spirits of the age. All these have enjoyed the invaluable advantage of sound grammatical instruction, and early training in those mechanical labours and applications of memory, which are so annoying and exhausting to the mind, when it has left the wilderness of words, and mingled in the world of existences and far-reaching speculations. If we follow up these hints in their application to the case of Dissenting ministers, we shall find, in probably nineteen instances out of twenty, an entire destitution of all these advantages. The following description will, if we mistake not, apply with sufficient accuracy to the far greater number of individuals. "A young man, a member of a Christian church, very rarely with many advantages of education, and, in many instances, laboriously earning the means of subsistence, distinguishes himself among his fellows by his exemplary life, his decided character, his fervent piety, and by his superiority of understanding. At length his pastor urges upon him the expediency of devoting himself to the ministerial work. The humble candidate for the labours of the dissenting ministry has not only every thing to learn, and much to unlearn, but he has to acquire the habit of learning; at twenty, or at five and twenty, he has to strip himself, as it were, of his mental constitution, and to assume a new intellectual nature; and all this, and more than this, is to be done, amid the exertions of occasional preaching, in the course of four, or at most six years." (Cong. Mag. 1820, p. 207, &c.) With previous habits and attainments so different, it cannot be surprising, should many Dissenting ministers be found inferior, in regard to scholarship, to the clergy of the Established Church. But is it not strange, that with materials so different, we should still, in every case, adopt the plan of that church in preparing young men for the ministry? Even Hackney Academy is not an exception, for the classics are taught there, though not in all cases. Surely the wisdom of this age will show itself in adopting a different plan, where the circumstances of the pupil so evidently require it. It is useless to complain of these circumstances, because they are the natural result of an essential part of our system, that of not opening our colleges to our young men till they become decidedly pious.

It will be said by some, as an argument for using the classics in any new dissenting college which may be established, that they are indispensable, as the means of acquiring a correct and vigorous style. Voltaire, no mean judge in such matters, did not think so; for he is reported to have said, that women wrote better than men, because they were ignorant of the classics. And let any person read one of Cobbett's sermons, and whatever he may think of the matter, he must allow that no style, for clearness and vigour, can be better adapted to a general audience, and yet Cobbett was entirely ignorant of the classics. Even Dr. Johnson, in his advanced years, when he had in a great measure laid aside his Latin collection of words, and also confined himself more to words of Saxon origin, wrote much better than before. What reader of taste does not infinitely prefer his Lives of the Poets to his Rambler? Should it be alleged that the classics are of great importance as a means of invigorating the understanding, it may be replied, that no person can make himself sufficiently master of the Greek language to read the Greek Testament, with critical discernment, without a vigorous exercise of his mental powers: the same remark is applicable to logic, and both of these are included in the plan of study given above. Even English composition, if sufficient pains be taken with the pupils, will be found to require close application, and therefore must have a tendency to invigorate the mind. Should it be alleged in favour of the Greek classics, that they are of great importance in understanding the Greek Testament, it may be replied, "that as the Greeks were totally destitute of many ideas peculiar to Christianity, the classical writers must consequently afford little aid in explaining the most difficult words and idioms of the New Testament;" and also, that the most valuable passages in these writers have been collected by Raphelius and others, and that most of them may be found in Parkhurst's Greek Lexicon, and other critical works. As to Latin, in the present day, its usefulness will be found

chiefly to consist in enabling a minister to read the Latin Vulgate and Poole's Synopsis; and students entering a theological institution with a knowledge of Latin would, of course, be at liberty to use such works as these. Dathe's Latin Bible is a valuable work; but it is of less importance since the publication of Dr. Boothroyd's new translation, as the Doctor very generally follows Dathe in difficult passages. As to Rosenmuller's Scholia, on the Old Testament, and other Latin continental works of a similar kind, few ministers can afford either money to purchase, or time to study them; and, in point of fact, a very large majority of our ministers will be found destitute of Poole. Nor need this be very greatly regretted; for though the work is very valuable, and considering its extent very cheap, yet those who unite with a knowledge of Greek and Hebrew a habit of patient inquiry, and are able to procure Boothroyd, Scott, Doddridge, Campbell, and Macknight, or even the first two, will, in most cases, possess sufficient materials for enabling them to judge of the meaning of any passage of scripture. Bloomfield's Critical Digest of Annotations on the New Testament contains a large mass of critical matter, but does not display much judgment, and is dear. The value of Henry's Commentary, as a practical work, is well known; but for easy reference, the abridgment, as found in the Commentary of the Tract Society, is preferable. Scott has given Henry's best thoughts in a new, and often improved form; and, as being more judicious, is a safer guide to students and young ministers.

