lation is composed of natives of the United States, (particularly in the Eastern Townships,) among whom several ministers from that country appropriately and successfully labour, who derive a portion of their support from the American Home Missionary Society. With the exceptions which this statement will render obvious, we the Congregational pastors of British origin in Lower Canada, cordially add our names to the foregoing appeal.

HENRY WILKES, Montreal.
D. DUNKERLEY, Durham.

T. ATKINSON, Quebec.
JAMES T. BYRNE, L'Original.

RICHARD MILES, Granby aud Abbotsford.

TRANSACTIONS OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.

REPORTED PROGRESS OF ANTI-PADO-BAPTIST OPINIONS IN WALES.-In the month of June last, the following paragraph from " The Welshman" found its way into The Patriot newspaper.

"At Swansea and its neighbourhood many scores continue to be added to the Baptists at their monthly ceremonies; it is supposed that more have joined the Baptists within the last three months than during the preceding seventeen years. On Saturday and Sunday last, a whole congregation of Pado-Baptists, preacher and all, were baptized by immersion in the river Tawe, within two miles of Swansea. The rite was performed in the presence of from eight to ten thousand spectators.."

Well aware of the more than common zeal which of late has possessed our Baptist brethren to give prominence to their denominational peculiarities, we were not surprised by the first part of this paragraph. But when we came to read the second, that "a whole congregation of Pædo-Baptists, preacher and all," had renounced their opinions and gone over to the Baptist denomination, their conversion being so complete, a whole congregation, and simultaneous too, "all," both pastor and people; it seemed to us probable that some other causes besides the arguments of our brethren, might have to do with the matter.

We have since received the following account of it from a well known minister, resident in that locality :-About two years ago certain parties were expelled from the ancient Congregational church at Mynyddbach, near Swansea, for reasons that it is not expedient to name, but which so approved themselves to the Independent brethren in the district, that it was announced in their periodical for South Wales, that they had renounced all connexion and intercourse with them.

These parties continued together, and proceeded to build a large chapel, at a considerable expense, the debt of which pressing heavily upon them, soon led to internal dissensions, and a minority left them. Communications were opened with the quarterly meeting of the Independent churches at Reuth, January 7th, 1841, begging that they might be recognized as a sister church by the Association. This request was decidedly refused. The effect of this was, that some of the parties went to the church at Mynyddbach, and made confession of their sins, and were received again into fellowship on the profession of their repentance.

With decreasing members the weight of the chapel debt became more burdensome to those that remained, and they renewed their application at the annual assembly of the county, May 19th, to be recognized by the Congregational churches-this was declined. In these difficulties it is said, that on their way home they determined to join the Baptist denomination, on whose sympathy they could reckon. Be this as it may, it is certain that in three weeks the conversion of the whole was effected, as on the 13th of June they were all immersed, and admitted into the Baptist denomination. We give these explanations more in grief than anger. Many thoughts suggest themselves, but the time has not yet come to record what we think of this, and many similar transactions.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION IN WALES ON THE MODE AND SUBJECTS OF BAPTISM.The baptismal controversy is exciting, at this time, an intense interest in the principality. A public debate on the subject was recently held in South Wales. And although a full report of it has been published, we cannot, at present, give any thing like a summary of its contents. We can only state a few of the principal facts connected with this extraordinary meeting. Mr. John Jones, of Llangollen, is publishing (in parts) a book, called the BEDYDDIWR. In connexion with this object Mr. J. Jones made an excursion through various parts of Wales. During his tour he delivered, in compliance with the request of ministers and others, several lectures on the subject of his book. And although his method of discussion was critical and didactic, rather than polemical; yet he was in several places, after, and during the delivery of his lecture, interrupted, and boldly challenged to an open controversy. At last Mr. Jones felt that it was due to himself, and to what he deemed the truth, to accept the challenge of his Baptist brethren. This he did at Rumney, in Monmouthshire, on the 18th of Oct. last, after a Baptist minister had expressed a wish to have a "dadl” with him on that same day. Mr. J. Jones proposed that, as he intended being again at Rumney on the Ist of Nov., the discussion should take place then. To this the Rev. Morgan Jones, in the name of the Baptists, readily acceded; and engaged to procure a learned and able representative of the Baptists to meet Mr. J. Jones at the appointed time.

