TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. Advertisements, business Letters or Parcels, and Money-orders (payable at Charing-cross Post-office), to be addressed to Mr. JAMES PENNYCOOK BROWN, Agent for the Presbyterian Church in England, 16, Exeter Hall. The Messenger presents an eligible and suitable medium for Advertisements. Terms-ten lines and under, 5s., and 3d. for each additional line; 11. for a column. ORGANIZATION OF OUR CHURCH. "In looking at the internal and spiritual | men are placed in country situations, or small life of our Church it is no less evident that, towns or villages. Their post is as difficult although we may not be behind others in the and laborious as that of those who have ten fervency of our spirit and the abundance of times their income; they are as earnest, our labours, we are, notwithstanding, very faithful, and efficient ministers as we have; far below the high standard of God's Word but their congregations are small and poor, and the example of the blessed Saviour in and cannot in most instances pay them more. the matter of vital godliness and missionary Are these men to be allowed to starve on? zeal. A deep consciousness of this may well Is it creditable to the wealthy members of humble us in the dust. But it should do the Presbyterian Church in England that onemore. It should lead us to the throne of fourth of their ministers,-men who have grace, that our lamps being filled with pure received a liberal education, men of piety oil we may shine as lights in this dark world. and talent,-are vegetating, for they cannot "For the purpose of keeping alive and in- be said to live, on or Presbyterian Church in England. creasing the missionary spirit among us, as Let our rich London and Manchester merpounds a-year? chants, and our fair friends in all our churches, who are foremost in every labour of love, while they feel their hearts moved to send the Gospel to the Heathen, not forget the difficulties of their faithful ministers at home. Let them picture to their minds the situation of a minister, with - per annum; suppose that he has a wife and family; let any one sit down and try his arithmetical powers in calculating how he is to procure the necessaries of life on this income, contribute to all charitable and religious objects, and purchase books. If unmarried, then the prospect of bringing others into poverty will deter him most effectually from any movements towards matrimony. I need not dwell on the depressing effects of such a state of poverty. Broken in spirit, perhaps involved in debt, unable to take his proper place in society, how can he effectually discharge the duties of his office? Such a state of things should not be allowed to continue. The honour of our Church, the cause of religion, and the prosperity of our cause in England, are involved in this matter. WE have received various communications bearing upon the articles in recent numbers upon the state and prospects of our Church. We are rejoiced to know that there is much thought being directed to the subjects referred to, and that many minds are awake to the difficulties as well as to the responsibilities of our present position. That there must ere long be great movements and changes in ecclesiastical affairs in this country, is becoming more and more apparent; it is our wisdom to be putting our ranks in order, and be prepared for any events. Although as yet weak and small as a denomination in this country, yet we are well assured that our Presbyterian Church is the nucleus around which, when any changes take place, the good men and true from other religious bodies will joyfully rally, and under our standards make common cause against the enemies that are coming in as a flood. The scattered forces of Congregational Dissent are altogether impotent to meet any public danger, and the absence of any common standard of faith or practice may well induce earnest men amongst the Independents and other Congregational bodies to make inquiries concerning the order and forms of the Presbyterian Church, which in every Protestant country except England is recognised as the - scriptural model of ecclesiastical polity. As it has only been from the pressure of extraordinary political circumstances that Independency has flourished in England, and as the evil fruits of Prelacy are more and more becoming obvious, it is incumbent upon us to see to our Presbyterian system being well organized, and prepared for the favourable regard of all inquirers. From two of the letters that we have received we select extracts, on subjects deemed by us of great importance, in reference to our acquiring increased strength and extended influence. The letters are both from ministers in our Church. The first relates to the effecting of greater unity and organization, by the visitation of our churches and stations by some one authorized to do so. The second relates to the institution of a Central Fund. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. 