There are three schools in connexion with the church. And while the greatest zeal and patience and attention are exhibited by all the teachers (thirty-one in number), special testimony should be borne to the labours of the young men, Mr. John Appleby, and Mr. Robert Wilkinson, who have undertaken the labour of the country schools. Their stations are distant from Alnwick, each about four miles; thither they cheerfully proceed every Sabbath at the conclusion of the forenoon's services in the church. Seldom indeed, were they absent from their posts, even during the worst weather of the last winter, and only then when the roads were absolutely impassable. They have laid the Church here under lasting obligations; they have their reward from the "good Shepherd;" and in the glad welcome they receive from their young charge, and in the constant attendance and earnest attention of most of the parents, and in the marked increase of knowledge and desire for spiritual food, they are made to feel that the Lord doth bless their labours, and will make themselves a blessing. The state of the Sabbath-schools here is most satisfactory.

SEATON DELAVAL.

THE Rev. John M'Murray, Presbyterian minister, who has been appointed to one of the Free Church Mission Stations, at Kingston, Upper Canada, preached his farewell sermon on the 22d August last, from 2 Cor. xiii. 11, to a full and sorrowing congregation. The minister, as well as the people, secmed deeply affected during the services of the day. At the conclusion of the sermon, Mr. John

Mean, one of the elders, at the request and in

the name of the session, and other friends, presented to Mr. M'Murray, as a token of their affectionate regard, the works of the late Dr. Chalmers, consisting of twenty-five volumes. -After a suitable reply from Mr. M'Murray, the choir sung a few verses of a hymn composed for the occasion, by Mr. R. Waterston, one of the elders. During the service, eight deacons were ordained, and three children baptized. Altogether the services were of a most solemn and interesting character, and will be long remembered by the people. This being the minister's first church, and he the

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BROAD-STREET,

BIRMINGHAM,

Ix connexion with the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in England, adhering to the Westminster Confession agreed to by the Assembly of Divines, A.D. 1648, and in communion with the Free Church of Scot

land.

HISTORICAL NOTICE.

The Presbyterian Congregation worshipping in Broad-street Church, built their present place of worship in the year 1834, to contain 274 sittings. While there was no Presbytery nearer than London, and while comparative lukewarmness prevailed in the Presbyterian Church in England, the edifice was amply sufficient for the number of worshippers. A Presbytery, however, having been recently formed for the Midland District, and the Church having bestirred itself to engage in evangelistic work among the masses that are perishing for lack of knowledge, the old building is inadequate. For this, we ascribe all the praise to God.

In the locality of the present church, no other places of worship exist: so that a wide and daily extending field of usefulness has been left to the Presbyterian congregation to break up and to cultivate. In these circumstances, we may not excuse ourselves, by saying, "The time for the Lord's work is not yet come;" but rather, in the spirit of Nehemiah, do we say, "The God of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we, his servants, will arise and build."

A resolution to that effect was unanimously adopted, at a congregational meeting, held on the 3d instant. The Rev. W. Chalmers and William Hamilton, Esq., of London, were present on the occasion, and aided us by their counsel. The estimated cost is 3,000l., of

which sum 1,100%. were subscribed at the

meeting by members of the congregation, But But, in order to uphold Divine ordinances among themselves, and to extend their influence to missionary and educational enterprizes, the congregation are desirous of entering their new place of worship free of

debt.

We appeal to every individual of our congregation for aid, as for an undertaking which they have not always before them.

We appeal to Christians who must have compassion on those children to whom we have been obliged to refuse admittance for want of accommodation.

We appeal also to the friends of the Presbyterian soldiers, who have no Presbyterian place of worship, in Birmingham, wherein to

the more affecting. Mr. M-Murray occupied this station about two years and a-half.

BIRMINGHAM.

It will give great pleasure throughout all our Churches to hear that the Rev. J. R. Mackenzie, of Birmingham, has, by the Divine blessing on his labours, already organized a congregation which requires a new and larger place of worship. At a meeting of the congregation held on the 3d of September last, it was resolved, inter alia, "That a new church be built, to contain not less than 800, or more than 1,000 sittings for adults; that the property be held under trust for the use of members of the Presbyterian Church in England; that every member and adherent of the Church become a collector for raising the necessary funds; and that the members of other communions, and the public generally, be invited to assist in this undertaking."

