To the Baptist Churches and their
Adherents, and to the Friends of learn-
ing generally, in Great Britain, the
Trustees of the Columbian College in
the district of Columbia, United
States of America, beg leave to state:

THAT it has long been the desire of enlightened men of the Baptist connexion in this country, to see established at some central point, an Institution for the instruction of those brethren who

are called by the churches to the work of the gospel ministry. Their views of the importance of such an institution have strengthened with the improving state of society at home, and the increasing demand for Missionaries abroad. They are now happy to announce, that such an Institution is established at the city of Washington, under the care of The General Con

vention of the Baptist denomination in the United States for Foreign Missions, and other important objects relating to the Redeemer's kingdom;' and that it constitutes the Theological department of the Columbian College in the district of Columbia. This College, under the Presidency of the Rev. WILLIAM STAUGHTON, D.D. assisted by professors and tutors, is already in operation, with the most promising prospects of usefulness, as it regards the education of Christian ministers, the qualifying of missionaries, and the general promotion of Literature, Arts, and Sciences: but it greatly needs the aid of pecuniary

resources.

Though incorporated by congress, this Institution depends solely on individual liberality for support. To our brethren and the public in this country, application has been made with success. In the purchase of land, however, the erection of suitable buildings, and the actual operations of the establishment, an expense of more than £11,000 has been incurred, and only about half of this sum has, as yet, been collected. Considerable debt, therefore, exists at present, besides the necessity of providing support for the professors, particularly in

the Theological department, and for procuring a Library and Philosophical Apparatus.

Under these circumstances, the Trustees appeal to the well-known liberality of their British brethren. They remember to what country the United States owe their origin, and are indebted for the means of literary and moral improvement. They remember, that it is the British who have filled the world with the tokens of their benevolence; and that, among them, their Baptist brethren are not the least active in their efforts to diffuse the blessings of knowledge and Christianity.

Animated with these considerations, the Trustees have found themselves encouraged to appoint the Rev. ALVA WOODS, whom they recommend as a the professors in the Institution, to 'brother beloved,' and who is one of visit England, and to receive such aid as the abundant munificence of British

generosity shall supply.

6

leave to say, Brethren, pray for us.' In conclusion, the Trustees beg forget not; for with such sacrifices To do good and to communicate, God is well pleased.' And may your

prayers, and your arms, come up for when they who sow and they who reap a memorial before God, in that day, shall rejoice together.

Done at a meeting of the Trustees of the COLUMBIAN COLLEGE IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, this 5th day of June, 1822. Signed by order of the Board, and certified with the seal of the College.

O. B. BROWN, President of the Board of Trustees.

LUTHER RICE, Treasurer and Agent. (Seal.) ENOCH REYNOLDS, Secretary,"

The following statement from the pen of the venerable Dr. Ryland, who has been so long in habits of correspondence with American divines, and who is so well acquainted with the religious affairs of that country, and which statement is subscribed to by the Baptist ministers of Bristol, deserves our attention.

To the friends of learning and religion in Great Britain, we beg leave to say, that we take a very lively interest in the College which is now being established at the city of Wash ington, the metropolis of the United States of America, for the promotion of Literature and Science generally, and especially for the instruction of

those who are to become the heralds | between the United States and the of salvation in Christian and pagan Pacific, all of which are in suffering lands. We have the most entire con- want of missionary labours. We refidence in the men, who have the collect the many countries from Mexico management of this Institution: and to Cape Horn, which are convenientwe have every reason to believe, that ly situated for the introduction of it will be the means of diffusing ex- Christian knowledge, from the United tensively, in the western world, the States. But then we reflect that the -blessings of literary and Christian States so far from being equal to these knowledge. Much has been done, missionary enterprises, are unable to and is still doing in the United States keep their ground good at home. for its establishment. But it seems Their population has outrun their its friends have already gone far be- religious institutions. Their want of yond their pecuniary resources: in pastors and missionaries among themthis crisis, they look to their parent selves is great. We will state a sincountry for help. We have not for- gle well-authenticated fact. There gotten the kind reception they gave are in the Baptist denomination in the to our beloved brother Ward, and the United States, according to the minutes prompt assistance afforded to that of their associations, 3520 churches, laborious missionary, by our American and 2485 ministers; leaving a balance brethren and we trust, that the Rev. of 1035 churches more than there are ALVA WOODS, whom they have earnest- ministers. In order to meet this state ly recommended to us, will not be of things, one minister often supplies sent away empty. A reciprocation of several congregations; so that each friendly and Christian offices, a co- congregation will perhaps have preachoperation in great and good enter- ing only once a month.* prizes, will produce a salutary effect upon the benevolent on both sides of the Atlantic: it will also call forth more aid in the common cause of Christianity than would otherwise be obtained, while we put it to the trial, which has most faith in our Lord's axiom, It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

I Were it necessary, many considerations might be stated illustrating the importance of such an Institution, and many reasons urged why we should take a lively interest in it, and afford it all the aid in our power.

