MADRAS. A MOST interesting scene was witnessed in the town of Madras last March, which may form the beginning of a new era in the history of Christian Missions in that part of India. Three native converts, P. Rajahgopaul, A. Venkataramiah, and S. Ettirajooloo, who have been training for some years by the zealous and laborious Missionaries of the Free Church of Scotland, were licensed by the Presbytery of Madras to preach the Gospel. They had been led, by the Spirit of God blessing the instructions received at the Mission House, to forsake their idols, and to embrace Jesus as their only Saviour; and on the 20th June, 1841, were admitted by baptism into the Church of Christ. It occurred to some of our Presbyterian friends at Manchester that they might forward the good work which is going on at Madras, by assisting in the support of these promising agents. We have great pleasure in stating that the Sabbath Schools connected with our English Presbyterian Churches in Manchester have undertaken to support one of these native preachers of the Gospel. We may add, that God has greatly prospered the Mission at Madras during the last year. In the present institution the number of pupils daily has been nearly 500,-at Triplicam, 330,-at Conjeveram and Chingleput together, about 250,-in all nearly 1100. The seed of God's Word has been largely sown in the hearts of hundreds of young Hindoos and Mahomedans, some of whom, lately bowing down to stocks and stones, are now singing the praises of their God and Redeemer, and rejoicing with the missionaries in the light and liberty and purity of the Gospel. One of the most delightful features of the Mission is, that there are upwards of 250 Caste girls at the schools, and the hindrances hitherto in the way of Female Education are gradually disappearing. May the Lord plentifully bless the effort of his servants in this work, and may our young friends at Manchester be encouraged and gladdened by tidings of much good being effected through the instrumentality of their Hindoo preacher! CALCUTTA. FROM Calcutta Dr. Duff writes a most interesting Report, as usual, of the state of this Mission. Two native females were recently admitted by baptism into the Christian Church, the whole service being conducted in the Bengali language by one of the missionaries. It appears that the Romish priests are very busy in endeavouring to pervert and seduce the native converts. As is their way, they leave the toil of assailing the bulwarks of Heathenism, and reclaiming the wastes of ignorance, to the Christian missionaries, and then "when (as Dr. Duff writes) a faithful missionary, or perhaps a succession of missionaries, have laboured on in weariness and watchfulness, sowing in tears, and encompassed with trials, and, as the result of their prayerful labours, have been, through grace, privileged to rejoice over a few, hopefully converted to the Saviour, then, sooner or later, the emissaries of Rome are sure to rush in like the wild boar from the forest, demolishing the fences of the newly planted vineyard, treading down the tender vines, and spreading havoc and desolation all around! In this way many of the Missions of the Church of England, the Baptists, and the London Missionary Society, and this year our own, have more or less severely suffered." the district as generally as we could, we approved of the selection that had been originally made, and resolved to occupy that place, already known as the School-house-land. It is a gentle hill, rising indeed rather abruptly from the river to the height of fully 200 feet, but sloping on each side to two native towns, -to Duke Town on the one hand, a place of about 6,000 inhabitants, and to Henshaw Town on the other, a place of somewhat under 1,000 inhabitants, while it runs back in a continuous ridge, and communicates with higher ground farther inland. On the top of this eminence, overlooking the river, the shipping, and the towns just named, our residence has begun to be erected, the first residence for white people and Christian people ever built in this part of Africa. It commands an extensive prospect, and looks over an immense stretch of country in all directions. The clearing away of the wood, which at present covers the hill, has commenced, and it is fast falling before the sinewy arms and sharp axes of the Kroomen, or ship's labourers, which several captains of vessels in the river have most kindly afforded us the use of. we fear that for a season all missionary operations will be suspended. The native converts have not joined in the war, and have moved into the colony, where they remain under protection of the Governor. The following from Sir Andreas Stockenstrom's camp is interesting:-"Religious worship is statedly kept up in Sir Andreas' camp. A gentleman who spent a night in it says, that the camp appeared to him to be divided into eight or nine sections, in each of which religous worship was held night and morning, Sir Andreas attending in person. At four o'clock, a herald plays on the trumpet a tune to the hymn, Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,' when all assemble at their various sections, to praise the Author of Life and the Lord of Hosts. The