The following circular has been issued along with the collecting cards :

of their fathers.

We are confident that, with such a cause, and with such a wide field of Christian philanthropy before us, we cannot appeal in vain to the friends of Christ to aid us with their contributions and co-operation, as far as they are responsible to him for the wider extension of his kingdom.

a

periodical paper has

The first number of been also issued for the use of the congregation, called

"The Remembrancer of the

Presbyterian Church, Broad-street, Birming ham." From this paper we extract some advice to collectors, which may be useful elsewhere as well as at Birmingham :

HINTS TO COLLECTORS.

1st. Never be afraid, in your benevolent Mission, to enter into the houses of the poor.There is an apprehension with many, that they may be repulsed and uncivilly treated. No apprehension can be more unfounded. Your own heart will be benefited and your

own liberality enlarged by the kindly response of sympathy, and the honest welcome you will meet with in every visit. You will find more hearty sympathy amongst the poor than in our wealthier families.

2d. Never discontinue your visits to any in your district upon a refusal to contribute, ercept the refusal proceed from avowed enmity to your principles, and be obstinately persisted in.-Let your maxim be, Try again, and fortify yourselves with the conviction that your cause demands your utmost perseverance, and that, if you conquer the reluctant, you confer a benefit upon themselves.

3d. Never force any one to contribute to your cause against his will.-Persuade men to give, but let there be no extortion. Plead your cause, -circulate information-spare no pains to change the will, and win, in behalf of your Christian enterprise, the unanimous concurrence of the people of your district; but compelled offerings, like a stream forced from its natural channel, soon dry up, and leave a grudge against you and your cause in the heart of the giver. Convince the will, and the offerings you receive will be both large in amount, and cheerfully given.

4th. Never yield to the suggestion that any household is too poor to subscribe. The false persuasion-"O, such persons have nothing to give"-will hang as a dead weight and drag upon your efforts, until the deceitful imagination utterly paralyze lyze you, and drive you from your post of duty. There is no household but by your friendly and Christian intercourse may be put upon expedients for economising many times the sum you ask for your object, none to which you might not repay the contribution fourfold.

5th. Never forget that you are honouring both rich and poor, when you ask their con

tribution to the cause of Christ. You misunderstand the poor if you suppose you approach them most acceptably in the character of a giver, or that they alone are strangers to the maxim-" It is more blessed to give than to receive." Why should not the widow have an opportunity of giving her mite, and the poor enjoy the luxury, with their wealthier brethren, of doing good, the satisfaction of bestowing their substance for the Gospel's sake?

If, in addition to the observation of these simple directions you seek to deepen the impression on your own minds of the sacredness of the work to which the Church has called you, we have no fear that your exertions will slacken, or that you will rest before your work is done. Let the greatness of the issues that are suspended upon your exertions fortify your minds against impatience, despondency, and repulses, and the languor that follows when the first excitement of a new undertaking is spent. Keep alive the conviction of your individual responsibility for the continued preaching of the Gospel, and with your labours unite daily prayer, that, while you are erecting and upholding the outward tabernacle for the worship of God, he would appear in his glory, and build spiritual Zion. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." (Eceles. ix. 10.) "Work while it is day, the night cometh when no man can work." (John ix. 4.) "When I was an hungered, ye gave me meat; thirsty, and ye gave me drink; when I was a stranger, ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matt. xxv. 35, 36.) "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first." (Rev. ii. 19.)

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BRAMPTON MISSIONARY ANNIVERSARY.

On Tuesday evening, the 31st August, the Anniversary Meeting of the Brampton Presbyterian Missionary Association was held; T. H. Graham, Esq., of Edmond Castle, in

the chair.

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After singing part of the 72d Psalm, the Rev. Dr. Brown read a portion of Scripture, and the Rev. Richard Hunter, of Carlisle, engaged in prayer.

