"are the scabbard, in which the sword of the Spirit is found." "They who despise general literature," said Melancthon, "do not show a due value for sacred theology; their affected contempt is but a pretext to conceal their indolence." Happy am I, my dear sir, to testify, from personal knowledge, that you and your excellent predecessor were never indifferent to the value of the best books in sacred and general literature. But I have held it my duty, on this occasion, not to lose an opportunity of pressing this point, as highly important, to all congregations.

The concluding words of this testimonial carry us home to ourselves. They express the earnest desire, that our minister's future labours among us may be distinguished by such evidences of the influences of the Holy Spirit, as may render us exemplary in every personal and social duty and relation." That ministry alone is effective for good, which brings with it the influences of the Holy Spirit; "from whom alone (as in all churches is acknowledged) all holy desires, all good counsels, all just works, proceed." But of the existence of such an influence there is no fair evidence, either to ourselves or to others, except our being "exemplary in every personal and social duty and relation." The New Testament acknowledges no excellence in mere " uncorruptness of doctrine," apart from conduct "adorning that doctrine in all things; no value in the mere name of "the gospel," unless the " grace of God which bringeth salvation," brings us also to live "soberly" in all self-government-" righteously" in all that is upright and honourable66 godly" in all that is reverential and affectionate towards the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Apostolical Christianity acknowledges no worth in simplicity of ritual; no ground of boasting in any scheme of church order; but so far only as these promote private and social virtue. Pure and undefiled Christianity acknowledges no genuineness in any assumption of depth of religious knowledge, or spiritual experience, or ardent zeal, without that amiableness of deportment, and habitual gentleness, and courteous deference, which are attempted to be cultivated in circles deemed by many altogether worldly; but whose social graces shame the rudeness and the self-conceit of all, who forget that the "free grace of the gospel," in which we justly glory, and to which alone we cling for salvation, leads directly, as in its proper exercise, to all that is " lovely and of good report," that its "exceeding great and precious promises" have been given expressly for the formation of a "Divine nature" -a Godlike nature; and can that be other than a genial, generous, loving, and loveable nature: "since God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." Let the recollection that one thousand hands have been set to these words, which I read once more from this document, that the great purpose of Divine influence on the ministry, is "to make us exemplary in every personal and social duty and relation"-be turned by us individually into prayer and efforts, that we may indeed daily become more and more so. What

a hallowed evening will this have been !-how conducive to all future well-being and welldoing, if, instead of being remembered only as one pleasant hour of excitement, it thus be

comes the starting-point of such a "revival" as all good men will honour, as no bad man will be able in his heart to undervalue. Indeed, in no other way can anything named a "revival of religion," be honestly estimated as a work of God, honoured with his approbation. All that seems deep in religious feeling-all that appears aspiring in devotion all that looks self-abased in penitence, ardent in assurance, fervent in zeal-all that is eager in enterprises deemed useful,-must submit to this sobering test, of its subjects daily growing "exemplary in every personal and social duty and relation." It is so much the more needful, that, in these days of excitement and publicity, this test should be incessantly applied, because all public doings, with reference to religion, have their dangers and their temptations; while religion itself is emphatically, at all times, a secret transaction between God and the soul. It is "the hidden man of the heart"- the "meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great price;" and our public doings, not excepting even so kindly a one as this, may have the effect of puffing up a windy religiosity. I confess I have my fears, whether some of the damp cast on our missions, and on other wellmeant attempts, may not be a "rebuke" from Him, who" will not give his glory to another." While, then, I thus finally present these tokens of esteem and affection; while I have the pleasure of offering what has been so cheerfully given, whether in smaller or larger contributions, all alike valuable in their purpose; while I thus close my part of this agreeable service; it must be with the hearty prayer, that herein our God may be supremely honoured; and that we all may henceforward feel a new obligation laid on us, to grow in love to God, in mutual good-will, in universal benevolence, in unaffected humility, and in all that can render us "exemplary in every personal and social duty and relation."

