HOME MISSION FUND. THIS being a short month, in which, as our printer informed us as early as the 2d day thereof, all our "copy" must be in his hands betimes; and the lists of collections and contributions to the Home Mission Fund being yet imperfect, we shall content ourselves for this month with offering two remarks upon the list already sent. And, 1st. We are pleased with the present collection so far as the accounts have yet reached us -better pleased than we have been with any collection made this year and as we have no delicacy in such matters-none whatever we do not deem it invidious to particularize Morpeth, Sunderland, Birmingham, and Dudley as having nobly performed their duty upon this occasion. The donation of James Stevenson, Esq., South Shields, must also be particularly mentioned. We know we have given offence by our importunate begging. But so long as collections continue to improve (whether consequent or concomitant upon our labours, to us it matters very little) we are quite content to be the scapegoat of the Church, if but by our sacrifices the people and cause of God may prosper. We must also express our satisfaction at the collection made in Ranelagh Church, Chelsea, amounting, as will be seen above, to 127. This is most promising and encouraging from a young congregation, but recently connected with us, and must gratify their former venerable pastor, and give themselves a confidence in their own resources when once they have obtained a minister, sessions, deacons, collectors, with all the other machinery essential to draw forth the liberality of a people. Chelsea, we confidently anticipate, will, before this time next year, be not only a "self-sustaining" (as they term it in Scotland), but an "aid-giving congregation," and that to a considerable amount, too. 2d. One of our favourite projects-a very hobby, if you will-is the necessity of having in every congregation an association in aid of the funds of our various institutions. There is no one point on which we have insisted with such reiteration of repetition as this. There is no part of our machinery we deem more essential. There is not one dogma we are resolved more frequently and importunately to inculcate. The maintenance of our present congregations in vital strength and activity, the extension of our Church indefinitely throughout the kingdom, the institution and support of missions at home and abroad, the consolidation of all our interests, are, we are most firmly persuaded, dependent, under God, very materially upon congregational associations. And can we, then, entertaining such convictions, love the Church, and not advocate the formation of such associations in every congregation throughout our bounds? But our present object is not to re-argue the point, but to adduce an illustration in support of its truth. Let the reader then look at the collections of St. Peter's-square Church, Manchester, and of Regent-square, London. The former amounts to 63.; the latter to 56'. Such, then, is the sum contributed by each of these congregations by way of collection to the Home Mission Fund; and it is very creditable to both. We are satisfied with it-altogether so. It will be observed that St. Peter's-square makes a much larger collection than Regentsquare. This, we believe, has been hitherto very generally the case. Such, at least, is our impression; and if our readers wish to test our accuracy, they may refer to the ac counts of past years, which at this moment And here we are arrived at the point at But this is not all. Startling as this exhibition is, it does not bring out all the facts of the case, nor yield our conclusions the support it can contribute. View, then, these cases in another aspect. St. Peter's-square congregation has contributed to the Home Mission Fund the sum of 637. Very liberal, we say again, for a collection. But then, till this time next year, when the next annual collection is made, St. Peter's-square will not contribute one farthing; and thus their annual contribution, as a congregation, to the funds, is but 631. Regent-square, on the other hand, contributes monthly, even with their present imperfect organization, no less a sum than 197., taking the average already supplied by their associational contributions. Thus Regent-square contributes to the Home Mission Fund, even at the present rate of contributions, 2287. a-year altogether, exclusive of the annual collection, or near 3007. a-year, the collection included. Can demonstration be stronger than this simple statement of facts in favour of associations? But let us present the matter in still another aspect. Some judicious friends, we are aware, entertain the idea that if associations are formed the sums contributed through them will be deducted