opened, the London Missionary Society raised a large fund to send out twelve additional missionaries; but several years elapsed after they had the means until they were able to procure the men. The experience of our own Church was similar, for it was not until all hearts were "faint" that our devoted brother came forward and offered himself to the work. We, therefore, beseech our friends throughout the Church to assist our brethren in this matter by their earnest prayers;from the weekly prayer-meeting, the family altar, and the closet, let supplications ascend to the Great Head of the Church, until He raise up a qualified labourer, willing to spend and be spent in this great work, saying, "Here am I, send me!" CHINA. DR. YOUNG TO MR. MATHESON.-RECENT DISTURBANCES AT AMOY. Amoy, 9th Sept., 1853. We are glad to hear of Mr. Johnston being on his way towards us. May he be preserved in safety. Mr. Burns is quite well, and giving me assistance in superintending the rebuilding of the house, the history of which I told you in my last letter. It is getting on well, only somewhat tardily on account of the war, which I ought now to tell you something of. I mentioned last month that a strong force of the Mandarin party was expected to make another effort to retake Amoy. A number of junks,upwards of fifty,-made their appearance on or about the 24th August, a fortnight ago, and about the same time several thousands, say seven or eight thousand of fighting men, were landed on the other side of the Island. Before this movement, information was sent by the Mandarins to the British Vice-Consul here that as a fleet of junks were to attack the town, the foreign shipping had better move out of the way. The Vice-Consul gave notice to this effect, and the ships moved up to the upper extremity of the harbour. The insurgents' junks lying just before our houses numbered about twenty. On this occasion they did not as formerly attempt to move from their anchorages when the large fleet of Mandarin junks appeared. On a former occasion, the tide favouring them, they sailed out, and met the Mandarin fleet, when there was a great deal of firing, but at such a distance from each other, that no damage was sustained by either party. This time, however, the Mandarin fleet made a considerable show, consisting mostly of Canton junks of a lighter and more practical looking description. Had they come right into the harbour they could easily have overcome the junks of the insurgents, and our houses and persons no doubt would have been in great peril from their shot. But instead of this course they steered round the back of the Island of Koo-long-soo, and came in at the top of the harbour just where the foreign ships were at anchor. Passing the latter, they took up a position a little way up the creek, at the back of the town, and for a part of three or four days opened a random fire on the town, partly, however, at two forts of the insurgents which maintained a fire upon them. Balls, generally about six-pounders, fell in all directions, into houses and on the streets. It is only a wonder that more lives have not been lost. Some fell only a short distance from this house, and houses both in front and behind us were struck. Mr. Talmage's house was near the scene of action, and was struck by four balls,— some of them entering through the wall and damaging furniture, but hurting no one. Sometimes the whizzing of the balls over the house was incessant. The house where we lately resided was struck by three balls,-two entering through the roof,-again, no one hurt. Another missionary's house, Mr. John Stronach's, was struck, the ball entering the roof of a bathing room, through the wall, across a staircase to opposite wall, from which it rebounded, after knocking a brick from the opposite side of the wall, across the room. This happened on a Sabbath afternoon. In this room our public worship is held; Mr. Talmage had preached in the morning, read the ninety-first Psalm, and spoke of the missiles of death falling around. He had just come from his own house where this was literally the case. The balls, too, fell thickly about Kék-lai, Mr. Burns' residence. Have we not reason to give thanks to Him who has so mercifully protected us? For several days this random firing has ceased. It is said the Vice-Consul made some communication to the Mandarin in command, about it, but I don't know as to the truth of this. The plan of the junks now is to move up the creek at full tide, and keep up a fire on the insurgent troops when they are proceeding to attack the Imperial army. It is towards this point that the latter march from their encampment, which is some four miles off among the rocky hills. Imperial troops are