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steps towards the establishment of an Asso-solation into the ears of the dying. His ciation. A letter was also read from the visits to the beds of sickness, were highly apElders and Deacons of the congregation at preciated by many, and we have no doubt Wanenford, stating that they had not an that now, when he is gone, a goodly number Association, and that for various reasons it will feel as if deprived of the presence of a would be inconvenient and unadvisable to friend and counsellor, on whose sympathy and prayers they could have calculated "in the day of trouble."

form one.

In consideration of the thin attendance of members, and other circumstances, the Presbytery resolved to take up the subjects proposed for ministerial conference at the September meeting at Wooler.-Closed with

prayer.

ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH, SOUTHWARK.

Ox Lord's-day, the 7th instant, this place of worship, situated in the Borough road, Southwark, was opened for public worship. The morning sermon, which was very appropriate to the occasion, was preached by the Rev. Dr. Alder, of the Wesleyan Conference. In the afternoon, the Rev. J. Sherman, of Surrey Chapel, preached a most useful and instructive sermon to a very crowded and attentive audience; and, at half-past six o'clock, the Rev. J. Fisher, minister of the church, preached from Haggai ii. 9, "In this place

will I give peace." Collections in aid of the building fund were made at the close of each sermon. The building, which consists of a church capable of accommodating nearly one thousand people, and schools for above four hundred children, will, when completed, have cost above 3,000l. It is chaste and simple, and, though without much in the way of ornament, might almost be called beautiful. It is the first Presbyterian Church built on the south side of the river, and, indeed, the only one in the county of Surrey. Already have successful efforts been made to bring some of the surrounding outcast population under the sound of the Gospel; and it is hoped that the pastoral labours of the minister, aided by elders, deacons, and members, will soon become apparent on the district; and that, when the schools are opened, an example worthy of imitation will be set to neighbouring Churches. On the week before opening, Mr. Fisher was presented with a splendid Pulpit Bible and Psalm-book, and not long previously with a beautiful Gown and Cassock, by his congregation.

DEATH OF THE REV. WILLIAM
ROBERTSON.

DIED, on Monday evening, June 1, 1846, at Blythe, in the eighty-third year of his age, and sixty-first of his ministry, the Rev. WILLIAM ROBERTSON, Presbyterian Minister. Mr. R. laboured long and zealously in this corner of his Master's vineyard, and we believe that, on the day of account, he will be found presenting himself and many spiritual sons and daughters, who have been brought to Christ through his instrumentality, before the Great White Throne, saying to "Him that sitteth thereon," "Behold, I and the children which thou hast given me."

Mr. R.'s disposition was eminently Evangelistic: he preached "the glorious Gospel" whereever an opening presented. Undeterred by distance, and unwearied by fatigue, he travelled far and near, telling to those who seldom heard it the wondrous story of the Redeemer's dying love. Nor was he less, assiduous in the discharge of his pastoral duties. He went from house to house, irrespective of the peculiar creed of the inmates, visiting the sick and pouring the balm of con

It will be gratifying to the worthy old man's friends and Christian acquaintances, to know, that the Master whom he loved so long, and for the extension of whose cause he laboured so faithfully, did not forget, nor forsake his servant, "when his need was the sorest," -even then, "his rod and his staff supported him." During the three days previous to his departure, he was peaceful and happy; he seemed to live in an atmosphere of devotion, and to breathe already of the balmy air of the garden of spices;-till at the time appointed for his release, "he entered heaven with prayer." "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace."

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' SOCIETIES,
AND ENGLISH PERSBYTERIAN MI-
NISTERS.

[The following we extract from our contemporary the Kelso Mail. We have not been able to ascertain whether its statements are correct, but perhaps some of our readers may be able to inform us whether any similar case has fallen within their observation. The matter ought to be investigated. Our clerical readers we trust will attend to the subject.]

but gave her to understand that she must expect nothing more from them. From the decision of the managers there is no appeal, and it would be futile to animadvert on it. It may be remarked, however, that, though Mr. Thomson might have known from the printed rules of the Society, now before us, his subscriptions would not certainly insure an annuity to his widow, he could not have known from them that the managers, by a law of their own, had excluded her from the possibility of obtaining any benefit from their fund. Henceforth, let Presbyterian ministers in England, connected with any of the Scotch Churches, be advised. If they can afford to contribute to a widows' fund, from which their own widows can receive no benefit, by all means let them contribute to that of the Society referred to, if they choose; but if they cannot, let them eschew it, as that of a Society whose name, at least in one instance, has proved a delusion and a snare.'"

