The clerk reported, that he had received a letter from Mr. Radcliffe intimating his acceptance of the Presbytery's appointment to labour as a missionary at Wigan for the next six months, without looking for pecuniary aid from the Presbytery. Inquiry was made whether the Committee appointed to consider the best means of raising funds for the support of the missionary at Wigan, were prepared to make any suggestions. ons. No report being ready, the Committee was reappointed with former instructions, and directed to report at next meeting.

Mr. Fergusson, as Moderator of the Interim Church Session of the congregation in Chester, reported, that arrangements had been made for the dispensation of the Lord's Supper there on the second Sabbath of this month.

It was reported that the Church Sessions of St. George's, Birkenhead, and Stafford, and the congregations of Canning-street and Chester, had transmitted Memorials to the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Directors.

Collections were announced as having been made for the Home Mission by the following Churches: St. George's, Birkenhead, Canningstreet, Stafford, Chester, St. Peter's, Liverpool; Wigan, St. Andrew's, and Risley. The clerk was instructed to write to those congregations who had sent in no report.

Messrs. Gardner and Forster were appointed a Committee to correspond or confer with the Rev. Messrs. A. M'Lean, of Nuttall, and Wm. M'Caw, of Manchester, in reference to their Presbyterial duties.

The attention of the Presbytery having been drawn to the fact, that the ordinance of the Lord's Supper had been dispensed in Ancoat's Church, Manchester, without the cognisance or instructions of the Presbytery, the Court highly disapprove of the same, and admonish the brethren not to proceed to the dispensation of sealing ordinances in any vacant congregation without receiving authority from the Presbytery.

Mr. Fergusson then submitted the following Motion, viz.: "That, whereas, this Presbytery recognises God's hand in the famine that is prevailing in different parts of the empire; and whereas the inhabitants of the earth are called on to learn righteousness, when the Lord's judgments are abroad in the world, it is resolved, that on the 21st day of this month, the congregations under this Presbytery's jurisdiction be called to special exercises of humiliation in connexion with the prevailing calamity, and of earnest entreaties to Almighty God that he would turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not;" which Motion, having been seconded by Mr. Cross, was unanimously agreed to, and the Presbytery resolved accordingly.

Agreeably to notice previously given, the Clerk moved, "That every Church Session within the bounds of the Presbytery be required to make up a Communion Roll after the last dispensation of the Lord's Supper in each year: that the Roll, when so made up, shall be attested by the Moderator of the Session; and that at the meeting of the Presbytery in January next, and at the stated meetings of Presbytery in January from year to year, the Presbytery shall call for the Roll, that the same may be attested by the ModeFator of the Presbytery." Which Motion having been duly seconded, was unanimously agreed to, and the Presbytery resolved and appointed accordingly.

The Presbytery being alone, it was stated

The report of the Committee appointed to

on the table till next meeting; and the Com

Mr. Fergusson gave notice, that he would, at next meeting of Presbytery, move the transmission of the following Overtures to the Synod:-1. On the Erection of New Charges; 2. On Schools; 3. On the Sustentation of the Ministry.

The attention of the Presbytery having been drawn to the National Scheme of Education, as recently propounded by the Marquis of Lansdowne, it was moved by Mr. Fergusson, seconded by Mr. Cowe, and agreed to, "That the Presbytery appoint a Committee, consisting of the following members:--Rev. Messrs. Fergusson, (Convener,) Munro, Cowe, Gardner, White, and M'Caw, ministers, and Messrs. William Parlane, Burt, and Sorley, elders, to watch over the scheme of education presently proposed by Government, and to resist the scheme, if found objectionable."

The Presbytery then called for the returns to be made by the different Church Sessions, of the number of elders, deacons, and weekday devotional meetings. Reports were given in from the following churches:-St. George's, Canning-street, Birkenhead, Islington, St. Andrew's, Stafford, Crewe, and Risley. The clerk was instructed to communicate with those Sessions which had not made returns, and to throw the substance of said reports into a tabular form, and lay the same before the Presbytery.

In the absence of Mr. Munro, Mr. Welsh was appointed Convener of the Committee appointed to confer with Mr. Wiseman, and Mr. White's name was added to the Committce.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Liverpool on Wednesday, the 17th inst., at eleven o'clock. The meeting was closed with prayer.

March 17th. The Presbytery met this day, according to adjournment.

The Presbytery instructed the clerk to communicate immediately to all the ministers of the Presbytery the the appointments recently made by this Court, that all the congregations be invited to solemn humiliation and prayer on the 21st inst., in order that this order may be implemented.

