Association, Glanton Church, per Rev. D. 5 4 £642 9 5 2 Wardour-street, gave in their report to the The Presbytery adjourned to meet at PRESBYTERY OF CUMBERLAND. Committee to be entered as a student of the second year. Next Meeting to be held in Whitehaven on the second Tuesday of October. PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND. THE Quarterly Meeting of the Presbytery was held at Alnwick, July 12, and was constituted by praise, reading of the word, and prayer. Sederunt-Dr. Hutchinson, Messrs. Blythe, and the Clerk. Rev. Newton Blyth was Anderson, Lennie, Huie, Thomson, Cromar, chosen Moderator, pro. tem., in the absence of Mr. Gillespie. The minutes of the former Meeting were read over and sustained. THIS Presbytery met in Maryport on the 27th April. Present, four ministers and three elders. Mr. Huie, of Wooler, being present as a member of the Deputation appointed by Synod to visit the congregations of the Presbytery, was invited to sit as a member of court. The Rev. Joseph Burns In regard to the subject of Sabbath-schools, was elected Moderator for the ensuing year. formerly brought under the notice of the The following were chosen as representatives Presbytery, the Presbytery instructed the of Presbytery in the Commission of Synod:-members present to send written answers to Dr. Brown, Joseph Burns, ministers; Robert the queries formerly issued, to the Convener, £16 14 2 Barbour, George Brown, elders. Mr. Lennie, previous to next Quarterly Meeting of Presbytery; the clerk to intimate Presbyteries' Proceedings. PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. 9 5 3 THIS Presbytery held its ordinary monthly Meeting at 16, Exeter Hall, on the 13th July; Mr. Chalmers, Moderator, in the chair. Mr. Forsyth, one of the Commissioners appointed to prosecute the call to Mr. Weir, appeared and gave in his report, together with an extract from the minutes of the Presbytery of Belfast, from which it appeared that said Presbytery had loosened Mr. Weir from his charge at Townsend-street, and ordered his church to be declared vacant. Mr. William Harvey, student of the Theological College of the Presbyterian Church in England, presented tickets and certificates signed by the professors, and it was found that he had attended the following classes during the session_1846-47, viz., Hebrew, Biblical Criticism, Doctrinal Theology, and Ecclesiastical History. Mr. Harvey was received as a student under the care of the Presbytery, and the usual exercises were appointed him. Presbytery met again in Workington on the 28th April, for the purpose of investigating the subject of a petition presented to Synod by certain parties connected with that congregation, and which had been remitted to Presbytery, and a commission, consisting of Rev. Messrs. Blackwood, Munro, Lennie, and Duncan. The Rev. G. J. Duncan appeared as a member of this Commission. After The Presbytery of London resolved to take the usual steps with a view to the induction of Mr. Weir; and, in order to this, they appointed Professor Campbell to preach at River Terrace Church, next Sabbath fore-hearing parties concerned, and receiving noon, and serve the usual edict. They also documents, Presbytery adjourned to meet in appointed Mr. Weir to preach at River Workington on 25th May for the further Terrace Church on the 25th July. And consideration of the case, and having met they further appointed Mr. Weir's induction accordingly, agreed to suspend proceedings to take place on the 29th July, at three till next ordinary meeting, on the second o'clock, p.m.; Mr. Ross to preach, Professor Tuesday of July. Campbell to expound the principles of Presbytery, and Mr. Chalmers to ask the questions, induct, and deliver the charges to the minister and people respectively. A communication from the managers of the congregation, formerly meeting for worship at York-street, Westminster, was produced and read, to the effect that they had engaged Lewisham Chapel, Lewisham-street, Westminster, as their future place of worship, and that they craved the appointment of some members of Presbytery to open the same on an early day. The Presbytery appointed said chapel to be opened on the first Sabbath in August, Mr. Chalmers to preach in the afternoon, and Mr. Hamilton in the evening of said Sabbath, leaving the provision for the morning diet to be made by the said managers themselves. Mr. James Stewart appeared, and, after he had finished the whole of his probationary trials to the satisfaction of the Presbytery, he was licensed to preach the Gospel. At the request of Mr. Forsyth, a Committee of Presbytery was appointed to meet with the congregation at Hampstead, and report to next meeting of Presbytery. At the suggestion of Mr. Wm. Hamilton, a Committee was appointed to inquire into the propriety of opening a missionary station in a provincial town, where a great many Scotch people are said to be residing. The Committee formerly appointed to confer with the congregation at Edward-street, Presbytery met again in Workington on the 13th July, and appointed the Rev. Messrs. Burns, Harvey, and Duncan, a Committee to report on the petition under consideration to the Commission of Synod at its next Meeting. The Rev. John Turbitt, minister of Workington, tendered the resignation of his charge into the hands of Presbytery. His resignation was accepted, and he was furnished with proper credentials. Mr. Burns was appointed to preach in Workington on the following Sabbath, and declare the charge vacant. Mr. Harvey was appointed to preach there on the 25th July, and Dr. Brown on the 1st August. Arrangements were also made for the supply of the pulpit till next meeting of Presbytery in October. It was farther agreed that Mr. Harvey be appointed Moderator of Workington kirksession during the vacancy. Applications for aid from the Supplemental Fund from the congregations of