to give a call to a minister, and requested that the Presbytery would be pleased to appoint a day for moderating in said call. The Presbytery agreed to comply with this request, and appointed a day accordingly. Mr. Chalmers or Mr. Nicolson to preach and preside. Mr. Cousin was also appointed to serve the edict from the pulpit at Birmingham on Sabbath the 15th Nov., after Divine service in the forenoon. The Clerk reported that, in accordance with their instructions, Mr. Nicolson and he had examined Mr. D. M'Callum Stewart, and that they were satisfied with the progress which he had made in his studies. Notice was given that, at next meeting of Presbytery, Mr. Nicolson would bring forward a motion on the subject of communion rolls in the different churches. Mr. Virtue reported that during the quarter ending 30th September last, the contributions of the Regent-square Congregational Assocition in aid of the Schemes of the Church had amounted to the sum of 76l. 11s. 7d. Mr. Virtue also gave notice that, at next meeting of Presbytery, he would bring forward a motion on the subject of the persecutions at Madeira. A Memorial from the Managing Committee of the Congregation presently worshipping at York-street, Westminster, was produced and read. On the motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Nisbet, it was agreed that this Memorial should lie on the table till next Meeting of Presbytery. The following were appointed a Committee to inquire into the desirableness of the site which the memorialists had selected, and to report to next Meeting of Presbytery, viz. :-the Moderator, with Messrs. Chalmers, Gibson, and Macaulay. The Moderator to be Convener. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at 16, Exeter Hall, on the second Tuesday of December, at three o'clock, p. m. Mr. M'Caw accepted the call which he had received from Trinity Church, Manchester. The usual subjects of trial were then prescribed for him. The Report of the deputation appointed to visit the Congregational Church in Staffordshire was then called for. Mr. Fergusson reported verbally to the effect, that Mr. Gardner and he had visited the church, and explained at considerable length the principles of Presbyterianism to the congregation, who listened with intense interest to the statements of the deputation; that the congregation appeared to be in a healthy, thriving, and harmonious condition; that there were connected with it an infant-school, and a flourishing and very numerously attended Sabbath-school. The Report was received, and the diligence of Messrs. Fergusson and Gardner were approved of; and a Committee of Correspondence with the congregation was appointed. A Committee was appointed to provide supplies for St. Peter's congregation, Liverpool. parties in the suit" Attorney-General v. Wilson," to appear to-morrow before the acting Commissioner appointed by the High Court of Chancery, and to bring with him and produce the minute book or books of the Presbytery. The Presbytery, after deliberation, agreed that the Clerk be empowered to produce the said book or books; at the same time that he be directed to avail himself of the advice and assistance of a solicitor.Adjourned. Nov. 4.-The Presbytery held its ordinary Monthly Meeting at Manchester, this day; the Rev. Robert Cowe, Moderator, in the chair. Mr. Gardner delivered the usual address. Mr. Magill was elected Moderator for the next six months. The Rev. Alex. Findlay, of the Free Church of Scotland; Messrs. Magill, of Dundrod, and M'Clure, of Londonderry, both of the Irish Presbyterian Church; and Mr. Berry, of the London Presbytery, being present, were requested to sit as members of Court. The Rev. Mr. Findlay and Mr. Bate appeared as a deputation from the Independent congregation worshipping in Brunswick Chapel, Shelton, Staffordshire, and laid upon the table of the Presbytery two Memorials; the one from the communicants of said congregation, praying to be admitted as members of the English Presbyterian Church; the other from seat-holders and others, concurring with the prayer of the aforesaid Memorial, and pledging themselves to support the various ordinances connected with the chapel, and, moreover, to contribute to the due support of an able and suitable permanent pastor. The remit of the Commission of Synod having been read in the case of Mr. James Radcliffe, lately an Independent minister in Manchester, authorizing the Presbytery to receive him as a minister of the Presbyterian Church, the Presbytery resolved accordingly, and instructed the Clerk to send to Mr. Radcliffe an extract minute of their deliverance. Mr. Fergusson's reasons of dissent and complaint against a finding of the Presbytery, at its Meeting on the 4th inst., in the case of Mr. J. J. Dunlop, being lodged in due time, were read, and Messrs. Munro and Forster appointed a Committee to answer the same. The Presbytery appointed the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to be dispensed at Hanley, on Sabbath the 22d inst.; Mr. Fergusson to conduct the services, and they further appointed the Communion to be dis pensed in St. Peter's, Liverpool, and requested the Rev. Messrs. Brydone, who was present, along with the Rev. Mr. Hastie, of Kirkpatrick-Fleming, to conduct the solemnities. The Reports of several Committees, as well as the consideration of the yacancy at Wigan, were deferred until the meeting of Presbytery in December. Then after the Presbytery proceeded with the examination of Mr. M'Caw, who had delivered all his trial discourses at last Meeting, and he having been examined on Hebrew, Greek, Church history, and theology, the Presbytery unanimously and most cordially sustained his trials in all the parts thereof— the oldest member present stating, that he had not witnessed an examination in all respects so satisfactory since he had entered the Presbytery; and it was resolved, that the Presbytery should meet in Manchester, on the 2d of December, to ordain Mr. M'Caw to the ministry in Trinity Presbyterian Church, in that town. The deputation being heard in support of these Memorials, it was unanimously agreed, "That the Memorial from the Communicants be received; that the Presbytery rejoice