The Rev. THOMAS ADKINS then rose, and was received with loud and prolonged applause. On silence being restored, he said: My beloved brothers, and friends; and you, the congregated and endeared members of my pastoral charge; and you, the endeared visitants present on this occasion from other Christian communities,allow me to speak as from the heart. Well do I remember, in the year 1810, how the morning of the sabbath, the first day in the present month, dawned upon us as cloudless as that which dawned on us this day; well do I remember being visited at my temporary abode in this place, by a man whose spirit is now mingled with the blessed, and who conducted me, then a stranger, to that place of worship which occupied the space between the front of this building and the main street. That man was the revered and beloved Mr. Colborne, whose name is still held in hallowed remembrance; he lived with an untainted character, and died with an undying hope. Well do I remember with what feelings, then a comparative youth-with what feelings of fear and trembling I entered into the sanctuary, and ascended the desk of public instruction.

A distinguished writer on mental science has said that we remember by association; and amidst the associations by which memory is aided, he specifies those of contiguity in time and place. And if you will allow me to be a

little egotistical on such an occasion as this, I may inform you that I have a very distinct recollection of the place, and the prominent persons occupying places, and of the very spaces which they occupied also in the sanctuary, most of whom bave fallen asleep, but several, blessed be God! remain even to this day. I remember well, there was one head then unblanched with the snow of years, one countenance unfurrowed by time, one eye undimmed by age; I remember well, with what devout attention the individual thus referred to listened to the discourse, noted down its principal points, and was only diverted from this devotional occupation, by occasionally glancing with a scrutinizing eye of natural and pardonable curiosity at the young and timid stranger who occupied the pulpit for the day. That head, those eyes, that countenance, we see to-night. It was my revered, my beloved friend, (turning to Mr. Bullar,) respecting whom, I would say, I feel it one of the greatest honours and happiness of my life to be able to declare, that, after the lapse of thirty-three years, he has hailed me thus publicly as at once his pastor and his friend. (Loud cheers.) Well, after an interval of a few months, in which I alternated between this place and my Alma Mater, the college where I received instruction for the ministry, I finally became located here.

I would away with anything that savours of human vanity and pride on such an occasion as this; still in gratitude to God, and as an encouragement to others, I may take up the language of Jacob, and say, Thirty-three years ago, with my staff, a stripling scarcely known, meeting the eye of curiosity, and not the beaming faces of long-tried affection, I passed over this Jordan, and now, blessed be God! I am become as two bands." (Great cheering.) The number of members, that is, of communicants entitled to vote in the management of the church, of which it is my honour and happiness to be pastor, was then just fifty-two, allocating to each letter of the alphabet two and a fraction. To-day I took down an alphabetical list of the members that have been admitted; and of the first three letters of the alphabet, I find under the letter A, 18; under the letter B, 74; and under C, 71. (Cheers.) Oh, brethren, have I not reason for gratitude? It is God that has done this; no individual in the present assembly can more heartily renounce all pretensions to personal power in producing such results than the individual who is now addressing you; but it would be base ingratitude not to acknowledge in this public manner, the goodness of God through the lapse of thirty-three years of a personal history, as thus connected with this church of Christ. (Cheers.)

Now, in the review of this lengthened period, it may be supposed I have had some opportunity and I must have been a dull scholar not to have profited by that opportunity-of seeing the gradual development of character. Why, I have often baptized-and, thanks to God! I am not yet a worn-out man-I have often baptized the children's children of those who hailed me when first I came to this place. I have seen more than a whole generation pass away. I have seen them trained up, either under a beneficial or an injurious tutelage to that eternity to which we are hastening on;

