And tens of thousands from the source of woe,

I believe, the following three :-parochial settlement-admission into any corporate body-and the possession of patrimonial, or other property. But I suspect, that mistaken and exaggerated opinions are entertained on this subject.

Baptism itself has nothing to do with parochial settlement, with admission to a corporation, or with the possession of of entail never inquire, whether the The laws of settlement and property. claimant has been baptised or not; or if baptised, whether the ceremony was

flow.'

ON CERTIFICATES OF BAPTISM. To the Editors.-Some of your correspondents have expressed a wish, that the Protestant Dissenters would apply to Parliament for relief, in the case of the registry of the births and baptisms of their children. If Dissenters really labour under any disadvantages in this matter, which do not equally affect the members of the incorporated sect, it is right they should be relieved, and for that purpose they ought to apply to the Legislature. But before any such step is taken, our real position ought to be carefully ascertained, and the relief we seek should be distinctly stated. Though I feel a sincere respect for the opinions of your correspondents, and a real diffidence of my own, I am doubtful whether the former have taken a correct view of the subject; I shall therefore beg permission to ask, whether Dissenters are, in this instance, really in a worse condition than their fellow subjects; and what is the nature of those legislative enactments, your correspondents wish to obtain ?

The cases in which a registry and a certificate may be supposed to affect our civil interests are various, chiefly,

dissenting minister. Baptism, however, administered, does not give one person a right of settlement, or of property: nor does the want of it disqualify another; the right must rest on other considerations, such as the legitimacy, age, and identity of the claimant. In order to substantiate his claim, it may be necessary to prove one, or all of these, and the question then arises, " Is a certificate of baptism, whether the rite were administered according to the forms of the Church of England, or otherwise, available evidence in a court of law, as person?" to the legitimacy, age, or identity of any

The object is not to create a right, but to prove its prior existence. In inquiries of this kind the courts require the best evidence that can be produced. If direct evidence can be produced, but is withheld, the courts refuse all collateral and presumptive evidence whatever, because it is not the best that might have been had. In numberless instances it is impossible to produce direct evidence; hence arises the necessity for collateral, presumptive, and documentary proof. As baptism is generally administered in infancy, and in the presence of the parents, or other witnesses, a record of that transaction seemed to present one of the strongest presumptive proofs of the points in question; hence arose the practice of producing certificates of baptism, in inquiries of this nature.

A parochial register of baptism is no evidence, when, or where the child was born, of its legitimacy or identity; when such certificates have been offered alone, they have been repeatedly refused; but in connexion with oral, or other testimony, they have been admitted as collateral and presumptive evidence the same has been the case with certificates copied from Dissenters? registers. In this respect Churchmen and Dissenters seem to stand on equal ground. Certainly the ecclesiastical law considers baptism by the clergy of the Establishment and by Dissenting

ministers as equally valid; and I am not aware, that the civil courts have made a distinction between certificates copied from a parochial register, and that of a Dissenter's chapel. I wish Mr. Mather had specified the case, in which Judge Bailey refused to admit the certificate of a baptism by a Dissenter; probably it would be seen, that it was not refused, because it was not from a parish register; but because it was not the best evidence that might have been produced, or on some other just and sufficient ground.

Dissenters cannot wish, or expect to be placed, in this respect, in a better condition than the members of the Esta

blishment. What then is the precise object of your correspondents? If an Act of Parliament were passed, to declare that baptisms by Dissenters are every way equal to those by the clergy of the Establishment; if they appointed some public officer in each county, or hundred, with whom our registers might be deposited, and declared that certificates copied from such registers, should, in all cases, be as available evidence in all courts as the certificates copied from the parochial registers, I do not perceive how this would mend our situation. Surely, it can never be expected, that the legislature will pass a law to declare that any registry of births or baptisms

shall be received as direct and conclu

sive evidence of the legitimacy or identity of any party: the supposition is absurd, and the thing impossible. Such a law would be an intolerable evil, as it would open a door for innumerable frauds. What ther, again I ask, is the precise evil of which your correspondents complain, and what is the nature of the remedy they seek? On these subjects I shall be happy to receive information in any of your future pages. J. G.

REGULATIONS FOR CHAPEL CASES AT CAMBRIDGE.

At a Meeting held in the MeetingHouse, St. Andrew's Street, Cambridge, March 15, 1829, Mr. Finch in the Chair, the following Resolutions were submitted and agreed to:

1. That we consider it our duty, as Christians and as Protestant Dissenters, to render occasional assistance, according to our ability, to those congregations, who may be unable to defray the whole expense of building, enlarging, or repairing their Meeting-Houses.

2. That from a conviction of the many and serious evils connected with the present mode of soliciting contributions to

these objects, it is our determination, as a Society, to discourage henceforth all personal applications, and to give assistance only to such cases as are sent by letter to be laid before a Committee for their consideration.

3. That it is desirable to raise a fund by subscriptions to be appropriated in aid of proper cases, in such proportion as, in the judgment of the Committee, they may require.

