Sth. That the Students remain in the Institution four years, and be intitled (unless the circumstances of the student form an exception) to Board, Lodging, and Education.

9th. That no student begin, or continue to preach, without the consent of the Theological Tutor and Committee.

The above resolutions have been extensively circulated, with an address to the public, from which the following extracts are selected:

In attempting to increase the number of seminaries (for the education of pious young men for the Christian ministry) there is no sentiment felt towards any existing institution, whether metropolitan or provincial, but that of cordial and sincere co-operation. While there are three academies in London, two in Yorkshire, and others in various parts of the southern and midland districts, there is none in the north-western provinces. The local advantages of such an Institution in Lancashire alone, it is hoped, would be most extensive and beneficent. Its immense and inereasing population presents an imperious claim on the churches and ministers within its limits, to sanction, by their prayers and exertions, every plan which may directly or remotely tend to spread abroad in every place the odour of the knowledge of Christ," A flourishing and well-supported academy, wherever it is situated, by the divine blessing on its operations, becomes invested with an atmosphere of evangelical principle and holy zeal. Drooping churches are revived, rising interests are supported, new scenes of useful labours are found, and pure and undefiled religion extends its salutary influence around. The history of existing institutions presents numerous illus trations of the truth of the statement. By combining the occasional exertions of the advanced students in preaching and itinerating with their academic pursuits, their own minds are refreshed and enlivened, the final object to which all their preparations is devoted preserves in their views and feelings its paramount importance, and the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom are extensively promoted.

If such an institution be supported in the centre of the county of Lancaster, the facilities of communication will ena

The principles and objects of the Blackburn Academy are sufficiently explained in the foregoing resolutions. In two ways may ministers and churches most efficiently promote the ends of this Institution by their contributions, and by placing young persons of decided piety and competent talents under its superintendence. The local advantages and the ultimate results of this projected Institution will, it is devoutly hoped, present the strongest arguments in its favour; and the Committee trust that in the first report of their operations, they will be able to record the increasing interest of the churches on its behalf, and the encouraging proofs of divine approbation. "Except the Lord build the house, they who build it labour in vain."

*** If there be three approved candidates for admission, the Academy will commence in the first week of September next.

Subscriptions and Donations will be received by the Treasurer, Roger Cunliffe, Esq. Blackburn; by the Secretaries, Mr. Hadfield. Manchester, and Mr. Blackburn, Liverpool; and by Mr. Bickham, 18, York Place, City Road, London.

ASSOCIATIONS.

Tues. and Wed. April 16 and 17, was held at West Bromwich, the Annual Meeting of the Staffordshire Association of Independent Ministers and Churches. Mr. Butteaux, the county itinerant, preached on Tues. evening, from 2 Cor. iii. 18. Messrs. Fernie and Brook engaged in prayer. At the early prayermeeting next morning, Messrs. Shawyer and Hood, Vernon and Hammersley, were engaged. In the forenoon, a most impressive discourse was preached by Mr. James, from Luke xix. 41, when Messrs. Scales and Helmore (of Kidderminster) prayed. A public meeting was held in the afternoon. J. Mander, Esq. in the chair. Mr. Chester prayed." Let ters were read from the several churches in the Union, announcing the progress and state of religion amongst them. A circular letter, on prayer,' was read by the Secretary, which, together with

Mr.

the Report of proceedings and statement of the funds, was ordered to be printed. During the past year, besides the labours of Mr. Shawyer in the central villages of the county, Mr. Butteaux has been preaching in a district called the Moorlands, and was appointed to remain six months longer. Mr. Tallis preached in the evening on Christian Benevolence, from uke ii. 14. Williams presided at the table. Mr. Hammond addressed. Messrs. Wardle and Griffiths prayed. A collection in behalf of the Association was made at the table and doors. The next general meeting will be held at Stone in Easter week 1817. Mr. Coleman to preach, on "Regeneration ;" and Mr. Heathcote, on "Christian Zeal;" or, in case of failure, Mess. Fernie and Hudson. Mr. Cooper to prepare the circular letter on "Meditation.

The Hampshire Association held their Half-yearly Meeting at Titchfield, June 5, when Mr. Adams preached, by appointment, on "The remarkable effusion of the Holy Spirit now taking place in Heathen and Christian countries, and the means by which we may hope to obtain the same blessing in an eminent de gree." Mr. Howel, of Alton, preached before breakfast, on Ps. cxviii. 25; and Mr. Bogue, in the evening, on Mark xiv. 8, She hath done what she could." The next meeting to be at Romsey, on Wed. Oct. 2d. The annual meeting to be held in the afternoon of the same day, when the Report of the committee will be read, &c.

The preceding day, the Rev. James Davies (late of Hoxton Academy) was ordained over the church at Fareham. Mr. Flower, of Titchfield, began by prayer, and reading the Scriptures; Mr. Adkins, of Southampton, delivered the introductory discourse; the usual questions were proposed by Mr. Scamp, of Havant; and very satisfactorily answered by Mr. D.; Mr. Bogue offered the ordination prayer; Mr. Hunt, of Chichester gave the charge; and the sermon to the people was preached by Mr. Griffin. The chapel was crowded, and the services of the day, from the peculiar circumstances of the congregation, afforded the highest pleasure to the friends of evangelical religion. Their late pastor, the Rev. J. H. Cox, (now of Hadleigh) having been succeeded by a gentleman who, after preaching a few months, attempted to introduce Socinianism, the people were divided and scattered; and many were apprehensive that the doors must have been closed, when the few who remained, attached to the doctrines of the Gospel,

applied to the Hants Society for promoting religion; who anxiously took the declining interest under their patronage. They found it necessary, in the first instance, to put the chapel, which was much dilapidated, into a state of repair. When it was re-opened it was supplied by neighbouring ministers, and the students from Gosport; considerable numbers attended, and they began to anticipate the prosperity of former days. In answer to an application from the Secretary, Thomas Wilson, Esq. recommended Mr. Davies, whose services have proved acceptable and useful. The church is increasing in numbers, and the prospects are more encouraging than they have known for many years. The necessary repairs have incurred a debt of about £400; towards which Mr. Bogue's congregation have generously subscribed £50. For what remains, an application must be made to the religious public.

