The Committee add the expression of some views and desires relative to this most interesting and important section of the British Missions confided to their care. They earnestly wish to see the mind of the Independent brotherhood turned to the Colonies -fixed on them-duly impressed with their importance-occupied thoroughly with the idea, the Colonies are our field. There of all the world we ought to work; to sow our principles; to plant our Churches. They wish to see our body taking hold of the Colonies, and establishing a connexion with them in all practicable methods. Some of our wealthy brethren might, with equal advantage to themselves and to the public cause, obtain property in them; others might establish mercantile relations with them; many should emigrate to them, and where possible, in groupes, in parties, for mutual support in their interests both temporal and spiritual; to form the nucleus of churches, to be the coadjutors of ministers, and the basis of religious action and enterprise. They wish to see a greater spirit of self-denial, and larger views among our ministers, especially our younger brethren in relation to the Colonies. The Colonies present to men of such purposes, a fine field. There they might exert an influence, and perform a work for the cause of Christ, not to be realised, perhaps, in even the selectest stations in the father-land-torn with strife, over-crowded with competitors, and obdurate with prejudice. But they forbear. They recal expressions that might seem to disparage venerable and beloved England. They remember that the Colonial enterprise is but a branch of British Missions. England, Ireland, and the Colonies combined, present the appropriate sphere for the exertions of the British Congregational Churches. They must still manfully, or rather Christianly, bear witness for Christ and truth, in this land of aristocracy, of hierarchy, of superstition, of pauperism. They must encounter the like evils, in their far more deadly forms, in blighted Ireland-while the scattered abroad, and the crowded at home-the new world of our hopes in the Colonies, and the old world of our affections at home, receive each its appropriate share of our prayers, our efforts, and our sympathies. "Then God, even our own God, shall bless us—God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear him."

At the close of an interesting conversation, its adoption and printing was proposed by Messrs. Gallaway and Prust, and ordered.

It was then moved by the Rev. H. L. Adams, of Newark, seconded by the Rev. J. H. Rook, of Faversham, and unanimously agreed to:

"That this meeting fully responds to the statements of the papers now considered, on the pressing claims of the important societies for which they plead ; and that the brethren present are deeply impressed with the necessity of immediate and vigorous efforts to provide the funds required for British missions, and pledge themselves to co-operate in the proposal for obtaining collections on the last Sabbath of the present month, or at some early opportunity, if inconvenient on that particular day; and in all other practicable efforts for the same object."

The hour of adjournment having arrived when this resolution was adopted, prayer was offered by the Rev. J. A. James, and the benediction was pronounced by the Chairman.

The ministers and delegates then proceeded to the Exchange Rooms where, as on the preceding day, an hospitable entertainment was provided for them.

Dinner being over, business was resumed, and the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, moved, and the Rev. J. Burnett, of Camberwell, seconded, the following resolution, which was adopted with grateful unanimity:

"That the meeting cannot separate without recording its sense of the kind invitation of the brethren of the Nottingham Association, which originated the proposal, that the proceedings now closed should take place in this town; and of the abundant hospitality and fraternal courtesy with which the pastors and churches of Nottingham have welcomed all the brethren present, who, on retiring to their respective homes,

carry with them a most pleasing remembrance of their visit, and leave the expression of their affectionate prayers and cordial thanks."

The Rev. Dr. Alliott responded to the resolution on behalf of the pastors and brethren of the town of Nottingham, and of the County Association; and concluded his address by moving the following resolution; which having been seconded by the Rev. Thomas Scales, of Leeds, was unanimously and cordially agreed to:

"That the meeting presents to the beloved brethren, the Rev. Dr. Morison and the Rev. W. H. Stowell, its cordial thanks for the able and interesting addresses delivered by them to the numerous and attentive auditory assembled in Friar-lane Chapel, on the evening of yesterday."

Dr. Morison, for himself and Mr. Stowell, acknowledged the resolution.