also landed at the top of the creek from the junks, thus making the engaging army of the Imperialists, it is supposed, from 10,000 to 15,000 strong. From all accounts it appears that were it not for the firing from the junks, the mandarins' party could not stand before the insurgents,-whose numbers are, probably, about equal to the former. When the tide recedes, the Imperialists lose any ground they appear to have gained, being driven back, and always, ere night, they have retired to their old encampment. There does not seem to be much loss of life. We hear at times a continuous firing of matchlocks, as if there was a hot engagement; but when it is inquired into, it is found that, although there was a great deal of firing, it was with such a distance between the combatants that scarcely any could be hurt. And I do not suppose the cannon in the junks can do much execution; but they, at least, serve to intimidate the rebel party. ears cut off. I saw one with one ear nearly cut off, and the other wounded; and another, I believe, was taken to Dr. Hirschberg to have the wounds dressed, the ears being completely cut off. The woman whose ears I dressed said, she saw two women killed. They would have killed her, but another party coming up, or from the orders of superiors, they were dissuaded. We feel much for this poor people at present. Besides the miseries of war, multitudes have suffered from want, because unemployed, or without their wonted traffic. Naturally timorous, they have been kept in constant alarms for many days. There have been several accidents among the insurgents, from the explosion of gunpowder. Four men were brought to Dr. Hirschberg's hospital the other day, dreadfully scorched, one has since died. It seems to me a great pity that this local rising should have taken place at all; for whatever can be said on behalf or against either party, the contest for so very small a section or corner of the empire, cannot at all affect the progress and consequences of the great rebellion. And Amoy will certainly have to submit to, on the one hand, or coalesce, on the other, with which ever of the great parties obtain the reins of Government. Yesterday and to-day there seems to have been a cessation of hostilities. They have occasionally rested thus for one or two days, and there never is fighting for more than half a day at a time. It is impossible to form any idea as to how it It is certain that the great insurgent will end. The insurgents' junks keep party have moved onwards from Nantheir old position in front of the town. king, leaving enough of force for the The harbour is quite free towards the defence of this and other cities in that south, but boats passing upwards, and region. They have already taken posseseven over to Koo-long-soo, are in dangersion of a vast extent of territory, partly, I of being seized by the Imperialists. To prevent this, those carrying water, sand, bricks, &c., on behalf of us foreigners, have flags with English letters, &c., on them, to afford them the requisite protection. The Rattler, our war-steamer, has taken up her former position in front of the foreign houses; and the Rapid, brig-ofwar, arrived from Hong-Kong the other day. As the firing from the junks seems now to be in a different direction, and their plan different from what it was at one time, we have good hopes that there will not be any more of the stupid random firing on the town, or, at least, in the direction of our quarter. The mandarin party have burned at least one village on the island. Women and children have been killed, but to what extent is not known. Some, probably a good number of women, have had their suppose, in their route to Pekin; and it is expected that the next news will be, that the imperial city has fallen into their hands, and the emperor fled. Indeed, there is a report of their having arrived at Pekin, but you will see all accounts in the papers, probably more fully than I have opportunity of seeing or hearing. "The Lord reigneth," and these commotions may-(Oh! that they may)—be followed by a glorious blowing of Zion's trumpet through this wide, wide land, ushering in a Gospel jubilee of peace and righteousness to this people, so long benighted. With kind Christian regards to your- Presbyterian Church in England. HOME MISSION FUND. as to the proper course he ought to pursue, Amount already advertised....... £731 12 0 with the view of forming a congregation Collected in Trinity Presbyterian .... Donation.