services are conducted either by the commandants or church officers (elders and deacons) who are in command. When he heard the deep manly voices of the Boers singing God's praises, it reminded the narrator of the Great Protector's Ironsides, singing the 100th Psalm as they marched to battle, and charging the enemy in the name of the Most High God! In the Governor's (Sir Peregrine "By King Eyo Honesty, of Creek Town, Maitland) camp there is the same noble reli- and his chiefs, we have also been cordially ance on the Supreme Ruler and Disposer of welcomed. He is a man of superior intellinations. May success now crown their hon-gence and prudence, and very desirous to ourable toils!" The Kaffirs are no contemptible enemy. The hostile tribes number 120,000, of which 30,000, at least, are fighting men. The chiefs are opposed to all missionary proceedings, being afraid of foreign influence interfering with the independence of their country. Mr. Govan from South Africa, was last week present at the Synod of Glasgow, when he gave a statement of the condition and prospect of the Kaffir Missions, and expressed his conviction that much might be effected by the institution of native agency through schools and otherwise, as the Free Church have so successfully done in India. AFRICA.-OLD CALABAR. LETTERS have been received from the Rev. Mr. Waddell, dated the 6th and 8th May; his journal of the first month's residence in Old Calabar; a letter from Mr. Edgerly; and a letter from Mr. Young, King Eyamba's brother, written with his own hand. These communications are of the most interesting and satisfactory character. They announce that the mission reached Duke Town on Friday, the 29th of April; that they were cordially welcomed by King Eyamba and the chiefs of Duke Town, and by King Eyo Honesty of Creek Town; that they at once got a promise of ground on which to erect the mission houses, and every encouragement that could be desired; that they were busily houses at Duke Town, and the other at engaged in putting up one of the frame Creek Town; that they opened a school in one of Eyamba's houses on the 6th of May; and that they had met with the kindest of Fernando Po) and the captains of the assistance from Captain Becroft (the Governor trading vessels lying in the river; and that they were all in good health and spirits. The following are some extracts from the letters and journal: "From King Eyamba, and the gentlemen of Duke Town, I got a highly satisfactory reception. They said they had long looked for us, and were very glad we had at length arrived. They said that the land was all before us, to choose any place we liked to settle, either that place which was selected in our name three years ago, and allotted for us, or THE war in Kaffirland still rages, and any other we liked better. On looking over SOUTH AFRICA. promote the improvement of his country by education, religion, and the arts of civilized life. Creek Town contains about 4000 people, and is situated about eight miles above Duke Town, on a branch of the Old Calabar river. He also gave us a favourable situation for the erection of our house, and promised to aid us with labour, as soon as we should be ready to put it up." Presentation of the Bible to Eyamba. "On Sunday morning at seven o'clock all of us went ashore. Mrs. Edgerly, Chisholm, and Miller, had not yet seen Eyamba. Captain Becroft, Dr. King, and one or two other gentlemen, accompanied us. As we walked through the town, Mrs. Edgerly was an object of great curiosity to the people we met. We had our meeting in the state-room of his iron-house. It is really a fine room, about fifty feet by thirty, handsomely furnished with sofas, mirrors, and pictures, carpeted, and papered and painted, and not crowded too much, but ill kept. Presently King Eyamba and his chiefs came in. They had each a wrapper of Manchester cloth round their loins, and strings of beads and brass rings on some of their necks, ankles, and wrists, and good hats (black, white, and brown) on their heads. Eyamba seated himself in a chair with a canopy over it; four sofas were wheeled around; a small table was then placed in the centre, on which the and made a short address to King Eyamba Bible was put. All being seated, I stood up and gentlemen of Duke Town,' explaining our objects. Then I opened the Bible, and told them what book it was, its authority and presented him with it, and concluded with value, and something of its contents; I then prayer. They all sat silent and attentive. He thanked me for the good book, and thanked God too. Then Mr. Edgerly addressed him and them in a few very suitable sentences; then Chisholm and Miller did the same very well. One of the chiefs asked Captain Becroft if the lady would speak too; he said, 'Not now; but when she has a meeting with the women, she will speak to them.' Those assembled were the chief men. When done, I shook hands with them, and asked them severally if they understood what we said. They said, 'Yes, understood; the word good.' King Eyamba then began to speak about going over the land, but checked himself, saying, We talk of that to-morrow; to-day is God's Sunday. All went off very well and comfortably." Presentation of the