in welcoming the congregation into the fellowship of the English Presbyterian Church; and the Presbytery now resolve to receive the said congregation into fellowship and into the oversight of the Presbytery; and they hereby resolve to use every means for the regular supply of ordinances to the congregation." The Presbytery further receive the Mr. Gardner gave notice of a Motion exMemorial from the seat holders, communicat-pressive of the Presbytery's approval of the ing their approval of the steps which the conduct of the Directors of the Edinburgh communicants are taking in making applica- and Glasgow Railway Company, in discontion to the Presbyterian Church in England; tinuing their mail trains; and the Presbytery and the Presbytery further agree to receive thereafter adjourned to meet in the evening under their fostering care the congregation in Carpenter's Hall, Bond-street, at half-past assembling in Brunswick Chapel, and desirous six o'clock. of securing a Presbyterian minister. In accordance with the prayer of a Memorial from St. Peter's congregation, Liverpool, the Presbytery fixed Thursday, the 19th inst. for the moderation of a call from that congregation in favour of a pastor. Mr. J. R. Welsh to preach and preside. The deputation appointed to visit Wigan, and ascertain the state of the Presbyterian Church there, gave in a verbal report, which was received, and the consideration of it was deferred till next Meeting. The consideration of the plan matured by the Committee, appointed by the Commission of Synod at its Meeting on the 9th of October last, for visiting the different PresThe Moderator and Mr. Munro were ap-byteries of the Church with the view of pointed a deputation to visit Wigan, and promoting its schemes, was deferred till next inquire into the state of the Church there, Meeting. vacant by the translation of the Rev. S. Cathcart to Harbottle, in the Presbytery of Northumberland. The Clerk informed the Presbytery that he had been subpoenaed at the instance of the Mr. M'Caw appeared and underwent his trials, with a view to his ordination to the pastoral charge of Trinity Church, Manchester.-Adjourned. Nov. 19. The Presbytery met again this The Presbytery met according to adjournment; present, Rev. J. R. Welsh, D.Fergusson, Wm. Forster, with the Rev. Mr. Brydone, of Dunscore. After sermon by Mr. Welsh, the Presbytery proceeded to moderate in a call to the Rev. Walter Smith, of Halfmorton, to be minister of St. Peter's, Liverpool. The call being read, was signed by the communicants present, amounting to nearly fifty--and a considerable number of sitters adhered to the call. The call was sustained; and Messrs. Welsh and Forster appointed to draw up reasons of translation, and Mr. Welsh appointed to prosecute the translation before the Free Presbytery of Lockerby. The Presbytery adjourned to meet in Trinity Church Manchester on the 2d of December, at eleven o'clock forenoon. PRESBYTERY OF CUMBERLAND. THIS Presbytery met at Maryport, on the 3d November. In the absence of the Moderator, Dr. Brown was appointed to take the chair as Moderator, pro tempore. The Presbytery ordered that those congregations that have not yet reported to the Local Committee regarding their exertions in raising funds in behalf of the Schemes of the Church should do so forthwith. It was arranged that in future, the stated Meetings of Presbytery be held on the second Tuesdays of January, April, July, and October, in order to suit the convenience of the Home Mission Committee, in its arrangements regarding the Supplemental Fund. Dr. Brown laid before the Presbytery a schedule from the School Committee, to the queries of which he had appended answers. This having been read, was ordered to be attested by the Moderator and Clerk; and the case of Dr. Brown's school was strongly recommended to the favourable notice of the Committee. The attention of the Presbytery was next directed to the case of those ministers who had applied for aid from the Supplemental Fund. It was found, that, owing to the poverty of their congregations, these ministers were placed in very distressing circumstances. It was moved and seconded, that a Presbyterial letter to the Home Mission Committee be drawn up, stating the circumstances of these congregations, and earnestly recommending them for aid from the Supplemental Fund. This Motion was unanimously agreed to, and Messrs. Burns and Harvey were nominated to draw up this letter. The next Meeting of Presbytery was appointed to be held in Maryport, on the second Tuesday of January. [IN last number we stated, in regard to the election of Moderator in this Presbytery, that the majority of the members supported the Motion of the late Moderator, as to the appointment of his successor; whereas it appears that another brother than the one nominated was chosen.] Ecclesiastical Notices. RIVER TERRACE CHURCH, ISLINGTON. THE Second Anniversary of the Rev. Josias Wilson's settlement in the Presbyterian Church, River Terrace, Islington, took place on Sabbath, the 25th October. Our Rev. brother preached at both the morning and evening services to crowded congregations; especially in the evening, many having been unable to gain admission. From tabular statements furnished by the Kirk Session on the occasion, it appears that the Lord has greatly prospered the labours of Mr. Wilson during the past two years. There were, at the commencement of his pastorate, about seventy communicants; now there are about 340-and about 430 families are now connected with the congregation. The Sabbath-school has sprung up from about sixty scholars, to nearly 250. The pecuniary receipts during the same period have reached the noble sum of 3,3747. 128. 2d.; and with the value of work made by the Ladies' Missionary Association, to 3,5747. 128. 