SEATON-DELAVAL.

MANY of our readers may not be aware that the Presbyterian Church at Seaton-Delaval has been opened some weeks for public worship. The opening services were conducted by the Revs. E. Breakey, of Belfast, and J. M'Gowan, of the Free Church, Catrine. The district was opened as a preaching station, under the care of the Presbytery of Northumberland, in March, 1845. For the past twelve months, the congregation met for public worship in a school-house, still oocupied by the day-school in connexion with the congregation.

"INTERESTING TO PRESBYTERIAN MINIS- The church, built at the expense of 5501. TERS IN ENGLAND, IN CONNEXION WITH ANY (site gratis), contains five hundred sittingsOF THE CHURCHES IN SCOTLAND.-The late three hundred of which have been let since Rev. John Thomson, a venerable minister of the opening. The congregation is still inthe United Secession Church of Belford, died creasing. The Sabbath-school is in a prosfifteen months ago. He had been for more perous condition regularly superintended by than thirty years a subscriber to a Society in the minister, aided by a staff of zealous and London, originated A.D. 1733, designated "a regular teachers. A library is attached to the Society for the Relief of the Necessitous Wi- Sabbath-school, the books having been prindows and Children of Protestant Dissenting cipally gifts from Christian friends in EdinMinisters," and of which Mr. Henry Keene burgh and Glasgow. A beautiful commuSmithers is at present Secretary. Mr. T. had nion service was also presented to the conjoined this Society with a view to secure angregation by a few friends in Edinburgh. A annuity to his wife in case of her surviving considerable debt still lies against the conhim, and had duly paid his subscription up gregation, notwithstanding the efforts made to the time of his death. At his decease, to have the church opened free of debt. A application was made, in due form, for an school-house and manse have yet to be erected annuity to his widow. Some months after--the former an indispensable requisite to the wards she learned that her case had been congregation, and the latter a desirable appentaken into consideration by the managers, dage to a Presbyterian Church. Without and by them pronounced inadmissible.' The the school-house the day-school cannot prosRev. R. Redpath, M.A., of Wells-street Chapel, per, for the place in which it is at present London, was then requested to inquire why held is very inconveniently situated. her case had been pronounced inadmissible Seaton-Delaval congregation is the fruit of by the managers of the Society. This gentle- fifteen months' laborious exertions, in some man, having waited on the Secretary, was measure aided by the Home Mission Cominformed-1. That the Society is an actively mittee; and, by the blessing of the great charitable one.' 2. That no amount of sub- Head of the Church, will shortly be a prosscription can secure an annuity to the widow perous Church and permanent supporter of of a subscriber, the granting of annuities the schemes of our Presbyterian Zion. being left to the discretion of the managers. 3. That the managers act upon the principle of excluding from the benefit of their fund the widows of all ministers, who though they may have often settled in England, have been connected with any of the Scotch Churches. Through the exertions of the Rev. John Hunter, Belford, and his quondam fellowstudent, Mr. Redpath, the managers were induced, subsequently, to reconsider the case of Mrs. Thomson. At length they agreed to send, and did send, her a donation of 101., as her late husband had contributed "under a misapprehension of the nature of the Society,"

HAPPINESS.

The

MISTRUST happiness which proceeds from mere prosperity, or success in undertakings. That mind which depends on outward circumstances for enjoyment, is in as unhealthy a státe as a body which requires the stimulant of wine, or the soothing effects of opium.The delight arising from prosperity is intoxication; and, oh! how different from it is the "peace of God," which is the only source of true happiness."

RELIGIOUS DISPUTES.

