I am, Dear Sir, ever yours truly,

WM. C. BURNS.

WE give the following extract from a letter from the Rev. W. C. Burns, to Mr. Matheson, dated Amoy, June 6, 1853:

You have no doubt heard something, and of late more than a little, about the present rebellion in China, as also about the profession of faith in the Gospel by a number of the leaders in this movement. Many have been the rumours to this effect that we have heard during the last two or three years, but of late the matter has become evident fact by the visit of the Hermes steamer to Nankin, and the Christian books brought to us from thence. These books exhibit much acquaintance with the leading principles of Divine truth, although accompanied with some things that are erroneous and dangerous; and they are prepared in such a manner as to show that there are persons among these insurgents who have both thought and felt on the great subjects of Scripture teaching. It also appears, as was before rumoured, that the principal, if not the only source from which this knowledge has been originally derived is, the labours of Dr. Gutzlaff, or of Chinese connected with him. A part of the Book of Genesis (twenty-eight chapters) printed among the insurgents is according to Gutzlaff's version, and the language generally used, in speaking of the Divine Being, is evidently founded on his publications. What the issues of this movement are to be it is yet impossible to foresee, but there is surely much to encourage the hope that all will work for the establishment of God's kingdom among this people. Surely this is a time when much special prayer should be made for China, and for those who, though wielding the sword of insurrection against the civil rulers, have yet the truth of God among them, and that conveyed in a very plain and practical form, though, indeed,

You will be surprised, doubtless, also to hear that AMOY has been for more than a fortnight past in the hands of insurgents. These are not the insurgents of Nankin, but the insurgents of this immediate neighbourhood, who, though with no religious principle, have long been secretly leagued for the overthrow of the present dynasty, and have recently taken advantage of the times to rise as in a moment, and take possession of this and some surrounding places. Should they be able to keep their ground, they design to fall in with the leaders at Nankin. Amoy was taken by them on May 18th, without bloodshed, as the mandarins and soldiers all fled; but on May 30th, the Lord's-day, when the naval commander (who had been at sea on the 18th) attempted to retake the city with five hundred men, his troops fled at the first onset, and a number of their officers were then killed. It is expected that another attempt on the part of the Government, but on a more extensive scale, will soon be made to regain Amoy; with what result it is impossible to foresee. "The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles [Amoy is also an isle] be glad thereof." Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne." "The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."

The "Pilgrim's Progress" is now ready, in a complete form, and is commended as to printing, &c, as doing credit to Amoy. I enclose a proof copy of the last sheet, the ninety-ninth. The cost is eight dollars for a hundred copies. Made up less carefully, it might be a good deal cheaper, I should think. With Christian regards to all friends, and desiring much prayer, in the name of Jesus for China,

I am, dear Sir, ever yours,
W. C. BURNS.

pleasant than I could have anticipated, by the agreeable company we have on board, including several cadets and officers of the army in India and at the Cape; an agent of the Admiralty, and a Baptist missionary and his wife on their way to Ceylon: and still more by the fine opening for usefulness which I find amongst those on board." He then

informs us that on the Sabbath previous, at the request of the Captain, he preached on board to a very attentive audience; and expresses himself cheered by the assurance that many of those friends he has left behind are giving him a place in their sympathies and prayers.

THE HOME MISSION.

1

It will be seen from the statement of the Treasurer, in another column, that the funds of this Mission are exhausted; and, remembering the important objects to which they are applied, we may take it as good evidence, that, in some respects at least, the Church is increasing her activities and enlarging her spheres of usefulness. The expenditure of the Mission has been very considerably increased during the last two years, in supplying ordinances, and other expenses incurred in connexion with the opening of new charges in different places of the country; and it is much to be regretted that this enlargement of our sphere of labour has not met with corresponding assistance. Our God, in His providence, is opening up new fields of usefulness to us in various parts of England-and these often amid the neglected and perishing multitudes in our populous towns-but until His people show a more hearty interest in this work, and render more liberal assistance in promoting it, not a few of these openings must remain unoccupied. The annual collection for the Mission does not take place until February next, and before that time not less than £200 will be required to defray the unavoidable expenses of the Committee; but surely a sum so small will not be withheld for the maintenance and promotion of a work so great! We cannot believe, if ministers were to call the attention of their congregations to the fact, and explain the objects for which the amount is required, but that more than £200 would soon be forthcoming in private contributions.

*

100

1 20

030

8 12 9 £530 17 4

The Treasurer of the Home Mission Fund begs to remind the friends of our Church, that, for the last three years, the income has been considerably under the expenditure, which compels him to make an urgent appeal for £200, in order to meet the exigencies of the present year. He feels satisfied that there are ample resources within the Church to meet all our wants, had parties only the opportunity afforded them, through the medium of Congregational Associations, of giving their contributions. Until this is more generally done, he has no alternative but

EARNESTLY ΤΟ SOLICIT DONATIONS IN BANK-NOTES, POST-OFFICE ORDERS, OR POSTAGE-STAMPS, as may best suit the convenience of all classes.

