derson preached. Mr. Lennie put the ques- PRESBYTERY OF LANCASHIRE. Os the 5th of last month, the Rev. Robert Cowe, late of Portobello, Scotland, was inducted into the pastoral charge of St. Andrew's Church, Manchester. The Rev. Andrew M'Lean, of Ramsbottom, preached and presided; and the Rev. D. Fergusson, of Liverpool, delivered the charges to the minister and people. The audience was large and respectable, and Mr. Cowe was welcomed with hearts and hands by his future flock. This was altogether a most gratifying occasion, and from Mr. Cowe's talents, piety, and experience, we anticipate the most happy results from his appointment. A soiree of the congregation was held on the 6th, at which the various members of Presbytery, and several ministers and members of other denominations spoke. The whole proceedings were most gratifying to all the friends of the congregation, and of the Presbyterian Church in England, of which it forms a part. Mr. Cowe was introduced to his flock on the succeeding Sabbath by the Rev. Henry Grey, ex-Moderator of the general assembly of the Free Church of Scotland. LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE THE foundation-stone of this Church was laid on Monday, the 29th September last, by Sir John Pirie, Bart., and ex-Lord Mayor of several ministers of other denominations, and London, in the presence of the Presbytery; a large concourse of people, who took the liveliest interest in the proceedings of the day; The services were commenced by praise, led by the Rev. James Fergusson; prayer offered by the Rev. William Nicolson, and an address delivered by the Rev. Josias Wilson. The foundation-stone, (in which were enclosed a copy of the "Westminster Standards," the "English Presbyterian Messenger," &c.) was laid with all due solemnity. The Rev. Joseph Fisher, Minister of the intended Church, returned thanks to Sir John Pirie; the Rev. PRESENTATION TO THE REV. WILLIAM | 1816, when there was no institution of a BLACKWOOD. In Newcastle-upon-Tyne the new congrega- services. JUVENILE SOCIETIES. To the Editor of the Presbyterian Messenger. SIR,-On Sabbath 14th, the Rev. James Fer- 1st. That four Sabbath Afternoons each year, 2d. That on the first Monday of each 3d. That a missionary library be formed, Missions. Sir, it was in connexion with the above that the introductory address was given to between two and three hundred young friends by our beloved Pastor. The cause of my giving you a copy of our resolutions is, that I think travel Dr. Alliott, of the Congregational denomina- around the schemes of our Church, with A SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHER. BRANTON SABBATH-SCHOOL. THIS Sabbath-school, under the superintend- similar kind in the neighbourhood. Since its commencement to the present time, the attendance of scholars has been very numerous. During the present year the names of nearly 300 young persons were placed on the books, many of whom are above the age of children, and are members of the Church. It has pleased Divine Providence to raise up, from time to time, pious, devoted, and active teachers, whose labours have, in many instances, been eminently blessed by the Head of the Church, in bringing home to the heart "the truth as it is in Jesus," with demonstration of the Spirit and with power. It may be mentioned, that Branton Sabbathschool has enjoyed the services of some teachers for upwards of twenty years, to whom, children, and the parents of children, connected with the congregation, are laid under deep and lasting obligations. As the district is altogether rural, and the young people come from a considerable distance, it is found impracticable to carry on the school during the winter months. On the last Sabbath in October, after sermon by the Rev. J. Blythe, a solemn and scriptural address, on their privileges and obligations, was delivered to the classes, (fifteen in number,) when a collection, amounting to 71. 11s. 4 d., was made to defray the expense incurred for Catechisms, &c. The surplus is to be appropriated to the purchase of books for the library. May the Church be more earnest in prayer for the abundant outpouring of the Spirit, that ministers may be aided in their arduous and important work; that scripturally organized Sabbath-schools may abound, and that teachers, themselves taught of God, may be honoured to turn the feet of the young into the path of eternal life! DISRUPTION IN THE VAUDOIS THE following intelligence has arrived too interesting event. Let all our people pray for our Vaudois brethren, and let such as have the means contribute liberally to that support. They need both prayers and contributions.