from the collections. Well, suppose such to be the case, still, should the one or the other have to be abandoned, we say at once, and without a moment's faltering or hesitation, abolish collections altogether, and give us associations; you will, at the least, double your contributions by such a step, in addition to the other manifest advantages that will accrue from associations. But we affirm farther, the suspicion that associations will ruin collections, is utterly groundless, and in proof of our assertion we say, look at Regent-square. Had there been no association in that Church, we are most thoroughly persuaded their collection would not have yielded ten pounds above the sum actually put into the plates at the door. In virtue of a principle explained and enforced on former occasions, we are quite convinced that associations will not perceptibly affect collections. But, let us take still another view of this subject. 631. we have said is the amount of the collection made in St. Peter's-square for the Home Mission. But this is not the amount contributed to that fund by the congregation. In the above list we find the Juvenile Missionary Association of St. Peter'ssquare contributed to the Home Mission 177. (between a third and a fourth of the amount of the collection), while to other schemes they contributed 497. 10s. in all, consequently that association contributed near 674. And is not this most gratifying and most creditable to your young friends? Why at this rate they will soon beat their fathers. But how do they accomplish this most gratifying result? Just by acting upon the principle of an association. And what is our inference from this aspect of the case? Our readers anticipate us. We find here another support to our principle, and another proof of the conclusion at which we aim; viz., that if this and every other congregation in our Church possessed an association, our funds would be at least trebled, and no man the poorer-no man, in fact, aware of the sums he gave. But what is our object in instituting such a comparison? Is it to flatter Regent-square? Not a member of that congregation who has ever spoken to us, or knows aught of our character, will for one moment suspect us guilty of such a motive. Is it, then, to censure St. Peter's-square? Our friends in that congregation will not believe us capable of such an act. We have known them long, we know them well, and this we must say, that a more liberal, active, enthusiastic congregation, in all that pertains to our cause, or the maintenance of the truth, there exists not in our Church than the congregation of St. Peter's-square, Manchester. Give them but the opportunity of contributing-do but apply to them for aid let there be but an association formed and worked as they would form and work it, and their contributions will stand as much at the head of all our funds as their collection now does. Our simple object in instituting the comparison, is just to prove, by facts and figures, what we have been hitherto attempting to prove by principles and argumentation. We are, of course, aware that there is a delicacy, a false delicacy, we conceive, in touching such matters. But all such delicacies we have learned to throw to the winds, when they interfere with the interests of the Church. One word, by way of "improvement or application," we add, addressed to all our congregations. Take an example by Regent square, and form an association.-[ED.] A SCRAP OF POPERY.-The following paragraphs are extracted from a book, ntitled "The Power of Mary," the author of which, Liquori, was canonized by Pope Pius VIII., in 1829; and on referring to the notes I had made at the time, I find certain doctrines contained in its pages, which I shall endeavour to transcribe for you, authorizing you to make whatever use of them you may think fit:-"A little bird perceiving it was about to be seized upon by a hawk, which was hovering pear, uttered these two words, Are Maria, whereupon the hawk fell dead at its feet." "David, in his last moments, placed his trust in the Virgin Mary. The rod, in Psalm xxiii. signifies the Cross of Jesus and the staff, the intercession of Mary. The Jews had several cities of refuge under their dispensation-the Gospel knows but of one, namely, Mary. He who has once entered these holy walls, may be assured of his eternal salvation. When men offer up their petitions to Mary, not only are they granted, but far more readily granted than if they were addressed to Jesus. As a man and woman combined for our ruin, so must another man and another woman combine for our restoration. All things are subject to the dominion of the Virgin, even God himself. It is impossible to be saved without the protection of Mary; he who refuses to invoke her during his life, will never obtain admis sion into the kingdom of heaven. Mary is the mistress of Paradise; she rules there, and permits none to enter, but those who have found favour in her eyes. O ye who are anxious to obtain heavenly bliss, worship and adore Mary."