The Chairman, who, although a conscientious member of the Church of England, is ever ready to support the religious institutions of every Evangelical denomination, opened the proceedings with a suitable address, in which he expressed the pleasure he had of being present at the second Anniversary of this Missionary Association. Referring to the destitution which prevailed during the past year in many parts of our country, and to the prospect of an abundant harvest, which should call forth our gratitude to Almighty God, he was reminded of that passage of Scripture, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few." He employed this as an argument for increased interest in the cause of Missions, and for liberality on the part of Christians of all denominations.

Dr. Brown was then called on for the
Report of last year's proceedings.
It appeared that the Association
has yielded during the year
The Juvenile Missionary Box in
the Sunday School, and the
Christmas Juvenile Collecting
Cards, yielded

Collections, clonations, and sub-
scriptions, For Home and Foreign
Missions, including the proceeds
from last Anniversary
Collections and subscriptions for
the College and School Schemes,
and for the Synod Fund
Subscriptions for the destitute
Scotch and Irish

..

it been comprised within any reasonable limits. But the MS. sent to us is literally several yards long!-about fifteen feet by five or six inches broad, in close and small writing. No part of our paper is more useful or important than the record of local proceedings, but if the speeches of every missionary or congregational meeting were given at length, little room would remain for anything else. We beg our friends to exercise a little consideration and compassion, as well as wisdom. A brief notice is sure to be inserted; a very long one is either laid aside, or entails much labour in condensing and arranging. In a publication appearing only once a-month the reading and selecting of the mass of materials contributed is no easy matter, and if ever any thanks are deserved by an Editor, it is far more for what is not printed than for what is printed.-It will be obvious, from the way in which we have spoken of the Brampton meeting, that no disrespect is meant towards our worthy correspondent, whose regard for his minister and the cause there no doubt led to his zeal, but we have taken this opportunity of throwing out some hints for the consideration of others.]

TOWNSEND-STREET, BELFAST.

We are glad that this congregation has obtained an able and faithful pastor, the Rev. William Johnstone, of Belfast, who was elected £10 12 2 unanimously, and has been settled in his new charge. Mr. Johnstone was a pupil of Dr. Chalmers, and of the Theological Hall at Edinburgh, and at Belfast has been most 0 13 0 favourably known as a student, and afterwards, as a successful and esteemed minister. We congratulate the Townsend-street congregation on this appointment, and our

5 15 10 River-terrace friends especially will in this feeling join us, remembering the generous way in which that congregation has twice con390 sented to the translation of their minister. May God render unto them a fourfold blessing in their spiritual as well as outward prosperity!

110

Mr. Armstrong, one of the elders, and superintendent of the Sabbath-school; and Mr. Duncan, teacher of the day-school. A collec- variety of application to your circumstances.

some

tion for the Foreign and Jewish Missions was then made, amounting to ol. 2s. Joseph Coulthard, Esq., proprietor of Croft House Academy, after appropriate remarks, proposed the thanks of the Meeting to their excellent and respected Chairman, and to the reverend gentlemen who had addressed the meeting. The meeting was concluded with a Doxology and Benediction.

[We would gladly have inserted the full Report of this very interesting meeting had

The minister, office-bearers, and congregation at Brampton, deserve great credit for their liberality and their labours. They raise more, we believe, in proportion to their number and means, than any congregation in our Synod: and, in actual amount, only about fourteen congregations exceed the contributions of this, which is one of the humblest of our country Churches.

your eye, you see it inscribed with grace in all its There is grace to blot out your trespasses,

ON THE SUPPORT OF THE GOSPEL MINISTRY.

THE letter of which the following is a copy was sent by an esteemed minister of the Free Church in Edinburgh, the Rev. Francis Gillies, along with the official letter of the General Assembly, on the subject of the Sustentation Fund. The remarks are so very judicious, and are pervaded by so excellent a spirit, that we are tempted to publish the letter, believing that our brother will pardon the liberty thus taken, if thereby haply others may be stirred up to the exercise of that grace of Christian liberality which is so earnestly and affectionately urged :

"My dear friend in the Lord,-Allow me, in my own name and in that of our KirkSession, respectfully to solicit that you would most attentively peruse the accompanying pastoral letter of the General Assembly of

our Church.

