on Physics; and can only be understood and practised by a person who is acquainted with Physics.

JAMES.-Chemistry seems full of wonders; but, sir, Life appears to present something still more complicated.

PASTOR.-It does: under its influence matter forms bodies, with a curious internal structure of tubes and cavities, in which fluids move and produce incessant internal changes. These are called Organised Bodies, because of the various organs which they contain: they form two remarkable classes-Vegetables and Animals; the former fixed to the soil, the latter endowed with the power of motion. The phenomena of sensation, self-motion, growth, decay, death, and others, belong to Life: thus Life is a superstructure on Physics and Chemistry, and must be studied in connexion with them.

JAMES.-Does the science of Mind belong to these departments?

PASTOR.-NO, James; it is quite distinct. Mind, unlike that of organic life, which could not be understood until Physics and Chemistry had been previously investigated, attained considerable perfection in an early age, especially among the Greeks; while of the others but little was known. The work of pure analysis, however, was reserved for the moderns, who, from a few simple laws of mind, have deduced all the subordinate departments of Mental Philosophy, just as they have deduced Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, and so forth, from the laws of Physics. JAMES. Do these four great departments, then, make up the sum of human knowledge? PASTOR.-NO, James; these united form the groundwork of the very curious, refined, difficult, and important science of Mathematics.

Most of

the facts and laws of Physics, Chemistry, and Life, are expressed in terms of Quantity, signifying more or less, as when we speak of the magnitude of a body, or say that the force of attraction between two bodies diminishes as their distance increases; hence the necessity of a set of measures or standards with which to compare all other quantities, which at first were supplied by nature, as for numbers, the fingers, fives and tens; for length, the human foot, cubit, pace, and so forth; for surfaces, the circle, the square, the triangle, and the like; and for solid bulk, the corresponding simple solids of globe, cube, cone, pyramid, and so on. The rules for applying these standards to all cases, and comparing all kinds of quantities with each other, constitute a body of science, called the Science of Quantity, or Mathematics, which may be considered a fifth department of science. Under these five heads is included all the knowledge of the universe which man can acquire without the aid of Revelation. All the Arts which supply man with comfort and adorn his dwelling-place are founded on this knowledge. The architect, the machinist, the mariner, the carpenter, and others of a like class, have to do with Physics; Chemistry and Physics combined direct the miner, the glass-maker, the dyer, the brewer, and so of other vocations.

JAMES.-How then, sir, do you construct the Table of Sciences according to the plan just sketched?

PASTOR.-That Table will be as follows:
Acoustics,

1. PHYSICS. Mechanics,

Hydrostatics,

Hydraulics,
Pneumatics,

Optics,

Electricity, Astronomy, &c.

From the mutual dependence of these different departments, it is obvious that in order to complete erudition, this is the order in which they ought to be studied, so as to prevent repetitions and anticipations, and to diminish as much as possible the labour of acquirement. The greatest sum of knowledge obtained with the least trouble, is that which proceeds from the study of the few simple truths of Physics. The laws of philosophy may be compared to keys which open the way to scenes such as fancy never pictured; or to a touch of the finger of Omnipotence, which removes the veil from the face of the Universe, and discloses wonders of glory and beauty without number and without end.

JAMES. Is this the order in which study is now generally conducted?

PASTOR.-Would that it were! But it is otherwise; it is in most cases the reverse; but all material deviation from this order is a deviation from Nature, and an error for which the student is visited with the severest penalty in the shape of difficulty, delay, and disappointment. In our most famous seats of Learning, indeed, absurdity seems to have been, and still to be, practised upon system. Grave senates and grey-headed sages appear to have made it a solemn inquiry how the end might best be lost in the means. In the morning of life they bind ingenuous youth to the cars of Language, Logic, and Abstract Mathematics, forgetting or despising the fact that these objects have not a particle of value but in their application to Physics, Chemistry, Life, and Mind.

JAMES.-Would this method then shorten the path to general knowledge?