Bible to King Eyo. "Having sent word to Eyo Honesty, that I purposed going up with Mr. and Mrs. Edgerly to present him with the Bible which I had brought out for him from our friends in Scotland, and also to present his queen with a silk cloak which a friend in Manchester had sent for her, I proceeded thither in Captain Burnley's gig, with Mr. Edgerly; but Mrs. Edgerly was unable to accompany us. He received us in his usual kind and mild way. He had a palaver in hand with other people when we arrived; but that settled, sent for his brothers and other chiefs, and sat down on a sofa to hear what we had to say. I commenced the business by kneeling and offering up prayer to God suitable to the occasion. Then rising, and taking the elegantly-bound folio Bible in my hands, addressed him on the value and divine authority of that blessed book, as the reason why it had been sent rather than anything else. They knew that you are rich and needed not a gift of money. They knew that you get ships every year full of all sorts of goods which your country can desire. But the Bible, the word of the great God who made heaven and earth and all things, they knew was not yet among you, and they heard that you wished for it, and they have sent it as the best gift they could bestow. Our kings and queens in England receive this holy book when they come to the country, and they swear upon it, to maintain it, and govern the country by it; and God has blessed our country and made it great, beCause we regard his holy word, and because it is known by almost every person in the land. God also commands all kings to keep his word, and to do it, and to make it known among their people; and he has promised to love and bless all who do so. If any king and country receive and obey this word, God will bless and prosper that king and country. But if any king or country refuse this when it comes to them, God will curse that king and country, and they will never come to good. I then stated the precious truths of salvation by Christ the Son of God, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life. King Eyo paid close attention to every word I said, never withdrawing his eyes, and frequently, by an inclination of his head, assenting to the truths stated. I then read the inscription, and handed it to him; and as he received it, he said, with a pleasant smile, 'Then am sure God will love and bless me, for I very glad;' and he immediately explained to his chiefs, in their own tongue, what I had spoken. Mr. Edgerly also ad dressed him solemnly and properly. After which, I remarked to him that God had already blessed him, and shown how much he loved him, by giving him peace in his country and great prosperity in his trade, and especially by sending his holy word and Christian teachers to instruct his people in the will of God. This was followed up by Captain Burnley observing, that when he first knew him, he was but a small trader, and it Was by God's blessing that he had now become a great one. King Eyo then explained the difficulties he would have with some of his old chiefs, who were beginning to say, 'Why do king give these white people place to build house? By-and-by more will come, and they will take the country from us. In answer to these objections, he said, that he | barbarians; they are, to some extent, already "This field of missionary labour is one that requires, and I doubt not will repay, all the effort and expenditure that may be bestowed on it. The district to be immediately occupied by us, embraces Henshaw Town, Duke Town, Old Town, Qua Town, and Creek Town, within a few miles of each other, and comprising a population of, at least, 12,000; while the inhabitants of the dependent villages and plantations through the surrounding country, will probably increase that number to 60,000. The language of this district is spoken over a region of considerable extent; and up both branches of this river there are many towns where the Calabar people regularly trade, and to which, ere long, the precious Word of God will easily find its way from this place. The old Calabar river is of great size, and has probably a very long course from the interior of this vast and unknown continent, though only for about 200 miles has it yet been explored. At this place, fifty miles from its mouth, it is nearly a mile broad, with a strong current, and deep to its banks. THE COVENANT WELL-ORDERED FLEETWOOD, DEPUTY OF IRELAND. "Whitehall, 22 June, 1652. "DEAR Charles, my dear love to thee, and to my dear Biddy (his daughter) who is a joy to my heart, for what I hear of the Lord in her. Bid her be cheerful, and rejoice in the Lord once and again if she knows the Covenant, she cannot but do so. For that transaction is without her; sure and stedfast between the Father and the Mediator in his blood: therefore, leaning on the Son, or looking to him, thirsting after him, and embracing him, we are his seed: and the Covenant is sure to all the seed. The compact is for the seed: God is bound in faithfulness to Christ, and in him to us: the Covenant is without us: a transaction between God and Christ. Look up to it. God engageth in it to pardon us; to write his law in our heart; to plant his fear