Verrall, B.A., for the last eighteen months. The Rev. J. Keynes, of Wimborne, read the Scriptures and prayed. The Rev. J. L. Poore gave a description of the field of labour. The Rev. E. Smith Poole received the confession of faith. The ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. R. T. Verrall, B.A. The charge was delivered by the Rev. John Fernie, Turvey, Beds, the young minister's father. The Rev. J. H. Osborne (Baptist), Poole, concluded the solemn service with prayer. The Rev. N. Harry, Bournemouth, and the Rev. J. Key, Wareham, also took part.

ROMSEY-On Sunday evening, the Rev. W. Crosbie preached his farewell sermon, in the Abbey Chapel, Romsey. During the previous week, a purse was presented to him from the members of his congregation, and a similar one from the children of the Sabbath-schools.

SOUTHGATE, MIDDLESEX. - The Rev. Edward Jeffery has resigned the pastorate of Chase Side Chapel, Southgate.

ST. IVES.-The handsome chapel which has just been erected at St. Ives, at a cost of £6,000, was opened on Wednesday last week, under very happy auspices. The dedication services were very numerously attended. In the morning the Rev. Charles Stanford, copastor with Dr. Steane, at Camberwell, preached from the words, "The sceptre shall not depart from Judab, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come;" the Rev. J. H. Wilson offered prayer; and the other parts of the service were taken by the Rev. Messrs. Simmons, of Bluntisham; Briggs, of Chatteris; Smith, of Wisbech; H. Millard, of Huntingdon; Williams, of Haddenham; G. B. Thomas, of St. Neots; and the Rev. T. Lloyd, the pastor. In the afternoon, the friends dined together, Mr. Thomas Coote taking the chair, in the place of Mr. Crossley, who was unavoidably absent, but sent a cheque for £50. A bazaar, held under a tent in Cromwell-place, was patronised by many ladies and gentlemen. It is estimated that nearly a thousand people crowded into the building at the evening service, when the Rev. Thomas Jones, of Bedford Chapel, preached an eloquent sermon from Acts xvi. 31. The devotions were conducted by the Revs. W. H. Wylie, of Ramsey; Brown, of Bedford; and Hart, of Guildford. At the close of these services, the whole of the necessary funds had been collected, with the exception of £350. Slips of paper were then sent round the pews, and promises for that amount were returned; so that the debt upon the new edifice was announced to have been completely met. This fact was the cause of many congratulations at the breakfast meeting next morning, in the Institution Hall. On that occasion, the pastor mentioned that a large proportion of the sittings were taken, and not a few of them by the poor, for whom free seats had been provided. The Rev. R. Vaughan, D.D., preached, on Sunday, two sermons to overflowing congregations. The building was greatly admired by the visitors, both for its external beauty, and internal elegance, and good arrangement.

STAMBOURNE, ESSEX.-The ordination of the Rev. J. C. Houchin, as pastor of the Congregational Church in this village, took place on the 13th September. The church was

originally organised by Henry Havers, who was ejected from the rectory in 1662; and took out a license for his own house to be a "Presbyterian mceting-place," and another for himself to be a "Presbyterian teacher." The license bears date, May 2nd, 1672. The last minister was the Rev. James Spurgeon (grandfather of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon), and his pastorate extended over fifty-two years. The day was therefore one of great interest, and a large company attended from the surrounding churches. Scripture was read, and prayer offered by the Rev. H. D. Jameson, of Steeple Bumpstead; the Rev. T. B. Sainsbury, of Finchingfield, delivered an address on the love and care of Christ for His Church. Mr. James Spurgeon stated the reasons which had led to the invitation of the present minister. The usual questions were asked by the Rev. J. C. Rook, of Thaxted, and replied to interestingly and fully by the Rev. J. C. Houchin. The prayer was offered by the Rev. H. Gammidge, of Dunmow; and the Rev. T. W. Davids, of Colchester, gave the charge. A large company took tea in a barn, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Gatward, of Hill Farm. In the evening, the service was opened by the Rev. J. Simpson, of Haverhill; and a discourse delivered to the people by the Rev. B. Johnson, of Halstead. There were also present, J. Perry, Esq., of Chelmsford; Revs. H. J. Cadoux, S. Bridge, J. Norman, S. Ellis, G. Gill, and J. Howard.