And seeing, further, that the Government of this country has called the subjects of this realm to exercises of humiliation for national sin, and prayer that the God of nations would withdraw his hand, the Presbytery rejoice in meeting the invitation of the nation's rulers, by appointing that Wednesday, the 24th inst., be observed in all the congregations of this Presbytery as a day wholly set apart for spiritual exercises.

The Moderator laid on the table a com

munication from the clerk of the Presbytery of Newcastle, intimating that Dr. Paterson was instructed by the Presbytery of Newcastle to ask, at the first meeting of Synod, on the making up of the Roll, an explanation of Mr. Cross having been inducted into a charge in connexion with the Presbytery of Lancashire, without any communication from the Presbytery of Newcastle. The clerk was instructed to acknowledge the receipt of the Newcastle Presbytery clerk's note, and to intimate that this Presbytery would be prepared to answer the question, and they appointed Mr. Gardner to answer it.

The Presbytery agreed to transmit to the Synod Mr. Fergusson's Overture about the Erection of New Charges.

Mr. Fergusson reported that the Rev. Mr. Taylor, of the Free Church, Flisk, Scotland, had dispensed the Lord's Supper to the Chester congregation on Sabbath last.

Mr. Gardner gave notice that he would bring forward at next meeting an Overture to the Synod about the division of the Presbytery of Lancashire.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Manchester on the 7th of April next, at eleven, a.m. Closed with prayer.

BIRMINGHAM.-PRESBYTERY OF DUMFRIES. On Thursday, the 11th, a special meeting of the Presbytery of Dumfries was held in the Free Church, George-street, for the purpose of deciding on the call to the Rev. J. R. Mackenzie, from the Presbyterian Church, Broad-street, Birmingham. The Rev. Wm. Chalmers, of London, and the Rev. D. Fergusson, of Liverpool, appeared on behalf of the London Presbytery, to prosecute the translation. Mr. Fergusson also appeared as a commissioner from the church at Birmingham, in conjunction with Mr. A. Willis and John Henderson, Esq. There were also commissioners from the congregation of the Free Church to oppose the translation.

Parties having been heard, the following deliverance was agreed to unanimously :"That the Presbytery permit Mr. Mackenzie to accept the call from the Presbyterian congregation at Birmingham, loose him from his charge, and direct him to wait for and obey the orders of the Presbytery of London, as to the time of his admission to the charge aforesaid; and they also hereby request the reverend the Presbytery of London to give them intimation of Mr. Mackenzie's admission so soon as it takes place."

Mr. Chalmers craved extracts, and then gave a parting word to the Presbytery, as did his brother commissioner, Mr. Fergusson.

Ecclesiastical Notices.

BRIGHTON. -INDUCTION SERVICES.

On Wednesday, March 10, the Presbytery of London met in Hanover Presbyterian Church, for the purpose of the induction of the Rev. Mr. Ross to the pastoral charge of that congregation. There was a very full attendance, and great interest was excited by the proceedings. The Rev. James Hamilton conducted the opening services. The Rev. W. Nicolson preached from St. Luke x. 2, "Therefore said he unto them, the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." The Rev. James Macaulay gave the address on Presbyterianism. The Rev. William Cousin, of Chelsea, gave the charge to the minister and people respectively. After replying satisfactorily to the usual questions enjoined by the Formulary of induction, Mr. Ross received the right hand of fellowship from the brethren of the Presbytery, and was afterwards welcomed by the members of the congregation.

On Sunday the 14th, the introductory services took place, three sermons being preached, that in the morning by the Rev. James Hamilton from St. John xv. 1, " I am the true vine;" in the afternoon by the Rev. Alexander Ross, from Rom. i. 16,

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that beheveth; eveth;" in the evening by the Rev. James Macaulay, from St. Luke xii. 51, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you nay, but rather division." At the close of the morning service, Mr. Hamilton, in formally introducing the pastor to his new charge, spoke as follows:

"My Dear Friends, This is to some of you an interesting and joyful day. After two years and a-half of patient and prayerful on waiting, your eyes behold your pastor. He comes to you in the freshness of his acquirements, and in the fulness of a heart still young. He comes from a flock who loved him, and where his brief labours were largely blest; from a people whom he had no desire to leave, who were loath to let him go, and who, with their prayers for you, are this day mingling tears of

sorrow.