THE man that is wise, he that is conducted by the Spirit of God, knows better in what Christ's kingdom doth consist, than to throw away his time and interest, his peace and safety, for what? for religion? no; for the body of religion ? not so much; for the garment of the body of religion? no, not for so much; but for the fringes of the garment of the body of religion;-for such, and no better, are many religious (or rather irreligious) disputes, things, or rather circum stances and manners of things, in which the soul and spirit are not at all concerned.Bp. Taylor on the Holy Spirit.

FOREIGN AND JEWISH MISSIONS.

To the Editor of the "English Presbyterian Messenger." 21, BERNERS-STREET, June 20, 1846.

DEAR SIR,-I have much pleasure in forwarding you the annexed statement of the offerings made by our people, in accordance with the appointment of Synod, and have little doubt but that the few blanks which now appear will be speedily made up, as from nearly all the communications I have had, I have reason to believe that our ministers and elders are now convinced of their duty, and will no longer hinder our people of their undoubted Christian privilege of having an opportunity of contributing, in however humble a way, to our various schemes. While truly thankful for this increased liberality, let me earnestly beseech our people to continue instant in prayer, that God would be pleased, in his own good time and way, to raise up, qualify, and send us men fully fitted for the great work of spreading abroad the Gospel of the grace of God to the Jews first and then to the Heathen.-I remain,

Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,

JAMES NISBET, Treasurer.

PRESBYTERY OF LANCASHIRE.

BOLTON, Rev. David Magill,

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, Rev. James Cleland,
LIVERPOOL, Rev. Jos. R. Welsh, M.A.,

........

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SPITTALL, Rev. William Whitehouse, LONGFRAMLINGTON, Rev. John Gillespie, SEATON DELAVAL, Rev. John McMurray, ALNWICK, Rev. John Thomson,

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struction, 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 entrusted to her guidance.

References kindly permitted to the Rev. J. H. Evans, Hampstead; and Rev. J. 3 0 0 | Hamilton, 7, Lansdowne-place, Brunswick

1 12 7

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7 1 ............ 100

HALTWHISTLE, Rev. James Stevenson,..........

PRESBYTERY OF BERWICK-UPON-TWEED. BELFORD, Rev. John Watson,

BERWICK, Rev. Alexander Murdoch,

ETAL, Rev. David Aitkin,
Lowick, Rev. Thomas D. Nicholson, ..........
TWEEDMOUTH, Rev. Robert M'Clelland,.
ANCROFT MOOR, Rev. William Ryder,
NoRHAM, Rev. George Kidd,....

NORTH SUNDERLAND, Rev. Donald Munro,

2 7 0

square.

The duties of the Establishment will recommence July 28th.

WAN

WANTED.-A TEACHER for a DAY SCHOOL, in one of the densely populated districts in England, where there is a good school-room, and where every assistance will be afforded towards promoting educational operations. The school will be placed under the Presbytery of the bounds, in connexion with the Presbyterian Church in England.

Printed particulars and forms of applica 4 10 0 |tion can be obtained by applying by letter, 176 post paid, to " A. B.," care of Mr. John Turner, bookseller and stationer, Temple-row, 116 4 Birmingham. Applications to be sent in, as directed, on or before 1st July, 1846.

1 2 0

In the above there is included several donations and

subscriptions, and also sums from Associations and Sabbathschool children, which will be particularly noticed in a future number.-J. N.

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OLIVER and BOYD'S STANDARD EDITION of the Four Vols., being the only English Edition, corrected and authenticate! by the Author. Large Type, with Autograph, post 8vo., cloth. Price of the whole, 14s.

Extensive Additions, not hitherto pub lished, have been made by Dr. Aubigné to this Edition, and in a new Preface written 0 | expressly for it, he says, " I have revised this translation line by line, and word by word: and I have restored the sense wherever I di not find it clearly rendered. It is the only one which I have corrected. I declare in consequence, that I acknowledge this translation as the only faithful expression of my £328 10 6 thoughts in the English language, and I recommend it as such to all my readers."

Manchester Juvenile Association, per George Barbour, Esq.

...........

Rev. A. Monro.................