-[ÉD.] "This afternoon, (19th November,) on my return home (said Dr. Candlish) from the former diet of this Commission, I found a second letter from Dr. Malan, giving so full, and touching, and graphic an account of the whole transaction, that I must ask leave to read it entire. "Geneva, November 14, 1845. "My letter of the 12th, dear and honoured brother, has already mentioned the demission of Mr. Scholl, one of the pastors of Lausanne, who had been sentenced to three (not one) months of suspension from his ministry. The same day another pastor of Lausanne also gave his demission, equally from the pulpit; and so great things begin to be put into motion, by the Supreme Lord of the Church. "There is a confederacy of feelings and actions among all the faithful-I mean the truly evangelical-ministers of the Canton de Vaud, which is the largest number of them, if not even the whole. By the last law, there was a possibility to call a general Synod of the classes or Presbyteries; but, as the calling was in the hands of the State, the pastors preferred to meet spontaneously in Lausanne; and that Assembly, composed of nearly 250 members, pastors and young ministers, met the 11th and the 12th, and solemn things, indeed, were resolved. "The whole clergy of the Canton of Vaud amounts to 172 pastors, and about 100 young ministers. The number gathered was, therefore, remarkably complete; and in their first meeting, after prayer and an exposition of the cause, many discourses were delivered in the same sense (or to the same effect), namely, "The absolute freedom of the Church of Christ, under the principle of union of the Church and State, but of no dominion from the last over the Church." Those speeches were felt something excited; for the character of such men is firm and passionate, and they are wounded in their very hearts both as free citizens and as ministers of God; but, by degrees, the gentle Spirit of Jesus southened the feelings,-(so it is in the letter of Dr. Malan, and how fine the idea! southened, as with a genial breath from the region of light and love),--and the discussion received a more high and also a more deep tone of faith and obedience. "That first day, however, nothing was resolved, and the members were dismissed with a serious intimation to be prepared for the next day by prayer and concentration. "Letters were received by the Committee, especially one from the students in divinity, declaring their adhesion to the pastors, and beseeching them to consider attentively the present state of the Church and the rights of her King. "The second meeting, less numerous than the first, because many pastors had been recalled to their parishes by duty, was, how ever, more solemn than the first. Prayer was in it more copious; and, after one of those supplications for teaching and guidance from above, the decision was taken. But, before its settlement, many affecting scenes were seen. A very old man, for instance, rose and said: "That he was a pastor in a country parish for a long while, that he had passed as such through many revolutions, and that he had seen his labours blessed in a great measure, being also a missionary in his three large schools;" and with tears he said, "How could I leave and forsake my parishioners, my children, my beloved flock? Am I not from God among them, and as their father?" Another pastor said, "I am a father of nine children, poor, and without any saving or resource but my living. Ah! how difficult is to me now my duty' But there is a Father above me, and he will not forsake his servant," &c. At length one of the members, a very eloquent man, after having pronounced an impressive allocution (or speech), took in his hand the Deed of Demission, which was prepared by the Committee, and, turning to the President, he said," Mr. Chairman, we want to hear no more words; acting is to-day required. You, Sir, you will sign this document the first of all!" "The Chairman sat down immediately, | time our Vaudois brethren desire the prayers with a solemn composure, and with a gesture and counsels of foreign brethren, but no of adoration, he wrote his name under the money. I hope, above all, that they will Deed. After him, and in silence, all the recognize it also as a duty of catholic Chrismembers came and signed; and when the tianity. I think that we shall form a Free old pastor came, he said," My brethren, I Church, which shall embrace French Switzerhave spoken to you with force and deep feel- land and France. Be so good as someway ing; but I silence my heart in presence of to communicate this intelligence to all the the interests of the Church of God, and I sign ministers of the Free Church of Scotland, and my leaving a dear parish." And he signed. to