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culation in France, and will shortly be so in Italy. The necessity of publishing the Scriptures in those countries is proved, from the great difficulty which the deputation found in procuring a single copy of them at Paris; and they are in formed that this is equally the case in Italy.

The Deputation having fully ascertained, that an energetic and evangelical ministry would be likely to be well attended and well supported in France, they conceived that the establishment of a Protestant church at Paris, would be productive of the most beneficial effects. The Rev. Mr. Tracy, who was then there, was requested to continue on the spot, to superintend the publications, and to make enquiries respecting a suitable church. Information has been obtained, which proves the almost unlimited extent in which the Scriptures and Protestant writings may be circulated, At Besincon, in the south; and at Arras, in the north, where, till lately, no Protestants were to be found, applications for Protestant ministers and churches have been made, and signed by 12,000 persons at the former place, and nearly as many at the latter; and although many churches have already been given to the Protestants, 900 congregations are still destitute, both of churches and pastors. Even in Belgium, the same disposition appears. Such are the extensive prospects which Providence has opened; but, in proportion to the magnitude of the object, is the necessity of prudence in the pursuit of it; and as the measures of the Directors must be regulated by the political rela. tions of the two countries, they wait for further light upon this interesting matter, and pledge them selves, that it shall meet that degree of attention which is consistent with the general concerns of the Society, and especially with that regard to the Heathen world which is its most prominent and appropri. ate object.

Having stated the measures which have been taken during the last year, we shall briefly specify the objects which are upon their hearts to pursue hereafter.

The Seminary at Gosport, under Mr. Bogue; and that at Rotterdam, under the care of the Society there, contain the principal instruments at present in view to be employed in future missions. In the former, there are eight individuals devoted to the service of our Lord; one of whom is adapted for the communication of evangelical instruc tion in France, others in India, and one to the Jews. Of those in the Rotterdam seminary, some are qualified to strengthen the missions in Africa, others to introduce new ones in the island of Ceylon. The inhabitants of this great island (upwards of 100,000) who bear the Christian name, and have been for several years destitute of religious instruction, were relapsing into hea thenism; but the Lord has inclined the heart of brother Ringel. taube to seek out those wanderers, and bring them back to his fold.

It will, doubtless, occur to those who take a suitable interest in the concerns of the Society, that the ac complishment of these great and numerous objects will, unavoidably, occasion a very increased expendi ture of its funds indeed, the disbursements of the last year have greatly exceeded the income; it is therefore earnestly hoped, that the bare intimation of the necessities of the institution, will produce that spontaneous liberality, which will render a more impressive address on this subject unnecessary.

The Directors cannot conclude without expressing their satisfac tion in the persuasion, that a just concern for the honour of the Redeemer, in the conversion of the Heathen, appears to increase among Christians; and their humble hope that it will gradually diffuse itself among all the churches, and produce the most beneficial effects. With sin cere satisfaction they recognize the zeal and success of other societies aiming at the same stupendous ob ject, earnestly uniting their common. supplications with the Christian world at large, that the blessing of Heaven may attend them all. They cherish the hope that these are all effects of a Divine impulse on the mind, and a part of the arranges ments of an infinitely wise and un M ma

erring plan, which has determined the ultimate renovation of the world after a long season of darkness, depravity, and disorder, and is now introducing the dawn of that glorious period which is the favourite theme of prophecy, and the grand consolation of the Christian church. While we endeavour to promote the approach of this de

sirable season by every means in. our power, we cheerfully refer the event to Him who has reserved the times and the seasons in his own hands; who presides over the vast concerns of the universe; and who can command all its powers, intellectual or material, to accomplish his pleasure and fulfil his word.

MISSIONARY COLLECTIONS,

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£. 54

Rev. Mr. Bogue and Congregation, Gosport
Mr. Lambert and Congregation, &c. Hull
Robert Green and Congregation,
Subscriptions and donations from Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
by Mr, John Dobson

Rev. G. Townsend and Friends, Ramsgate
Jos. Surmam and Friends, Chesham
Mr. Walker and Friends, Peppard, Oxon.

A Society of Private Christians, at Leslie, county of Fite,
North Britain, by Mr. Robert Nicholson

Bedford Union.

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THE Seventh General Meeting of the Union of Christians at Bedford, was held on Wednesday, the 27th of April; and the whole of the service performed at the Great Meet ing-house. Mr. Fuller, of Ketter. ing, introduced public worship, in Mr. the forenoon, with prayer; Hill, of Surry Chapel, preached on Cor, ix. part of 22d and 23d ver. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means some; and this I'do for the gospel's sake." Mr. Farey, of Bluntisham, in Cambridgeshire, concluded with prayer. The menibers and friends of the Union re-assembled before three, P. M. for conference. Hill began with prayer. Mr. S. Hillyard, of Bedford, secretary of the Union, read a Report of Transactions during the last twelve months; from which it appears, that the exertions of the members, to maintain public worship in about 100 towns, villages, and hamlets, were continued with unremitted assiduity; and, through the blessing of God, with increasing evidences of spiritual usefulness in most places; notwithstanding some efforts which had been made to oppose the progress of the gospel. Its removal from some of the villages

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had been compensated by new openings in others, with prospects of greater success. No hindrance had, in any instance, resulted from the diversity of sentiments professed by the various denominations which had united for the purpose of bring ing the ignorant to a knowledge of Christ.

