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HOME INTELLIGENCE.

EDINBURGH.

Sept. 8th. 1903. The Associate Synod (or General Assembly of Burgher Seceders) met at Edinburgh, and agreed that the following Address should be read from the Pulpit by all the Ministers under their inspection, on the third or fourth Sabbath of September: which was done accordingly.

Dearly beloved Brethren,

IN the course of divine Providence, these kingdoms are again involved in the calamities of war, and are contending for their existence against that ambitious and over. grown power which has subdued or humbled the other nations of Europe. We deem it fit, in the exercise of our pastoral care, to call on you to consider seriously the important duties, which you are required by this awful dispensation to perform. Under this impression, we have resolved to embrace an early opportunity of assembling with our several congregations, to humble ourselves before God, to supplicate his mercy, to deprecate impending judgments, and to be. seech him, that he would speedily turn war into peace to the ends of the earth.

Brethren, our enemy, while he is practised in all the arts of cruelty and deceit, is daring in enterprise, brave and skilful in war; and the iron despotism of his government favours him in the secrecy of his designs, and the suddenitess of their execution. Envious of our prosperity, and regarding us with malignant jealousy, as the chief obstacle to his scheme of aggrandisement and dominion, he comes to overthrow our constitution, to destroy our commerce, to plunder our wealth, and to reduce us to a state of abject dependence on his imperious will. In the ruin of our civil privileges, our religion, which is dearer to us than them all, would be involved; for this man, by turns an Infidel, a Mahometan, and a

Roman Catholic, has avowed, in the face of the sun, his contempt for all religion, and wishes to establish an uncontrouled jurisdiction over the consciences, as well as the bodies of men.

To provide for those of his own household, and by consequence to defend them, is a duty which our religion enjoins upon every man who professes it. A nation is a society of families, united for mutual security and comfort. It is, therefore, not less incumbent upon us as Christians than as men, to join together for the detence of our coun try, and of those manifold privi. leges, civil and religious, which a free constitution has transmitted through past generations, in a de, gree of unrivalled excellence.

The country, which is now in danger, is endeared to us as the land of our nativity, and the depository of the ashes of our fathers and our kindred. It is hallowed by the or dinances of our God, and is become venerable in our eyes, as the place in which we have received spiritual blessings, the earnest and foretaste of the happiness of Heaven. Biethren, could you endure to behold such a country invaded and laid desolate by the insulting toe, whilst you possess the means of repelling · the aggression - As Dissenters, you enjoy the most valuable privileges, under the mild and equitable law of toleration. And are you not ready to testify your gratitude, by contributing to the defence of that excellent government, by which they are secured ? It is known to many of you, that your fathers in the secession - church distinguished themselves, in a former national struggle, by their loyalty and their comage; and we trust that you will convince the world, that you are worthy to inherit their name, and to occupy their post of honour.

We exhort and beseech you to stand fast in the evil day; to acquit yourselves like men, and to be strong. Expect not, that in aùswer to your prayers for protection

and deliverance, miracles will be wrought-it is your duty, in hum. ble dependence on the Almighty, to employ the human means of de. fence with which you are provided, and to look for his blessing on your vigorous exertions. And never were men called upon to think more seriously on the deep stake which depends on the issue of the contest. We must shield from destruction that venerable fabric which our fathers framed by their wisdom, and cemented with their blood. We must even struggle for our existence as a nation, and as individuals against a foe, whose progress has been hitherto marked with murder

and desolation. Interest, Patriotism, Religion, command us to resist, even unto blood, in this mighty conflict. Are you resolved to obey this command? Let the fear of God, and confidence in his protection, give solemnity to this resolution. Life is not to be exposed, nor assaulted, with light or frivolous feelings. In every age, the most devout men have been the bravest soldiers; and still, the people that know their God will be strong, and do exploits.' the gospel, and the hope of im mortality, will inspire you with invincible, courage, and prepare you for the worst. Then, if you live, you will live unto the Lord; if you die, you will die unto the Lord; and, whether living or dying, you will be the Lord's."

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Finally, Brethren, let us trust in the Lord our God, and contiuue incessant in prayer. His perfections and his promises assure us of what he is able and willing to do for those who rely on his mercy and his power; and the frequent interpositions of his providence, in behalf of our country, encourage us to hope, that he will yet stretch out his arm for our salvation. "Our fathers trusted in God; they trusted, and he did deliver them. They cried unto him, and were delivered: they trusted in him, and were not confounded." Let their children say," God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore will not we fear, tho' the

earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters there. of roar, and be troubled; though the mountains shake with the swell. ing thereof. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, the shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early."