The day-the memorable day-arrived. John Jones, faithful to his engagement and his cause, arrived about an hour before the beginning of the discussion; when he found that his elected antagonist was the Rev. T. G. Jones, of Beula, a gentleman distinguished for his controversial abilities, and who was once a Pædo-baptist minister. Upwards of 10,000 persons were present to witness this new thing. Suitable arrangements were made for conducting the meeting. Two Chairmen were elected; the Rev. Hugh Jones, of Tredegar, for the Independents, and the Rev. E. Oliver, of Penycae, for the Baptists. The meeting was held in the open air, and occupied parts of two days. The disputation was conducted with great skill on both sides, and was listened to with enthusiastic interest. And what was the result? which was the triumphant party? Though painfully conscious that ourselves as well as others are exposed to the biassing influence of party spirit, yet we feel no delicacy nor difficulty in answering the question. The Pædo-Baptists maintainnor do the Baptists deny-that the victory of Mr. John Jones, of Llangollen, over his able opponent, the Rev. T. G. Jones, Classical Tutor of the Baptist College at Haverfordwest, was one of the most signal and decisive in the history of religious polemics. While we have no great partiality for such means and methods of spreading religious truth, yet we sincerely pray and hope, that this controversy may be overruled to promote Biblical knowledge, holy charity, and unsectarian zeal in all the churches of Wales.

LANCASHIRE INDEPENDENT COLLEGE, NEAR MANCHESTER.-We understand, that the building designed for this noble institution, is rapidly advancing towards completion; and that it is fully expected to be ready for occupation in the course of next summer. Hence its patrons and friends feel exceedingly anxious, that, whenever it shall be opened, it may be so, free from any incumbrance whatsoever. After having obtained the most liberal contributions in their own county, they regret to state, that at least about £4000 more will be required, to enable them to accomplish this. But the extreme pressure of the times is so severely felt, in their immediate neighbourhood, that they are reluctantly compelled to solicit the assistance of their able and benevolent friends at a distance. A deputation, therefore, from the Committee, consisting of their chairman, the Rev. Dr. Raffles, and the Rev. J. Kelly, and the Rev. R. Fletcher, with their treasurer, George Hadfield, Esq., will

be in town, early this month, to advocate the powerful claims of this institution, wherever they may have an opportunity. And we trust they will meet with a cordial reception and liberal encouragement, in this work of faith and labour of love.

OPENINGS OF NEW CHAPELS.

SHILLINGTON, BEDFORDSHIRE.-The opening of Union Chapel in this large and populous village took place on Thursday, the 25th of November. The Rev. T. W. Jenkyn, D.D., President of Coward College, London, preached in the afternoon, and the Rev. James Rowland, of Henley upon Thames, in the evening. The other parts of the services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Bird, of Ampthill, Jukes, of Bedford, Kent, of Biggleswade, White, of Sandy, Wayne, of Hitchin, &c. Shillington is situated on the borders of the county of Hertford, and contains upwards of 1500 inhabitants. Some years since, a few individuals at Hitchin commenced preaching in a barn, the rent of which was paid by some friends in Hertfordshire; at first they laboured in the midst of much opposition, but subsequently with signal marks of the Divine blessing. In 1838 this interesting station was taken up by the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Unions, partly at the recommendation of the late Mr. James Morell (son of the late lamented President of Coward College), who was very anxious to have a house built to the Lord," and to have preached the Gospel there, but his early death prevented him from prosecuting his intentions. The agents of the Unions have since laboured in this and the surrounding villages with great success. The erection of the chapel, which will accommodate from 350 to 400 people, the purchase of the ground, and other necessary expences, will amount to about £520., of which about £360. has already been raised. Towards this sum the people (who are chiefly of the labouring class) have contributed £50.