request the prayers of all the Churches on Then, turning to a young minister, his suffra- the ensuing Sabbath. gan, who had also signed, he embraced him with sobs, and then sat in silence. "One hundred pastors alone, and fifty young ministers, had already signed yesterday night, and many others are expected to do the same. "A Free Church is, therefore founded in the Canton de Vaud; and it is begun in a very different position from that of the Scottish one. In this, the pastors were received with opened arms by the people, by their very parishes; and so their parting with a mother was to be welcomed by dear sisters. Here, in Vaud, the people are averse; the majority in it are Infidels; and most likely, also, the Government will not allow the formation of meetings, and especially of another Church. England is free, and Scotland is free, but Vaud is not; and it is not to be conceived how that secession from the Establishment will be constituted in one. "But the Lord knows his own ways. He has already moved a beneficent and pious man of that country to offer 2,400. for the beginning of a fund, which is, for this land, a very large sum; and if our God is pleased to have a living and Free Church in Switzerland, he knows also how to form it. The Council of State of Lausanne met immediately after the assembly of the pastors. They must be very anxious, for they expected that forty, perhaps, of the pastors should give their demission, and that they (the Council) would at length get rid of those forty momiers, they were far from supposing that such a number of pastors would do the same. "We wait as do the servant, "looking to the hand of our Lord;" and this we know, that all His decrees will stand, and that his beloved Church will be agreeable in his sight. "God bless you, dearest Sir. I thought that you would receive willingly such particulars. May the Lord bless indeed every deed and obedience committed into the hands of his servants!—I am, &c.'" "Extract Letter-Dr. Merle D'Aubigné to Archibald Bonar, Esq. "Geneva, November, 13, 1845. "Dear Sir and Brother,―The news are of great moment,-one hundred and fifty pastors of the Canton of Vaud have given in their demission. Students, matured men, and aged men, are all of one mind. The majority of the others will follow without doubt. I have just been interrupted by the visit of one of the principal laymen of Lausanne, Mr. Dorat, our president of Watterville, and of the Count St. George, who brought me this intelligence, and asked what was to be done. We have resolved upon a public meeting for prayer to-night, and our general Committee has nominated a commission for corresponding with our Vaudois brethren. I have also advised, that the Vaudois ministers (for instance, Rev. Messrs. Scholl and Beauf, formerly ministers in London) should write, to Dr. Chalmers, to ask him for his detailed advice in regard to the founding of a Free Church in our country. Be so kind, while thanking him for his letter, to recommend the thing to him. At the present "It has just been told us, that a Vaudois layman has already contributed 60,000 francs in behalf of the Free Vaudois Church.— I am, &c.'" "We prayed also for the pastors of the Canton de Vaud who are about to decide of their adhesion to the judgment passed over forty-three of them by the Council of Stadtz, or of their disruption from the National Church. After the meeting, I heard a letter read, in which was stated, by an eye-witness, this very important circumstance. "Lord's-day last, the pastor, Scholl, preached before a crowded assembly, on the text: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church." His sermon, powerful and impressive, was heard in the deepest silence; and the two first leaders of the Government were present. After the preaching, he said, in a grave and effective way, that, because he had preached in the Oratory, he was suspended from his functions for one month by the supreme authority; that his duty of minister was to obey his Master, the Lord Jesus, and to acquiesce to no hindrance to his service; that, in consequence of that command of Jesus, he could not submit to that suspension: and that therefore he was actually parting with his flock, and leaving his national charge. He expressed to his flock, moved and in tears, his affection and sorrow; begged them that, though they should be no more his flock, he should be allowed to visit them in their afflictions, or at their death-bed, and also to show his interest to their children; and so that pious and worthy minister of Christ parted with a Church connected with an oppressive authority. "The scene was affecting. Every member of the congregation was desirous to hold the