500

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Of this tract, drawn up by one of the Ministers of the Presbytery of London, upwards of 15,000 copies are already in course of di tribution. It is recommended to be widely circulated by all the friends of our Church throughout England, as likely to extend and strengthen the Presbyterian cause.

Order through any Bookseller. Price 3s. 6d. per 100; 250 and upwards at the rate of 30s. per 1,000. ANY PROFITS FROM THE SALE WILL BE GIVEN TO THE HOME MISSION FUND. Francis Baisler, 124, Oxford-street.

Printed by ALEXANDER MACINTOSH, of No. 20, Great Nex street, Fetter-lane, London, and published by Ja MACINTOSH, of No. 47, Church-road, De Beaur square, in the parish of Hackney, at the Office, No. Exeter Hall, Strand, London, by whom communicate to the Editor (post-paid) and advertisements are th ceived. Wednesday, July 1, 1846.

MISS RICHARDS avails herself of this
Benity avail, sent off the

ISS RICHARDS avails herself of this Sold by HAMILTON, ADAMS, and Co., Paternoster-rowi

2 178 kind approbation which her plan of EDUCATION has elicited, and she trusts that by

1 11 6 pursuing the same course of systematic In

and JAMES NISBET and Co., 21, Berners-street.

PRICE-PER ANNUM,

Stamped (to go post-free).... Four Shillings. Advertisements received not later than the 20th of cars Unstamped ................ Three Shillings.

month.

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THE great thing in the Church is Christ,-the eternal deity of Christ, the blood of Christ, the Spirit of Christ, the presence of Christ among us. The great thing is Christ, but there is also advantage in a certain government of the Church. I am a Presbyterian, not only of situation, but of conviction and choice. Our Presbyterian way is the good middle way between Episcopalians on the one side, and Congregationalists on the other. We combine the two great principles that must be maintained in the Church-Order and Liberty: the order of government, and the liberty of the people. I believe that you, the Presbyterian Church, are fitted to meet the necessities of the English people. You have a mission in England, and that mission you must fulfil by the power and the Spirit of God.—MERLE D'AUBIGNE.

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WHAT OUGHT THE ALLIANCE TO DO?

Ir is recorded by Bishop Burnet, in his Memoirs, that Stoupe, Cromwell's private Secretary, told him of "a great design Cromwell had intended to begin his kingship with, if he had assumed it. He resolved to set up a Council for the Protestant Religion, in opposition to the Congregation de Propaganda Fide at Rome. He intended it should consist of seven Councillors and four Secretaries for different provinces of Christendom. The Secretaries were to keep correspondence every where, to know the state of religion all over the world, that so all good designs might by their means be protected and assisted. They were to have a fund of 10,000l. a year at their disposal, for ordinary emergencies, but to be further supplied as occasions should require it. Chelsea College was to be made up for them, which was then an old decayed building, that had at first been raised to be a College for writers of controversy. I thought it was not fit to let such a project as this be quite lost; it was certainly a noble one; but how far he would have pursued it must be left to conjecture."

A right noble project, indeed; and now, in God's providence, there is an opportunity afforded of its being carried into execution. To meet the organised efforts of the Church of Rome, was a prominent part of Cromwell's design; but far higher and wider ends were included in it. TO KEEP CORRESPONDENCE EVERY WHERE, TO KNOW THE STATE OF RELIGION ALL OVER THE WORLD, THAT SO ALL GOOD DESIGNS MIGHT BE PROTECTED AND ASSISTED is not this the very object and work of our Evangelical Alliance?

Great Bavington, Northumberland

What is our duty

It has already been resolved by the acting Committee, that a correspondence be opened and maintained with Christian brethren in different parts of the world. Let information be thereby procured on all matters bearing on the interests of the Church of Christ; the condition of heathen lands, where the light of the Gospel has never yet penetrated; the state of Infidelity, and the various forms it assumes, in different countries and under particular circumstances; the present position of the Church of Rome, of the Greek Church, and other corrupt and apostate forms of Christianity; the constitution and efforts of Jesuitism, and other anti-christian alliances; the extent and success of true missionary labours throughout the world; the amount of the existing means of Christian education; the facts relating to slavery, whether slavetrading or slave-holding; the facts relating to the observance of the Lord's Day; whatever, in short, concerns the state of religion all over the world-whatever belongs to the affairs of that kingdom which is not of this world, in its origin, its interests, its limits, nor its laws, but which the God of heaven hath set up, of which the Bible is the statute book, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the only King and Head.

