PRESBYTERY OF BIRMINGHAM. THIS Reverend Court met at Wolverhampton on Tuesday, the 4th ult. Present, Mr. Mackenzie (Moderator), Messrs. Lewis, Martin, Speirs, and Dr. Bryson, ministers; Mr. Bowman, elder. A Commission was presented from the Session of the congregation at Birmingham in favour of Mr. George Samuel Dowling to represent that congregation in the Presbytery for the next six months, in consequence of the resignation of Mr. Henderson. The Minutes of former Meeting having been read and sustained, the Clerk was directed to forward blank forms of statistical and finan cial returns to each congregation within the bounds for the year 1852, and request Sessions to have them filled up and returned, along with those for 1851, by next ordinary Meeting. The Committees appointed to examine the day-schools at Dudley and Birmingham reported that they had implemented their instructions, and found the schools of both places in a very satisfactory condition. A schedule for the school at Dudley was laid upon the table, which the Moderator was requested to fill up and attest. It was unanimously resolved to forward the overture, of which Mr. Lewis gave notice at last Meeting, to the Synod. The Moderator having left the chair, and Mr. Martyn having been called thereto, it was moved by Mr. Mackenzie and seconded by Mr. Dowling, that the overture of which Mr. Mackenzie gave notice at last ordinary Meeting, be forwarded to the Synod; but after lengthened consideration regarding the difficulty of devising any practical remedy for the evil complained of, the overture was, with consent of parties, withdrawn. A Committee was appointed to examine the day-school at Hanley, and report to next Meeting. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Stafford on the second Tuesday in February, at eleven o'clock. PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND. gregation. The officiating preacher to serve the edict to that effect on Sabbath, the 16th current, communi forma. Reasons of dissent from the decision of the Presbytery in the case of Mr. Isaac Bolam were given in, subscribed by Messrs. Lennie and Bannatyne, and ordered to be recorded. Messrs. Anderson, Gillespie, Blythe, and Davidson were appointed a Committee to answer said reasons. School schedules given in from Glanton, Branton, and Warrenford were read, sustained, and ordered to be attested by the Moderator, which was done accordingly. Messrs. Anderson, Bannatyne, Cathcart, Edmunds, Fergus, Gillespie, Lennie, and Whyte reported that collections had been taken up in their congregations for the College Fund. No reports from Messrs. Walker, Huie, and Blythe in reference to collections for the College. Messrs. Cathcart, Edmunds, Fergus, and Lennie had also made collections for School Fund. Committees were appointed to examine the schools within the bounds of the Synod. A Petition from Mr. George Bolam was given in, which was ordered to lie on the table till next Meeting. Presbytery adjourned, to meet at Alnwick, in St. James' Church, on the 27th current, at twelve o'clock. Local Notices. A WORD TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. There are two months in the year when, perhaps, the state of our columns renders a word of apology needful, to those of our readers who are not specially interested in the details of our Church's proceedings. One of these months is February, when we become the chroniclers of those congregational gatherings which are usually welcomed by young and old at the commencement of a new times be read with most interest by those who "took part in the proceedings," yet we trust our less-interested friends will bear with us when we assure them, that, all the circumstances considered, we limit our columns of intelligence to the fullest extent of our power. FRAMLINGTON, Jan. 11th, 1853.-The Quar-year; and although these reports may someterly Meeting of Presbytery was held here today, and duly constituted. Present, the Moderator, Mr. Fergus, Messrs. Hoy, Anderson, Lennie, Cathcart, Gillespie, Whyte, Bannatyne, Walker, Edmonds, and the Clerk, ministers; and Mr. Callon, elder. Minutes of last Meeting were read and sustained. Commissions in favour of Mr. Hood, as ruling elder for the congregation at Morpeth, and Mr. Davidson, as ruling elder for the congregation at Branton, were given in and sustained. In regard to Bavington, Mr. Anderson, as Moderator of the Session there, laid on the table a Petition from the Session and the members of that congregation, craving the Presbytery to take the requisite steps for moderating in a call towards the supply of the vacancy there. The Presbytery agreed to grant said Petition, and appointed Mr. Anderson to preach at Bavington on the 23d current, and to moderate in a call to the person who may be chosen by the major part of the con But while thus bespeaking the indulgence of our readers, we cannot part without a word to our correspondents. We have gratefully to acknowledge the considerate kindness of some, and patiently to bear the hasty rebukes of others. This patience we can exercise the more readily, as we feel assured, that were our friends a little better acquainted with the nature and difficulties of our work, their conclusions would be as charitable as our ownthey would soon find that if a species of despotism is indispensable in any sphere, it is in the superintendence of periodical literature. We never abridge communications of real interest, unless when our storehouse is so full that it cannot hold them entire. LEEDS.