2d. With the exception of about 807., this sum has been raised among the members of the congregation, for all focal and general objects. In this sum are included contributions toward a Benevolent Fund for the poor, the Sundayschool, the Home Mission, the College, School Scheme, London City Mission, India Mission of the Free Church, Irish Presbyterian Mission in Bandon, British Mission to the Jews, London Missionary Society, Scottish Missionary Society, Paris Evangelical Society, Evangelical Alliance, &c. During the third year, on which they have so auspiciously entered, the congregation intend JOHN KNOX CHURCH, STEPNEY. to establish a congregational library, a week- | of Mr. Stevenson, the manager of the Jarrow TRINITY CHURCH, MANCHESTER. TRINITY Presbyterian Church here is to BIRMINGHAM. ACCORDING to appointment of the Presbytery HANLEY. THE Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was BRANTON, NORTHUMBERLAND. THE following sums have been collected at For the College SOUTH SHIELDS. 00 £400 600 THE new preaching station here, in con- DAY OF THANKSGIVING AND HUMILIATION, THURSDAY, the 5th ult., was HIGH BRIDGE CHURCH, NEWCASTLE. A MEETING of the congregation of the High Bridge Presbyterian Church took place on Tuesday, the 17th November; the Rev. J. L. Porter, M.A., pastor of the church, presided. In the course of the proceedings, it was unanimously agreed, "That, in consequence of the annoying state of the entrance to the church, that being deemed a decided barrier in the way of the prosperity of the congregation, a subscription be entered into for the erection of a more eligible and commodious place of worship." It will be remembered, that, after a long-protracted vacancy, in which they had many difficulties to contend with, this congre gation at length secured the services of a talented and faithful minister of the Gospelone whose talents and abilities is eminently fitted to strengthen the cause of Presbyterianism in Newcastle; but owing to the peculiar situation in which the church is placed, (it the entrance being through a public-house,) being entirely obscured from public view, and it is obvious that the congregation cannot, in their present position, prosper to any very great extent. It is hoped, therefore, that every well-wisher of Presbyterianism will intended to be made to procure a more concome forward and assist them in the effort venient place of worship. Subscriptions will be thankfully received, in Newcastle, by Mr. John Fraser Gemmel, Secretary, Percy-street John Scott, Treasurer, Grey-street; Mr. Academy; and by the Rev. J. L. Porter, 47, Leazes-terrace; or in London, by Mr. J. P. Brown, 16, Exeter Hall. CHRIST'S LOVE.-It is a peculiar kind of expression where the apostle prays that they might "know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge." We may know that experimentally which we cannot know comprehensively; we may know that in its power and effects which we cannot comprehend in its nature and depths. A weary person may receive refreshment from a spring, who cannot fathom the depth of the ocean from whence it proceeds.-Dr. Owen. CRITERION.-When thou gettest no comfort in hearing, nor ease to thy spirit in praying, and yet growest more eager to hear, and art more frequent in prayer; oh, soul, great are thy faith and patience.-Venn. TRINITY CHURCH, NEWCASTLE. Presbyterians, the Established Church, the Wesleyans, or by any other Evangelical denomination, the great ground of Infidelity will be occupied here, until Newcastle shall be as renowned for the religion of her people as she is for their industry in the arts. For the honour you have done me on this occasion I again thank you; I thank the Worshipful the Mayor for his presence, and I take this early opportunity of congratulating the city the accession of such a gentleman to office. (Loud applause.) ON Tuesday morning, Nov. 10th, a public breakfast was held at the Queen's Head Inn, Newcastle, to receive the Right Hon. Fox Maule, M.P., Secretary at War, who had arrived on a visit for the purpose of laying the foundation stone of a new Presbyterian Church. About 100 gentlemen sat down. The Rev. W. Blackwood, minister of the congregation for whose accommodation the build-upon ing is to be erected, occupied the chair, supported by Mr. Fox Maule, the Right Worshipful the Mayor, the Sheriff, Sir John Fife, and several members of the municipal body. The Rev. Dr. Patterson, of Sunderland, said grace, and the Rev. Mr. Anderson, of Morpeth, returned thanks.-At the conclusion of the repast, The CHAIRMAN expressed the pleasure which the Meeting gave to himself and his congregation, affording as it did evidence of the kindness and brotherly feeling of members of every Evangelical denomination in the town. He also expressed the gratification he had in the presence of Mr. Fox Maule, who occupied a high place in the estimation of Presbyterians, from the services he had rendered to their cause, especially in connexion with the Free Church of Scotland. The Right Hon. Fox MAULE, on rising, was received with loud applause. He said, Believe me I feel most deeply the very kind manner in which you have been pleased to acknowledge my presence on this occasion, and I feel it the more, as I see present some of the most distinguished men in this city. I have come here for the purpose of taking part in a ceremony which I thought would have been confined, as those things generally are, to the members of the congregation for whose benefit this church is to be erected, but I assure you it is with feelings of the greatest delight that I see at this table, and, I believe, about to take part in these ceremonies, not only Christians, but Christian clergymen of alí denominations. This is as it should be. This is as we all wish it to be. This is indeed brethren We may dwelling together in unity. And it is delightful to me to find that in this great city, where there must be ample field for all denominations to work, that they unite in such brotherly love and harmony together, to take part together, as they now do, in doing honour to their Great Master, when a temple is about to be erected in which His people shall worship. The Chairman has been pleased to make far too flattering mention of my name in connexion with the late struggle which has taken place on the score of religious opinion in my own country. That struggle is a matter too well known, I believe, to the world at large for me to say much at present to so enlightened a company as this; but I assure you that there more than to is no merit attached to me the humblest individual Presbyterian in my country-not