He comes with a deep sense of the

importance and responsibility of this new sphere of labour, and with all that trembling solicitude which those most feel who hope the best and aim the highest. He comes desiring to know nothing among you save Christ crucified, and making it his earnest entreaty to all the people of God among you, Brethren, pray for us.' He comes your servant for Christ's sake, and praying that Christ

will return, and, with glistening eyes and swelling bosom, say, 'Here God met me in the day of my worldliness, and has been with me ever since.' So be it. Dear brethren, the Lord himself love your pleasant tabernacle, and when he writes up the people say of many a one, This man and that man was born there; and the Lord bless your new pastor and endear him to hundreds of

affectionate hearers as their father in Christ! May multitudes bless the day which brought him here, and multitudes who never yet have heard his voice bless his memory as the man who first effectually proclaimed to them, Behold the Lamb of God."

All the services were attended by large and deeply attentive audiences, and we believe that much interest has been created at Brighton in the Presbyterian cause, which, till the opening of Hanover Church, had long been altogether unknown in this part of England. Now that the good old cause is reviving, we trust that Brighton may form the centre of other churches in the south-eastern counties. Mr. Ross commences his labours under most auspicious circumstances, and we pray that the Great Head of the Church may prosper and bless his efforts.

MANCHESTER.

On Monday evening, Feb. 1, a number of his friends entertained Mr. George Longmore at supper in the Spread Eagle Hotel previous to his leaving for America. Mr. John Stuart occupied the chair, and Mr. John Rea the

may be exalted in the salvation of many souls. He comes as a Christian philanthropist, whose home is everywhere; he comes not with the shy feeling of a stranger, but with the cordial and expectant spirit of a friend and a well-wisher; and with the confidence of vice-chair. The Rev. Wm. M'Caw asked a one who has good tidings to tell, he recog- blessing and gave thanks. After supper Mr.

nises in the unknown faces around him a host

M'Caw, in the name of Mr. Longmore's

of future friends. He comes as a Christian friends, read to him a very complimentary

Evangelist, whose business is to win souls, and whose joy is fulfilled when Jesus is glorified. And thus coming, I have witnessed the cordial welcome with which some have greeted him already; and I know that there are many in this town prepared to hail every faithful Evangelist, Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord. But I like to think, and I am sure my Rev. brother is thinking, of that multitude to whom his name is yet unknown, and to whom he hopes that his message may yet prove salvation. I trust there are many hard hearts which are here to be broken by the hammer of the powerful word. I trust there are many wounded

address. Mr. Rea presented him with a splendid silver inkstand, bearing the following inscription, "Presented by a number of friends to Mr. George Longmore, at his departure to America, in testimony of their high appreciation of his character as a man and a Christian; of affection towards him as a friend; and of gratitude for the distinguished services which, as Secretary, he has rendered to Trinity Presbyterian Church. Presbyterian Chu Manchester, Jan. 1817." The address and presentation were acknowledged by a most touching and appropriate reply from Mr. Longmore.

WOOLER.

THE Presbyterian congregation at Wooler have recently chosen eight persons from their number to exercise the office of deacon. The choice was eminently harmonious, and most suitable in its results, thus proving the fitness of the people to elect their own office-bearers. The ordination took place on Sabbath, the 21st February last.

SOUTH SHIELDS.

spirits here to be healed by the balm of Gilead. Here I hope many a weary seeker will alight on the grand discovery, and in a Saviour, revealed be at once surprised into present blessedness and everlasting life. Fain would my fancy descry the bluff boatman leaving his nets to listen to the word, and new sons of Zebedee learning to follow Jesus. And fain would I foresee a modern Nicodemus from his muffling cloak and mid night interviews emerging into open discipleship. Fondly would I hope that the word here spoken may be so simple and so kindly that homeliest neighbours may understand and love it; and fervently would I pray that that word may be so earnest and emphatic Messrs. Tate and Place, Elders. Mr. Duncan,

that gayest visitors may carry its barbed

shaft away with them. And, from the wistful invalid who some bright morning steals a visit to this sanctuary, to the Sabbath-breaker who stumbles in for a few desultory momentsfrom the stated heater, who, with his exemplary household, fills the family pew, to the stranger who turns in to worship for a single dayI pray that this may be the house of God to which many a Jacob shall look back, and see again the ladder let down and heaven opened and God reconciled; the Bethel to which,

THE Presbytery of Newcastle met here in the Jarrow Chemical Company's school-room on Thursday the 18th Feb., for the ordination of the Rev. John Lister. Present, Dr. Paterson, Messrs. Duncan, Fisher, Anderson, Marshall, Johnstone, M'Murray, and Izzet, of the Free Church, Westruther, ministers; and of North Shields, presided. The place of

meeting was crowded by a deeply attentive audience. At the close of the services Mr. Lister received

a

cordial welcome from his

people. On Sabbath the 21st, Mr. Izzet preached, and introduced Mr. Lister, when a collection was made in aid of the Home Mission of the Presbyterian Church in England, which, after deducting the ordinary collections, amounted to 71. 10s. Mr. Lister is taking active steps to get the "Messenger" in general circulation among his people.

some such means that our people will ever realize the "oneness" and mutual dependence on each other of all the congregations of our Church.