Dartmouth, DEVON.-On Thursday, October 7th, 1841, the new chapel in this town, erected on the site of the old building, was opened for public worship. In the morning after the dedicatory prayer, by the Rev. W. H. Drew, Missionary from Madras, and reading and prayer by the Rev. W. Tarbotton, of Totnes; the Rev. G. Smith, of Plymouth, preached from 2 Chron. vi. 18. At the conclusion of the morning service, about 120 friends sat down to a dinner provided for the occasion. R. Peek, Esq., of Hazlewood House, near Kingsbridge, presided. After dinner the doors of the room being thrown open, very appropriate and efficient speeches were delivered to a large assembly, by the respected Chairman, the Rev. Messrs. Stenner (minister of the chapel), Smith, Drew, Brewer (Baptist), Hicks (Wesleyan), Lewis, Home Missionary at Brixham, and Keale, Independent minister at Kingsbridge. Tea was afterwards introduced, of which 150 partook. Iu the evening, the Rev. John Flavell Stenner, of Holt, Wilts, having read and prayed, the Rev. J. Orange, of Torquay, preached from Revelation, i. 12-16. Liberal collections were obtained on the occasion. This chapel is calculated to contain about 1000 hearers, including Sabbath-school children. It is a neat and commodious place of worship, affording ample room for the poor, which has long been needed. As a proof of the efficiency of the voluntary principle, this chapel was announced to be nearly free of debt on the day of opening. The building, including an additional piece of ground purchased for the enlargement, deeds, &c., has cost nearly £1,100, of which about £600 have been raised among the people themselves. It is a pleasing fact in connection with the erection of this chapel, that no expence has been incurred by travelling. Circulars were sent in all directions, to which many friends generously responded.

BERMONDSEY NEW ROAD CHAPEL, Webb Street, Bermondsey.-On the 2nd of September last, this neat chapel was, with the cordial sanction of the neighbouring ministers, opened for public worship, by prayer and a series of addresses; when the

following brethren were engaged in conducting the service: the Rev. Messrs. Bodington, Rogers, Muscutt, Caston, Maddox, West, and Morris. In the evening, the Rev. John Adey preached to a crowded congregation. On the following Lord'sday, the Rev. George Rose preached in the morning, and the Rev. George Clayton in the evening, to most respectable and numerous congregations, which have attended in undiminished numbers to the present time on the services of the stated minister. This place of worship is situated in a parish containing nearly 35,000 souls, and all the churches and chapels in it, only afford accommodation for 7500 persons; and has been engaged by a number of Christian friends who are members of adjacent churches.

The committee having invited the Rev. John Morris, formerly of Olney, Bucks, to become the stated minister, he entered upon his labours on the 12th of the same month, with the most encouraging prospects of success.

On the 10th of November last, a solemn and interesting service was held there, for the formation of a Christian church on Congregational principles, when the ordinance of the Lord's supper was administered to the members of the newly-formed church, and several members of other churches who came to sympathize and rejoice with them, and bid them "God speed." The interesting solemnities were conducted by the Rev. George Rose, who addressed the church and congregation in a luminous and impressive statement of the principles and discipline maintained by Christians of the Congregational body. The newly-chosen minister gave a brief account of the circumstances in divine providence which led him to accept the invitation presented to him, to labour among the people in that vicinity,-the doctrines he purposed by the divine blessing to preach, and the manner in which he hoped to discharge his pastoral duties, when the church cordially recognised his call to labour among them, who were then forcibly and affectionately addressed by the Rev. Mr. Muscott; and prayers were offered to the throne of grace by the Rev. Messrs. West and Austin. The committee by whom this has been conducted commit their esteemed pastor and this infant cause to the sympathies and prayers of their Christian friends, and especially to the care and benediction of the Lord, the great Head of the church; and rejoicing that another church has been added to those of the Congregational order in the metropolis, they cherish the hope that this effort may operate as an example to induce other Christian friends to adopt similar measures to supply other neighbourhoods equally destitute with the means of grace in the metropolis of our country. A Sunday-school of about one hundred children, and a Christian Instruction Association have been formed, and are in efficient operation.

ORDINATIONS, ETC.

The Rev. E. F. Bodley, of Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, having received and accepted an unanimous invitation from the church and congregation, Rochford, in the same county, lately under the charge of the Rev. E. Temple, deceased, commenced his stated labours on the last Sabbath of November.