near so much as attaches to the most humble minister there, who gave up his manse and home, and cast his family upon the wide world, for the sake of those religious principles which he refused to sacrifice. differ in doctrine from many here present--we may differ so widely that we may not find a space of common ground in doctrine to stand upon -but I must say that, throughout the whole country, I never yet met any one, however different in doctrine, who did not honour the stand which was made by the ministers of my Church for the principles to which they were attached. In fighting that battle, as coinciding with them, I have done no more than that which was my duty as a man and a Scotchman; and if I glory in the success with which it has pleased Providence to bless the efforts of the Free Church, I beg that you will distinctly understand that I glory not in the position to which we may have been raised in reference to our fellow-men, but I glory in the usefulness which we are enabled to exert in favour of that religion which, we believe, embodies the truth as it is in Jesus. And I know of no time more necessary than the present, when every person who has the cause of Protestantism sincerely at heart-be it much he can do, or be it little he can do-should exert himself in doing his best in the cause of Protestant truth, when we see the oracles of God himself likely to be made subservient to the traditions of men, and error permitted to fight a stout, but, I trust, a vain battle with the truth. I earnestly trust that this Church, the foundation-stone of which we are to lay this day, may be the forerunner of many other churches which shall hereafter be erected as monuments of truth in Newcastle; that, ere long, whether by the The CHAIRMAN then tendered thanks to the Mayor and Sheriff for honouring the Meeting by their presence. The MAYOR (who was received with much applause) acknowledged the compliment, observing that it gave him great pleasure to see Mr. Fox Maule present, and that he was sure the corporation of Newcastle would do everything in their power to forward the good work which had drawn them together. The CHAIRMAN again alluded to the good feeling shown by gentlemen of various denominations in being present, remarking that it afforded a specimen of an Evangelical Alliance in Newcastle. The Rev. Mr. WIGHT, Curate of St. John's, responded to the remarks of the Chairman. He (Mr. Wight) thought it was a delightful scene to witness Christians of different denominations assembling together to promote, not their own particular interests, but, more especially, the interests of their God and the interests of immortal souls. It was well when they could lose sight of their minor and petty distinctions, and merge them in the grand object which should influence every Christian breast-that of carrying forward the everlasting Gospel. Certainly, now was the time when all Protestants-those who loved sound, scriptural, Bible truth-should lay aside their petty distinctions, and unite together to oppose the inroads of the enemy in the shape of Infidelity and Popery. As an Episcopalian, he loved his Church. He did not say that she was perfect. There was no human institution that was infallible; but with all her faults, he "loved her still." He could imagine Christians of other denominations entertaining the same views in reference to their particular Churches ; and he therefore cordially concurred in the wish that the present occasion might tend to cement that brotherly and Christian union which ought to subsist between those who have one common Lord and one common salvation. Mr. R. ROBINSON (Scotch Secession) echoed these sentiments. Mr. RALPH WILSON (Wesleyan) did the same. He assured them that the Wesleyans cordially sympathized with the feelings which had been expressed, and rejoiced at the prospect of an additional Church being erected for the spread of Evangelical truth; while they were not less interested in the success of the Free Church generally. He trusted that the municipal authorities would often countenance by their presence such occasions as that which now called them together. The Rev. Mr. JACK, (Congregationalist,) North Shields, and the Rev. Mr. BLAIKIE of the Free Church, Edinburgh, also addressed the Meeting. At half-past cleven, Mr. Fox MAULE, with the Mayor, Sheriff, and a large body of Presbyterian clergymen and other gentlemen, left the Queen's Head, and proceeded to lay the foundation-stone of Trinity Presbyterian Church. The site of the intended edifice is on the north side of New Bridge-street, a little to the west of the Weaver's Tower. In the capacious enclosure was a large body of spectators. The proceedings were commenced by singing four verses of the 80th Psalm. The Rev. Mr. PORTER, of the High Bridge Church, read the 72d Psalm, and the Rev. J. G. DUNCAN, of North Shields, offered up proyer. The Rev. W. BLACKWOOD then explained the circumstances in which the new church had originated. The Rev. Gentleman proceeded to show that while the population of the town was estimated at 76,000, only 23,000 at present could be accommodated with places of worship, provided all were filled. They had that astonishing fact brought before the Presbytery of Newcastle; and as it was equally well known and deplored that the desecration of the Sabbath prevailed to a great extent among the population, besides other vices and crimes usually found in large towns; and as the Presbytery were aware that many persons from Scotland and the north of Ireland professing their doctrines were, with their families, destitute of the ordinances of religion, they conceived it their duty to institute a new church in this town, and over that church he had been called upon to preside. His congregation had succeeded in obtaining the site on which they were assembled to erect their church. They also commenced a subscription to defray the expenses of its erection, and he was enabled to say that his people had exhibited a degree of liberality which had even exceeded his most sanguine expectation. It was also extremely gratifying to know that many brethren of other denominations looked upon the movement with extreme regard and sympathy, and