there, so that we shall never depart from him. We, under all our sins and infirmities, can daily offer a perfect Christ; and thus we have peace and safety, and apprehension of love from a Father in Covenant, who cannot deny himself. And truly in this is all my salvation; and this helps me to bear my great burdens. "The Lord bless you all. Pray for me that the Lord would direct and keep me his servant. I bless the Lord I am not my own: but my condition to flesh and blood is very hard. Pray for me; I do for you all. Commend me to all friends. I rest, your loving father, "The inhabitants of this part of Africa seem "OLIVER P." TO CORRESPONDENTS and READERS. Several communications are unavoidably postponed from want of space, or from having been received too late in the month. It is particularly requested that all communica- Advertisements, business Letters or Parcels, The Messenger presents an eligible and suitable any miraculous increase of the "five barley | ters, and as yet without success. If "hope the spiritual hunger of the famishing thouloaves and two small fishes" for supplying deferred maketh the heart sick," let it in their case also make their heart strong, and resosands in the midst of us. Every man of us lutely determined, by God's blessing, to raise must do what in him lies to "hold forth the up help for themselves in their own midst. word of life," and to break the "living bread The Free Church of Scotland finds that she that came down from heaven," among his cannot rear ministers enough to supply her fellows. Jonathan and his armour-bearer home demand. She is therefore making her cannot now, in going forth by themselves College Scheme her great Scheme, and setalone, stem the tide of battle and achieve the ting a goodly example before us in this revictory. Others must be found to stand by spect. In the Presbyterian Church in Irethem in the conflict, harnessed for it, and land, college education has become the one wielding the "sword of the Spirit, which is leading question of her Assembly. The same the Word of God," else we cannot expect tale has to be told of all the Evangelical dethat Israel's God will prosper us. While, nominations, both at home and abroad. Can therefore, we would cry aloud to our young we form an exception to this general arous men of competent parts and of devoted ing? It cannot be, and it must not be. On spirits, "Who among you will offer himself, the contrary, we, more than any of our sister willingly to bear the burden and heat of the Churches, require to prosecute with peculiar day, as a labourer in the vineyard?" we energy this momentous undertaking. It is would, with equal urgency, call upon all our with us of vital importance, destined, as we people, "Who among you is willing to share fondly hope, and believingly anticipate, to forth?" A voice from on high tells us, as the other burden of helping to send them issue in a blessed and complete success. plainly as ever Jehoshaphat and his people were assured of it, "The battle is not yours, but God's;" and while, like that monarch, we have every reason to confess, "We have no might, and know not what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee," we must not, like him, stand still in idleness, thinking to see the Almighty work out deliverance and conquest without our instrumentality. No: "The 16, Exeter Hall, Lord hath need of us," of every one of us, in this glorious enterprize. If we cannot all go forth personally to engage in it, the solemn obligation lies heavily on each, to help in training and equipping those who can Presbyterian Church in England. privilege so to do. The conclusion is obvious; and will; accounting it alike a duty and a 11. for a column. TREASURERS FOR SCHEMES OF THE CHURCH, the 20th of the month, in order to be announced in .... HOME MISSIONS COLLEGE FUND.... SCHOOL FUND SYNOD FUND........ W. Hamilton, Sw Esq. Manchester. 16, Exeter Hall, 16, Exeter Hall, London. 16, Exeter Hall, COLLEGE COLLECTION. WE beg to remind our friends that the day appointed for this collection is Sabbath, the 15th inst.; and in again appealing to their liberality in behalf of our College Scheme, we have every confidence that the response will be adequate to the occasion. there must be a liberal support given to our In this matter we address ourselves, with confidence, to those of our congregations which already enjoy the blessings of the stated administration of Gospel ordinances amongst them. It were a poor sign of the sense entertained by them of the obligation arising from their superior advantages, did We believe it is the settled conviction of they not feel doubly bound to strenuous exevery one who considers our position with ertion and self-sacrifice, for the help of others, any measure of intelligence, that the rearing who are still without a pastor and the reguof an educated and devoted ministry among lar means of grace. Paul's heart was all the ourselves is, under God, to be the mainstay of more enlarged towards his outfield brethren our whole enterprize for establishing the by remembering the contrast between his own Presbyterian Church in England, and making case and theirs. In proportion to our gratiit worthy of the name. How