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SIR, However conscientiously we may dissent from the principles of the Church of England, as it regards her departure from primitive simplicity in her form of government; or, however warrantably we may oppose the erroneous doctrines which many ministers in her communion at this day promulgate, we are, nevertheless, compelled to award her the palm,-and a glorious one it is, in that she so far outshines the whole collective body of Dissenters in her unwavering zeal, and in her untiring "work of faith and labour of love," on behalf of poor outcast Israel; yet "beloved for the fathers' sake."

And may not, I would unhesitatingly ask, her preservation, amidst the attacks of designing spoliators on the one hand, and of uncharitable aspersions on the other; may not her preservation be instrumentally attributable to her warm and unflinching advocacy of the Jewish cause?-for the Lord hath said, "Blessed is he that blesseth thee." In further confirmation of which, I beg leave to refer you to those heart-stirring notices contained in the "Jewish intelligence" for this month, and of which I feel much pleasure in transmitting you a copy; and would venture to suggest their insertion in your valuable periodical, in the humble hope of exciting, through the rich blessing of God, that interest for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the Jews which, I apprehend, a very great number of Christians have never yet entertained as they ought, and which I feel scripturally persuaded the descendants of Abraham have a right to claim at our hands.

In conclusion, I feel it but just to acknowledge that your favourable notice of this subject, both in the Magazine for January, and in that of the present month, has, in no small degree, encouraged me to make this communication; and, although the mind of the Lord may not yet be distinctly understood, with respect to a right mode of procedure touching missionary operations amongst the people of Israel, still it is consolatory to know that there can be no mistake in supplicating the throne of grace on their account; and then, when the exercise of fervent and ceaseless intercession on their behalf shall have become prevalent in our public assemblies, in the domestic circle, and in closet retirement, we may be assured that Jesus, the " King of Israel," and "King of glory," will not deny us the promised guidance of the Holy Spirit, nor withhold from his waiting people that pecu

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CHISWICK, MIDDLESEX.

The minister and congregation connected with the Independent chapel in this village, after waiting more than eighteen months to find a piece of ground, on which to build a larger place of worship, and without success, think it right to inform their Christian friends, that they have, (after mature deliberation, and consultation with those persons whom they thought able to give counsel in the matter), came to the resolution to pull down the old chapel without any further delay, and erect another on the same site, capable of holding about three hundred and forty persons, being one hundred and forty more than the present building will accommodate. There are only eighteen years remaining of the lease, which might have been considered a sufficient reason for not rebuilding on the same ground; but the dilapidated, unsafe, unwholesome, and unsightly appearance of the present building, which will hold only about two hundred persons, together with an outlay of about 10. per annum, to keep it in repair, and the vast importance of continuing to make a stand for the gospel in a village containing five thousand souls, have led the minister and congregation to decide on the measure. At the same time, the friends are not without hope, that the lease will be renewed at the end of the present period.

The case may be considered as peculiar, but the necessity for the measure is apparent to those who are acquainted with the spiritual destitution of the inhabitants; and it is hoped the friends of truth will come forward and assist in such an important undertaking. The amount required will be about 6007., including the expense of two good rooms over the chapel, capable of holding one hundred and fifty Sabbath-school children. 2507. have already been promised, and further assistance will be thankfully received by the Rev. E. Miller, Chiswick; Mr. Robert Millar, Hammersmith; and Mr. Hindley, 32, Berners-street, Oxford-street.

The measure has been approved by the Rev. Dr. Morison, of Brompton, and by the ministers in the immediate vicinity.

March 29, 1841.

SURREY MISSION.

The forty-fourth Anniversary of this Society was held at the Rev. J. Burnet's chapel, Camberwell, on Wednesday, April 7th. The Rev. J. Hill, of Clapham, commenced the morning service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Rev. John Harris, D.D., Theological Tutor of Cheshunt College, preached a most impressive sermon from Luke xii. 50. The Rev. E. Steane, of Camberwell, concluded with prayer.

The annual meeting was held in the evening, Thomas Piper, Esq. in the Chair; addresses were delivered hy the Rev. Messrs. G. Clayton, T. Jackson, S. A. Dobourg, W. Jackson, J. M. Soule, J. Burnet, J. E. Richards, J. Mirams, and W. B. Gurney, Esq.

The report stated, that an amicable arrangement had been made with the Home Missionary Society, for combined efforts in the evangelization of the county, which it is hoped will be productive of much good.

During the past year, in connexion with the London Christian Instruction Society, thirteen open air services were held in the lower districts of the county, which were well attended, and which have issued in the opening of a new station in a village hitherto deemed inaccessible.

The society employs five missionaries, and assists pastors of churches in itinerating services. The agents preach in thirty villages, to about two thousand persons, one hundred and forty-five of whom are in church fellowship; there are nine Sabbathschools connected with the mission, with three hundred children, and thirty-five teachers. Two thousand five hundred tracts have been distributed during the year.

Numerous villages are yet destitute of the faithful preaching of the gospel, and three new districts might at once be occupied, could the requisite funds be obtained; but for the third year in succession, the treasurer is in advance.