66 My dear Sir, Very much of the success of the English Presbyterian Church in fulfilling her mission in England will depend on the strength of her missionary spirit. In glancing at the framework of our Church, so excellent in itself, it is but too clear, that it has yet to be set up and efficiently worked. Nor should all be slow in affirming that he who does something to the achievement of this end deserves well of his brethren. What measures the necessities of our position may lead to we cannot tell, but it is right that the mind of the Church should be constantly fixed on the importance of a complete and effective organization. well as for hastening the more perfect organ- "We are not ignorant that there are many From the other letter, on the Pastoral 66 To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. "The necessity of such a fund arises from many "Now it is a positive fact, that of our congregations are unable to pay their ministers more than such salaries, or at all events they have not done so, nor will they. The question then arises, are such congregations to be abandoned, or their ministers allowed to continue in this precarious state of semi-starvation? To abandon such congregations is not now practicable; ministers were induced at the time of the disruption to come over from Ireland and Scotland, and under the prospects held out to them they abandoned home and accepted the call of our congregations. "The situation of many such is much worse than they could have obtained by remaining at home. In Ireland, no minister has less than 1107. per annum. In Scotland, few less than 1507. or 2007. Is it just to treat our ministers in this manner, to induce them to settle here, and then shorten their lives by poverty? What can be done to remedy this state of matters? I quite agree with you, Mr. Editor, as to the desirableness of a General Sustentation Fund for our ministers on the model of the Free Church of Scotland; and to this, I have no doubt we shall come at last if we wish our Church to prosper. "In the meantime, let us have a fund established to aid ministers placed in such circumstances as I have described. Surely 1007. per annum with a manse, or 120l. without a manse, is as little as any minister can live upon, so as to take the rank in life which he ought to hold. Where the congre gation cannot pay this sum, let his salary be supplemented to this amount out of the General Fund. A sum of 5007. or 600l. per annum would perhaps at first be needed to work this scheme; but surely our wealthy congregations would not grudge so small a matter for so worthy and important an object. "I know almost every one of your readers will exclaim, This has been done already. Have we not a Supplemental Fund established on these very principles ?" I reply, in theory we have, but not in practice. "In the Synod of 1846, the noblest benefactor of our Church brought forward a scheme of this kind, and it was adopted amid the praises and blessings of all, but especially of the poorer brethren. Most unfortunately however, instead of appointing a separate Board to carry out the provisions of this overture and establishing a separate fund, it was mixed up with the Home Mission, and the business thrown on that body. The consequence was, that little general interest was excited on behalf of this scheme. "The Committee carried out its provisions on the principles of the Home Mission; they had not sufficient funds at their disposal, and hence, they determined on administering it on the poor-law principle of getting rid of every application on the lowest possible terms; and though several grants were made, the overture was not carried out, and the condition of poor ministers was very little improved. "The supplemental scheme will never be of service conducted as it is. Let it be made a separate and distinct matter, and with excellent originator, who takes' such awaits interest in it, at its head, I have no fear but it will be well supported, and will answer the end in view. The Home Mission Committee has business enough without this addition; and its Secretary complained, at last Synod, of the onerous nature of his duties. Let our wealthy churches stir themselves in this matter, and put funds at the disposal of the Committee. Nor will the burden fall altogether on our wealthy congregations. The poorer Churches will be stimulated to greater exertion by such a scheme, and a sufficient sum will be forthcoming to keep our ministers from embarrassments. Let a Board be nominated with proper instructions and rules. Let them accurately examine into the condition of the congregations applying for aid, and determine how much each is able to raise. And let the deficiency be made up. I trust our Presbyteries will bring forward overtures on this subject, at next meeting of Synod; and that meantime, the Home Mission Committee will do all in their power." 