can it be other-tude to God for blessings enjoyed, will be our wise? We have only to lift up our eyes, anxious solicitude that others-yca, that all and see that the whole land is waxing whiter should enjoy the same likewise. It will be and whiter unto the harvest, and that we no excuse for any of us, that we have done only want men to overtake it. He must be much for our own peculiar necessities. Let blind, indeed, to the plainest matters of fact, us ponder well and strive to follow the noble which are every day becoming more palpable, example of the Tekoites, as related by Nehewho does not feel burdened in spirit, on the miah. The wall was lying waste; they built one hand, with the sense that "the harvest the portion of it opposite to themselves; but truly is plenteous,"—and, on the other, with their work was not done, neither were their the consciousness that "the labourers are consciences satisfied. For, although it is refew." It is true, indeed, that, by the good corded of them alone, of all the builders, hand of the Lord upon us, we have been "their nobles put not their necks to the work enabled, from time to time, to increase the of their Lord," it is also recorded to their number of faithful ministers within our honour, and it shall be a memorial of them bounds;-"The Lord hath done great things while the Bible lasts, "the Tekoites repaired for us, whereof we are glad." But still the another piece, even unto the wall of Ophil." anxious question remains, "What are these How many Tekoites have we amongst us? among so many?" while the success, which Let each one answer for himself, as in Jethe Lord of the vineyard has already so gra- hovah's presence, "Is their spirit mine?" ciously vouchsafed to us, is surely no small encouragement to the importunate and believing prayer that "He would send forth labourers into his harvest." Yet, let us ever remember that prayer offered, without exertion put forth, is only hypocrisy. We dare not, in these latter days, look for Our congregations that are still without a fixed pastor, need not be instructed as to the imperative necessity of energetically working and supporting our great plan. They have in their own experience, the practical argument which settles the question. They have been looking to other quarters in search of minis But let us be adequately supported. We thank God that he has already given us men to study for the ministry in our Church, in numbers beyond our expectation. If we sinfully neglect to take advantage of the Lord's goodness to us, in this respect, our We must condemnation will be fearful. educate them for the high office to which they have devoted themselves, and we must do it well. Owing to peculiar circumstances, our Theological faculty is still incomplete; and for yet one other Session, a temporary expedient has to be adopted as to the teaching of the class of Systematic Theology. That Chair, however, must forthwith be filled by a "Tres faciunt Collegium" (three form a College,) is an old well qualified professor. adage, and a wise one. As yet, we have only two; three we must have; we will not rest But we cannot contented till we have more. get the men without adequate means. This latter element will surely not be awanting. Wherefore, in reference to the ensuing collection, let each one of us prayerfully lay to heart that "commandment with promise," in which the Lord proclaims, "Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." SCHOOL FUND. To the Editor of the Presbyterian Messenger. 101, Upper Thames-street, Oct. 20, 1846. DEAR SIR,-We have the pleasure of inclosing you a list of the sums received this month on account of the Presbyterian School Scheme. We are, dear Sir, 9 0 0 College, an examination of those applying for | in aid of all the Schemes, and the proceeds admission this session took place at 16, Exeter transmitted to the treasurers, and reported Hall, on the 14th ult. The examinators were in the ، Messenger;' that a Congregational the Rev. Professor Campbell, Rev. W. Nicol- Association was formed; and that, though son, Rev. J. Ferguson, Rev. J. Macaulay, and they had not yet been able to overtake Rev. H. L. Berry. The examination embraced more than a small part of the whole conMathematics, Trigonometry, Algebra, Logic, gregation, they had, within the three months Greek, and Latin. Xenophon's Anabasis and ending 30th June last, collected the agthe New Testament were read, ad aperturam | gregate sum of 76%. 118. 1d. in aid of all libri, in Greek; and Horace and Livy in the Schemes-that is to say, at the rate of Latin. In all the departments the examina- 3061. 4s. 4d. per annum, from their Association was minute and searching, and was contion. tinued for nearly four hours. The Report of the examinators was highly satisfactory, bearing testimony to the intelligence and proficiency of the young men, and giving a unanimous recommendation that they be all admitted. This is extremely gratifying, and surely cannot fail to encourage all the congregations of our Church to be liberal in the support of the College, as the means of bring4ing forward these promising youths to be trained for the Ministry. We have thus the hope that at no very distant period, we shall be able to supply, with a faithful Gospel ministry, many destitute portions of this great country, which, for want of labourers, we cannot at present overtake. 