HIGHBURY COLLEGE.

THE anniversary of this Institution was held on Wednesday, the 14th of July. The general meeting of the subscribers and friends was con. ducted in the library of the College, at which the Rev. Dr. Leifchild presided. The Reports of the Committee and the Examiners were presented, and gave great satisfaction to the meeting, which was far more numerously attended than for many years past, both by ministers who were educated in the institution, and others. Essays were read by three of the students, which were alike creditable to themselves, and honourable to the tutors who preside over the several departments of learning pursued in the College. The first essay, by Mr. Chancellor, was entitled, "Prayer the reasonable duty of a creature, and the highest privilege of a Christian." The second, by Mr. Hebditch, was, "The Scriptural nature of the death of Christ." The third, by Mr. Nicholson, exhibited "The distinctive features in the characters of Luther and Melancthon, and their influence on the affairs of the Reformation."

In the evening a discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, at Claremont Chapel, on 1 Cor. iii. 5-7. The services of the day were highly interesting, and gave great pleasure to the numerous friends of the Institution who were assembled on the occasion. The only circumstance which excited any regret was the financial statement of the Treasurer, which showed an excess of expenditure over the income for the year £211 17s. 8d., which, added to the deficiency of the previous year, makes the present amount of debt to be £487 11s. It is hoped the friends of the Institution will generously exert themselves to meet without delay this deficiency, and prevent the necessity of reducing the amount of funded property bequeathed by the deceased friends of the College.

A SPLENDID EXAMPLE.

THE Independent Church assembling in Crescent Chapel, Liverpool, have, without loss of time, converted words into deeds. Their school edifices are completed and in operation. On Sunday, September 12th, these commodious schools, situated in Salisbury-street, some distance behind the chapel, were opened with sermons preached in the chapel, in the morning by the Rev. Mr. Birrell, in the evening by the Rev. Mr. Kelly, and on Tuesday evening, the 14th, by the Rev. James Parsons, of York, when collections were made towards defraying the expenses of the erection. On a subsequent evening a tea party was held in the boys' school-room, a large and very commodious apartment, which was quite filled with a highly respectable party. Several leading ministers and other gentlemen were on the platform, amongst whom were the Rev. Dr. Halley, of Manchester; the Rev. J. B. Brown, of London; Rev. J. Towers, Birkenhead; Rev. Mr. La Contem, Rev. Mr. Hewitt, Rochdale; Rev. W. P. Appleford, Rev. J. Kirkus, John Cropper, Esq., T. Blackburn, Esq., J. Stitt, Esq., and A. King, Esq., &c., &c. Tea being over, the Rev. J. Kelly, minister of the chapel, took the chair, when addresses were delivered by the Rev. Mr. La Contem, Rev. Mr. Towers, J. O. Jones, Esq., Rev. Dr. Halley, Rev. J. Brown, and several other gentlemen, all of whom dwelt with much force on the great importance of the school which had been erected. The schools, which are for boys, girls, and infants, will accommodate 700 scholars, and have cost upwards of £5,000. The building has a very beautiful appearance. The sermon of Mr. Kelly has been published, and from its intrinsic merits is highly deserving of extensive circulation.

The Chairman, after some conversation on the subject, signified his consent.

The Rev. A. Wells presented and read from the Committee, a paper on a proposal to obtain by competition a book suitable to impress and influence favourably candidates for the ministry. It was moved by the Rev. Thomas Stratten, of Hull; seconded by the Rev. John Alexander, of Norwich; and adopted:

II. That the proposal to obtain by competition a manual or hand-book for candidates for the Christian ministry, explained and submitted in the paper now read, is approved by this Assembly; and the Committee of the Union is hereby instructed to proceed with all the measures necessary for carrying the design into effect.

The Assembly then proceeded to fraternal conference on the state and duties of the churches at this time. The Rev. John Blackburn, of London, addressed the brethren; then the Rev. John Angell James, of Birmingham. At this point the Chairman called on the Rev. James Gawthorn, of Derby, to conduct prayer. Then the Assembly was further addressed by Revs. A. Fraser, Blackburn; J. L. Poore, of Salford; J. Kelly, Liverpool; Dr. Dobbin, Hull; and Dr. Massey, Manchester. The morning session was then concluded with prayer, conducted by the Rev. D. T. Carnson, of Preston.

TUESDAY EVENING: The Rev. W. L. Alexander, of Edinburgh, preached the annual sermon before the Assembly in Salem Chapel, the Rev. James Parsons'; the opening worship having been conducted by the Rev. John Blackburn, of London.

WEDNESDAY, October 13th: Morning session, Lecture Hall; the Chairman presided in the opening worship. Prayer was conducted by the Rev. John Kelly, of Liverpool.

