sympathy in all their efforts for the advancement of the cause of Christ, in which we are essentially one.

Most of the gentlemen who introduced and supported the above resolutions, together with the Rev. Messrs. Griswold and Brooks, addressed the assembly at considerable length. The meeting commenced at seven o'clock in the evening: was continued, according to English custom, to a much later hour in the night than is common in the United States; and the interest increased to its close.

On SATURDAY, the various business matters of the body came again under its attentive and minute consideration; and the brethren from the United States were invited to present a familiar and detailed statement of the polity, usages, doctrinal faith, and religious condition of the Congregational churches in the States. Among the expressions of satisfaction at the statements which were submitted, the following unsolicited and unexpected resolution, proposed by Rev. Mr. Lillie, was unanimously adopted:

Resolved: That this Union beg to express their high opinion of the objects of the New England Puritan, as explained by one of its respected editors, Rev. Mr. Clarke, whom they have been greatly gratified in having with them on the present occasion; and they affectionately recommend it as worthy of the confidence of our churches, and as eminently adapted to promote a sound knowledge of the great principles of scriptural doctrines and discipline, in which we and our New England brethren agree. On the SABBATH, June 16, sermons were preached on behalf of the Toronto Missionary Society, which is connected with the Union. In the morning, the discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Martin, and in the evening by Rev. D. Clarke. The sacrament of the Lord's supper was also administered in the afternoon to a large body of communicants, from different nations and hemispheres; and collections, amounting to about £14, or nearly $60, were taken for the Society.—Abridged from the New England Puritan.

ADDRESS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF EASTERN CANADA TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.-On Monday, the 15th of July, a deputation from the Union waited, by appointment, on his Excellency the Governor-General, and presented the following Address, which was read by the Rev. Richard Miles:

“To his Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Charles Metcalfe, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, one of her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, Governor-General of British North America, &c., &c.

"We, the pastors and delegates of the Congregational churches of Eastern Canada, in union assembled, welcome your Excellency to Montreal, and pray that you may enjoy every temporal and spiritual blessing in your private capacity; and that as Governor you may have the satisfaction of seeing this extensive province enjoy peace and prosperity under your administration.

"The consistent and unbought loyalty of the body of which we form a part is too well known, not only to your Excellency, but to the intelligent world, to render any loud or lengthened professions of it necessary; while your repeated avowal of the great principles of civil and religious freedom with which we are identified, renders it equally unnecessary to explain or commend them; but we deem it a duty as well as a privilege to inform your Excellency that there is, in the great body of the peopler a strong and growing dislike to everything that tends to the political exaltation or distinction of any religious sect or denomination above another: a feeling which is greatly strengthened by events transpiring in the mother country, where the grasping ambition of some, and the consequent discontentment of others, are disturbing and weakening the body politic in no ordinary degree.

"Reason and history alike declare, that it is always safer for governments to rely on those who render obedience to the powers that be,' not for wrath or emolument, but for conscience' sake, rather than upon those who aspire to power and endowment, at the expense of their fellow-subjects; and we doubt not that your Excellency will aim at the more perfect development of those sound principles of policy, as well as justice, in this young and rapidly rising community.

"Assuring you of our hearty support in every measure adopted by your Excellency which shall appear to us for the Divine glory and the public good, and the honour of Him whom we recognise and adore as the One Head of the church, we remain your Excellency's, &c. &c.

"Montreal, 13th July, 1844."

His Excellency's Answer.

"To the Pastors and Delegates of the Congregational Churches of Eastern Canada. "I am greatly obliged to you, Gentlemen, for your welcome to Montreal, and for the kind wishes that you express towards me.

"One of the most anxious desires of my heart is that this extensive province may enjoy peace and prosperity; and if mankind were always guided by reason, there would be abundant ground to expect with confidence that happy result, for in no region, I believe, on the face of the earth have the people less cause for discontent than in Canada. In no country is civil and religious freedom more fully possessed. "Being in principle an advocate for those blessings, and opposed to the political exaltation or distinction of any church over another, I aim at justice to all. I rely on those, to whatever denomination they belong, who are loyal to the Queen and attached to the mother country, and who seek the welfare of this colony as an integral portion of the British Empire.

"I thank you for the assurance of your hearty support in every measure that may appear to you to be for the Divine glory, the public good, and the honour of the Saviour, whom all Christians recognise and adore as the Head of the church. I do not desire support on any other conditions; and I shall not wilfully sanction measures of an opposite character."-The Harbinger.