"I have already taken an opportunity of directing your attention to the scriptural doctrine relative to the maintenance and extension of the Gospel ministry in the land. We have seen that the Lord, who is the Head of the Church, and her Legislator in this, as in everything else spiritual, hath ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. (1 Cor. ix. 14.) Similar declarations will be found in Matthew x. 10; Galatians vi. 6; 1 Timothy iv. 17, 18. I rejoice to see, that, in obedience to one part of this command of our Lord, you regularly attend upon the preaching of the Gospel by that ministry, and I fervently pray that He would make it 'the savour of life unto life' to your soul. I would, however, earnestly solicit you prayerfully to inquire whether, in obedience to the other portion of this ordinance of our Lord, you be doing what in you lies, and what therefore He expects and deserves from you, for the proper support and the progressive extension of that ministry throughout the country. Remember that

this call is that of the Lord himself. It comes not from the Church merely, but from the Church's glorious Head. At His call we surrendered the endowments of the State because it would not allow us to retain them except upon unscriptural conditions. He now, in his providence, calls upon his people to replace them by an adequate substitute in the shape of their own free and cordial contributions, unless they mean to dispense with an efficient ministry. You, as one of his people, profess to hope that He hath given Himself for you and also to you as your own Saviour. How much, then, owest thou to Lord?' and what art thou now giving

and doing for thy Lord in obedience to this

his command, and for this his cause?

"Our Lord might indeed have miracu

lously maintained his ministering servants as He did Elijah of old; or He might have employed the service of angels who are altogether independent of man's support. But He has chosen to ordain it otherwise. To you and his professing people He hath assigned the duty, given the honour, and granted the privilege, of gratefully acknowledging his goodness and shewing regard to Himself, by thus contributing to the support of his servants, while so engrossed in his work that they cannot and may not maintain themselves and their families by their own extra-ministerial exertions. He has appointed his people to be his channels for conveying his own provision to his servants. We believe that He (whose we are, and whom we serve) will richly provide for us; and since He emof that provision, we believe that He will make them both able and willing to uphold and extend his own ministry wherever, in his providence, He calls for its establishment; and therefore most frankly and confidently do we cast ourselves upon them in this

matter.

"I believe that some of our congregations and people are noW giving to the fund up to the full extent of their ability and with their whole heart: may the Lord accept of their offerings, and repay them tenfold into their own bosoms! It may happen, however, that there are others, and not a few, of our professed communicants and adherents, who never yet have realized their obligation in this matter, and who, hitherto, have given either not at all, or but very partially indeed, to this the great Central Fund of our Church, and the main prop of all her agencies and operations? To which class do you belong? "As to how much each individual ought to give, that must be left to be settled be

and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered himself.' (Prov. xi. 24, 25.)

"We have not the slightest doubt but that you will take in good part, as all Christians ought to do, this endeavour, on our side, to assist you in ascertaining your duty.

"And now, desiring an interest in your prayers for ourselves, and commending you most heartily to our gracious God, and praying that He would enrich you, as with every other Christian grace, so also with this grace of liberality in his cause, and 'so to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good good work.'

"I remain, yours most affectionately, in the bonds of the Gospel,

"FRANCIS GILLIES, Minister."

of chemistry if they pleased, but the Government would not endow it-that was all. Their present chairs were free from every controul but that of the Assembly. The plan of class arrangement was then passed, and the Assembly adjourned till Wednesday morning at seven o'clock.

