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MONTHLY RECORD.
DECEMBER 1, 1841.

THE LONDON AND SOUTHERN GENERAL BAPTIST AssoCIATION. The Annual Meeting of the Association was held at Billingshurst, on the 22d of September. Divine service was introduced by the Rev. W. Linwood of Brixton; and an able, impressive, and appropriate discourse, was delivered by the Rev. E. Chapman of Meadrow, Godalming. Commencing with a few remarks on the General Baptists as a body, whom he described as having always been among the foremost in the cause of Civil and Religious Liberty, the preacher devoted the remainder of his discourse to the consideration of the proper use and exercise of reason in religion. At the close of the service, the business of the Association was transacted. A more comprehensive title than the present being thought necessary, to correspond with the spirit and character of the Association, the title "London and Southern Christian Association was proposed, and unanimously adopted. Dinner was provided at the King's Arms Inn, at 2 o'clock, to which between 70 and 80 persons, of both sexes, sat down, a much larger number than usual. After the cloth was removed, the Rev. E. Chapman, who kindly consented to take the chair, introduced, with appropriate remarks, the following sentiments, which were responded to by the undermentioned gentlemen, with each of whose names a sentiment was coupled. 1. The Universal Church, embracing good men of all sects and parties, climes and kindred: Rev. T. Gilbert of Ditchling. 2. The Association whose usefulness we are now assembled to promote: Rev. R. Ashdowne of Horsham. 3. The Progress of Public Opinion: Rev. T. Gilbert. 4. The cause of General Education. 5. Civil and Religious Liberty: Rev. T. Sadler of University College, London. 6. Success to every Institution tending to promote man's Intellectual and Moral Progress: Rev. R. Ashdowne. 7. May Christian Nations become Nations of Christians, and the Din of War and the Crimes of the Oppressor be heard no more: Rev. J. Cooper of Billingshurst. 8. Our Country, may it prove the Land of Liberty, Knowledge, and Virtue, till the end of time: Rev. R. Ashdowne. 9. The Ladies: Mr. J. D. Sadler. In addition to the above, the meeting was addressed by Mr. T. Jeffery. The Chairman having been thanked for his conduct in the chair, the meeting separated, all present apparently delighted with the proceedings of the day. May the annual meetings of "The London and Southern Christian Association," always be pervaded by the

Christian spirit which characterised that which it has now been our gratification to report.

THE REV. WILLIAM TURNER.-On Sunday forenoon last, September 26, the Rev. W. Turner preached his farewell Sermon to the Congregation of Hanover-Square Chapel. The Chapel was completely filled, many of the leading inhabitants of the town being present. The sermon was from Acts xx. 32. He said it was with sentiments and feelings of no ordinary nature, that he appeared before them for the last time as their minister-not, he trusted, for the last time as an affectionate associate and friend. He had now been permitted by the goodness of the Heavenly Father, to continue in that honourable situation for a period almost unexampled. Their predecessors elected him nearly 60 years ago, and it was now time when he had reached his 81st year, that the office he had so long held should pass into younger, more active, and, he might indulge the hope, into more successful hands. He stated, that it could only have been from the respectability of the office he held, that he had been successful in promoting the establishment of various institutions -literary, scientific, educational, and charitable-all of which had been sources of great satisfaction to him. Very early after he came to the town, he was the first to introduce the scheme of Sunday-Schools, commenced by Mr. Raikes, of Gloucester, which had since spread so extensively, and with such good effects, not only in the Establishment, but amongst Dissenters. Not many years afterwards, he was instrumental in the formation of the Literary Society, and afterwards of the Mechanics' Institution, both of which he opened with introductory addresses. On George the Third arriving at the 50th year of his reign, he was instrumental in preventing the wasting of a useful article of domestic economy, at that time at a high price-and the Royal Jubilee School was established, and afterwards the School for girls was established. The rev. gentleman then entered into review of his ministerial office; and gave some excellent practical advice for the future. Thus ended the last ministerial act of one of the worthiest men Newcastle could ever boast of.Tyne Mercury, September 28, 1841..

SUNDAY, September 26, the Rev. John Taylor, late of Kidderminster, commenced his public services at Glasgow, as minister of the Unitarian Congregation of that City. He was listened to with deep attention whilst he explained the design and aim of the Christian ministry.

BOLTON DISTRICT UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION.-The HalfYearly Meeting was held at Chorley, on Thursday, Sept. 30. A numerous congregation attended upon the religious services, which were performed by the Rev. John Ragland of Hindley, and the Rev. James Whitehead of Cockey Moor. The discourse was preached by the latter gentleman, whose design was to show how the human mind was blinded to truth; "Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness," Luke xi. 35. In tracing the causes and operations of mental darkness, the preacher considered in succession, how the imagination, the reason, and the conscience, are severally affected. Under these influences, he classed the early corruptions of Christianity; the doctrines of the Trinity and Atonement; and, in later times, heresies equally at variance with the pure light of divine truth. After an elaborate consideration of these three sources of error, the necessity of exertion to counteract and remove them, was urged in a forcible and affectionate manner upon both ministers and hearers, in order to advance the interests of Unitarianism, and the light of Christianity.