66 We greatly approve of the suggestions of both our correspondents. Such a Messenger of the Churches" would be of great service. The expense attending the appointment would be the only hindrance, but we believe that a very few months' experience would amply testify, even in a pecuniary point of view, the benefits of such an organ of communication and influence. By the increased interest thereby excited in the Schemes of the Church, and in the welfare of the several congregations, there would be an increase of liberality and brotherly feeling called forth, that would amply overpay any outlay. We commend this also to the consideration of the brethren who are to meet at Liverpool in October. We trust that there will be a full meeting of Commission at that time, and that members will make their arrangements in time to ensure their attendance. We suggest also, that members should be up a day previous to the diet for public business, in order to have prayerful and deliberate conference previous to the meeting. Our Liverpool friends will see to this being arranged, we trust, and we shall expect the invitation of their Local Committee to appear in the "Messenger" for October. REPORT ON SABBATH DESECRATION. paper; and WE call attention to the Report on Sabbath Desecration which appears in this we beg leave to suggest to those who do not grudge some personal sacrifice in promoting this cause, that they could not do better than direct a cheap reprint of this excellent Report to be immediately issued, and widely circulated throughout England. We hope that Mr. Greig, of Manchester, or Mr. Lamont, of Liverpool, or other members of the Sabbath Observance Committee, will take this matter up with spirit, and communicate with the Rev. Mr. Gardner, by whom the Report was drawn up. THE REV. R. H. SHEPHERD. WE are requested to state that the Rev. Mr. Shepherd, of Ranelagh, at present conducts the public worship every Sabbath forenoon (at eleven o'clock) in the church in Edwardstreet, Wardour-street. Our aged and venerated friend is never so lively and happy as when in the pulpit, and we pray that he may long be able for public duty. In what spirit he welcomes the Lord's-day, and would seek it to be enjoyed by his fellow-worshippers, may be gathered from the beautiful lines "For the Sabbath," which will be found under our head of poetry in this paper. THE MIDLAND COUNTIES PRESBYTERY. AT the meeting of Synod at Sunderland, in May, "the Synod called for the petition of the Presbytery of London, praying for the formation of a Birmingham Presbytery; which having been given in, read, and fully considered, it was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to grant the prayer of said petition, form a Presbytery, to be designated the Presbytery of Birmingham, and to consist of the following congregations:-viz., Birmingham, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Stafford, and Hanley; appoint their first Meeting to be held at Birmingham, on the first Tuesday of July next, at twelve o'clock, noon; Mr. George Lewis to preside and constitute such Meeting; or, failing him, that a quorum of the brethren present appoint a Moderator; and that said Presbytery be represented in Commission of Synod by two ministers and two elders."" In accordance with this finding of the Synod, the said Presbytery was duly formed at the time appointed; and we have great pleasure in directing attention to the report of their first proceedings. COMMITTEES OF SYNOD. AT the Meeting of Synod at Sunderland various Committees were appointed, reports from which may be called for at the Meeting of the Commission at Liverpool in October. At any rate, it may be well that these Committees be prepared to make statements on the subjects referred to them, if it appears to the Commission desirable. The following are the principal Committees:-COLLEGE, Messrs. W. Hamilton and Gillespie, Conreners; HOME MISSION, Rev. A. Monro, Convener; SCHOOLS, Professor Lorimer, Convener; FOREIGN MISSIONS, Rev. J. Hamilton, Convener; CODE OF DISCIPLINE, Professor Campbell, Convener; CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER CHURCHES, Rev. J. Fergusson, Convener; SABBATH, Rev. J. Gardner, Convener; HEWLEY CHARITY, Rev. J. Hamilton, Convener; PSALMODY, AND DIRECTORY OF PUBLIC WORSHIP, Rev. W. Chalmers, Convener; PRESBYTERIAL VISITATION, Rev. W. Nicolson, * Abstract of Minutes of Synod, Session xi. THIS Presbytery met at River Terrace Church, on the 29th July; the Rev. Mr. Ross, Moderator, p.t. in the chair. The edict for the induction of Mr. Weir was called for, and produced, duly certified; citation was then made in the church to the congregation assembled, that if any one or more of them had any relevant objections to offer to the life or doctrine of Mr. Weir, they should forthwith repair to the vestry, where the Presbytery was assembled, and declare the same; with certification that, if no such objections were offered, the Presbytery would proceed to the induction of Mr. Weir. The Presbytery having waited for some time, and no one appearing to object, then proceeded to the church, when Mr. Ross preached from Acts ii. 42; Professor Campbell expounded the principles of Presbytery; Mr. Chalmers put the usual questions to Mr. Weir, and having received satisfactory answers to the same, he did, by solemn prayer and supplication, induct the said Mr. Weir to the pastoral charge of the said congregation; and, after Mr. Weir had received the right hand of fellowship from the brethren present, the usual charges were addressed by Mr. Chalmers to the pastor and people respectively. Professor Campbell gave a verbal report