hand of his pastor, who receded rapidly, and whose courageous and disinterested conduct will be followed by many of his equally pious colleagues. "So you see, dear brother, that the Spirit of Jesus is blowing upon his true Church, and that everywhere his love will evidence itself in those who indeed have "heard from the Father," and who "see him who is invisible." "On us, also, is imposed the duty to stand steadfastly for the "truth as it is in Jesus," and to prove both to the world and to the Church, that there is no accord between Christ and Belial, but also that nothing is more congenial and one, now and for ever, than truth and love, since true love is indeed to give the truth, and to prefer it to human ties and tears. "In that blessed connexion, most dear and honoured Sir and brother, I subscribe myself, &c.'" THE EDITOR'S OWN COLUMN. Most of the members of the London Presbytery have kindly promised us contributions; two of which have been received, and appear Robert Eglinton, for 1844-5 James Crichton, being for 5 years ...ann. James Stevenson and Family, South Shields, tional Collection John Sloan.. James Morris William Manuel, for 1844 and 1845 JOHN KNOX CHURCH - Congregational We occasionally receive lectures, not the most courteously expressed, for failing to notice some congregational event. Our lecturers, doubtless, imagine that we possess a staff of reporters, with an army of penny-aliners, and that, as the event must thus have been duly communicated to us, our failing to insert it must have proceeded from some sinis ter motive, or, at the least, from utter disregard to the interests of the parties concerned. Now, as it may save our character where we should be rather sorry to lose it, we beg leave to state, that we have not a single reporter, and employ no penny-a-liner, and possess not one paid contributor from the editor downwards; and, as we lay no claim to omniscience, or even to the second sight, we would just take this opportunity to hint, that parties are much more likely to find themselves gratified by sending us a report of what they desire to see in our columns, than by lecturing us for a fancied omission. We have, from the first, stated that our columns are open to anything and everything that can benefit the Church, or interest her members. And if we omit duly to chronicle any fact, the fault lies not with us, but with the parties themselves who failed to send us a report. No one can say that we have suppressed any report of the slightest possible value to any party or parties Misses Johnston whatsoever. We have again to request, that parties who send us local reports will be as short and pointed as possible. We are often compelled either to rewrite the reports sent us, (a piece of drudgery of which we cannot be supposed to be very much enamoured,) or to exclude them altogether. We had intended, for some months past, in a special article, to call the attention of the Church to the Synod Fund. When the present scheme of general collections was enjoined by the Synod, the Synod Fund was left untouched upon its previous footing. It is still, therefore, a standing institution of the Church, and far too important to be overlooked, or even thrust into a corner. objects to which that Fund are devoted, are essential to the Church. Ministers and elders, therefore, will bear in mind, that although they are left to select the fittest time for their own convenience in making the collection, the collection must yet be made, and remitted to the treasurer before the Meeting of Synod. THE SYNOD OF THE The Rev. James Ferguson ......... .......... Robert Stephenson ........... Robert Wilson ............... J. G. Kirkaldy Mrs. Reid, per Mrs. Yule WOOLWICH-Congregational Collection 5 10 0 GREENWICH-Congregational Collection 3 J. C. Currie Alex. Sherriff...................................... HAMPSTEAD Congregational Collection 5 ....... ann. Robert Muter............................... 62556 5 0 0 2 0 0 600 1 4 6 0 10 0 1 0 0 2 10 0 WOOLER Congregational Collection 6 10 0 026 Miss Carr, collected by... 1 14 6 27 16 O 8 7 0 300 4 12 6 68 10 6 Collected per Mr. G. Brown, Stafford. 20 15 6 £758 13 1 Mr. Mason ........................ 026 0 26 ....................... 0 1 0 0 0 6 ..................... 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 0 1 0 010 Collected per Mr. D. Cruikshank. Mr. R. Clapperton, ditto................................ Rev. George Lewis, Dudley, from a few members of his Congregation Mrs. Barbour ..................................... Mr. Kirkhope.............................. Mr. George Brown 0 10 0 This Society is founded on the most ap proved principles of Life Assurance, the WHOLE PROFITS being secured to the rOLICY HOLDERS. The importance of this advantage is ap parent from the fact, that at 1st March, 1841, the Society made vested additions, varying from twelve to twenty per cent. on the sums assured, to all Policies of Five Years endurance, and at 1st March, 1844, a similar vested 1 40 addition of six per cent.; besides further pro1140 spective additions of two per cent. per annum, calculated on the accumulated amount, in the event of their becoming claims before 1st 4 18 6 March, 1847, being the next period of allocation. For example-on a policy for 1,000l. effected on 1st September, 1831, there will, if it become a claim after the 31st August, 1846, be 1,348/. 6s. 3d., payable; viz.: Sum originally assured 0 10 0 1 0 0 500 3 0 0 212 6 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 10 0 2 0 0 1 Collected per Rev. James Ferguson, London. .......... Capt. Ferguson 0 10 0 Mr. John G. Kirkaldy 0 10 0 Vested Addition at 1st March, 1841, 20 per cent. Vested addition at 1st March, 1844 £1,000 0 0 200 0 0 1,200 0 0 72 0 0 1,272 0 0 1844, 2 per cent. 25 8 9 £269 1 10 0 2 8 On surviving 31st August, 25 8 9 1845, 2 per cent. 25 8 9 1,348 6 3 And if the party be alive on 1st March, 1847, another vested addition, with prospective additions, will accrue in the manner above thereafter. stated; and so on every three years This table gives a view of the progress and situation of the Society since its institution. BOARD AND EDUCATION. Married Clergyman of the Presbyterian A Church in England (but without a family), residing in a salubrious situation with a pleasant neighbourhood, in the North of England, will be happy to undertake the EDUCATION of TWO YOUNG BOYS, to whose comfort, At 1st March 1833 instruction, and moral training, every attention will be paid. TERMS MODERATE. All the usual branches of a superior education will be taught, and although strictly 2000 private, will embrace the fullest course to prepare for either professional or mercantile pursuits. Accumulated Amount Assured. Annual Revenue. Fund. Do. 1836 40,974 Do. 1839 92,816 Do. 1842 191,496 76,111 295,197 By the Deed of Constitution the Assured are permitted to visit or reside in any part of Europe. 61 A, Moorgate-street. WM. COOK. Printed by ALEXANDER MACINTOSH, of No. 20, Great New street, Fetter-lane, London, and published by JAMES MACINTOSH, of No. 47, Church-road, De Beauvoirsquare, in the parish of Hackney, at the Office, No. 16, Exeter Hall, Strand, London, by whom communications to the Editor (post-paid) and advertisements are received. Monday, December 1, 1845. Sold by HAMILTON, ADAMS, and Co., Paternoster-row ; and JAMES NISBET and Co., 21, Berners-street. HOME MISSION COLLECTION. Ox the second Sabbath of February next, the Synod has appointed that collections are to be made in all the churches in aid of the funds of the Home Mission. We hope all ministers and elders, with the deacons and collectors, will bear this in mind that intimation in due time will be made from all our pulpits, and that all our local Associations will be ready to hand in their funds to their respective treasurers in sufficient time to be remitted to the Treasurer of the Home Mission, Robert Barbour, Esq., Manchester, the old, liberal, and long-tried friend of the Home Mission, and of the Church at large. In short, we are anxious that nothing be omitted that everything be done, to make the Home Mission collections and contributions so liberal as to bear some proportion to the importance of the object, the urgency of the case, and the sense which the Church entertains and ought to entertain of the claims which this scheme has upon its liberality. vigorous aggression upon the kingdom of III. To bestow a retiring allowance upon Such are the objects which the Church has intrusted to the Home Mission: and need we say one word to prove their importance, or urge any arguments to stimulate the liberality of our people on their behalf? Is there one man in our congregations who does not know the fearful condition of England; the Sabbathbreaking; the neglect of ordinances; the practical Heathenism that prevail? Or is there one that bears or deserves to bear the name of Christ who requires to have his sensibilities quickened by any appeals in order to prompt him to do his duty-his bare duty in circumstances such as exist around us? Or is there one, enjoying himself the means of grace, who yet would shut up his bowels of compassion, wrapped up in the selfish enjoyment It is true, as our columns for last month and of his own privileges and utterly indifferent the present bear witness, that the Church is to the condition of others, would say, Am I beginning in some degree, at least