own place. The Rev. Gentleman concluded by referring to the great importance and necessity of establishing day-schools in connexion with the College. These, he remarked, were required as feeders for the Institution; pipes of supply to replenish the reservoir as its waters were drawn off'; for the proportion of our Presbyterian youths in London who were under the instruction of Presbyterian teachers during the week, was extremely small, only one in seventeen; and that was a state of things which ought not to be allowed to continue. We ought to have a school scheme, as well as a College scheme, and a home mission; otherwise the youth of our Churches would be drained off by the zeal of other denominations. It was our duty to take care that they should be trained up from their tenderest years in our own principles, and then they would succeed their fathers in the work of maintaining and promoting them in the land.

The Motion was seconded by W. STEVENSON, Esq.

The CHAIRMAN (who is one of the Treasurers of the College Funds) here rose and said With respect to the funds of the College, I may state that my fellow-Treasurer and myself have just made up the accounts for the past year, in order that they may be laid before the Synod at its meeting next week. At the outset of our undertaking, we received many most handsome donations, but these must be regarded as drawn forth under extraordinary circumstances, and we cannot depend on their being continued hereafter to anything like the same extent. The other funds, arising from annual subscriptions and congregational collections, if not increased, will be inadequate to the due support of the Institution, and we must therefore urge on our friends to send us more liberal contributions, that the success and stability of the College may be made sure. I would call on all to consider their duty in this matter, and urge them to contribute liberally, as God may enable them, to the support of an Institution which we may confidently say is fitted to be a fountain of benefits and blessings to thousands in our land. Another most important matter is the need of day-schools, in connexion with the College. The founders of the Colleges in Scotland saw the necessity of this adjunct, and established parochial and borough schools, from which a large annual supply of students proceed to the Universities. In England also, the same system is very generally followed; and, in London, King's College did not, in any measure, realize the benefits its projectors had calculated on, until they had opened a number of affiliated schools. We are not to look at once for great success, but the due preparation of the young in schools, conducted on good principles and under good teachers, will certainly soon increase the number of the College students. I would conclude by recommending to our friends to follow, as far as they can, the generous example of Mr. Hamilton. Some of them, I doubt not, may have books which they have not much use for; and the best thing they can do is to send to the College all that are suitable for its library, with their names as donors, that all due gratitude to them may be drawn forth by such useful and acceptable gifts.

The Rev. ROBERT REDPATH moved the fourth Resolution,--"That Presbyterianism embodying the converse principles, that 'the strong should help the weak, and that in promoting the cause of Christ, each member has his own office, and ought to do what he can, it is on the one hand the duty of the larger and wealthier congregations to aid the feebler; and on the other hand, the duty of every member in each congregation to con