Maryport, Brampton, and Bewcastle were sanctioned, and a Committee appointed to examine whether every exertion had been made in these congregations to raise the minister's salary to the proposed standard of 1007. per annum, and to report to the Home Mission Committee. Mr. William Harvey was examined on Hebrew, Church history, and theology, and delivered a homily. These exercises having been severally approved and sustained, Mr. Harvey was recommended to the College the same to absent members. The Presbytery resolved that the list of questions in regard to the state of religion in the different congregations be made the subject of deliberation at an early stage of the business at next Quarterly Meeting. It was moved and carried that the followThomson, and Lennie, ministers, and Mr. ing members of Presbytery, Messrs. Anderson, Dawson, elder, be appointed to visit and ascertain the circumstances of Alnmouth and neighbourhood in regard to the supply able opening, in their view, be presented, for of religious ordinances; and should a favourcommencing a preaching station in connexion with this Presbytery, they be authorized Mission Committee for the services of a to make immediate application to the Home Committee to report at next meeting of preacher,— Mr. Thomson to be Convener. Presbytery. wick, in St. James's Church, on the second Next Quarterly Meeting to be held at AlnTuesday in October, at twelve o'clock. Sederunt closed with prayer. Ecclesiastical Notices. RIVER-TERRACE CHURCH. THE Rev. John Weir, late of Townsend-street Church, Belfast, having been chosen pastor of this congregation, officiated for the first time in this church on the forenoon and evening of Sabbath the 25th ult. "Remember The Rev. Gentleman preached in the morning from Ezekiel xlviii. 35, the last clause, "The name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there," "Jehovah Shammah (as in the margin). In the evening from Hebrews xiii. 7, 8: them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." Special reference was made in this discourse to the lamented Mr. Wilson, accompanied with solemn appeals and warnings from the faithfulness of his ministry, the holiness of his life and example, and the peaceful and triumphant character of his death. being the Sabbath previous to the Communion of the Lord's Supper, the tokens were distributed, and it was gratifying to see the warm and hearty manner in which Mr. Weir was received and welcomed by the members of the Church. This At both services the Church was crowded to overflowing, and a powerful impression was evidently made, by the eloquent and impressive earnestness of the preacher. An account of the services on the occasion of Mr. Weir's induction, will be given in our next number. We quote the following from the Banner of Ulster of 20th July last:: "According to previous announcement, the Rev. John Weir delivered his farewell address to Townsend-street congregation, Belfast, on Sabbath the 18th inst. In the forenoon, the Reverend Gentleman chose for his text in Deut. xxxiii. 16, The good-will of him who dwelt in the bush,' from which he preached a most excellent and impressive sermon. In the evening, the subject of discourse was taken from 2 Cor. xiii. 4, 'Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.' From these words a most eloquent, appropriate, and affecting sermon was preached, which occupied about an hour and a-half in the delivery. At the forenoon service, the congregation attending was very large, while in the evening the spacious church, which is capable of holding an audience of about 1,600, was not only crowded to overflowing, but considerable numbers were obliged to return after having in vain endeavoured to gain admission. In bidding farewell to Mr. Weir, we can say for ourselves that we view his departure from Belfast with great and sincere regret. As a man, his genuine worth, uprightness of character, and kindness of heart, attracted the esteem of all classes of society; while, as a Christian minister, his untiring zeal, unaffected piety, and cultivated mind, produced effects commensurate with the best wishes of his fellow-labourers in the Lord's vineyard; and though we take leave of him with pain, we cannot but congratulate the congregation of River-terrace on the wisdom of their choice." REV. WILLIAM BURNS. WE need scarcely remind our congregations not to cease to remember in their prayermeetings, and individually at the throne of grace, our brother Mr. Burns, on his way to his distant field of labour in China. Events have happened there since his appointment hasten the time of greater access which may to that country. The "Mary Bannatyne," which sailed on the 9th June, is expected to arrive at Hong Kong about the end of September. Our brother, Mr. Charteris, at Corfu, we would also cease not specially to remember at the throne of grace. (From a Correspondent.) WE lately visited an island in the west of Scotland, where Mr. W. C. Burns preached very recently before his ordination, but while his mind was yet in comparative darkness as to his duty in regard to the call of our Church. Inquiring of an old Christian Highlander whether he had heard that Mr. Burns, who was so lately among them, was now far on his way to China as a missionary, we were struck by the deep interest and pleasure with which he said, "Is he really gone? May be, I've had some hand, then, in helping away a man that will be such a loss to the country." The old man had long made prophecy his study, and seen with joy the near approach of the latter glory, as he termed it; but all this time China lay like a load at his heart; for while other countries welcomed the Gospel, the question always rose, "But who can ever get entrance there?” His joy was great when he heard of the war; and wondering much that the Church did not at once send forth a mis sionary, he wrapped up a sovereign and laid it