7 5 0 0 1 13 6 2 0 0 0 50 1 17 0 THE Treasurer has much pleasure in acknowledging as under:— DOUGLAS, ISLE of MAN.-Rev. James Cleland,- ALNWICK.-Rev. J. Thompson,-Juvenile Mis- NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.-High Bridge Church.- 1 17 4 07 1 1 10 0 COMMISSION OF SYNOD. THE Commission of Synod met at 16, Exeter Hall, at twelve o'clock on Wednesday, the 7th October last, and was constituted with praise, the reading of the Scriptures, and prayer. Professor Campbell, Ex-Moderator, in the 13 10 absence of the Moderator, the Rev. W. Blackwood, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was called to the chair; Professor Lorimer acted as Clerk JAMES NISBET, Treasurer. 21, Berners-street, October 20, 1846. COLLEGE FUND. pro tem. CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS. The Clerk having called over the roll of the Commission, the first business proceeded with was that relating to Congregational 1 8 0 | Associations, when the Commission called for Reports regarding the state of Associations within their bounds. 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 (ann.) 0 10 6 3 17 6 5 12 10 4 5 6 30th September, 21 17 6 41 WILL. HAMILTON, 127, Cheapside, 0 8 6 £63 7 4 A uare, Treasurers. London, October 21, 1846. CORFU MISSION. THE Secretary of the Ladies' Association has pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of Nine Shillings, collected from the Sunday-school children of the Presbyterian Church at Greenwich, in aid of this Mission. COLLEGE. OPENING OF SESSION. Ox Tuesday, the 13th of October, the winter session of the English Presbyterian College was opened at 16, Exeter Hall. In consequence of the illness of Professor Lorimer, who was to have given the introductory discourse, Professor Campbell undertook the duty, and delivered a most able and interesting lecture. We trust that the session which has now commenced will prove a successful one, and that the expectations of the Church with regard to the training of young men for the ministry will be abundantly realized. In terms of the Synod's regulations for the admission of Students to the Theological "London-wall.-It was reported, on behalf of the London-wall congregation, that public collections had been made in aid of all the Schemes of the Church, which were regularly remitted to the treasurers, and reported in the ، Messenger;' that a Congregational Association was formed; and that, in the course of the period that has elapsed since the last meeting of Synod, they had collected the sum of 297. 12s. in aid of all the Schemes that is to say, at the rate of 59. 4s. per annum, from their Association. "John Knox, &c.—It was reported, on behalf of John Knox's Church, Ranelagh Church, St. George's, Southwark, Hampstead, Maryle-bone, and Greenwich, that, though no Associations had, as yet, been formed in any of these congregations, public collections had. been regularly made in aid of all the Schemes, which were remitted to the treasurers, and reported in the Messenger.' these congregations, that they were deeply impressed with the importance of Congregational Associations, and that they hoped to have them formed at no distant period, though they had not hitherto been able to accomplish this desirable object. "It was farther stated on behalf of all "Westminster.-It was reported on beWestminster, that, while no Association has, half of the congregation at York-street, as yet, been formed, collections have been made for all the Schemes of the Church save one. ، There were no reports from River-terrace, Woolwich, Edward-street, Birmingham, Dudley, Wolverhampton, and Brighton. "The clerk was instructed to communicate with those congregations that had made no report; and thereafter to prepare a general report, to be laid before the Commission of Synod at their next meeting in October. "In accordance with his instructions, the clerk has communicated with said congregations, and the following is a summary of the answers which he has received, viz. "River-terrace.-The Kirk-Session of River-terrace Church do not think it expedient yet to form an Association, but they wish it to be understood that, as soon as circumstances shall warrant, they will again take the subject into consideration. They have made public collections in aid of all the Schemes of the Church, which have been duly remitted to the treasurers. "The Presbytery have been regularly in the habit of receiving reports of the amount raised by their congregations in aid of the four Schemes of the Church; and they are happy to have it in their power to report to the Commission, that the public collections in aid of said Schemes have, in general, been made by the different congregations within their bounds, with commendable regularity. But, as it has not yet been found practicable in many instances, to organize Congrega- "Wolverhampton.