tribute his personal share to the efforts of the ❘ be adopted without much delay, by all the
Church collective." I need hardly say, Sir, that Churches which follow our form of polity:
I take a warm interest in the cause of Presby- and I cannot help thinking that we are war-
terianism, and in whatever contributes to its
prosperity, both here and elsewhere. I cannot
forget that whatever moral, religious, mental,
and social advantages I enjoy, I owe them all
to Presbyterianism, and that, the Presby-
terianism of my native land. I trust that you
will give me credit when I say, that I have
ever felt myself under the strongest obligations
to render whatever services may be in my
power to that cause, and that my only fear is, lest
I be unable to discharge even a small part of
the debts under which I lie. It is one happy
result of having been bred and nurtured in
the principles of Presbyterianism, that we need
entertain no apprehension of any one question-
ing our ardent and devoted attachment to it,
although we look with the kindest sentiments
of Christian regard upon ministers and
members of other denominations who shew
that they love their common Saviour, and
witness with delight their labours of love, and
the tokens of Divine blessing with which they
are favoured. It is to my mind a peculiar
recommendation to Presbyterianism, that its
forms are so simple, its principles so much in
accordance with the spirit of Christianity, that it
admits of an easy adaptation to every change
in the state of society, and especially that it
admits and invites a transference into itself,
of all the improvements, and praiseworthy
methods in supporting and propagating the
Gospel, which the experience of any other
body of Christians may suggest. Our Con-
gregationalist brethren lay considerable stress
upon the method which they adopt of re-
ceiving candidates into the communion of the
Church. They do it by the votes of all the
members present at the Church meeting. If
it were thought desirable in any of our con-
gregations, nothing could be easier than to
transplant this practice into our own system,
and to give all the members of our Church a
voice in the admission of others into their
communion. It has been thought an excel-
lence of Episcopacy, that it does not leave
every minister and congregation to pursue
their own course, without any check or re-
straint; but there is a system of wise and
regular superintendence exercised, and an
unity imparted to all the movements of the
machine. Now, without inquiring how far
these advantages have been secured in prac-ference has been made by my brother, Mr.
tice, I maintain that the superintendence
exercised by our Synods, Presbyteries, and
Sessions, has been quite as salutary and
efficient, and admits of being conducted on
principles the most Christian, enlightened, and
tolerant; and directed chiefly to the mutual help
and encouragement of the Churches in their do-
mestic and foreign operations. Again, are our
Wesleyan brethren remarkable for the admi-
rable organization which they have introduced
into their Churches, and for the energy and en-
thusiasm which they have infused into all the
parts of their most efficient body, the Free
Church of Scotland have shewn how all that
is best in the Wesleyan organization, can be
filled in most successfully, and work, as I
think, an immense improvement in our old
Presbyterian forms. I allude to the plan of
having a self-supporting Church instead of
merely self-supporting congregations. This
scheme admits of several modifications. It
might be limited to districts or Presbyteries,
as well as extended, as in Scotland, to a whole
kingdom. But the Free Church of Scotland
has set an example which I believe has infused
fresh life into Presbyterianism both in the old
world and in the new: an example which I
trust will, in one or other of its modifications,

ranted in anticipating from this revival of our principles the happiest and the most valuable results. Another excellence of Presbyterianism is, that it admits so largely of the representative principle. Leaving such ample and complete powers to each congregation, and to the aggregate of congregations in each locality, it combines with the utmost freedom, the closest co-operation, and employs so constantly a principle, which was unknown in the governments of antiquity, and which has been extolled as the peculiar discovery of modern times, that of uniting all the parts of an extensive empire, by means of the representative system. Another excellency, which we ought never to forget, is that Presbytery, first and last, has been the most strenuous and devoted supporter of the cause of popular education. Whatever distinction Scotland, as a nation, has acquired; whatever she has contributed to the prosperity and power, to the wealth and renown of the British empire at large, may be traced very mainly to this distinguishing characteristic of the form of Church government which has prevailed in our native land. Nothing has more awakened my admiration and my delight, amid all the movements of the Free Church, than their stupendous effort to erect 300 schools in connexion with their places of worship. It is a blessed work and is sure to make them a blessing. We cannot in England pay too much attention to this subject, where there is such a grievous lack of the means of a good education for the children of poor Scottish parents in London. There is nothing like the change for them that there is in Scotland. I wish from the bottom of my heart that some remedy could be devised. No good can come of any religious body in which this is not made an object of principal and supreme attention. On this, as well as on other accounts, I rejoice in listening to that part of your Report which narrates the progress and success of your College. I know well how much the prospects of Presbyterianism in England depend upon its success, and earnestly hope that it may furnish a common ground, on which the body of Presbyterians, with which I am connected, may unite with you, and that some measures may be soon devised to combine the two bodies in its support. Re

Wilson, to my predecessor, whose character was adorned by so many high and distinguished Christian excellences. I feel, Sir, that I have had every inducement to feel the liveliest sympathy with all that is great and good in my fellow-Christians of other communions. From the admirable minister under whom I was educated, and with whom I was for several years in almost daily intercourse, I never heard a word but what was fitted to make me dislike and despise the meanness and littleness of thinking that God had confined all the communications of his grace, and all the tokens of his favour, to the party to which we may happen to belong; and the example of my predecessor teaches me, at every turn, that large and warm-hearted affection to my fellowChristians is my highest privilege and most solemn duty. I am glad to have had an opportunity of appearing among my countrymen, who have been making such noble, disinterested, and generous sacrifices in the cause of our common Christianity, and of saying a word in favour of those Institutions to which we are indebted so much, and which are destined, I believe, to perform so important a part in diffusing the blessings of Christianity through all the nations of the earth.