HEADS OF THE ADDRESS

Delivered to the congregation of Jarrow, South Shields, at the Ordination of the Rev. JOHN LISTER, by the Rev. JOHN M'MURRAY, of Seaton Delaval.

AFTER pointing out to the congregation the general duties belonging to them in their new relation to their pastor, the following particulars were urged as claiming their earnest attention :

1. Pray for your minister. The Apostle Paul's exhortation is suited to the case of every minister of Christ, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the

mystery of the Gospel." Remember the old saying, "A praying people makes a preaching minister."

2. Take heed how hear. As it is the

chief part of your minister's office to preach "the unsearchable riches of Christ," be it yours "to hear with all readiness of mind."

He will appear before you, after much study and much prayer, to deliver his message. You must hear constantly, regularly, punctually, attentively, prayerfully, if your souls are to be profited.

3. Show love and respect to your minister for his work's sake." Two extremes must be guarded against, inordinate affection for a minister which only ought to be given to the Saviour, and neglect of a minister by wliich the Master is dishonoured. It is equally bad to despise and to idolize a minister.

4. Be careful of the character of your minister. No man is free from defects and faults. Charity covers these; malice tries to discover imperfections. Nothing is so cruel to a minister, and may hinder his usefulness in the cause of Christ, as unguarded censure, malicious report, and imprudent gossip.

5. See to the support and comfort of your minister. "The Lord hath ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all goed things."

6. Aid your minister by your personal cxertions. There is field in the Sabbath

school, in visiting, in the prayer-meetings, at sick-beds, for the assistance of the members of the Church, as well as for the office-bearers. Let each have a desire to work, and work will be easily found for all.

to

7. Lastly, Be resolved by Divine grace practise what your minister preaches. Seek that the Holy Spirit may apply the word, so that it may bring forth in this place abundant fruits to the praise of God.

May the Lord of His infinite mercy grant that through the instrumentality of His word in this place many souls may be "born

again," and may the union now formed

between pastor and people be a union in Christ Jesus, so that through eternity you

may unite in the song of praise "Unto him

loved us and washed us from our sins in

his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

PRESENTATION.

THE Rev. P. L. Miller, of Wallacetown Free Church, has been presented by his congregation with a study chair, bearing the following inscription: "Presented to the Rev. P. L. Miller, by the Congregation of Wallacetown

Free Church, Dundee, on his removal to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as a token of esteem for his unwearied labours among them." At the same time he was presented with an interleaved copy of the Bible, two vols., and Horne's Critical Exposition of the Scriptures, five vols.

MORPETH.

ON Sabbath, March 7th, a sermon was

preached by the Rev. Mr. Anderson in the Presbyterian Church, from Psalm exvi. 15, on the occasion of the death of Mr. Thomas Tindall, farmer, who died, aged seventy-one, at Espley House, on Sabbath, 28th Feb. Mr. Tindall was well-known and universally respected throughout Northumberland. His sterling worth and long-matured piety endeared him to all who had the privilege of his acquaintance.

LONDON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

EXTENSION SOCIETY.

As noticed in the last number of the "Messenger," the second annual meeting of this Society was held in Exeter Hall on the evening of Thursday, the 25th February.

