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ber. The Rev. D. Magill, Moderator, in the chair.

Mr. Welsh delivered the usual address. Mr. Ferguson was appointed to deliver the

next.

Mr. Ferguson reported that he had dispensed the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at Hanley, on Sabbath, the 22d inst.

Mr. Radcliffe subscribed the formula for ministers in the presence of the Presbytery, after which, the brethren present gave him the right hand of fellowship, and his name was added to the Roll,

The Presbytery then took up the Report of the Committee appointed to visit Wigan. After due deliberation it was moved, seconded, and agreed to, "That parties at Wigan be summoned to meet and confer with the Presbytery, at its next ordinary Meeting, to be held in Liverpool, on the state and prospects of the congregation at Wigan." -The Clerk was instructed accordingly. Mr. Gardner then submitted the following Motion, of which he had given previous notice, viz.: "That the Presbytery of Lancashire have heard with peculiar delight the Resolution of the Directors of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway to discontinue the running of passenger-trains on the Lord'sday; and, to strengthen the hands and encourage the hearts of these Directors, the Presbytery do now appoint Messrs. Gardner, Ferguson, and White, (Mr. Gardner, Convener,) a Committee to draw up a Memorial, to be signed by the Moderator and transmitted to the Directors at an early meeting; and that the Presbytery also recommend the various sessions within their bounds to take similar steps, by way of aiding the Directors in their praiseworthy conduct." Which Motion having been read and seconded, was cordially agreed to, and the Committee instructed accordingly.

The following members, viz., Messrs. Munro, Fergusson, Gardner, and Forster, reported that they had made collections for the College. Other members intimated their intention to do so at the earliest opportunity. The Presbytery instructed the Clerk to write to those congregations from whom there was

no report.

At this stage of the proceedings, Dr. Cooke, of Belfast, Ireland, entered the Court, and was requested to sit as a member.

Shortly after, the Presbytery adjourned to meet again in Trinity Church, at half-past

five, p.m.

The Presbytery met according to adjournment. After sermon by Dr. Cooke, the Presbytery proceeded to the ordination of Mr. M'Caw. The Moderator put to Mr. M'Caw the questions appointed to be put to all ministers previous to ordination; and Mr. M'Caw having returned satisfactory_answers, he was then, by solemn prayer and imposition of the hands of the Presbytery, set apart to the office of the holy ministry. He then received the right hand of fellowship from the brethren present, and was admitted to the pastoral charge of Trinity Church and congregation. Mr. Cowe afterwards delivered suitable addresses to the minister and people on their respective duties. Divine service being concluded, Mr. M'Caw subscribed the formula, and his name was added to the roll.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet in St. George's Church, Liverpool, on the first Wednesday of January next, at eleven o'clock

forenoon.

PRESBYTERY OF BERWICK.

THIS Presbytery met at Tweedmouth on the 25th Nov. last. Present, four ministers and

three elders. Mr. Watson, of Belford, preached from Psalm cxxx. 4.-"There is forgiveness with thee," &c.

The term of Mr. Ryder's moderatorship having expired, it was moved and seconded that Mr. M'Clelland be the moderator for the ensuing six months, and the Presbytery did so appoint him. Mr. Watson was appointed to act as interim clerk, in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Murdoch.

The minutes of former meeting were read and approved of.

Mr. Watson stated that he had fulfilled the

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TRINITY CHURCH, MANCHESTER.

appointment of Presbytery by preaching at THE opening and ordination services of this Tweedmouth on the day appointed. Collections for the School Fund were rebeautiful and commodious edifice, which is situated in New Bridge-street, Strangeways, ported, by Messrs. Nicholson, 1. 5s. 6d.; M'Clelland, 17. 15s. 4d. ; and Ryder, 17.; also commenced on Sabbath, the 29th of Nofor the College Fund, by Mr. Ryder, amount-vember. The Rev. Dr. Cooke, of Belfast, ing to 1. Mr. Nicholson had made no col- preached in the morning and afternoon, and lection, but transmitted 11. 5s. from the in the evening, to very large congregations the Rev. William Bunting, of London, Congregational Association, and his own annual subscription of 10s. Mr. M'Clelland of delighted worshippers. On Tuesday evenstated, that next Sabbath was appointed at ing the opening services were concluded Tweedmouth for this collection; and Mr. by the Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, who Steel that the same day has been fixed for it gave one of his usual lucid and impressive at Norham, where also a collection for the expositions of divine truth to a deeply-interested audience. The collections at the School Fund was made, amounting to 15s. 6d. Mr. Watson stated that a collection for the same was also made at Belford on Sabbath last.

Messrs. Nicholson and Gardner, appointed to act as a session along with Mr. Ryder at Ancroft Moor, gave in their resignation of office, which was accepted, Messrs. John Anderson, James Hadden, Robert Atchison, and Alex. Cranston, having been appointed to the office of the eldership at Ancroft Moor, and Messrs. James Inglis, sen., Andrew Duff, Peter Lindras, and John Weddell to be

deacons.

Communications were received from the convener of the committee appointed by the Commission concerning deputations to advocate the schemes of the Church, which the Presbytery agreed to consider at next quarterly meeting, and make arrangements for receiving the deputation to be sent.