had given it their support. The Rev. Gentle man after a few more explanatory observations, concluded by tendering the thanks of the Com mittee to the Right Hon. Gentleman who had conferred great honour upon them by being present to take part in the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone that day. Mr. SHAND, Secretary to the Building Committee, deposited in a cavity in the stone a bottle containing a list of the subscribers to the church, and of the names immediately associated with that day's proceedings, a copy of the model deed, a history of the congregation, and various documents connected therewith, and several coins of the realm. This done, the Rev. W. BLACKWOOD briefly invoked the Divine blessing on the work. Mr. Fox MAULE applied the lead and mallet, The stone being then lowered and adjusted, and immediately afterwards mounted the stone and addressed the assembled people. He said, We have now completed one of the most interesting works at which it was ever my good fortune to assist; for whilst I came here under the impression that I was to be called upon by the congregation of a sister Church to my own, to do for them what it has been my good fortune to do for many new churches belonging to the Free Church of Scotland, I was most agreeably surprised-nay, delighted beyond measure-to find associated in this good work clergymen and Christians of all denominations. And I may say, that a work commenced with so much Christian love, in so much Christian harmony, cannot fail to receive the blessing of the Head of the Church. We have been told that this is an age of Gospel light and of Gospel liberty. Thank God, it is an age in which every man may hold his own religious opinions without any questioning his authority so to do. In this age there has taken place in my country a movement which will be recorded in all history as, perhaps, one of the most important live. Three years ago, for conscience sake, 400 events of the not unimportant period in which we ministers of the Established Church of Scotland left its communion, gave up property to the value of upwards of two millions of money, purely and simply for conscience sake. The result of that movement was, that their congregations, to the extent of one half of those that belonged to the Establishment, followed them, and the effect it has had upon the character of the country is this, that to the churches which then existed we have added 600 new temples, in which I trust the name of God is honoured, and the authority of his Son obeyed. That created a corresponding movement in England; and, springing out of the same influence, we have now existing in England a body of Presbyterians, not in connexion with the Free Church, but in brotherhood and sympathy with the Free Church, and standing upon their own independent and free basis. It is termed the Presbyterian Church in England, and at all times (and I speak in the name of those belonging to the Free Church of Scotland) it will be to us the greatest satisfaction and pleasure to hold out to them the hand of fellowship and brotherhood; and not only to them, but to all those who hold the truth as it is in Jesus-the truth of the Bible in opposition to the tradition of men. In this great city I am delighted to think that upon such an occasion as this you are now assembled together, and I trust that other opportunities similar to the present will not be slow in occurring. I am quite aware that there is great need for religious instruction in this town; and though philosophers may scoff at those who follow and tread in the paths of religion, there is not one of them who ever meddled with matters of rule himself the veriest atheist who ever held the situation of a civil magistrate-who has not been compelled to admit that where religion is most obeyed crime is least known, and where the service of God has been most honoured the service of Satan has been equally dishonoured and denied. I hope that this may be the beginning of a new era dawning on this town, and while we sce stately ships with their masts towering to the skies, and while we see its Institutions for the benefit of its enlightened citizens, we may also see rising in its streets and by its river-side temples in which its citizens shall worship God on the Sabbath, and learn to honour Him in all things on the rest of the days of the week. One word more before I close, and it is, that I rejoice in having this opportunity of justifying before an enlightened portion of my English friends the character of that Church to which I belong in Scotland. Our movement, many will recollect, was termed one of a revolutionary character, tending to bring the law of the country into contempt, and to set the administrators of the law at defiance. I beg distinctly to give this charge a public contradiction. If you will trace the lessons taught in the Presbyterian Church from the time of its commencement to the present day, after, and immediately after, the obedience which is enjoined to the great Head of the Church, obedience is also enjoined to those who are placed in authority over us on earth; and I will venture to say that the Queen of these realms has no more loyal subjects than those who hold that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, and that none are more ready to obey the commands of the civil magistrate in spiritual things the Author and magistrate than those who recognize as the chief source of our faith. I thank the Committee very much for the honour they have done me in selecting me to lay this foundation-stone. I trust I have laid the foundation-stone of a church in which lessons of peace will be taught from its pulpit, and lessons of peace conveyed after its sermons are be schools-schools for the benefit of the rising generation, in which the young may be taught to honour their Creator in the days of their youth, ere the evil days come upon them. I trust that those schools will be devoid of sectarianism in their character. I trust they will be open to all who choose to enter within their walls; that we may know no test for a man teaching there save the test that that he knows the truth as it is in Jesus. I trust, upon this subject of