If the United States were upon the decline, or even if they had arrived to the height of their population, we should not feel so anxious for their literary and religious Institutions, as we do now, when we remember, that their whole population is doubled in a little more than every twenty years ;and that there is territory enough to enable them to go on increasing almost indefinitely. We think of the many tribes of native Indians within the territories of the United States, and rejoice that several missionary stations have recently been established among them, both by our Baptist and Pædobaptist brethren, with the most encouraging prospects of success. We remember those far more numerous tribes in the immense tracts of country

Now does not the Institution which our American brethren are establishing, and for which our aid is respectfully solicited, afford us an opportunity for effectually serving the cause of religion and humanity in this new world, that is rising in the west? Shall we ever have another so good opportunity? We are persuaded that whatever aid may be afforded to our

*That our readers may form an opinion of the character and labours of our ministers in the United States, the following instance is given. In the State of Georgia there is a Mr. Jesse Mercer, a very valuable and eminent minister, one of the Board for Foreign Missions, who regularly supplies four churches, the necessity for which arises entirely from the paucity of ministers. These churches are numerous, consisting each of several hundred members,many of whom are blacks. Three of these churches have agreed to contribute each 100 dollars per year for five years to the College at Washington, Mr. Mercer, however, though entirely devoted to pastoral and ministerial labours, receives but a bare support, probably not more than 400 dollars per year. So rapid has been the increase of the Baptist denomination in the United States, that in the last year, from April 1821 to April 1822, there have been an addition of two hundred and twenty-two churches, and about the same number of ministers.

brethren in this great work, will be repaid by them, and that with interest, even to our own Missions if we desire it, and it not, to the cause of Christ at large.

ASSOCIATIONS, &c.

MAY 27, 28, NORTHERN ASSOCIATION at South Shields. Moderator, Rev. James Williamson. Sermons by Messrs. Douglas (Rom. viii. 28), Fisher (Jude 21), Thomas Winter (Gen. vi. 9), Stowell, Independent, (1 Pet. iii. 16), and Pengilly (2 Tim. i. 12). Devotional services by Messrs. Frearson, Gibbes (Independent), Hal- | lowell, Henderson, Purvis, Sample, Tyndale, and Williamson. 8 Churches; 386 Members; increase 29. The Circular Letter, On the best Means whereby Members of Churches can assist their Ministers in the discharge of their important Work. Next Association at Tottlebank, Whit Wednesday and Thursday, 1823.

June 18, a new Independent Meeting-house was opened at FOREST GREEN, near Nailsworth, Glouces tershire, when three sermons were preached, by Messrs. Jones of Newport (Exod. xx. 24), Hawkins of Eastcombs (1 Cor. ii. 2), and Jones in the evening (John xviii. 36). Large congregations were present on the interesting services, and liberal collections made to defray the expense of the building, which is neat and plain.

June 20, the Baptist Chapel at COLLUMPTON, Devon, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Humphrey, was re-opened, after considerable enlargement, to accommodate the increasing congregation.-They have also erected two large school-rooms for the use of the Sunday-school children.-The Rev. Mr. Sharp of Bradnich, and the Rev. Mr. Singleton of Tiverton, preached on the occasion.

June 26, a new Chapel was opened at HENLEY-IN-ARDEN; when the following ministers, all of Birmingham, preached on the occasion: Mr. i. Birt from 1 Tim. ii. 1-4; Mr. J. A. James from 2 Cor. iii. 10; and Mr. T. Morgan from John i. 29. Mr. Percy of Warwick, Mr. Sibree of Coventry, Mr. Price of Alcester, and Mr. Helmore of Stratford engaged in the devotional parts of the service. The old place of worship, which was fitted up by Mr. John Beddome (the father of

May 29, 30, YORKSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE ASSOCIATION at Shipley. Sermons by Dr. Steadman (Acts ix. 20, 21), Messrs. Birt (Hosea ix. 10), and Stephens, (1 Thess. ii. 13). Devotional Services by Messrs. Colcroft, Haigh, Jackson, Lakelin, Rigby, Thompson, and Wilkinson. 38 Churches. 2592 Members. increase 41. The Circular Letter, On the Importance of a devout Attendance on the Ministry of the Word, and the Ordinances of the Gospel: Also, The Ways on-the-Water) from a part of his dwelin which Members of Churches shoulding-house, in the reign of Queen eo-operate with their Ministers in promoting the Prosperity of the Churches. Next Association at Accrington, Whit Wednesday and Thursday, 1823.

June 6, the Rev. John Williams was rdained to the pastoral office over the Baptist Church at EAST DEREHAM, Norfolk. Mr. Kinghorn of Norwich commenced with prayer, read the scriptures, stated the nature of a Christian church, asked the questions, and received the confession of faith; Mr. Gibbs of Norwich offered the ordination prayer, accompanied with imposition of hands, and delivered a very impressive charge from Coloss. iv. 17; Mr. Pickers of Ingham addressed the church from 1 Cor. iv. 1; and Mr. Hatcher of Ellingham concluded with prayes.

the late Mr. B. Beddome of Bourton

Anne, is now appropriated to the use of the Sunday-school belonging to the congregation. Through the great exertions of the friends at Henley, and the very liberal assistance of neighbouring congregations, two-thirds of the expense of erection are already obtained. To discharge the debt that remains, a further appeal will be made to Christian benevolence.