and I shall tell you in a few words what I have observed in the course of this time. I have seen, where there has been a simple, steady faith, an unaffected humility, a sincere love, a holy walking with God, a consistent discharge of the relative duties of life-I have seen those individuals illustrate the truth of the Scripture, that "the path of the just is as a shining light, shining more and more unto the perfect day." The death-beds of such persons has presented a scene of animated hope; the principles which formed their character have assumed increased prominence, and have invested as it were with glory the brow of the "departing saint." But, on the other hand, I have witnessed death-beds of a different character. I have seen the doubtful, the undecided, the worldly-minded, die; and though I have cherished hope of many of these, yet they have appeared to me to have entered into the sanctuary only as at last with a terrific grasp, to lay hold on the horns of the altar; they have entered into port, but not as the gallant vessel, richly laden, sails securely into her destined haven, but rather as a wreck, with her hull shattered, her sails torn, reaches, when all but foundered, a port in safety. One thing, however, has been to me exceedingly encouraging— agents have changed, but principles have remained. (Hear.) Institutions begun: some of them, when I began my course, and others of an anterior date, have fluctuated; but I rejoice to think that no useful institution has been dropped, while new ones have been originated; and the agents who once worked the machinery, though now mouldering in their grave, have given place to others who have risen up to occupy their places in carrying on the cause. This review of thirty-three years, therefore, presents to my mind something like the spectacle of a forest where the trees rise and attain maturity, and then fall and decay; but in their decay nourish and fertilize the soil in which they had stood, and out of their mouldering remains fresh shoots spring up, marked by a greater degree of vigour, rising to a higher altitude, spreading more umbrageous branches, and producing even far greater and noble benefits than their ancestors had done before. And it is to me peculiarly encouraging to know that the grand-children of those who laboured successfully when I began my course here, are now labouring in the same objects. (Hear, hear.) It would be ungrateful in me not to advert, in passing, to the unbroken harmony which, during more than thirty years of my ministry, has alike distinguished and blessed the church of which I am pastor; and rendered the onerous duties of the office which I sustain comparatively pleasant and easy. A fact so rare in the history of Christian communities ought to be specified and recorded with devout gratitude to the "God of peace." If it be asked, what has united a Christian community together during this lapse of time, we answer, not legislative enactments, not mere proximity of situation or relationship, nor any arbitrary or accidental bond of association, but simply those vital and indestructible principles embodied and recognized in that most gratifying memorial which has just been read. It is true that to those points of polity which distinguish us as a body from other sections of the Christian church, I could not, consistently with my allegiance to

Christ, be indifferent. At suitable times and occasions they have been stated, explained, and defended; but, whether to my honour or discredit, I must leave others to determine: those occasions have been, compared with the ordinary current of pulpit instruction, few and far between. What, then, has been the staple characteristic of the ministrations within these walls and those of the preceding sanctuary. I can answer in the presence of this assembly, who can testify to the truth of what I say-I answer to the Christian friends around me, that the staple characteristic of the truths preached from that pulpit has not been the peculiarity of a party or sect, but the simple and sublime doctrines embodied in the confessions of faith of all the reformed churches in Christendom-doctrines which are recognised by the "holy church throughout all the world" as the common bond of union and the common centre of repose. I feel, therefore, that I have been a catholic in the best and noblest sense of the word. I rejoice that I can stretch my hands on the right and left, and take a fraternal hold of every faithful minister in every section of the church who "holds the Head," and preaches "Christ and him crucified." This is my boast, and it shall be till I die; I have determined to know nothing amongst you but "Christ and him crucified." (Cheers.)

I know not on what principle an individual, sitting in retirement, can write and speak in a cynical manner of these indications of respect and attachment between a minister and his people. Whilst there is room for such indications of love and respect in every other situation of life, is there no room for testimonials of affection so delightful between a people and their pastor? Is this flower to be allowed to bloom and shed its fragrance in every other quarter, and yet be expelled as a noxious weed from the sanctuary? (Loud cheers.) No, not for the world would I give up the feelings of gratitude I experience at this moment, while receiving these demonstrations from you, the beloved people of my charge. I shall not sip "the cup that cheers but not inebriates;" I shall not look upon those gifts, without thinking of the hands, some brawny, and others tiny, which have contributed towards them. I shall scarcely write a note without having a memorial of you before me. But this (pointing to the declaration)— oh, how touching to my heart! Amongst these names are many of the poorer class of this congregation; I can say with reference to you who hold a humble, but honourable position of life, that I have found the truth of God's word, that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