The Rev. JAMES FERGUSON, in seconding | whole was thereby completed. Each had a

the motion, said, I was lately at a meeting where a gentleman, in moving a Resolution, congratulated himself that his motion had this special advantage, viz., that it was capable of moving, and seconding, and carrying itself. And I have no doubt whatever, that without any mover, and without any seconder, the Motion, which has been put into my hands, would commend itself entirely to your Christian regards: for the cause which it advocates is the cause of CHRIST; the principles which it maintains are those of Presbytery, and not of Presbytery merely, but also of the New Testament; and, if carried out in all its length and breadth and spirit, the whole duty which it inculcates would just amount to this, viz., that as members of a Christian Church, -as engaged in one great Christian work, -as united in the bonds of one Christian fellowship, and as, being all willing to do what we can, we should set ourselves to bear one another's burdens, and so to fulfil the law of Christ. This, beyond all question, is the sum and substance and spirit of my motion; and, as we are met in ominous and threatening times, expressly with a view to advance the interests of Presbyterianism, the question will very naturally arise, What are the circumstances in which we are at present placed? About a year ago, Sir, I cannot help thinking that our circumstances bore a very striking resemblance to those in which Nehemiah and his associates were placed when they set themselves, heart in hand, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. These walls were broken down; and, when you compare our present condition with the picture which Mr. Hamilton has drawn of what Presbyterianism was in England 200 years ago, it will be but too evident that the walls of our Jerusalem are broken down also. The builders of the walls of Jerusalem had a grievous and determined and unworthy opposition to encounter. There was Sanballat, the Horonite, Tobiah, the servant, and Geshem, the Arabian, who had combined together to resist and annoy and laugh them to scorn. These were most inveterate adversaries to the men of Judah; and while we have had abundant obloquy to bear at the hands of many enemies, it is obvious enough, that in spirit at least, Sanballat, the Horonite, and Tobiah, the servant, and Geshem, the Arabian, are still not without their successors in the midst of us. But, then, the builders of the walls of Jerusalem were resolute, prayerful, persevering. They opposed a bold front to their opponents. They protested that they had "no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Jerusalem." They trusted in the God of heaven that he would aid and prosper them. And, while they acted vigorously in a humble dependence on his grace, the result was, that they ultimately succeeded. This was the case with them, and our circumstances are very similar. We have now cut the connexion with all Erastians and other Horonites. We have protested that they have no portion nor right, nor memorial, in our Jerusalem. We have much reason to bless the Lord for the mercies that have already been vouchsafed to us; and if we should only be enabled, in the strength of Divine grace, to follow the example of the builders of the walls of Jerusalem, we have good ground to hope we shall ultimately prosper also. And what was the manner in which the walls of Jerusalem were repaired? Why, the builders were thoroughly united together. They had one heart and soul and spirit. They were willing to do, each what he could. The work was portioned out among them; and, while each cheerfully did his own proper share, the

separate part assigned to him, and yet there was no separate interest. Some repaired in one place, and some in another place, but it was all to construct one wall; and that wall to defend one city; and that city to be the habitation of one people; where they might all live in peace and security in the fear of the Lord. And, then, matters were so arranged that each man, and body of men, had their work allotted for them, as nearly as possible, over against their own dwellings. They were thus combining private and public good together in the service of the Lord. And great things may still be done by unity, public spirit, largeness of heart, and a disposition to do what we can. Next to the salvation of our own souls, we should watch and pray for the salvation of others. Next to the success of the work of the Lord in our own hands, should we desire the success of that work in the hands of our brethren. And, when we see the threatening aspect of the times, when we see the powers of darkness concentrating their forces, when we see the Man of Sin rearing his head on high, and when we think of the countenance that is given him, compared with that which we ourselves received at the hands of our legislators, then, if ever there was a time for Christian union, watchfulness, and prayer, that time is now. Who could have thought that, in this Protestant country, and in the nineteenth century, the First Minister of the Crown in England would have proposed to endow the Popish College of Maynooth? Who could have thought that, while he rejected the claims of the Church of Scotland, without inquiry, he would grant the claims of the Church of Rome without inquiry? Who could have supposed that he would have denied that justice to Protestantism, which he is so willing to extend unsolicited to Popery? Who could have supposed that he would, or could, have done this in contravention of his own professed creed, the constitution of his country, and the coronation oath of his Royal mistress? Who could have thought this, or anything like this? But, yet, so it is; and, when it is so, then how loud the call to testify together, as "witnesses" for truth, to testify with one heart and mind and spirit, to raise the standard of the light against the powers of darkness, to exhibit a pattern of Christian unity and zeal and charity, and thus to compel an unbelieving world to exclaim, as an unbelieving world once exclaimed before, "Behold these Christians, how they love one another."