Moved by the Rev. John Blackburn; seconded by the Rev. J. A. James; and adopted:

III. That this Assembly would record the feelings of solemnity and sorrow with which it has received information of the lamented death of the late Rev. John Ely, of Leeds; an event rendered doubly impressive to the meeting by its close connection therewith in time and place. While the meeting assures the bereaved family and afflicted church of its true sympathy with their sorrows, it shares in the common grief, as the removal of its honoured brother is felt to be a heavy and mournful loss to this Union, and to the Denomination at large. And though it has pleased the sovereign Disposer of all events to remove that honoured and much-loved brother in the midst of his days and usefulness, at a juncture when his name, abilities, and devoted. ness seemed of peculiar and daily-rising worth; nevertheless, this Assembly would bow in entire, unmurmuring submission to his holy will, and would pray the Divine Redeemer to raise up and qualify many gifted and holy ministers to supply the places of those who continue not by reason of death.

The Assembly deems it to be due to its own feelings, and to the memory of the departed, that a deputation of its members be now appointed, and requested to attend as its representatives at the funeral of its honoured and lamented brother.

And it was further agreed, on the motion of the Rev. A. Wells; seconded by the Rev. Thomas James, of London:

IV. That such deputation consist of the Rev. J. A. James, the Rev. John Blackburn, and the Rev. John Kelly, and of Mr. Alderman Kershaw, Samuel Morley, Esq., and Thomas Barnes, Esq.

The Rev. J. Blackburn presented for inspection specimen sheets of church-registration books for church proceedings and constitutions, and for baptisms, marriages, and interments. On which various suggestions were offered. Full particulars respecting these register-books, and information where and how they may be obtained, will be soon made public.

The British Missions were introduced for consideration. The Rev. A. Wells made statements and an appeal on behalf of the Colonial Missionary Society. After this had been responded to by many most encouraging remarks from various brethren, the Chairman invited the Rev. J. Glendenning, of Huddersfield, to offer prayer. The Rev. R. Ashton then introduced in like manner the affairs of the Home Missionary Society; and after discussion thereon, the Rev. Thomas James, Secretary in England, and the Rev. J. D. Smith, Secretary in Ireland, of the Irish Evangelical Society as now united with both the English and Irish Congregational Unions, for Missions in Ireland, addressed the meeting for that branch of British Missions; and received a response of deep and anxious feeling from the Assembly on behalf of that great and difficult, but all-important work-the Evangelization of Ireland. Doubtless the cause of British Missions will reap great and lasting benefits from this discussion, which was closed by the following resolution :

Moved by the Rev. James Gawthorn, of Derby; seconded by George Leeman, Esq., of York; and adopted:

V. That the present meeting, as the result of the statements and discussions of this morning, would avow a greatly-deepened impression of the importance of the British Missions of this Union, and of the necessity for exertions to augment the pecuniary resources of those societies forthwith, by adopting and promoting to the utmost the simultaneous collections, for which the season is now so near at hand; and by obtaining contributions in every other practicable form, as a primary and pressing duty of the Congregational churches at this critical period.

Moved by the Rev. James Parsons, of York; seconded by the Rev. Dr. Halley, of Manchester; and adopted:

VI. That this meeting expresses deep sympathy with the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw in that critical state of his health, which has deprived it of the anticipated pleasure of his presence and service on this occasion, so frankly promised by that honoured brother; and would offer prayer for the continuance of his most valuable life and labours for the benefit, not only of his own church, nor even of his own denomination, "but of the truth itself," and of the whole Evangelical community. While with the greatest warmth and cordiality it thanks the Rev. Dr. W. L. Alexander for his prompt readiness to undertake the service which the lamented indisposition of Dr, Wardlaw thus prevented his fulfilling; and for the eminent ability with which he performed that service in the admirable discourse delivered before the Assembly yesterday evening; and the meeting requests Dr. Alexander to give to the public in print his sermon, as eminently adapted to pro

mote the great principle of well-adjusted Union among Independent churches.

Dr. Alexander warmly responded in his own name, and on behalf of Dr. Wardlaw; and desired time to consider the request of the Assembly, yet intimating that possibly he might expand some of the discussions contained in his discourse, and publish the whole in a small volume.

The Rev. Mr. Bramhall, of Swan-land, concluded the morning session with prayer.