Mr. Ryder gave notice that at next stated meeting he would call for a return of elders, &c., in terms of the requirement of Synod in page 32 of the minutes of last meeting.

Next regular meeting of Presbytery to be held at Lowick, on the last Tuesday of February, at eleven o'clock, a.m., Mr. Murdoch to preach.

Adjourned till the 22d December, to meet at Hide Hill Chapel, at eleven o'clock, a.m. Meeting closed with prayer.

Ecclesiastical Notices.

HAMPSTEAD.

ON Thursday evening, the 17th inst., a public meeting was held in the Presbyterian place of worship here, to commemorate its opening as a preaching station about two years ago. The chapel was well filled notwithstanding the severity of the weather, The meeting was presided over by the Rev. J. M'Clymont, the minister of the congregation. After praise and prayer, the Rev. Professor Lorimer gave an interesting address on the present state and objects of the Presbyterian Church in England, The Rev. Josias Wilson followed with an admirable and telling address, in which he chiefly dwelt on the necessity of vigorous and combined working on the part of all the members of the Christian Church. The Rev. Mr. Fisher spoke well on the trials and encouragements of an infant church, and Dr. Stewart and Mr.

different services amounted to 2111. On bytery, assisted by Dr. Cooke, and the Rev. Wednesday evening the Lancashire PresWilliam M'Caw to the office of the ministry G. Lewis, of Dudley, ordained the Rev. and the pastoral charge of the congregation. The services were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Cooke, who preached on the occasion, the Rev. James Speers, who offered the ordination prayer, during which Mr. McCaw was set apart "by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery," and the Rev. Robert Cowe, who delivered the charge to minister and congregation. Previous to the ordination, John Stuart, Esq., entertained the presbytery and friends, at dinner, in the Palatine Hotel: John Stuart, Esq., occupied the chair, and George Longmore, Esq., the vice-chair. This interesting congregation is worthy of the highest commendation for the zeal and perseerection of their spacious church; and we verance with which they have prosecuted the trust that now, since they have secured a pastor to superintend them in the Lord, they may grow in numbers, in knowledge,

and in

grace.

After the ordination, Mr. George Longmore, in the name of the ladies of the con

gregation, presented their young pastor with a beautiful pulpit-gown, cassock, and bands, a richly-bound pulpit Bible, and handsome visiting Bible; the presentation was accompanied by an appropriate and touching address, which was suitably acknowledged by Mr. M'Caw.

ST, GEORGE'S CHURCH, SUNDERLAND. For the encouragement of our younger congregations we are glad to record the praiseworthy exertions of the esteemed minister and people of the Presbyterian Church at Sunderland. The Rev. Dr. Paterson has been pastor of that Church for about twenty-six years. For the greater part of that time there has been a Congregational Association at work, as well as an efficient staff of elders and deacons. The congregation has been raised from being one of the poorest and distressed in the north to one of the strongest and most influential. Not only have the ordinary means of grace been upheld, and their church built without begging or any foreign aid, but they have also contributed to the support of missions and missionaries; and at the present time they raise more money for benevolent and religious purposes,

in proportion to their means and numbers, than any other church or chapel in Sunderland. Deputations have been appointed by the Synod to visit the Presbyteries, to aid in the formation of Associations, and otherwise to promote the Schemes of the Church. When they come to a congregation like that of Sunderland, which has been so long in efficient working order, we are sure that the deputation will receive rather than give useful information concerning the objects of their mission. We look forward with pleasure to seeing the field of Dr. Paterson's successful labours when the Synod meets at Sunderland in April.

SOUTH SHIELDS.

In this large and increasing seaport town, the population of which is, we believe, upwards of 25,000, for the most part in a neglected and demoralized condition. the insufficient means of education have been much lamented. The Rev. Mr. Storie, minister of St. John's Presbyterian Church, is engaged in establishing an institution for primary education, by which some portion of the field now uncultivated may be occupied, and the seeds of moral and religious truth sown. We observe from the "Newcastle Journal " that Mr. Storie's benevolent exertions are exciting the opposition of the incumbent of the parish of South Shields. Mr. Storie must expect the hostility of those who care more for the interests of their own Church and sect than for the cause of Christ and the souls of men. We hope that his school-house may speedily built, and the admirable system of Christian education proposed to be estabished there effectively commenced.