On Wednesday, the morning was spent in regulating the students' fees, a motion of Dr. Brown to educate the sons of ministers free, being put and lost by a large majority. The mid-day sitting was taken up with electing professors to the Greek and Hebrew chairs. Mr. Edward Masson, formerly of Scotland, and latterly a resident of Greece, received the first by a majority of seventeen over Dr. Murphy of Belfast. Dr. Murphy was appointed to the latter by a large majority over Mr. Edmonston, and the late Hebrew teacher for the Assembly, Mr. Hart. It was subsequently carried unanimously, on the motion of Dr. Cooke, seconded by Dr. Stewart, that Mr. Hart be still recognised as an accredited

the call, and who alone can judge how it is met. Our duty, as Christ's Church officers, consists just in beseeching you, as we now do most affectionately and seriously, as in the sight of the Lord, and with his throne of judgment in view, to examine whether or not you are, individually, now giving or withholding what He has a right to expect at your hands. Let every man thus ponder and pray over the matter. Let each be fully persuaded in his own mind and on his own responsibility, and then, whatsoever he doeth or giveth, let it be done heartily and believingly, 'as unto the Lord, and not as unto man.' Freely ye have received, freely give.' He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.' 'God loveth a cheerful giver.'

"Remember also, that the bestowal of that Spirit whose blessed operations can alone make any ministry saving to your soul depends entirely upon Christ; and then reflect, if you could at all reasonably or scripturally expect that He will vouchsafe it so as to bless the ministry to your soul, if you either overlook, or but very partially discharge, your duty in upholding and extending this his ministry. Can you expect to reap if you sow

not?

sum.

"Our Church has at last resolved, by the blessing of God, to make an effort to increase the Sustentation Fund this year, so as to admit of giving a dividend of 150l. instead of 1207. per annum to each of our ministers. All acquainted with affairs universally agree that the former is by no means too large a With the exception of those in the large towns, our ministers are almost entirely dependent upon what they receive from the Fund. Now, an additional 27,000l. will be required to realize the object in view. The several presbyteries and congregations are now universally and strenuously exerting themselves to contribute their share of the necessary increase. The Presbytery of Edinburgh is to meet again on

when

the various Sessions are required to be prepared to state what increase may be anticipated from their respective congregations. In order to prepare our Session for answering that question, we have now to request, that you would, without delay, consider the whole subject candidly and prayerfully, and in a few days you will be called upon by the Session, to learn what increase you can promise. May the Lord give you grace to feel and to discharge your duty aright, for 'there is that scattereth and yet increaseth;

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

THIS venerable body met on Tuesday, September 14 (an adjourned meeting), in Belfast; the Rev. Mr. M'Clure, of Derry, Moderator. The principal business was the election of Professors for the four additional chairs lately endowed by Government exclusively for the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. Brown moved that the election should be postponed to the next general meeting of Assembly in July 1848, the present not being a full representation of the Church. The seconded by the Rev. R. Dill, Dublin. Dr. Stewart moved, as an amendment, that the Report of the Education Committee should be taken into consideration forthwith, immediately after which they should proceed to the election of Professors. The Rev. John Johnstone seconded the amendment, which was carried. The Assembly then adjourned till the evening.

The evening sederunt of the Assembly yesterday was principally occupied in discussing the Report of the Committee on the plan of arrangement laid down for conducting the classes in the new Presbyterian College. Previous to the Report being handed in and read by Mr. Gibson, the Convener, an interesting conversation arose on the position which this College will hold in relation to the Government or Queen's College. Dr. Huston made a statement to the effect, that he understood the Moderator had received a document from Government, saying tantamount to this, that the present endowments for the eight provincial chairs would be endangered if they were to establish any chairs which might come into contact with those set apart for the secular curriculum of students in Queen's College. The Moderator denied that he had received any such communication. Dr. Morgan, the late Moderator, and who had conducted all the negotiations with Government, made the important statement that, in all the communications he had had with the Treasury, with Mr. Labouchere, and with Lord John Russell, Queen's College never once was mentioned, and he was satisfied that the endowments would be given to them without the slightest restriction; on: in fact, the idea of their being restricted in the

slightest was entirely out of the question. The Government would not interfere with them; but, certainly, any chairs they might see necessary to found besides those already endowed, would not receive any support from the executive. Dr. Stewart supported that view, and said they might establish a chair

certificates received by Presbyteries and Committees.

At the evening sederunt, the Court proceeded to elect Professors of Christian Ethics and of Sacred Rhetoric. For the first, there was seven names proposed; several of them, including Dr. Hanna of the Free Church of Scotland, without having come forward as candidates.