aside, hoping for better days to come. He offered it once to a Free Church missionary, but was told that there was no mission to China in prospect, and that it was useless to take it. Disheartened, but willing to wait the Lord's time, he added half-a-crown to it, and laid it in his drawer again. Last year, when Mr. Jaffray, of the Schemes, was in the place, he followed him to the pier with the money, trusting that now, at least, the consecrated mite would be the beginning of something being done for China; but the little boat had already pushed off for the steamer, and a second time, with a small addition, he laid aside the money. A third attempt was to be more successful, for Mr. Burns visited them very early in the season; as he passed to the quay on the morning of his departure, the old man asked him if he could get that money given to send a missionary to China, for it had long been kept for the purpose, and the object was one on which his heart was set. Very well, my friend; I sometimes think I'll be there myself yet," was Mr. Burns's answer, as, without looking at its contents, he took the paper, and left the island. 66 LEWISHAM CHAPEL, WESTMINSTER. re THE congregation recently worshipping in Buckingham Chapel, Pimlico, have moved for a time to Lewisham Chapel, Lewisham-street, Dartmouth-street, Westminster, and special services are to take place on the first Sabbath of August. The Rev. Mr. Nicolson is to preach in the forenoon, the Rev. Mr. Chalmers in the afternoon, and the Rev. James Hamilton in the evening. We hope that the collections will be liberal, and that the office-bearers and members of this Church will receive countenance and encouragement in their persevering and praiseworthy exertions to do good in a very destitute and necessitous district. WOOLWICH CONGREGATIONAL MISSION. WE were much pleased to hear, a short time ago, that a Congregational Mission had been established in connexion with the Presbyterian Church at Woolwich, and that, for the good work thus undertaken, the services of Mr. Lindsay, a student of two years' standing in the Theological College of the Free Church of Scotland, who had been engaged previously in similar labours in the north, had been secured. borders, where such labours are more urgently There are few places within our Church's required, and fewer still, that present so peculiar claims on the Christian benevolence of Presbyterians. At Woolwich are the head quarters of the Royal Artillery, the Marines, the Sappers and Miners, besides the Royal Dock-yard and Arsenal, two of the most extensive establishments of that kind in the kingdom, the workmen employed in the former having been much increased during the last two or three years. Amongst the large body of military, of skilful artisans, and of other labourers, thus gathered together, a very considerable proportion are Scotch, or of Scotch descent, and accommodation is provided in the Presbyterian Church for four to five hundred of the military, by the appropriation to their use of all the gallery seats. The minister of that Church, Mr. Thompson, of whose earnest devotion to all departments of his duty we need not speak, visits, assiduously and regularly, not only the ordinary members of, and sitters in, the Church, but also the Scotch and Irish Presbyterian soldiers, who are sick in the Hospital, the number of these hospital patients being generally so large, that attention to their cases necessarily occupies a very considerable portion of his time. Other bodies also give accommodation for attendance on public worship to those who profess to belong to their denominations, and their ministers, we doubt not, perform to them in times of sickness the good offices of pastoral visitation. But, notwithstanding the united efforts of all classes, the appliances for imparting religious instruction to so large a number of men, and for the efficient spiritual oversight of them, and of their families, have, hitherto, been quite inadequate. Towards the close of last year an officebearer of the Presbyterian Church was led to direct his attention to a suburban district in the western part of Woolwich, which had sprung up chiefly in consequence of the large addition to the force in Her Majesty's Dockyard, already alluded to. He found, on investigation, that the people there were chiefly Scotch, who, although as a class, neither ig-. norant nor immoral, were living in a careless indifference to the things of God, without his fear before their eyes, and openly neglecting to "keep his Sabbaths, reverence his sanctuary." The other regular duties of the Presbyterian minister so took up his time, that it was impossible for him to undertake the oversight of this new field, more especially as it lies at a considerable distance from the district to which his pastoral offices are chiefly due, as comprising the residences of the great majority of his flock, and the locality in which the military hospital is situated. The whole matter having been prayerfully considered by the minister, Kirk Session, and other members of the Presbyterian Church, it was resolved that they should endeavour to obtain the means of making known to these people the Gospel message, through the instrumentality of an experienced and otherwise suitable Scottish Missionary. Subscriptions having been obtained, both from members of the Church and from other Christian friends, Mr. Lindsay, who was highly recommended by ministers of the Free Church of Scotland, He commenced his important labours in the was engaged as the Congregational Missionary. early part of May last, and has since prosecuted them with godly and untiring zeal. It is very gratifying to be able now to state that hitherto the Missionary has met, almost universally, a courteous and friendly reception from those to whom his visits have been paid. In regard to the measure of ascertained success that has