In a humble measure, it has been the delight of my heart to mitigate the sorrows of some of those who have signed this document; and it would have been the delight of my heart to have been able to mitigate them more. I have experienced also pleasure and delight in receiving this testimony of the poor man, not that I would rob him of his mite, but I felt that it afforded to him the gratification of showing how sincerely he respected his pastor, and how cordially he received the gospel from his lips. (Cheers.) Then the young, the babes, the children, the lambs of the flock. I remember how that master-painter, Mr. Jay, in his own way, describes, in some part of his works, a family

scene. It is the birthday of the father, and the different members of the family come to him to offer their respective gifts: there comes the son, who is the heir of all things, he comes with a large donation; the others bring their gifts according to their respective means; then, last of all, there is the little child-she has nothing to give, but she has plucked a simple flower, which she is in the act of presenting to the father as her token of respect, affection, and love. I receive that flower from your hands, my dear children, the lambs of this flock; I look for your names in this memorial, which meets my eye for the first time to-night, and, as I look, there arises from my heart an earnest prayer, that the good Shepherd, carrying you in his arms, and folding you in his bosom, will bring you to the fold of God. I see this roll, not like that of Ezekiel," written within and without, with lamentations, and mournings, and woe;" but, if I may be allowed to make such an allusion, it is to me like the apocalyptic roll of John-it is sweeter than honey to the taste, because it breathes of affection, and it is consecrated as a testimony of regard to an unworthy, but, I hope, faithful and devoted servant for Jesus Christ's sake. It is time, however, that we should draw to a close.

Beloved brother, and you, my revered ard honoured friend (Mr. Bullar), whose counsel, affection, and, shall I add, whose example, have been a great blessing to me, and you, the beloved people of my charge, allow me to say, that when this heart, that has throbbed so often with anxiety, and yearned for your salvation, shall lie beneath the clod of the valley, you will be found written in lasting and legible characters on that heart. May God, in his gracious ends, bless and sanctify and save you all. Amen. (The reverend gentleman resumed his seat amidst long-protracted applause.)

OPENING OF ALBION CHAPEL,
SOUTHAMPTON.

THE opening services of the new Congregational Chapel, in St. Mary-street, Southampton, commenced on Wednesday, June 13, 1849. This beautiful edifice has been erected by the church and congregation under the pastorate of the Rev. Thomas Pullar. The chapel is a handsome structure, in the Ionic order of classic architecture. The front is executed in white brickwork, and is very effective, having in the centre two three-quarter columns, and pilasters at the angles, with angular Ionic caps, supporting a very bold entablature and cornice, with modillions; the whole of which, including the columns, &c., is faced with Portland cement, as also the dressings to the doorways and windows. The chapel is approached by means of a noble flight of stone steps and landings, ranging the entire length of the front of the building; and the whole is enclosed from the street by a handsome iron railing, with two decorated gates. Three double doors open from the stone landing outside into an outer vestibule, from which swing doors open into an inner vestibule; and the arrangement here is particularly good and worthy of notice, as by means of these two vestibules all possibility of draught is avoided when the outside doors are open. The staircases to the galleries ascend at either end of the outer vestibule.

The internal appearance of the building is chaste and beautiful. The whole of the pewing, in the galleries and the body of the chapel, is stained and varnished, with polished mahogany capping; and the pews are constructed with sloping backs and flush panels, and doors ramped below the backs, which combines to give them a peculiarly light and airy character. Every pew has a fixed book-board, and convenience for hats and umbrellas.

There is a large and commodious lecture-room at the back of the chapel, which is appropriated to prayer-meetings, lectures, &c., capable of seating 250 persons; also a minister's vestry adjoining the same, and a committee-room over the minister's vestry. There are spacious and convenient school-rooms under the chapel, 12 feet high, for boys and girls, which will accommodate 400 children; an infants' school-room for 150 infants; two class-rooms for young women; also a boiler and store-room, and other conveniences.

The length of the chapel outside is 80 feet, the width 50 feet, and the height from floor to ceiling 32 feet 6 inches. It will accommodate 1200 persons, inclusive of the sittings for children in the children's gallery.

The entire cost of the building is between £5000 and £6000.