Signed by our appointment, in our name and our presence, by

DONALD FRASER, Moderator, AUG. 3. A new particular Bap, tist Church was formed at Luton, Bedfordshire, by thirty-nine who have withdrawn from the old congregation of that denomination in the same place. On the 9th a three public services. new meeting-house was opened by Mr. Sleap

of Chesham, preached from Exod. XX. 24.; Mr. Button, of London, from Ps. cxxii. 7.; and Mr. Hunt (from Ridgemont) delivered a lec. of St Alban's; Illidge, of London; ture in the evening: Messrs Harris, Grocer, of Watford; and Finney, (of the Westlean connexion) engaged in prayer and other parts of

the service.

THE sixth annual meeting of the Evangelical Society for spreading the gospel by an itinerant ministry in the villages of the four northern counties, was held at Reeth, August 9th-11th. On the evening of the 9th, Mr. Graham preached from Heb. vi. 18.; and Mr. Carnson, from Psalm xÍ. 2, and concluded. Aug. 10, in the morning, Mr. Ruston preached from Rev. ii. 29.; and in the evening. Mr. Kay from Isai. liii. 1.; and Mr. C. Whitfield from Luke xv. 7. The members of this Society met in Mr. Cook's vestry, Aug. 10; when Mr. Gra ham was requested to continue his labours four months longer in the same places, with liberty to settle a congregational church in a central situation. The next meeting to be at Kendal, the second Wednesday in Aug. 1804; Mr. Hill and Mr. Berry to preach.

SEPT. 2. A large room was opened for preaching the gospel, at Bishopstone, near Salisbury, which had been fitted up at the expence of a private gentleman. Mr. Roberts (from Mr. Saffery's church) preached from Ps. lxxiv. 22. The service was well attended, though the gospel has been very lately introduced into this dark village.

Saturday, Sept. 3, was executed at Carlisle, Hatfield, the notorious impostor and swindler. He was born at Mortram, in Cheshire, in the year 1759. He married a lady of good family; but soon squandered away her fortune, and left her, with three children, to depend on the precarious charity of her relations. He afterwards travelled in Ireland and America. In 1792 he figured away in Scarboro', pretending to great connections; but was arrested for debt, and confined eight years; when a lady (his former wife being dead) took him from prison, and gave him her hand in marriage. After this, he en tered into partnership with some merchants, got a clergyman to accept his drafts, to a great amount, and made a splendid appearance in London; he even proceeded to canvas the borough of Queenbo. rough as a candidate, previous to the last general election. Being obliged to retire from the indigHation of his creditors, he soon after appeared under the assumed name of Colonel Hope, in the north of England, where he married Mary of Buttermere. He was, however, soon suspected, and once obliged to decamp, but at length was apprehended, tried for forgery, and has made the forfeit of his life to the justice of his country.

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We cannot observe the abuse of talent and address for such infamous purposes without a sigh, lamenting the prostitution of abilities, which, under the direction of grace, might have rendered the possessor respectable and useful. His awful end, however, like that of similar - adventurers, should deter young men of spirit and enterprize from those temporary deceptions, which may dazzle and succeed for a short

season, but generally terminate in disgrace and death.

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SEPT, 6th. The Independent mi nisters of Gloucestershire, and others, met in association at Uley. double lecture was preached in the morning, Mr. Hyatt, of Frome, from Isa. vi. 13.; and Mr. Lowell, of Bristol, from Rey. ii. 17. The af ternoon was employed in settling the business of the association and mis. sion and particularly of the Inde. pendent Benevolent Society, which has now in the funds about 3201. for the aid of the widows and or phans of ministers. An evening lecture was preached by Mr Browning, of Bristol, from Rom. v. 8.; Mr. Sabine, minister of the place, closed the services of the day in prayer. The next association will be holden at Tewksbury, in the spring of 1804.

SEPT. 7th, was opened a new meeting-house at West Cowes, in the Isle of Wight; Mr. Davies (a stu. dent at Gosport) introduced the service in the morning by prayer and reading; Mr. Winter, of New, port, also prayed; Mr. Cox, of Fareham, preached; Mr. Hopkins concluded. The evening service was begun by Mr. Murrell, of Ly. mington; Mr. R. Adams, of Winchester, prayed; Mr. Bennet, of Romsey, preached; Mr. Frey (a converted Jew) concluded. The prospects in this place are very ennumbers to hear the gospel. Mr. couraging; people flock in great Styles, who, under God, was the means of introducing a stated ministry here, has engaged to labour constantly in this congregation.

SEPT. 8. Mr. D. Trotman, late a student at Bristol, was ordained pastor of the Baptist church at Tewksbury, in Gloucestershire. Mr. H. Williams, of Cheltenham, be. gan the service, with reading and prayer; Mr. L. Butterworth, de. livered the discourse, and after Mr. Trotman's confession of faith, prayed the ordination prayer; Dr. Ryland gave the charge from Eph. iv. 15.; Mr. Morgan, of Birmingham, preached to the people from Rom. xv. 29.; and Mr. Osborne, of Worcester, closed in prayer.