-Extract of a Letter from Italy. stone.... Birdhope Craig Church, per Rev. J. M'Clymont... ..... Ditto, Sabbath School, per ditto- 053 0 5 1 0 2 1 Missionary Box........ 0 2 7 In a letter written by the Rev. W. Gill, addressed to the Bath Juvenile Missionary Association, dated Arorangi, Rarotonga, 20th April, 1845, the following remarks occur:"I do not think I can better convey to you the change that has taken place in these islands, than by giving you the speech of Manchester, one of the natives at our last May meetings. He was a warrior, and had determined to kill the first native teacher who landed here; but he is now a believer in Jesus, and a deacon in the Church. He said, Friends and brethren!' making a pause, he repeated, So Ancoat's 2 18 0 0 200 1 11 200 12 0 0 17 10 0 56 0 1 McKinnon The Contribution of a Few Friends in Rothesay Morpeth Church, per Mr. Hood 8 5 0 3 15 0 .... 340 5 1 0 | requested that Kirk Sessions and Associations will have these collected and remitted immediately to the Treasurers, so that the same may appear in the statement for the financial year, terminating on the 31st of March. WILLIAM HAMILTON, 127, Cheapside, London, Feb. 21, 1846. DONATIONS TO THE COLLEGE LIBRARY. 2 THE following list is arranged according to the order in which the donations arrived:From Rev. Dr. HENDERSON, Glasgow. Marckii Opera Omnia, 23 vols. 17 0 0 Association, per ditto... From G. H. G., per Rev. James Anderson.... Manchester, St. Andrew's Church, per Mr. Belford Church, per Rev. John Watson ..... .. Gateshead Church, per Rev. J. K. Anderson London, Hampstead Church, per Rev. P. Lo rimer Muter.... 'Brethren! this is a new mode of speaking.' Again he repeated, 'Brethren! This is the language of heaven, and we are taught to use it by Jesus. This land belonged to the devil a few years ago. He never taught us to love one another; Liverpool, Rev. J. R. Welsh's Church, per Mr. he kept us in darkness. and bound us in chains. Oh! how happy am I to-day! My heart is full-I cannot tell what to say. Surely we are all like birds who were in the snare, and have gained our liberty it is with my thoughts; they are flying backwards and forwards-they cannot rest. I have been thinking of my former character.' Pointing to Papehia, the first teacher, he said, 'I well remember when this warrior came to our land. He swam ashore; and, standing on the reef, told us he wanted to live amongst us, to teach us the true word of Jehovah. He had a few leaves of the New Testament, which he read to us, and told us it was the powerful word. He said it would overturn our idols, London, John Knox's Church, Mr. R. A. Kirkaldy, London per ditto 15 10 10 1 19 0 3 10 0 3 4 7 1 12 1 23 15 8 21 10 0 9 10 0 From Rev. HENRY LEA BERRY, M.A. From Rev. JOSEPH BERRY, Independent Fisher's Views in Syria, the Holy Land, and Asia From the Rev. T. MARZIALS, Lille. From a FRIEND, per Alex. Gillespie, Esq. 2 5 6 From Mr. THOMAS GILLESPIE, Park-hall, 4 19 0 6 14 2 066 66 10 6 10 0 0 25 0 0 7 13 £1066 7 1 9 DONATIONS, AND COLLECTIONS TO THE COLLEGE put an end to war, and subdue the mighty Donations-Ditto, by ditto.......... 12 19 0 men of fearful fame in our land.' Lifting his hand, he said, 'This hand held a spear at the time; and it was my determination that it should pierce through his body that night. I looked on him with disdain; and my only gratification was in thinking that to-morrow he would be as fish to make savoury my vegetables.' Pausing, as if he had feelings too big for utterance, he exclaimed, in a softened and affecting tone, 'How am I conquered! I have fallen as the weakest child before those few pages of the Word of God!' This," Mr. Gill adds, "is but the experience of hundreds who were once as this poor man, but now, like him, are subdued and saved by the power of Divine grace" North Shields Church, per Rev. G. J. Duncan Manchester, St. Peter's-square Church, per Rev. A. Munro Liverpool, St. George's Church, per Mr. John Workington Church, per Rev. T. Turbit.. FUND. BIRMINGHAM (additional), per John Henderson, Esq. JOHN KNOX'S Church (additional)- 0112000coon. REGENT-SQUARE (additional) D. B. Johnstone, ann. ..... Adam Scott, do............... 1 0 0 1 0 John M'Culloch, do...... 1 0 Thomas Smith, do. 2 2 0 Duncan Smith, do. 0 David Napier, do............... 5 0 James Napier, do.. 1 0 17 1 8 A Friend, per Mr. Nisbet, don.... NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. THE communication from Dudley arrived too late, but will appear in next number. We