from the Edward-street Committee, which was approved of, and the Committee was re-appointed with instructions. The report of the Hampstead Committee was laid on the table; the sederunt was closed with prayer This Reverend Court held its ordinary | example." The induction of Mr. Martyn to monthly meeting at 16, Exeter Hall, on the 10th August; the Rev. W. Chalmers, Moderator, in the chair. The Report of the Hampstead Committee was then called for, read, and approved of. Mr. Roxburgh obtained leave of absence from his congregation for two months; and, at his request, Mr. Fisher was authorized to hold Kirk Sessions at Greenwich, when necessary, till Mr. R's return. A Member of Court inquired whether, in the event of certain parties opening a new preaching station at Islington, this movement, on their part, would prejudice any future application from them to the Presbytery for a direct sanction of the same? After consideration, the Presbytery agreed, by a majority, "that the Presbytery cannot, in general, regard the opening of a place of worship in connexion with this church, and procuring supplies for it without their direct sanction, as prejudicing a future application for such sanction; but that they cannot give to the present application any other answer than that parties must be considered as acting upon their own responsibility in this matter, until such information is afforded as may enable the Presbytery to come to a judgment." Professor Lorimer was appointed to dispense the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at Lewisham Chapel, Westminster, on Sabbath, the 22d August. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at 16, Exeter Hall, on the second Tuesday of September, at 3 o'clock P.M.; and the sederunt was closed with prayer. PRESBYTERY OF BIRMINGHAM. THIS Presbytery held its first meeting in the Presbyterian Church, Broad-street, Birmingham, on Tuesday, the 6th July. Sederunt Messrs. Lewis, (Moderator,) Mackenzie and Speers, ministers. Commissions having been read and sustained in favour of Messrs. John Henderson and David M'Cutcheon to represent the congregations of Birmingham and Dudley, as elders for next six months, the Presbytery appointed Mr. Speers clerk, who thereupon entered upon his duties. Mr. Lewis of Dudley, was chosen Moderator for next six months. The Rev. J. M. Martyn, a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, being present, was requested to sit. Attention having been called to the state of the Session Records within the bounds of the Presbytery, it was unanimously resolved that the Session Records and Communion Roll of each congregation should be laid on the table at next meeting. Mr. Henderson called the attention of the court to the desirableness, under existing circumstances, of a large and regular attendance of members; and moved, "That the travelling expenses of ministers attending Meetings of Presbytery, be paid by their respective Sessions." Mr. M'Cutcheon seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Rev. Donald Fergusson of Liverpool being present as a deputation from the Presbytery of Lancashire, addressed the court, whereupon it was unanimously resolved,— "That the thanks of this Presbytery are due, and hereby tendered to the Presbytery of Lancashire, for the fraternal spirit they have manifested in sending one of their number to confer with and encourage the brethren of the Birmingham Presbytery at this their first Meeting; and farther, that should the Presbytery of Lancashire think it desirable to appoint a Committee of correspondence, this Presbytery will have great pleasure in reciprocating their kindness and following their the pastoral charge of the congregation at Shelton, having been referred to the Presbytery, and all the relative documents having been laid on the table, it was resolved to proceed with the induction on Tuesday, August 3, and Mr. Lewis of Dudley was appointed to serve the edict on Sabbath, 18th instant; Messrs. Mackenzie and Lewis, ministers, and Henderson and M'Cutcheon, elders, were appointed to represent the Presbytery at next meeting of Commission. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at the Presbyterian Chapel, Shelton, on the first Tuesday in August, at twelve o'clock. The Presbytery met at Shelton on Tuesday, the 3d of August. Sederunt-Messrs. Mackenzie, Moderator, pro tem.; Speers and Bryson, ministers; and Henderson and M'Cutcheon, elders. Messrs. Fergusson of Liverpool, and Gardner of Birkenhead, being present, were requested to sit as assessors. The Presbytery having called for the Session Records and Communion Rolls, the following were laid on the table,-Dudley, Birmingham, and Shelton; and a Committee appointed to examine the same, and report to next Meeting. Commissions were handed in and sustained from the congregation of Shelton, in favour of Mr. John Bate, to represent them as elder for the next three months; and from the Congregation of Wolverhampton, in favour of Mr. Alex. Wills, to represent them as elder for next six months. Mr. Henderson solicited the attention of the Presbytery to the state of education in the various congregations within the bounds of the