Annual Sermons, when a liberal collection was made for the schools. On the following evening 400 members and friends took tea in the school-room, when addresses were delivered, and gratifying accounts given of the flourishing state of the educational efforts.

At the Annual Sabbath-school Service at Trinity Church, Manchester, a considerable increase in the number of scholars was reported. The children had doubled their missionary contributions during the year, chiefly owing to the exertions of the adult class, who themselves contributed 5l. The entire sum raised was, distributed as follows:-67. to the Connaught Industrial School; 27. 4s. to the Home Mission; and 21. to the Foreign Mission. Total, 107. 4s. At Morpeth, the Annual Social Meeting was held on the first evening of the year. W. Trotter, Esq., Mayor of Morpeth, in the chair. The meeting, which was very large, was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Hoy, Bannatyne, Cathcart, Walker, Duncan (of Newcastle), and Lennie, in speeches of great brilliancy and power.

At Gateshead, the Sabbath-school children were examined by the Rev. Mr. Anderson on Christmas-day. At the close of the examination, which was lengthened, minute, and highly satisfactory, many of the children repeating lengthened portions of Scripture, they were regaled with tea and cake, as a practical proof of their teachers' affectionate kindness.

At Wolverhampton, a similar meeting was held on the 13th January. After tea, Dr. Bryson addressed the children, and presented rewards to the most deserving. They were afterwards addressed by Mr. Ewart (the Superintendent), and Mr. Bowman. The school is under excellent management, and in a very prosperous state.

MY DEAR FRIENDS,-I come this morning to introduce to you my esteemed successor in the ministry of this Church. Invited by himself now to address you from his pulpit, once my own, I undertake the task most heartily, and shall, because I must, be very brief.

He who is henceforth to minister to you in the Gospel, comes not undisciplined-a soldier unproved in the field. No! he comes as a well-tried veteran, who has both done and suffered in his Master's cause.

Descended for generations from most godly ministers, the spiritual mantle of his ancestors would seem to have fallen on him. He was one of the noble band who, in Scotland, eight years ago, "for conscience toward God," forsook their endowed parochial churches and pleasant manses, CC esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt." This single fact gives you stronger assurance than words can give that the high dictates of a conscience led by God's holy word and providence, will govern and guide him now, as then.

Since the disruption of the Church of Scotland, Mr. Duncan has ministered at North Shields. Nor was it any want of sympathy on his part towards his people there, nor any want of affection on their part towards him, that induced him to leave them and come to you; but only the severe climate of North Shields was too keen for the delicate health of some members of his family. In his having laboured so long successfully this side the Border, you have again the best of guarantees for his being no stranger to ministerial work in England, and to its peculiar aspects in the midst of a town population.

And now that your new minister has been unanimously called and heartily welcomed by you, may not he most reasonably inquire of you, as Peter did of Cornelius,— "I ask, therefore, for what intent ye have sent for me?"

Is it that you may hear from his pulpit "the whole truth of God?" Is it that you may have his household ministrations? Is it that you and your children may possess a constant Christian friend? Is it that he may prove a spiritual blessing to multitudes around? If for such "intents" as these

ye have sent for" him, then I assure you with confidence that his heart responds to yours.

If in this spirit you welcome him as Christ's minister to your Church, to your homes, and to your hearts, you will do well; for is not he the minister of your own willing choice? Have not you brought him here and settled him among you? Forget not, then, I beseech you, the duty you have thus incurred-the great engagement you have thus made-to seek profit from his ministry;-forget not, that just in proportion to the fidelity and worth of his ministrations is the greatness of responsibility at your door.

In my inmost heart I believe him to be a true and earnest minister of the Lord, and that both publicly and from house to house, in season and out of season, "he will not shun to declare unto you all the counsel of God." He is worthy of your generous

reception; receive him, therefore, in the Lord, with all gladness; hold him in reputation; esteem him very highly in love, for his work and his Master's sake.

Your Christian responsibility in this new relationship cannot be fulfilled by choosing a pastor and kindly receiving him among you. Nay, your most urgent personal duties in the matter, to your Redeemer, your own families, your fellow Christians, and your fellow creatures, are only just beginning.

You are to work together with your minister as "true yoke-fellows." How are you best to do this? Not otherwise than by regular, timely, and devout presence in this church on Sabbath days; not otherwise than by intelligent sympathy and co-operation with him in his plans of Christian usefulness through the week; and by constant and affectionate remembrance of him with your children and household about you, and in your secret chamber at the throne of

grace.