attended his labours, it can be said to be yet but the day of small things; but there is cause to thank God that some fruit has already been brought forth, additional sittings having been taken in the Presbyterian Church, and a growing interest being evidently felt in the truth expounded and set before them, and in the counsel and warning addressed to them, by the Missionary. These results, it may be hoped, are but the harbingers of a richer harvest yet to come, for the furtherance of which, we trust, the prayers and aid of our brethren will not be wanting. The field is a most important one, and without the maintenance of such an agency as has thus been brought to bear on it, it may relapse into its former darkness. We may mention that there is a meeting for prayer and exposition of the Scriptures on the evening of Friday, and another on Sabbath afternoon, conducted by the Mis sionary, the attendance at the latter being encouraging, comprising ordinarily from fifty to seventy. He superintends also a Sabbath School opened in the same district, and twenty-four children are on the roll. ORDINATION AT CROOKHAM. THE Presbytery of Northumberland, according to appointment, met at Crookham on Tuesday, the 29th June, at twelve o'clock, to ordain and induct Mr. Cromar to the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian congregation of that place. The congregation had looked forward to the day of ordination with the greatest interest; and although the weather, which was particularly favourable to agricultural operations, must have been to all a powerful inducement to remain at home, the capacious old church was filled to overflowing. Mr. Kerr Johnston, of Birdhope Craig, commenced the services of the day with praise, prayer, and the reading of an appropriate portion of Scripture. Mr. Cathcart, of Harbottle, preached from Hosea ii. 14, "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness," &c. God's gracious dealings with His Church were brought out in a very able manner in the discourse, which was listened to with the deepest attention. Mr. Huie, of Wooler, followed with an address on Presbyterianism -contrasting Presbyterianism with Prelacy and Congregationalism, and carefully examining those Scriptures on which we rest the claim of Presbytery. Mr. Huie presented in his address a clear exposition and a powerful defence of that form of church government for which our fathers witnessed, and which we now maintain. The usual questions were asked, and the ordination prayer offered up by Mr. Anderson, of Morpeth. No one who was present will soon forget this deeply solemn period of the day's proceedings, when, in the midst of the hushed assembly, the voice of earnest supplication for the presence of God's Spirit, who can alone set apart men to Christ's work and fit them for it, and give to them success in it, went up to God, with, we trust, the silent but cordial" Amen" of many of his own people. Mr. Lennie, of Glanton, in addressing the minister, laid out the various duties of the pastor, affectionately and eloquently exhorting him to their performance, bringing before him the source whence ability for the work can be derived, pressing upon him the necessity of personal godliness, and warning him to "keep with diligence his own heart, whence are the issues of life." The address was marked by Mr. Lennie's wonted originality and beauty of illustration. Mr. Blythe, of Branton, addressed the people, and concluded the ordination services. He pressed upon the congregation the various duties which they were called upon to fulfil, with the greatest earnestness and faithfulness. The services were throughout of a solemn and impressive character, nor was the solemnity confined to them. It was remarked by many that they never looked upon an assembly which appeared more solemn and impressed. May God grant that in the future history of the congregation good evidence may be given, that it was the solemnity of those whose hearts God had touched, and whose desire was to obtain God's blessing on their minister and on his labours among them! After the benediction was pronounced, Mr. Cromar received the right hand of cordial welcome from the congregation, as they retired from the church. At four o'clock, the Presbytery, various ministers and gentlemen of the Presbyterian Church, and a considerable number of the congregation, sat down to dinner in the Blue Bell Inn. After dinner, the company was addressed by the Rev. the Moderator, Messrs. Cromar, Lennie, and Aitken of Etal; by Dr. Logan, and by Messrs. Nisbet of London, and Walter C. Smith of Edinburgh. A Meeting was held in the church at seven o'clock, Mr. Cromar in the chair. After praise and prayer by Mr. Nicholson, of Lowick, the Moderator turned the attention of the congregation to Sabbath-schools, shewing the desirableness of their erection in the district, and exhorting them to co-operate with their minister in so good an undertaking. Mr. Johnston's address was one of warning. He besought the congregation not to rest satisfied with having obtained a minister to whose instructions they could listen with satisfaction, and showed the danger of so doing; praying them to seek earnestly an interest in the great salvation which he had that day been solemnly set apart to proclaim to them. Mr. Nisbet expressed the great pleasure which he had derived from his visit to Crookham. He then introduced the Schemes of the Church to the notice of the people, called upon them for their aid in the support of them, and concluded by expressing the desire of his heart that God would bless them in all their undertakings. Mr. Lennie, after speaking of the various instrumentalities which the congregation might use for the extension of the kingdom of Christ, stated at length the advantages of a congregational and Sabbath-school library. The facts which he adduced were happily clothed in figures such as to interest an agricultural people, and the address was listened to with evident pleasure. Mr. Thomson, of Alnwick, was very happy in his conclusion of the entire services of the day. He shewed that although a minister was obtained, and Sabbath-schools and a church library were recommended, still in these they had only instrumentalities; an agency was wanted-that of the Spirit of God. The last exhortation addressed to the people was to seek, earnestly and unweariedly, the Spirit of God, without whom we can do nothing; with whom the weakest instrument becomes strong to fulfil the ends of its appointment.