WEDNESDAY EVENING: Public meeting for British Missions in Salem Chapel; Mr. Alderman Kershaw, of Manchester, in the chair. Rev. D. E. Ford, of Manchester, precented the 67th Psalm; Rev. J. W. Richardson, of London, offered prayer. The Chairman opened the proceedings with an address. Resolutions were proposed and adopted as follow:

Moved by Rev. John Alexander, Norwich; seconded by Rev. Dr. Halley, Manchester:

That this Meeting, convinced that the claims of our Home population are primary and imperative, rejoices in the existence, operations, and success of the Home Missionary Society. Its pleasure is, however, mingled with regret on hearing, from the statements now read, that the Society is impeded in its course of Christian beneficence by the want of adequate pecuniary support; and, therefore, resolves, in the hope of replenishing the exhausted treasury of this important institution, and of assisting the Committee in their efforts to evangelize their beloved country, to direct its attention anew to this branch of British Missions, and to render all the aid in its power, by prayer, appeal, and contributions.

Moved by Rev. John Kelly, Liverpool; seconded by Rev. Newman Hall, Hull:

That this Meeting devoutly recognizes the hand of God in the afflictive events which have recently occurred in Ireland, and is deeply impressed with the importance of renewed and extended efforts for the promotion of the objects which the Irish Evangelical Society seeks to accomplish. That it believes no legislative enactments, nor any improvements in the social system, can permanently benefit the people in that country, unless the progress of the gospel be concurrent with such measure; and that this Meeting rejoices to learn that harmonious and cordial co-operation has been secured between the Irish Evangelical Society and the Congregational Union of Ireland; and stands prepared to aid, by its prayers and pecuniary contributions, the contemplated plans of the united Society for enlarging the present sphere of its operations, and for carrying out its beneficent designs, to the extent which the necessities of Ireland demand, and which the favourable impressions made on the country by British beneficence seem to justify.

Moved by Rev. John Blackburn, London; seconded by Rev. John Corbin, Derby:

That in the view of the present Meeting, the British Colonies present to Congregational churches a peculiarly appropriate field for their missionary efforts. That to introduce the gospel in scriptural purity and simplicity into those Colonies in their earliest beginnings, involves vast interests and consequences. That the labours hitherto undertaken by the Colonial Missionary Society have been successful to a most encouraging degree in preparing the way for

further progress; and that, therefore, it is equally the interest and duty of the churches to effect forthwith that enlargement of the funds of this Society which seems alone necessary, with the Divine blessing, to secure most extensive and gratifying results in this necessary and hopeful work.

THURSDAY, October 14th: Morning session. The chair was resumed by Dr. Hamilton. The proceedings were opened with worship, prayer being conducted by the Rev. John Raven, of Dudley.

An address from the York Temperance Society to the Assembly was presented by the Rev. John Blackburn, who moved thereon:

VII. That this Union cordially acknowledges the respectful Address presented to them by the Committee of the York Temperance Society, and commends the very important subjects to which it refers to the attention and prayerful consideration of their Members.

Which was seconded by the Rev. Dr. Campbell, and adopted.

The subject of education was then introduced, the meeting adopting for the guidance of its discussions a suggestion of the chair, that the abstract question of the right of Governments to interpose in the work of popular education should not be argued; but that attention should be limited to the only practical point in this controversy now before the meeting: namely, whether Congregationalists can receive Government aid in the form in which it is now tendered, or in any form, for schools in which religious education is given.

The Rev. Robert Ainslie presented and read a Report from the Board for General Education. It was moved thereon by the Rev. Thomas Scales, of Leeds; seconded by the Rev. Dr. Massie, of Manchester; and adopted:

VIII. That the Report of the Board for General Education now read, be respectfully received; and that the Assembly presents its cordial thanks to the Board for its zealous and persevering labours to conduct forward the important object confided to its care through circumstances of much difficulty and perplexity.

The Rev. John Kelly, of Liverpool, submitted resolutions to declare the judgment of the Assembly on the Supplementary Minute of the Committee of Privy Council on Education, of the 10th of July last, providing that grants of public money may be made to schools, the managers of which entertain conscientious scruples against answering inquiries into the teaching of religion therein. Mr. Kelly read said Minute. His resolutions were seconded by Edward Baines, jun., Esq., of Leeds. They were discussed fully, and adopted as follow:

IX. The attention of this meeting having been called to the Supplementary Minute on Education, issued on the 10th of July last, by the Lords of the Committee of Council, they feel constrained to put on record their deliberate judgment concerning it as follows:

1. It is their conviction that the education imparted to the young in day-schools by the various congregations connected with this body, ought to combine religious with secular education; and such, in their belief, is the invariable practice. In accordance with their known ecclesiastical principles, the religious character of these schools determines the source from which

alone support to them must be derived, and necessarily excludes all aid from the Government.

2. This Union having on former occasions expressed their deliberate views, founded on these principles, on the various measures of the Government in relation to education, see nothing in this Supplementary Minute to induce the slightest modification in their opposition to these measures! Since their objections do not lie against affording information, however ample and explicit, to the Government and the public at large, respecting the character and extent of the religious instruction communicated, but against the reception of public money for institutions of a religious character, such as this Supplementary Minute acknowledges these schools by implication to be, just as the former Minutes recognized them in express terms.