NORTH SUNDERLAND.

inferior in interest and importance to any of the great events, destined to influence the future history of Scotland and the world, which have of late years taken place within the walls of Tanfield. The scene was such as will not soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it. In the midst of the vast assembly stood a youth of slender form and swarthy complexion. The place of his birth was the far distant East, where the thick cloud of heathenism still broods, and the idol's temple is still seen. He had grown up in ignorance of the true God, and in his early youth had worshipped the gods of wood and stone which his fathers had served, and now he stood here,-in Christian Scotland,-in the midst of a Christian assembly, about to receive the highest commission with which man can be invested, and to depart in a few days, in furtherance of that commission, to the distant shores of India, there to proclaim to his benighted countrymen the "unsearchable riches of Christ." "Smitten by the arrow of conviction,"-for to this effect were the eloquent words of the preacher,—“ you forsook father, mother, sisters, and brethren, -you left country, rank, possessions, hopes, -for the sake of Christ. Look around you, brother. Behold your mother and your brethren. Is there one eye in this assembly that does not beam with kindness upon you? -is there a heart present that will not this night, aye, every night, pour itself forth in your behalf at the throne of grace? Here have be not found a country and a home?" you This is the first fruits: future generations will gather in the harvest. Let what has taken place strengthen our faith, and excite us to redoubled exertions, and yet more earnest prayer. India speaks to us through this Parsee youth, now a minister of Jesus Christ. She has sent him hither as a pledge that she will yet disown her idols, and turn to the living God. We return him to her as an assurance that we will never cease to labour and pray till this glorious anticipation has been realized. He who has been rescued in so marvellous a manner from her idolatry, will be successful, we have reason to think, in no ordinary degree, in shedding light upon her darkness. And now that he departs, we are well assured that the sympathy of Christians in Britain will accompany him, and that there will daily ascend in his behalf prayer that he may be stedfast in the faith, unwearied in labour, patient in suffering, undaunted in the midst of dangers, and be the honoured instrument, by the blessing of his Master, of turning many to righteousness.- Witness.

WE understand that an Association in behalf of the Schemes of the Church has recently been formed in North Sunderland. Under the superintendence of our esteemed brother, Mr. D. Monro, we have no doubt that this will tend to the furtherance of the objects of the Church at large, and to the spiritual growth of the congregation.

ultimo.

LIVERPOOL.

WE learn that collections were made in the Presbyterian churches in Myrtle-street and Canning-street in aid of the Fund for the Destitute Highlanders, on Sabbath, the 20th The collection in St. George's, Myrtle-street, amounted to upwards of 114., which, with contributions sent by friends, through Mr. Fergusson, will make up a sum within a trifle of 1207.; and the collection in Mr. Welsh's amounted to above 1007. These congregations have acted at once promptly and liberally; and it is creditable to them that, though both have much to do at home, they have still something to spare for their suffering brethren. The Rev. Mr. Gardner, of Birkenhead, announced his congregational collection for the 27th December, and we doubt not that his people will continue to maintain their well-earned character

for liberality.

ORDINATION OF DHANJIBHAI NOWROJI.

Ox the afternoon of the 12th ult. the Free Presbytery of Edinburgh met in Tanfield, for the purpose of ordaining Dhanjibhai Nowroji as a missionary to India. This Young Parsee is the first native convert on whom ordination has been conferred, and the occasion therefore was regarded as one of no ordinary interest. The hall was crowded with services were conducted by Dr. Candlish in a a profoundly attentive audience, and the peculiarly solemn and impressive manner. All seemed to feel that the occasion was scarcely

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"The want of a day school in connexion with the Presbyterian Church of this town has been long felt. Hitherto difficulties, that appeared at the time insurmountable, have prevented any active or vigorous measures being taken to supply that want. Through the good providence of God these

increasing Scottish population, both military and civil, residing in different parts of the town, the means of thoroughly educating both the mind and the heart of their children, of training them no less for eternity than for time. Such an education for the young, every Christian must feel, is second in importance only to the faithful preaching of the Gospel. It is indeed the preaching of Christ to the lambs of the flock, in the way that is best fitted to bring them to Christ, and to preserve them from the manifold and souldestroying errors now abounding, and threatening to abound yet more and more. In order, therefore, that the proposed schools may become, by God's blessing, the means of saving souls, care will be taken that, while all the branches of a useful education are taught on the most approved plan, due prominence shall be given to instruction in the great doctrines of the Gospel. For this purpose, the Word of God will be read daily, and the Shorter or Assembly's Catechism be taught in the Schools.

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To render the proposed educational institute as complete as possible, it is intended to make provision for an Infant as well as a Juvenile School, that the one may become a nursery for the other, and that the unspeakable blessing of religious training may be extended to the young from their earliest years, in faith on the word of Him, who hath said, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it,'

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"A large piece of ground immediately behind the Church, with space sufficient for the necessary buildings, and also for playground for both Schools, will form the site on which both the School Houses, with Master's House, &c., may be erected.

"It is of importance also to state, that the promoters of this object intend putting themselves into communication with the friends of Scriptural education in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with a view to secure a thoroughly qualified Schoolmaster of decided personal piety, trained in the Free Church Normal School in one or other of these towns ; and further, it may be satisfactory to many to know that these Schools will be placed under the superintendence of the Presbytery of London, in connexion with the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in England.