This day, I trust, will mark as a great era the renewal of your zeal as a congregation and as individuals. May your pastor never be called to sorrow on your account; may his heart not be sickened by hope deferred, but always "joy and rejoice in you." May his ministry, this day commenced, be, till the end of it, a sweet savour of Christ to you all. Would to God that it may tell of many a lost sheep found, of many a prodigal son returned, of many a backslider restored, of many a mourner cheered, of many a tempest-tossed believer living, dying in joy and peace, of many stedfast Christians going on their way useful and rejoicing.

And now, beloved friends and brethren, farewell. The Lord greatly bless you and your minister, and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.

THE Free Church missionaries at Pesth, Messrs. Smith and Windgate, and Mr. Edwards, at Lemberg, have been driven from their flocks by the merciless tyranny of the Austrian Government. The two former were treated like delinquents, and received only twenty-four hours' notice to quit. Mr. Edwards, who received a fortnight's notice, went to Vienna to remonstrate, but was immediately commanded to quit the Austrian States, and not even allowed to return for his wife and family. The English Ambassador declared to Mr. Edwards his inability to interfere officially. We are glad to know that active measures are being taken to bring the matter before the Foreign Secretary.

THE Sultan has just issued a firman in favour of the Christian Protestants, allowing them to meet together freely, and permitting their marriages and births to be registered.

THE "Daily News" is prohibited in Vienna. The hotels and lodging-houses, the very streets, swarm with creatures of the police. People are safe nowhere, and never so unprotected as in their own houses, for very often their own servants are spies in the pay of the police. The war against the press goes_on with the same ignorant zeal as ever. The non-official papers in Hungary are ordered not only to publish the names of their general editors and contributors, but also a list of their

subscribers.

of paper money in circulation. There is the common bank note, and the old or Schein paper, which only bears a real value of-as four to ten-compared with its nominal one; then come the Treasury bills bearing three per cent. interest, and others bearing four, fourand-a-half, and five per cent. interest. Then there are whole notes and half notes, and old notes and new notes, and forged notes, that nobody knows from real notes, and real notes that nobody knows from forged notes. Hungarian old notes that pass current, and old notes that do not pass current. And Kossuth notes that the peasantry will receive and the Government won't, and new notes that the Government will receive and the peasantry won't, if they can help it. There are Lombardoprivate individuals, secured on their estates, Venetian notes, and private notes issued by and which pass in their immediate neighbour

And

hood and nowhere else. Then there are white notes, and pale yellow notes, and pale blue notes, and notes as large as a newspaper, and others as small as a visiting card, and threehalfpenny notes, and three-halfpenny notes torn in halves, that will pass in the country, and won't pass in the towns. The Hungarian peasantry, not, of course, understanding all these ins and outs, are persuaded into anything.

hood of Bordeaux, and all houses are to be THE curfew is established in the neighbourclosed and fires and candles put out at nine o'clock. Any person who ventures forth after that hour is liable to be shot!

CHILDREN'S SCHEME FOR 1852. OUR hearts have been very much delighted by seeing how nobly you have managed your scheme for the poor Khunds during the past year. We blame ourselves very much for being so long in proposing another one for 1852. A whole month has been lost; but we trust you will make up for it by being more liberal and active during the other eleven. We cannot, at present, do more than merely propose the object; but, no doubt, you will take our word for its being a very deserving one; and next month you shall have a long and interesting account of it.

Those of you who look over other parts of the Messenger besides your own, must have very often seen the names of CORFU and Mr. Charteris mentioned. Some may also have noticed in their Geographies that the former is the name of a little Greek island in the Mediterranean. There are between 5000 and 6000 Jews living on it, who know nothing of the Saviour but to hate Him, and are therefore living and dying without God.

Some years ago, Mr. Charteris went out as a missionary to those poor Jews, to whom he has done much good. He has been also very useful to many English people and Italians living on the island. Among other things, he has established a school, where the poor little Jews and Jewesses are not only taught to read and write, but also to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, whom their parents hate and teach them to despise, is the Saviour of sinners and the Son of God.

A number of ladies in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Sunderland, Newcastle, and other places, collect the money to support Mr. Charteris and his schools. Some Sunday-school children have also helped them, out of their Missionary Fund; but the ladies find it very difficult to get enough money to pay all expences, and they feel that it would be very wrong to give the good work up, and also very cruel to leave Mr. Charteris (who works very hard) upon that lonely island without sending him enough money to keep the Mission going.

Now these ladies wish to make a bargain with you; they promise to raise as much as will support the missionary, if you will collect enough to support the school. Perhaps you ask how much will be needed? Not quite so much as you raised for the Khunds, but very nearly. Sixty Pounds is all that is required to make the Corfu schools your own; and we hope you will resolve upon it, and set to work immediately.

