£5,000. were granted during pleasure, to the ministers of the Synod of Ulster and Presbytery of Antrim, and, in 1803, the congregations belonging to these bodies were divided into three classes, and the ministers as they stood in the first, second, or third class, received respectively £100, £75, or £50 per annum. This provision is still continued. Besides the Synod of Ulster, the Irish Presbyterian Church includes three other ecclesiastical bodies, viz. the Southern Association, or Synod of Munster, the Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, and the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. The first of these is situated, as its name implies, in the south part of the Island, the other two in the north. The Presbyterian Synod corresponds with the Relief Church of Scotland; this body was formerly divided, but in the year 1817, a union took place which has been attended with very satisfactory results, and been conducive to the general interests of Presbyterianism. This Synod patronizes a Missionary Society, which has been of essential service to remote places and weak congregations. The Reformed Presbyterian Church (or Covenanters as they are commonly called) trace their original to the Waldenses; the faith and practice of this portion of the Christian Church, which has ever been preserved from surrounding contaminations, they consider as entitled to high respect, because it has always been truly evangelical, and its ecclesiastical order has been preserved by its members, who are bound thereto by solemn oath. From the years 1720 to 1826 the Synod of Ulster was much agitated by doctrinal discussions, several ministers who were known to have embraced Arian doctrines, had been introduced by popular call into the care of congregations, and in the latter year they were excluded from the judicatories and jurisdiction of the Synod. The members thus excluded associated themselves into one body, called the Presbytery of Antrim. This Presbytery however continues to meet in one body with the Synod, co-operates with it in every thing that concerns the general interests of the Presbyterian church; but has no vote in the body except on motions relating to church funds, or money matters. The Synod of Ulster consists of 15 Presbyteries, containing 197 congregations, exclusive of the Antrim Presby tery, which contains 10, making in all, 207. The Presbyterian Synod of Ireland consists of 10 Presbyteries, containing 110 congregations. The ministers of this Synod, and of the Synod of Munster, receive stipendary salaries from government, to nearly the same amount to each individual as is given to the Synod of Ulster. Of the number of congregations connected with the Synod of Munster, we have no authentic statement; they may be about 20. The Reformed Presbyterian Church consists of 4 Presbyteries, containing 22 congregations. From these data it will be seen that' the Presbyterian Church of Ireland, consists of 4 Synods, comprising 30 Presbyteries, and about 300 congregations. The division which has lately taken place in the Synod of Ulster, and which is likely to take away from that body a greater number than was at first supposed, had its origin in doctrinal matters. A number of the ministers in different Presbyteries lately declared themselves to be Arians; this declaration elicited several animated discussions in the Synod, and has finally terminated in the secession of the Arians from their orthodox brethren. In doctrine the Synod of Ulster may be said to be moderately Calvinistic, the Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, and the Reformed Presbyterians, purely Calvinistic: the Synod of Munster, the Presbytery of Antrim, and the late Secession from the Synod of Ulster, Unitarian. MECHANICS' INSTITUTION, EXETER. But It is with much pleasure we extract? the following paragraph from the Western Times, as the individual referred to occupies the Theclogical Chair in one of our Provincial Academies, and as it gives a new and interesting character to Mechanics' Institutions. These Institutions were to us always important, as opening new sources of enjoyment for the industrious poor- as making them independent of their inferior gratifications, which exert so much accumulating influence-and as conferring upon them true respectability of character. never do these Institutions appear so truly important, as when consecrated to the sacred cause of Christianity-it is this alone which can direct every other species of knowledge into its appropriate channel, and cause it to be productive of the best results. With no ordinary pleasure, therefore, we hail ' this benign aspect of Mechanics' Institutions towards Christianity, and hope that the example at Exeter will be followed by kindred Institutions in London and elsewhere; thus will they become a* : real and permanent blessing to our teeming population. "Mechanics' Institution.