The REV. H. CAMPBELL moved the fifth Resolution :- "That in order to uphold these efforts for the extension of the Church at home, and to enable her to maintain her Evangelistic character by aiding in the Christianization of other countries, a vigorous and systematic scheme of finance is indispensably requisite and that as an important means of working such a scheme, as well as of bringing more effectually together our Presbyterian population, this meeting hails with satisfaction the formation of Lay Unions, which it earnestly recommends to congregations in which they do not already exist."-I came here this evening in the hope of sitting quietly to be edified and instructed, without the hope of being called on to take any part in the proceedings, in which, however, although unprepared, I am happy to take my share. Before reading the Resolution, I would make this one remark: Mr. Redpath said in his excellent address, that he saw no reason why his body and ours should not be united. Now I see ten thousand reasons why we should, and I know no ground that should keep us disunited. I may

tell him also that we have a Committee of Synod appointed for the very purpose of considering and furthering such Christian union, of which I have the honour to be the Convener; and I shall be most happy, after this meeting shall have separated, to hold communication with Mr. Redpa Redpath on this subject this very evening. Having read the Resolution, Mr. Campbell proceeded, -This Resolution, I understand, will be seconded by the worthy Chairman of the London Lay Union, Mr. Hamilton, a gentleman so intimately acquainted with its workings, and so well qualified to bring before you its history, and the nature and extent of its operations, that I need say only a word or two on this subject. There is nothing valuable, I believe, in Church government which may not be carried on under Presbyterianism. It is a field for the people to labour in. All cannot be ministers or office-bearers, but still, let every man be in his place, and it finds a place for every man. We can give them all a place to occupy, in which to employ their time and talents for the advancement of the Church's cause, and one of the most important of these is to be found in a Lay Union; not merely from the money with which it swells the funds of our College, and of our other schemes, but more for its dissemination of principles, high and holy, embracing in every instance, means and endeavours to promote the best interests of immortal souls, and the true welfare of the world at large. They can give reasons for collecting money-they do not ask any to give it without a reason-they bring to bear, in support of their solicitations, every Christian motive, and address to those to whom they apply every high principle of Christian charity, and show them how their money will be the means of conferring most important benefits on the Church and on the world. The effect on the agents of a Lay Union engaged in this work, is also most beneficial and blessed. Every man who is in truth a missionary of the Gospel of salvation to his brethren, must have been washed and purified in his own soul. It would be an ungrateful task to press on others what he has no love for himself, and no Lay Union agent will continue to engage in such labours unless his own heart has felt the power of Divine grace. Thus, convinced of the great benefits of these Institutions, I hope there are many who will enrol their names, and that there may not only be gentlemen, but ladies also who will devote themselves to such a good work. In America I believe they calculate that in such affairs one lady is equal to thirteen and threequarters gentlemen, estimating them by the relative service they render to the cause in which they are engaged. You, however, have a variety of bodies by whom your purposes can be carried out, -Sessions, Deacons' Courts, and others; and, certainly amongst the most efficient, Lay Unions, respecting the usefulness of which I fully concur in the sentiments expressed in the Resolution, which I now have the honour to move.

