TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. come up from their presbyteries. Clerks of presbyteries will also please to Various communications have been received; and mit to the Synod Clerk attested extracts of remember, that they are in due time to transsome articles are in type, but unavoidably post-all the business, overtures, appeals, &c., that poned. Notices of books in next. We thank the Rev. Dr. Henry Thomson, of the Secession Church, Penrith, for his valuable remarks, extracts from which will be given. We cannot insert the letter of "A Suffering Member" in the "Messenger;" such complaints ought to be made to the Presbytery of the bounds. We agree with our correspondent, that Presbyterial visitations would be useful in such cases. The February number of the "Messenger" being out of print, and many applications being made for it, a reprint is necessary; and we therefore request booksellers to send their orders to the Office, 16, Exeter Hall, in order that the publisher may know how large an impression to throw off. As there are several of the back numbers of which only a few copies remain, it is recommended to Church Sessions, and to all parties wishing to complete their sets, to make early application through the booksellers. Along with the December number of this year an Index will be published for the first volume of the "Messenger." Advertisements, business Letters or Parcels, Presbyterian Church in England. MEETING OF SYNOD. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. MY DEAR SIR,-Will you allow me, through your valuable columns, to remind all our brethren, that next meeting of Synod will take place at Sunderland on Tuesday the 20th current, being the third Tuesday of this present month of April, at four o'clock, P.M. Your readers will find, on referring to the printed abstract minutes of Synod, 1846 (pp. 26, 27), that committees of Synod are appointed to hold meetings at Sunderland on that day for the purpose of finally arranging their business for the Synod. At a conjunct meeting of the conveners, treasurers, and secretaries of said committees, recently held in London, it was unanimously agreed, that such committees should hold their meetings in the following order and manner, viz., the Committee on Foreign Missions to meet at.... College Committee Home Mission Committee 9 A.M. 10 99 Presbyteries further will be good enough to remember, that they are required to send up to the Clerk of Synod their judgment on the overture anent the constitution and powers of the Commission of Synod. (v. Index to printed Abstracts.) Presbyteries finally will remember, that they are to transmit to the Synod Clerk a report on the number of elders, &c., &c. (v. printed Abstract Minutes, 1846, p. 32.) [APRIL SCHEMES OF THE CHURCH. HOME MISSION FUND. Amount already advertised........ Ditto, Trinity Church....................................... Ditto, Canning-street Church, Liverpool, £8 9 6 614 5 62 18 6 4 5 01 29 6 21 0 0 350 31 4 6 25 0 0 1 11 1 52 10 0 500 Ditto, North Sunderland Church, be forgiven if I press upon all whom it may Association, ditto.... of the Church may meet with us and counsel Collection, John Knox, Stepney, London, per Ditto, Chester Church, per Rev. George Ditto, Wigan Church, per Rev. Donation, per Samuel M'Clure, Esq. 1 2, Torrington-street, Torrington-square, TO MEMBERS OF SYNOD. WE hereby urge upon all members, and espe- At the meeting of Synod at Manchester the business to come before the House. As We also would urge upon all members to The following ministers and elders of the 0 18 6 0 0 Collection, Woolwich Church, per Colonel Anderson Ditto, Berwick Church, per Mr. William Ditto, Lowick Church, per Rev. T. D. ..... Association, Workington, per Mr. William Collection, St. George's Church, Liverpool, 1 18 6 868 4 13 0 27 6 100 34 6 2 406 400 240 Ditto, Monkwearmouth Church, per Rev. 3 07 Ditto, Bolton Church, per Mr. Izatt Ditto, Birdhope Craig Church, per Rev. Dudley Church, per Rev. George Lewis.. Joseph Burns Association, Whitehaven Church, per Rev. Harvey... Ditto, Hampstead Church, per Mr. John Ditto, Stafford Church, per Mr. George Ditto, Wark Church, per Rev. Joseph Ditto, South Shields Church, per Mr. Ditto, North Shields Church, per Rev. G. Dit'o, Wooler Church, per Rev. J. A. Ditto, collected in small sums South Shields, Miss Toshach, collected in small 680 113 0 3 19 5 10 0 0 10 0 270 1 14 4 2 14 10 1 10 0 3 14 4 .... 856 doch... Ditto, Norham Church, per Rev. A. Mur Ditto, River-terrace, London, per Mr. sums... Collection, High Bridge Church, Newcastle, Ditto, Birmingham Church, per Mr. John Turner.... ........ Ditto, Morpeth Church, per Mr. George .... Ditto, Gateshead Church, per Rev. T. K. Ditto, Southwark Church, London, per Collection, Edward-street Church, London, and Ballantyne....... ........ 