To return from this apparent digression. What England seems to require from our own denomination, in addition to our present colleges, is, that ten theological seminaries, similar to the one described above, should be established in different parts of the land, each containing ten students, and placed under one tutor; or, which would probably be better, twenty with five students each; and an allowance of about £25 a year for the board of each student. It is intended to allow this sum to the students of the North Riding Institution, who will, at least at the commencement, reside in christian families. The tutor has engaged to give instruction gratis; and it is hoped that all who wish to see the rural parts of the land furnished with pious and intelligent ministers, and the people through them delivered from ignorance, superstition, and vice, and rendered happy for eternity, will encourage this and similar attempts, The appeal is made particularly to the opulent members of our churches; for with them it must chiefly rest, whether one or more of such institutions shall succeed.

Friends of Christ, and of the voluntary principle, come forward, and let it be seen by your liberality in supporting such institutions, and in helping to maintain the rural pastors which they are intended to furnish, that this system alone is fully adequate to the task of extending the ordinances of religion throughout the entire population of a country. Come forward unitedly and heartily, and the next twenty years will exhibit a mighty increase in our churches, and leave little to be attempted in regard to the evangelization of our beloved country. One promising young man has commenced his studies in the North Riding Institution, and another is expected shortly. Subscriptions and donations will be thankfully received by the Treasurer, John Buchannan, Esq., or the Secretary, the Rev. William Blackburn, both of Whitby; and also donations of books for the library, by the Tutor, the Rev. Gabriel Croft, Pickering.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SUSSEX CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.

The Sussex Congregational Society for the diffusion of Religious Knowledge, by preaching, by the formation of Sunday Schools, and by the distribution of Tracts, held its fifteenth annual meetings on the 5th and 6th of September, in Hanover Chapel, Brighton.

The Rev. John Chater, of Lindfield, delivered an introductory and very appropriate discourse on the attractions of the cross, from John xii. 32. Ón Wednesday morning, at seven o'clock, the ministers of the Association held a meeting for prayer and conference. At eleven there was a public service, the Rev. O. T. Dobbin, of Arundel, preached on the given subject," the personal

reign of Christ on earth."* The Rev. Messrs. Winchester, Press, and Willmore engaged in the devotional parts of the service. After the ministers and friends had partook of refreshment at the Brighton Temperance Hotel, they formed themselves into an open committee, to receive accounts of the different stations in the county, where exertions had been made for the spread of the gospel, to revive some past efforts of the Society, and, if possible, to extend its operations both east and west. Resolutions were unanimously adopted, with a view to engage two more agents in the county, as soon as arrangements can be made for their reception. The Secretary reported, "That the plan of the Chapel Building Funds, for liquidating all debts on the present chapels of the Congregational order in the county, and for the erection and enlargement of other such chapels, together with school-rooms attached, had been submitted to the brethren at the half-yearly meetings, held in April last, at Boreham, for East Sussex, and at Chichester, for West Sussex, when it was resolved, that the General Secretary communicate with the ministers of the county, urging them to form committees, and make arrangements for the commencement of the said fund. That Messrs. Wigney and Co. Bankers, Brighton, be the Treasurers to the Building Fund, and the Rev. J. Edwards, of Brighton, be Secretary. That returns had been sent to the Secretary of debts on chapels in the county, amounting to £2896. 11s. 10d., and that Trustees should now be chosen, and a deed prepared that would ensure to the contributors proper security, and a careful and judicious appropriation of the money."