-After praise and prayer, the meeting, which was numerous, broke up. HARBOTTLE. ON the afternoon of Wednesday, the 14th ult., an interesting meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church in this place, for the purpose of establishing a congregational library. The weather was very fine; and the people, notwithstanding the urgent demand for their time in their several rural employments at this busy season of the year, assembled in goodly numbers, manifesting their desire to carry out the object of the meeting. At the hour appointed, the audience was in waiting for the ministers, who came from very considerable distances, and with much bodily fatigue, many of them walking the entire way under the hottest sun of this hot season, as here we have neither the advantage of coach nor railway travelling. The business of the meeting was commenced with praise; Mr. Thompson, of Alnwick, being called upon, engaged in prayer. After this addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Trotter, Johnston, Blyth, Huie, Lennie, and Thompson, members of the Presbytery of Northumberland, upon subjects of much importance, which were discussed with the characteristic ability and excellences of the several speakers, and listened to by the audience with deep interest. The Church at Harbottle feels itself deeply indebted to the Rev. Gentlemen for their presence on the occasion, as well as for their admirable addresses. Mr. Cathcart acknowledged, from the chair, the receipt of a handsome donation from Augustus Cæsar Foster, Esq., and the contributions of the evening on the whole were liberal. We trust this new institution, when properly established, may have the blessing of God resting upon it, and be made very useful in leading many to study the things that make for their peace, and bring them to a knowledge of Jesus, confirming the doubting, and establishing and strengthening the saint. Placed, as it will be, under the direction and superintendence of our Kirk Session, which has lately been augmented by an accession of three excellent individuals, we look for additional and increased success from the operation of this new but important scheme in our Master's work in this corner of the vineyard. SHELTON CONGREGATION. ON the 29th June, a tea party took place, for the purpose of welcoming the Rev. J. M. Martyn, late of Rathfriland, county of Down, who had been chosen as the pastor of the Church, and had arrived to supply the pulpit prior to his formal induction by the Presbytery of the bounds. The School-room, which was tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, was crowded by a highly respectable party, numbering about 200, chiefly composed of members of the congregation, many of whom had handsomely come forward and furnished the trays, so that the entire proceeds might be appropriated to the funds of the Church. The Rev. J. Gardner, of Birkenhead, was called to the chair, which he filled in the most able and pleasing manner. The Rev. J. Speers, of Stafford, addressed the meeting, and gave an interesting account of his efforts as the Commissioner of the Lancashire Presbytery to that of Rathfriland, to accomplish the release of Mr. Martyn from his former charge. One of the Elders next addressed the meeting, and presented Mr. Martyn with an elegant pulpit gown, in the name of the Church and congregation, who, on receiving it, delivered a powerful address, bearing upon the duties incumbent upon the congregation under their present peculiar circumstances. The Rev. J. Cross, of Crewe, next spoke, and was succeeded by several members of the congregation. It was delightful to observe the friendship and unanimity which abounded in the meeting, and which, indeed, has characterized the congregation in all its recent movements. May God prosper abundantly the work which he has begun in this densely populated district, which has only within the last eleven months been occupied by our Church. The induction of Mr. Martyn takes place in the first week in August, and is to be performed by the Midland Presbytery, which will be its first public act. SEATON DELAVAL. ON Sabbath, the 11th of July, the anniversary sermons were preached in the Presbyterian Church, Seaton Delaval, by the Rev. John Thomson, Alnwick, on which occasion collections were taken to assist in liquidating the debt on the building. The amount of the collections realized on Sabbath and at the Meeting held in the church on the following evening was 117. 