education, that we may ere long see the Government of this country directing their attention to a great and national step. It is a difficult subject to deal with, and one which involves many delicate considerations. But there is one way whereby it may be made easy, and that is by all-by every man in this country-combining to give support to that plan which contains within itself the greatest liberty to the subject, combined with the greatest honour to God. Permit me to thank you for the kindness with which you have listened to my address. I regret very much that it is not within my power to remain to meet the Committee and their friends this evening; but I do hope that concluded. Attached to this church are also to upon this building, and upon those who shall very shortly inhabit it, the blessing of Almighty God will rest now and throughout ages. (Applause.) The Rev. Mr. Blackwood then pronounced the blessing, and the company separated. In the evening a large and influential Meeting was held at the Music Hall, when addresses were delivered by the Revds. Messrs. Duncan, of Shields, Anderson, of Morpeth, Blaikie, of Edinburgh, and other gentlemen. The church and schools, which are to occupy a commanding site, and to form a most handsome building, will cost about 3,5007., upwards of 2,000. of which is already subscribed." THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN.-Your hearts are as fallow ground. Ye cannot pluck up your thorns, they must be ploughed up. It is a token of the strength of sin, the soul is at a low ebb, when trouble for sin is gone, and war has made its peace again. Some men's troubles do not kill sin, but only break some bone of it, which, when healed again, is stronger than before. Therefore, when thou hast gotten a nail fastened in the temples of the old man, or into the heart of the body of death, drive it to the head. When the Spirit brings home any word, and smites sin, follow home the blow, and endeavour to maintain the warmness of that word, and the power of it upon the spirit, till thy soul be drenched with tears of contrition, till thy heart be melted, and the dross go away.-Carmichael. DEAD IN SIN.-Great was the cry in Egypt, when the first-born in each family was dead: but are there not many families where all are dead together?-Boston. Letters to the Editor. THE POPE'S HIGH MASS AT ST. PETER'S. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. SIR,-I liked very much the article upon the "No Popery Cry," in your last number. I now place at your disposal, in whole or in part, the accompanying extract, giving an account of one of their "great doings" at Rome. I think the comparison of the "Man of I observe that Dr. Hook, of Leeds, has for no 16th November, 1846. A. G. (From Dickens's "Pictures from Italy.") tions; other functionaries in black gowns, and other functionaries in court dresses, were similarly engaged. In the midst of all these, and stealthy Jesuits creeping in and out, and the extreme restlessness of the youth of England, who were perpetually wandering about, some few steady persons in black cassocks, who had knelt down with their faces to the wall, and were poring over their missals, became unintentionally a sort of human man-traps, and with their own devout legs tripped up other people's by the dozen. There was a great pile of candles lying down on the floor near me, which a very old man in a rusty black gown with an open-work tippet, like a summer ornament for a fire-place in tissue-paper, made himself very busy in dispensing to all the ecclesiastics one a-piece. They loitered about with these for some time under their arms like walking-sticks, or in their hands like truncheons. At a certain period of the ceremony, however, each carried his candle up to the Pope, laid it across his two knees to be blessed, took it back again, and filed off. This was done in a very attenuated procession, as you through, but because there were so many candles may suppose, and occupied a long time. Not because it takes long to bless a candle through and to be blessed. At last they were all blessed, and then they were all lighted, and then the Pope was taken up, chair and all, and carried round the church. November, so like the popular English commemoI must say that never saw anything, out of ration of the fifth of that month. A bundle of matches and a lantern would have made it perfect. Nor did the Pope himself at all mar the resemblance, though he has a pleasant and venerable face; for, as this part of the ceremony makes him giddy and sick, he shuts his eyes when it is performed; and having his eyes shut, and a great mitre on his head, and the head itself wagging to and fro as they shook him in carrying, he looked as if his mask were going to tumble off. The two immense fans which are always borne, one on blessed the people with the mystic sign; and as either side of him, accompanied him, of course, on this occasion. As they carried him along, he he passed them they kneeled down. When he had made the round of the church, he was brought back again; and, if I am not mistaken, this performance was repeated, on the whole, three times. There was certainly nothing solemn or effective in it, and certainly very much that was droll and tawdry. But this remark applies to the whole ceremony, except the raising of the Host, when every man in the guard dropped on one knee instantly, and dashed his naked sword on the ground, which had a fine effect. THE RITE OF BAPTISM. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. DEAR SIR,-I wish not to be troublesome, but feel it my duty to try and keep before your readers the importance of understanding fully and working out our Presbyterian polity and order. I had some design to have called attention in my last to some of those cases in which individual congregations abandon more or less every vestige of our principles, but thought it better to delay those points then. The article on education in the October number of the "Free Church Magazine," opens up so fully what I conceive to be the scriptural and our constitutional basis of baptismal practice and obligations, that I cannot desist from craving your forbearance for a few words on the subject. I got upon the border of the green carpet, in company with a great many other gentlemen attired in black (no other passport is necessary), and stood there at my ease, during the performance of mass. The singers were in a crib of wirework (like a large meat-safe or bird-cage) in one corner, and sang most atrociously. All about the green carpet there was a slowly moving crowd of people, talking to each other, and staring at the Pope through eye-glasses, defrauding one another in moments of partial curiosity, out of precarious seats on the bases of pillars, and grinning hideously at the ladies. Dotted here and there were little In some of our Churches, I suspect, more knots of Friars (Francescani or Cappucini, in their baptisms are administered in private than in coarse brown dresses and peaked hoods), making public. Some of our ministers and officea strange contrast to the gaudy ecclesiastics of a higher degree, and having their humility gratified this objectionable; others who have practised bearers see nothing in the ordinance to make elbowed right and left on all sides. Some of these it for years, and with whom it has become to the utmost, by being shouldered about, and had muddy sandals and umbrellas, and stained the rule rather than the exception, feel it garments, having trudged in from the country, difficult to break in upon such a practice The faces of the greater part were as coarse and without some authoritative order from the heavy as their dress; their dogged, stupid, monosomething in it half miserable, and half ridiculous. this, although by no tonous stare at all the glory and splendour, having superior Church Courts. In connexion with means entirely deUpon the green carpet itself, and gathered round pendent upon it, say what we may, or conceal the altar, was a perfect array of cardinals and it how we will, there is a decided feeling, I do priests, in red, gold, purple, violet, white, and fine linen. Stragglers from these went to and fro among not say a professed belief, but a practical the crowd, conversing two and two, or giving and one, that this sacrament imposes but little receiving introductions, and exchanging saluta-obligation on the parents, and none upon the ministers, office-bearers, or people. Where, for instance, did any of your readers ever hear of ministers, office-bearers, or people, looking to the record of baptisms, and, as before God, asking where these baptized members of the Church were, how they had been religiously instructed, or how many, and which of them, had taken the vows of the Church and their parents upon themselves? And yet I have no doubt that these questions must be reviewed under the most awful circumstances of responsibility that can be conceived. Again, private baptism divests the sacrament of its proper character; indeed, in many important points divests it of its very sacramental character; and whilst it destroys the feelings of responsibility in respect to all that are parties in the transaction, it opens the door for admitting all kinds of errors; the ordinance is looked upon as a mere charm to ward off danger. But this were a small matter if it were not also looked upon as a mysterious investiture of the little one into a state of salvation; in fact, here is one of the palliations for the belief of baptismal regeneration on the one hand, and a good excuse for abandoning infant baptism altogether on the other. But my chief point is, every Presbyterian Church, nay, every Church that holds infant baptism scripturally, must be an educating Church, and it is fearful indeed, to look upon the various responsibilities that these Churches incur, and the weight of guilt that lays upon them, if they do not adequately comply with the obligations they are under. This is the one fact that ought pre-eminently to arouse us all to more distinct views of the nature of the sacrament, the manner of its celebration, the parties to whom or to whose children it is to be administered, &c. Dear Sir, yours faithfully, AN ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN. Missionary Entelligence. MISSION TO CHINA. WE rejoice that it is the purpose of our Presbyterian Church, as soon as suitable labourers are found, to make China one of the fields of missionary work. The present toleration is indeed encouraging, as shewn in recent Imperial edicts; which also exhibit the idea entertained by the Chinese of the Christian faith. When the corrupt religion of Popery, with its "worship of crucifixes, pictures, and images," is respected, because it professes "to exhort the people to virtue," as one of these edicts states, how this ought to animate us in our desire to send out the pure religion of Jesus Christ; that Gospel which reveals life and immortality in the world to come, and teaches men to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. When the first edict of toleration was published, doubts were entertained whether it included Protestants as well as Roman Catholics. The British Plenipotentiary in China therefore addressed a note to Keying, the High Imperial Commissioner, soliciting information on this point, and the Commissioner's reply showed that no distinction was to be made between Protestants and Roman Catholics. At the same time there are still strict regulations as to foreigners going into the interior and propagating their religion. We must expect the truth to be spread at present chiefly through the exertions and influence of medical missionaries, or of Christian mechanics or traders, and others, who will have opportunities of scattering the seed of Christ's kingdom, without exciting the prejudice and hostility with which professed teachers of a new religion would yet be met. The eagerness with which the Chinese receive books is very remarkable. One of the missionaries writes," The crowd in the principal square was so eager for books, that on this as on several other occasions, the avidity to obtain them was the most effectual obstacle to their distribution. Frequently have I been compelled to give a copy to a shopkeeper by stealth, lest a glance from the passers-by should lead them to follow me with their solicitations. On this occasion, the priests and others joined so eagerly