In the morning Dr. HARRIS, President of Cheshunt College, preached; and in the evening the Rev. S. MARTIN, of Westminster. The chapel was crowded at each service, particularly in the evening, when the spacious building was filled to overflowing in every part. The collections at the close of the two services amounted to the handsome snm of £112 10s. 9d.

It

In the course of the after-dinner conference, Mr. W. LANKESTER, as Treasurer to the Committee, said, that the cause in that place commenced no longer ago than the year 1844. might be interesting to state, that the first subscription towards the erection of a new chapel was given on the 10th of January, 1844, by a young man who then held a situation in a respectable grocery establishment in the town. (Hear, hear) He commenced the work by giving a subscription of 10s.; and though that young man had long since left the town, his sympathies with them continued as warmly as ever, and his late employer had that morning received a letter from him, breathing forth the heartiest prayers for the full success of their undertaking. (Hear, hear.) The children in the Sunday-school had collected no less than £34 6s. 2d., by bringing on the Sunday their half-pence, and in some cases their farthings, saying, Teacher, there's another brick for the chapel." (Applause.) There was another item, which admirably showed the philosophy of littles-the sum collected by the collectors, in small weekly and monthly sums, was no less than £594 5s. 3d. (Applause.) The total amount collected, and a few good promises not yet paid, was nearly £3,300; and the expenditure, they hoped, would fall something short of £6,000. The collection that morning, he was happy to say, had reached the sum of £77. On behalf of the Building Committee, he tendered their thanks to their visiting friends for the support they had given them.

The Rev. J. S. PEARSALL, of Andover, said, that he, in conjunction with the Rev. Dr. Alliott, put the resolution to a meeting held in the old

chapel, pledging the meeting to collect the sum of £1,000 within a given period, towards the erection of a new chapel. The cards came in, and they found that the sum was nearly raised that evening; and now they had raised above £3,000. How much could be done by resolution ! No difficulty was too great to be surmounted by prayerful resolution. (Hear.) That building was a monument of the power of Nonconformity of the efficacy of the Voluntary principle. (Hear) When men hereafter looked at that building, and were told that it was raised, not by men of wealth, but by the united contributions, voluntarily offered, of earnest men, they could not but be struck by the force of that principle.

The Rev. J. KNOWLES (Wesleyan) was also called on by the Chairman. The reverend gentleman said, that he felt that an honour had been conferred on him, in meeting his esteemed brethren in the ministry, of different denominations, that day. He thought he should leave that meeting with feelings somewhat sublimated-with feelings of a warmer character towards his friends of the Albion Chapel, and all other Nonconformists. He heartily concurred in the Voluntary principle. He was an Englishman, and loved freedom, and did not like to be forced. He wished to do right, and to act right, and to let other men do the same. Objection had been made to money being collected for the erection of religious edifices by compulsory means; but it did not end there. It was repulsive to him to be forced to contribute money for the support of any religious system. (Hear.) He should never like to administer the holy ordinance of the Lord's sup. per, the elements of which were purchased by money wrested, screwed, robbed, from parties against their free-will. (Applause.) He did not wish to be considered a Nonconformist there, and a Churchman somewhere else. He was a Wesleyan Methodist, and he held these views, which he thought were somewhat liberal for him. (Laughter.) He believed, however, they were the sentiments of nine-tenths of his brethren in the ministry, though they were not expressed. He was a Nonconformist on principle; and if ever the Almighty's truth was to be carried out, he believed it must be on these principles. (Applause.)

The Rev. E. R. CONDER, of Poole, said: It had been said that Englishmen did not talk much, but wherever they went they left footmarks-England, her mark. He wished to see constantly increasing instances of Congregationalism, her mark. They had a proof of it there that day. (Hear, hear.) There was in that building no extravagant expenditure of money for mere ornament; but everything was devoted to its high purpose-the preaching of the gospel amongst the people. That building was a perfect model for the guidance of others. They were now assembled in a spacious schoolroom, erected under the chapel. So should it always be the school the foundation of the church. (Hear) If they were faithful to their cause, their successors, when, thirty years hence, they of the present generation were gone to their rest, would be still more in earnest to follow the example which had been now so nobly set them.

The attendance of ministers and friends was great, and the whole proceedings full of interest.