-The Presbytery of Lancashire, at their Meeting on the 5th January, 1853, had submitted to them, by the Rev. George W. Adam, the following statement of the Committee of the Presbyterian Congregation at present assembling in the Music Hall, Leeds: They are engaged in raising funds for the building of a suitable edifice, where they, with others who are attached to Presbyterian order, may worship Almighty God,-together with schools, in which their own children and those of their neighbours may obtain a sound, cheap, and efficient education. Towards this laudable object the members of the congregation have nearly all contributed, and that, too, in a liberal spirit, and to the extent of their means. Being, however, few at present, though increasing in number, and their means limited, and to the satisfactory carrying out of the undertaking large external aid is required, they are necessarily constrained to make au appeal to the friends of their Church, to their fellow-townsmen, and the Christian public generally. The grounds of their appeal they believe to be numerous and good. Leeds is the largest manufacturing and commercial town in Yorkshire, with a population of 170,000, and the means of grace embrace less than one-half of the entire number. The amount of spiritual destitution which prevails is, therefore, very great, and there can be no doubt that thousands are living in the place who are the victims of gross ignorance and pernicious error. Infidelity and Popery are here unhappily prevalent. Indeed, there is scarcely a town in England where the evangelization of the masses is more required than it is in Leeds. Now, while in this large and populous town there is no Presbyterian place of worship, there are English, Irish, and Scotch Presbyterians in the different branches of trade, many of whom desire or require religious ordinances according to the forms and faith of their fathers. Of persons from Scotland alone, originally trained in that communion, there is, it is believed, not less than two thousand. This state of things outwardly shows the necessity of the Church coming forward liberally and speedily to aid the congregation in building a respectable place of worship. Since their formation, little more than a year ago, they have greatly increased, have been constituted and recognised by the Synod as a Church, and have lately had settled over them a pastor duly licensed and ordained. Everything, so far, has gone on prosperously with them. However, they do not mean to rest in what has already been done, but it is their purpose to move onward; and they hope, with the co-operation of the Church and the Divine blessing, soon to have a commodious church and schools erected in Leeds." The Presbytery of Lancashire most cordially recommend the case of their young congregation at Leeds, as stated above, to the favour able consideration of the Christian community; and trust that the Rev. George W. Adam, an esteemed member of their Court, will meet with liberal encouragement in this laudable effort for the erection of a commodious church and schools in that important town. CANNING-STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, LIVERPOOL, YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY.-CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. -The Seventh Annual Report of the Young Men's Society in connexion with this church, was submitted to a meeting of the congregation, which was held on the 23d December, in the Royal Assembly Rooms, Great George-street. After narrating the progress of the Society during the past year, the Report went on to give an account of the schools under the Society's charge. These are conducted in commodious premises situated in a district selected by the Society as their special field, and early in December they contained 304 scholars, taught by thirty-four teachers. This number has since increased. They are held in the evening, and are entirely separate from the morning schools held in the church. The operations of the Society also include a day school for girls, and an evening school for boys. The expenditure for the past year, which, however, included extra expenses in fitting up new school-rooms, &c., amounted to 1427. 