6. That Mr. Adams be Treasurer, and Mr. Edmonds and Mr. James Necker, Secretaries to this Society.

WESTERN ACADEMY, AXMINSTER.

from his official connection with the The Rev. James Small having retired above Institution, after a presidency of more than thirty years; several of his sion to give him a proof of their esteem. late students thought it a suitable occaTo realize this purpose, it was agreed that application for subscriptions should be made to those ministers who had been educated by him. The Rev. Joseph Buck was requested to do so; and the result was a very general approval of the mea

sure.

On the 14th of January, the Rev. Messrs. Buck, Winton, Cuff, Bounsall, Trowbridge, Allen, and Hannaford, met at the house of their venerable Preceptor, when the pleasing task devolved on the senior minister to present, in the name of the contributors, a handsome silver salver and basket, bearing the following inscription, to which were appended nearly thirty names.

"Presented by the undernamed, to their highly respected Tutor, the Rev. James Small, as a token of their regard; and as a grateful memorial of his kindness; and attention to their improvement, while preparing for the Christian ministry."

The day was one of mutual satisfaction; gratifying to the feelings of the ministers who were present, and pleasing to their excellent and beloved tutor.

NEW INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, MORPETH,

NORTHUMBERLAND.

The foundation stone of a new chapel, of the Independent denomination, was laid on March 5th; on which occasion, the Rev. Thomas Wood, A.B. late of Glasgow, delivered a luminous discourse on the Principles of Congregational Dissent, to a large and attentive audience. The interest excited by Mr. Wood's ministry in this town and neighbourhod, is pleasing beyond all former precedent, and it is hoped, by the divine blessing, will be productive of much good. At present

the congregation are favoured with the use of the Town-hall, which holds upwards of 500 persons, and is crowded to excess. The dimensions of the chapel are 50 feet by 40 feet inside, and is calcnlated to seat 700 persons, and will cost upwards of £900. the congregation has raised upwards of £300. by subscription, and it is expected that nearly £200. more will be got in the town and neighbourhood; after every effort is made at home, an appeal is likely to be made to the religious public for pecuniary assistance. According to the present appearances, a wide field of usefulness presents itself to Mr. W., which it is hoped will induce him to settle amongst a people who are affectionately attached both to his ministry and himself.

OBSERVANCE OF THE DAY OF
HUMILIATION.

The 17th of April, usually denominated Good Friday, was generally observed by the Congregational and Baptist Churches in the metropolis, as a day of humiliation and special prayer for the revival of religion amongst their several communities.

This day was not chosen because the dissenters have abandoned their objections to its authoritative imposition as the anniversary of our Lord's death, but because, by the usages of this city, it afforded a season of general leisure.

We have not been favoured with particular reports of the services from the several districts, but we believe that all of them were attended by crowded and deeply interested audiences, and that an impression was produced which will not soon pass away.

ORDINATIONS.

On Wednesday, March 18th, the Rev. Samuel Ambrose Davies was ordained to the pastoral office, and to the charge of the Congregational Church of Christ, Chase-side, Enfield, Middlesex. The Rev. Geo. Clayton, of Walworth, commenced with reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. Joseph Turnbull, of Bromley, Kent, (formerly Mr. D.'s tutor at Wymondley College,) delivered the introductory discourse, describing the nature and constitution of the church of Christ; the Rev. G. Clayton proposed the usual questions to the church, through Mr. W. Leifchild, one of the deacons, and to the pastor elect; the Rev. Edward Davies, of Ipswich, Mr. S. A. D.'s father, offered up the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands; the Rev. Mr. Lewis, of Islington, gave the charge to the pastor; the Rev. John Leifchild, of

Bristol, preached on the relative duties of the pastor and the church; and the Rev. Mr. Brown, of Enfield, concluded with prayer.

In the course of the interesting services of this day, several very honourable and touching allusions were made to the memory of the late Rev. Mr. Thomas, the immediate predecessor of Mr. Davies. Enfield is a populous and genteel neighbourhood, and presents to an active and faithful labourer in the vineyard of the Lord, a wide scope for useful exertion, in the instruction of the ignorant, and the enlargement of the church of Christ. Such a labourer we trust Mr. Davies will prove to be, and that, in relation to his excellent predecessor, the scriptural proverb will be verified? "One soweth, and another reapeth."

On Wednesday, April 1, 1829, Mr. David Williams, late Student at Carmargregational Church at Forest Green, then College, was ordained over the ConGloucestershire. The Rev. Mr. Taylor of Euley commenced with reading and prayer; the Rev. Mr. Edkins of Nailsworth delivered the introductory discourse, and proposed the usual questions; the Rev. Mr. Whitta of Chalford offered up the ordination prayer, accompanied by the imposition of hands; the Rev. Mr. Burder of Stroud delivered the charge, founded on 1 Tim. iv. 6; and the Rev. Mr. Yates (Baptist) of Stroud concluded with prayer. In the evening the service was held at the Rev. Mr. Edkin's ing too small, when the Rev. Mr. Richards Chapel, in consequence of the above beof Stonehouse commenced with reading and prayer; the Rev. Mr. Thomas of Wootton-under-edge addressed the Church from 1 Thess. v. 12, 13; and the Rev. Mr. Parsons of Ebley concluded. The services were truly interesting, solemn, and impressive.