Let this correspondence be conducted according to a well-arranged plan, and at regular periods; let the intelligence of each province of Christendom, or part of the world, be received, digested, and communicated by one responsible individual, acting as local Secretary; and let these reports be transmitted, say once a month, to head quarters, except where some special emergency may require direct or immediate communication. For example, let us have from Geneva, Berlin,

The Tongue-Command, Promise, Prayer

Calcutta, New York, Rome, Constantinople, and other central points of correspondence, regular reports transmitted—a summary of the state of Christian affairs in the province that may be assigned to each centre, with detailed information on points that seem desirable. There are already distinguished ministers and devoted missionaries in all the important stations, well qualified to commence at once the duties of this correspondence. And let there be men at home appointedmen with soul for this high enterprise, to prepare and arrange the intelligence for publication in some official and accredited organ of the Alliance.

As soon as this correspondence, and these public reports are commenced, Christendom may become the field of united action, and so all good designs all over the world may be protected and assisted. As matters now stand, there is no common channel of information, and where there is want of knowledge, there is, of course, want of sympathy, and want of aid. Facts of importance in their bearings on the Church of Christ, only reach us incidentally, through the columns of newspapers, or they are sent to the magazines of some particular Church, to be seen chiefly by the members of that denomination. But let us have a catholic record of events; and then no case of wrong or oppression-no struggle in an adverse position, for the cause of God and truth-no impediments to the progress of the Gospel-no movement of Popery, or any Anti-christian power-no opportunity of promoting good or resisting evil, but will be at once made known to all Christian men, so that with one mind and heart we may think and feel, and be prepared to act, whenever the glory of God and the good of man require

our energetic and united effort. Above all, this movement; let us call our Alliance | not be found to object on the ground of its we shall then have a common index of things" Catholic" in contradistinction to that arrotouching which we are to agree on earth to ask our Father in heaven; so that the effectual fervent prayer of the Church may be made unto God. (Acts xii. 5; Matt. xviii. 19.)

It is well that England should be the centre and head of the Alliance, because from thence the centralized knowledge and power can be most readily diffused throughout the Christian world. The College of the Propaganda, at Rome, has its polyglott printing establishment, and a vast agency for collecting and spreading its information and influence; and that with nothing of the power, or wealth, or ability which Protestants could at once command for organizing an antagonist and superior force. Our monthly or periodical Reports must be printed in many languages, and obtain a world-wide circulation.

From the very outset the most vigorous measures must be taken in regard to the moral and spiritual condition of England. Whether we look at the mere amount of the population, or the influence for good or evil, there are more important fields of work within a few square miles in many parts of our land than over whole regions in other parts of the world. While Popery and Infidelity are gaining ground at the centre, our efforts must be crippled everywhere else. To see to this at home is the first duty of every British Christian; not only from principle, but from policy, as strengthening our ground for other endeavours. The importance attached by Rome to this object may be seen by the prominence given to it in her arrangements for propagating the faith in partibus infidelium. In England and Scotland alone there are eleven apostolic vicariats; and we know the vast proportion, both of men and means, which in these later years has been set to bear on this fortress of heresy. To resist these efforts, and to strengthen the cause of Christ in the neglected parts of our own land, is one of the first objects to which the organized efforts of the alliance must be directed.