Presbytery, and concluded by moving the following Resolution, which was recorded, and unanimously agreed to:-"That the Presbytery, as early as possible, examine all schools and teachers connected with congregations within its bounds; and that such examinations take place as far as possible in the churches with which the schools are connected. In the meantime, appoint all Sessions within their bounds to report to next Meeting of Presbytery, as to the number of Schools connected with their several congregations, the nature of support, whether receiving aid from the school fund, the educational course pursued, number of scholars on the books, their average attendance, qualifications of teachers, salary paid," &c. &c. Mr. Bryson gave notice of his intention to submit an overture at next Meeting, on the subject of a general sustentation fund; and another on the manner of appointing the Synods' Committees. The Presbytery then adjourned to meet again at two o'clock. At two o'clock the Presbytery met, and proceeded with the induction of Mr. Martyn. Rev. J. R. Mackenzie presided, Rev. D. Fergusson preached; Rev. J. Speers explained the discipline of the Presbyterian Church; Mr. Mackenzie addressed the minister, and Rev. John Gardner, the people. Immediately after, the Presbytery adjourned to meet again at the Presbyterian Church, Wolverhampton, on Tuesday, September 7, at three o'clock. Meeting closed with prayer. Ecclesiastical Notices. RIVER TERRACE, ISLINGTON. ON Thursday, July 29, the Rev. John Weir, of Belfast, was inducted as the successor of the late lamented Rev. Josias Wilson, in the Presbyterian Church, River Terrace, Islington. The service commenced at three o'clock P.M. The congregation was large, and highly respectable. The Rev. Mr. Ross, of Brighton, conducted the introductory services, and preached. His text was Acts ii. 42. The Rev. Professor Campbell next delivered an able discourse in defence of Presbyterianism. He said its principles had been misrepresented in this country, and its history misread, and his design was, on the present occasion, to present it in its true light. He shewed that Presbytery is as ancient as Christianity, and that, as a system of church polity, it is more widely diffused than any other that prevails among Protestants. The great majority of the Protestants of Christendom are Presbyterians. It is objected against Presbyterianism that it is republican; and the Independents bring against it the opposite charge, that it is despotic. But, in fact, it stands equi-distant between the democracy of Independency on the one hand, and the absolute monarchy of Prelacy on the other. -Presbyterians have been accused of disloyalty; but history shows them to have been the most loyal body in the United Kingdom. Neither the private views nor the public maladministration of James I. could alienate their loyalty. And when they revolted from his son, Charles I., it was against his minions they acted, not himself, whose person was held sacred, according to the useful fiction that kings can do no wrong. During the whole time of the Protectorate, the Presby terians were faithful to the Stuarts. Where then were the Royalists, the Cavaliers, and High Churchmen Living at ease in their castles, or skulking on foreign shores, and displaying their loyalty in toasts. Certainly, if Bacchanalian revelry could have restored royalty, they were the men to do it. While these men were intriguing to bring a Papist to the throne of Great Britain, the Presby terians, to a man, were true to the House of Brunswick. The Rev. W. Chalmers put the questions to Mr. Weir in a very impressive manner; after which, the new pastor was formally admitted into the English Presbyterian Church, and into the Presbytery of London, and to the enjoyment of all the rights and privileges thereunto belonging; in testimony of which the members of Presbytery gave him the right hand of fellowship. Mr. Chalmers, as Moderator, then delivered a charge to the new pastor, remarkable for its ability, judiciousness, and solemnity. Having addressed some valuable counsels to the people, these very interesting services were concluded, excepting the ceremony which Mr. Weir had to go through in receiving the cordial welcome of the congregation at the door. Certainly nothing of the kind could be more cordial. Mr. Weir preached in River Terrace Church on Sunday, August 1. The place was crowded to excess, and the reception given to the new pastor was most warm and gratify ing. His text in the morning was Ezkeiel xlviii. 