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having received many petitions from the people, to continue longer with them. The Consistory finding that they cannot prevent my administering the Sacraments, have determined to punish the people for receiving them in any place except the church; and yesterday à paper to that effect was read from the pulpit.

"However, I begin to rejoice in all this; for it appears to me that the Lord our God is about to establish on this barren island a little church. for himself; and that Dagon is beginning to fall before the ark. My hearers are now endeavouring to purchase a large house for me to preach in: but as they are very poor, I hope the Society will allow a sum of money for this purpose. Some of the people have assured me, that if the Society would send out another ordained minister of the Dutch Reformed Church to supply my place, should I return to the Cape, they would support him, separate themselves from the dead church, and build a place of worship for him Do as much as you can, my dear Sir, to assist me; for this seems to be the appointed time to do some good in Ceylon." Columbo, March 12, 1807. To J. Hardcastle, Esq.

The Directors are also informed, that Mr. Erhardt was about to remove to Columbo, in order to perfect himself in the knowledge of the Cingalese language, under an abler teacher than could be obtained at Matura so that it may be expected he will soou be qualified to preach the gospel to the native heathen.

HOME INTELLIGENCE.

ASSOCIATIONS.

AN Association has been lately formed, denominated "The Middlesex and Hertfordshire Union of Protestant Dissenting Ministers." Their first meeting is to be at Hertford, on the Wednesday after the first Sabbath in April, 1808. Mr. Whitefoot, of Enfield, to preach, on the Nature, Advantages, and best Methods of conducting Religious As

sociations.

Sept. 23. At Brigg, the Eighteenth General Meeting of the Lincolnshire Association. Mr. Blinkom, of Walcot, preached in the morning; after which the Lord's Supper was administered. Mr.Bean, of Alford, preached in the afternoon, from John vi. 12; and Mr. White, of Mablethorp, in the evening, from Isa. . 2; which was followed by another sermon, by Mr. Gladstone, from Isa. ii. 3. Messrs. Hobson, of Driffield, Smelle, of Grimsby, Collins, of Barton, and Clark, of Brigg, engaged in other parts of the services. The next meeting at Walcot, near Fokingham, on the last Wednesday in April, 1808.

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Oct. 14, at Mr. Atkinson's, Margate, a Meeting of the East Kent Association. Mr. Morris preached in the morning, from Heb. xiii. 8, Mr. Chapman in the evening, from Rom. i. 16; Mr. Dawson the preceding evening, from 1 Thess. i. 10.

The next Meeting at Ramsgate (Mr. G. Townsend's) on the Wednesday nearest the full moon, in April next: Mr. Mather, Mr. Tomlin, and Mr. Giles to preach.

ORDAINED.

The

Sept 30, at Wiveliscombe, Somerset. Mr. Joseph Buck (Independent) Late student at Axminster. following ministers engaged: Prayer, &c. Mr. Heudebourck, of Bishop's Hall, introduction, &c. Mr. Golding, of Pitminster; ordination-prayer, Mr. Tozer, of Taunton; charge, Mr. Small, of Axminster (the tutor); introductory prayer, Mr. Gardiner, of Barnstaple; sermon, Mr. Saltren, of Bridport; and Mr. Allen, of Stringstone, concluded.

Oct. 28, at Guyhorn, Cambridgeshire, Mr. Mses Davis (Indep.) late of London. The services of the

day were conducted by Mess. Woodward, of Pinchbeck, Griffiths, of Chatteris, and Cogett, of St. Ives.

Oct. 21, at Wednesbury, Staffordshire, Mr. J. Pickering, pastor of the Independent church. Introducton, Mr. Hudson, of West Brom wich; ordination-prayer, Mr.Grove, of Walsall: charge, Mr. Dagley,

1 Tim. iv. 6; sermon, Mr. Bennett, of Birmingham; Mr. Theodosius, of Gomall, began, and Mr. Morris, of West Bromwich, concluded with payer.

Oct. 28, at Penzance (Baptist church) Mr. G. Smith was settled as pastor. Introduction, Mr. Griffin, of Falmouth; charge, Mr. Birt, of Plymouth; sermon, Mr. Gray, of Plymouth; prayer, Mr. Bagsdell, of Plymouth, and M. Rowe, of Redruth.