PASTOR.-Shorten it! Yes, incalculably! By thus arranging Science according to its natural relations, and thereby avoiding all repetitions and anticipations, a very complete system might be exhibited within very narrow dimensions, that is, in Five Volumes, each having for its subject the departments here specified. From such a work, with less trouble than is necessary to acquire a new language, you may attain a general acquaintance with the whole economy of our world! There is so close a relation among all the sciences, that consummate skill in any one branch may generally be acquired more easily by first making a careful survey of the whole, and then applying particularly to

that branch, than by an exclusive attention to it from the first. At present a great part of human labour, genius, and existence, are absolutely wasted from the want of such a system, or the neglect of such an arrangement. With Five such Volumes, James, in the space of five years, even attending actively as you now do ten hours a day to business, you may obtain no inconsiderable acquaintance with the whole body of science.

JAMES.-You greatly encourage me, sir; is there any such work to be had?

PASTOR.-Not one; the only publication

which makes an approach to a supply of even the First of these Volumes, is, Arnott's Elements of Physics, an excellent production, which, but for its enormous cost, I would strongly recommend to you.

JAMES.-Under the circumstances, then, can anything be done to enable me to give effect, at least, to the principle, in the conduct of my studies?

PASTOR.-Yes, James, much may be done; but my time is gone; you will deeply ponder what I have told you till we meet again, and you shall hear more upon that point.

THE LATE JOHN SYKES, ESQ.,

OF LONDON.

THE family from which the subject of this notice derived his descent is a branch of the Sykes's of Leeds, anciently seated at Sikes Dyke, near Carlisle. William Sykes of Leeds, in the reign of Henry VIII., had several sons, of whom Richard, the eldest, became an eminent merchant, and from him have descended the several families of Sykes of Sledmere, Baronets; Sikes of the Chauntry; and Sykes of Westella; of which latter branch the late Daniel Sykes, M.P., was a distinguished ornament. George, fifth son of William Sykes, had a son George, who acquired an estate at Drighlington, near Leeds, in the reign of James I.; and from a younger branch of that family the late Mr. Sykes immediately derived his parentage. He was, for about ten years, a member of the church at Maberly Chapel, and for some time one of its deacons, as well as always one of its best friends. His unostentatious benevolence, urbanity, and zeal, endeared him alike to the pastor and all the flock. He had much influence, without directly seeking any, or seeming at all conscious of having won any; thus verifying the Oracle, that "they who have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree." One proof of this was seen at his funeral, in the number of poor Christians who surrounded his grave at Abney Park Cemetery. Mr. Sykes was a Nonconformist of the old school; candid, but firm and consistent; spiritual, but also keenly alive to both civil and religious liberty; orthodox, but equally

far removed from Hyper-Calvinism and Arminianism. Missions, also, were very dear to him. Such men are the pillars of our churches, and the "true yokefellows" of our ministry.

REV. JAMES SPENCE, M.A.,

OF NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT.

FOR some years past Mr. Spence suffered from an irritation in the windpipe, which troubled him more or less in the winter. He thought that his strength had been declining for two or three years past, but he enjoyed pretty good general health. Having been preaching at East Cowes on the second sabbath of November, he caught a cold in coming home on Monday morning; but notwithstanding this, he again preached on the next sabbath, and walked home on the Monday morning, hoping thereby to throw off the cold which he had caught the preceding week. He was rather worse, than better, for this journey, and continued poorly, although able to attend school, until the first sabbath of the month, when he went out to the ordinance, and returned much worse. He became very feverish and oppressed in his breathing, and continued so through the week, until Saturday evening, when he complained suddenly of being faint. Mrs. Spence gave him a little beef-tea; but he did not speak again. He breathed very softly for about a minute, and all was still. A surgeon was immediately called, but life was extinct.

Legge, has sustained some pecuniary loss and much mental anxiety in connexion with this Institution; and that, notwithstanding its admitted excellence and past success, there is reason to fear that the present scarcity of pupils which all our colleges are feeling is likely to compel him most reluctantly to relinquish it.

III. That this meeting, considering that this is the only Institution of the kind for the North Eastern Counties, and highly estimating the character which Mr. Legge's Academy has already attained, deeply sympathizing in the private weight of responsibility with which he has so long and nobly struggled, and unable to endure the idea of its abandonment or removal, pledges itself to do all that it can for the establishment and furtherance of this plan.