in the request to obtain our books, that I motioned them to descend a flight of steps below, and declined giving any copies till they had removed to a little distance, when I threw them among a numerous crowd of uplifted hands." Are our congregations pleading with the Lord for China, that He would raise up men for this work? A year has passed since our Church determined to engage in it, but not one has been yet sent forth. Why so? May it not be that there has been little earnest, believing, continued supplication on this behalf? Have our Church courts and solemn assemblies, our prayer-meetings and families, and specially the closets of our members, been witnesses to our zeal and longings in this matter? We are glad to publish the following extract of a letter received from a gentleman who has been visiting China and the East, in quest of information and recreation; dated off the Coast of China, July, 1846: any extra who do not, at least now, manifest ordinary curiosity; but, by the rules of the Consulate, they are not permitted to go farther into the country than can be accomplished, with the return, in one day. I availed myself of this privilege to the full extent, by accompanying Mr. Medhurst and Dr. Lockhart on a tour of about fifty miles, which they made to distribute among the numerous villagers religious books and tracts, translated by the former, and printed at the Mission press. Our mode of travelling was by boat, through the innumerable canals which intersect the country, and serve in fact as roads, being employed in conveying even the produce of the field to the farm steading, We landed at about eight towns in our way, and generally walked from one end to the other of the long street, of which each generally consists, distributing the books at every door, the whole population invariably turning out and eagerly pressing forward to get a share of the spoil. "If you were to go into an infant-school, and hold up a hundred picture books, as the children were about to disperse, there could not be a greater rush than we often had from several hundred men at a time, eagerly requesting a tract, and when at the extremity of the town we regained the boat, which had proceeded on to wait for us there, every opening, every window, and the bridge, were invariably crowded with gazers. It is well to remember that in China, reading and writing are much more common acquirements than in England or Scotland; they are, indeed, among the males almost universal, and their minds being disposed to inquiry and discussion, it is impossible to estimate the good that may one day result from efforts like these." CALCUTTA.-NATIVE CATECHISTS. IN the " nounced the designation of four native Messenger," for October, we anyouths to the office of catechists at Calcutta. Dr. Duff has since reported that a hopeful commencement has been made in that special department of labour, through which, we believe, it is the Lord's purpose to carry on this work in India. The Calcutta cate chists have gone forth boldly among their countrymen proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom; and the extracts from their journals, which are appended to Dr. Duff's letter, show that they have not been without tokens of their Master's presence. POONA.-PRESBYTERY OF BOMBAY. THE Presbytery met at Poona on Wednesday the 5th of August, and was opened with an introductory sermon by the father of the Presbytery, the Rev. James Mitchell. The text illustrated was Phil. i. 1. "Of all countries in the East, China is of course the most wonderful. You meet with Chinamen first in the straits of Malacca, where they have settled in very large numbers, and between whom and their countrymen on this coast, particularly at Amoy, a very large trade is carried on. But though very intelligent, and quite superior to other Easterns, these are not a fair specimen of the Chinese nation, being for the most part great rogues. They are much given to smoking opium, but are a powerful hardworking race, and many of those who leave Amoy without a dollar in their purse, as do thousands every year, return with five and ten thousand dollars to settle in the old country. At Canton one certainly meets with Chinamen of a different kind, but even there the view is not a favourable one. Access to the city is denied to the foreigner; and he cannot without insult go any distance into the country to see the people in their natural state. It is far otherwise at the northern ports; and as I was anxious to visit these, I embarked on the 7th June in a brig called the Gem, bound for Woosung, a fine anchorage in the Yangtzekeang River, near to Shanghae. My fellow-passenger was the Rev. Mr. Medhurst, well known as a Chinese scholar, and long resident in Batavia as a Mr. Henry Pitts Cassidy, having delivered missionary of the London Missionary Society. all his trial discourses, and passed other trials He was removed to Shanghae on the opening in the original languages of Scripture, and of the ports three years ago, and now labours in Church History and Theology, to the satis there with Dr. Lockhart, who superintends faction of the Presbytery, was solemnly li a Benevolent Healing Hospital. The censed as a Probationer on Saturday the 8th extremes of heat and cold are very great August. Under the appointment of the there; last winter the thermometer fell as Presbytery, he remains at Poona, for the low as 16 degrees, and I have myself seen present, to assist Mr. James Mitchell in his it in complete shade at 101 degrees; while numerous and heavy engagements. He will, Adie's thermometer, which I always carry we trust, approve himself to the Church as a with me, stood in the coolest room in Dr." faithful man," and an "able servant," during Lockhart's house, and under the Punka, at 98 the period of his probation, and in due time degrees on the 28th June. Europeans there receive ordination to the work of the minisare welcome to go freely among the natives, I try as a presbyter in the Church. The great business before the Presbytery was the examination of the schools at the station, and the taking on public trials for license of one young candidate for the ministry, and the taking on private trials of another. |