ROBERT BARBOUR, Treasurer. Manchester, August 20th, 1853.

(Convener) and Welsh; and Messrs. R. Barbour, J. Adam, and Thos. Bell, Elders, to watch over the interests of the Church at Warrington, and provide supplies for the pulpit,

A communication from the Congregational Committee at Sheffield was read, guaranteeing not less than 150l. per annum, for Minister's stipend. The Presbytery, having accepted this as satisfactory, declared the Sheffield Congregation a regular charge in connexion with this Presbytery. Supplies were appointed till next Meeting.

Mr. Hurst appeared as a Deputation from the Deacons' Court of the Church at Salford, and laid on the table an extractminute of that Court, in reference to the matter which was before the Presbytery at last Meeting. A communication from the Trustees of said Church in reference to the same matter was also produced, and read by the Clerk. After which, it was moved, seconded, and agreed to:-That the papers now read, do lie on the table till next Meeting.

A communication from Mr. Stenthal was read, withdrawing his application for license with a view to ordination.

Subjects of study were prescribed to Mr. Salmon, a student in divinity, residing within the bounds.

The attention of the Presbytery was again called to the Old Swan District, near Liverpool, as presenting a favourable field for evangelistic operations. The following Committee were appointed, viz. : -- - Revds. Messrs. Welsh (Convener), Cromar, and White, and Messrs. Adam and Bell, Elders, to inquire into all the circumstances, and report.

The following members were appointed Commissioners of Synod, viz. :-Revds. Messrs. Munro, Welsh, Lundie, and Kemp, and Messrs. R. Barbour, J. Adam, Thos. Bell, and J. Walker, Elders.

A Committee was appointed to draw up a petition to the House of Commons, in favour of the inspection of nunneries, and forward it to the proper quarter for presen

tation.

The Presbytery adjourned, to meet at Manchester, on the first Wednesday of

Presbyteries' Proceedings.

THE PRESBYTERY OF LANCASHIRE.

THIS Presbytery met at Liverpool on the 6th of July. The Rev. Thomas Robinson,

Moderator.

The following members were appointed a Committee, viz.; - Rev. Messrs. Forster

Local Lotice.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN.-The Annual Sermons in aid of the funds of this church were preached on Sabbath, the 31st of July, by the Rev. Thomas vered two admirable discourses from 1 TimoMc Crie, D.D., LL.D., Edinburgh; who delithy i. 16, and Hosea xiv. 9. The collection amounted to 221. 1s. 74d.

the "

CHINA.

WE have this month said so much about this interesting country, in another part of Messenger," that we are obliged to ask our young readers for a sort of holiday. No doubt many of you will read what is there stated with very great interest, from which you will see how needful it is that the poor Chinese should have

for

the Word of God. If it be true that a Bible has influenced one man to do so much, may we not expect much good to result from the five thousand we propose to send them? We hope you pray the Chinese more and more; and if you read the letters from Mr. Burns, and Dr. Young, you will see how important it is that you should pray for them too. Mr. Johnston has promised to write a letter to you from on board the Bosphorus; and we hope it may reach us in time for

next number.

JOB, THE SANDWICH ISLANDER. JOB is a native of Molokai, one of the Sandwich Islands. He is now an old man. Grey hairs cover his head, his face is deeply furrowed, and his form stoops with age. When he was a child, the missionaries had not come to these islands. No one told him about God, and he grew up in ignorance and vice. At this time he was a worshipper of idols. Great abominations used to be committed in this worship, such as it is a shame even to speak of. In these abominations he took an active part. The chiefs also used to employ him to do their sinful work, and he shrank from nothing, however loathsome and cruel. You are shocked when you hear of a murder, and wonder that any one can be so hardened as to commit it. It was a part of his business to commit murder. He would do it with as little reluctance as a man here kills a wild animal. He killed those who had never harmed him, and who had done nothing worthy of death. Whenever the chiefs wanted any one to be put out of the way, they knew where to find an instrument bold and pitiless enough to do the base and murderous deed. One who would perform such acts for others, would not be slow to perform them for himself. He had shed a great deal of innocent blood. There was not, perhaps, a more wicked man on the island.

The Gospel at length made its way to Molokai, and multitudes have become the joyful disciples of the Saviour. Amongst

the earliest of these was Job. When he first listened to it he trembled; for it brought to view his sins. But it told him also of the pardon of sin through the blood of Christ, and assured him that Jesus would not turn away the very chief of sinners. He found this to be true, and became a humble, meek, and zealous follower of the Lamb. Blessed Gospel, that works such changes!

It was with great zeal that Job entered on the new life. He had served Satan till his strong form was beginning to bend under effectual service. He now wanted to serve the burden of years. He had done him he had a work to do, and he at once comhis new Master as faithfully. He felt that menced it. His path became the path of the just, and has been shining more and more, as it has been drawing towards the perfect day. Yet it was not great powers either of mind or body that he had now to bring to the service of the Saviour. He had not much learning. He was not eloquent. He did not possess great talents. But the love of God was shed abroad in his heart, and this love constrained him to act. He seems also to be growing more diligent and active, as he approaches the end of his course.