"For the accomplishment of a plan so comprehensive, it is not forgotten that large pecuniary means, probably about 1,000, will be required, of which comparatively but a small amount can be expected from a congregation, of which a great proportion is composed of Presbyterian soldiers quartered in the Garrison, and of working men employed in the dock-yard and arsenal, and their families,

but when the results are likely, with God's blessing, to be so precious, so productive of good to the young as well as to the parents themselves, the originators of the plan would take courage, remembering that the silver and the gold are the Lord's, and they would in humble yet confiding reliance upon the Divine blessing for success, commend their object, first, to the Lord Himself, and then to

His people, to whom he hath given the means and the heart, to extend to them a helping

difficulties are now in a great measure re-hand. moved, and the friends of scriptural educa- "As this statement will probably come tion connected with that Church strongly before Christian men of various denominafeel that necessity is laid upon them to con- tions, it may be well to mention, that the tribute their utmost efforts towards increasing existing provision for sound Scriptural educathe provision in the district in which their tion in Woolwich is insufficient; and that Church is situated, for the Christian and the there are urgent reasons, apart from the

common instruction of the young, and at the same time for supplying to the large and rapidly

claims merely of a Presbyterian Church, for appealing to the Christian liberality of all

who love the truth and hold the Head for aid.

"Signed in the name of the Kirk Session of the Presbyterian Church, Woolwich,

"W. M. THOMPSON, Moderator. "Woolwich, November, 1846." Subscriptions in aid of this commendable object will be thankfully received by the Rev. W. M. Thompson, Nightingale-place; Samuel Dalton, Esq., Bowater-crescent, Woolwich; John Hall, Esq., St. Germain's place, Blackheath; Colonel Anderson, Royal Artillery, Manchester; James Nisbet, Esq., 21, Berners-street; Alexander Gillespie, Esq., 13, America-square; F. Baisler, Esq., 124, Oxford-street; W. Stevenson, Esq., Thames-street, London; Andrew Martin, Esq.; 124, Bishopsgate-street Within, Secretary and Treasurer; and Mr. J. P. Brown, 16, Exeter

Hall.

OLD AND YOUNG DISCIPLESHIP.

IN the infancy of discipleship there are certain characteristics which belong not to its more mature and ripened age. Can the babe in Christ be so emptied of himself as he who in many a bitter battle with his own heart, and with principalities and powers, has learned to trust in nothing save an omnipotent arm? Can the babe in Christ know so much as he who, for many a day, has pondered and reflected on the relations of the heart-expanding and sublime truths which make up the subject-matter of revelation, as he who has learned and felt unspeakable things in moments and seasons of pure and glowing converse with Jehovah? Can the newly justified be aware how tender and how sympathizing a shepherd Jesus is, when he has not yet been made to lie down in the sweetest and greenest of pastures, not yet led by the quietest and purest of Salvation's waters? Can his love to Jesus be as that of the old saint, who has not only leaned on the bleeding bosom as the rock secure from wrath, but through life has found it a sweet resting-place for his weary soul? Can the young disciple be such an one at all as he who has experienced the efficacy of the blood of the Lamb, from many a repeated washing? The young disciple has not climbed the mountains of holiness, nor lain low under the realization of complete inward pollution. He may never, even when conscious of God's presence, have desired to depart and to be with Christ. He is different from the old believer, yet he is the same with him. The feet of both have been set upon the Rock. The blessings of the eternal covenant in all their fulness belong equally to the babe as to the perfect man. Different in character, in thought, feeling, and affection, yet one in Christ. An unseen power, directed by unerring wisdom, is exerted on the soul of each, forming and moulding it according to the Divine pleasure, and according to the predetermined relations and position of each in the eternal world. The days of discipleship may be few, and the fervour of angelic holiness may never light up the earthly eye, yet how few soever, God has been glorified, sovereignty and mercy displayed, and the young disciple, once low, guilty, and ruined, has been made eternally a monument of both.

Young Men's Association at Regent's-square [Extracted from an Essay read before the

Church. These réunions of members of our churches for reading and conversation on religious subjects, are found to be most pleasant and profitable. Any notice of their proceedings, if very brief, we shall always be glad to receive.-ED.]

GERMANY.

TRAINING OF COLPORTEURS.

useful to us.

"OUR Bible Societies on the Rhine, where I live, have circulated, in the last year, about 20,000 copies of the Scriptures, especially by means of colporteurs, who have been most Our Societies are most anxious to have colporteurs who are not only zealous, but possess also sound scriptural views and superior understanding; and as these qualities founded an Institution for the purpose of are not always united together, we have there training up such colporteurs. Some of our candidates were sent last winter to vessels on the Rhine, and circulated many hundreds of copies of the Scriptures. A very great revival has taken place in a town named Mülheim, on the Rhür, where some hundreds of the most profligate workmen and of the rudest boatmen were living formerly without God, who have been raised from a death of sin to a life of righteousness, by only reading the Scripversities in Prussia there is attached a Bible tures and prayer. To each of our six UniSociety, where some of the most learned of the professors are members of the Committee, and endeavour to circulate the Scriptures by the students, and to kindle a missionary spirit, by delivering lectures on the history of the Bible and Missionary Societies."

TRAINING OF ATTENDANTS ON THE SICK,

"We have founded an Institution to train up such female nurses for the sick and the prisoners as shall take care of the spiritual as well as the temporal wants of these people, that they may be able nurses; and though this is a new thing now, it was not a new thing in the Apostolic Church; for, in Romans, the 16th chapter, we read of Phoebe, a deaconess, a servant of the Church at Cenchrea, succouring many. These deaconesses also, I hope, will be useful: we give them another name, but that is no matter: these female nurses, these female colporteurs, these female servants of the Lord's Church, are in our prisons and in our hospitals."