LONDON.

WHILE the dependence of Britons should rest alone on the Lord of Hosts, it is matter of thankful. ness that our means of defence are so ample. The regular force in our island is said to be not less than 100,000 men; the militia nearly the same number, and the volunteers full half a million but, what is still better, we trust there are more than 100,000 praying Christians! and we are sure that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The 19th ult. was cbserved by many congregations, both in town and country, as a day of prayer and humiliation. But this observance was certainly less general than it would have been, on account of government having a few days before this oc. curred, issued a proclamation for a general national fast to be observed the 19th instant, which we hope will be particularly attended to by serious Christians of every denomination.

By a late act of parliament, it is made a punishable offence to conceal the birth of a child. In consequence of this wise and salutary Jaw, several women have already been convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment. Thus, while the cruel destroyers of their bastard offspring may escape the punishment of death, due to murder. ers; and which, through a studied secrecy, can seldom be brought home to them, the legislature has judiciously contrived that they may be put to shame, and that their im prisonment may operate as a warning against the same crimes in other females.

It is much to the disgrace of a Christian country, and an awful proof of growing ungodliness, that instances of suicide are so frequent among us. Almost every week, the public prints inform us of some such melancholy events. Among others, one took place lately in London, in the person of a German by birth, of excellent parents, and by profession a limner. Having entered into the life-guards about a year ago, he was, for the first time,

on Tuesday the 5th of Sept. ap pointed on the King's guard; but being kept back by his officer, on that day and the next, on account of some little imperfections in his dress, he retired to his chamber, and shot himself with a horse-pistol. His head was nearly taken off, and a large fragment of his skull, driven through the window, was picked up in the street by a boy. Such is the pride and the sorrow of the world, which work death!

AUG. 28. Being exactly seven years since he first addressed that people, the Rev. W. Cooper preached to a considerable number of Jews and a very crowded auditory at Sion Chapel, from Isa. ix. 16. "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed." After an introduction, calculated to engage their serious and candid attention, he shewed, that in many lamentable instances, this people had been fatally misled, and therefrom exhort. ed them to cease from man," and to search their own scriptures for themselves. He then endeavoured to shew them that their leaders still cause them to err, by exhibiting a concise but comprehensive sketchi of the evidences for Christianity, and the divine authority of the New Testament; with distinct answers to the principal objections made to both, by Jews and infidels. In the close of the discourse, they were directed to look forward to a period when their nation will be converted, and the Jews brought into the Christian fold, together with the fulness of the Gentiles.

THE Congregation at Edmonton being considerably increased since the settlement of Mr. Fowler, the chapel has been enlarged, and was re-opened for public worship, Sept. 7th. In the morning a sermon was preached by Mr. Griffin, of Port. sea, from Isa ix. 7.; and another in the evening, by Mr. John Cooke, of Maidenhead, from Ps. cxviii. 25. The services of the day were opened by Mr. Williams, of Stepney Messrs.Thomas, of Enfield; Gould and Collison engaged in prayer.

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SATURDAY EVENING. Olney Hymns. Book 2, Hymn xi
Set by the Rev. Dr. Hawker.

Safe-ly thro' a no-ther week, God hath brought us on our way.

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THE THISTLE DOWN.

GEN. ii. 17, 18.

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Cursed is the ground for thy sake: thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee.

AH! go, ye sad remembrancers,
Obedient to the Lord;

And scatter down to future years
The signets of his word.

If whirl'd upon the stormy west,
Or sailing with the breeze,

Or scarce afloat on Eve's calin breast,

Still speaking his decrees.

Hover round infidelity,

Wave slow before his eyes;

Press him to own, fulfill'd in thee,
The message of the skies.

Wing'd by the curse, spread want around!
Preach vengeance as ye fly!

Then bid the troubl'd thought rebound
To peaceful Calvary !

Aloud denounce the righteous woe

On Eden's exiles laid:
But louder yet, where'er ye go,

Proclaim the ransom paid!
Basom'd in down, lo, curses rove,
On silent pinions borne !
Our least suspected comforts prove
The parents of a thorn.

AN HYMN

FOR THE APPROACHING FAST.

JUDG. V. 20, 21.

LORD of the starry hosts,

Let them for Britain fight!

While angels mighty guard our coasts, And put our foes to flight.

If they invade our isle,

Let Nature rise in arms:
In mercy on our navies smide,

And frown on Gallia's swarms.

Stretch out thy pow'rful arm,

And wield the sword of war, Britannia shield from threat'ning harm And spread her commerce far.

Here may religion shine,
And piety increase;

So shall our thank'ul hearts be thine,
Aui prane the God of Peace.

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