10s. Interesting addresses were delivered on the Monday evening by the Revs. James Anderson, Morpeth; Arch. Jack, North Shields; W. Blackwood, Newcastle; W. O. Johnstone, Blyth; and J. M'Murray, the minister of the congre gation. The erection of the church cost | THE SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. THE London Presbyterian Sabbath-school Union met in the school-room of the Marylebone Presbyterian Church, Upper Georgestreet, on Friday, the 18th of June,-J. Banks, Esq., in the chair. The devotional exercises having been conducted by Mr. M'Crindle, and the minutes of last Meeting read and confirmed, Mr. Hardie reported, on behalf of the Committee on Juvenile Missions, that during the last quarter ten Missionary Meetings had been held in connexion with the Sabbath-schools, and addressed by teachers and other friends of the Union, that all those Meetings had been well attended by the children and young friends belonging to the Churches in which they were held, and that the information communicated at those Meetings on the subject of missions appeared to be exciting great interest in the minds of the Sabbath-school children on behalf of those lands that are still the habitations of horrid cruelty. He next adverted to the pleasure which the Committee had in proposing to the suffrages of the Meeting Mr. Lewis Mackay as Treasurer of the Juvenile Missionary Fund. After the Meeting had adopted the recommendation of the Committee, by appointing Mr. Mackay Treasurer, Mr. Anderson gave in a Report of the schools connected with Regent-square Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Henderson of those connected with London Wall. After praise and prayer, the Meeting adjourned, to meet in London Wall Church on the second Friday in August. MEETING OF YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETIES. THE first quarterly meeting of the union of Young Men's Societies in connexion with the English Presbyterian churches in London was held in the school room at Regentsquare Church on Friday, the 8th of July. | Mr. M'Crindle, of the Marylebone Presbyterian Church Young Men's Society, occupied the chair. After praise and prayer, the rules prepared by the Committee embodying the object and body of the constitution of the union, and providing for its regulation and future working, were submitted to the meeting and approved of. The Chairman then delivered an introductory address on the advantages of young men's societies generally, and in particular upon the object and character of the stated meetings which the union purposed carrying out; dwelling upon the beneficial results which were sure to follow, while he depreciated every aim and desire, save that of truth, of mutual improvement and edification. He gave an outline in conclusion of those The subject of the evening-Luther and This quarterly assemblage of the members The members, therefore, in their en- REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1847. THE School Committee, in presenting their second The amount of funds received during the past Church are in the position of being self-supporting, The following grants have been made to schools PRESBYTERY OF BERWICK. Berwick .... Regent's square Girls' School 25 140 It is carnestly hoped by the Committee that the beginning thus made by some of the more able of our congregations will be steadily followed stances; so that, ere long, by the united efforts of up and prosecuted by others in similar circumsuch congregations and of this Committee, we may have the satisfaction of knowing that there is not a single church connected with the Synod which is unprovided with its Day as well as its Sabbath-school. There is still, it must be rememhered, much room and need for exertion; indeed, we are only in the very commencement of this work. We have not as yet more than thirty-five day-schools in connexion with our congregations, and may be. Still, it is manifestly the duty of the as to realize them. The Committee, with the view of promoting this important object, beg to suggest to the Synod that they should be empowered to apply a portion of the funds to the object of providing improved school-books, maps, black-boards, and other necessary and desirable school furniture and apparatus, in cases where such requisites are wanting, and where the congregations cannot reasonably be supposed to be able to supply these serious defects out of their own resources. The Committee would propose that all such books, maps, &c., should be marked as the property of the Church, or of the particular session to which they may be granted; and they anticipate that the introduction of improved school-books in this manner, as a matter of favour to the children, and without any charge to their parents in the first instance, would gradually lead both children and parents to be sensible of their superior utility, and to be willing to possess themselves of them at their own expense. At present, the difficulty of introducing improved books is felt by the managers and teachers of many schools, especially in rural localities, to be almost insuperable; and this state of things evidently calls for such a remedy as that which the Committee now suggest. In carrying out such internal improvements in the conduct of our schools, it is evident that the right of inspection possessed by the presbyteries of the Church might be made exceedingly serviceable and helpful to the Committee. The Committee have received from the Synod no permanent order of personal inspection themselves. The only means of judging of the efficiency of the schools which they ordinarily possess, is the annual returns to their schedule of queries, which is obviously a medium of estimating the quality of the education given far inferior in value to that of personal examination. The Committee would, therefore, feel their hands much strengthened in carrying on the good work before them, if the Synod should see meet to issue an instruction to presbyteries to inspect and examine all their respective day-schools at least once a-year, and to transmit to the Committee the results of the examination of every school deriving aid from the funds. The Committee would thus be able to judge both of the skill and faithfulness of the teachers in carrying their recommended improvements into effect, and also of the beneficial results of these recommendations themselves. ing down and to prevent the feeble knees from we may require to retrace, and attempting no duty under which we may break down. Your Committee venture upon throwing out these practical hints not to discourage any efforts, but in the way of general caution, feeling assured that there is