WILLIAM HAMILTON, Esq., Chairman of the London Lay Union, seconded the Resolution. At this late period of the evening, and after the admirable and spirit-stirring addresses to which we have been listening, it would ill become me to detain you long; but, as I have taken a deep interest in the proceedings of the London Lay Union since its institution, I may be allowed to refer shortly to the many and various advantages which have already been derived from it. When it began its operations, we were comparatively unknown to each other; there were no united efforts in progress for the prosperity and ex

tension of our Churches, nor any common field | Union may be the means of securing. I
of operation to bring us into contact and friendly
intercourse. But, by means of the Lay Union,
the various congregations were brought into
intercourse with each other-feelings of Christ-
ian kindness and sympathy were awakened,
and many plans of usefulness were devised. It
is to it that we are indebted for this meeting;
indeed, it was mainly through its instrumen-
tality also that the previous meetings already
referred to were held. These meetings may
be regarded as affording in themselves an evi-
dence of what has already been done in
uniting the members of the various Churches
in the prosecution of many good works; but
still I think it may be said that we are but
beginning, and that there is ample room for
farther concert and co-operation. Our success
in the services we seek to render to the
Church's cause, must depend chiefly on our
uniting heartily in carrying forward in earnest
whatever we undertake with a view to her
benefit. And amongst the most important of
these services, is one to which the London
Lay Union gives special attention; viz., the
bringing together into our society and our
Churches, young men from Scotland and the
rural districts of England, by which they are
saved from the fearful snares and temptations
to which they are exposed, on their first arrival
in this great city, thus doing the individuals
themselves an important good, and thereby
also benefiting the various congregations.
Why is it, I may ask, that our Church here
is yet so uninfluential? Chiefly, I believe,
from the neglect of young men coming to
London, who have generally been allowed to
wander where they pleased, no one caring for
their spiritual welfare. Amongst Scotchmen
and their descendants in London, there is an
amount of wealth and influence second to
those of no other interest or class; but in all,
or nearly all, that concerns the Church, it
is lost to us. Let us now, therefore, watch
with a greater and more kindly anxiety
for our young countrymen, as they arrive
in this vast city, - let us seek access to
their hearts at a time when they are most

should also wish the Meeting not to forget
or overlook the necessity of a stated and
regularly organized system of periodical con-
tributions to objects of Christian charity and
benevolence, such as the Lay Union has
devised, and by which the amount of our
collections may be greatly increased. All
present have heard, no doubt, of the mag-
nificent sums collected in Scotland for the
services of the Free Church, and the main-
tenance of the various schemes in which she
is engaged; and must honour the strenuous
and continued exertions of her people for
her welfare and prosperity, in proportion to
which I must say, that we have given,
hitherto, but a fraction of our time, and a small
portion of our means. Let us individually
meditate on this point, and we shall be con-
vinced that we ought to devote more of what
a gracious God has given us to the promotion
of his cause on earth, remembering that we
are but the stewards of his bounty, and that we
shall ere long have to render an account of
the purposes to which we have applied it.
For this end a proper system of periodical
contributions, regularly worked, must be
every where set about, not depending on a
few large subscriptions of 5l., 10l., or 100l.,
but beginning with the weekly rate of 1d.,
and travelling up the scale to whatever height
the generosity of any of our brethren may
reach. and in this way we shall learn the mighty
produce of many littles, and find our treasury
enriched to an extent never before experienced.
Let collectors be appointed in every congrega-
tion, and let them go round regularly each
week; and making their number as large as
possible, with but a moderate space for each to
go over, the labour will not be great, and they
will find an ample and blessed reward in the
increasing aids they will thus be the means of
procuring for the Church's cause. In general
they may depend on being received in a
kindly spirit, and their visits might be the
means of exciting in the parties visited, a
greater interest in the many objects of the
Church's solicitude, so that, besides contribu-

easily influenced; engaging them, if posting themselves, they might be induced to use
sible, in some good work, through such in-
strumentality as that of the Lay Union, and
endeavouring so to interest their feelings and
affections in the cause of Presbyterianism, that
they will be glad and thankful to embrace
every opportunity to promote it. Thus may we
enjoy the satisfaction of pointing out how
they may most advantageously spend their
leisure hours, of preserving them in those
paths in which most of them have been
trained in their native land, and from
those dangers to which, more peculiarly, idle
young men are exposed in such a city as this.
And here it may not be out of place to notice,
that hitherto, perhaps, we have been too sec-
tarian, having confined our attention almost
exclusively vely to Scotchmen. Let us now re-

member that we are an English Presbyterian Church, and let not our exertions be limited merely to the endeavour of bringing our brethren into the fold of Christ, but let us seek out the many, living around us, who are yet altogether uncared for, and perishing for lack of knowledge. This is a new period in