-Daniel Grant, Esq., Ditto. Two Friends, Harbottle, Manchester in connexion with the Presbytery. It was agreed that the application lie on the table till next Meeting, and that the clerk communicate with Mr. Baillie, and request him, if possible, to be present on that occasion. An additional elder was appointed to the temporary Session at Brighton. Arrangements were made for opening the 100 station at Dalston on Sabbath, the 13th inst.; Dr. Hamilton to preach in the morn500 ing, and Mr. Keedy in the evening, of that 1 10 day. per Mr. 3 9 6 M'Ewen, Ditto. Alex. Waddell, Esq., do.. SCHOOL FUND. Amount previously acknowledged £229 Dudley, collection........ Wooler, ditto 5 7 10 00 1 11 10 1 0 0 200 24 5 5 PRESBYTERY OF BERWICK. A 1 0 0 MET at Berwick-on-Tweed, August 30. 300 100 Rev. J. A. Huie, of Wooler, associated. Mr. Robinson reported that he had preached £753 6 0 vacant the church at Tweedmouth. Committee was appointed to consider Mr. Wilson's letter, and report. Agreed that, if any of the ministers referred to in the letter from Professor Lorimer, saw it to be necessary, they should correspond with him. It was reported that a harmonious call was given by the congregation at Tweedmouth, on the 14th, to Mr. Andrew Cant. Call sustained with the understanding that the congregation, with its present income, give Mr. Cant 607. per annum, and all revenue from additional seat-rents since £279 4 10 27th June. Mr. Cant, having accepted the call, had subjects of trial prescribed, with a view to ordination. The annual statement from Etal, and the quarterly one from North Sunderland, were attested. The Moderator having laid on the table some documents received from the Home Mission Committee, in reference to the application from Ancroft Moor congregation, the same were handed to a committee of Presbytery ap 9 8 3 1 11 6 Presbyteries' Proceedings. PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. THIS Presbytery met at 51, Great Ormond-pointed to correspond with the Home street, on Tuesday, November 8, the Rev. Thomas Alexander, Moderator. The Report of the Committee appointed to examine the students was given in, and expressed satisfaction with their attainments. It was agreed to recommend the congregation at Windsor to the Home Mission for assistance. A letter was read from the Rev. John Baillie (late of Linlithgow), stating that in accordance with the intentions he expressed in a former communication, made to the Presbytery, and which was approved by them, he had lately opened a preaching station at Torquay (the attendance at which was large), and asking for advice Mission Committee. Collections for the School Fund reported. A committee on Session Records was appointed, with instructions to report to the next Quarterly Meeting, to be held at Tweedmouth on the last Tuesday of November. Adjourned to meet at Berwick on the 18th October. October 18th.-Met at Berwick. Rev. Mr. Edmonds, of Crookham, associated. A letter from the Home Mission was read, concerning an application for aid out of that fund, from Rev. Robert McClelland, and requiring information. Agreed, that the information already given be referred to, and the committee's attention drawn to it, and the fact be stated that the Hewley grant of 101. in his favour has not reached Mr. McClelland. A similar letter was read regarding an application from Ancroft Moor. Adopted the information beforegiven by a committee, and call the Home Mission Committee's special attention to the documents in their possession, as embodying the result of carefully ascertained information; also, the Presbytery earnestly beg to recommend this case, and hope that a grant, which would have been most beneficial sooner, may now be given. Mr. Cant's trials for ordination were received as prescribed. Upon a conjunct view of these trials the whole were sustained as satisfactory. Thursday, the 3d November, was appointed for Mr. Cant's ordination-Mr. Robinson to preach, Mr. Hunter to give an address on Presbyterianism, the Moderator to ordain, Mr. Stewart to address the minister, and Mr. Murdoch the people. Mr. Hunter to serve the edict on Sabbath, 23d inst. Mr. Cant's presbyterial certificate and extract of license were handed in. The Horncliffe schedule for the Home Mission was attested. November 3d.