The Rev. J. Blackburn then moved, and the Rev. A. Wells seconded the following resolution :

"That the meeting now performs the pleasing duty of presenting to its honoured Chairman, the Rev. Richard Elliott, the assurance of its most affectionate, respectful regards, and its thankful acknowledgments of his most valuable services, in presiding with so much ability and urbanity over all its proceedings."

The motion having been put by the proposer and carried,

The Chairman made a brief and appropriate acknowledgment.

The services were closed by a public meeting in aid of British Missions, held in Castle-gate Meeting on Thursday evening, the 21st October. In the unavoidable absence of Sir C. E. Smith, Bart., the Rev. R. Elliott, the Chairman of the annual assembly, presided. The service commenced with devotional exercises, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Morison, of London.

Addresses were then delivered in support of the Home Missionary Society, by the Rev. Thomas Stratten, of Hull; of the Irish Evangelical Society, by the John Burnett, of Camberwell; and of the Colonial Missionary Society, by the Rev. George Smith, of Plymouth.

At the close of these effective addresses, the following resolution was moved by the Rev. Dr. Redford, seconded by the Rev. J. A. James, and adopted unanimously :"That on closing the important proceedings of this evening, the meeting records its deep conviction, that vigorous efforts and liberal contributions in support of British Missions are among the very first and most indispensable duties of the Congregational churches of this favoured country; and that the meeting presents to the respected Chairman, and to all the brethren who have assisted in conducting the proceedings of the evening, a testimony of its approval and gratitude for their valuable services."

In seconding this resolution, Mr. James availed himself of the opportunity to deliver to the assembly a most appropriate closing address, full of solemnity and affection, on the importance of serious care for the salvation of our own souls. After so much attention to general considerations and public duties; and after so many forcible appeals in behalf of the souls of others, this address was as seasonable as it was solemn, and filled up what was lacking to complete and seal the proceedings it closed.

Mr. James then concluded with prayer, the Chairman giving the benediction; and the numerous and most respectable meeting separated, we believe, under the influence of a spirit of concord, devotion, and benevolence.

OPENINGS OF NEW CHAPELS.

Great George Street Chapel, LIVERPOOL.—The first Independent chapel in Great George-street was the result of the brief but eminently successful labours of the Rev. Thomas Spencer, who, before he had attained to his majority, preached the Gospel in that town with such sweet, persuasive eloquence, as to interest and impress the minds of multitudes. On the 15th of April, 1811, that lovely youth laid the foundation of that chapel in which he was never to minister, for within four short months his services on earth were closed. He was drowned while bathing in the Mersey, on Monday morning, the 5th of August. The spacious chapel (96 feet by 65 feet) was completed, and the church and congregation, who originally assembled at Newington Chapel, removed to their new house of prayer, and invited the Rev. Thomas Rafles, then of Hammersmith, to occcupy its pulpit. He preached his first sermon in Liverpool on the second Lord's-day in November, in that same year, just thirty years ago. On Wednesday morning, February 19th, 1840, that "holy and beautiful house was burned up with fire," and the congregation was compelled to seek a temporary place of worship in the theatre of the Mechanic's Institution. An elegant and still more spacious edifice has been raised upon the same spot with remarkable rapidity, and with a zeal and taste most creditable to all concerned. The site is at the junction of two roads, Great George-street and Nelson-street, which form an acute angle, for which the former chapel, being a parallelogram, was obviously uusuited, and though it was a noble interior, yet its bald and tasteless front offended the eye of every observer. The liberality of the people has enabled the architect to obviate this inconvenience by the erection of a circular vestibule, 25 feet in diameter, which he has surrounded by ten beautiful Corinthian columns, 33 feet high, each shaft being fluted, and of only one stone, a circumstance, we believe, unprecedented in English architecture, This portico is the general entrance, forming a vestibule to the area of the chapel, and having a double geometrical staircase, which conducts by a handsome flight of stone steps to the ample galleries. The front walls and flanks are of free-stone, and the latter are decorated with ten pillasters, to correspond with the front elevation. The interior is fitted up with equal taste, and the pulpit, which, we hear, is after an elaborate design, is, together with the staircase, of Dantzic oak. The extreme length of building is 127 feet, and the breadth 66 feet. There is pew accommodation for 1750 persons, besides the children's galleries. The entire front resting on a base, which is ascended by a flight of eight steps, has a noble appearance, and the whole building is regarded as an architectural ornament to that handsome town.