For the promotion of this important object, it was resolved, "That the General Secretary be requested to visit all the churches in this Association, to carry the above plan into effective operation, by forming local committees, and, if possible, to obtain collections, subscriptions, and donations to the fund."

A public meeting was held in the evening. After singing and prayer, J. N. Wigney, Esq. was called to the chair, who addressed the meeting with considerable effect. The Annual Report of the Society was read by the Rev. J. Edwards, which contained much interesting information, from the ministers and friends, who are actively engaged in promoting the objects of the Society in various districts of the county. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Perkins, Chater, Sainsbury, Press, Willmore, Chapman, Williams, Newton, and Dobbin, expressive of thankfulness for the past, and the earnest desire for the future. The funds of the Society are improved, and future success is anticipated.

EAST DEVON EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of this small but effective Association was held at Honiton, on the 7th of June, 1837. The Rev. G. Hunter, of Axminster, preached in the morning, and the meeting for business was held in the afternoon, Mr. Evans, of Ottery, in the chair.

From the statement of the Rev. W. Wright, of Honiton, the Secretary, it appeared that thirteen villages, containing a population of upwards of 6346 persons, would be destitute of evangelical religious instruction, but for the exertions of this Association.

In accordance with the resolution entered into at the last annual meeting, a statistical account of the churches and congregations was received from the following places,-Colyton, Honiton, Ottery, Sidmouth, and Tiverton, from which it appears, that connected with the above places there are 285 members united in church fellowship, that the places of worship contain 2641 sittings, out of which 1141 are free, and that the sums raised by them for religious purposes during the year ending 1836, amounted to £919. 14s. 44d. In connexion with the above churches are 1173 Sunday scholars, under the care of 138 gratuitous teachers. The churches and congregations connected with the Association, from which returns were not made, or not in sufficient time for insertion in the report, are Axminster, Budleigh, Collumpton, Crediton, Exeter,

The Sermon is now in the press, by the request of the ministers present.

Sidbury, Topsham, and The Point in View. The Committee hope that at the next anniversary such a return will be made as shall show the actual position of our Christian body in East Devon. One fact cannot escape notice that a large portion of the sittings in our places of worship is appropriated gratuitously to the accommodation of the poor, and it is believed, that in the same proportion, gratuitous accommodation is afforded to the poor in Dissenters' chapels generally; a fact which proves the voluntary system to be particularly mindful of that class of society, and that its advocates do not forget the saying of their Lord, "Ye have the poor always with you."

"

HANTS CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Hants Association was holden on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 19th and 20th, at King-street Chapel, Portsea. An introductory sermon was preached on Tuesday evening, by the Rev. T. Wallace, of Petersfield. On Wednesday morning a public breakfast was holden in behalf of the Sunday-school Union; William Jones, Esq., a magistrate of the borough, took the chair. The report was cheering, and several ministers and gentlemen addressed the meeting, which was most numerously attended. The Association sermon was preached in the morning by the Rev. J. E. Good, of Gosport, on the subject-" The connexion between ministerial piety and usefulness." The Lord's Supper was then administered, at which the Rev. W. Scamp presided. In the afternoon the business of the Association was publicly transacted, when Erasmus Jackson, Esq., was called to the chair. Samuel Griffin, Esq., the county treasurer, presented the report of the funds, and gave an account of the efforts made by the churches during the past year. The Rev. T. Adkins, of Southampton, preached in the evening. The congregations were large at each service, and highly gratifying to the pastor, the Rev. Thomas Cousins, and friends. Upwards of forty ministers were present, and the spirit of harmony and love prevailed to an eminent degree. Liberal collections were made for the Society at the close of the services.-Patriot.

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHAPELS IN THE WATERING PLACES OF

KENT.

It is well known that persons will do, when from home, what local circumstances will not permit them to attempt in their own neighbourhoods. Thus multitudes will go to hear the gospel preached in dissenting chapels at the watering-places they may visit, who could not be induced to frequent those which are in the vicinity of their respective homes. It is therefore highly important to the progress of divine truth, that in every popular resort a commodious chapel should be erected, in which the gospel may be ably and faithfully pro

claimed.

