TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS, It is particularly requested that all communications intended for the Editor be addressed, "To the Editor of the Presbyterian Messenger, 16, Exeter Hall, London." Advertisements, business Letters or Parcels, and Money-orders (payable at Charing-cross Post-office), to be addressed to Mr. JAMES PENNYCOOK BROWN, Agent for the Presbyterian Church in England, 16, Exeter Hall. Copies of the Messenger, stamped or unstamped, may be ordered through any Bookseller or Newsman. The Messenger presents an eligible and suitable medium for Advertisements. Terms-ten lines, and under, 5s., and 3d. for each additional line. 11. for a column. In next number,—Letter from the Rev. Mr. Edersheim, Jassy; letter on Congregational Singing, by G. Pickett; lines "On the Death of a Young Christian," by Eliza Thomson. Received-communications from Liverpool, North Shields, Bath, J. B., (Shelton,) and others, late for the present month. Treasurer. heavy draughts have been made on our assured, that if from love to Him and love to souls, you contribute,-whether of your abundance or your penury,-you will not fail to experience the truth of these His words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." But to meet these, we, along with him, have to express regret that not more than 1317. 18s. 8d. have been received during the past year. Of this sum, 1037. 17s. 11d. have been from Congregational Associations; 117. 178. 1d. from Juvenile Associations; 127. 3s. 8d. in personal donations; and 41. in a collection. While most reluctantly expressing their disappointment at the small amount hitherto received from Associations, and believing that these, if zealously cultivated, would be vastly more productive, the Committee yet hope and earnestly entreat that endeavours will at this time be made to avert the evils which may arise from this deficiency; that ministers, elders, and deacons, co-operating with their people, will do what in them lies to ensure large and liberal collections and contributions in every congregation throughout the Church, so that the Supplemental Scheme may not be unPresbyterian Church in England. happily frustrated; and that the efforts so hopefully begun, to extend the Gospel in the land, may be carried forth with increasing energy and success. HOME MISSION. COLLECTION ON SABBATH, FEB. 21. TIONS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ALEXANDER MUNRO, Convener. Manchester, Jan. 20th, 1847. TO ELDERS AND DEACONS. THE next general meeting of the elders and deacons of the churches in the London Presbytery will be held on Friday evening, the 12th of February, at half-past six o'clock, at 16, Exeter Hall. It is greatly to be desired that there should be a numerous attendance will themselves endeavour to attend and on that evening, and we trust that brethren exhort others to be present. TO TREASURERS OF THE CHURCH. THE Treasurers of the several Schemes are hereby requested to have their accounts made up, and transmitted to Mr. J. P. Brown, 16, Exeter Hall, in time for the general statement of the funds of the Church being drawn up and prepared for the meeting of Synod. TO CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, BLANK forms of subscription books, instructions for associations, with other documents relating to the Schemes of the Church, may be had on application to Mr. Brown, 16, Exeter Hall. SCHEMES OF THE CHURCH. COLLEGE FUND. COLLECTIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS IN AID OF THE COLLEGE Amount already advertised FUND. ........ £. s. d. £. s. d. 508 9 10 5 10 1 Association, per Mr. Geo. Roberts 5 9 11 MORPETH, collection SEATON DELAVAL WARRENFORD 11 0 0 The Committee have no hesitation in expressing their unabated confidence in the resources of Christian benevolence, among the people of our communion, in England. And while thus stating the necessity of a BELOVED BRETHREN,-The Committee, to larger outflow of liberality, they are not whom the Synod of our Presbyterian Church insensible to the tokens of encouragement has confided the management of the Home which God is vouchsafing to this sacred Mission, again take the liberty of addressing enterprise. Letters received from time to you, through your respected pastors. The time by the Committee, convey the gratifytime appointed for making the annual col-ing intelligence that faithful ministers have, lection, in behalf of the objects of that by the aid granted from the Fund, been Mission, is near at hand; and we are desirous strengthened and cheered in their labours ;that your intelligent attention be drawn to that aged servants of the Lord, who have its proceedings, its exigencies, and claims:- worked long in the vineyard, have had their that so, while your hearts are opened in cases alleviated; that some who had preprayer, your hands may be opened in viously been constrained by hard circumliberality, in helping this work of the Lord stances, to conjoin other occupations with whereunto ye are called. those of the ministry, have been enabled to DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN............................... Mr. Alex. Steele................ ..(ann.) 0 10 0 give their undivided attention to the duties of the holy office;-that many congregations LONDON-WALL (additional)— Mr. Rutherford... ..(ann.) have been encouraged to increase their exerREGENT-SQUARE (additional) from the Association, for quarter ending tions in support of their own ministry— Dec. 31, per Mr. John Johnstone... meeting, as far as possible, the allowance BERWICK ON TWEED, collection... 