This memorial of the devotedness of the people to their principles was opened for Divine worship by a series of public services, which were commenced by a special prayer-meeting on Thursday morning, October 21st, at seven o'clock, and though the weather was exceedingly inclement, yet this meeting was very numerously attended.

At half-past ten the chapel was crowded, and Dr. Raffles conducted the devotional services, and implored the presence and benediction of God to rest upon all the solemnities of his people there.

Dr. Fletcher, of Stepney, preached from Hag. ii. 9—“The glory of this latter house, &c.," which discourse a Liverpool newspaper characterized as a specimen " of the noblest style of pulpit eloquence, and alike remarkable for the intellectual vigour of its reasonings, the fertility of its illustrations, the classical eloquence of its language, and the elevation of its sentiments and spirit."

About 350 persons sat down to an elegant but brief repast in the schools beneath the chapel, amongst whom there was a large body of ministers of our own and other denominations.-Dr. Byrth, rector or Wallasey; Dr. Beaumont, Wesleyan connexion; Mr. Birrell, Baptist minister, &c.

The afternoon service was commenced by the Rev. J. Ely, of Leeds, and the sermon was preached by the Rev. John Kelly, of Crescent Chapel. "This discourse," says the same journalist, "was marked throughout by that force of reasoning, closeness of application, intensity of purpose, and zeal for truth, which form the uniform characteristic of his preaching and his life."

The chapel in the evening was crowded to overflowing by multitudes, who came to hear the faithful and heart-searching ministrations of the Rev. James Parsons, of York, and they were not disappointed. He delivered a powerful and impressive discourse, that was eminently calculated for usefulness.

The special services were resumed on Lord's-day morning, when Dr. Raffles, by the earnest desire of his people, occupied his own pulpit. Although the weather was most unauspicious, yet the chapel was crowded, not only by members of his own congregation, but by gentlemen of other denominations, who were present to express their respect for his character and services. His text was, 1 Cor. ii. 2, "I determined not to know any thing amongst you, &c." "Rather," said he, "than any other doctrine should be preached here, let this tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, and this stately edifice sink again, a mass of flaming ruins." At the close of an eloquent sermon, he expressed in animated and touching terms his grateful sense of the attachment and generosity of his people.

In the evening, Rev. J. Harris, D.D., president of Cheshunt College, preached. Such was the curiosity to hear this gifted minister, that crowds were unable to gain admittance; and Mr. Stowell, president of Rotherham College, preached in the Lecture Room to a great congregation that was not able to enter the chapel. The Doctor preached from Isa. lvii. 15th verse, with lxvi. 1, 2 ver. The discourse is described as “ very finished and eloquent composition, evincing a large intellectual grasp, a poetical imagination, and the finest taste, in addition to the higher qualities which enable the sound orator to impress Divine truth on the hearts of his hearers."

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The closing service was on Monday evening, when Dr. Halley, of Manchester, addressed an impressive and able sermon to a full congregation. The aggregate amount of the collections was £500, and the services appear to have delighted and instructed the multitudes that attended.

Most cordially do we congratulate the pastor and people of George-street Chapel, that they have reared for God a house that bears some proportion to their own circumstances and standing in society, and we are persuaded that while they naturally feel much complacency in possessing so beautiful a place of worship, they are well aware that "there is a glory which excelleth," and without which "Icabod" may be engraved on its entablature.

We ought to add, that in the vestibule, opposite the entrance, there is a monument of chaste design, to the memory of the youthful and lamented Spencer.