A Tea-party of more than a hundred, afterwards assembled, including visitors from many of the neighbouring congregations. The respected minister of the place presided. Various addresses were made on sentiments proposed from the chair, by the ministers and lay gentlemen. Among other topics of discussion that engaged the attention of the meeting, were the new regulations issued by the Registrar General, for the obtaining Baptismal Registers, under the recent Act of Parliament for legalising Dissenters' Registers; and a general opinion prevailed, that the convenience of the parties in the country, had not been sufficiently considered. The Secretary was requested to ascertain whether some alterations could not be effected, and copies of the Registers obtained. By the latter arrangement, ministers would be enabled to furnish certificates to emigrants and factory children, without the expense and trouble of an application to the Registrar General.

The spring meeting of the Association, was appointed to be held at Cockey Moor, on the last Thursday in April of the ensuing year; supporter, Rev. Henry Clarke; preacher, Rev. John Ragland.

F. BAKER, Sec.

MR. HARRIS began his public services as Minister of St. Mark's Chapel, Edinburgh, on Sunday, October 3. The weather was most unfavourable, but notwithstanding, numerous audiences assembled. Mr. Harris began a course of

Sunday afternoon lectures, November 14. The Congregation have adopted, in their public worship, the admirable selection of "Hymns for the Christian Church and Home," collected and edited by the Rev. James Martineau.

AT TILLICOULTRY, on Sunday, Oct. 10, the Rev. James Forrest, M. A. preached in the forenoon. In the afternoon, Mr. Forrest introduced the service, and the sermon was preached by the Rev. Thomas Bradshaw, the minister of the congregation, and of the district surrounding Tillicoultry. Mr. Bradshaw conducted the devotional services in the evening, and Mr. Forrest preached. Much gratification was expressed by all who were present, at the kindness manifested by Mr. Forrest in giving his aid on this interesting occasion, as well as with the impressive services of the day; and good hope is entertained, that by steadfastness and perseverance, much may be effected in this populous district, for the removal of error and the diffusion of truth. Mr. Bradshaw began a course of Sunday Evening Lectures, on the 7th November. The Congregation at Tillicoultry have also adopted Mr. Martineau's collection of Hymns.

THE Congregation worshipping in the Unitarian Chapel, Strangeways, having determined, on the occasion of the Rev. Wm. Mountford resigning his pastoral charge over them, to present to him some testimonial of their affectionate esteem and regard, made a subscription, which speedily enabled them to purchase a very elegant and massive silver inkstand, with taper-stand, &c. value seventeen guines; leaving a balance of £60 for presentation in a purse. This testimonial was presented to Mr. Mountford on Wednesday evening, October 20, at a Tea-party held in the Sunday school-room attached to the chapel; when, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, which prevented a number fi om being present, about 110 ladies and gentlemen, members of the congregation, and friends, took tea together. After tea, Sir Thomas Potter was called upon to preside. The chairman, in opening the business of the meeting, stated, that the Rev. J. J. Tayler was prevented being present, by a preengagement; the Rev. Wm. Gaskell was from home; and the Rev. John Harrison, of Chowbent, was confined to his house by illness. Mr. Harrison having expressed his own good wishes, and those of every member of his family, towards Mr. Mountford, Mr. Webb, on behalf of the congregation, delivered a suitable address, on the presentation of the testimonial to their late respected pastor. The ink-stand was inscribed" Presented, with a purse, to the Rev. William

ness.

Mountford, by the Unitarian congregation, Strangeways, Manchester, as a mark of esteem and regard; 20th October, 1841." In presenting the testimonial, Sir Thomas Potter, said, that the character and conduct of their late esteemed pastor, had secured their warmest approbation and affectionate regard. Mr. Mountford, in acknowledging this gratifying mark of esteem and respect, entered into a statement of his views of the deeply solemn and weighty responsibility of a Christian minister,-views which he had always striven to act under, and to illustrate in his pulpit discourses, and in all his intercourse with his people. Mr. John Shawcross expressed the thanks of the congregation to the ministers present, who, he doubted not, would join in the expression of regard to Mr. Mountford, and, with every member of his late congregation, wish him every future success and happiThe chairman said, that the Rev. Messrs. Robberds, Tayler, and Gaskell, had, in the most kind manner, offered, for a time, to assist the congregation by supplying the pulpit; and the Rev. Messrs. Carpenter, Harrison, and Philp, had made a similarly kind offer. The Rev. J. G. Robberds, in acknowledging the compliment, expressed his esteem for Mr. Mountford, and his hearty wishes that, wherever his future lot might be cast, he might be both useful to others and happy in himself. Should it please God to give him health and strength, they could not but feel confident that he would be an eminently useful preacher and pastor. His acquaintance with Mr. Mountford commenced at York College, where he knew him to be a diligent and highly esteemed student; and since then, he believed, that he had exerted himself in his charge, according to his abilities and opportunities; and he earnestly hoped he would soon have an opportunity of making similar exertions in another situation and under other circumstances. The Revds. G. W. Philp, P. P. Carpenter, and William Harrison, successively expressed their good wishes for their brother minister. Mr. Rawsthorne gave utterance to those of the Strangeways congregation; and Mr. Harland to those of Mr. Mountford's friends, not now members of that congregation. The thanks of the meeting were moved to Sir Thomas Potter for his kindness in presiding, and for the interest he had always manifested in the congregation and their late pastor; and, after an evening of the most gratifying character, damped only by the feelings of regret at parting with a respected minister and valued friend, the proceedings terminated at ten o'clock.

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