Mr. Foster, of Biggleswade, treasurer of the Union, stated the receipts and expences of the past year; which afforded a hope of extending the means of usefulness.

An affectionate and animating ad. dress to the Union of Christians, from the last ministers' conference at Herrnhut, in Germany, was read by the secretary; and likewise an answer, which had been prepared by a committee, and was approved by the assembly. Several resolu. tions were then proposed, and unanimously adopted. The business was conducted, and closed with prayer, by Mr. Greatheed, as vice, president of the Union, in the una, voidable absence of the president.

Public worship was resumed at six. P.M.; Mr. John Hillyard, late Missionary in Newfoundland, began with prayer; and Mr. Nicholls, of Kimbolton, in Huntingdonshire, preached from Matthew xxviii. 20, latter clause; and concluded with prayer,

The attendance at this Annual Meeting was more numerous, especially by ministers of various denominations, than on any preceding occasion; and the impression made by the solemn services was evidently powerful and extensive. Mr. Hill had preached at Hadham Cross, Royston, Duxford, Camberton, and Potton, in travelling from London, to Bedford. On the evening preceding the General Meeting, he preached in the Moravian chapel, at Bedford; and, on the following, again at the Old Meeting. On his return to town, he also preached at St. Alban's. It is hoped that his visit will be followed by permanent and important benefit to many.

Bristol Society, for promoting

Religious Knowledge.

THE objeet of this benevolent institution, is to distribute, gratis, amongst the "ignorant, and them that are out of the way," a variety of small Tracts, on the most important religious and moral subjects, As it is their intention scrupulously to avoid whatever is pe. culiar to any distinct community, they freely invite "all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity," to co-operate with them in this labour of love. In this design they are encouraged, by the good effects which are continually resulting from a similar institution in the metropolis..

RULES.

I. That every anugal subscriber be considered a member; and a donation of ten guineas, or upwards, shall constitute a

person a member for life.-II. That every subscriber shall be entitled to two thirds of the amount of his subscription in publications; and that the remaining one-third be at the disposal of the committee.-11. That persons becoming members for life, be entitled, for every donation of ten gui neas, to the same amount in publications as subscribers of one guinea per annum.

IV. That the committee for managing the affairs of this society, consist of subscribers of half a guinea and upwards, and members for life.-V. That the commit

tee meet at six o'clock in the evening, on the second Monday in every month, at Mr. Baller's, in Wine-street: that the meetings in March, June, September, and December, be open to the subscribers in general; and that an annual meeting be held on the second Monday in June; on which day a sermon shall be preached, a collection be made, the accounts audited,

and a treasurer, secretary, and committee

chosen for the year ensuing.-VI. That the committee consist of twenty-one persons, including the treasurer and secretary, five of whom shall be competent to act.

Committee for the year 1803.

Mr. William Dighton, Rev. J. Ryland, D. D. Mr. J. I. Baker, Rev. T. Roberts, Rev. John Sharp, Mr. T. Bonville, Rev. John Hey, Rev. Sam. Lowell, Mr. Meshach Brittan, Mr. Henry Browne, Rev. T. Grinfield, Mr. Thomas Stock, Mr. Wm. Ariel, Mr. T. Roberts, Rev. J. Swertner, Mr. Arthur To zer, Mr. H. O. Wills, Mr. Joseph Dear, and Rev. Henry Page.

Andrew Pope, Esq. Treasurer. T. V. Meech, Secretary. Subscriptions are received by the Treasurer, and by the several Members of the Committee.

ASSOCIATIONS.

The Associate Meeting of Ministers of the Independent denomination of YORKSHIRE, DERLYSHIRE, and NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, was held at Melbourne, Derbyshire, April 5 and 6, 1803. Mr. Dawson, of Sheffield, preached on Tuesday evening, from Heb. xii. 6; Mr. Boden, of Sheffield, on Wednesday morning, from Heb.x.35; and Mr. Gawthorne, of Derby, on the same evening, from Phil. ii. 1-5; Mesè. Ellis, of Barnsley; Gawthorne, of

Belpar; and Shaw, of Ilkeston, en-
The public ser-
gaged in prayer.
vices were well attended, and great
harmony prevailed among the mi-
nisters. The next Meeting will
be held in Queen - street chapel,
Sheffield, June 28 and 30, as the
Annual Examination at the Mes-
borough academy will take place
on the latter day.

The Ninth General Meeting of the LINCOLNSHIRE and Nor•

TINGHAM Association, was held, April 27, at Alford. The preceding evening Mr. Woodward, of Pinchbeck, delivered a discourse on John vi.45. Wednesday morning the ministers met as usual for prayer, and the arrangement of business. In the morning-service, Mr. Clark, of Brigg, prayed, and read a suitable portion of the sacred Scriptures; Mr. Smelle, of Great Grimsby, delivered a discourse on Rom. v. 10; and Mr. Trolley concluded with prayer. The commentoration of the sufferings and death of the blessed Redeemer was then celebrated by the associate ministers, their friends, and the church. — In the evening service, Mr. Woodward prayed; Mr. Griffith, of Lincoln, preached from Eph. i. 7.