Next month you shall hear much more about Corfu; you will also be told where to send the money when collected. Meantime, read over the following account of a poor blind girl, who loved the Saviour and pitied the heathen, and see if you can show as much earnest liberality as she did.

GIFT OF A POOR BLIND GIRL. A POOR blind girl, in England, brought to a clergyman thirty shillings for the missionary cause. He objected, "You are a poor blind girl, and cannot afford to give so much." " I am, indeed, blind," said she," but I can afford to give those shillings better, perhaps, than you suppose." "How so?" "I am, Sir, by trade a basket-maker, and can work as well in the dark as in the light. Now, I am sure, in the last winter it must have cost those girls who have eyes more than thirty shillings for candles to work by, which I have saved, and therefore I hope you will take it for the missionaries."

TOMMY AND HIS SHILLING.
LITTLE Tommy found a shilling
As he came from school one day;
"Now," said he, "I'll have a fortune,
For I'll plant it right away.

"Nurse once told me, I remember,
When a penny I had found,
It would grow, and bear new pennies,
If I put it in the ground.

"I'll not say a word to mother,

For I know she would be willing;
Home I'll run, and in my garden
Plant my precious bright new shilling.
"Every day I'll give it water,

And I'll weed it with great care,
And I guess before the winter,
It will many shillings bear.
"Then I'll buy a horse and carriage,
And a lot of splendid toys,
And I'll give a hundred shillings
To poor little girls and boys.'
Thus deluded, little Tommy
Laid full many a splendid plan,
As the little coin he planted,

Wishing he were grown a man.

Day by day he nursed and watched it,
Thought of nothing else beside;
Day by day was disappointed,

For no signs of growth he spied.
Tired at last of hopeless waiting,
More than any child could bear,
Little Tommy told his secret

To his mother in despair.
Never was a kinder mother,
But when his sad tale she heard,
'T was so funny, she from laughing
Could not speak a single word.
This was worse than all: for Tommy
Thought his sorrow too severe,
And, in spite of every effort,

Down his cheek there rolled a tear.
This his tender mother spying,
Kissed it off before it fell;

"Where to plant your bright new shilling," Said she to him, "Let me tell:

"Peter Brown's two little children

Long have wished to learn to read, But their father is not able

To procure the books they need.

"To their use, if you would spend it, Precious seed you then may sow, And ere many months are ended, Trust me, you will see it grow."

HAVE YOU GOT CHRIST ?*

PERHAPS you cannot answer this question; read over the following account of the death of a very young boy, who was not gloomy, as perhaps you think religion would make you, but full of peace and joy, such as none can know but those who have found a friend in Jesus. May you take his wise advices, and soon become like him in spirit:

"James sent for his brothers to-day; prayed aloud with all the family; sought a blessing upon the congregation and the minister, and that the Gospel might be sent to the poor heathen; sent for the minister, and asked, 'What is presumption?' Was told that a simple confiding trust in Jesus was not presumption; seemed satisfied. This was the last time he ever was troubled with doubts. His experience was that of perfect peace rather than triumph. He often said, 'I have perfect peace. This morning he spoke individually to his brothers and sister, entreating them to seek Christ. To his sister he said, Now, Mary, be a good girl; seek Christ, and grow up to be a comfort to your parents.' Now, Johnnie, seek Christ, and never rest till you find him.' He took his little brother Alick by the hand, and said how dear he was to him.

6

"October 5-Sabbath.-Desired all his books to be brought to him. Gave two to his cousins who came to see him, and one to their sister, accompanying his gifts with suitable counsels. He sent one to a herd-boy he met in summer. He gave his mother his Testament and Psalmbook, writing the following lines in pencil on the former :

"Dear mother, smile through all your tears,
A crown of life your darling wears."

He took his Bible, and, holding it in his hands, engaged in prayer for a few moments, kissed it, and gave it to his father, saying, 'Oh! may you have a blessing with it.'

"October 6.-To G. D. and D. B., two of his companions, he said, 'Look at my thin arm, but yours may soon be as thin. Had any one told me twelve months ago that I would be in this state, I would not have believed them. Oh, give over foolishness, and prepare for heaven; nothing foolish can enter there.'