The chair was taken by the Right Hon. Fox Maule, M.P., who, after prayer by the Rev. James Ferguson, addressed the meeting. Referring to the objects of the Society, as set forth in its rules, he said, that it was the duty of all Presbyterians to consider how they could best avail themselves of means for providing places of worship for their poor and humble brethren. It was doubtless gratifying to know, that in and around London there were now twelve churches in connexion with the Synod. It could not be said, however, that they enjoyed them free from heavy obligations; but if they were thus freed, he believed that three times the number would not suffice for all who might be found willing to enter their body. The most pressing object at present was to relieve from debt the churches already built; and, before the report for the past year was read, he would say that, for the attainment of this object, instead of relying solely on the rich, it must be regarded as the duty of all to put their shoulders to the wheel to that amount of strength which Providence had given them, and to contribute to the required funds to that extent of means which God had bestowed on them. Had they relied in Scotland, at the period of the disruption, only on the rich and wealthy, where would the Free Church have been now ? It was not in large donations, but in the many mites that their true strength lay. At first it was, doubtless, very advisable to obtain support by generous gifts, and by Church collections; but he would advise that in each congregation an Association in aid of this and other schemes should be formed, such as those established for supporting the Sustentation Fund in Scotland. If they originated such Associations, to be worked by the deacons, then they might collect even from the poorest of the people whatever they could give without inconvenience, at such time as they could spare it. They would not feel the "littles" which they gave thus at intervals, and at the end of the year, he did not doubt, they would find they reached to a very considerable sum. In this manner they would assist materially in carrying out the further extension of Presbyterian Churches in London and its vicinity, which were much wanted. Looking at the large number of Scotch in London, and at the large proportion of poor amongst them, now totally neglected, they should use all

means in their power to afford them Sabbath instruction, and thus to advance their moral and social condition. Farther, they must look at the Presbyterian Church not as sectarian, seeking merely its own prosperity, but as a powerful instrument which Providence had provided, and fitted for aiding efficiently in the noble work of evangelizing the whole world. He would close these remarks by reminding them that the first object of the Society was to relieve those Churches already built, from the debt with which some of them were burthened; and the second was to disseminate through them, and others yet to be erected, Christian doctrine in its purest form and this could be effected only by a thoroughly organized and well managed system. He spoke from experience when he said that if Associations such as he had referred to were properly formed, and set fairly on foot, they would go on for themselves: and he felt sure that in giving liberal support and aid to the Church Extension Society, they would never repent this first great step towards strengthening and extending the Presbyterian Church in London.

Dr. A. P. Stewart, one of the Secretaries, having read the Report of the Society's proceedings during the past year, a series of Resolutions were agreed to, approving of the objects of the Society, and urging on the congregations in and around London the duty of giving it more effective and liberal support. The following gentlemen were appointed office-bearers for the ensuing year :-

PRESIDENT.

The Most Noble the Marquis of Breadalbane.

DUDLEY CONGREGATION.

IN our last number we gave an account of the proceedings at the laying the foundation of the new church at Dudley. A full report has been separately printed in the form of a cheap tract, by Mr. John Turner, 31, Templerow, Birmingham, by whom subscriptions will be received in aid of the building fund. From this tract we give the following historical sketch of the congregation :

"The congregation for whom this church is intended, was formed nearly six years since, and affords an instance of the good results that may follow from any effort, however humble, in the cause of God. A few young men from Scotland, whose lot in Providence was cast in Dudley, imbued with those principles which they had imbibed in the land nd of their fathers, ers, and desirous of holding fast that form of sound words which they had received, formed themselves into a society, meeting occasionally for prayer and mutual counsel.

"They were accustomed to attend upon various places of worship, as their several tastes dictated; but still their affection lingered around the church of their childhood, connected as it was with their earliest and dearest associations. After some time others, animated with a like spirit, joined them, until at length the question came seriously to be considered by them, could we possibly procure a Presbyterian minister, and commence a Presbyterian congregation? The question once debated, wrought like leaven in their minds; they consulted with the Presbyterian minister of Birmingham, and at length determined, by God's grace, to make the attempt. They procured the use of a chapel belonging to the Methodists, and though their numbers were still very small, gave a Call to a probationer from Scotland, Rev. Samuel Blair, which Call was accepted, and on the 17th day of March, 1841, the little band, who had thus nobly combined to raise the standard of their faith, had the gratification of witnessing the opening of their place of worship, and soon afterwards the ordination of a Presbyterian minister, to break among them the bread of life. Thus was the congregation formed, and this was the result of two or three meeting together to stir up each other to good works.

"Their great difficulty seemed now overcome; true, they were still but a little band, yet having now a settled pastor, they united together with greater confidence and hopefulness. Their numbers, too, increased; several who, till then, had held back, fearing that the undertaking was hopeless, when they saw a minister actually settled, felt their hearts warm towards the good old Presby. terian forms, and joined the little company. In due time elders were ordained, and all things were done decently and in order.'

"But their difficulties were not yet over; hitherto they had been successful, but their severest trial was yet to come; in 1843, the Church of Scotland was rent asunder, and the little congregation of Dudley, still in its infancy, was well-nigh overthrown in the confusion. The disruption, which in Scotland tore asunder so many ties, jarred on so many heart-strings, and excited so many passions, but which has also produced so much of the genuine fruit of Christianity, extended even here, and although the question was one in which, practically, they were not involved, and which never should have been permitted to interrupt their harmony, yet so it was; their minister resigned the congregation, and returned to Scotland; the congregation themselves became divided, and the

infant cause seemed likely to be doomed to perish.