have again to request that all communications to the Editor be addressed 22, MYDDELTON-SQUARE. This is the third or fourth time we have made the request, and yet parties will persist in addressing us at 16, Exeter Hall, and thus prevent our getting their letters in time. We omitted to recommend in the proper place, but must do it here, that all Committees should meet immediately, and mature all their plans and reports for the Synod. Advertisement. MORNING ESTABLISHMENT, GREAT CORAM-STREET, BRUNSWICK-SQ. avails herself of the present opportunity to express her sense of the kind approbation which her plan of education has elicited; and she trusts that by pursuing the same course of systematic Ginstruction, enlivened and aided by the introduction of the various methods rendered available by modern improvements, to continue to receive assurances of her successful endeavours to promote the intellectual and moral welfare of those intrusted to her care. 0 10 0 37 2 8 220 £994 13 2 A considerable amount of Subscriptions 206 being still outstanding, it is most earnestly References kindly permitted to the Rev. J. H. Evans, Hampstead, and to the parents. of the young Ladies. Printed by ALEXANDER MACINTOSH, of No. 20, Great Newstreet, 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, March 2, 1846. Sold by HAMILTON, ADAMS, and Co., Paternoster-row and JAMES NISBET and Co., 21, Berners-street. PRICE PER ANNUM, MEETING OF SYNOD. ib. THE Synod meets at Manchester on Tuesday, the 21st of this month, when the usual Sermon will be preached (D.V.) at two p.m., in St. Peter's-square Church, by the Rev. Professor Campbell, Moderator of last Synod. It is earnestly requested that members may be forward in time-if possible, the evening preceding; and, at latest, on the morning of the 21st,-in order that by private conferences matters may be properly arranged. Members entrusted with documents that are to be submitted to the Synod ought especially to be forward in time. As the Committees of bills and overtures are appointed at the very opening of Synod, such papers should be ready for immediate presentation. All Committees appointed at last Meeting will, it is hoped, in due time prepare their reports, and mature such plans and suggestions as they purpose to submit to the Court. The Committee for local arrangements will meet the preceding week, and members on their arrival, if not earlier, will receive information respecting the arrangements made for their accommodation. Elders are again requested to bear in mind, that by deliverance of last Synod they are required to lodge their commissions with the clerk, at latest, by the 14th of this month, that the roll may be previously made up, and thus valuable time saved which has been hitherto lost. As the treasurers of the various schemes are preparing their financial statements to be submitted to the Synod, it is requested that such as may have omitted to make any one of the required collections may do so as early as possible; and that such as may have any moneys in hand may remit the same as early as convenient. It is specially requested that ministers may seek to interest their flocks in the ADDRESS TO OUR FRIENDS AND THIS number completes the first year of London-Wall Association Contributions of the whole made the property of each of the members. While conscious that the Messenger has not been exempt from those errors and omissions to which all first attempts are incident, and which only experience can rectify and supply, we are yet animated with the hope that the experience acquired, and the measures about to be adopted, will render our columns still better deserving of the patronage of our friends. It is intended to alter the form of the Messenger from the 4to. to the Royal 8vo. By means of a variety and alteration in the type we shall be able, at the present rate of subscription, to furnish a larger amount of letter-press, in a form more pleasing to the eye and better fitted for binding. To our friends who have so zealously and efficiently interested themselves on our behalf we tender our warmest expresIn looking back over the past we feel sions of obligations, and beg to request no small cause of satisfaction. Our that they will continue their generous Church has at length began to employ and disinterested patronage. We are, that most powerful of modern engines however, compelled to state, that the the press; and although we may not number is comparatively very small from have produced any impression on those whom we have received the support upon that are without, our labours have not which we had calculated. Our hopes been without their fruits. We possess were, perchance, too sanguine, but we now an electric telegraph by which intel- certainly did expect that