19s., which sum was generously contributed partly by a public collection, and partly by private subscription. The Session of the congregation submitted to the same Meeting a proposal for the formation of a congregational association to collect for the various mission and philanthropic schemes of the congregation, by means of which it is hoped that the contributions of this flourishing congregation to the various schemes of the Church, as well as for their own operations, will be very largely increased. The Meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. R. Welsh, who occupied the chair; the Rev. Mr. Smith, Mr. Matheson, Mr. A. T. Ritchie, Mr. Burt, Mr. Alex. Anderson, General Secretary for the Schemes of the Church, and others. On the 18th January, a Meeting of the morning schools, which consist of the children belonging to the congregation, was held in the church, for the purpose of opening the missionary boxes, and disposing of their contents. The Rev. J. R. Welsh occupied the chair, and addressed the children. The Treasurer then intimated the sums in the various boxes; and as the names were read out, Mr. R. A. Macfie, the superintendent of the school, presented each little collector with a book. The total amount collected by the children, with the assistance of the teachers, was announced to be 201. 8s. 2d., and it was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed, that this amount should be given to the Nellore Mission, under the Rev. S. Ettirajooloo. Mr. Alex. Anderson then gave a most interesting address, and other friends also spoke to the children, after which Mr. Welsh pronounced the blessing. The annual Soirêes for the children in the evening schools have also been held; and it is hoped that these friendly reunions will serve to knit the pupils and teachers more strongly together, and produce mutual goodwill and affection. MORPETH.-The Annual Social Entertain bearers of the congregation, were the Rev. Messrs. Duncan, of Newcastle; Hoy, of Felton; Gillespie, of Long Framlington; Walker, of Alnwick; Ayre, of Morpeth (Independent); Dr. Mason, Mr. W. Blair, &c., &c., most of whom addressed the Meeting on a variety of interesting topics. The band of the congregation, and the Harmonic band of Morpeth interspersed between the speeches some beautiful pieces of music, which contributed much to the enjoyment of the largest and most spirited assemblages of the kind ever witnessed in Morpeth. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WOOLWICH.Mr. Thompson having invited the teachers of the Sabbath-school to partake of tea in the Vestry on Wednesday evening last, the 22d inst., the teachers deemed it a favourable opportunity to present their minister with some testimonial to show the respect which they entertained towards him for the great interest he has always manifested in the welfare of the school, and also for his kind attention in presiding over their weekly Bible Class. The superintendent of the school was requested in the name of the teachers to present Mr. Thompson with the following books; "Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the late Dr. Chalmers," and Dr. Kitto's "Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature," which bore the following inscription :-Presented to the Rev. W. M. Thompson, minister of the Presbyterian Church in Woolwich, by the teachers of the Sabbath-school, as a small token of their respect and esteem for the kindness and attention he has always evinced towards the school, and also for the great interest which he has taken in the spiritual wel ment on behalf of the Sabbath schools in connexion with the Presbyterian Church, was held here in the Borough School-rooms, on the evening of Saturday, the first of January. The attendance was unusually large, amounting to upwards of 600. After tea, Mr. Anderson opened the Meeting, and moved the re-election of their former Chairman, Dr. Trotter, who for many years had presided over their social gatherings. Dr. Trotter having been welcomed to the chair by the acclamation of the Meeting, addressed his audience on the importance of Sabbath-school teaching in connexion with domestic instruction and family prayer, and then called upon Mr. Hood (who is joint superintendent with Mr. Tait) to read the Report. The Report, which was very interesting, traced the growth of the Sabbath-school Institute from very small beginnings to its present prosperous condition. It stated, that in 1829, it consisted of two teachers and eleven scholars -that there were now three schools in close connexion with the congregation, with thirtythree teachers, and an attendance of between three and four hundred scholars; that of those who had been trained in these schools, many were now respectable and useful members of the Church in different localities; some were ministers and office-bearers, and others, active and zealous day and Sabbath-school teachers. The Report, which detailed the method and matter of instruction with great minuteness, among other illustrations of the mode of management adopted were, that the teachers meet once a-week for religious exercises, when the Scripture lesson for the coming