We may observe in passing, that we do not much like the name "Evangelical" Alliance. Evangelical is not a term to which the world has been so long and so much habituated as to other words more expressive. All history and all experience tells that much may depend on the influence and prestige of a name. The Church of Rome knew this, and in the use made of the words, the Christian Faith, the Catholic Church, the Society of Jesus, she has known how to turn a name to account. We do not see why names hallowed by Scripture use, and strong in historic association, should be left so much to the enemies of the things signified by them. We believe that the time is coming when the true Church shall be again Catholic, when party denominations shall no longer divide the Lord's own people, and when the name by which at Antioch they were first distinguished from the world shall be resumed by the disciples of Christ. Let us anticipate this time, and head

gant misnomer "Roman Catholic;" or rather
let us call it "THE CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE,"
because composed of men of different coun-
tries and different churches, voluntarily allied
together for promoting the cause of Christ,
their common Lord and Master.

We have heard much of the dangers and
difficulties of this Alliance. There is no dan
ger so much to be dreaded as a state of inac-
tion, there is no difficulty but what will be
removed by immediate and energetic action.
The worst danger which we see is from the
influence of worldly men, and the coming
among us of false brethren for selfish and in-
terested motives; but let no official appoint-
ment be made without cordial and general
approbation; and let our objects at once be
shewn to be of a religious and spiritual cha-
racter, and the men whose presence we depre-
cate, will find they are in an atmosphere
uncongenial and a place unsuited to them.
But by all means, whether to avoid difficulties,
or to further the ends of the Alliance, let us
commence action. What is the use of so much
talking and writing about the duty of loving
one another, which every Christian man ac-
knowledges? and why need more be said
about Christian union, the blessed privilege of
which every good man feels? Now, therefore,
let us perform the doing of it; that as there
was a readiness to will, so there may be a per-
formance also. In the days of the struggle
for Swiss independence, the confederates used
to meet together to exhibit their unity, and to
make vows of friendship: happy and auspi-
cious meetings no doubt these were; but the
first time they stood side by side in defence of
their common country, the first time they
marched together against a common enemy,
more was done to strengthen and cement their
union, than by all these peaceful and periodi-
cal meetings. Let us, too, in a nobler warfare,
with weapons not carnal, and in a cause more
sacred, have our union confirmed; and let our
love to the Captain of our salvation, and to
our fellow-soldiers of Christ be thus called
forth. Let us arise, and be doing, and the
Lord be with us.

touching on political questions. How indignantly Cromwell would have scorned any man who would have had him not send Blake to the Mediterranean, because the Papists of Warwickshire or Tipperary disapproved! or who would on grounds of diplomatic etiquette, have objected to his ordering Cardinal Mazarin to make the Duke of Burgundy cease persecuting the Vaudois! or what would Milton and the Protestant statesmen of that day have thought of the conscientiousness of those who would have declined Cromwell's grant of money for the Protestant Council? But whatever objection may be to the using of national power and resources for a righteous cause, there are none to the private and peaceful influences which the Alliance may bring to bear on public events.

One other practical measure remains to be noticed, on which much of the success of the whole design will rest. Besides the many committees and sub-committees requisite for managing the varied details of correspondence and business, there must be a General Council, composed of a few leading and influential men, to watch over and direct affairs. This Council, not legislative but executive, ought, through their secretaries, to receive and arrange the correspondence, and determine to what subjects prominence should be given; they ought to have a general authority entrusted to them, similar to the charge given to the magistrates of ancient Rome, to see ne quid detrimenti Respublica caperet. The congregation of the Propaganda, besides extraordinary sittings, meet now every fifteen days; and the sittings of our Council ought to be as frequent. And when any great emergency occurs, or any important design is to be entered on, this Council will convene an œcumenical Assembly, or Conference, of the Alliance.

We conclude by reminding our readers that the General Meeting is to be held in London, at Exeter Hall, on the 19th of August, and following days. Let the prayer of every believing heart ascend to God, that He may pour out of his Spirit on that assembly. Who knows but that the promise of the Holy Ghost, received of the Father by our exalted Saviour, may at that time be manifested, as when of old they were with one accord in one place; and the blessed result be seen in the power and success which shall attend all the future labours of the Church on earth.