among my brother's keeper? or what are his affliccertain of its members, to be aware of the tions to me? Is this the spirit of the Gosimportance of the Home Mission, and pre-pel? Is it but it were a mockery to ask pared to respond to its claims. But this is by no means to be taken for granted of the Church at large. Our people do not yet seem to understand the objects the Mission contemplates, or to appreciate the importance of its labours, or yet the urgency of the demands that are made upon its funds. The sums already received do little more than pay off the debts previously standing against the funds, leaving the ensuing year to depend upon the forthcoming collections. This should be most distinctly borne in mind. And what are the objects contemplated by the Home Mission? They are threefold; and objects of greater moment cannot press upon the attention of any Church. I. To send the Gospel among the millions in England who are perishing for lack of knowledge; to appoint missionaries, and either in whole or in part support them in itinerating labours, or in raising up new congregations. II. To aid weak congregations to maintain Gospel ordinances among themselves; to prevent old though poor congregations from being broken up and suffered to lapse into the mass of Heathenism around them, and to supply them with the means of making a such questions. present necessities, now find themselves in old age reduced to helpless penury. If they resign their charges they have no other means of support. If they retain them, their popularity and activity being gone, the congregations scatter, and are lost to them and lost to us, and lost, it may be, to the Church of Christ. And what would you have us do, brethren, in such a case as this? Is there a man in our Church who will not answer at once-Do? why, bestow upon the aged servant of God a decent competency, and let him retire to spend the evening of life in quiet communion with his God, and in gladdening and confirming the Church by his lessons of experience, and by his life of faith and of love. And this is just what of all things we are most solicitous to do. It is for this very purpose we make our present appeal, and we trust that the second Sabbath of February will prove that we have not appealed in vain; but on the contrary, that the responses of that day will cheer and gladden many a cottage home-that many fathers and mothers in our Israel will bless God and take courage that congregations now trembling, lest their candlestick be removed, will find it burn and shine brighter and steadier than ever, and that some of the dark and desolate places of the land will be made to rejoice and to blossom as the rose: which may God in mercy grant! And with this prayer we leave the case in the hands of the Church at large. NOV. 11, 1845, BY THE REV. PETER Or is it then becoming-is it the spirit that should animate the different members of the body of Christ, for one congregation to feel no interest in the condition of sister congregations; to know that their poorer brethren are compelled to struggle painfully in order to maintain ordinances for INTRODUCTORY LECTURE, DELIVERED themselves and their families; to hear that there are ministers of Christ's Gospel worse paid than day labourers; men distinguished by talents and piety, abounding in good works, spending their strength amid distracting pecuniary cares, and oppressed with domestic burdens which cramp their energies and paralyse their powers? Brethren, ought such things to be? How much more blessed to act upon the apostolic law of brotherly love, and to see the wealthier and the stronger aid the weaker and the poorer. And what shall we say about the aged ministers of Christ's Gospel? Men who have spent their health and their strength for Christ's sake and the Gospel's; who living upon a miserable pittance from which it was impossible to save, yea, which it required the forethought and the asceticism of the steward and the anchoret combined to render adequate for THEOLOGY, as its name imports, is the science of God. The other sciences treat of the works of God-of the manifold products of his power and wisdom in the material and mental worlds and of the stable and uniform laws by which his multifarious operations in nature are carried on. Theology treats of the great Creator, Preserver, and Governor himself-of his being, attributes, will, and purposes. Its subject is the greatest and most glorious of all Beings, and entitles it to be regarded as the greatest and most glorious of all the sciences. Theology, in the form in which we possess it, is the science of God, in special relation to |
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