more wisdom in that delay which would hesitate to act without inquiry, than in that zeal which, overstepping the bounds of prudence, would rush into every opening without weighing well the probabilities as to the future. Zeal without rashness, and energy combined with perseverance are the elements required in order to secure ultimate success to our efforts. In following out these suggestions care should be taken not merely that the field selected be sufficiently large, but sufficiently ripe to warrant a speedy return. We cannot yet afford to wait long for a return, and therefore our expenditure of It is true that our exertions, and the results means and men should not continue long unprothat flow from them, are in themselves alike ductive, the localities chosen being such as present small; but it is by drops that the ocean is filled, early promise of being not merely self-supporting, and by moments that the year is completed: and but contributors to the general cause. Such well who can tell but that our efforts, feeble though selected cases of Church extension, as Brighton, they be, may be honoured to assist in erecting now happily supplied with a minister, and Chesthat bulwark which must be raised against the ter, where, under the labours of a devoted missionrising tides of error, and in organizing that Evan-ary, the spirit of Matthew Henry is again reviving, gelical combination which may, by God's blessing, present a striking contrast in their missionary be the instruments of yet leavening this land zeal and young energy to other stations either anew with Gospel truth? Let us sow in hope; dilapidated or less favourably selected. God, in his own good time, will give us a harvest. There is little to record of new operations since the last Report was laid upon the table of the Synod. Your Committee has been employed less in breaking up new ground than in building up those tabernacles that are fallen down. Many of our old congregations have degenerated into a state of imbecility, which is more difficult to recover than it is to foster the infant's weakness While the Committee indulge the hope that, in into vigour. With all of these localities, howthe further conduct of the School Scheme, steady ever, there are associated recollections which, if progress will be made both in increasing the cherished, might be made instrumental in urging number and improving the character of our ele- on a work of reviving energy in these congregamentary schools, they are fully sensible that with tions; and your Committee are sanguine in their such schools alone the educational apparatus of expectations that, in several of these, the revivthe Church will be very imperfect and incomplete. ing movement has already begun. Your ComThey feel persuaded that it is of the highest import-mittee rejoice in being able to report that, with ance to the interests of the Church in many ways, one exception, where the Presbytery of the that grammar, or classical schools of a higher bounds has not judged it expedient in the meanorder, should be instituted without delay in such time to fill up the vacancy occasioned by the influential localities as London, Manchester, Liver- translation of a minister, all of these old congrepool, and Newcastle, to be under the superintend- gations seem to be giving tokens of renewing life ence of the respective presbyteries. They are and energy. The progress which for some years convinced that it is only in this way that we can bygone was tending uniformly downwards, apreasonably reckon upon a regular supply of stu- pears to be in a great measure arrested. The old dents in future years to our College, or that we congregations are imbibing the fresh spirit that is can even hope to retain in attachment to the being infused into the general body, and are principles and communion of our Church, the regaining strength; all are tending towards imyouth of the more respectable families of our provement. congregations; they beg, therefore, humbly to suggest to the Synod to issue a strong recommendation to the friends of the Church in these centres of wealth and influence to take this important matter into their immediate consideration, and to endeavour to concentrate upon it the energies and liberality of our congregations in their respective districts. The Committee cannot conclude their Report without briefly adverting to the new and altered position in which the educational interests of this Church, in common with those of other religious bodies in England, have been placed by the Government Scheme of Education recently developed in the Minutes of the Committee of Council. That scheme evidently calls for the most serious and deliberate considera tion at our hands. The Committee, however, do not think themselves called upon to offer any opinion upon its merits or demerits in this Report, neither do they think it right to anticipate the decision of the Court. They simply desire to express to the House how deeply and vitally that decision must affect the interests of our educational scheme, whatever it may be; and also, that in either alternative, we must hold ourselves prepared to adopt vigorous measures, or else to surrender the fruit of all we have already done, and abandon the field to more powerful rivals. PETER LORIMER, Convener. THIRD REPORT TO THE SYNOD OF THE WHEN contrasting the moral and spiritual wastes of our land in their vastness and variety with the feebleness of the agency, which we, as a religious community, employ in order to cultivate the desert places, well may we raise our eyes above the whitening fields to the source of all strength, and cry, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few :-Oh that the Lord of the harvest would send forth more labourers unto his harvest." The fields are ready for the sickle: oh for more men and more means for the reaping! And yet, as year succeeds year, we