3 16 5 received from the Mission-and that, in Miss Proudfoot, 7s.; Mr. John Nisbet, 2s. 8d....... 098 general, the condition, spiritual as well as Rev. Alex. Murdoch ......(ann.) 1 0 0 0 Mr. William Wilson........ (do.) 1 financial, of all the congregations to which Mr. Robert Wilson ........ (do.) 1 0 0 our care has been extended, is at present Mr. Thomas Brodie ........ (do.) 1 0 0 Mr. C. L. Gilchrist ........( (do.) 0 10 0 more hopeful than at any former period. Mr. William Lyle ..........(do.) 0 7 6 Mr. John Nicholson........ (do.) 0 7 6 Mr. John Veitch............ (do.) 0 5 0 Mr. John Lyle... .(do.) 0 5 0 Mr. James Cowe ..........(do.). 0 5 0 Mr. P. Cowe .(do.) 0 5 0 Mr. Robert Cairns..........(do.) 0 5 0 Miss Wilson ......................................(do.) 0 5 0 ..(do.) 0 5 0, .(do.) 0 2 6 .(do.) 0 2 6 Mr. Alex. Crease..........(do.) 026 Mr. James Bruce ......... ..(do.) 0 1 0 In preceding years, a considerable amount of the funds entrusted to the Committee, and no small share of their attention, were directed to the fresh stations and congregations which were then formed. During the past year, however, these have been mainly expended in maintaining and strengthening such as were already existing. A large expenditure has been incurred; and, so far as practicable, freely effected. A numerous list of congregations, of stations, and of So far this is well: but we must not missionary appointments, whose necessities slacken our endeavours, nor remit our prayers. are indisputably great, have been aided, or It remains for you, on the approaching occaentirely supported from the resources placed sion, to testify, by your liberality, that you at their disposal. Add to this, that the Sup- have the maintenance and extension of this plemental Scheme-the principle and the work at heart. There is still much land to policy of which have met with the universal | be possessed:-there are still multitudes of approbation of the Church, designed, as souls to be visited with the word of salvait is, to ensure at the least a decent, though tion. When, therefore, you are, as now, not an affluent, maintenance of the ministry invited to cast your gifts into the treasury, ANCROFT MOOR in places where, at present, the congrega- remember, we entreat you, that the Lord tional support is insufficient, this scheme who, though "rich, yet for your sakes, has had no other resource than the Home became poor," sits marking the motive as Mission Fund, The consequence is, that well as the amount. And, O, be well SCHOOL FUnd. rich as sometime Christ and his apostles he to the Corinthians) have sown to you SUM received by the Treasurer since last were. We find then by experience, how spiritual things, is it a great matter that we report, on account of the School Fund: MANCHESTER-ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, Juvenile .... COLLECTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID 17 6 BIRMINGHAM ................................8 10 5 EDWARD-STREET.......... BRIGHTON ........ HARBOTTLE...... 13, America-square. ............. 1 12 9 27 158 ALEXANDER GILLESPIE, Treasurer. FOREIGN AND JEWISH MISSION. 250 ...... 15 7 10 well this commandment of nourishing and reap your worldly things?" The hearers, maintaining the pastors and minister of God's therefore, ought to minister carnal things to 200 Word is observed, which Paul here and in them of whom they have received spiritual other places so diligently repeateth and things. But both husbandmen, citizens, and beateth into the heads of his hearers. There gentlemen, do at this day abuse our doctrine, is now no city which is known to us that that under the colour thereof they may nourisheth and maintaineth her pastors and enrich themselves. Heretofore, when the preachers: but they are entertained with Pope reigned, there was no man who paid those goods which are given, not unto Christ, not something yearly to the priests for to whom no man giveth anything, (for when masses, dirges, trentals, and such trash. The He was born He was laid in a manger begging friars had also their part. The merinstead of a bed, because there was no room chandises of Rome, likewise, and daily offerfor him in the inn : afterwards, being con-ings, carried away somewhat. From these, versant with men, He had not whereon to and from an infinite number of such exac1000 4 1 lay his head; and briefly being spoiled of tions, our countrymen are now delivered by his garments and hanging naked upon the the Gospel. But so far off is it that they are cross between two thieves, He died most thankful unto God for this liberty, that of 1 o omiserably ) but to the Pope, for the main prodigal givers they are now become stark tenance of his abominations, and because he, thieves and robbers, and will not bestow one 200 oppressing the Gospel, taught the doctrines farthing on the Gospel or the ministers thereof, and traditions of men, and set up idolatry. nor give anything for the relief and succour And as oft as I read the exhortation of of the poor saints: which is a certain token * 1020 16 11 | Paul, whereby he persuadeth the Churches that they have lost both the word and faith, that they should either nourish their pastors, and that they have no spiritual goodness in or give somewhat to the relief of the poor them. For it is impossible that such as are saints in Jewry, I do greatly marvel and am godly indeed, should suffer their pastors to 42 69 ashamed that so great an apostle should be live in necessity and penury. But