STRATFORD-ON-AVON.-The Rev. J. Ewing has resigned the pastorate of the Independent Church in this town.

SUNDERLAND.-PRESENTATION

ΤΟ THE REV. WILLIAM PARKES, the newly-elected minister of Park Road Congregational Church, Blackburn.-The Rev. William Parkes entered upon his ministerial duties as pastor of Park Road Congregational Church, on Sunday, August 7th. Prior to leaving Sunderland, where he has laboured with much acceptance for the past eight years, his late congregation met in Dundas Street Chapel, Monkwearmouth, to present a parting testimonial, as a work of esteem and affection for Mr. Parkes, in the shape of a purse of gold. Andrew Common, Esq., took the chair. Addresses, expressive of esteem for Mr. Parkes, giving counsel and breathing sympathy with the church he was leaving, were delivered by the Revds. H. Angus, J. Mathison, (United Presbyterian), J. C. Geikie, W. Shillito, (Independents), J. Browning, (Methodist Free Church), and several lay gentlemen from the various churches of the town.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE.-MISSIONARY ORDINATION.-On Wednesday evening Mr. J. N. Levi was ordained in the Congregational Chapel, Weston-super-Mare, as a missionary to Berbice, in connexion with the London Missionary Society. The meeting was opened by the Rev. D. Thomas, M.A., of Bristol, who read the Scriptures and offered prayer. The Rev. J. Roome, of Berbice, described the field of labour to which Mr. Levi is appointed. The Rev. D. Thomas then proposed the usual questions, to which satisfactory answers were given; and afterwards the Rev. J. Glendenning, of Bristol, offered the ordination prayer. The Rev. R. C. Pritchett, of Weston-superMare, late tutor of the young missionary,

delivered the charge. The service was concluded by the Rev. E. J. Rodway, of Westonsuper-1 -Mare.

WHITBY, YORKSHIRE.-Mr. James Good, late missionary student, appointed by the London Missionary Society to South Africa, was ordained in Silver Street Chapel, on Tuesday, the 30th of August. The service was introduced by the Rev. W. K. Lea, from Amoy,

China; the scene of labour was very ably described by Rev. J. S. Wardlaw, M.A.; the confession of faith was received, and the ordination prayer offered by the Rev. J. C. Potter; and a very affectionate and earnest charge was given to the newly-ordained missionary by the Rev. James Parsons. The service excited unusual interest, and was throughout deeply solemn and impressive.

REVIEW OF

FROM Asia nothing particular has arrived, beyond the statement that things begin to be adjusted in China, and that the cotton crop has been abundant. Everything is prosperous in the several Presidencies of India, and if matters shall advance as they have begun, a career of glory for England, and happiness for Hindostan, opens there, to which there is nothing to be compared in the history of mankind. Had the late rebellion succeeded, and had the "Ferringis" been "driven into the water," and native rule, or rather native anarchy, been once more restored with all its idolatrous abominations, it had been a calamity without a name. As it is, the 100,000 rebels have been scattered to the winds; they have learnt the folly of opposition, and now they cannot but perceive the benefits which redound to their country from English connexion. The roads and the canals were, in the first instance, very great achievements, but compared with the telegraph and with the rail, they are as nothing. These two powers give to English rule the dignity of divinity in the estimation of the people; and while they will prove boundless and everduring blessings to the country, they will constitute pillars for the support of English connexion so long as it shall be necessary.-In Africa matters remain without any very noticeable alteration. The various improvements at Capetown, and in Natal, are going steadily forward. The apprehensions that were entertained of a Caffir rising have happily passed away, and there is little doubt that peace will be maintained. In relation to the Continent of Africa, the speech of Dr. Livingstone at the British Association, lately held in Bath, is of great moment. Although his mission failed, it has not been altogether unprofitable. It revealed much that philanthropy is concerned to know touching slavery and its effects. He clearly showed that it was the inveterate curse of the country, and that there can be little progress made till it shall have been extinguished. In the East, which it has made an Aceldama, and where the people are greatly reduced in numbers, it appears in its true character. In Western Africa, where it is annihilated through the wise arrangements of England,