our friends ligence may be transmitted throughout throughout the kingdom would have lent our own body. We have an organ to a more efficient help than has yet been advocate the claims of our various realized. We cannot at this moment schemes, to announce their results, and bring the combined experience of the Church to bear upon their improvement. We have a chain of communications by which our scattered congregations may be brought into contact, mind with mind, and heart with heart; each member, the most remote, made to feel that it is a part, a vital part, of the body; and each individual to know all that happens throughout our borders. In fine, we possess a medium through which every individual of our communion may influence every other individual, and the combined wisdom, piety, and experience estimate the numbers received by each congregation through the booksellers, but judging by the issue of our stamped edition, had every town but acted like Manchester and Gateshead, our circulation would have been more than doubled. It is enough at present to announce this fact, conjoined with the hope that all our members will renew their efforts in our favour, and that those who have hitherto overlooked this matter will, with the commencement of the second year, lend us their aid. As many of our subscribers prefer the stamped edition, which goes through the post to any part of the United Kingdom, | who is intelligent enough to perceive, or We beg to renew our importunate request for literary contributions from our ministers, elders, and others. Short, pointed pieces on devotional, practical, experimental, exegetical theology, biblical antiquities, scriptural illustrations, providential interpositions, and whatever may enlighten the judgment and regulate the conduct-this is what we particularly desiderate. We shall also feel obliged for any practical suggestions regarding the management and improvement of the various schemes and institu tions of the Church-our missions, Sabbath-schools, congregational associations, deacons' courts, &c. Many of our people may not deem themselves competent to supply such contributions as we have here indicated, but there is another class of contributions for which we shall feel much obliged, and which all our readers can furnish. Our members are, we believe, traitors; and if she does not, as we suspect, John Melville Glenie, B.A., Perpetual Curate Archdeacon Robert Wilberforce. Dec. 7. A.D. 1846. James Spencer Northcote, M.A, First Class Litteris Humanioribus, Curate of Ilfra combe, Devonshire. Jan. 17. John B. Morris, M.A., Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford. Jan. 16. Gloucestershire. Jan. 24. George Burder, M.A. Jan. 24. MEMBERS OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES. Johnson Grant, St. John's College, Under- graduate. Dec., 1841. Edward Douglas, B.A., Christ Church Col- a reading people. In the course of their their Church from this deadly leprosy? Thomas H. King, Undergraduate, Exeter reading they must often meet with passages and pieces that would be interesting and instructive to others. They would, therefore, lay us under great obligations if they would copy such pieces, giving the author's name, the title of the work, and the page; or, where such can be done, if they would cut out the slip and send it to us. We beg special attention to this last request. From the late period of the month (the 21st) at which the Synod meets this year, and the necessity (in order to be in time for the booksellers' monthly parcels to the country) of being in type before that date, we lament that we cannot in next number give an account of the Synod's proceedings. In our June num Thomas Burton, M.A., Curate to Trinity Christ Church, Oxford, Perpetual Curate John Campbell Smith, M.A. March 27. College. Jan., 1844. Robert Simpson, Undergraduate of St. John's II. Lay Members of the University of Wm. Simpson, Trinity College. 1843. ber, however, we purpose to give as full John Moore Capes, M.A., Incumbent of St. Jas. Aug. Stothert, Trinity College, Cam a report as our space will admit of. In conclusion, we again tender our thanks to our kind friends and all our readers and supporters, and trust next year we shall have double grounds for gratitude. John Baptist's Church, Bridgewater. June RECENT CONVERTS TO POPERY FROM Ambrose St. John, M A., Christ Church Col THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. [THE following list of "persons of note" who lege, Oxford. Oct 2. Charles H. Collyns, M.A., Student of Christ Church College, Oxford. Oct. 29. J. W. Marshall, B.A., Incumbent of Swallow bridge, and Edinburgh University. July, 1844. Benjamin Jos. Butland, Trinity College, E. Fortescue Wells, Trinity College, Under- J. A. Knox, B.A., Trinity College, Scholar. Dec., 1845. Scott N. Stokes, B.A., Trinity College, Scho lar. Secretary to the Camden Society. Dec., 1845. William Hutchison, Trinity College, UnderHenry Mills, Trinity College, Undergraduate. graduate. Dec., 1845. Jan., 1846. J. B. Walford, Undergraduate, St. John's College. Jan., 1846. Jan. 1846. OTHER PERSONS OF NOTE. The Countess of Clare. 