Sabbath is read over, and made the subject of mutual examination and remark, which greatly sub-fare of the teachers. Mr. Thompson returned serves the purpose of securing unity in the mode of instruction. Mr. Hood also mentioned in his Report, that a small monthly publication called the "Band of Hope" had been recently introduced into the school, and numbered already fifty subscribers among the children; and that about ten months ago, a Penny Savings' Bank had been instituted in connexion with the Sabbath-schools, the deposits in which amounted to very nearly 201. This institute originated in a suggestion thrown out in the course of a pastoral lecture on social economics, delivered in the church on a weekday evening; but the success of the experiment is due to the active and business-habits of Mr. Hood, and the ready co-operation of the male and female teachers. The value of this Institution in engrafting upon childhood, which is father to manhood, habits of frugality and economy, which are akin to virtue, cannot be too highly appreciated. The child who is induced to forego the luscious sweetmeat, and the attractive toy for the sake of increasing his deposits in the Savings' Bank, has already learned how to control his wishes, and to resist temptation; and acquired habits which will exert a powerful influence on the formation of his future character, and the direction of his future conduct. And if these habits are sanctified by religious principle, their acquisition will not incur the risk of generating a spirit of selfish and sordid avarice,while they will rear without a peradventure, a barrier against the expensive indulgence of vice. On the platform, besides the minister and office thanks in a most feeling and affectionate address. Afterwards, matters relating to the interests of the school were discussed, and several of the teachers addressed the Meeting, detailing particulars relating to their individual classes, and stating what progress had been made in the school during the past year. The Meeting was altogether a most delightful one, and well calculated to promote the spiritual benefit of both minister and teachers. ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BoWKER'S-ROW, BOLTON.-There have lately been many evidences of increasing vitality among the members of this Church. The senior girls' class, appreciating the able and zealous labours of their teacher, Miss Cragie, lately presented her with a beautiful family Bible, bearing a suitable inscription. The Annual Meeting was well attended, and was unquestionably the happiest that has yet been held in connexion with the Sunday schools. Nor has the diligent and faithful ministry of their pastor, the Rev. Mr. Kemp, been overlooked. The ladies connected with the congregation undertook a subscription for the purpose of procuring him an elegant pulpitgown and cassock, which were presented to him last week. Mr. Kemp, in acknowledging the honour that had been done him, referred to the encouraging prospects of the congregation, and the likelihood in the progress of their affairs of their soon being able to build a school-room on the land adjoining the church, and otherwise to perfect their Presbyterian organization.-Bolton Chronicle. CHADWELL-STREET YOUNG MEN'S SoCIETY, LONDON. The first Annual Social Meeting of this Society was held in the vestry of the church on Monday evening, the 3d January; the Rev. Walter Smith, M.A., in the chair. After tea, the Report was read by the Secretary, Mr. Boswell, from which it appeared that at the commencement of the Society there were only nine members, but there are now twenty-one. Twenty-four Meetings had been held during the past year, at each of which some member, who had been previously appointed, read an essay on a subject also previously appointed, at the close of which remarks were made by members. The adoption of the Report was unanimously agreed to, after which the Rev. Mr. Sinith delivered an excellent address, which was received with prolonged cheering. The Meeting was then addressed at great length by George Troup, Esq., editor of the "Albion,' on the present aspect of the Sabbath question, in reference to the proposed desecration of the Lord's-day by the Crystal Palace Company. On the motion of Mr. Pinkerton, seconded by Mr. Douglas, office-bearers were appointed for the present year; and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and a request that he would place his address at the disposal of the Society, the Meeting was closed with praise and the benediction. HANLEY.-The following amount has been raised for missionary purposes by the congregation at Hanley, during the present year. It is peculiarly gratifying to observe the large item contributed by the children of the Sabbath school, amounting to a sum nearly equal to that raised by the children connected with some of the largest of our congregations :The Sabbath school collections....£14 0 The congregational collection and boxes... 