The ministers and churches of Christ are earnestly solicited to unite in prompt and vigorous efforts proportionate to the wants of the benighted villagers of our county, so that no individual in the remotest hamlet may have occasion to say, "No man careth for my soul."

Contributions will be thankfully received by the treasurer, Mr. Hickson, Wandsworth; the secretaries, Rev. J. E. Richards, Wandsworth; Rev. J. M. Soule, Battersea ; Rev. R. Connebee, Dorking; or any member of the committee.

RECOGNITIONS.

On Wednesday, March 31st, the Rev. D. Senior, late of Brotherton, was publicly re

cognised as the pastor of the congregational church in the town of Selby.

The Rev. James Bruce, of Howden, read a suitable portion of Scripture and prayed: the Rev. Henry Earle, of Goole, requested the minister to state the reasons for his removal to Selby, and implored the great Head of the Church to bless the union that had thus been formed: the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds, addressed an appropriate, impressive, moving charge to the recognised pastor: the Rev. James Parsons, of York, urged important and stirring counsels on the attention of the people. The service, which commenced about two o'clock p. m., was prolonged till after five, and was throughout of a solemn and interesting character.

At six o'clock, above four hundred friends of different denominations took tea together in the public room, recently erected in this place; after which, addresses were delivered by the ministers and friends present, expressive of their kind congratulation and benevolent wishes for the progressive and enlarged prosperity of the pastor and people.

The social repast was furnished by the united and generous effort of the ladies in the church and congregation, over which Mr. Senior presides, and according to a purpose previously avowed, after all expenses were paid, the sum of fifteen pounds, the result of their disinterested undertaking, is applied to the funds of the London Missionary Society.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, December the 22nd and 23rd, the recognition of the Rev. Mr. Cook, was held at the Independent Chapel, in the town of Laugharne, when the following ministers officiated on the occasion: the Rev. Messrs. Davies, Theological Tutor, at the College, Carmarthen; Breeze, of Carmarthen; Rees, of Lanelly; Evans, of Sion's Chapel; Davies, of Rhydwised: Hughes, of Treleach; Williams, of Bethlehem, &c. &c. &c. Thomas and Anthony, Students, at the College, Carmarthen.

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meeting, at seven o'clock in the morning, at which the Rev. H. March delivered a devout address, and brethren from other churches joined in prayer. The Rev. J. Wills, of Basingstoke, commenced the ordination service by reading the Scripture and prayer: the Rev. S. Curwen delivered the introductory discourse, which was a lucid and forcible exhibition of the character and constitution of the kingdom of Christ. The Rev. H. March proposed the usual questions, with great interest, and received the confession of faith. The Rev. T. Lewis, of Islington, offered the designation prayer, accompanied with the laying on of hands. The Rev. Thomas Adkins, of Southampton, delivered a most solemn and affectionate charge to the newly-ordained minister, from 1 Tim. iv. 16; and the Rev. S. Percy, of Guilford, concluded with prayer. In the evening, the Rev. Thomas Guyer, of Ryde, Isle of Wight, (in the absence of the Rev. W. Jay, of Bath,) preached an excellent sermon to the church and congregation, from Eph. iv. 1: the Rev. C. Howell, of Alton, commenced, and the Rev. T. Hitchin, of Odiham, concluded with prayer. The Revds. G. Silly, T. Wallace, and M. Caston, also took part in the services, which were very fully attended, and felt to be deeply interesting and impressive.

present. After dinner, Dr. Leifchild called the attention of the company to the importance, at the present juncture, of circulating, as widely as possible, the principles of the congregational body; and, as the excellent introductory discourse of Mr. Ransom, which they had just heard, contained a faithful exposition of those principles, as well as a just exposure of the fallacies put forth by the apostolical successionists, he would move that the rev. gent. be requested to allow it to be printed in a cheap form, for circulation in Twickenham and the surrounding districts. The proposition was cordially received and adopted unanimously. Mr. R. said he had not entertained the slightest idea that such a wish would be expressed, but if the friends present thought the publication of the sermon would be of service in the promotion of truth, he should deem it to be his duty to comply with their request. By a similar resolution, the Rev. J. Sherman was urged to allow his able and impressive charge to be published in connexion with Mr. Ransom's discourse. Although, from the pressure of other duties, Mr. S. could not then engage to prepare it for publication, it is sincerely hoped that he will be enabled to meet the anxious desire of all who were present on that occasion.

Rev. B. H. Kluht.

On Wednesday, March 10, the Rev. B. H. Kluht, late of Hackney College, was publicly ordained to the pastoral office, over the church and congregation of the Independent Chapel, Twickenham. The Rev. T. Martin, of Richmond, commenced the service, by reading the Scriptures, and prayer; the Rev. S. Ransom, classical and Hebrew tutor of Hackney College, delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev. J. Churchill, of Thames Ditton, proposed the usual questions; the Rev. Dr. Leifchild offered the ordination prayer, with the laying on of hands; and the Rev. J. Sherman gave the charge to the young minister, founded on Col. i. 28, 29; the Rev. Mr. Edwards, of Kingston, concluded with prayer. The Rev. Messrs. Lord, Yonge, and Newbury, and Messrs. Lewis and Gill, of Hackney College, also assisted in the service. The Rev. Charles Hyatt, sen. of Shadwell, introduced the evening service, by reading a portion of Scripture and prayer; after which the Rev. N. M. Harry preached an impressive sermon to the people from Acts ii. 42; the Rev. Mr. France, of Ham, concluded with prayer.