IV That this Meeting earnestly commends this Institution to the notice of the Committees of Provincial and Metropolitan Colleges, believing that they cannot entrust their students who need a preparatory course to better care; and entreats them to consider whether they cannot secure this Academy so as permanently to connect it with the Colleges of our denomination.

V. That this Meeting is most ready to cooperate with the above public bodies, as far as it is able, in maintaining an exertion which, though originating with a zealous and disinterested individual, it cannot but deem of considerable local and public interest.

VI. That these resolutions be transmitted to the various Colleges, etc., and that the Secretaries be a Sub-Committee to conduct the correspond

ence.

NEW CHAPEL AT TAUNTON. MR. HENRY QUICK, late assistant minister at Stepney Meeting, London, has received and accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation to become the pastor of the newly formed Church

"" GOD IS LOVE."

assembling in North-street, Taunton, Somerset, and will enter upon his labours the first Sabbath in the New Year.

A large and handsome chapel is now in the course of erection, and will be opened (D.V.) in the spring of the year. The temporary chapel is now crowded, and the Sabbath-school flourishing with a dense population all around.

This church originated in a secession from that assembling in Paul's Meeting, Taunton, which was occasioned by the failure of an attempt to place the system of management in the above place on a more scriptural basis, and in accordance with the principles of church government adopted and advocated by the Congregational Union of England and Wales.

After every legitimate and Christian effort had been made, but without effect, the seceders quietly withdrew, and were formed into a separate church, on true independent principles, by the Rev. Dr. Payne, President of Exeter College. It is gratifying to reflect that in the large and populous town of Taunton, containing fourteen thousand inhabitants, there is ample room for the efforts and influence of two large dissenting congregations; and as they are placed at sufficient distance one from the other to prevent collision, it is hoped the event will be for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom.

SETTLEMENT OF REV. B. H. COOPER. THE REV. Basil Henry Cooper, B.A., of Highbury College and the University of London, having accepted an unanimous invitation from the retiring pastor and the church and congregation assembling for divine worship at the Independent Chapel, Mayor's Green, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, commenced his stated ministerial labours on Lord's-day, December 3rd, 1843.

Where'er we turn our wond'ring eyes—
On earth when robed in light of noon,
Or on the boundless starlit skies,

Where shines the sympathising moon,
We see below, we read above,
Delightful truth! that "God is love."

Oh who can view those worlds of light
Down beaming from the blue expanse,
As if they courted mortal sight,—

And does not, in adoring trance,
Recall the Power that bade them move,
Exclaiming truly “God is love?”

When first we feel the breath of Spring,
And buds are bursting from the trees,
While joyous birds are on the wing,

Their music floating on the breeze,
We hear a voice in every grove,
Proclaiming sweetly-"God is love."

When genial Summer's "ardent strength"
In robes prophetic clothes the field,
And tells the husbandman, at length
His hopes shall rich fruition yield,—
Do not his glad emotions prove
With tender power that "God is love?"

Then Autumn comes in golden hue,

With plenty in his labouring hand, Unfolds his treasures to the view,

And smiles with features frank and
bland,

As if with every look he strove
To make us feel that "God is love."

And ev'n 'neath Winter's brow severe

There lurks a kindly feeling still, Nor does his aspect cold and drear Its darkest auguries fulfil;— Dear Friendship's hand, tho' wrapt in glove,

Assures us now that "God is love."

And ev'n when Anger is display'd—
When thunder plays around Sinai's brow,
While faithless Israel stands dismay'd,
And haughtiest minds are forced to bow,
The Throne on high it doth behove
To teach man thus, that "God is love."

When Justice made his red arm bare

And vengeance to the nations swore, And, ireful, spurn'd each human prayerWHо then the curse for sinners bore? Who sent his Spirit like a Dove

To tell the world that "God is love?"

We see it in the streaming blood,-
We see it in the thorny crown,
We hear it, when 'mid railings rude
He utters forth his dying groan!
Each pang, while in the nails they drove
Told awfully that "God is love!"

Ah who that knows his guilt forgiven,

And feels the calm of holy Peace,That tyrant Passion's chain is riven,— Exulting in his bless'd release,Again in sinful paths can rove

Or fail to own that "God is love?"