The Rev. Evan Davies, of Llanerchymedd, Anglesey, has accepted a unanimous invitation to become pastor of the Independent church, at Newmarket, Flintshire, over which that venerable man of God, the late Rev. Thomas Jones, presided during the long period of fifty-one years. Mr. Davies's departure from the island is deeply regretted by his brethren in the ministry, with whom he has so faithfully co-operated; and most cordially do they wish him an abundant measure of prosperity and happiness in his new sphere of labour.

On Wednesday, the 29th September last, the Rev. George Eustace, late of Highbury College, was ordained pastor of the Independent church assembling in Zion

Chapel, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. This is an increasing and most interesting cause. The attendance of ministers and people on this occasion was numerous and highly respectable. The Rev. J. Harrison, of Stretton-under-Fosse, introduced the solemnities of the day by reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. J. G. Hewlett, of Coventry, gave a lucid and Scriptural view of a Christian church and asked the usual questions of the young minister The Rev. T. Dix, of Bedworth, offered up the ordination prayer. The Rev. W. Gunn, of Aylesbury,, the pastor of Mr. Eustace, delivered an interesting and affectionate charge. In the evening an appropriate and impressive sermon from Acts vii. 38. “The Church in the Wilderness" was preached to the church and congregation by the Rev. J. Sibree, Coventry. The Rev. Messrs. Miller of Atherstone; Salt and Sheffield, of Hinckley; Dyall, of Hartshill, and Spooner, Baptist, of Attleborough, took parts in the devotional services.

The Rev. Alexander Gordon, A.M., of the University of Aberdeen, and late of the Theological Academy, Glasgow, was set apart on Thursday, the 2nd inst., as pastor of the Independent Church in Bridge Street, in the City of Londonderry. The interesting services commenced at 6 o'clock in the evening, and were attended by a crowded audience from different denominations, including, we believe, some Roman Catholics. The Rev. R. Dill, the venerable Presbyterian minister of Knowhead, read a portion of Scripture, and offered up the introductory prayer. The Rev. W. H. Cooper, of Dublin, then explained the principles of Independency, so far as they are involved in the service, in a discourse, which though strongly maintaining the distinctive principles of his own body, breathed a spirit of conciliation towards those who hold contrary opinions. The questions were put by the Rev. Samuel Shaw, of Moy, and Mr. Gordon, in his replies, gave very clear and interesting statements regarding his views of Christian truth, and of the pastoral office, as well as his motives in undertaking its responsible duties. He was then solemnly set apart by prayer, offered up most impressively by Mr. Cooper, and the laying on of hands. The same respected and highly talented minister then addressed to the newly-ordained pastor a charge, marked by a tone of deep solemnity, full of most pungent and powerful appeals to the conscience, and enforcing the duties and responsibilities of the Christian ministry with an unction and an energy that cannot soon be forgotten. The Rev. F. Godkin was appointed to address the church, but owing to the lateness of the hour, he postponed his discourse to the next Sunday morning. Mr. Shaw having concluded with prayer, the assembly was dismissed, apparently much edified by the whole services.

BRIEF NOTES ON PASSING EVENTS.

The state of amity which prevails amongst all the nations that bear the Christian name, happily renders remarks on our foreign relations unnecessary. In CHINA alone are our countrymen engaged in hostilities, and we trust that our armaments in that vast empire, may so humble the proudest and most formidable of pagan nations, that, convinced of the impotency of their idols, they may be prepared to turn to the living God.

At HOME our horizon is overspread with clouds, and whether we contemplate the ecclesiastical or social condition of our country, we feel that there is a loud call for deep humility and fervent prayer.

The revival of popish error in the bosom of the church of England is now without dispute. "For," says the Rev. J. H. Stewart, "laying aside all disguise, we behold a prelate of the church of Rome advocating a union between the church of England and the church of Rome, and using this as one of his strongest reasons-that such a union is much desired by MANY OF OUR CLERGY." We and our fathers have suffered many personal injuries and social wrongs, for maintaining that the church of England