1 0 0 1 0 ..... 1 0 0 Collection, London-wall Church, London, per Ditto, Belford Church, per Rev. John WE rejoice that the resolution of the direc- ap Ditto, Harbottle Church, per Mr. Thos. 300 21 4 5 4 20 190 2 1 6 300 £465 12 9 COLLEGE fund. Collections and subscriptions already advertised £642 8 2 Deduct-STAFFORD, advertised twice........ Add-CREWE, omitted Amount for nine months, ending December 31, 1846 2 1 9 ........ 641 7 10 The following since received:Dr. Andrew Ure, Marylebone ........... J. C. Currie, Deptford.. Janet Ballantyne, per Mr. Dalton Presbyteries' Proceedings. PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. THIS Court met at 16, Exeter Hall, on the 5 9th March. The Rev. Wm. Nicolson, Moderator, p.t., in the chair. ..(ann.) 2 2 0 ....(do.) 1 0 0 0 12 0 1 0 0 ............ A Friend, per Rev. George J. Duncan ........ GLANTON, Collection NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE, Trinity Church, Rev. Wm. Blackwood,-Card of Mrs. Wm. C. Marshall 3 1 Mr. Macaulay gave in the draft of a Memorial to Lord Palmerston, on the subject of the late persecutions at Madeira, which was unanimously approved of; and the o Committee, formerly appointed to prepare it, were requested to take the necessary steps for having it presented to his Lordship at their earliest convenience. Mr. Nisbet reported that 1,0067. Os. 8d. had been contributed by the congregations of the Presbytery of London, in aid of the Fund for the relief of the destitution in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Professor Lorimer submitted a draft of a letter to the Home Mission Committee in the Wolverhampton case, which was unani11 7 0 mously approved of, and appointed to be signed by the Moderator and transmitted. The Presbytery unanimously agreed to transmit the following overture to the ensuing Meeting of Synod, viz. :— 2 7 7 2 £23 9 7 Treasurers. "That, whereas, in the prospect of the students now in our College becoming licentiates, it is of the greatest importance that arrangements should be made by the Church without delay, in order to secure their services as preachers in the supply of vacancies, and in the extension of the Church; it is therefore humbly overtured by the Presbytery of London to the Synod to take this 0 16 8 important matter into their consideration, and to make such arrangements, and adopt such regulations in regard to this matter, as they in their wisdom may see meet." .£27 15 8 ..(don.) 10 0 0 .(do.) 1 00 GLANTON ...................................... BRAMPTON REGENT-SQUARE .......... 13, America-square. .... 1 10 0 2 1 4 0 14 0 45 12 11 £89 10 7 ALEXANDER GILLESPIE, Treasurer. A call to the Rev. James M'Lymont from the Free Church congregation at Denholm, in Scotland, with relative documents, was laid on the table. The Presbytery agreed to meet at 16, Exeter Hall, on Thursday, the 25th instant, to dispose of this call, and for ordinary busi ness. Mr. Chalmers gave notice that, at the next o ordinary Meeting of Presbytery, he would 15 0 0 move the transmission of overtures on the 500 following subjects, viz. :— 15 0 0 20 0 0 5 0 0 7 10 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 1. The Admission of Ministers and Congregations from other Communions. 2. The Improvement of the Psalmody in our Churches. 3. The Directory of Public Worship. It was agreed that it be an instruction to 15 0 0 the Church sessions within the bounds, to appoint an early day, on which one or more diets of humiliation and prayer should be held in their churches, on account of the destitution that prevails in different parts of the 10 O • kingdom. 7 10 0 15 0 0 £175 0 0 MISS WEBSTER has received the following additional subscriptions, per Rev. William Charteris, Corfu, in aid of the fund for the relief of the destitution in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland : Miss Greig 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 12.6 £4 12 6 No man can rejoice in this life and that which is to come: there is a necessity that he who would possess the one must lose the other.-Augustine. ONE leak will sink a ship, and one sin will destroy a sinner.-Bunyan. The Rev. Mr. Ainslie appeared as a deputy from the Congregational Board of Education, to crave the attention of the Presbytery to the nature and provisions of the Government plan of education, and solicit co-operation with the Evangelical Dissenters in resisting the same. Mr. Ainslie was heard at length, and it was unanimously agreed that the Presbytery, deeply impressed with the importance of the subject which Mr. Ainslie had brought before them, tender their acknowledgments to him for his clear and able statement, and resolve to take the matter into their mature con sideration at their Meeting on the 25th instant. Mr. Vertue's name was added to those of the Assessors formerly appointed to hold Church sessions with the minister of Chelsea Church. Mr. Wm. Hamilton, Student of Divinity, appeared and delivered two discourses, which were sustained as parts of his trials, with a view to license. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at 16, Exeter Hall, on Thursday, the 25th instant, at three o'clock, p.m. Closed with prayer. MARCH 10.-The Presbytery met at Hanover Presbyterian Church, Brighton, on the 10th of March. Rev. Wm. Nicolson, Moderator, p.t., in the chair. The Clerk reported that the edict for the induction of Mr. Ross had been returned to him duly executed and endorsed. Intimation was then made to the congregation assembled, that, if any of them had any relevant objections to offer to the life or doctrine of Mr. Ross, they should forthwith repair to the vestry, where the Presbytery was met, and declare the same,—with certification, that if no objections were offered, the Presbytery would proceed to the induction of Mr. Ross. No objections were offered, whereupon the Presbytery proceeded to the Church, when Mr. Nicolson preached from Matt. ix. 38. Mr. Macaulay expounded the principles of Presbytery; Mr. Cousin put the usual questions to Mr. Ross, and having received satisfactory answers to the same, he did, by solemn prayer, induct the said Mr. Ross to the pastoral charge of this congregation. Mr. Ross then received the right hand of fellowship from the brethren present, and the usual charges were thereafter addressed by Mr. Cousin to the minister and people respectively. distinctive MARCH 25.-The Presbytery met at_16, Exeter Hall, by adjournment. The Rev. Professor Lorimer, Moderator, pro tem. The Rev. Mr. Purves, of Jedburgh; the Rev. Mr. Blackwood, of Newcastle; and the Rev. Mr. Hope, of Wamphray, were associated. Reports were given in as to the services on the Fast-day, and on other matters referred from last meeting. The case of the call from the Free Church at Denholm, in Scotland, to the Rev. W. M'Lymont, of Hampstead, was taken up; and parties having been heard from the Presbytery of Jedburgh, and the congregation of Hampstead, and Mr. M'Lymont having expressed his acceptance of the call, the Presbytery took steps for loosing Mr. M'Lymont from his present charge. The induction of the Rev. Mr. Mackenzie, at Birmingham, was appointed to take place on the 16th of April. The Rev. Mr. Chalmers to preach; the Rev. J. Macaulay to give the address on Presbyterianism; and the Rev. J. Hamilton to induct, and give the charge to the minister and people. Various other matters were before the Presbytery, of which future notice will be given. Adjourned. PRESBYTERY OF LANCASHIRE. THIS Presbytery held its ordinary monthly meeting at Manchester, on the 3d of February. The Rev. D. Magill, Moderator, in the chair. After some routine business, the Presbytery adjourned. MARCH 3.-The Presbytery held its ordinary monthly meeting at Liverpool. The Reverend Robert Cowe, Moderator, p.t., in the chair. Mr. White conducted the devotional exercises of the Presbytery, and briefly expounded a portion of the word of God. Mr. Cowe was appointed to deliver the address at next ordinary meeting. Reference having been made to Mr. Radcliffe's position as a minister within the bounds, it was moved by Mr. Fergusson, seconded by Mr. Forster, and agreed to: "That it be remitted to the Synod to give a decision as to the position occupied by ordained ministers, without charges, throughout the Church." 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. 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 scaling 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 Moderator 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 confer with Mr. Wiseman, was directed to lie 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 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 communication 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 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 believeth;" 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: sorrow. HEADS OF THE ADDRESS after long years of absence many a pilgrim | This is as it ought to be, for it is only by 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. M'Caw, in the name of Mr. Longmore's "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 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 may be exalted in the salvation of many ON Monday evening, Feb. 1, a number of his souls. He comes as a Christian philanthropist, friends entertained Mr. George Longmore at whose home is everywhere; he comes not supper in the Spread Eagle Hotel previous to with the shy feeling of a