THE MONTH.

the people are rising up from the dust, and preparing to take their place with the civilised world. Where but a few years back, trade was done in the simple products of the country only to the extent of £20,000, it is now extended to £3,000,000. Many thousands of children, also, are enjoying the benefit of day and Sunday schools, and laying the foundation of a new order of society.-In Madagascar things advance, although they are not thoroughly consolidated. The Prime Minister, who became the husband of the Queen, has lost the hold he formerly had, and bitter hatred, perhaps prejudice, has been created against him. According to later accounts, however, matters are being made up; but amongst people in such a state of civilization the distance is not great between good fellowship and cold-blooded assassination. Mr. Ellis holds on his way, singularly blending prudence with firmness, and most worthily representing the Society of which he is the honoured agent.From Australia nothing remarkable has arrived. Mr. Graham, late of Craven Chapel, London, and now of Sydney, has received the reception which was due to his talents, character, and services. The meeting at which he was publicly recognised was very numerous, and altogether he commences his ministration under the most hopeful of auspices. The subject of Convicts still continues to agitate the country, more particularly Victoria; and if Government persevere in thrusting the corruption of the British Isles on those fair lands, none can tell what may result from it. Already there are many there who would rejoice in separation from England, and in the formation of a Federal Republic. It is to be hoped that no unnecessary provocation will be given them.-In Russia the most noticeable thing is the cruelty which continues to be practised upon the poor Poles. The most violent measures are resorted to for the utter extirpation of everything national. The Czar seems resolved on the uprooting of the language of the country, and the severest penalties will be inflicted upon those who oppose this cruel and unnatural measure. We have just seen an American gentleman who has travelled throughout the entire of Russia, and who

declares that the discoveries he has made of the state of society, all to the disadvantage of the Government, would have been sufficient to compensate for all the expense and labour connected with his tour. Thus it appears that, while there is a liberal spirit in one corner of the heart of the Autocrat, there is a strong leaven of barbarous despotism still lurking in the other.-Poor Denmark is still in trouble; after all its concessions and humiliations, its oppressors are not satisfied, and it is yet difficult to say how the matter may really end. A correspondence has taken place between the British Government and the two Great Powers; and it is gratifying to Englishmen to see that the honour of England, and the claims of equity as well as humanity, have been vigorously supported by Earl Russell.-In Italy there is motion once more. It is proposed to transfer the Government of Turin to Florence, a step on behalf of which a good deal may be said, although it will probably meet with most determined opposition on the part of the people of Sardinia, whose blood and whose treasure, along with the operations of France, have so materially contributed to the liberation of the Duchies, and the securing of Italian unity. It is understood that this arrangement, however, will only be temporary, inasmuch as nothing will satisfy the Italians but the recovery of Rome as the Capital. An arrangement has been made between Napoleon III. and Victor Emmanuel, that the French troops shall be partly withdrawn at once, and that the whole shall be removed within the period of two years, on condition that the Italian Government shall protect the mutilated territory of the Pope, and bear five-sixths of the Roman debt. Although this step may not be all that was expected or to be desired, it was yet, perhaps, all that was practicable under the circumstances, and more will come in its season. It will likely be followed by the recovery of Venetia, and then the Italian kingdom will have no difficulty in making its own terms with the Man of Sin, whose rotten chair must give place to the stable throne of Victor Emmanuel.-In America the cause of the Federals is advancing. The war is being prosecuted with greatly increased vigour, and successes of high moment are attending the Federal arms. The cry for "peace" has been vehement in the Democratic faction; but it is a peace which provides for the conservation and perpetuity of slavery! Everything in this respect will turn upon the 'Presidential election. If Mr. Lincoln be chosen again, there is a probability that the war will go on till the Union be restored, and slavery crushed. The condition of the country is,