NEW CHAPELS IN THE COLONIES.-In May last, we learn from the Sydney Herald, a public meeting of the Rev. Dr. Ross's congregation took place in Pittstreet Chapel, Sydney. This meeting rose out of one held at the end of February, to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Doctor's arrival in the colony, and to promote and aid the erection of the new building. At that meeting it was determined that an effort should be made, in the then ensuing month, to collect a sum sufficient to pay off the residue of the debt incurred by the purchase of the land, and the commencement of the new church. At the second meeting, the required sum, £194, was duly paid in, and the minister and congregation congratulated themselves with being, so far, out of debt. It appeared from the financial statement, that in three years, £2300 had been raised and expended for the above object, and that besides there being now no debt upon the new place, there was also no incumbrance upon the old chapel. The building committee was re-organised, and it was determined immediately to proceed with the erection.

A new Music-hall, Collins-street, Hobart Town, has been taken as a temporary chapel, by the friends of the Rev. W. Jarrett, where public worship is conducted on the Lord's-day, and on Thursday evening. At its opening the Rev. F. Miller preached in the morning, from Acts xxvi. 24, and the Rev. W. Jarrett in the evening, from 1 Cor. i. 23, 24. We are happy to learn from the Hobart Town Advertiser, that there is a crowded attendance, the hall being in that part of the city where a chapel was much wanted.

Port Fenton is the name which is given to the estuary of the river Forth, on the north-west coast of Van Diemen's Land. The only property located there is private, and belongs to Alexander Clerke, Esq., J.P., who has wisely let out his lands into small farms of from twenty acres and upwards, and at some future period there is no doubt but he or his heirs will find this plan to answer well. It would be an advantage to many other parts of this fine island, were the great landed proprietors to follow his example. Whether Mr. Clerke in this imitates the landholders of Port Sorell, or they him, we are not prepared to say; but the small farm plan is becoming general along the inhabited parts of the north-west coast, including the company's settlements at Emu Bay and Circular Head. The settlers at Port Fenton are principally occupied in the cultivation of potatoes, some prime samples of which are brought to Hobart Town market. From thence also, the market is furnished with many thousand feet of split and sawn timber. A great improvement has taken place of late, especially upon the farms of Mr. Douglas and Mr. Fenton, after the latter of whom the port takes its name, and to whose enterprising spirit that part of the coast is much indebted.

It is at Port Fenton that the Rev. Mr. Waterfield, of the Independent denomination, as an agent for the Van Diemen's Land Home Missionary and Christian Instruction Society, has fixed his abode, being prompted by the destitute condition of the inhabitants in spiritual instruction, and at the same time resisting strong induce. ments to reside in the more settled parts of the island. It is gratifying to know that the rev. gentleman's labours have been so far successful, as that in the short space of five months, a house for his residence is being finished, and a small place of worship is in the course of erection; both the house and the place of worship are to be upon land consisting of three acres, generously given by the worthy proprietor, who, doubtless as a justice of the peace, is fully persuaded, that if religious instruction be imparted to his tenantry, their morals and happiness will not only be provided for, but that others may be induced to locate themselves upon his estate. We wish the cause of religion there every success, and sincerely hope that others will be stimulated to follow the self-denying example of the minister, and the generosity of the proprietor, and that the settlers at Port Fenton and its vicinity will justly appreciate such an effort for their moral and religious improvemeat.— Launceston Examiner.

At Plantation Lodge, in the vicinity of George Town, Demerara, on Friday, the 13th of September, 1844, the foundation was laid of a new chapel, sixty feet by thirty, to be called Salem Chapel. The site, in the midst of a new and rapidly increasing village, was granted by the respected proprietor, H. Wortman, Esq. who, by deed of conveyance, has legally secured it on principles of Independency to the Congregational Dissenters, for the purposes of a chapel and burial-ground. Interest was given to the occasion by the presence of about 250 of the children from the schools connected with Providence New Chapel, Albert Town, and the Lodge. In compliance with the wishes of the devoted individual, Mr. G. M'Farlane, whose labours, through many scenes of trial, have been so extensively blessed in and around that locality, the foundation was laid after an address by the Rev. J. Ketley, in which he alluded to the interesting circumstances that led Mr. M'F. to settle in that vicinity-first on Plantation Vlissengen, next the Lodge-with the chain of events connected therewith, from the days of slavery to the present time. This is the second graut. The former, for a school-house and residence, was presented by R. M. Jones, Esq., when proprietor of the estate. The Lord Bishop has not succeeded in obtaining the reserved land in front of this estate, to which reference was recently made in a colonial journal, and on which he had intended to set up an

opposition school and church. The petty jealousies, so often shown by his Lordship towards the labours of the Independents, are anything but dignified.-The Guiana Congregational Record.

REGULATIONS RESPECTING APPEALS FOR CHAPEL DEBTS.-The many incon veniences occasioned by promiscuous appeals on behalf of chapel cases have led the brethren at Manchester, Salford, and Bath, to deliberate thereon, and adopt the following regulations.