35; in the evening, Heb. xii. 7:"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow," &c. In expounding this text he dwelt with touching power on the character of the late Mr. Wilson. The effect of his appeals on the audience was decided and visible. On the whole, Mr. Weir commences his pastorate in London under the happiest auspices. NEWCASTLE. THE REV. S. GLOUCESTER. WE have received from a Correspondent the following intimation of our respected brother, Mr. Gloucester's, visit to Newcastle. We rejoice to hear that he is succeeding in the object of his mission to this country. The Free Church, we knew, would gladly" send back the money" to America in this manner; but since Mr. Gloucester has not obtained in Scotland all that he requires, we commend his cause to our English Presbyterian Churches which he may yet visit. With regard to the Newcastle people being destitute of heart, we have known the reverse of this often already; and at the next meeting of Synod hope to know much more of the folly of the impu tation : important matter, proceeded to consider the HANLEY, STAFFORDSHIRE. THE Presbytery of Birmingham met at Brunswick Chapel, Shelton, near Hanley, on Tuesday, August 3, for the induction of the Rev. Mr. Martyn. A large congregation had assembled to witness the induction services. "On Sabbath, August 8th, the Rev. Stephen of Birmingham, had constituted the Meeting, After the Moderator, the Rev. Mr. Mackenzie, Gloucester, Pastor of the Central Coloured Mr. Fergusson, of Liverpool, preached an Presbyterian Congregation, Philadelphia, appropriate discourse from Hab. iii. 2, 3. (U. S. America,) preached in the various Mr. Speers, of Stafford, addressed the conchurches in connexion with the Synod in gregation on the Presbyterian form of Church Newcastle to crowded congregations; viz., government. Mr. Mackenzie then put the in the morning in Great Market Church; usual questions to Mr. Martyn, and having afternoon, in the High Bridge Church, and obtained satisfactory answers thereto, he in the evening in the Music Hall. The ob- offered up fervent prayer in behalf of pastor ject of Mr. Gloucester's visit to Newcastle and people, and delivered a solemn and affecwas to collect money in aid of defraying the tionate address to the minister on his respondebt on his new Church; he has been kindly sibilities, his difficulties, and his received, and has received subscriptions from ments, as a servant of Christ. The Rev. J. the friends of Presbyterianism in Newcastle Gardner, of Birkenhead, briefly, but earnestly, to a considerable amount; indeed, to greater addressed the congregation on their duties to extent than Mr. Gloucester's sanguine expec- their pastor. The Presbytery then adjourned. tations, for when that gentleman was in The Presbytery were invited to dine in the Edinburgh, some of the leading ministers of school-room, with about eighty ladies and the Free Church told him not to go to New-gentlemen, whose hospitality on the occasion castle, for, said they, the Christians in was certainly shewn without grudging. Newcastle are Christians without hearts to give to the cause of Christ. We are at a loss to conceive how the Free Church has formed such an opinion of the people of Newcastle. For to use Mr. Gloucester's own words,' the hearts of the people of Newcastle are the most warm I have met with since I came to Great Britain.'' ST. PETER'S CHURCH, LIVERPOOL. encourage At seven p.m. there was a Public Meeting; J. Henderson, Esq., of London-works, Birmingham, in the chair. After hearing addresses from the Chairman, Mr. Bromley, Wesleyan minister, and the several ministers present, the interesting services of the day were concluded about nine o'clock. Mr. Martyn has had an auspicious introduction to his new sphere of action, where we trust he may be long spared for great usefulness, being upheld, as we believe him to be, by the prayers of a flock whose influence will be extensively felt, and whose example we hope shall ere long be extensively imitated. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WHITEHAVEN. THIS Church, which is situated in one of the the advantages of mutual love between pastor and people, and the high gratification he felt in being asked to perform a duty so pleasing to himself, so honourable to them, and so worthy of their minister. Mr. Burns replied in a short and suitable address, and expressed his heartfelt thanks for the happy feeling of love and confidence which had ever existed between him and them since his translation among them in 1844; and while he was sensible of his short-comings and sins in the past, he earnestly solicited their indulgence and prayers for the future, and would ever regard their kind and considerate attention on the present occasion, as a valuable pledge of their attachment, and a motive to of his pastoral duties.- Whitehaven Pacquet. redoubled diligence and zeal in the discharge FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. THE Free Church has appointed the Rev. Dr. The Rev. Dr. Candlish has been appointed Edinburgh, in room of the late Dr. Chalmers. W. Cunningham, Principal of New College, lish is to have charge of the students of the one of the Professors of Theology: Dr. Candfirst and fourth years; Dr. J. Buchanan having those of the second and third years. Dr. Cunningham retains the chair of ecclesiastical history. IN HOME MISSION IN IRELAND. Rev. Dr. Moody Stuart, of Edinburgh, and consequence of the report brought by the the Rev. Mr. Campbell, of Melrose, from the Irish General Assembly, to which they were sent as a Deputation from the Free Church, it has been resolved to send brethren from Scotland to aid the Irish Assembly for a time in their Home Mission operations. A wide door of usefulness has been lately opened in many parts of Ireland, and amidst