly duty as a Constitutional Sovereign.

"The Princess has arrived at that age which now justifies my expressing my confident expectations that she will be found competent to execute the sacred trust which may be imposed on her. For communicating, as she does, with all classes of society, she cannot but perceive, that the greater the diffusion of religion, knowledge, and the love of freedom in a country, the more orderly, industrious, and wealthy is its population; and that with the desire to preserve the constitutional prerogative of the Crown ought to be co-ordinate the protection of the liberties of the people."

The Princess gave additional interest to this touching and important declaration by saying, "My mother has expressed all my feelings!"

This occurred on Tuesday, the 30th of May, and little did the parties engaged in these transactions imagine, that on that very day had commenced the development of disease in the person of their venerated King, which, in three short weeks, would terminate in death! Our youthful Sovereign was called to meet her council on Tuesday, the 20th of June, when she delivered to her assembled courtiers the following noble declaration, which must excite the fondest hopes and most fervent prayers of every right-minded Englishman.

"The severe and afflicting loss which the nation has sustained by the death of his Majesty, my beloved uncle, has devolved upon me the duty of administering the government of this empire. This awful responsibility is imposed upon me so suddenly, and at so early a period of my life, that I should feel myself utterly oppressed by the burden, were I not sustained by the hope that Divine Providence, which has called me to this work, will give me strength for the performance of it, and that I shall find in the purity of my intentions, and in my zeal for the public welfare, that support and those resources which usually belong to a more mature age, and to longer experience.

"I place my firm reliance upon the wisdom of Parliament, and upon the