-Met at Tweedmouth. Rev. Mr. Nisbet, Canongate Free Church, Edinburgh, associated. Mr. Cant's edict was duly returned. In the absence of the Moderator, Mr. Murdoch was appointed to ordain, and preside for the day. The edict was read (mutatis mutandis) by the clerk, from the precentor's desk. Mr. Robinson preached from Heb. ii. 3; Mr. Hunter gave an address on Presbyterianism; Mr. Murdoch, having put the usual questions and taken Mr. Cant bound to sign the formula, did, with the brethren present, by solemn prayer and laying on of hands, ordain, and set apart to the office and work of the holy ministry, Mr. Cant, who received from the brethren the right hand of fellowship. Mr. Stewart addressed the minister, and Mr. Murdoch the people. At dismissal Mr. Cant received a cordial salutation from the congregation. His name was added to the Presbytery roll, he having signed the formulæ, as did Messrs. Robinson and Hunter. One of the Deputation appointed to wait on the Trustees of Salford Church stated, that, owing to circumstances, the other member of the Deputation had not had the opportunity of meeting with the Trustees, and, therefore, had no formal Report to make; but, questions having been put, which the Moderator was authorized to do, such answers were given as induced the Presbytery to resolve without further discussion to reserve the consideration of the whole matter till next Meeting. The Old Swan Committee made a verbal Report, which was received, and the Committee was discharged. On the application of the Rev. W. Smith, Messrs. Bell and Arnott, Elders, were appointed Assessors to St. Peter's Session. Mr. Blyth, preacher of the Gospel, appeared and delivered his prescribed trial exercises for ordination, with approbation. He was also catechetically examined on the usual subjects. After which the Presbytery resolved to meet at Wigan on the 24th inst., at half-past six, p.m., to ordain Mr. Blyth to the office of the holy ministry, and induct him into his pastoral charge. The Rev. D. Blelloch to preach and preside, and the Rev. Thomas Robinson to address the minister and congregation. The Home Mission Schedules of Crewe and Chester were attested by the Moderator. The Presbytery adjourned, to meet at Manchester on the first Wednesday of January next.. [In report of this Presbytery in last number, page 356, for "the Clerk was intrusted," read, "the Clerk structed."] Intelligence. was in DALSTON.-The want of a Presbyterian church has been long felt in the rapidly rising district of Dalston and Kingsland; and on Sabbath, the 13th of November, the Hall of the Literary Institution, in Albion-square, was opened as a temporary place of worship, under the sanction of the Presbytery of London. Dr. Hamilton, of Regent-square, preached in the morning, and Mr. Keedy, of John Knox's, in the evening. The congregations, at each service, were large; and from the zeal of our friends, and the character of the surrounding population, there is every reason to hope that this will prove a flourishing station. It is seldom that a temporary the hall in Albion-square, and it is satisfactory hood, there exist ample materials for filling to know that, in the immediate neighbourit, without seriously affecting any existing congregation. church is so handsome and commodious as Children's Messenger. A WORD TO The readers OF THE | because they know that Saviour whom the "CHILDREN'S MESSENGER." We have been obliged to deprive you of "The mighty flood that rolls along may be caught up by the sun into vapour, collected into clouds, condensed into rain and dew, showered again upon the earth, and become a "mighty flood' once more; but what has been lost of time can never be restored. Have you any time to lose? Go to the bedside of that old man, and ask him. He has lived more years than you will ever likely do; but they are just about over now, and he is dying. The tears run down the deep furrows of his wrinkled cheeks as he tells you that, old though he is, his day has been a brief one; and that by wasting time by the minute and the hour, he has lost a life. He began when young, and the habits formed then, clung to him all his days. These wasted years are now like thorns in his dying pillow, for he fears that, when he enters eternity, his reception will be different from the warm welcome Jesus gives to his true friends, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." If you wish your end to be different from his, be sure that you begin life well; and the true way of doing this is by giving your selves to God. Some of you have helped us greatly with the Chinese Bible Fund (of which you will hear more next month); the money you have sent us will procure Bibles for many a poor idolater, and we trust will be the means, through the blessing of God, of leading them into the path of life. But of all those who have so kindly assisted us, we value the "Samuels" and the "Timothies" the most, the praying and believing children, who give the Bible to the Chinese because they love it, and Bible reveals. They will not be contented also go to the God of the Bible, and beseech merely with giving money, but they will Him to send with it his blessing. Those of you who do not know Him, do not let this year all pass away, and leave you in your sins. The Saviour is asking, "When wilt thou come unto me?" Let your answer be, "I will arise and go to my Father, NOW." |