1842. Miss Gladstone, sister of the Minister of Miss Young, and her sister, Miss Isabella spread and happy increase of the Catholic | is in them, than he that is in the world." Mr. Sankey, of Trinity College, Dublin. Leader of a religious sect in Edinburgh, with his wife, four children, and many of his followers. 1842. Mr. Wm. Turnbull, Advocate, Secretary to the Antiquarian Society of Scotland. 1843. Mr. Chas. De Barry, and his wife. 1843. Mr. Chas. Hemans, son of the celebrated poetess. 1843. Miss Emily Bowles. 1843. faith in England. The Holy Father has not only listened favourably to this pious request, but furthermore has promised to all the faithful who take an active part in the ceremony, a partial indulgence of 300 days for every visit, and a plenary indulgence to those who attend the Novena, five times at least, it being understood that at the same time such persons are to approach the confessional and Lord's Supper. This nine days' ceremony is to begin at eleven o'clock, A.M., on the 17th instant, in the church above-named. Whether Miss Warner, daughter of an Anglican ye look, my Christian brethren, at the great minister. 1843. Mr. Bosanquet, barrister. 1843. Miss Townshend, daughter of an Anglican minister. 1843. Mrs. Seager, wife of the Anglican minister who has become a Catholic. 1843. Mrs. Parsons, wife of the Anglican minister who has become a Catholic. 1844. Miss Marriott, daughter of an Anglican minister. 1844. Miss Hext. 1844. Miss Harriette Pigot. 1844. Mr. Isaac Twycross, M.D. of Oxford. 1845. Hon. Mrs. Heneage and daughter. 1845. Mr. Clements. 1845. Mrs. J. Campbell Smith, wife of the Anglican minister who has become a Catholic. 1845, Mrs. Ward, wife of the Anglican minister who has become a Catholic. 1845. Mr. J. Ruscombe Poole, lawyer, his wife and two unmarried daughters. 1845. Mrs. Anstice, daughter of Mr. J. Ruscombe Poole. 1845. Mrs. Spencer Northcote, daughter of Mr. J. R. Poole, and wife of the Anglican minister who has become a Catholic. 1845. Mr. Matthias Woodsman, wife, two daughters, and a son. 1845. Mr. F. W. Tarleton, lawyer, his wife and her Mrs. Marshall, wife of the Anglican minister, of Swallow Cliffe, who has become a Catholic. 1845. Mr. J. Capes, Proctor of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. 1845. Mr. James Robert Judge, lawyer. 1845. Mrs. Capes, wife of the Anglican minister who has become a Catholic. 1845. Mr. Grenville Wood. 1846. Mr. Henry Foley, lawyer. 1846. Mr. Gilbert Plomer, lawyer. 1846. [The feelings with which Rome beholds such accessions to her ranks may be seen from the following document, which has recently been issued from the Vatican.] "ROME, JAN. 19.-On the 14th inst., the Vicar-General of the Catholic Church, Card. Patrizzi, issued a proclamation to the people of Rome, which runs thus: Not a few Persons distinguished for piety, have besought with earnest prayers to grant permission for the solemn festival of a Novena (nine days' service) in the Church of the Jesuits, in and noble aim in behalf of which your public prayers are offered to the Almighty, or whether ye calculate the gain of the holy indulgences, by means of which we may shorten the punishment due to our sins--in either case ye must in every way, to the best of your strength, interest yourselves in the matter, and take part in this pious exercise, by praying the Giver of all good, and the Father of all mercy, that he will pour out over that realm and its inhabitants, his light and those gifts of grace, for obtaining which alone our prayers will be effectual.""-Times, Feb. 6. THE MEN WE NEED. we As a Church we stand greatly in need of ministers. A considerable number of our congregations are still without pastors. We look forward to extend the number of our positions in England. The praying people among us make our future, as well as present, ministry the subject of their supplications. Many feel deep anxiety about the spiritual character of the youths attending our Divinity Hall, and looking forward to an attendance there. It may not be without profit to consider what kind of men need for the work of the Lord among us. The men we need, then, must be converted. This is the main point. It was ungodly ministers that made the "noble vine" of our English Presbyterian Church to "become as the degenerate plant of a strange vine." The difference between what our Church was in the seventeenth, and