These remarks of the Rev. W. Fliedner, at the last anniversary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, are most valuable, and should be taken up by Protestants in this country. It would be well if our town missionaries, Scripture-readers, and other persons employed in evangelistic work, had some previous training and instruction, so as to enable them to labour with the Spirit and with understanding also. We think it, moreover, a shame to Protestants that in many works of charity and benevolence Roman Catholics should so far outstrip us both in zeal and organization. The Sisters of Charity, and other orders, who devote themselves to works of mercy, are far more efficient advocates of the Romish Church than the most learned and eloquent doctors and controversialists. We should be glad to see more of these Romish works rising upon the better foundation of our Protestant and Christian faith. The children of this world are wiser in many of their plans, and more efficient in their organization and action, than are the children of light.

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Letter to the Editor.

CONGREGATIONAL PSALMODY. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. DEAR SIR,-Will you kindly permit me, through the medium of the "Messenger," to call the attention of your readers, and especially those of them who are ministers, to the state of the psalmody in the various congregations of our Church. It appears to me that hitherto we have far too much overlooked this part is sometimes painful for the Christian mind of the public worship of God, and hence it to witness the manner in which the praises the people joining in the hallowed exercise, of God are conducted; comparatively few of as if the precentor were the only person in the congregation entitled to sing the praises of the Most High.

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Surely such things ought not so to be;" yet that such things are is a fact too well known to all the frequenters of our churches; nothing can be more beautiful than to hear gation raising their voices in songs of ado(as sometimes we do hear) a whole congreration to the God of their salvation:

"Lord, how delightful 'tis to see
A whole assembly worship thee."

I do not desire at present to occupy your

Few things can be more painful than to witness the listless indolence not unfrequently manifested by those whose lips remain closed, when the psalm of praise has commenced. space by noticing the remedies for such a state of things; I simply wish to call attion to devise the most efficient means for tention to the fact, leaving it to each congregaremoving the defect. One requisite, however, that each congregation should secure the that is indispensable to any improvement is, services of a properly-qualified precentor; one not only fitted to lead the praises of the to communicate instruction in sacred music. congregation in a becoming manner, but also

Let it be a part of his duty to devote—say, teach the young of the congregation to sing; one evening, or two evenings in the week, to themselves of the opportunity of instruction; let all be invited by the minister to avail let them be taught that singing the divine praises is no unimportant part of public worship, and, by the blessing of God, I would would be observed in our psalmody. hope that very soon a marked improvement

I would earnestly urge the various congregations to consider this matter; it shall be one of the employments of the redeemed Jehovah; a portion of the worship of the throughout eternity, to sing the praises of the sanctuary above, and it ought not to be sanctuary below, that shall be transferred to overlooked. I know that it is the "melody of the heart," and not the praises of the lips which the Omniscient One regards, but where the heart maketh the melody, the tongue should not be silent. I should like to see the matter advocated by your own pen, and hope also that some of your correspondents may make some practical suggestions towards promoting the improvement I desire to see. I am, yours very truly, December 17th, 1846. G. L. [Our correspondent will observe from an article in a previous page that the matter to others has also been turned to this important which he refers has not been overlooked, and we are glad to find that the attention of subject.]

RECREATION to a minister must be as whetting is with the mower; that is, only to be used so far as is necessary for his work.—

Baxter.

NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS TO THE YOUNG.

We have much pleasure in inserting the following address, written for the children of the sabbath-school at Canning-street Church, Liverpool, but suitable for the young connected with all churches:

:

Dear young Friends, The kind providence of God has brought you and us to the close of another year;-many are the mercies we all have received during its course from his Fatherly hand; -many are the sins whereby we have offended Him in the same time; yet we are spared. We are still among those who are alive to praise Him for his goodness. Though we have been cumbering the ground, like the barren fig tree in the parable, we are preserved that we may bring forth fruit. How, then, does it become us to think of the awful words,-"Let it alone this year also, and if it bear fruit, well; and if not, after that thou shalt cut it down." You need hardly be told what is the fruit which God requires from us. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." As a tree laden with rich clusters of fruit is a noble and pleasing spectacle, so is it delightful to behold a Christian bearing these characteristic graces.

Our privileges have been very great; these, if we do not turn them to right account, only increase our guilt; just as "the earth which drinks in the rain which comes oft upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God;" whereas, "that which bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned." The apostle, after writing thus, adds, "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak." This is, also, the teachers' desire for you, dear friends. We seek your salvation; we remember the grand object of Christian teaching, whether of old or young, as stated by our ascended Lord Himself, is "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God; that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith, that is in Christ Jesus."

To such of you as have already received the Lord Jesus, we desire to be "helpers of your joy." Each teacher, like every Christian parent, heartily responds to the declaration of the beloved disciple, who wrote, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

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Come, children, hail the Prince of peace-obey the
Saviour's call,-

Come seek his face, and taste his grace-and own Him
Lord of all.