MANCHESTER AND SALFORD.-On Wednesday, March 27th, a meeting of gentlemen, convened by public notification from the pulpits of all the Independent churches in Manchester and Salford, was held by adjournment in the vestry-room of Mosley-street Chapel, James Dilworth, Esq., in the chair. It was resolved

That the Society be denominated "The Chapel Fund Association of Manchester and Salford."

That all Congregational Churches in those towns contributing £10, or upwards, per annum, and all individuals contributing five guineas annually, shall be members of this association: the churches being represented by delegates nominated by the church for this purpose; not more than three for the first fifty members, and an additional delegate for each succeeding fifty members which the church shall contain; each delegate having one vote: the individual subscribers, as members, having one vote for five guineas; two for ten guineas, and three for twenty; and one vote more for every additional five guineas' subscription: that delegates, if qualified by private subscription, shall also have votes according to the amount they have subscribed. Though ten guineas shall qualify any Congregational church for admission, the arrangement is proposed not to shelter the covetous, but to encourage the generous enterprise of the faithful.

That only such cases shall be considered eligible for the aid of this association where the property is secured in trust for the congregation, the deed being enrolled, and where the doctrines to be taught are evangelical, and the ministry is wholly dependent on voluntary contributions; Independent churches having always the preference.

That all applications, to be made through the secretary, shall be submitted to an examining committee, whose report must certify that the property is secured for the purposes approved by this association: such report to be made by a quorum of that committee before any grant is voted.

That any grant be voted only at a regular quarterly meeting, when every member shall have the power of bringing the question to a decision, by calling for the vote according to the relative value of the suffrages of each member present, in the proportion of his previous subscription: the sum in any case granted shall never exceed one-half of what has been contributed by the congregation applying for aid, including any other extraneous assistance received during the previous twelve months.

That the members of this society shall discountenance the practice of begging cases and for this purpose shall render whatever measure of contribution they have been wont to give to such cases, or according to their ability, to the funds of this association.

That for a period of two years from the formation of this association, and longer if necessary, no chapel case whatever, out of the county, shall be entertained; but that no chapel, erected after January, 1844, be eligible to receive aid from this association, unless one-half of the full cost of building, ground, &c. shall have been contributed before its opening.

That quarterly meetings of the association shall be held on the Wednesday following the 25th day of March, June, September, and December.

That the congregations joining this association organise themselves for the reception of contributions, by the appointment of their treasurers and secretaries, and the nomination of their delegates; and that they be prepared to pay their subscriptions to the general treasurer quarterly.

That the ministers of the Independent churches in Manchester and Salford be ex-officio members of the association.

That an examining committee shall be annually chosen by the contributors, consisting of ten members, equally composed of ministers and lay brethren, besides the secretaries and treasurer, five to be a quorum; that all correspondence and proceedings come before them prior to any measures being taken by the association, and that they prepare all reports of funds, cases, and the appropriation of moneys; giving an annual statement of the entire sum collected, and its distribution. A copy of this yearly report, when sanctioned by the general meeting of the association, shall be transmitted to the pastor of each church, as well as every member connected with the society, for their information.

A meeting of the associated churches and congregations shall be held on the Wednesday after the third Sabbath in January, in each year, to receive the report of the ex-committee, and to elect a president, treasurer, secretaries, and auditors; such officers to be church members.

No alteration shall be made in these rules but at the annual meeting-at least four months' notice of any intended alteration being given, in writing, to the Secre taries of the society-such notice being by them transmitted to the Congregational

secretaries.

That Samuel Fletcher, Esq., be requested to act as the general Treasurer, and that the Rev. J. W. Massie and W. Morris, Esq., be chosen as Secretaries during the first year.

JAMES DILWORTH, Chairman.

BATH.-At a meeting of the ministers and members of the churches and congregations of Argyle Chapel, and of the late Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, Bath, held in Argyle Chapel vestry, on June 26, 1844, the Rev. W. Jay in the chair; among other resolutions, it was resolved-That it is desirable to regulate the admission of Chapel Building cases; and that a board be established for the examination of such, previously to their being recommended to the two congregations above named. That the board shall consist of the minister, the deacons, three members of the church, and three members of the congregation of Argyle Chapel, together with the minister, the committee, and three members of the congregation of the late Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel.-That the board shall meet quarterly, or oftener, as occasion may require; that five members do form a quorum, and that the suffrages of not less than two-thirds of the members present, be necessary for the recommen. dation of a case. Also, that such case, when approved, be signed, on behalf of the board, by the chairman, or one of the secretaries, and also by the ministers of the two congregations, who undertake to sign only such cases as are approved by the board. That not more than six approved cases be recommended in each year; and that the board be requested to frame, and in each instance to put, such inquiries, as shall satisfy them that the case is well entitled to the pecuniary support of the relgious public. Any letters in relation to cases, are to be addressed to Mr. Jacob Titley, Stall-street, or Mr. John Morris, Beivedere, Bath, secretaries to the Board.