The watering-places of Kent, from their proximity to the metropolis, and the facilities of conveyance by the many steam-vessels that now navigate the Thames, have been rapidly rising into importance, while they have been either destitute of Congregational chapels altogether, or have only possessed such as, from their situation or size, were not likely to attract or accommodate many visitors. We are happy to perceive that some vigorous efforts have been commenced during the present year to supply these deficiencies.

At Herne Bay, which has rapidly grown from a little fishing cove to a favourite and splendid watering-place, the Congregational chapel was of a very humble order, being quite in keeping with the rustic character of the village. The new buildings having rendered its situation very objectionable, a chapel in harmony with the improved taste of the town became necessary. Such an edifice was erected for the use of the members of the Established Church; but as some difficulties arose about its endowment and consecration, it was purchased by the aid of a liberal friend in the metropolis, and now a large dissenting congregation assembles in that commodious and elegant building, under the ministry of the Rev, William Foster.

The ancient chapel at Ramsgate, although its accommodations have been frequently increased, is altogether inadequate to the present state of our denomination at that delightful resort. To accommodate the increasing number of stated hearers, and the great influx of visitors, the erection of a new chapel, of large dimensions, is determined. Several hundred pounds have been collected towards it, and a Building Committee is in active operation.

The old Independent chapel, Prince's Street, Gravesend, is in the same circumstances. It is not equal to the growing population of that rising town, much less to accommodate that portion of the myriads who resort there in summer, who belong to the Congregational churches of the metropolis. It was therefore resolved, at a public meeting held on Monday, Sept. 4, when the venerable Treasurer of Highbury College presided, to proceed to the erection of a commodious chapel and school-rooms at an early period, and we are happy to hear that several hundred pounds were subscribed towards it.

We earnestly commend these respective efforts to the liberal attention of those members of our churches who may visit these interesting places; and they will permit us to remark, that if every religious visitor would contribute only a small part of that money which they have devoted to the pleasures of a country excursion, they would speedily enable our brethren in those places to provide ample accommodations for those who wish to unite with them in public worship. We cannot refrain from adding our sincere wish that some efforts like these may be speedily attempted at Margate, Dover, and some other places of resort in the same county.

CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL, BARNARD CASTLE.

A new congregational chapel, for the use of the church and congregation under the pastoral care of the Rev. Messrs. Prattman and Harrison, was opened for public worship, in Hall Street, Barnard Castle, on Tuesday, April 18th, 1837. The dedicatory prayer was offered by the Rev. James Jackson, of Green Hammerton, after which an eloquent and appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds. In the afternoon a public meeting was held, at which, addresses, suited to the occasion, were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Jackson, Moorhouse, late of West Melton; Ely and Hamilton, of Leeds; and Thornton, of Darlington. In the evening, after the reading of the Scriptures and prayer, by the Rev. W. Moorhouse, an able and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. R. W. Hamilton. The services of the day were highly interesting, the congregations overflowing, and the collections liberal, amounting to the sum of £55.

On the 23d and 25th of July, sermons were preached in the above chapel, by the Rev. James Parsons, of York, when the sum of £32 was collected, and a purse of sixty sovereigns was presented by some ladies connected with the congregation.

The circumstances which have led to the erection of the above chapel are as follow:-The former chapel was private property, and situated on leasehold ground; and the erection of a new place, on freehold property, has long been deemed a most desirable object. An eligible piece of ground being met with, an effort was made, and the above chapel, which is a neat plain building, and will hold upwards of six hundred persons, has been erected, and vested in trust for the use of the congregation.

The chapel has cost nearly eleven hundred pounds. Towards the expense, the friends at Barnard Castle have contributed the sum of £550; and they beg to appeal to the liberality of the christian public for assistance, to enable them to reduce the debt to such a sum as they may be able to manage, without occasioning any difficulty in supporting the cause at home.

WOODFORD CHAPEL, ESSEX.

A new and commodious chapel was opened for divine service, on Sept. 5th, 1837, when two sermons were preached; that in the morning by the Rev. Dr. Reed, and that in the afternoon by the Rev. H. Townley.