Dr. Edgar said, that in accordance with the advertisement relative to the elections, wherein "the Assembly do not pledge themselves to elect from candidates who offer, but may call on any one whom they prefer, should it seem expedient," he now proposed that Dr. Morgan be elected Professor of Sacred Rhetoric, and Dr. Cooke of Christian Ethics. Dr. Morgan declined the honour proposed for him, and preferred his present duty as pastor of his congregation. High as Dr. Morgan's character stands, and great as would have been the benefit to the college by his appointment, we are disposed to think that he will be of more service, even to the students, by the practical exhibition of ministerial and pastoral labour in his model congregation, than by academical lectures. After some conversation, during which several of the candidates expressed their readiness to withdraw their claims if Dr. Cooke's name was proposed; Dr. Cooke was called upon to say if he consented to be nominated for one or other of these chairs, and which he would choose. After being heard, it was moved that Dr. Cooke be elected to the Rhetoric chair. Mr. Dobbin and Mr. Gowdy being also proposed, the votes stood thus: Cooke, 174, Dobbin, 30, Gowdy, 20. In the chair of Ethics, five successive votes were taken, the lowest candidate being in each case struck off, and the last vote was for Mr. Gibson, 134, for Mr. Molyneux, 71. The other names were Dr. Hanna, Mr. D. G. Brown, Dr. Coulter, and Mr. M'Neight. The Assembly adjourned at 3 A.M., on Thursday morning.

On Thursday, the Assembly appointed a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING, to be kept throughout the Presbyterian Church of Ireland, for the mercies of God in the past season, and a collection was appointed on that day for the Home Mission, by which the Gospel is to be sent to their Roman Catholic countrymen. The other business was not of public importance.

O FOR strength to offer a holy violence by faith and prayer! The violent take the kingdom by force.

Poetry.

LINES ON COWPER,

APTER READING HIS "ADDRESS TO HIS MOTHER'S PICTURE."
"So thou, with sails, how swift! hast reach'd the shore
Where tempests never beat, or billows roar;
But me, scarce hoping to attain that rest,
Always from port withheld, always distrest.
Me, howling winds drive devious, tempest-toss'd."
-Vide" Address."

And thou hast reach'd it! Canaan's peaceful shore!
Round thee life's tossing billows rage no more.
Thine anchor-hold was fix'd within the veil,
Though rudely Satan's tempests might assail.

And thou hast met her!-once so loved below, -
Before that throne, where saints and angels bow;
Thy lips o'erflow with rich melodious praise,
While, hand in hand, a grateful song ye raise !
No more to part!-forgotten all thy woes!
Earth's painful journey now hath reach'd its close.
The tears, that steep'd thy path through life's dark night,

Ne'er dim the glories of celestial light!

Sing on, thou victor! cloth'd in seraph white,

While o'er thy brow there gleams that crown so bright;

RULES OF DAILY USE.

I. Begin the day with God; never neglect to make prayer first, and allow nothing upon any account to hinder your performance of this duty. Be devout, earnest, and serious. Be this your motto: "Begin with God." (Ps. v. 3.)

II. Expect trials; and seek strength for the trials, and grace for the duties of the day. (Deut. xxxiii. 25.)

III. Watch occasions of good to improve; and of evil to shun them. (Rom. xii. 9.)

IV. Be not weary of well doing. (Gal. vi. 9.) Nor cease from striving against sin. (Heb. xii. 4.)

QUESTIONS TO ASSIST IN SELF-EXAMINATION.

I. Do I love God; trying always to please him, and fearing to offend him? (Luke. x. 27.) II. What end have I in view in all my pursuits? Is it the glory of God? (1 Cor. x. 31.)

III. How do I read the Scriptures? Is it with a sincere desire to gain spiritual knowledge? Do I pray for this? (Ps. cxix. 18.) IV. How do I pray? Do my prayers come from my heart? Are they sincere, and offered up in humility? Do I watch, and strive, and pray against wandering thoughts -against coldness and formality in prayer? (John iv. 24.)

V. Do I daily call myself to account for my daily sins-humbling myself before God with a broken and contrite heart-seeking through Jesus, and him alone, pardon and peace? (2 Cor. xiii. 5; Ps. li. 17.)