-On Tuesday evening, the Rev G. Payne, LL. D. Theological Tutor at the Western Academy, completed the course of lectures on the Evidences of Christianity, which he has been giving to the Members of the Exeter Tradesmen and Mechanics' Institution. The members are under great obligation to the Rev Gentleman for his exertions, of which we must say thus much, that though we have heard and read many of the best defences of Christianity, we know of none at once so clear, and so well adapted to the understandings of the men to whom they were addressed. We know that the Rev Gentleman's object was to instruct the members, and that his main intention was to draw their attention to this all important subject, which he could only expect to do by lectures specifically to them. The public were not excluded, nor are they ever, for it is a maxim of the mechanics to circulate knowledge, and give it general currency. "Geo. Browne Esq V. P. was in the Chair. On the conclusion of his Lecture the Rev. Gent. received from every part of the room the expression of the warmest approbation. The Rev. H. Acton rose, and in a very appropriate speech, moved the vote of thanks.- He bore ample testimony to the excellence of the arguments of the Rev. Gentleman, and said, the profound attention with which he had been attended by the Mechanics would convince the world, that, whilst they sought improvement in science and literature, they were not unmindful of the vastly more important pursuit of religion. Mr. W. Lee, seconded the motion, which was carried with enthusiasm." Dr. Payne has published his Lecture on Miracles, which we have read, and do most cordially unite our decided approbation with what is here expressed. It is one which is characterized by the author's usual acumen; in detecting the fallacies of the infidel, and in placing the subject in a luminous and incontrovertible form; it is, we think, surpassed by no composition that we have read on the subject of miracles. The author is evidently a man who thinks for himself and thinks out every proposition and argument he advances - and hence brings forward his views in the most clear and decisive manner. The reason which chiefly induces us to notice this lecture, is its adaptation to the particular class of society for whom it was originally designed. At the present time, the artizans and labouring classes of the community are greedily seizing upon the means of acquiring knowledge; this newly induced appetite must be met, on our part, with wholesome instruction, otherwise it will feed upon that which will injure and destroy; individuals are not wanting to take advantage of the increased stimulus given to knowledge among the la bouring classes, and to diffuse a moral poison alike by their written and oral communications. Impressed with these considerations, we do most cordially recommend this lecture to our readers, and hope to see it widely diffused. Candidates for the ministry, desirous of pursuing their preparatory studies at Wardlaw, A.M., and the Rev. W. A. L. Blackburn, may apply to the Rev. G. Alexander, A.M., the Tutors, at Blackburn; or to either of the following ministers: Dr. Raffles, Liverpool; Mr. M'All, and Mr. Coombs, Manchester; and Mr. Ely, Rochdale. APPOINTMENT OF A NEW TUTOR AT We have great satisfaction to announce that the Rev. E. Henderson, Dr. Ph. the well known author of "Icelaud,” "Biblical Researches and Travels in Russia," &c. has been induced to accept the unanimous invitation of the Committee of Highbury College, to the office of Theological Tutor in their Institution, vacant by the lamented death of Dr. Harris. This event having deprived the Mission College, Hoxton, of its Theological and Resident Tutor, the Directors of the London Missionary Society have been led, we understand, to deliberate on the expediency of keeping up, at a great expense, a distinct Academical Establishment, seeing they are only able to send forth a limited number of new missionaries from year to year. They have therefore resolved to close that Institution at Midsummer, and their future missionaries may be educated at Highbury College and other kindred Institutions. at The Rev. H. F. Burder, M. A., whose valuable services have for the last 20 years conferred signal benefits on the Institution at Highbury, will, on account of his increasing pastoral duties Hackney, retire from the office of Tutor at Midsummer; and it is proposed that the future instruction shall be confined to two Tutors, who being with out any pastoral care, will be able, it is thought, to discharge all the duties of the Institution. We venture to express our hope that the Committee will, in some way, secure for the Students, lectures upon those subjects which Mr. Burder, with so much advantage to the Students, usually taught. We feel regret to record, that the Committee have been compelled to sacrifice the remaining