There is one point not to be concealed, that although this Christian Alliance disclaims any political objects, it is impossible but that its influence must bear on civil questions, and on national affairs. That word "political" has a double meaning. So far as it is used to exNOTE. We find that Dr. Chalmers, in his press the relations of party, or the interest of any worldly cause, we have nothing to do treatise on the Alliance, published since the with it. But in the higher meaning of the above was written, also objects to the name word, that which relates to the government Evangelical. He says, "We should have liked and welfare of nations, if we believe that another title. There is a mighty imposition in We should godliness is profitable unto all things, for the words; there is magic in a name. life that now is, as well as that to come; if we have preferred 'Protestant Alliance."" The believe that righteousness exalteth a nation; reasons assigned by Dr. Chalmers are concluif we believe that the cause of Christ is the sive, as to the superiority of 'Protestant' over cause also of peace and liberty, of civilization Evangelical;' but, with all deference, we submit and progress, we must expect and seek to to him whether the word Protestant, by commake our influence felt in national and inter-mon usage and historic association, being national affairs. Let it be remembered, also, almost synonymous with Anti-Roman, thereby that there is no subject to which some may does not comprehend the opposition to other

evils, and the prosecution of other objects,
which the Alliance will embrace? It is from
the consideration that there is magic in a
name, and that this will be specially felt in
other lands than our own, we propose a posi-
tive rather than a negative designation. But
if not "CHRISTIAN," let us have "Protestant,"
rather than "Evangelical" Alliance.
We may add, that all the suggestions
offered in this paper are confirmed by the
venerated authority of Dr. Chalmers, who, in
his treatise insists strenuously on beginning
immediately to act, without the delay and
danger of deliberation as to precise doctrinal
terms of union. The two great points of ac-
tion which he recommends are, first, to take
instant measures of inquiry and defence
against the inroads of Popery, in all its forms;
and, secondly, to set about more actively the
evangelization and education of our home
population. The correspondence and efforts
of the Alliance ought, at all events, promi-
nently to bear on the state of religion in
England. But let our design be to embrace
the wider field, as expressed in Cromwell's
noble project-" to know the state of religion
all over the world."

I had the privilege to assist as an elder, | of his property. We trust that when he sees
which I had never done before in the open the foregoing narrative, written by one not
air, along with one of Mr. Wallace's elders unknown to his Grace, from whom, and
from Hawick Church, Mr. Handyside from
Edinburgh, two elders from Langholm, and from the other gentlemen named, authentic
their own Canobie elders. Every thing was
information can be derived, the Duke of
conducted with much order and solemnity. Buccleuch will not only grant sites, but have
Dr. Mackellar served the second table in his the generosity to build comfortable churches
usual impressive manner. The day up to this for these worthy people. If it be otherwise,
time had been fine, and even oppressively hot; there will yet be many a dark tale to unfold
but, while the third table was filling, it
became evident that we should have a storm, of aged men hastened to their grave, and
and I advised enlarging it so that all the re- irrecoverable disease fastened on the young,
maining communicants might sit down. This by their being exposed thus to worship
was done, and Mr. Smith of Half-Morton shelterless on the moors and hill sides of the
served it; but, before he closed, the thunder inclement climate of Scotland.
and lightning began, while a storm of hail and
torrents of rain poured down on us. All
remained firm; Mr. Innes went on with a
short address and prayer, and we sung,
amidst the awful convulsion of the elements,
part of the twenty-ninth Psalm, from verse
seventh.

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The blessing being pronounced, we all escaped to the various houses round, but most went to the tent which was found to REFUSAL OF SITES IN SCOTLAND keep out the water. The good people of the

-A COMMUNION SABBATH
CANOBIE, JULY 5, 1846.

AT

MR. Fox Maule's Bill for procuring sites for Churches and Schools in Scotland, which was before Parliament, has been withdrawn. During the debate every speaker, with the exception of Sir Robert Inglis, expressed sympathy for the oppressed and persecuted people; and not a shadow of argument was offered in justification of the conduct of the proprietors who still refuse sites. It was the general feeling, however, in the House that there would not be need for legislative enactment, but that the favourable termination of this matter would be brought about by the influence of public opinion. How can public opinion better be informed and moved than by the publication of the following simple but striking narrative of a scene that has occurred even since that debate? We hope that this statement may be copied into many journals, so that wide publicity may be given to it, and those who know the writer of the letter, will give additional weight to his testimony as an eyewitness of the present state of affairs in