VI. Do I love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity? (John xxi. 17.)

VII. Do I love God with all my heart, and my neighbour as myself? (Matt. xxii. 37 -39; John xv. 17.)

VIII. Do I pray for, and desire the spiritual good of all, and seek to promote it by my consistent example, and by persevering endeavours? (Phil. i. 4; 1 Tim. ii. 1.)

IX. Do I order my conversation aright, saying nothing passionate, mischievous, or slanderous? (Phil. i. 27; Col. iv. 6.)

Prayer, reading the Scriptures, meditation, self-examination, spiritual conversation, and public worship, are means of grace, blessed of God to all those who use them aright.

READER!

Remember that Thou hastevery day-a God to glorify-a Christ to imitate-a soul to save -a body to mortify-sins to weep overgrace to implore-a heaven to gain-a hell to avoid-an eternity to meditate on-time to redeem-a neighbour to edify a world to fear-passions to subdue-death, perhaps, to suffer-and judgment to undergo.

What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" (2 Peter iii. 11-14.)

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. vi. 2.) -Extract from a Tract of Short Prayers, by the Rev. Richard Shepherd, M.A., of St. Margaret's, Herts.

FORM OF PRESBYTERIAN WORSHIP IN 1638. (From M'Crie's " Sketches of Scottish Church History.")

HAVING described the external reformation thus effected, let us now take a glance into the interior of a Presbyterian kirk, and see how the public worship was about 1638. At eight o'clock on Sabbath morning appeared in the desk the reader, whose office it was to read the prayers from Knox's Liturgy, and portions of Scripture, before the minister entered the pulpit. These readers were found so useful to the ministers,

that although the office had been declared by the General Assembly, to be without warrant, they were still allowed to officiate, and continued to do so till the Westminster Assembly, when, much against the inclination of the Scots Commissioners, they were condemned. The last relic of these ancient functionaries appeared in the practice, which was common till of late in some of the parishes of Scotland, of the precentor or the schoolmaster, reading some chapters of the Bible before the ringing of the last bell. Immediately on entering the pulpit, the minister kneeled down, and began with prayer, the people generally kneeling also. It was customary at some part of the service to repeat the Lord's Prayer and the Doxology; but, in other respects, the worship was unfettered by forms, the officiating minister guiding the devotion of his flock, as Justin Martyr describes those of the primitive Christians, "according to his ability, without a prompter." Prayer being ended, the congregation joined in singing a portion of the Psalms; a part of the service in which they took great delight, and in which they were so well instructed,* that many of them could sing without the aid of a psalm-book. The psalm being sung, the minister offered up another short prayer, beseeching the influences of the Spirit to accompany the word preached. And then followed the sermon; which having been succeeded by prayer and praise, the congregation was dismissed with the apostolic blessing.

According to the form now described, public worship was conducted in the Church of Scotland from the Reformation down to the period of which we are writing; and it has continued, with a few inconsiderable variations, to be the form observed from that time to the present.

GROWTH IN GRACE.

CHRISTIANS may mistake their growth, and that in two ways. First, by judging of their case according to their present feeling. They observe themselves and cannot perceive that they are growing. But there's no reason thence to conclude that they are not growing. The seed springs up, and grows he knows not how. (Mark iv. 27.) Should one fix his eye never so steadily on the sun running his race, or on a growing tree, he would not perceive the sun moving nor the tree growing; but if he compare the tree as it now is, with what it was some years ago; and consider the place in the heavens where the sun was in the morning; he'll certainly perceive the tree has grown, and the sun moved. In like manner may the Christian know whether he be in a growing or declining state, by comparing his present with his former condition. Secondly, Christians may mistake their case by measuring their growth by advances of the top only, not of the root. Though a man be not growing taller, he may be growing stronger. If a tree be taking with the ground, fixing itself in the earth, and spreading out its roots, 'tis certainly growing, although it be nothing taller than formerly. So albeit, a Christian may want the sweet consolation under flashes of affection, which sometimes he has had; yet if he be growing in humility, self-denial, and sense of needy dependence on Jesus Christ, he is a growing