-They have an Associational Associations, the Presbytery had their tion at Wolverhampton for congregational attention directed to the subject on several purposes, which they intend to make availoccasions, and, after a lengthened conversa-able for the Church's Schemes. They make tion, it was agreed, on the 8th September public collections for the Schemes, and have last, that the Presbytery should meet on that made a collection for the School Fund. day fortnight for the special consideration of this, among other matters. sions and the School Fund, during the present year. And that the following members The Rev. Wm. Cousin gave in a Report | thereafter. from the Foreign and Jewish Mission Com- of Commission be a Committee to prepare a plan by which this object may be carried out:-The Moderator, Rev. D. Fergusson, Dr. Brown, Rev. Wm. Nicolson, Professor Lorimer, and Mr. Gillespie (Convener)." "Woolwich. They have as yet no Associa-mittee, giving an encouraging account of the tion at Woolwich. But public collections state of the funds. After some conversation have been made in aid of all the Schemes of upon the progress which had been made by the Church. the Committee in carrying out the missionary views of the Synod, it was moved by Professor Lorimer, seconded by Dr. Brown, and unanimously agreed to, "That it be an instruction from the Commission to the Committee on Foreign Missions, that, as it is of very great importance to the success of the Synod's scheme of missions, that measures should be immediately and energetically taken to make a commencement of missionary operations, the Committee should have a plan of operations prepared without delay, and take such steps as the Synod have already empowered them to take, with the view of carrying out the object of the Committee's appointment." "Birmingham.-They have an Association at Birmingham for Congregational purposes, and they make a grant from the aggregate fund of said Association, in aid of the Church's Schemes. The sum voted in aid of the Schemes from this fund, for the year ending 15th February, 1846, was 117. 12s. 10d. But it is only an act of simple justice to that congregation to add, that the whole sum realized during this period from donations, subscriptions, and collections, and remitted to the treasurers of the Schemes, amounted to 967. 8s. 8d., and that they hope their Association will be more productive this season than it was during the last. "It will be observed, then, that public collections have been made in aid of all the Schemes of the Church by nearly the whole of the sixteen congregations which are at present located within the bounds of the Presbytery of London. The number of regularly formed Associations is only four, viz. those at Regent Square, London Wall, Birmingham, and Dudley. But it seems to be the unanimous desire of all the congregations together to have such Associations, or, at least, to find themselves placed in such circumstances that they can feel themselves warranted in entertaining the question. It is an old maxim, that Where there is a will there is a way.' And it is earnestly hoped that, long before the month of October, 1847, the way may have been discovered by which we shall have it in our power to present a report to the Commission of Synod exhibiting as many active and energetic Associations as there are congregations within the bounds of the Presbytery. CASE OF MR. RADCLIFFE. The Commission then took up reference from the Presbytery of Lancashire, with relative documents, in the case of the Rev. James Radcliffe applying for admission into this Church. The several documents were read over by Rev. D. Fergusson; and the case having been fully considered, it was moved by Mr. D. Fergusson, seconded by Mr. James Ferguson, and unanimously agreed to, "That the Presbytery of Lancashire be authorized to admit Mr. Radcliffe, according to the rules of the Church." The roll of business being now exhausted, the minutes were read over and sustained. The Commission then engaged in praise and prayer, and adjourned about six o'clock in the evening. PRESBYTERIES' PROCEEDINGS. PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. The Rev. D. Fergusson reported from the Home Mission Committee, from which it appeared that a very small sum had been received since the meeting of Synod; and communicated the desire of the Committee, pointed on Deputations met on the 9th ult., [We understand that the Committee apthat the Commission should appoint deputa- when it was agreed that the three Presbyteries tions to visit congregations to urge the organ- specified, viz., London, Lancashire, and ization of Associations. Mr. Gillespie, in giving in a Report regarding the two last weeks in January next; and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, should be visited dur ing the Synod Fund, stated that the fund was in a very exhausted state, and expressed a members of the Deputations preaching within that arrangements should be made for the hope that the Commission would adopt meathe bounds of these Presbyteries on Sabbaths sures for bringing it specially under the nothe 24th and 31st of that month.] tice of the several congregations of the Church. After some conversation on the subject, the following motion was introduced by the Rev. Wm. Nicolson, seconded by Mr. William Hamilton, and unanimously agreed to:"The Treasurer of the Synod Fund having