Scotland.

were

little cottage to which we fled gave us a most
hearty welcome. In the evening, amidst a
continued torrent of rain, with thunder and
lightning, we proceeded to the tent, where we
expected to meet but few, but we
amazed to find it quite full, holding, as it does,
600 persons. Dr. Mackellar preached with
not easily to be forgotten.
much animation, and the whole was a scene
time to draw inferences; only I could not
help wishing that the Duke had been exposed
for a little to the pitiless storm, and who
knows but his heart would have given way,
and no longer cause such suffering to these
Christian people."

I have not

Honour, we say, to these brave men who are thus witnessing for the rights of conscience! The blessing of God be upon these good men who are suffering for Christ's sake! Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Shame be upon those who compel a noble-minded and generous people to worship God, and to celebrate the holy ordinance of the Lord's Supper in the open air, thus exposed to storms and every discomfort! Apart from the guilt of offending Christ's disciples, against which heavy woes are denounced, how absurd to think that men whose hearts are warmed with the blood of their Covenanting forefathers, among whose

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MR. NISBET, rugged hills and lonely moors are every where

Since the above was written an account of this scene has appeared in the Border Watch newspaper, from which we subjoin the following extract:

"In such circumstances did the Free Church of Canobie keep the last command of their loving Saviour. Amid thunder and lightning, and wind, and rain, and hail, they sat at their homely tables, and partook of bread and wine in remembrance of Him. The concluding address was summed up in a few words, and after prayer and singing praise to Him who rules the storm, about half-past three o'clock the congregation was dismissed. In the evening the tent in the old gravel pit at the side of the road was filled with worshippers. An admirable and most seasonable

sermon from 1 Peter i. and 17, was then
delivered by Dr. Mackellar; and though he
might surely have been excused, if not fully
justified, in reproving that obstinacy which
celebrate their communion unsheltered in the
had driven a Christian congregation to
midst of a thunder storm, all the lessons he
enforced, and all his prayers, and all that was
said or done in the course of that solemn and
to excite only feelings of love and forbearance,
memorable day, were intended and well fitted
humility and circumspection, and patient en-
durance, in the minds of the suffering and
much wronged worshippers. Had the Duke
of Buccleuch himself been there, and heard
with his own ears what was said, and seen
with his own eyes what was done,--could the
simple story of that communion day but reach
his mind without admixture and pollution,-
a thousand false conceptions would flee away,
contempt and opposition would give place to
prayer of that patient little flock would
respect and friendship, and the humble
receive an instant and a liberal answer."

POPERY IN AMERICA-CANADIAN

MISSION.

We invite the attention of our readers to the present religious movements in Canada, especially in connexion with the labours of the French Canadian Missionary Society. There is not a place in the world where the conflict to be seen the tombs of the martyrs, to think between truth and error, between Christ and that these men will be driven from their faith Antichrist, presents more interesting features, in Christ and their attachment to the Church and may be followed by more important reof their fathers by the petty and ungenerous sults. There is, besides, a great responsipersecutions to which they are now exposed!bility upon British Churches in relation to It is a blunder, as well as a crime, to attempt it.

BERNERS-STREET, LONDON. "Hawick, July 6, 1846. "Yesterday was a memorable day,-I had the privilege of worshipping with our friends at Canobie. About 600 or 700 assembled in a beautiful meadow by a burn side, where a pulpit was fixed, like an old watch-box; a small table was placed in front for the communion elements, and two long boards, With regard to the Duke of Buccleuch, it covered with linen, with rough forms on each is right to add, that we believe his refusal of side, served as tables for the communicants. The two tables held about fifty-six. Mr. Innes, sites hitherto has been the result of the disthe minister, presided, and preached, and torted and interested statements of stewards fenced the tables, in a most excellent manner. and factors and others on these remote parts

the French Canadians. In taking these from under Roman Catholic France, and giving them over to Protestant England, God evidently intended to bring them under Gospel influences. Yet it was seventy-five years after the conquest before the first effort worthy the name was made to send them the Gospel,

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