3. This Supplementary Minute is, in their conviction, of most mischievous tendency; inasmuch as it is calculated to ensnare the judgment, by diverting it from the proper question involved in these measures, yet leaving all their objections untouched: while concurrence in it on the part of Dissenters, would naturally produce the impression on the public mind, that they only sought a decent pretext for availing themselves of the Government money.

On these grounds this meeting would express their hope, that this new Minute will meet with universal rejection by all who hold the principle of the unlawfulness of Government interference with religion.

X. The Rev. Dr. Massie moved; the Rev. B. Parsons, of Ebley, seconded; and the assembly adopted a resolution for convening a Conference, to consider expressly the subject of Education, previous to the assembling of Parliament, in Birmingham, or some other convenient place.

The Rev. A. Wells moved, and the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, of Hanley, seconded

XI. That the brethren from other parts, present in this Ninth Autumnal Meeting of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, are gratefully sensible of the cordial welcome given by the churches and pastors of this city to the Union for its public proceedings, and of the abounding hospitality and kindness with which they have been personally entertained; in both which respects the reception of this Union at York has fully sustained that uniform manifestation of brotherly love and public spirit experienced on every former similar occasion. They therefore tender to the pastors, the churches, and the families, to whom they stand so deeply indebted, the strongest assurances of their warm gratitude; and must add a distinct expression of the thanks so justly due to the Committee of Management, and to Mr. Thorn, its secretary, for their laborious and successful efforts to conduct all these proceedings with every advantage of order. Nor can the brethren from a distance take leave of their friends in York, without expressing hope and prayer that the spiritual advantages of this visit will long remain to hallow the remembrance of it, on the part of all who have come so happily together, either as hosts or as guests.

Moved by the Rev. John Blackburn, seconded by the Rev. Thomas Stratten, supported by the Rev. J. A. James, and adopted by the assembly, rising in silence :)

XII. That this Assembly feels it a duty, as delightful as it is binding, to acknowledge, with grateful thanks, the invaluable services of its Chairman, in presiding over its lengthened and important, and in some respects difficult, proceedings, with such distinguished ability, courtesy, and success. The Assembly would assure Dr. Hamilton of its unabated attachment and admiration; and in particular, as he now proceeds from this fraternal fellowship to the mournful duty of paying the last tribute of regard to his dear and long-attached friend, the Assembly would with special sympathy commend him to the consolations of the gospel, and pray for the long continuance of his now doubly valuable life.

Dr. Hamilton responded to this vote; called on the Rev. J. Pritchett, of Darlington, to conduct the concluding prayer; and dismissed the brethren with a feeling and appropriate benediction.

THURSDAY EVENING, Public Meeting of the Union, in Salem Chapel, Mr. Alderman Kershaw, of Manchester, in the chair. The Rev. H. L. Adam, of Newark, precented the 133rd Psalm, "Lo! what an entertaining sight." The Rev. Robert Ainslie conducted prayer. The Chairman delivered a brief but most appropriate address-after which, it was

Moved by Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham; seconded by Rev. Dr. John Campbell, of Londou; and adopted:

1. That this meeting cherishes a deep conviction of the truth and importance of the distinctive principles of Independent churches, and believes that those churches are called in Providence to bear a steadfast testimony to their principles for advancing the true kingdom of Christ in the world; the meeting would therefore feel encouraged to adhere firmly to those principles amidst all the difficulties and disadvantages at present attending that cause.

Moved by Rev. James Gawthorn, of Derby; ɛeconded by Rev. J. L. Poore, of Manchester; and adopted:

2. That in the judgment of this meeting the Congregational Union of England and Wales is an association of Independent churches, well adapted to maintain their principles, and to promote their harmony and efficiency as a Christian community: and this meeting therefore commends the Union to the confidence and support of the whole denomination.

Moved by Rev. Dr. W. L. Alexander, of Edinburgh; seconded by Rev. Algernon Wells, of London; and adopted:

3. That the present position and prospects of the Congregational Union are such as to encourage the hope of this meeting that its financial difficulties being removed, and its constitution being rendered more popular, by a general and cordial adoption of the revised rules agreed to at the last Annual Assembly, its future course will be one of greatly increased prosperity and usefulness.

Moved by the Rev. John Blackburn, seconded by Josiah Conder, Esq., of London, and cordially adopted:

That the meeting presents to Mr. Alderman Kershaw, the warm thanks so justly due to that gentleman, for the great service he has rendered the Union by presiding with so much kindness and ability over the present meeting, and that of yesterday evening.