"But again their attachment to Presbyterianism triumphed, the little barque, though tossed upon an angry sea, beneath a dark and cloudy sky, yet rode out the tempest; rough were the shocks sustained, and often did the little crew fear for the safety of their frail vessel; but the storm passed away, and the little barque, shattered indeed, and deserted by many of the mariners, still floated on the waters, and we trust is yet destined long to display the 'blue banner' from her mast-head, and borne along upon a smoother sea by the favouring influence of the spirit of grace, may bear many souls to that desired haven 'where every storm is stilled, and there is a great calm.'

"The Committee met and consulted, and met and consulted again, but their prospects seemed dark and darker still; some advised the dissolution of the congregation, as it appeared almost hopeless to proceed further in the matter; truly they were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears; nevertheless, God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted them also, and sent them help from trouble.' They applied for advice and assistance to Robert Barbour, Esq., Manchester, and both were promptly afforded. That gentleman, with his usual kindness, and desire to promote the cause of Presbyterianism and the cause of Christ, sent them ministers to supply their now vacant pulpit; brought their case before the Home Mission, cheered their drooping spirits, and inspired them with fresh confidence. From various causes, they were long, however, before again obtaining the services of a settled pastor; their case was peculiar, and required much care in the selection of a minister; at length the Rev. G. Lewis, of the Presbytery of Newry, Ireland, was unanimously chosen, and on the 18th day of April, 1845, having previously accepted the Call, was ordained over them, by the Reverend the Presbytery of London; the Revds. James Hamilton, James Ferguson, and Josias Wilson, officiating on the occasion. "Since then their prospects have again brightened, many of those who had desponded again joined them, others followed their example, so that within the past year the number of members has almost doubled, and the Church has attained a greater degree of prosperity than at any previous period in its short but eventful history.

"Surely no Presbyterian can read this slight sketch without feeling deep interest in the early struggles of this Church, and no Christian of any denomination can refuse their admiration of the high-toned determination and moral courage which sustained them in their difficulties, and which, through the blessing of God, has enabled them to triumph over every obstacle, and plant right firmly in the soil of Dudley, that goodly vine which once overspread fair England, but the goodly boughs of which have been since broken down.

"The work to which they have now put their hands, that of erecting a suitable church and schools, is an arduous one in their circumstances, but sure we are that men who have already displayed so much energy, will, through God's grace, be enabled to accomplish it; and having fairly put their own shoulders to the wheel, they will not look for assistance in vain from their brethren, in other localities more favourably situated."

We hope that the church at Dudley will continue to prosper, and become the parent of other churches in the midland counties.

PROPHETICAL LANDMARKS.

WE intended to have noticed the valuable work bearing the above title, by the Rev. Horatius Bonar, of Kelso, but we have not space in the present number to enter sufficiently into the subject. With regard to the whole of this millenarian controversy, which in England as yet more than in Scotland, has excited so much the attention of students of prophecy, we regret to observe much misunderstanding and consequent misrepresentation on the part of writers on both sides of the question at issue between them, viz., as to whether the Lord's Advent is to be before or after the Millennium. Even Mr. Bonar's book is not free from statements such as we now complain of, as to the views of those who differ from him. What is the use of bringing in (preface, p. ix) the heresy of Dr. Bush, of America, as to the Resurrection, as at all analogous to anti-millenarian arguments? and why are all those who doubt the millenarian views represented as either denying the personal advent, or as putting death too much in the place of it as the hope and desire of the militant Church ?

While we agree with Mr. Bonar in the Scripture arguments by which he overturns the views of those who expect a millennium before the Second Advent, we think he entirely fails in establishing his own view of the subject, and is led into perplexed contradictions by the interpretations given of certain passages. In the chapter on "Difficulties," even of the few stated very unsatisfactory solutions are given.

After giving a summary of these difficulties Mr. Bonar says, p. 142, "This is the substance of anti-millenarian arguments. These are conceived to be insuperable difficulties. So that on account of them we ought to give up the idea of a personal advent and reign." We assure Mr. Bonar that the idea of the personal advent and reign is held by us as firmly as by himself, but we do not think that the holding it involves the millenarian views, nor do we think it right thus to charge those who do not hold these views with "giving up the idea of the personal advent and reign."