CHESTER STREET CHAPEL, WREXHAM. This new and commodious place of worship was opened April 21st, 1841, for the use of the church and congregation under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. Pearce, when the Rev. William Jay, of Bath, preached in the morning and evening. The devotional exercises were conducted by neighbouring ministers. On the following Sabbath the Rev. Samuel Fletcher, of Manchester, preached in the morning and afternoon, and the Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, in the evening. On the next Tuesday evening the interesting services were concluded by a sermon from the Rev. Samuel Luke, of Chester: very liberal collections were made after each of the above services. On the previous Good Friday not less than 500 friends assembled to a tea party at the opening of the spacious school-rooms beneath the chapel; when deeply interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev. C. M. Birrell, of Liverpool, the Rev. R. Browne, and the Rev. G. Sayce, of Wrexham, and other ministers and friends.

The chapel has been built by voluntary contributions, and persons of the highest

respectability in the town and neighbourhood have shown their kind and liberal feeling by subscribing towards its erection. Amongst others are the names of Lord Mostyn, the late Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., and Sir Robert Cunliffe, Bart., for the handsome sum of £20 each. The other dissenting congregations in the town kindly co-operated, and the most respectable inhabitants in Wrexham and neighbourhood generally contributed towards the objects

The building is in the Ionic style of architecture, having a portico of six columns twenty feet high, extending along the entire front. It stands apparently upon a basement six feet high above the level of the street, approached by steps, which gives it considerable architectural effect. By raising the floor of the chapel six feet above the level of the street, and sinking the school-rooms six feet below that level, lofty schoolrooms are attained, which are dry and well lighted. The school-room is divided by a moveable partition, and is used for Sabbath schools, and also for a boy's day school, which is conducted on the British system. The chapel has been erected by designs from Mr. Edward Welch, architect, of Liverpool, one of the architects of the Birming ham Town-hall, and has been well executed by Mr. Michael Gummow, builder, Wrexham, at a cost of upwards of £2000, beside £200 incurred in obtaining a lease from Dr. Daniel Williams' Trustees, which they could not grant but through the Court of Chancery. It will accommodate 600 persons with seats.

The following particulars connected with the early history of Nonconformists in this town, are extracted from an address delivered by the Rev. J. Pearce, at the opening of the school-rooms, and will be interesting to Congregational Dissenters.

"It was during the times of bitter persecution that the cause of nonconformity took its rise in Wrexham. Walter Cradock, who had been cited to Lambeth by Archbishop Laud, for refusing to read the Book of Sports, having been deprived of his curacy at Cardiff, and severely reprimanded, came to this town. Here he preached in the Established Church for twelve months; and his ministry was blessed to the conversion of many; but his faithfulness gave offence to some, who were the occasion of his being expelled from the church. He afterwards preached in the houses and streets of the town, and the people flocked to hear him. He was joined by three other nonconformist ministers of eminent piety: Mr. Wroth, Morgan Lloyd, and Vavasor Powell, and by these the first dissenting church appears to have been formed in this town, as early as 1641. In its early history it seems to have embraced Presbyterians, Baptists, and Independents, who were many years subject to cruel persecutions, and suffered with great patience the fiery trials they were called to endure for conscience sake. From 1660 to 1667 they were accustomed to meet together in the dead of night, and in concealed places, for prayer and religious exhortation. Often did they thus privately convene themselves together to encourage and comfort each other, and mingle their tears and prayers at the throne of grace. In the year 1667, Mr. John Evans, an ejected minister from Oswestry, was ordained here as a nonconformist minister, and for many years he kept secret meetings in his own house. He died in the 72nd year of his age, expressing strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only rock of his hope, and refuge of his soul; and was a minister in the town forty years. Up to the year 1692 the Nonconformists worshipped in different places, as circumstances would allow. At this period Dr. Daniel Williams, a native of the place, built the first dissenting chapel, in the town, on his own ground, the site of the present place of worship, for the accommodation of the Presbyterians. After the death of Mr. John Evans, a call was given to his son, afterwards Dr. J. Evans, to take his father's place. He accepted the invitation, and was ordained minister of the congregation in this chapel in the year 1702. Several ministers took part in his ordination, amongst others, Mr. Matthew Henry, who observed of Mr. Evans, that God had endowed him with extraordinary gifts. He was the author of the sermons on the Christian Temper, of which Dr. Watts' says, "My worthy friend, Dr. Evans, has sent forth the most com.