funded property, to reduce the debt contracted by the building of the College, so that its future support depends entirely on public liberality. The Office of the College is No. 17, Pinner's Hall, Old Broad Street, where personal application may be made, or by letter, if more convenient, for the occasional services of the Students. NEW CHAPELS. On Wednesday, the 10th of March, a small, but very neat and substantial chapel was opened at Woolhampton, Berks. Mr Dryland, of Newbury, and Mr. Elliott, of Devizes, preached upon that interesting occasion. The preaching of the Gospel has for a considerable time been maintained by the neighbour ing churches, and the present place was erected under auspicious circumstances, with the pleasing prospect of permanent usefulness. We are happy to learn that Mount Zion Chapel, at Tunbridge Wells, which has been for some time suffered to go to decay, is undergoing considerable repairs, with some enlargement, and will be opened in the course of the summer in the Independent connection, for the use of the inhabitants and visitors of that lovely watering place. A respectable Chapel, with a schoolroom, is erecting at the beautiful village of Richmond, Surrey; which, though it contains a population of more than 5,000 persons, has no Independent chapel. The situation is central, adjoining the Roman Catholic place of worship. The Chapel at Finchley, once a station of the London Itinerant Society, being in an inconvenient situation, and in a dilapidated state, a new chapel is now building, about two miles beyond Highgate, near the great turnpike road. The above places of worship are expected to be opened about Midsummer, and the supplies will be principally obtained from Highbury College. ORDINATIONS. On September 23d, 1829, the Rev. John Kelly, late student at Airedale Independent College, was ordained to the pastoral office over the church and congregation assembling in Bethesda Chapel, Liverpool. The Rev. James Lester, (Baptist,) commenced the service with reading and prayer. The Rev. Thomas Raffles, LL.D., delivered the introductory discourse, and asked the usual questions. The Rev S. Saunders (Baptist) offered up the ordination prayer. The Rev. Richard W. Hamilton, of Leeds, gave the charge. The Rev. Jolin Ely, of Rochdale, preached to the people; and the Rev. James Widows concluded the services with prayer. On Wednesday, November 11, the Rev. W. Wright, of London, was set apart to the pastoral office over the congregational church at Honiton, Devon. Mr. Bounsall, of Ottery, commenced the morning service with prayer, and read the Scriptures; Dr. Payne, Tutor of the Western Academy, stated the reasons for dissent; Mr. Small, of Axminster, offered up prayer for a divine blessing to rest upon minister and people; Mr. Gunn, of Chard, gave a most affectionate and appropriate address to the pastor; and Mr. Horsey, of Budleigh, concluded with prayer. In the evening, after prayer by Dr. Payne, Mr. Briston, of Exeter, preached an excellent sermon to the church and congregation, from 2 Cor. vi. 1; and Mr. Lush, Baptist minister of Honiton, concluded the interesting and important engagements of the day with prayer. On Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1829, the Rev. R. Chamberlain, formerly of South Shields, was publicly recognised as the pastor of the congregational church at Petworth. At half-past seven o'clock a special prayer-meeting was held, to implore the blessing of God on the solemnities of the day. At eleven o'clock, the Rev. H. Pemble, of Crondal, commenced the service by reading and prayer; the Rev. J. R. Cooper, of Emsworth, delivered a lucid and elaborate discourse, on the Ecclesiastical Polity of the New Testament; the Rev. J. Edwards, of Brighton, under whose ministry the Independent interest at Petworth was established, the church formed, and the chapel built, read, on behalf of the church, an account of the steps by which they had been led to the election of their present minister. The church having confirmed their cail, and Mr Chamberlain having testified his cordial acceptance of it, a solemn, comprehensive, and appropriate prayer was offered by the Rev. L. Winchester, of Worthing; the Rev. J. Griffin, of Portsea, delivered a faithful, affectionate, and animating address to the pastor, from 1 Tim. iii. 1; the Rev W. Bannister, of Arundel, preached a judicious and interesting sermon to the people, from Phil ii. 29; and the Rev. John Slatterie, of Wisboro' Green, Home Missionary, conIcluded with prayer. In the evening, -the Rev. J. Edwards, of Brighton, preached from 1 Tim. vi. 12. On the preceding day, the quarterly meeting of the Friendly Association of Ministers, was held at Petworth; and in the evening a sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Thornton, of Bognor, from 1 Cor. xiii. 13. The Rev. William Froggatt, late of Homerton College, was ordained to