Two or three miles from his house is a village where, at the time I now speak of, a few people used to meet occasionally, in an old dilapidated grass-house, to pray. They had almost ceased to exist, and their house was fast going to decay. Job went there, and met with them; and as he exhorted and prayed, the Spirit came upon the place. The meetings grew larger, and more frequent, the impenitent and children came in, and sinners began to be converted. A better house was needed. Job shouldered his axe, and led the way to the mountains. All followed him. They cut down timber and brought it to the shore, and soon had a large, commodious, and attractive house instead of the old one.

A little further off is another village, which was in an equally bad plight. No sooner had success crowned the efforts of Job in the first, than he went to this; and almost immediately sinners began to be converted, for the Holy Spirit evidently worked with him. Here, too, a new house was speedily erected, and stands as a monument

of the old man's zeal. But he was not weary in well-doing, and went right to another place, where his labours were attended with like results. A short time ago, the third house, built through his instrumentality, was dedicated to God as a house of prayer. He has now gone over the mountains, a greater distance from his home, to another place, where his labours are also needed. Thus he continues to bring forth fruit in his old age. It is not in his own strength that he engages in these labours, nor does he rely on his own wisdom. He is working for God, and he asks Him to strengthen and direct him. His course will ere long be finished, and then he will enter into the joy of his Lord.

HAPPINESS.

SAY, earth's remotest bounds,
Oh! say, thou wondrous sphere,
Dwells happiness in aught
Thy vot'ries deem most dear?
Can mines of richest ore,
With all their dazzling wealth,
The guilty conscience calm ?
Restore declining health?

Earth startled at the thought of human woe,
Look'd up, and softly sighing, whispered "No."

Ye rolling seasons, say,
Oh, say, thou smiling spring,
Whose renovating breath
Brings verdure on its wing,
Will those ten thousand hues,
With which thy bowers are blest,
Give ease to troubled souls,
Or to the weary rest?

Spring paused a moment, then, in accents low, Confessed her helplessness, and answered "No!"

Tell me, thou short-lived "queen,"
Ever a welcome guest,
Whose beauties charm the soul,
And spread a mental feast,
In all thy lovely train,
Has solid joy a part?
Consoling-peaceful-calm-
Sweet solace to the heart?

Summer approached, with thoughtful look, and slow,

Wept o'er her fading treasures, and said "No!"

Autumn, with silent step,
And unperceived advance,
With plenty in thy hands,
But chillness in thy glance,
Canst thou the sinner heal-
Bid misery depart-
Remove affliction's rod-

And soothe the aching heart?
His golden tresses seemed to lose their flow,
While, in a saddened tone, he answered "No!"

Stern monarch of the year,
Clad in December's snows,
Oh, tell me, is it thine
To soften human woes?
Say, is it thine to wipe

The tear from deep distress?

The widowed heart to cheer, And helpless orphans bless? Winter, enveloped in a robe of snow, Frowned with majestic air, and answered "No!" Thou Babe of Bethlehem, Oh, tell me where to find Solace in every grief, That agitates the mind. Canst thou alleviate The sorrows deep within, And raise the drooping soul, Weary of self and sin? "Yes," the Redeemer said, " 'tis mine to raise, And mine the boon of everlasting peace."

MAKE THE BEST OF IT.

COME what will, happen what may, there is nothing like making the best of it. Where this plan is carried out, things are sure to go on well; but where it is neglected, they must be all sixes and sevens. Hardly is there a wiser maxim in the world than"Make the best of it."

Children should be taught to make the best of the little accidents which occur among them. If a child that has fallen down be let alone, in most cases he will get up again, and there will be an end of the matter; but if his mother must run to his assistance, crying out, "My poor, dear child, you have hurt yourself, you have hurt yourself!" where is the wonder if he draw in his breath as though he were about to blow a trumpet, and set up a scream as if every bone in his body were broken.

The toothache, the headache, and the heartache are all bad things, but they were never yet cured by pulling long faces, and sighing and crying. If we are afflicted, is that any reason why we should afflict other people? The boy who goes along whining and pining because he has bruised his shin, cut his finger, or been touched with a stinging-nettle, will never be good for anything till he turns over a new leaf, and resolves to make the best of everything, Young or old, we are sure to have our ups and downs in the world, but he that is determined to do his best, looking up for heavenly aid,

Whate'er disasters may befall,

Will win his way in spite of all.

When I was a boy-and I have not yet forgotten it-I once went with my Uncle Andrew, my Aunt, and two or three cousins, to Ridgeway Hill; but when we took our seats on the grass by the fountain, it was discovered that the ham, cold fowls, and bottled porter, had been forgotten. There was nothing in the basket, but a large loaf and a couple of empty glasses. "What shall we do now?" cried out my aunt; have nothing to eat."

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