June 27, Mr. William Copley was ordained pastor over the Baptist Church at WATFORD. Mr. William Tomlin of Chesham read a portion of the holy scriptures and prayed; Mr. B. Godwin of Great Missenden stated the nature of a gospel church, and asked the usual questions; Mr. E. Daniel of Luton offered the ordination prayer; Dr. Steadman of Bradford

(Mr. Copley's pastor and tutor) delivered a very affectionate and solemn charge from 2 Tim. iv. 5; and Mr. William Snell of Bushey (Independent) concluded the morning service with prayer.-In the evening, Mr. George Browne of St. Alban's (Independent) gave an appropriate address to the Church and congregation from 2 Cor. iv. 7. He was preceded in prayer by Mr. William Harris of St. Alban's, and followed in the same exercise by Mr. William Upton of St. Alban's. Both services were highly gratifying; and it is ardently wished that the union formed may prove truly beneficial to the interests of the Church, which was first established in the year 1707, and has been upheld, by the favour of God, to the present day.

July 11, took place the Rev. John Hinmers's settlement over the Particular Baptist Church at BOSTON, Lincolnshire. Mr. Taylor (General Baptist Minister of the town) introduced the service by reading the scriptures and prayer; Mr. Perkins of Newark delivered a discourse on the nature of a Christian Church; Mr. Nichols of Collingham, after asking the usual questions, and receiving Mr. Hinmers's confession of faith, prayed for the Divine blessing upon the union then publicly recognized, and delivered the charge to the minister from 1 Thess. ii. 7, 8; Mr. David Davies of Lincoln addressed the church from 1 Thess. v. 12, 13; and Mr. Woodward of Pinchbeck concluded with prayer.

In the afternoon a public meeting was held to form a Society for the more effectual spread of the Gospel in the County; Messrs. Nichols and

subject for some years; and by the assistance of other friends something had been done, but nothing of a permanent nature till the commencement of the present year. Since that period one Itinerant (Mr. Paul from Bradford Academy) has been constantly employed. The principal sphere of his labours has been at Gainsborough, where it is hoped good has been done.

The meeting unanimously resolved that a Society for the above object should be immediately formed, and that it should be designated "The Particular Baptist Home Missionary Society for the County of Lincoln." A Committee was appointed, who, relying on the liberality of the friends of Missionary exertions, and the Divine blessing, will endeavour to promote the object of the Society by preaching, and by the circulation of the scriptures and religious tracts. In the evening, Mr. Thonger of Hull pleaded the cause of this Institution in a sermon from 2 Cor. iii. 2, 3. Mr. Nichols preached on the preceding evening from Isaiah xli. 17.

A new chapel is erecting at SEA-Davies had felt deeply interested in the FORD, Sussex. Seaford is a watering-place, eight miles west of Eastbourne, and sends two members to parliament.-About twenty-two years ago the Rev. George Evans (Mile-end Chapel, London) preached several times on a green. The people hearing with attention, preaching has been since carried on in a room, which is not suited to the size and population of the town, the opulence of some of its inhabitants, and the respectability of its visitors. The owner of some freehold ground at the top of one of the main streets having offered to build a chapel, to be leased to trustees, at a rent to be fixed by two persons, one to be chosen by the lessees, the other by the lessor, this offer has been accepted, and a chapel is to be built, with a boarded floor, of the following dimensions in the clear;-26 feet in front, 35 in depth, and 22 in height. There is also a piece of ground 99 feet deep, and 32 wide, to be enclosed with a wall 6 feet high. Price of the whole, £600, if paid for by Christmas; £650, if paid for within seven years. The foundation-stone was laid June 5, when the Rev. George Evans delivered an address from Numb. xvi. 29, and the Rev. J. Kerby of Lewes, G. Betts of Alfriston, T. Anderson, (Countess of Huntingdon's chapel, Brighton,) and M. Drury of Whitehaven, (stationed in the vicinity by the Home Missionary Society,) assisted in the devotional exercises. The case is strongly recommended by the Home Missionary Society, and by several respectable ministers and others.

Donations and subscriptions will be thankfully received by Mr. Nichols of Collingham, Mr. Davies of Lincoln, and Mr. Hinmers of Boston.

July 11, a Society was formed in Byrom-street Meeting-house, Liverpool, called the LIVERPOOL AUXILIARY SOCIETY in aid of the Baptist Missionary Society, on which occasion the Rev. F. A. Cox, A.M. and

SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL.

A Hymn by the Rev. JOHN LAWSON, Missionary at Calcutta, and Author of "Orient Harping," and "Woman in India."

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." John xii. 32.

Kalendar.