Nov. 2, at Eastcombe, Gloucestershire, Mr. Beury Hawkins. Introduction, Mr. Elint, of Uley; charge, Mr. Burchell, of Tetbury; sermon, Mr. Winterbottom; Mr. Saunders, of Frome, prayed, and in the evening preached.

CHELTENHAM.

We rejoice to hear that a commodious chapel is to be erected at Cheltenham, which is now become a place of great resort. Theatres, ball rooms, and card- rooms are prepared for the entertainment of the gay and worldly: the lovers of the gospel will also, we trust, be accommodated. The liberality of a few individuals has already produced 2001 towards this object; but the aid of the religious public, we bear, will necessarily be solicited.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, about 12 at noon, a robbery was committed on the London road, about six miles f.om Chichester, on a Mr. Rhodes, an attorney of that place. When the affair was reported there, three gentlemen, well-mounted and armcd, set out in search of the villain; and, after about two hours ride, discovered him, when, finding that the gentlemen gained ground upon, him, he turned round, and shot Mr. Sergeant, one of the puïsuers, thre?

the head, who fell from his horse and died immediately. While the other gentlemen were attentive to their friend, the murderer escaped. of soldiers went in search of the On Monday afternoon a party traced by some country people tomurderer, whose footsteps had been discovered and driven out; but wards a wood. He was at length finding his pursuers close at his heels, he ran into a pond, where one of the party shot him dead. On his person was found the watch of which he had robbed Mr. Rhodes. Thus Lust," or inordinate desire of money, "when it was conceived, brought forth Sin; and Sin," speedily after its accomplishment, brought forth Death. It must be regretted, however, that the violence of resentment should thus prevent the more slow and solemn process of justice, which might have been more useful to the public.

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LONDON.

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On Lord's Day, Nov. 8, a dinner was given by the late Lord Mayor to his successor in office, and other members of the corporation, at the City of London Tavern, in Bishopsgate Street. They had been, we are informed, to qualify themselves for office at the Lord's Table, and then assembled at the convivial, board at the tavern; and at an hour, three o'clock, when their more pious fellow-citizens were going to church. Such an open violation of the sacred day, - such a gross and indecorous action, we believe, was never before commilled by the magistrales of the city. It has certainly excited strong sensatious of indignation in the minds of those numerous citizens of London, who are extremely concerned to witness such approaches as these towards the vicious and profane practices of France, which, if indulged, may be followed by the infidelity and anarchy of that country.

On Monday, the 9th, when the late Lord Mayor, and the Lord Mayor elect, attended in the Court of Exchequer as usual, the Chict Baron

spect to their true interests; and to
diffuse information amongst them,
respecting the means whereby they
may improve the present opportu-
hity of substituting a beneficial
Trade.
commerce in place of the Slave

such of the improvements and use-
"4. To introduce amongst them
ful arts of Europe as are suited to
their condition.

addressed them in a very interesting and impressive manner, alluding, as we cannot but think, to the transaction above mentioned. The Chief Baron justly observed, that the good or evil example of those who fill the highest offices in the magistracy, was of the utmost importance to the state; and that when the first magistrate of the city conducted himself in the discharge of his duties in an exemplary manner, the magistrates in inferior places were “5. To promote the cultivation of the African soil, not only by exnot ashamed to follow h's example.citing and directing the industry of We sincerely hope that this excellent hint will be taken; and that where it may appear advantageous the natives, but by furnishing, hereafter the sanctity of the Sabbath will not be sacrificed by the and implements of husbandry. to do so, useful seeds and plants, magistracy to couviviality. ›

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It was very properly enquired in one of the newspapers," With what face could the present Lord Mayor have received an information

against the master of the London Tavern, for suffering "tippling" in his house during divine service?"

and it was recommended to the Society for suppressing Vice, to direct their attention to the irregularities of the higher ranks of people, whose conduct is more pregnant with mischief than that of the lower orders.

AFRICAN INSTITUTION.

AN interesting Report from the Committee of this Institution has lately made its appearance.

"The means which it is proposed to employ for the purpose of promoting civilization and improvement in Africa, are of the following kind:

diffuse

"1. To collect, and throughout this country, accurate information respecting the natural productions of Africa; and, in general, respecting the agricultural and commercial capacities of the African continent, and the intellectual, moral, and political condtion of its inhabitants.

"2. To promote the instruction of the Africans in letters and in useful knowledge, and to cultivate a friendly connexion with the natives of that continent.

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"3. To endeavour to enlighten the minds of the Africaas, with re

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--

،، 6. To introduce amongst the inhabitants beneficial medical discoveries.