But the point which of all others we object to in this as in every millenarian work is the identification of the one passage in Rev. xx., with all the glorious things spoken in other parts of the Scriptures as to the kingdom of Christ. This identification is wholly unproved, and yet on the gratuitous assumption of it the whole millenarian theory rests. We hope soon to give a satisfactory defence of the scriptural doctrines of the Second Advent and the Personal Reign of Christ, against the speculations of the writers on both sides of what is called the Millenarian Controversy.

THE CHERUBIM.

We have received a communication from Dr. Hutcheson of Warrenford, author of "The Cherubim," pointing out the serious errors arising out of ignorance of the true revelation of Scripture as to the Cherubim, especially when considered, as very generally is done, to be some order of angels or other living intelligences, instead of types and symbols of Gospel truth. We have not space to insert the whole letter, but the concluding part will raise some trains of thought of an unexpected and interesting kind in the minds of our readers :

"There are many parts of the Old Testament which no man can read to advantage, far less expound to others, without a right

knowledge of the Cherubim. It is equally necessary also for understanding the spiritual scenery of the Apocalypse. Moreover, this ignorance has prevented the inquiries of scientific men, among the mythological remains of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, from taking a right direction: else they would have found out Christ among the sculptured buildings, and marble statues, and sacred rites of all nations: and would have learned to admire and adore the universal love of God to his fallen creatures, in giving to them all the knowledge of his salvation. If they had understood the Cherubim, they would not have been compelled to spend their learning in vain conjectures about the origin of pyramids, obelisks, sphinxes, two or more headed gods and goddesses, sacred vestal fires, Delphic oracles, and the like; for they would have readily traced them all to one root, viz., that of the Paradisaical fiery Cherubim, of which the Apostle intended, for our edification, to speak more particularly. All the Pagan idolatry in the world has sprung from the abuse of this Divine institution: just as all Popish idolatry has sprung from the abuse of the language, doctrine, and institutions of Christianity.

"And finally, it has mightily retarded the success of the Gospel, and woefully cramped the usefulness of our missionaries. Could they have spoken freely of the mysterious Cherubim, explained its awful import, and

shown its intimate connexion with their superstitions, we are persuaded that, with the Divine blessing, our missionaries would have found a readier access into their understanding and their hearts. This is more particularly the case with the Parsees, who worship

the fire of which the Cherubim were first

composed, or as they themselves affirm, Jehovah in the fire; which was nothing more or less than the primitive Cherubical worship of the Divine Person who dwelt between the Cherubim; and who are therefore in some measure prepared by their religion to receive the doctrine of Christ and Him crucified. And what is the river Ganges in which multitudes of Hindoos bathe for the pardon of their sins, flowing as they believe from the calf's foot of Brama, stamped on the rock of the Himalaya mountain, but a tradition of Christ's blood, symbolized by the calf's foot of the Cherubim. It would be easy to traverse the circle of human idolatrous folly, and trace out Christ in the varied forms of the superstition of every civilized land. Let our missionaries then study the Cherubim without delay; and let them be instructed to apply the divinely instituted mystery wherever it is practicable, and wherever it would be advantageous."

THE SITE QUESTION IN SCOTLAND.

IN consequence of the continued refusal of some proprietors to grant sites to the Free Church, a Motion was made in the House of Commons, on Tuesday, March 2, for a Committee of Inquiry. The subject was brought forward by Mr. Bouverie, Member for Kilmarnock, and, after a very interesting debate, the Motion for inquiry was carried by a majority of 28, the numbers being 89 to 61. The chief opponents of the Motion were Sir James Graham, Lord George Bentinck, and Sir Robert Inglis. Sir George Grey, Mr. Fox Maule, and Lord John Russell supported the Motion. We trust that this inquiry will result in a favourable settlement of this practical grievance, and the removal of the persecution to which many of our brethren in Scotland have been subjected.

Letter to the Editor.

proposed works, or was intended under compulsory powers sought in the Act

which had

of Parliament Amongst the opponents the Wesleyan been applied for. Education Committees who appeared by counsel and by a minister, a member of that Committee. From their statements, it appeared that the Education Committee had resolved, some time ago, to make a extension of their schools large country; and that, in order to do this as ools throughout the widely and efficiently as they desired, they had found it would be necessary to establish a Normal School of their own; that at Glasgow, from which they had obtained many teachers, being unable to supply the number they should then require; that this school was to be a a very large one, comprising from 800 to 1,000 youths, to be trained for teaching; and that in the course of a few years

this new agency, to

they expected, through increase the number of their scholars in

by 400,000 40

or

500,000. It was

Great Britain stated also that the Committee had resolved

as a

to select, acre, or an acre and a-half of ground, on the edge of some poor and destitute locality in

site for this establishment, an

a respectable

London, but not in it, with neighbourhood around, on the other sides of their buildings: that, after laborious search, they had been able to discover in all London only one place corresponding to their proposed plans, w which they had

bought at

accordingly

at a high price: that it consisted

thus hope to see the very important design of the Wesleyans speedily begun and carried out. I am, &c., A. M.