Let us choose for our companions those who serve the Lord,-saying, with David, "I will not know a wicked person." You lately repeated the passage which tells, that "they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him, for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name." How happy to be of that blessed number, for "they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels." Irreligious men affect to believe there is little or no distinction between the good and the bad, between God's children and others; but "THEN shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God, and him that serveth Him not."

In the meantime, let your conduct be such that worldly people may even now see plainly there is a great difference between you and those who do not know Jesus. Remember the doctrine which you were lately invited to prove from Scripture, that "we should walk worthy of the Christian calling ;" or, in other words, we should obey the command,-"As He who called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of deportment." By so acting and feeling, you will be like Jesus, who "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." This is the great way of recommending and advancing the Gospel.* "If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have done it ?" Christ might have called us to forsake home, friends, and all ourearthly comforts, as many good people have needed to do; or He might have required us to suffer death for his name's sake, like the martyrs of old, and, in recent times, the native converts of Madagascar. But He has spared us such severe trials of faith, and bids us live godly. Our so living, while it honours Him, is also for our good; for godliness" has the promise of the life that now is, as well as that which is to come."

We add a few special admonitions. Begin, and end every day with prayer. Daniel did not neglect this duty, or give up this privilege, even when a great man in wicked Babylon, and though commanded not to pray. Of every real Christian, it may be said, as of Paul, "Behold, he prays." True and acceptable prayer, such prayer as God hears, is to ask God, for Christ's sake, to grant good things which we wish, and is properly connected with humble and penitent confessing of sins which we lament, and with thanksgiving for his mercies. The desires of the renewed heart, will embrace petitions for the furtherance of God's glory and kingdom, and for our own welfare and that of others. Allow us here to solicit, that you will remember, with your parents and relations, your pastors, teachers, companions, and fellow-scholars, not forgetting the Jews, the Lord." This was Joshua's resolution, and it is heathen, the unconverted in Christian countries, and our Christian brethren, especially those in

The last year, like all that have preceded it since the fall, has been marked by human depravity and rebellion against God; you will join in praying, that the new year may be distinguished by a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and that it may be a year when many souls shall be converted. Let us plead with God, that he may henceforward give to our school and church, and to all schools and churches, much of the Saviour's presence and grace. Let us vow, also, that "whatsoever others do, as for us we shall serve the

one which should be ours too, at all times, and especially at this season. You know who alone can enable us to keep any good resolution. To Him let us address David's prayer,-" Hold up my gcings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not ;" or this other," Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord God of Hosts, be ashamed for my sake; let not those that seek thee, be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel."

None of us know the future; trials and sufferings may await us-our bodies may be visited with severe sickness-dear friends may be taken away -persecutions, even unto death, may come upon us to try our faith. We shall certainly be exposed to temptations. The devil and his wicked spirits will pursue their malignant purposes, and endeaFour to make us forget the Saviour who died for us, or even deny Him. We may be cast among thoughtless companions; alas! how many promising youths have been lost for ever, by yielding to their evil example and advice.

In regard to these afflictions and dangers, we are thus instructed:-"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." The true Christian may therefore say with Paul,—“ If God be for us, who can be against us?" "In all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us." In the words of the hymn

distress.

Read a portion of the Bible every morning and evening. Make yourselves familiar with a few hymns, and select passages of Scripture. An unpublished memoir of the last illness of M. M., who died in peace in her fifteenth year, contains the following notice :-"Her memory was richly furnished with the word of God. When unable to read, or even to hear reading, she would sweetly say, What a blessing is it that I am able to think on what I have learned; it is my meditation all the day, and is my song in the night."" Take an interest in missions to Jews and Gentiles, and recollect the Missionary Box.

appointed to live to the praise and glory of God:-As *There are two ways in which you are peculiarly children you ought to obey your parents. Those of you who are in any employ or service, should submit to the wills of your masters and mistresses; "not with eyeservice as men-pleasers," "not answering again." We call your special attention to these other relative duties, performing them "heartily;" and because the lesson of submission and obedience, as it is one of the first and most important to be learned by disciples of Christ, so it is

because, even Christians sometimes are not faithful in

among the most repugnant to proud human nature.

Teachers are sorry to observe that the young often merely repeat a form of prayer, without actually praying. Parents, who train their offspring to say the Lord's Prayer, would do well to watch carefully, that the meaning of its petitions are, in some degree, understood.

Shall we whose souls are lighted,
By wisdom from on high;
Shall we, to man benighted,
The lamp of life deny ?
Salvation oh, Salvation!

The joyful sound proclaim,
Till each remotest nation,

Has learned Messiah's name.

The younger readers will easily comprehend the following:

Shall I, an English child, forget,
The many lands in darkness yet?
Perhaps a penny saved to-day,

May help to teach a child to pray. Finally, remember what you come to the school for. It is to learn more of God in Christ. Let each ask himself, am I learning? Am I seeking to learn? Am I living for eternity? Am I living to Christ? Am I living as Christ's? If any feel no wish to be a child of God, pray for a new and better heart. If you feel anxious to be saved, consult your minister or teacher, or parents, but especially pray to our Father which is in heaven, and do not fear that He will refuse to hear you. Christ has said, "Whosoever asketh, receiveth." "Whosoever cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out." Do, then, at once believe Him, trust Him, commit your case into his hands, and wait for his blessing.

"Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

WALK WITH GOD IN YOUR CALLINGS.

BE upright in your way; admit nothing into your particular callings that is inconsistent with the principles of your general calling, as you are Christians. So carry yourselves every one of you, that all that deal with you may know you are a real Christian. Were there a great savour of grace and of the power of godliness in your shops; did you buy and sell in the fear of God, doing all things in faith, as to the Lord, as in his sight, conversing with others as in the fear of God-what a comely sight would this be! What a sermon would this be! You would be "living epistles" of that "seen and read of all men." (2 Cor. iii. 1, 2.) And such sermon-notes, gathered out of the lives of professors, may make deeper impressions than those that are gathered out of the mouths of preachers. Godliness exemplified in practice, shows itself more clearly in the thing, than it is possible for us to do in words. Words convey notions of things to our ears; but a holy life holds forth the things themselves to our eyes. Nothing is so like a man as himself. Godliness in practice is godliness itself, extant in the thing, in its own substance and nature; it is visible grace; it is the very matter and subject of our sermons, standing forth in the lives of professors. I wish we had more of this divinity walking about our streets-more of these "living epistles, seen and read of all men." These are the books that will convince gainsayers, and provoke them to real holiness. You hear good sermons, and read good books; but doctrines without examples edify little. You do not see and read that in the men of this generation that agrees with Gospel principles. The truth is, saints are not so visible, so legible, as they should be; we can hardly spell out anything that savours of true Christianity. It would pose a discerning Christian, to pick out grace out of the lives of some professors; it is couched under such sinful mixtures, is in such a worldly dress, that it does not look like itself. Hence it is that many real saints go for hypocrites in this world-are suspected by good men, and hated by bad men, upon this account. Let your light shine out more; away with the bushel that keeps in the light, and take the lantern of prudence, that only keeps out the wind.-Cole.

Missionary Entelligence.

INDIA.

THE recent reports of the missions of the Free Church of Scotland in India are pecu-plaint was lodged. liarly interesting. At several stations a remarkable blessing seems to have attended the labours of the missionaries. At Madras, Puna, Nagpur, and other places, have been various cases of conversion and baptism of

the natives.

Besides the accessions which have thus been made to the Church by conversion and baptism-a new and most interesting feature in the history of the mission during the past year, is the consecration of a small, but select and devoted band of native agents to the work of preaching the Gospel. No fewer than ten well-educated natives have been licensed, and set apart as preachers or cate chists-all of them young men, who have attended one or other of the missionary institutions for years-who have been trained under the careful inspection and constant superintendence of the missionaries, and have given every proof that could be reasonably required both of their intelligent acquaintance with Divine truth and their decided personal conviction. Several of these interesting agents have already commenced their labours; and one of their number, who received part of his education in this country, is now on the eve of his return to his native

land.

THE COMMENCEMENT OF Α NATIVE

AGENCY IN INDIA IS A GREAT EVENT in the history of the mission. The scheme which was adopted by the Church, contemplated this as its grand object from the beginning; the rearing of an effective native agency composed of men "who, from being habituated to the climate, from their vernacular acquaintance with the language-from their knowledge of the names, customs, feelings; sentiments and prejudices of the people,' would possess greater facilities than Europeans could ever hope to enjoy in bringing the Gospel of salvation within reach of the millions of their benighted countrymen. Such was the sagacious plan and the avowed object of the Scottish mission to India.

PUNA.

THE latest letters from Puna, announce the conversion and baptism of an able and accomplished Mohammedan, who has long been an effective teacher in the institution, and who may now be expected to be a valuable assistant to the missionaries in carrying on the Christian, as well as the secular, education of the natives. The Rev. James Mitchell, of Puna, writes:

"Vizir Beg is twenty-two years of age; has been educated entirely in our school; has been in it from the commencement-first as a scholar, and then as a teacher. I am highly pleased with his bearing as a Christian. He is very diligent, as he has, in fact, long been in the possession of the word of life; he seems to feel deeply the evil of sin, and the love of the Saviour; is very devotional in his habits, and desirous of being useful to his countrymen. I trust the Lord has raised him up as an instrument of much good. His talents are of a high order, and his attainments in general knowledge and literature are very considerable. He is a good Persian scholar, has attended a little to Arabic, and lately begun the Greek."