what it became in the eighteenth century, is mainly to be ascribed to the degeneracy in doctrine and life of the pastors in the latter period. Unless the future ministry of our Church be a pious ministry, we will neither spread externally nor flourish internally. Such men must be raised up by God. (Jer. iii. 15.) They must be men of prayer. Their discourses must be the fruit of prayer. Their visits must be steeped in prayer. They must be men whose life is full of Peniel meetings and wrestlings with God. They must take sinners on their hearts to God as Moses did, (Exod. xxxii. and xxxiii.) and saints as Paul did. (Eph. i. 15–23.) They must link every duty, trial, difficulty, blessing, to the mercy seat. They must be men of faith. Strong ministerial and strong personal faith must be united in them. Everywhere the work of the ministry is a work of faith. But peculiarly so in our Church. Much of our work now and afterwards, will lie in the seeking to win to Christ those who have laid aside even "the form of godliness." Home missionary work demands peculiar faith. It is assaulting "the strong man armed" in the very citadel of his strength. The warfare will need specially the taking hold of the strength of "the mighty One of Jacob." Our ministers will have need of realizing der to implore from Almighty God the wide-experience of the truth. "Greater is he that (1 John iv. 4.) They must be men very decided in their preaching of both law and Gospel. There must be no frigid, rhetorical, quasi-evangelism, no saying of things, which aim to be bright, and certainly are smooth. The preacher must realize, and aim that his hearers realize, that man is utterly lost, and that salvation is entirely free. Entire depravity and immediate conversion must be the themes of his ministry; man has brought on himself the former, Jesus freely and sincerely offers the latter. Be converted or be lost must be the alternative always presented to the sinner's view. They must be spiritually-minded men. A minister is a representative of Christ. The minister should pre-eminently exemplify the words of Jesus, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John xvii. 16.) How solemn a thought this is! How glorious the privilege, how blessed the attainment, to show forth always the character of Him, who was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners." (Heb. vii. 26.) A minister cannot be perfect, for perfection on earth was the prerogative of the Master only; but he ought to be consistent, for to that he is pledged by his very being as a servant. The world could not claim such a man as Robert M'Cheyne. There are some living ministers we are privileged to know, who in demeanour, language, actions, declare consistently their separation from the world. A holy life is a sermon, which even a child can understand, and a testimony which even a reprobate will feel. They must be men who feel deep pity for the ungodly. Indifference to their condition is a wretched contradiction to the spirit of Christ. Jesus never spent an unpitying moment, or felt an uncompassionate thought. Sinners do much to provoke ministers to grow unconcerned. Their enmity to the truth, their hardness of heart, their contentedness with their state, their unthankfulness for efforts made, and strength spent, and supplications off red; all these are hard to bear; all these are incentives to make the minister deal with sinners rather that duty may be accomplished, than that they may be " plucked as brands from the fire." But Christ's servant must "consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest he be wearied and faint in his mind.” (Heb. xii. 3.) The incarnate Redeemer loved, pitied, wrought, prayed to the very last. He did so as our surety, that we may do so in conformity to His example. They must be men that cherish strong love to the saints. In every congregation some followers of the Lamb will be found. If they be few, their very scarcity should enhance their value. It is a miserable thing for a minister to be fond of the company of the wealthy, or of the society of the intelligent, while he neglects the humble, and perhaps poor, disciples of Jesus. How offensive to the Master! How alien to the temper of heaven! If Christ is not ashamed to call his meanest follower a brother, how sinful to feel and to show a want of interest in any of the saints! How inconsistent to think little of those whose prayers are a privilege, and whose fellowship should be a delight. Let us, as a Church, seek the Lord, that such men may be found in every pulpit within our bounds. We are a small body, and we never shall be a large one, unless we be a faithful one, while small. What has made Wesleyan Methodism become the largest body of Dissent in England, but the |