Thus when the mind surveys the ranks
Of beings by Jehovah made,-
From birds that warble forth their thanks
To Angel-hosts in light array'd,
A voice proclaims at each remove
The glorious truth that "God is love."

And when the world hath pass'd away,
And all the countless ransom'd throng,
Assembled on the judgment-day,
Begin the everlasting song—
Join'd by seraphic choirs above-
Will they not sing that "GOD IS LOVE?”
J. GODKIN.

Spread wide the written word of God;

Cheapen its price till all can buy;
Send its pure sunbeam light abroad,
And lift its guiding lamp on high.

Lift it in pulpit, barn, and school,
In street, and lane, and highway-side ;
Till each wayfarer, though a fool,

Shall take its wisdom for his guide.

Gather poor children round its light
In sabbath and in daily schools,
Let their young pens its doctrines write,
Their infant lips pronounce its rules.
Leave not the rising race to men

Who, Protestants in nought but name, Would lead them back to Rome again, And all her hoary deeds of shame. Let Christian visitors explore

The abodes of poverty and sin; And, welcomed at each humble door, Drop the short, teaching tract within. Let Britain's villages around

Your messengers of mercy know; Who, claiming all as common ground,

Shall preach the truth where'er they go. Your laymen, why should they stand still? Is nothing left for them to do? No active part for them to fill,

In fields where labourers are so few?

Nay, shrink not, with the pride of Rome, From using gifts which Christ hath given;

Are they thus gifted? let them come

And aid us in the cause of Heaven.

Pastors, awake! and churches, rise!
The morning star of hope appears;
It lights you onward from the skies,
And God's own voice your progress
cheers.
Dublin, Dec. 6, 1843.

W. H. C.

THE APPEAL OF THE WITNESS.

HAIL, Judges! hail! we lift the veil, And stand before your bar,

To raise a voice, with accents choice,
That shall be heard afar.

We bid you heed the cause we plead,
"Tis that of truth and love;
We wish to raise, with notes of praise,
The grov'ling soul above.

We witness now, with sternest brow,

Against all vice and wrong, And boldly dare no sin to spare, Though sanction'd by a throng.

We'll speak for peace, and never cease
To advocate that word,
Which loud proclaims, in hallow'd strains,
The goodness of the Lord.

We'll speak for youth, that they, in truth,
May walk with active feet;
For them explore the boundless store,
And point to wisdom's seat.

We'll strive to fill with holy zeal
The ransom'd church of God;
And onward cheer, devoid of fear,
The army bought with blood.

And when the saint grows weak and faint,
When trembling and afraid,
With gladd'ning song, and promise strong,
We'll hasten to his aid.

Thus much we say; but here we stay;
Peruse our first "address;"
Support us well, and we can tell
You'll "witness" our success.

Next of his kingdom hear, while I
Unfold how it began,-

Not of this world, but from on high,
Of God, and not of man;

Having one Lawgiver, divine,
And jealous of his right,
Accomplishing his great design
Unhelp'd by human might;
Who will not to another give
A glory all his own;
But still proclaimeth-As I live,
I will be Lord alone.

Christians, I sound the warning note;
For service now prepare;

First, to this Lord yourselves devote, And then his truth declare.

CHRONICLE OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION : OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON GENERAL EDUCATION; AND OF THE BRITISH MISSIONS CONNECTED WITH THE UNION.

THE Congregational Union of England and Wales is a free and fraternal association of Independent churches, and of their pastors and deacons, in harmony with their known principles, and for the promotion of their common interests and objects.

The Union fully recognises the strict independency of each church; and is bound by its constitution not to touch the internal affairs of the churches, or to entertain any question

affecting any single church in its individual and separate capacity.

The assemblies of the Union consist of delegates from the united churches, and of other brethren eligible to attend as Elders of churches connected with it. The declarations of these meetings on any subject, express no more than the opinions of the brethren present at themand their proceedings are, in respect of the absent, no more than recommendations, and take effect no otherwise than by voluntary approval and co-operation.

The constitution and principles of Independent churches happily prevent any Union that would invest some with authority over others. In love, freedom, and agreement they can