An attempt was made by the Mussulmans of Puna forcibly to prevent Vizir Beg from being baptized. His father, who was in Bombay, was sent for, and after vainly trying

Mr. Mitchell immediately proceeded thither, accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Stevenson. Vizir Beg, his father, and several of the most respectable Mussulmans were already in attendance. The magistrate in presence of all restraint. He answered, "Yes, especially on asked Vizir Beg if he had been kept under Sabbath;" that since no violence had been used toward him, nor had he been harshly treated; that this morning the doors were shut upon him, and he was prevented from seeing Mr. Mitchell when he called. He then said that he wished to be baptized and to become a Christian. As soon as he made this declaration all the Mussulmans present seemed as if struck with a thunder-bolt. They instinctively recoiled from him. Some of them uttered loud lamentations, and others cursed him and used other manifestations of dislike. None of them would hear a word more, and so in a body left the office.

to convince him of his errors, refused to| Christ. The finger of God, we believe, was allow him to return to the mission premises. visible in that decision. Rajavooloo, though Application was accordingly made to a ma- seventeen, is very little of stature; and apgistrate, who ordered the attendance of Vizir pearances were strongly against us. But we believed that if the lad was Christ's, none Beg and of Mr. Mitchell, by whom the comwould be able to pluck him out of His hand, and that our Father would behold the threatenings of the Heathen, who, more than at any former period, have been stirred up to tumult and rage against us. Yes, my dear Sir, in the midst of thousands of Heathen, we were all enabled to possess our souls in faith, and to see our invisible King presiding in that court, and moving the heart of the judge on Rajavooloo's behalf and ours. The selfpossession, decision, and modesty withal of this babe and suckling in Christ, when called up to the bench and confronted with thousands of his countrymen, and with his father and mother in court, full in his view, and casting looks of enticement and tender affection towards him, were fitted to perfect praise, and to still the enemy and the avenger. He was enabled to answer the most important of the judge's questions, and to convince even the Heathen that his desire to become a Christian was a thing of his own choice. It was one of Christ's little ones, out of weakness made strong. It was an anxious moment when the judge, after deciding that he was at liberty to go where he pleased, asked Rajavooloo whether he would go to his father or to Mr. Anderson. He replied, 'I will go with Mr. Anderson.' helped him, and it was wondrous in our eyes. The judge put him into the hands of the sheriff, to be taken by him to the Mission House."

Being then told he was at liberty to go where he pleased, Vizir Beg returned to the Mission House, when on the following day he was admitted by the ordinance of Baptism into the Christian Church.

In the afternoon of the same day, Vizir Beg had a visit from his father and another Mussulman. His father seemed to feel a good deal; but was much more composed than formerly. He said it was all right for men to act according to their convictions; and that, as the baptism was over, he would forgive and forget all the pain and trouble which it had caused him. That he would still consider Vizir Beg his son, and would continue to

trust him as heretofore.

his countrymen.
Vizir Beg has not since been molested by

MADRAS.

WE have, in former "Messengers," noticed the great events which have rapidly been taking place at this station. In the last number of the "Madras Native Herald," full and interesting details are given of the work of grace of which eight Hindoos have become the subjects, four of whom have already been baptized. The other four are living in the Mission House, along with their brother converts, and are preparing for the ordination of Baptism being administered. Concerning one of these, Rajavooloo, a young Smarta Brahmin, an important trial has taken place in the Supreme Court of Madras, which has caused great excitement throughout the Presidency.

The Rev. John Anderson, of Madras, writes as follows:-"The Native Herald' (No. 19) contains an account of the proceedings in the Supreme Court of Madras against me, by writ of Habeas Corpus, to produce the body of Rajavooloo, Brahmin, and the decision of Sir William Burton, with notices of the excitement and violence by the local journals. Sir William Burton's decision has a most important bearing on the progress of Christianity in India, and especially on our work among the young Hindus. According to that decision discretion, and not age, was the main ground to determine whether Rajavooloo, shall be at liberty to go where he pleases; and mainly on that ground, was Rajavooloo permitted to return with us to the Mission House. The judge has thus laid down a principle which leaves the conscience of the young Hindu free to act, when enlightened and convinced by the Word and Spirit of

The Lord

In giving his decision in this important case, the judge, Sir William Burton, seems to have viewed the writ of habeas corpus, as issued in India, even in the case of a Hindu, entirely according to the principles of English law, and to have laid more stress upon the intelligence and moral convictions of the child, than upon the simple question of his age. In some other trials of a similar kind, both at Calcutta and Bombay, the judges have been considerably influenced by a regard to the age of the child, and the Hindu law relative to his majority, which he reaches when he finishes his sixteenth year. The issue of a writ of habeas corpus, however, is a proceeding entirely of English law; and its object is, the freeing a child from illegal and injurious restraint; and there cannot be a doubt, both from the genius and the precedents of that law, that a large discretion is placed in the hands of the judge as to the disposal of the individual in whose behalf it is issued. That discretion, Sir W. Burton has felt himself warranted to exercise, entirely in accordance with our Christian feelings. In the course of his remarks, his Lordship observes, that the judges have not "laid down arbitrarily that fourteen is the age of discretion," and that "it is not years but discretion, that is to guide the court in this matter." We understand him to mean by this, that he does not consider fourteen as the minimum of the age of discretion. While the civil law allows a child "to appoint his guardian at fourteen," there is the strongest presumption, by analogy, that the law would protect his personal liberty at that age. With regard to the discretion of the lad, the judge, after putting questions to him in the court, observed as to the examination, “I must say that I see grounds for judging him to be possessed of considerable intelligence. He has pursued a course of instruction of considerable extent, both in Telugu and English. I see that he has read the English Scriptures,

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