their influence, for the same good purpose, with their friends and neighbours. Our ministers are all united in mutual love and affection, so much so, that they are in the habit of meeting together for mutual improvement, and to consult and advise each other, as brethren, on the many duties of their responsible office. Let the elders follow their example, and deliberate together in what way they may best fulfil the duties which specially devolve on them in aiding the ministers, and in watching over the spiritual welfare of the flock. Let the deacons also meet and consult respecting the matters of their peculiar sphere, adopting plans for effectually promoting the various schemes of the Church, such as are described and recommended in the address recently issued by the London Lay Union, and for this purpose calling forth still more fully the energies of the many noble-minded young men, already in our Churches, who desire to devote themselves to this and all other good works. Should there be any indolent

the history of the English Presbyterian Church, elders amongst us, let the example of

affording an evidence of the goodness of God, which ought to excite our deepest gratitude. And if each individual now present, and others of our number, will exert their influence to the utmost for the highest and best interests of those around them, they will confer an immense benefit on the objects of their care, and prove the reality of those great advantages which such institutions as the London Lay

these young men stir them up and stimu-
late them to activity and zeal. And lastly,
let the people be brought together, that
their sympathies may be called forth and en-
gaged in support of these various and important
objects. And here I may remark that more
ample provision should be made, not only for
the more comfortable support of our ministers,
but that, in the course of their visitations to

impart spiritual consolation, they should have it in their power to contribute to the temporal necessities of the sick and destitute. My heart is much in the matters to which I have alluded, and I have given my words utterance as my feelings prompted them, trusting that no one would take offence at the frankness with which I have expressed myself.Mr. Hamilton concluded by urging all present to exert themselves in procuring a wide circulation for this periodical.

Dr. FREUND, seconded by GEORGE RAINY, Esq., moved the thanks of the meeting to the Chairman; a motion which, like all the Resolutions of the evening, was unanimously and most cordially carried; and the proceedings were concluded with praise and prayer.

REPORT OF THE COLLEGE COMMIT-
TEE TO THE SYNOD OF THE PRES-
BYTERIAN CHURCH IN ENGLAND,
APRIL, 1845.

Ir is with the liveliest satisfaction that the
College Committee appear before the Synod
with their First Report. They had not
expected to be able so soon to record so large
a measure of success in the important and in-
teresting undertaking which, only a twelve-
month ago, was intrusted by this Court to their
management and care; and they would have
felt no discouragement, nor have seen any
reason for disappointment or relaxation of
effort, if the degree of prosperity which they
had had to report had been much less than it
is. They were fully aware of the difficulties
connected with the attempt to establish such
an Institution; their expectations, especially
with regard to the number of students, were of
the most moderate kind; and they were pre-
pared to meet with considerable trials of their
faith and patience. But they feel that the
Lord has graciously exceeded their hopes, and
has already vouchsafed a degree of success to
this undertaking, which calls for the liveliest
gratulation and the warmest gratitude and
praise.

A brief narrative will be sufficient to record the proceedings of the Committee during the past year. Their first care was to adopt the necessary steps for awakening an interest among our people in the object contemplated, and for procuring the requisite funds. For this purpose a statement was drawn up and extensively circulated through the Church, and numerous congregational meetings were held, and Associations formed, in the course of last summer. These preliminary labours were commenced in London, and were afterwards continued by the Convener of the Committee, in the other Presbyteries of the Church, assisted by the brethren in the different localities. The Committee refer, with much satisfaction, to this first attempt at something like a general visitation of our congregations, with the view of interesting them in an object peculiarly our own. In addition to the congregational meetings held in London and its neighbourhood, there were similar meetings convened in Birmingham, Dudley, Manchester, Liverpool, Woodside, Bolton, Wigan, Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Newcastle, Sunderland, North Shields, South Shields, Berwick, Belford, Right, and Morpeth. In all these places our people listened with the greatest interest to the exposition which was given of the plans and objects of the Synod in connexion with the College, and manifested their hearty concurrence in them; and the results of this first attempt to rally their interest and their affections around the undertakings of the Church, may well encourage the Synod to appoint

similar deputations from time to time to ❘ Committee, was in reference to a supply of