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"7. To obtain a knowledge of and, as has already been found to the principal languages. of Africa ; be practicable, to reduce them to writing, with a view to facilitate the diffusion of information among the .natives of that country.

and to establish correspondences, as ،، 8. To employ suitable agents shall appear advisable; and to encourage and reward individual enterprize and exertion in promoting any of the purposes of the Institu

.tion."

race ; -

obviating the objections which may The Report is chiefly occupied in be supposed to arise to the Plan of tion of the vastness of the object the Society: 1st, From a consideraproposed to be effected by the ef'individuals in this country ; forts of a voluntary association of . gdly, From the supposed intellectual and moral inferiority of the African attempt made to spread civilization 3dly, From the result of the in Africa, by means of the colony of Sierra Leone; . and, 4th, From the Institution can expect to possess the inadequacy of the means which and employ. "On all these points, as we think, a most satisfactory answer has been given; and we recom mend to our readers the perusal of and enlarged views on several im. this Report, both as containing just cating to the public much new and portant subjects, and as communiinteresting information.

LITERATURE.

DR. HAWKER is now revising his COMMENTARY, with a view to the printing of a handsome 8vo edition with the Text at large: to be published by subscription.

We learn, with great satisfaction, that the religious public, which, for some time seemed insensible to the necessity and importance of the ECLECTIC REVIEW, have lately manifested the most encouraging approbation of that valuable work. The favourable testimonies to its increasing merit which the Conductors have received from eminent characters in the several walks of Literature, as well as from the more

respectable ministers, encourage the hopes that we have long entertained, of seeing the prevalence of many toxious publications supplanted by talent with evangelical purity and a work combining exalted literary simplicity.

RECENT DEATHS.

Died, on Thursday night, Nov. 12, after about one hours illness, Mrs. Wilks, the excellent wife of the Rev. Matt. Wilks, of London. On the Thursday following she was buried at Bunhill Fields, the funeral oration being delivered by the Rev. R. Hill.

Nov. 18th, died the Rev. Mr. Gilbert, of Bledlow.

List of Lectures, &c. in and near London, for December.

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SERIOUS REFLECTIONS.

I live: :-one instant, and the present scene
To me may be as tho' it ne'er had been: -
A sudden stroke may break life's brittle thread,
And find me number'd with the silent dead!
What then is life?a" vapour, which awhile,
Alittle while, appeareth," - full of toil!
A shadow, which with haste escapes away!
The morning dew, -a short liv'd winter's day!
Not so th'immortal soul, that cannot die,
Tho' from its frail abode it soon must fly,
When death shall burst the bond that binds to earth,
And give to its existence a new birth!

"Will it appear in the high climes of bliss,
"Or sink for ever in Hell's dark abyss ?"
If found in Jesus, it will have a place
Among those shining miracles of grace

That owe their Heav'n to God's unchanging love,
Who fix'd, ere time began, their seats above!
But, if found trampling on his sacred blood,
Careless of both his sceptre and his rod,

In league and love with ev'ry baneful sin
That serves to strengthen Satan's reign within
Like Felix, it will tremble and turn pale,
And its own immortality bewail.

Search me, oh God! and try my froward heart!
Know thou my thoughts, and bid each sin depart!
Lead me in ways of everlasting peace,

And grant to ev'ry grace a large increase;
Till the blest Spirit and the Bride say "Come,
Exchange thy prison for thy Fether's home!
Enter the joy of thine exalted Lord,
Receive the palm, and lay aside the sword!
Behold my glory! see my unveil'd face!
And reap the fruits of my converting grace!
Share in the rest prepar'd for saints above,
And know for ever that thy "God is love !"

AN ADDRESS

G. R.

TO THE Ladies and genTLEMEN OF WINCANTON,
For the Encouragement of the Sunday-School, by M. J.

TE friends of mercy, let your hearts expand;
With full supplies stretch forth a willing hand;
Diffuse your bounty, like, the fruitful rain
Which waters earth, -nor waters it in vain :

So shall a blessing on your names attend;

What name so blessed as "The Poor Man's Friend?"

"Lo! in the gospel we our pattern find,

The dear Redeemer - Friend of lost mankind!
That Friend of sinners gave his blessed word,
A light to guard us from the downward road.
place the blessed lamp in ev'ry hand,
To guide their feet to Canaan's happy land!

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