stranger, but with his leaving for America. Mr. John Stuart the cordial and expectant spirit of a friend occupied the chair, and Mr. John Rea the 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 of future friends. He comes as a Christian 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 vounded 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 THE Presbytery of Newcastle met here in the Nicodemus from his muffling cloak and mid- Jarrow Chemical Company's school-room on night interviews emerging into open disciple- Thursday the 18th Feb., for the ordination of ship. Fondly would I hope that the word the Rev. John Lister. Present, Dr. Pater here spoken may be so simple and so kindly son, Messrs. Duncan, Fisher, Anderson, Marthat homeliest neighbours may understand shall, Johnstone, M'Murray, and Izzet, of the and love it; and fervently would I pray that Free Church, Westruther, ministers; and that word may be so earnest and emphatic Messrs. Tate and Place, Elders. Mr. Duncan, that gayest visitors may carry its barbed of North Shields, presided. The place of shaft away with them. And, from the wistful meeting was crowded by a deeply attentive invalid who some bright morning steals a audience. At the close of the services Mr. visit to this sanctuary, to the Sabbath-breaker Lister received a cordial welcome from his who stumbles in for a few desultory moments-people. On Sabbath the 21st, Mr. Izzet from the stated hearer, who, with his exemplary preached, and introduced Mr. Lister, when a household, fills the family pew, to the stranger collection was made in aid of the Home who turns in to worship for a single day- Mission of the Presbyterian Church in I pray that this may be the house of God to England, which, after deducting the ordinary which many a Jacob shall look back, and see collections, amounted to 71. 10s. Mr. Lister again the ladder let down and heaven opened is taking active steps to get the "Messenger" and God reconciled; the Bethel to which, in general circulation among his people. WOOLER. THE Presbyterian congregation at Wooler SOUTH SHIELDS. Delivered to the congregation of Jarrow, : Paul's exhortation is suited to the case of Remember the chief part of your minister's office to preach 2. Take heed how you hear. As it is the yours "to hear with all readiness of mind." "the unsearchable riches of Christ," be it 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 which 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 "The Lord hath ordained that minister. they which preach the Gospel should live of "Let him that is taught in the the Gospel." word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." 6. Aid your minister by your personal exertions. 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. 7. Lastly, Be resolved by Divine grace to 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. that through the instrumentality of His word May the Lord of His infinite mercy grant in this place many souls may be "born between pastor and people be a union in again," and may the union how formed Christ Jesus, so that through eternity you may unite in the song of praise "Unto him that 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 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 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 now ? | | 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 Ministers of the Presbyterian churches in London, Greenwich, and Woolwich, and the Professors in the Theological College in London, ex officio; and Messrs. F. Baisler, W. Cook, J. C. Currie, J. Dowie, R. Edwards, J. Fraser, Galbraith, R. Hogg, J. Johnstone, J. Kirkaldy, M'Andrew, H. Mowbray, J. Morris, D. Napier, Ragg, A. T. Ritchie, R. Stephenson." A vote of thanks having been given to Mr. Maule for his conduct in the chair, and the benediction having been pronounced by the Rev. James Macaulay, of Edward-street Church, the meeting separated. NOTE. The Society's objects are stated in its regulations to be 1. To aid with funds in providing suitable church and school accommodation for additional congregations in and around London, in connexion with the London Presbytery, adhering to the Westminster Confession of Faith, as at present received and acted upon by the Free Church of Scotland, and the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in England. 2. To procure all necessary and useful information for carrying out the objects of the Society, and to give counsel and direction to local Committees in the execution of their respective undertakings. 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 of their fathers, 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 congrega tion, and returned to Scotland; the congre gation themselves became divided, and the |