doubtless, most deplorable, and a subject that calls for the sympathies and the prayers of the universal Church; but no price is too dear to pay for the removal of the fetters of Four Millions of unoffending men, and the extinction of slavery in all future time!Ireland is tranquil, and the commission appointed to inquire into the Belfast Riots will probably conduce to the establishment of peace and concord in that great and thriving town; but, wherever Popery is, it is a source of frequent outbreaks against the Powers that be, as well as against co-religionists.-Scotland is a scene of repose and happiness. The Highlands are covered with the gentlemen of England, senators, lawyers, scholars, merchants, all that have time and a taste for what is called "the moor sports." Her Majesty, the Queen, may be said to preside over the whole of the itinerant community. Balmoral, as a place, has lost none of its charms for the Royal heart, although everything but serves to remind it of joys no more to return.—In England all is peace, industry, and prosperity. Congresses are the order of the day, while three of an Ecclesiastical character are to be held next month, one the Congregational Union, at Hull, and two others, composed of Evangelical Churchmen, to be held, the one at Bristol, and the other at Ipswich. Two of a secular and a scientific character have already been held, that of the British Association for the Promotion of Science, at Bath, and that for the Advancement of Social Science, at York. The most important paper read at the former was by Dr. Livingstone, already referred to, who threw much light on the position of Africa, in its relation to slavery and progress. The papers at York were also of a highly interesting nature, being intimately connected with the social welfare of British Society. The programme announced a sermon in the cathedral, on the opening day, from the Archbishop, and a working man's meeting, at which the venerable President of the Association, Lord Brougham, took the chair. The sections to whom the four departments of Jurisprudence, Education, Health and Economy, and Trade were assigned, sat for a week, to discuss various questions of public interest, among which are the Law of Real Property, the Legal Proof of Insanity, Prison Discipline, Public Schools and Grammar Schools, Juvenile Labour, the Utilisation of Town Sewage, the Patent Laws, the Laws of Maritime Warfare, and their effect on Commerce, Government Security for Small Investments, the Social Condition of the Cotton Districts, the Co-operative Movement, &c. We shall give some further account of the moral portions of the business next month.

received I forty stripes save one, thrice was I beaten with rods; once was I stoned; thrice I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often; in perils of waters; in perils of robbers; in perils by mine own countrymen; in perils by the heathen; in perils in the city; in perils in the wilderness; in perils in the sea; in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness; in watchings often; in hunger and thirst; in fastings often; in cold and nakedness?" Hear him yet again, "I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches; in necessities; in persecutions; in distresses for Christ's sake." What say the pastors of England to these records of labour and of sorrow? Let these declarations be compared with the words of my text, and it will be seen how exactly the event corresponded with the prediction.

The sufferings of the flock will always bear some proportion to those of the shepherd. Thus it was emphatically in the apostolic times: the whole of the inspired epistles proceed on the supposition that they were overwhelmed by affliction. The first note, indeed, on this affecting theme was struck by our Lord himself when He said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Early in Paul's ministry we find him preparing the minds of the disciples for affliction, while he proceeded in the work of confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and assuring them that they must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Again, in his epistle to the Romans, he speaks as a man constantly surrounded by dangers, and on the brink of destruction. How affecting his interrogatories in addressing them— "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (as it is written, 'for thy sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the

slaughter.)-nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Again, in addressing the Thessalonians, he urges that no man should be moved by these afflictions, "For yourselves know," says he, "that ye are appointed thereto; for verily when we were with you we told you that we should suffer tribulation." His reference to his sufferings in his appeal to his son Timothy is peculiarly touching," Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me: yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

From all these Scriptures the inference is irresistible, that the planting of the Gospel was attended with an amount and a malignity of persecution, of which we, in these days, have no practical knowledge, and which we are scarcely able properly to comprehend. It is, therefore, obvious that nothing could be more preposterous than to apply such Scriptures to the pastors and churches of the present day, in this country. In modern times tribulation and persecution are the exception, quiet and rest the rule. When the Gospel was first introduced into Britain, there was persecution: when the Reformation began, there was persecution: when the great revival of the work of God, commonly called Methodism, in our land commenced, there was persecution in a much modified form; and in many of the darker places of the nation at this moment there is still persecution on & small scale: but otherwise, and in its primitive form, we are strangers to it.

Thus much by way both of justifying the original, and qualifying the present application of the strong language of our text. We now proceed to unfold its principles and state its doctrines, and in doing this, it is proper to notice the import of certain words contained in it. The term "world" sometimes