the office of Christian pastor over the Inde pendent Church at Hadleigh, Suffolk, on March 3d. The Rev. M. Ward delivered the introductory discourse; the Rev Wm. Ray offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith gave the charge, from 1 Cor. xv. 10; the Rev. Wm. March preached to the people, from Phil. i. 27; and the Rev. Messrs. Nutcutt and C. Moase commenced and concluded with prayer. NOTICES. The next half yearly meeting of the Wilts Association, will be held at the Rev. J E Good's Meeting-house, Salisbury, on Wednesday, the 14th of April. Mr. Elliott, of Devizes, is expected to preach in the morning, on the subject of Christian Communion. Mr. Tozer, of Marlbro', will take the service on the evening preceding. The Rev. E Gatley, of Brigg, Lincolnshire, has accepted an unanimous invitation from the Independent Church at New Malton, Yorkshire, to become their pastor; vacant by the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Greenwood. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND MINOR CORRESPONDENCE. COMMUNICATIONS have been received since our last, from the Reverend Messrs. J. Arundel --Charles Moase-Richard Elliott-Thomas Harper-Andrew Ritchie -J. B. M'Crea-E. Gatley--J. A. Coombs C. N. Davies--James Rooker-J. Dean-John Brown-Thomas Lewis - R. Cecil. Also from Messrs. W. A. Hankey-Benjamin Hanbury-Thomas Wilson-T. Williams-- Joshua Wilson-J. Blower -Walter Wilson--E. Gotch-J. Brown--J. Storer-W. Ellerby -E. A. Wilshire-Ma0nrns- K. T.--W. H A. "The Parabolic Stanzas" are too long for our pages. In answer to the inquiry of W. H. A., we regret to state, that the Committee of the Anti-Slavery Society have felt it their duty to decline the gratuitous supply of their Reporter, on account of the limited state of their income, and that we cannot purchase it without showing an unjustifiable preference to that Society, as there are many other benevolent and religious Institutions, which might fairly claim the same attention, and thus involve us in an expense to which the price of our Magazine would be in no way equal. We regret that the communication of Maoŋrns was too late for insertion in the present number; it will appear in our next. We beg to call the attention of our readers to the statements relating to the London Hibernian Society, stitched up with our present number. We must decline inserting the Letter on the Congregational Union of Ireland, as we fear it would only provoke a controversy which might soon become personal, and in which the great majority of our readers would not feel interested. Mr. Rooker, of Bideford, informs us that Mr. Thomas Shepherd, once pastor of the church at Northampton, (vide p. 114, of the last number) did not die there, but was removed from that sphere, and eventually settled at Bocking, in Essex. Of his useful labours, in that village, there is an interesting detail in the Congregational Magazine for July 1828. He was the author of the Penitential Cries, at the end of Mason's Spiritual Songs, except the first five, and also of several other works. His granddaughter was the wife of the Rev. Samuel Lavington, late of Bideford, whose four volumes of Discourses are well known, and justly esteemed, by the religious public. THE CONGREGATIONAL MAGAZINE. MAY, 1830. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE LATE REV. WILLIAM ROBY, OF MANCHESTER. The following portraiture of Mr. Roby formed part of a Funeral Discourse which the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, M.A. delivered to his friends at Stepney, on the Lord's-day after the interment of that venerable man. The long intimacy which subsisted between Mr. Fletcher and our lamented friend, peculiarly qualified him to sketch his character, and we have supplied, in the notes, some biographical facts, from the able discourse of the Rev. J. Clunie, LL.D. delivered on the same mournful bereavement.-Editors. For the Obituary and Interment of Mr. R. we must refer our readers to our THE REVEREND WILLIAM of the old Dissenting Chapels in Lancashire, which had been erected by the Nonconformists, or their immediate successors, the withering blight of the Arian and Socinian apostacy had passed over them, and the practical consequences were sufficiently obvious in the indifference, formality, and worldliness, which characterised their respective congregations. In some parts of the county, Independent churches had been formed, chiefly by the zealous labours of ministers who had been connected with what might then have been termed, the New School of Dissenting Pastors. Many of these excellent men had been brought to the knowledge and reception of the truth, under the awakening ministry of those distinguished servants of Christ, and their zealous associates, whom God raised up for the revival of religion, about the middle of the last century. Some, with few literary advantages, but eminent in piety 2 G |