the Roman Catholic population there is more than at any former period a desire for the preaching of the Gospel. The noble exertion of the Presbyterian Church during the famine, in behalf of the Roman Catholic people, have favourably inclined the hearts of many to receive from them the bread of life for their souls. We pray that all success may attend this undertaking. REGULATIONS OF GOVERNMENT THE Convener of the Synod's School Committee has carefully examined the regulathe Committee of the Privy Council on Edutions which have lately been published by cation, and the instructions which have been more recently issued from the EducationOffice to School-Inspectors; he has also recently had an interview with Dr. Kay Shuttleworth with the view of obtaining some necessary explanations, and he believes that the following statement may be relied upon the eye of those of our office-bearers and as correct. This statement is intended for people who are desirous of knowing the terms upon which aid may be received from the Government for the erection and maintenance of schools, and the proper mode and form of making application for such aid. It will be understood, of course, that only such particulars are here exhibited, as are most important for our friends to know at the outthem take the step of putting themselves in set of their proceedings. As soon as any of communication with the Privy Council Office, they will speedily learn every additional particular from the correspondence of the office itself. I.-Grants for School Building. 1. The amount of aid given by the Privy Council for school-building varies in different cases. It may be said to range from ten shillings to one pound, for every child that room is provided for in the school; e.g., for a school fitted to accommodate 100 children, the grant would vary from 50l. to 100%., according to the circumstances of each case. A larger grant, however, than this is given in cases where schoolmasters' houses are built along with the schools. The Committee of Council are anxious to give every encouragement to the erection of such schoolmasters' houses. 2. The site upon which the school is proposed to be built must either be freehold or held upon a long lease of ninety-nine years. 3. No aid is given to build school-rooms under churches or chapels. 4. There must be no debt left upon the school when built, and the Committee of Council require a certificate from the promoters of the erection to this effect, before any grant which has been promised is actually paid over. 5. Application, however, may be made for a grant before all the money which may be requisite to pay for the erection has been actually subscribed or promised; but at an early stage of the correspondence which ensues upon such an application, the Committee of Council "deem it necessary to have before them such a statement of the amount of money collected or promised towards the outlay on the school-buildings, as will afford a fair prospect that these buildings will be erected with the aid of the usual grant." 6. The Committee of Council require to be satisfied on many points regarding the character of the site chosen, the tenure by which it is to be held,—the draft of the deed of trust,—and the plans and specifications of the buildings. No expenses, therefore, if possible, should be incurred by the promoters of a school, and no decisive steps taken or engagements entered into by them until they have put themselves into communication with the Committee of Council and been furnished with copies of their printed instructions upon all these points. 7. Plans of school-buildings such as the Committee of Council approve of are furnished gratuitously by the Committee's own architect, in cases where this is wished. without such a certificate. In their case | half-past five o'clock in the evening of five an examination will be required, such as days, at least, in the week, and half of is hereafter described, and a certificate another day, if need be, for the instruction of as the result of that examination. the children of the poor without any inter(c) By those who have never attended ruption whatsoever." any Normal school whatever. In their case also the same examination and certificate will be required. (It is believed that almost all the 3. The trustees and managers of a school, "The Committee will, however, be disposed to receive and consider a special report in favour of any self-supporting school, which may appear to merit admission as an exception to this rule." 5. The teacher's house which the managers of the school are required to provide, rentfree, may be a house hired by them for the purpose. Notwithstanding several objections to this mode of fulfilling the condition in question the Committee of Council express themselves unwilling in present circumstances, to refuse to allow it, but they will "hereafter withdraw this provisional regulation." Meanwhile, if accommodation is provided for teachers in this way, the minimum must include a parlour, kitchen, scullery, and twobed-rooms. 