On Thursday, the 2d April, the Rev. John Wilson, late of Montrose, was installed over the Congregational Church in Belfast. The Rev. Dr. Wardlaw delivered the introductory discourse, and described the nature of a Christian Church with his usual ability and clearness; the Rev. Mr. Brown of Moy offered the installation prayer; the Rev. John Gibson asked the usual questions, and Mr. Brown delivered the charge. The whole of the services were deeply interesting. Very considerable prospects of usefulness seem to open before Mr. Wil

son:

we trust the great Head of the Church will own his labours, and strengthen him to revive this interest here, which has been long on the decline.

On Tuesday the 7th of April, James

On February the 28th, died the Rev. LEWIS JONES, aged 83, formerly Pastor of the Independent Church in the City of Durham. Mr. J. was educated at Trevecca, and ordained, in 1784, to the work of the ministry in Lady Huntingdon's connexion. In the year 1795, he settled in Durham, and continued pastor of the church till 1822. He then resigned his pastoral charge in consequence of the infirmities of old age. His last days were peaceful, and his end was happy.

Died on Saturday, the 18th April, at Kettering, in the forty-third year of his age, the Rev. JOHN KEEN HALL, A. M. the beloved Pastor of the Baptist Church in that town. During several weeks of painful illness, he manifested exemplary resignation, and enjoyed in a peculiar degree the peace of God which passeth all understanding," grounded on the discoveries of that Gospel which he had faithfully and successfully preached to others for nearly 20 years.

66

NOTICES.

The Third Anniversary of the Associate Fund to aid and encourage Necessitous Christian Churches and Congregations, in more effectually supporting their Ministers, will be holden on Wednesday evening, the 19th of May, at Silver Street Chapel, when a sermon, in behalf of its funds, will be preached, and a report of its proceedings presented. begin at half-past six o'clock.

Service to

The Fourth Annual Meeting of the Christian Instruction Society will be held at Finsbury Chapel, Moorfields, on Tuesday evening, May 5, when Thomas Wilson, Esq. of Highbury will take the Chair at six o'clock precisely.

The next Anniversary of the Bedfordshire Union of Christians will be held at Bedford on Wednesday, May 27, when the Rev Edward Steane of Camberwell will preach in the morning, and the Rev. Enoch Manning of Gamlingay in the evening.

The Rev. James Pridie, of New Windsor, near Manchester, has accepted an unanimous invitation to the pastoral office over the Congregational Church assembling in Sion Chapel, Halifax.

We are happy to announce that the Rev. Clement Perrot of Guernsey has accepted the unanimous call of the Church at Masbro, Yorkshire, to become its pastor, as also the unanimous invitation of the Committee of the Rotherham College to take the superintendence of that Institution as the Theological Tutor, both situations so long and ably filled by the Rev. Dr. Bennet.

Mr. Perrot has arrived, and has already entered on his labours. Any application or communication relative to the College may now therefore be addressed to him as resident Tutor.

WHAT an amazing contrast is presented between the character and pretensions of the most Re verend Father in God, William Laud, by Divine Providence Archbishop of Canterbury, and Metropolitan of all England, and John Townsend, Minister of Jamaica Row, Bermondsey. The former a proud, domineering, persecuting High Priest; full of his ecclesiastical dignity and authority; swelling with self-importance; dogmatical and superstitious; religious in his own way: but it was the religion of form, and circumstance, and earthly glory; a religion which sacrificed the substance to the shadow, the shell to the kernel; the souls of men, and the honour of God, to “ the trappings of his throne, and the curtains of his sanctuary." The latter, a plain, modest, unassuming, but active and benevolent man; regardless of his own honour or interests, if he might but advance the glory of his Master, and promote the profit of many that they might be saved. Yet

Who, and we put the question to Churchmen as well as Dissenters, that has any acquaintance with the history of the two men, would not, if there is a spark

of genuine religion in his soul, infinitely prefer, if he had the power of choosing, the private, unobtrusive career of the one, to all the pomp and glory of the other? What is now the see of Canterbury to William Laud, even if he has obtained mercy, which, we trust, he may ? It has added nothing to the blessedness of his portion in the Heavenly Canaan. It has not placed one gem upon his coronet, or imparted one particle of lustre to the diadem upon his brow. But Jamaica Row has, probably, done much to the reward of John Townsend. Many a jewel there formed by his god-like and persevering labours, is now sparkling on his crown ; and many a felicitous association stands connected with the sermons he there preached, and the scenes he there witnessed.

Our musings have naturally been thrown into this train, by the transition we have made from the Life of Laud, given in two former numbers, and that of our respected and venerable friend, to whose life we now direct the attention of our readers. Notices of Mr. Townsend, more or less extended, have already appeared in various forms; but it would be unpardonable

London: J. B. and

N. S NO. 54. VOL. XII.

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