"October 7.-James was thought dying today, and gathered them all round him to exhort them, and bid them farewell. To one he said, You lie close to my heart; seek Jesus. Oh, seek him now, ere sleep close your eyes. Seek him this very night; now is the best time.' To Alick he said, taking him by the hand, 'That is a little hand, but sometimes a

From a little work bearing the same name, by the Rev. A. L. R. Foote. Published by Johnstone and Hunter.

little hand has a great work to accomplish. God has given you talents, see that you employ them in his service. You cannot yourself, but ask his Holy Spirit.' He was repeating aloud to-day the distinction between justification, adoption, and sanctification. Marking them with his fingers on the bed, he said, 'I know the first and second now by experience, but I know little of the last. I wish much to grow in holiness, and bear the image of Christ.' He said he felt no doubt now of his adoption into God's family; and one of his favourite passages was, Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God,' 1 John iii. 1. He said he felt overshadowed by Jesus. To a friend who asked if he had any word for her, he said, 'Seek the Lord; "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you." When No, I cannot say they do;' and when asked asked if his thoughts wandered much, he said, what was the chief subject of his thoughts, 'Oh, just about Christ.' He said to his father, You must give more to Christ's cause than you have done before. You must not buy any useless thing, but give all you can to Him. It is better to die young, and go to be with Jesus; but I think you will find your fireside dull without me.' He expressed much gratitude to the doctor who attended him so kindly; and when any new medicine was sent him, he asked a blessing upon it, and also when he took any medicine or any food. Once his mother gave him his food so hurriedly that the blessing was neglected; he stopped, saying, Oh, mother, what have you done? you have made me sin.' He then asked a blessing.

"October 8.-A friend read to him a portion of the 26th chapter of Isaiah. He liked the 3d verse especially-Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.' He spoke of his own trust in Christ, and of his being sure that thought,' said he, last winter; I felt I was he had really found him. I took great likely to die, and to die without Christ made me whiles like to despair. I would think, when I would be going to school, how God's merciful arm was stretched out to preserve me, and me going on all the time sinning against him. I did not find it an easy thing to get Christ.' Some one asked him what to do when the heart was cold and hard. Oh! just go again and again to prayer, and Jesus will soften it. He will receive every one, even the chief of sinners. Be sure you get Christ; but you must seek him earnestly.' Speaking of faith, he said, 'It seems very simple now. Just suppose I was learning to walk, and, not able to do it, my mother would stretch out her arms to me to support me, then I would try. He had a most tender love for his parents. He said, I never can thank God enough for my father and mother, and for all the blessings I enjoy; I can never praise Him enough-never. When some young companions came to see him to-day, he said, Look at my face.' They said it was poor. Aye, it is poor. had a sight of it myself. I have but a few hours to live. Now I beseech you to seek Christ. Seek him by prayer. Give him your whole heart. He will not be satisfied with a

"He said to his father, My death will be a great trial to you, father. You will miss me in the winter forenights. But will you not be comforted by the thought that I am singing on the heights of Zion?' To his mother he said, Oh! I will be wearying till you come.' He was asked if the time of his illness seemed long. No; it seems but yesterday when I lay down.'

"He did not suffer much violent pain. But he became so thin and weak that it was with much suffering he could be moved. Yet he was patient, and grateful to all who attended him. When one spoke of spiritual darkness, he said, 'When darkness comes upon us, then is the time to wrestle in prayer.' One morning his father said to him, 'There is the sun rising, Jamie.' 'That is a beautiful sun, father; but it's not so beautiful as the Sun of Righteousness.' He was very happy during the last day he was on earth. His intellect was clear and unclouded to the end.

"He said at different times, My joy is inexpressible. Oh! mother, I would give anything we were all in heaven. You are very dear to me. Oh! would it not be pretty to be all singing in heaven, father, mother, and all of us? I would not exchange my lot for the whole world.' And some hours before he died, he was in such a transport of joy, that he with a loud and clear voice

'Oh! that will be joyful!

sung

When we meet to part no more.' A very little before his departure, his father said, The scene is nearly closed now.' Jamie distinctly replied, 'It is only beginning. It was, indeed, only beginning. Through the gate of death he entered on life eternal. His gentle spirit soon took its flight to that better land where sin and sorrow are unknown-to the immediate presence and enjoyment of that Saviour whom, having not seen, he loved, and in whom believing, he rejoiced, even here, with joy unspeakable and full of glory.'

"Reader, do you see now how it is that you can come to say, 'Christ is mine!' There is no mystery about it. He is already yours in the offer of the Gospel. Take him and make him yours in actual possession. Yes, take him, and take him now. Let the frequent exhortation of this dear boy fall upon your ear as a voice from the tomb-Seek Jesus.' Seek him earnestly. Seek him this very hour. Do not rest till you get him. It is not easy to get Christ, he tells you. And why? Only because the heart is so enslaved by sin and the world. But what was done by him through grace, may be done by you. Oh! make sure of your interest in Christ, and peace and safety will be yours."

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