London, March 2, 1847.

P.S. Since this letter was written and in type, I have received a copy of the official

report of the examiners on the sewage scheme,

in which, after certain reasons stated, they promoters should be authorized to establish "recommend, that, in the first instance, the their works at the proposed station at Bermondsey only." ." I had not previously mentioned that the on the south and north sides of the river, the interest of the communication, to your readers, being limited to those in West

In a subsequent letter received from Miss resting and gratifying Sabbath-school soirée, Greig, she mentions they had had a most intewhen upwards of forty attended, to whom

Mr. Charteris gave a suitable address.

24th February last:received from Mr. Charteris, bearing date We following from a letter

"I am living in prayerful expectation that a revolution will take place in the Jewish mind-not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord God. I think I see, even in this desolate field at Corfu, so full of weeds, and SO hedged round with the thorns and briars of rabbinical bigotry, signs of better fruits. Surely nothing can be a better sign than a desire to read the word of

the Military Chapel, to the soldiers and others

as a

in the house.

partly of an open space, known as Garden," and partly of surrounding houses, yards, &c., situated in that part of Westminster lying between the new Houses of Parliament and the Millbank Penitentiary: and that this very property was now sought to be taken from them by the Sewage Company referred to, for the purpose of erecting their works thereon. All this evidence having been given on oath by the minister, the counsel made a powerful appeal to the Examiners in support of his client's claims to retain the said ground: setting forth the many and important benefits such an establishment as had been described to them would secure to the children of the poor throughout the land, and the blessed effects its success would have on the moral and spiritual condition of the rising generation: and urging on the Examiners, whether they could report to Parliament in favour of passing the Sewage Company's Bill without

requiring such a change in the position of their works as would leave the ground in

question to be devoted to the good and benevolent purposes for which it had been purchased; seeing, at the same time, that the said Company's designs could be carried out as well a mile off as there.

The Examiners have no

Our numbers were larger

public and

me for bibles which I have no means meeting, though in the circumstances I have done what I could. I know of a few young men, five or six, who meet together to read the Italian bible, Diodati's version, and who are them all, but two of them, the leaders in the searching the Scriptures daily, whether these things are so.' I have not yet seen with me a good part of the gospel by Luke, have told me what was going on; have read matter, have frequently waited upon me, and some of the prophecies, and have been mak ing rapid progress in knowledge. One of them has left for Italy, absent for some months, he has taken with him a few bibles which he says he thinks will

remains here, and comes almost every day. woman who was a sinner, and of her conduct He wept the other day when reading of the to our Lord, in the 7th chapter of Luke. Indeed I have heard that there has been a demand for Diodati's bible there also. I established in his native town, exclaimed, I have heard of an old Scotchman who, when branch of the Foreign Bible Society was angel flying through the midst of heaven see now the fulfilment of prophecy, 'I see an

a

of God in his hand'... I have

with the word spoken of our class of five or six, who may as the two principal ones I have mentioned read with them, and solve difficulties as they be said to be under my superintendence, so far Thus for a few nights past I have had a few young men coming to me, brought themselves can or are taught by myself. that appeared first in the 'Messenger.' They come by night like Nicodemus of old, lest by the wandering Jew mentioned in the letter they should be observed by others, and I have just been discoursing with them to-night on John iii. These words of our Lord appeared strange to them, quite marvellous, as they never had better proof of the adaptation of appeared to Nicodemus, and yet I think I been confirmed in a line of attack which I the word to insist upon man's fallen, and helpless, and have been practising for some time, namely, have new birth, and on the means of escape from dangerous wrath. I find a power in these truths, far condition, on the necessity of the stronger than the answers, many of them very Jewish objections from the evidence of protriumphant, which can be adduced to refute phecy. I have made them read with me the 51st Psalm, and the 36th of Ezekiel, urging upon them the fact that regeneration is not a doctrine of the New Testament, but ought to have been taught by the masters in Israel. whimsical being. His convictions seem every two or three months to distress him, and then The Jew above mentioned is

of God to the conscience, and I