Wednesday, June 19, was held at Teignmouth, the thirty-first Annual Meeting of the Devon Calvinistic Association. Mr. Kelly of Ashburton preached on the preceding evening, from Ps. lxxxiv. 1. “How amiable are thy tabernacles," &c. In the morning, Mr. S. King, of Ford, preached from 1 Cor. ii. 10, On the divinity and influences-of the Holy Spirit. Messrs. Turnbull, S. Rooker, and Davison engaged in prayer. In the evening Mr. Page, of Bristol, preached from Prov. xxxii. 7. full soul loatheth an honeycomb," &c. Messrs. Mends and Stokes engaged in prayer. In the afternoon a public meeting was convened for transacting the business of the Association. S. Davy, Esq. in the chair.

The

After the Report of the committee had been read by the secretary, several resolutions were passed; amongst which were the following:

III. That this meeting highly approv→ ing of those kindred exertions now made for the evangelizing of Heathen nations; and especially of the plans and efforts of the Missionary. Society, instituted in London 1795, recommend the speedy formation of an Auxiliary Missionary Society for the county of Devon, in aid of the aforesaid Society.

V. That this meeting, feeling a lively interest in the sacred cause of civil and religious liberty, and dreading any su pineness towards it in those whose professed principles lead them to be very zealous of its infringements, cordially approves of the manly and benevolent efforts made by the true friends of freedom in this country, in behalf of our persecuted brethren, the Protestants in

the South of France; and, that a vote of most sincere thanks be offered from this association to the Committee of the Dissenting Ministers of the Three Denominations, assembling at Red Cross Street, London, for their spirited, kind, and unremitting endeavours to rescue our brethren from impending destruction; the Moderator and Secretary being requested to communicate the same. The next meeting of the Association was appointed to take place at Bideford. Many appropriate and interesting speeches were delivered on this ocrasion. The report stated many pleasing instances of the enlargement of Christ's kingdom in this extensive and populous county. Village preaching, Sunday, Adult and other Schools, and Itinerancies are carried on with increasing zeal, and with very satisfactory prospects. Penny-a-week Societies were strongly recommended in aid of the

SURRY SESSIONS, JULY 18.

might be much more extended were the means more ample. The recommendation for a more close and efficient union amongst the Independent denomination, given in the Evangelical Magazine for April, 1816, was noticed with peculiar approbation, and it is hoped some of its judicious plans will shortly be acted upon. The Rev Messrs. Allen, Crook, Gleed, Smith, Trevor, Whillans, and Sprague, also engaged in the religious services of this meeting.

Aug. 6 and 7, the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Eastern Association of Ministers in the county of York was held at Whitby. On Tues. even. Mr. Browne, of Hull, preached from Eph. iv. 32. "For Christ's sake;" and on Wed. even. Mr. Bottomley, of Scarborough, from 1 Pet. iv. 11.

The brethren met for conversation on the state ef religion in their respective neighbourhoods, at ten, on Wed. morn. Much sympathy and affection were manifested on this occasion; and while they mourned together for the loss of their beloved father and fellow-labourer, the late Rev. G. Lambert, they found reason to rejoice that, notwithstanding many discouragements, the cause of God does, in some degree, presper in their hands There were two other meetings for public worship, wiz on Wed. morn. at seven o'clock, when Mr. Kidd, of Cottingham, preached from Ps. xl. 16; and on Thurs. morn. (same hour) Mr. Waterhouse, of Pocklington, from Acts viii. 30, 31, The money raised by the Association this year, for the spread of the Gospel, was given in aid of the Whitby Itinerancy, in which Mr. Sugden now labours with prospects of success. The next annual meet

POOR'S RATE of the Parish of Christ-church, Surry, in Consequence of the Omission of Surry Chapel.

THIS question was determined partly in favour of one party, and partly in favour of the other, by an order that Mr. Webber should be rated; but that Mr. Hill should not be rated; and that Mr. Farquharson should pay him his costs, for endeavouring to procure his assess ment. The determination, we are informed, is not final; but will lead to another appeal, and to some ultimate -We redecision in a superior court. gret, therefore, that inaccurate representations have appeared in some of the papers on this Appeal, which may have induced our friends to consider it as de

cided, especially as we understand that

The Protestant Society for the Proteetion of Religious Liberty,' advise the Contributors to their Institution, not to submit to any demands which may he made for Poor's Rates, in consequence of that Report.

LONDON.

On Friday evening, July 19, the First Anniversary of the London Society for

the Instruction of Adults, was held at the City of London Tavern, the Lord His Lordship, in Mayor in the Chair. a neat speech, explained the objects of the Meeting; after which the Report was read, by which it appears there are at present 361 persons in the schools of the Society, of whom 101 can read tolerably well.

We are happy to find, that the Committee of The Association for the Relief and Benefit of the Manufacturing