are able to point to some fresh features of interest and encouragement in our ecclesiastical experience which are calculated to keep the weak hands from hang But while your Committee have thus been mainly occupied in building up the congregations already established, they have not been regardless of the duty of extending the borders of your religious communion. Your Committee have ample evidence to the fact that there is much land inviting us to come up and possess it, especially in the midland counties and manufacturing districts of England,-and that our extension as a Church is only limited by our means and by our men. Your Committee are fully alive to the desirableness of assuming an aggressive attitude upon the masses of ignorance and sin that pervade the land. In doing this, however, much delicacy and discretion are required; delicacy, lest we appear labouring to overreach or to disparage other Evangelical bodies who are already on the field, and discretion, lest the Church should be rashly committed to the maintenance of ordinances in localities unwisely chosen, where the congregations, insead of strengthening, will tend greatly to impede and embarrass the general body. There are two suggestions connected with this point which your Committee would humbly offer, as of importance to be kept in mind; first, that the presbyteries of the Church, in their anxiety to spread our principles and extend our congregations, should be warned against doing anything that would countenance the idea that the people are conferring a favour upon us in waiting upon Presbyterian ordinances, instead of impressing on them the duty of thankfulness to us for the pure Gospel and the scriptural forms, with which we are favouring them. Second, that Presbyteries be urged to obtain minute and accurate statistical and other information before establishing a station in any new locality, and that before proceeding they require to see some prospect of ultimate success, in order that the Home Mission Committee, on the one hand, may not be made the scape-goat for the indiscretion of presbyteries; and that the Church, on the other, may not suffer damage and reproach from the establishment of preaching stations which, after expensive trial, it will in the end be found necessary to abandon. The means which your Committee have at their disposal are limited, and their resources must not, in too large a measure, be diverted from the assistance of those localities to which the Church is already committed. The eyes of other denominations are upon our movements; and we should walk surely if we walk safely, taking no step in advance that Your Committee thus are of opinion that the Church is decidedly and generally on the advance. She is a small body, but she is living; and the life within her is growing. She is attracting more of public attention, gaining increased stability, and taking a place in the land. Fields of new usefulness are opening to her eye and inviting her hand. Already have we had pleasing evidences that even in ground unbroken until now the Presbyterian plant will thrive, and that other denominations, when they become acquainted with our system, are manly enough to avow their preference for it over what was before their own, and to prove this by joining our ranks. Among our congregations the principles of co-operation and the identity of interest are becoming better understood. practical isolation which, among our congregations, has disparaged the good old Presbyterian name, is giving way before the growing acquaintance with our principles which are leavening our congregations. And your Committee are cheered by this conviction more than all the rest, that the Church generally is rising in the people's confidence, awakening within them a deeper interest, and growing in its hold upon their hearts, all indicating that God's blessing upon efforts, judiciously begun and constantly persevered in, may soon rear our present sapling into a mighty tree, not the less enduring that it had been trained amid the hurry of the tempest and the tossings of the storm. The Passing away from these general statements to the financial state and prospects of the Mission, you have the Treasurer of the Committee reporting on the sources and means of support in the following terms : "Nothing of interest has transpired in reference to the Home Mission and Supplemental Fund since the last meeting of Synod. "During the nine months that have elapsed since the accounts were made up, viz., from March 31 to December 31, 51. 10s. has been received from two collections, 5l. 3s. 6d. from sundry donations, 1091. 8s. Id. from six congregational associations, and 11. 17s. 1d. from four Juvenile Associations, making in all 1317. 18s. 9d., which with 91. 83. 6d. of interest makes the total receipts 141. 7s. 2d. The annual collections, at present the principal source of revenue, being made in February, do not appear in the present accounts; the Treasurer cannot, however, but lament what must be apparent to every officebearer of the Church, the small number of associations in operation, and consequently the little fruit yet received from a source whence much was expected. The only congregational association indeed in active operation, with perhaps another exception, is that of Regent-square, London, which of the above sum contributed 847. 19s. 11d., leaving the balance of only 24. 8s. 2d. contributed by the other associations throughout the bounds of the Church. To maintain the Mission and Supplemental Fund in a healthful and vigorous position much greater exertion will require to be made during the present than the past year, in carrying out the recommendation of the Synod as to the formation of associations, from which a large increase to the annual revenue might be expected. The payments by the Treasurer amount to 509. 18s. 6d., of which a detailed statement ac |