At the close of the morning service, a number of ministers and friends dined at the George Inn. Sir Robert Shaw presided; and his excellent lady was also

NEW ASSOCIATION.

At a meeting of ministers and delegates of churches held at Abingdon, on the 8th of December, 1840, it was resolved, "That an association of Independent Churches, and ministers of Oxfordshire, West Bucks, and their vicinity, be now formed, with an especial view to the extension of the Redeemer's cause in this division of the kingdom; and that the objects of this association be fraternal intercourse between the several ministers and churches, the evangelization of needy places, assisting weaker churches, the extension of religious education, and by every practicable means, the promotion of truth and righteousness throughout their sphere." The association, at present, consists of fourteen churches, and seventeen ministers. On the evening of the day on which it was formed, the Rev. Eliezer Jones, of Oxford, preached, "On the nature and advantages of religious association." The first public meeting of the association was held at Oxford, on the 5th and 6th of April. On the evening of Monday the 5th, the Rev. John Blackburn, of London, preached on the morning of Tuesday the 6th, the business of the association was transacted; and in the evening, the Rev. Henry March, of Newbury, preached On the connexion between the influence of the Holy Spirit, and Christian efforts."

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"We are praying people, and if this make us guilty in the kingdom of the Queen, then whatever the Queen does we submit to suffer."-See page 254.

MADAGASCAR.-THE CONFESSION OF THE MARTYRS.

IN the Missionary Magazine for January, an account was given of the apprehension and martyrdom of nine of the native Christians, at Tananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, on the 9th of July. The confession of their faith, which was speedily followed by their condemnation and death, and the affecting circumstances under which that confession was made, are thus recorded by Mr. Baker, in a letter dated Oct. 1, 1840:

"On reaching the town of Beforona, after their apprehension, a guard was set upon the Christians, but they were not put in bonds. They were told that their manner of travelling was suspicious, and not like that of other people, having lanterns at night, and striking into unusual paths. Three days successively they underwent examination; and, on the third, they resolved to witness the good confession, and therefore made the following declaration through Andriamanana, one of their number, whom they had appointed as their spokesman :-'Since you ask us again and again, we will tell you. We are not banditti nor murderers: we are (impivavaka) praying people; and if this make us guilty in the kingdom of the Queen, then whatever the Queen does, we submit to suffer.' (p. 253.) Is this, then,' said the interrogator, 'your final reply, whether for life or for death?' final reply,' they said, 'whether for life or death.' 'Who,' asked the examiner, 'sent you from Tananarivo?? No one,' they replied, we went forth of our own free will.'

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'It is our

"After the Christians made these declarations, they felt inexpressible peace and joy. They had prayed; they had confessed Christ; and now that concealment was at an end, and they could freely open their overburthened hearts, they said to each other, Now we are in the situation of Christian and Faithful when they were led to the city of Vanity Fair.' And so it proved, when a majority of them underwent the martyr's death after the example of Faithful."

MALAY CONVERTS AT SINGAPORE. (Extract of a letter from Rey. B. P. Keasbury, Sept. 16, 1840.)

ON last Sabbath, we had the satisfaction and pleasure of admitting into the church two more converts from among the Malays. One is a female, the wife of a country-born man, who has been for a year past receiving religious instruction from me, and who gives good evidence of a change of heart. She has been led more or less to think on religion from the time she first came to me. Her earliest serious impression arose from a severe attack of illness which had brought her almost to the brink of the grave. She imagined then, as måny do, who are unacquainted with the true nature of Christianity, that to receive the rite of Christian baptism on a dying bed, was of itself sufficient to introduce her peacefully into the Divine presence. But the Lord in his infinite mercy saw fit to stay the hand of death, and restore her once more to health.

Not long after, her husband, who we trust is a follower of Jesus, brought her to my house to be instructed further in the know

Pre

ledge of the truth. She has since been
very regular in her attendance both on pri-
vate and public religious instruction.
vious to connecting herself with her present
husband, she lived, as she candidly acknow-
ledged, and as all Mohammedans do, in
open sin; "But I feel now," she says,

that I am a great sinner, and have been in much trouble on account of my sins, and am satisfied that Jesus alone is able to bear my sins-I love him." "Do you feel," said I, "more and more hatred to sin ?" "Yes," replied she, "I feel grieved when I have said or done any thing that is wrong. "What do you do when you feel so?" "I pray." She seems to take much pains to become acquainted with the word of God; and I have heard her husband say, that she has often asked him to explain the Scripture, and to converse with her on religion, and, at times, she has been grieved at his neglecting to do so.

The other individual who has been baptized, is one of our scholars, a boy of 14 or

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