17 12 0 0 £31 12 0 .£13 0 0 9 20 3 10 0 300 3 0 £31 12 0 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GROSVENOR SQUARE, MANCHESTER.-The Juvenile Missionary Association connected with this congregation held their Annual Meeting on Christmas-day. From the report we learn that the amount collected by means of missionary boxes and contributions from Christmas, 1851, to Christmas, 1852, was upwards of 931., and, after paying expenses of printing &c., it was allocated as follows:-42l., Rev. S. Ettirajoolso, Madras native preacher; 277., Dr. Duff's Mission Buildings at Calcutta; 10., Synod's Foreign and Jewish Mission; 51., Old Calabar Mission, per Rev. Hope M. Waddell; 81. 2s. 10d., Synod's Home Mission. We rejoice to hear of the young folks connected with our congregations taking an interest in missionary work both at home and abroad, and trust the members of this Association may go on and prosper every year. The above 937. included a donation of 81. from the scholars belonging to Chalmers's Presbyterian Church Sabbath-school in Ancoats. BRAMPTON.-On the 2d inst. the Sabbath scholars, teachers, and friends connected with the Presbyterian Church, Brampton, held a Juvenile Missionary Meeting, when they were addressed by the pastor and one of the male teachers on the steady and progressive improvement exhibited in the Sabbath-school during the past year. The missionary box, containing the weekly deposits for the year 1852, was opened under their superintendence, and the sum collected amounted to 17. 1s. 4d., which was appropriated, by unanimous vote, to aid the Children's Corfu Mission in behalf of the Jews. Prize-books were then awarded to each scholar, to the number of about one hundred and thirty, as a reward for good behaviour and industry in the Sabbath-school, as reported by the class registers. THE REV. R. GRANT BROWN, son of the Rev. Dr. Brown, of Liverpool (late of Brampton), has just accepted an appointment from the "Scottish Society for the Conversion of Israel," as one of their missionaries to the Jews in Alexandria. STAFFORD. The members and adherents of this congregation held their annual meeting in the school-room adjoining the church, on Monday evening, the 3rd ult. After tea, the Rev. James Spiers was called to the chair, and opened the business of the evening with praise and prayer. Mr. Ainge, the Treasurer, read a financial report, setting forth the names of the contributors, and the sums obtained for various purposes during the year. At the close, the gratifying fact was announced that the contributions of the people shewed a considerable increase; and steps were immediately taken for removing a small debt on the general maintenance fund. The Treasurer was re-appointed, and several additional members added to the Committee. It was moreover arranged, that the accounts of the congregation should be settled quarterly, instead of annually, inasmuch as the shorter period afforded much greater facility for the satisfactory management of the financial business of the congregation. [We are gratified to observe, that by the indefatigable labours of the Treasurer, the good husbanding of the Committee, and the liberality of the people, this congregation has within a few years been raised from the posi. tion of an aid-receiving to that of a selfsupporting congregation, with the promise of increasing success.] RIVER-TERRACE, ISLINGTON.-The Anuual Meeting of this congregation was held on the evening of Monday, 17th ultimo, the Rev. John Weir in the chair. The attendance was very numerous and respectable, and the proceedings of a very interesting and animated character. After tea, the Report of the accounts of the church was read by Mr. Cotes, the Treasurer, and annual Trustees and auditors were duly elected and appointed. Reports were also given in as to the operations during the year, of the Benevolent Sick Society, the Congregational Auxiliary to the City Mission, the Ladies' Missionary and Maternal Association, the Young Men's Association, and the Sabbath-school, to the increase of whose library the proceeds of the Annual Meeting were specially devoted. Interesting addresses were delivered by the Chairman, Messrs. Pickett, Orr, Richards, Nicolson, Mossman, Pelton, Mackenzie, Hill, and Harden. The formation of a class for the cultivation of sacred music (under the care of Mr. Fysh the precentor), was announced by the Chairman. Special reference was made to Messrs. Makellar and Wood, two elders who had emigrated to Australia last year, and whose places as officers in the Church had been supplied by faithful men. Mr. William Jackson at the conclusion read an abstract of the various contributions made during the year for local and general objects in connexion with the cause of religion, which amounted to upwards of 1,1007. The Meeting closed at half-past ten o'clock, and a liberal collection was made at the doors for the Sabbath-school | library. WHARTON. A social Meeting of the congregation was held in the school-room on the 3d January, when about 300 persons were present. The Rev. James Stewart (minister of the place), occupied the chair, and gave an interesting address to the audience generally. Mr. Sandeman, of Manchester, addressed the children and young people on their religious and moral duties, and expressing a deep interest in their prosperity and welfare. Brief addresses were delivered by Messrs. Aldred, Brown, and Clegg, after which the Meeting was concluded with praise and prayer. YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY.-GROSVE- THIS Society held its nineteenth anniversary in the Lecture-hall, on Monday evening, December 20th. About 350 ladies and gentlemen were present. The hall was profusely decorated with evergreens and flowers, and the tables were adorned with a new and complete tea-service of most elegant design, and provided at considerable cost by a Committee of the Church. The President of the Society, Mr. G. Aitken, took the chair, and was supported on the right by the Rev. Alexander Munro; and on the left by Robt. Barbour, Esq.; the Secretary, Mr. James Parlane, occupied the Vice-chair. The health of her Majesty the Queen was proposed by the Chairman, and received with enthusiasm, the choir singing the National Anthem. The Secretary read the Report, which gave a most gratifying account of the condition and progress of this vigorous Society. The Rev. Mr. MUNRO was then called upon to propose, "Prosperity to the Society," and in doing so, delivered another of those masterly addresses, which have for many years distinguished the anniversaries of this Society. The topic which he selected was, "The connexion between intellectual excellence and moral worth." He referred to the baneful effects which had been produced upon cultivated society by the once prevalent idea, that profligacy was the mark and associate of genius; the most touching instance of which they found in the life of Scotland's greathearted poet, Robert Burns. He adverted to the various operations of the intellect, and the modes of its development, and shewed that truth discerned in the understanding naturally became veracity cherished in the heart, and that veracity in its turn cleared the way for mental perspicuity. Truthful humility, he said, was ever favourable to the perception of truth in all departments of learning. Great men were remarkable for the simplicity and artlessness of their character; as examples of which he adduced Homer and Socrates in the domain of poetry and philosophy; Euclid and Archimedes, in that of pure and mixed mathematics; Newton and Watt in celestial and terrestrial mechanics; Hooker and Chalmers in theology; in English poetry, Shakspeare, who was familiarly styled, Gentle Will. Also the noble Milton, who, sitting at his cottage door in Bucks, and conversing with Quaker Elwood, said, "I have nothing to hide from God or man;" and turning his soft suffused eyes up to the shining but unseen sun, he sought entrance for his spirit among the phalanxes of contending angels; and communion with music for his heart, among the white-robed spirits that walked by the fountains of glory, of truth, and of love. The wily man never achieved true greatness, and it might be said of the kingdoms of literature and science, as of the kingdom of heaven, that no man can enter therein unless he becomes as a little child. Mr. Munro concluded this eloquent address with affectionate persuasives to the cultivation of the intellectual powers; and, along with them, the beautiful and brilliant graces of the Christian character; entreating the young to stedfastly adhere to the grand old eternal truths for the maintenance of which their fathers made Scotland distinguished amongst the nations. It is to be hoped that Mr. Munro will, for the benefit of others, publish those admirable addresses which from time to time have so much delighted the young men of his own congregation. The CHAIRMAN responded to the sentiment proposed, and after congratulating the Society on its prosperity, he pointed out the advantages which young men might receive from such societies. They were, he said, admirable means for preparing them for the right discharge of the duties of life. They especially drew out the resources of their minds and promoted those habits of self-dependance which had so important a bearing upon the business of the world and the duties of society. "Moral, intellectual, and social improvement," was the next topic of address, the bearing of which upon the affairs of business Mr. LAWSON depicted with much point and wisdom. Success in life could only, he remarked, be obtained by intelligence and industry, and those only were respected who knew how to respect themselves. By seeking the improvement of their higher powers, young men would raise their minds above the mere considerations of self, and be able to diffuse happiness amongst their fellows. He hoped that, while commerce was free and the |