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after which, Mr. Thompson, of Billinghay, delivered a discourse from these words," So we preach," 1 Cor. xv. 11; Mr. Bean, Minister of the place, concluded with an address to the people, and prayer. The next meeting is appointed to be held at Swineshead, Sept. 28. Messrs Clark and White to preach on that occasion.

WE are informed that the Independent Association of KENTISH Ministers will be held at Mr. Goodwin's Meeting, at Lenham, the Wednesday after the first Sabbath in July next. Mr. Podmore, of Tunbridge; Mr. Parnel, of Canterbury; and Mr. Gore, of Sandwich, are expected to preach on that occasion.

ORDINATIONS.

THE Rev. R. Freer, late of London, having received an unanimous call from the church and congregation at Uxbridge, Middlesex, was, on Tuesday April 12, set apart for a public avowal of the same.

Mr. Hudson, of West Bromwich, began the services by reading and prayer; Mr. Torling, of Arlington, gave the introductory discourse; the intercessory prayer was offered by Mr. John Brown, of London; Dr. Duncan, of London, delivered a charge to the minister, from Ezek. iii, 17. After which a sermon was preached to the people by Mr. Matthews, of Whetstone, from Deut i. 38, who concluded the services of the morn

ing by prayer. In the evening, a double lecture was preached by Mr. J. Brown, from 2 Tim. ii. 10; and by Mr. T. Jackson, of Stockwell, from Rom. xv. 33. The ser. vices of the day were well attended.

MARCH 8. The Relief Presbytery of Dumfries ordained the Rev. W. Boag to minister in holy things, to the Relief-congregation at Castle Douglas. Mr. D. Laing, of Wamphray, began the service by praise, prayer, and reading of the Scriptures; Mr. W. Auld, of Penpont, preached an excellent sermon, from Mal. ii. 7, "For the priests

lips should keep knowledge," &c.; Mr W. Strang, of Newton - Douglas, proposed the usual questions to Mr. Boag, and offered up the ordination-prayer; Mr. E. Dobbie, of Kirkbean, gave the charge to the minister, from 1 Tim. iv. 16; and Mr. J. Lawson, of Dumfries, preached from Deut. i. 38.

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ON Wednesday, March 9, the Rev. W. Scamp was ordained to the pastoral office over the church of Christ at Havant, in Hampshire, Mr. Styles, of Cowes, began the service with prayer and reading the sacred Scriptures; Mr. Cox, of Fareham, delivered the introductory discourse, and asked the questions; Mr. Griffin, of Portsea, offered the ordination - prayer; which was accompanied with the laying on of the hands of the mi nisters who assisted in the work, as a testimony of their approbation of their younger brother, and expres. sive of their fervent wishes for his prosperity and success. Mr Bogue, of Gosport, his tutor, delivered the charge, from 2Tini. iv. 5, " Do the work of an Evangelist." The general and intercessory prayer was then presented by Mr. R. Adams, of Winchester; Mr. J. Adams, of Salisbury, preached to the people,

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is from the kind benevolence of a friend in London, whose partner in life is a native of the place. Mr. Scisson, of Stafford, began with reading and prayer; in which he was followed by Mr. Small, of Birmingham; Mr.Grove, of Walsall, preached from Mat. vi. 18. In the afternoon, Mr. Smith, of Wolverhampton, began with prayer; Mr. Mosely, of Hanley, preached from Haggai ii. 9.-In the evening, Mr. Morton, of Birmingham, began with prayer; Mr. Harrison, of Beckberry, preached from Acts In future it will be supplied by different ministers who have kindly offered their services.

xvi. 17.

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Ministers engaged to preach the Lord's Day Evening Lecture,
at the Meeting-House, New Broad Street, London:

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N.B. May 29, July 31, Oct. 30, and Jan. 29, will be supplied with ministers provided by the managers.

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

25

On Sunday morning, the 24th of April last, a Sermon was preached at St. James's Church, in Piccadilly, for the benefit of the Royal Humane Society, by the Bishop of Gloucester, from Ps. cl. last verse, "Let every thing that hath breathable attention has been excited by praise the Lord." After which a the visit of Dr, Hawker to the mecollection was made of upwards of eighty pounds.

nearly 16,000 children under instruction; and that they are engaged in publishing an edition of 10,000 copies of the Old Testa ment in Gaelic.

MAY 8, the Re. W. Jay, of Bath, preached at Surry chapel, before the Corresponding Board in London, connected with the Society for propagating Christian Knowledge in the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, when a handsome collec. tion was made for the charity.

By the printed Accounts of this Society, it appears that they have

During the past month, consider.

tropolis, in order to preach for seve ral public charities; on which occasions some of the largest churches have been found inadequate to contain the multitudes which have thronged to hear him. We have the pleasure to add, that the Doctor intends shortly to publish a Journal of this benevolent excursion, with some account of the various charities for which he has pleaded so successfully.

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