9. Where schools receive aid in the form of annual grants to the teachers, the trustees and managers will be required to sign an agreement that so long as this aid is continued the school shall be open to the visits of Her Majesty's Inspectors. III. Regulations for the Examination of Teachers, by Her Majesty's Inspectors. It has been already stated, that no teacher can obtain any grant from Government in augmentation of his stipend, unless he is provided with a certificate of merit granted to him by one of Her Majesty's Inspectors. Such certificates may have been obtained by some teachers before leaving normal schools under Government inspection; but the most, if not all of our present teachers will still have to obtain them by submitting, as already stated, to an examination. With regard to this examination, the following instructions have been issued to the inspectors, which we give in the words of the Committee of Council. The final settlement of the regulations relative to such examinations will be postponed until the Committee of Council have further knowledge, derived from experience, of the present standard and scope of the acquirements of the most efficient masters of elementary schools. The Committee would be unwilling that their regulations should contain requirements below what is necessary for the establishment of an efficient system elementary instruction, but they are prepared, during a certain period of transition, to leave these regulations in some degree indefinite, lest they should deter the existing class of schoolmasters from the necessary efforts for self-improvement. of 8. Applications for grants for school7. No such grants to teachers nor any buildings should be addressed to "The Se-grants for pupil-teachers or stipendiary cretary of the Committee of Council on Edu- monitors, will be allowed in the following cation, Privy Council-office, Downing-street." cases. The letter of application should simply bear that the individual or individuals signing it are desirous of obtaining "a grant towards the erection of a new Day-school for the education of the poor," in any particular locality. Such masters as have left normal schools (without certificates, and are desirous of obtaining such certificates) may be conveniently 6. In order to obtain such grants in aug- assembled at the annual inspection of the mentation of a teacher's salary, the Govern- training schools in which they were educated, ment inspector must report that "his school and may be then examined in common with is efficient in its organization, discipline, and the students who may be candidates for cer instruction;" and the trustees and managers tificates. Such examinations will in future must annually certify, that his character, con- generally be conducted by two of Her Maduct, and attention to his duties are satisfac-jesty's Inspectors selected for that purpose by tory." the Committee of Council, without reference to the district in which the training schools may be situated. The masters who have left the school will be expected to give evidence of a high degree of practical skill in teaching, (a) None will be allowed when schools and of a riper knowledge of discipline, orare taught in "rooms held on the pre-ganization, and method; and evidence will be carious tenure of a yearly occupation or required of attainments closely similar in degree to those of the students of the training school. II.-Grants for augmenting the Salaries of Schoolmasters and Schoolmistresses. 1. These grants in the case of masters will vary from 157. to 30%. per annum, according to the qualifications of candidates as certified to the Committee of Council by Her Majesty's Inspectors, and in the case of mistresses the grants will amount to two-thirds of the grants allowed to masters. 2. These grants may be obtained by three classes of teachers (a) By those who have been trained in Normal schools under Government in spection, and who have obtained before leaving them the inspector's certificate of merit. (b) By those who have been trained in such Normal schools, but have left them a short lease." (b) None will be allowed when schools are (c) None will be allowed unless the school- and books. The examination of teachers who have not been trained in normal schools will be conducted in the following manner,-Whenever the Committee of Council have, either from direct applications, or from the Reports of their Inspectors, information that, in any district, a sufficient number of teachers are desirous to become candidates for certificates, they will appoint some central place conve nient for the purpose, and in which proper rooms and a suitable school may be available for examination. Due notice of the time, place, and regulations of the examination will 8. "When schools are built on sites held then be issued to all candidates, and such in trust for Divine worship, the trustees must other public notice shall be given as may enter into an agreement or bond that where appear expedient. the trusts of the deed do not interfere to The examination will be conducted by two prevent it, the building shall be open from of Her Majesty's Inspectors on the following half-past eight o'clock in the morning to principles. A series of subjects will be se (d) The school-room must not be liable to |