reported that, owing to the heavy demands made upon the fund during the current year, there would, after meeting the usual expenses of the present Commission of Synod, be a balance due to him of nearly 150%., the Com"JAMES FERGUSON, Pres. Clerk." mission, deeply regretting that this important Dr. BROWN, of Brampton, then gave in a fund should have received such inadequate Report from the Presbytery of Cumberland, support, and that the respected Treasurer in which it was stated "That Associations are should, in consequence, have been subjected in operation in the congregations of White- to so great an outlay, beyond the means furhaven, Workington, Maryport, and Bramp-nished to him, unanimously resolve to call ton; but information has not yet been received from the remaining congregations of the Presbytery. The Presbytery's Committee are not yet in possession of the particulars of the exertions of individual congregations, but expect to have materials for a full Report to lay before the next Meeting of Presbytery, on the first Tuesday of November next." "By order of Presbytery, to." the attention of all the congregations of the Church to the Treasurer's address of the 19th May last, which appeared in the Presbyterian Messenger' for June, and earnestly to urge upon them the necessity of making collections at the earliest suitable opportunity. The Commission further agree, that this Resolution be transmitted to all the Kirk Sessions within No Reports were given in from the Presby- the bounds of the Church, with an earnest teries of Lancashire, Northumberland, New-request that the subject be forthwith attended castle-on-Tyne, and Berwick, whereupon it was moved by Mr. William Hamilton, seconded by Rev. W. Nicolson, and unanimously agreed to, "That a copy of the deliverance of the Synod in reference to the formation of Associations for supporting the schemes of the Church be transmitted to those Presbyteries from which Reports have not yet been received, with an earnest recommendation that the injunction of the Synod in this matter be carried into effect with as little delay as possible." SCHEMES OF THE CHURCH. The Commission then called for the interim Reports of the Committees of the several Schemes of the Church. Mr. Gillespie gave an oral Report from the College Committee; and Professor Lorimer reported from the School Committee that the state of the funds was satisfactory, and that steps had been taken preparatory to the voting of grants for the present year. CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS. The Commission then proceeded to consider the suggestion communicated to them from the Home Mission Committee, in regard to the appointment of deputations to press upon congregations the claims of the schemes of the Church and the formation of Congregational Associations. THIS Presbytery met at 16, Exeter Hall, on the 13th October. The Rev. Josias Wilson, Moderator, in the chair. The Clerk was instructed to give Presby terial certificates to those students who have been examined by the Presbytery in the course of the summer, and have acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of the Court. The Clerk reported that he had obtained returns from all congregations within the bounds (save one) on the subject of Congre gational Associations in aid of the schemes of the Church, and that he had embodied the substance of said returns in a General Report which he laid before the Commission of Synod on the 7th instant. A Memorial from the members, seatholders, and adherents of the congregation at York-street, Westminster, was produced and read, praying that Mr. Henderson's services should be continued among them for another twelve months. And the Presbytery granted the prayer of said memorial. The Clerk produced and read an extractminute from the Records of the Commission of Synod, bearing that the Commission had instructed visitations of the Presbyteries of London, Lancashire, and Newcastle-uponTyne, previous to the ensuing Meeting of Synod in April next, and of the remaining Presbyteries as soon as possible after the After a lengthened conversation, in which Meeting of Synod; and that they had ap the matter was fully discussed in all its bear-pointed a Committee to mature a plan for ings, it was moved by Mr. Gillespie, seconded carrying said instructions into effect. by Rev. Wm. Nicolson, and unanimously agreed to,-"That it appears very desirable to the Commission that the several Presbyteries of the Church should be visited, with the view of promoting the schemes of the Church by the formation of Associations or ortherwise. That the Presbyteries of London, Lancashire, and Newcastle-on-Tyne be visited previous to the meeting of Synod, and the remaining Presbyteries as soon as possible A Report from this Committee was also read, with a letter from Mr. Gillespie, the Convener, in reference to the same. It recommended that two members from each of the forementioned Presbyteries, viz., Messrs. Nicolson and Wilson, from London; Messrs. Munro and D. Fergusson, from Lancashire; and Messrs. Blackwood and Duncan, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, should hold themselves in readiness to implement the instructions of |