forasmuch constrained to use so many words for the as they laugh and rejoice when their pastors obtaining of this benefit of the congregations. suffer any adversity, and withhold their living, 84 19 11 | Writing to the Corinthians he treateth of or give it not with such fulness as they ought, this matter in two whole chapters. I would it is a plain token that they are worse than be loth to defame Wittenburg, which indeed the heathen. is nothing to Corinth, as he defamed the But they shall feel ere it be long what Corinthians in begging so carefully for the calamities will follow this unthankfulness. relief and succour of the poor. But this is For they shall lose both temporal and spirithe lot of the Gospel when it is preached, tual things. For this sin must needs be that not only no man is willing to give any-grievously punished. And certainly I think thing for the finding of ministers and main- that the Churches of Galatia, Corinth, and taining of scholars, but men begin to spoil, other places, were so troubled by the false 100 to rob and to steal, and with divers crafty apostles for no other cause, but for that they means one to beguile another. To be brief, little regarded their true pastors and preachers. men seem suddenly to grow out of kind, and For it is good reason, that he who refuseth to to be transformed into cruel beasts. Con- give a penny to God, who offerch unto him trariwise, when the doctrine of devils was all good things and life everlasting, should preached, then men were prodigal and offered give a piece of gold to the devil, the author all things willingly to those that deceived of all evils and death everlasting. Whoso them. The prophets do reprove the same will not serve God in a little, and that to his sin in the Jews, who were loth to give any- own inestimable benefit, let him serve the thing to the godly priests and Levites, but devil in much to his extreme and utter confugave all things plentifully to the wicked. sion. Now, therefore, since the light of the Gospel beginneth to shine, we see what the devil is, and what the world is. Already advertised 4 12 0 I HAVE sometimes marvelled why the apostles Beforetime, when nothing else was taught but errors and wicked doctrine, they had such plenty of all things, that of Peter's patrimony (who denied that he had either silver and gold), the Pope was become an emperor, the cardinals and bishops were made kings and princes of the world. But now since the Gospel hath been preached and published, the professors thereof be as | Now, therefore, we begin to understand could not hitherto oppress the Gospel in this It is not without cause, therefore, that The apostle prosecuteth this place of the nourishing and maintaining of ministers so earnestly, that to his former reprehension and exhortation he addeth now also a threatening, "God is not mocked." "Be not saying, deceived," saith he, "God is not mocked," that is to say, He doth not suffer himself to be mocked in his ministers; for He saith,"He that despiseth you, despiseth me." Also He saith unto Samuel," They have Therefore, O not cast thee away, but me,' ye mockers, although God defer his punishment for a season, yet when He seeth time He will find you out, and will punish this contempt of his word, and bitter hatred which ye bear against his ministers. Therefore ye deceive not God but yourselves, and ye shall not laugh at God, but He will laugh at you. (Psalm ii.) Men are nothing at all moved with these dreadful threatenings. Nevertheless, they shall feel when death approacheth, whether they have mocked themselves or us; nay, rather not us, but God himself, as Paul saith here. In the meantime, because they proudly despise our admonitions with an intolerable pride, we speak these things to our comfort, to the end we may know that it is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong; for patience is ever innocent and harmless. Moreover, God will not suffer His For whatsoever a man soweth Foreign Secretary, with a view to its being The Moderator stated that the Committee All these things tend to this purpose, that ministers should be nourished and maintained. For my part I do not gladly interpret such sentences; for they seem to commend us, and so they do indeed. Moreover, if a man stand much in repeating such things to his hearers, it hath some show of covetousness. Notwithstanding men must be admonished hereof, that they may know that they ought to yield unto their pastors, both reverence and a ne- An extract minute, from the Records of cessary living. Our Saviour Christ teacheth the Home Mission Committee, regarding a the same thing in the 10th of Luke,-"Eat-grant to Wolverhampton, was produced and ing and drinking such things as they have; read, and a communication from Mr. Bryson for the labourer is worthy of his reward." on the same subject. The Presbytery agreed And Paul saith in another place,-"Do you to resume consideration of the subject at not know that they which sacrifice in the their next Meeting. Temple, live of the sacrifices? and they which serve at the altar, are partakers of the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel."-Luther's Commentary on the Gala tians. Presbyteries' Proceedings. PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. THIS Presbytery held its ordinary Meeting at 16, Exeter Hall, on the 12th January. The Rev. Josias Wilson, Moderator, in the chair. The Clerk produced and read a tabular view of the returns which he had received from the different Church sessions, in reference to the elders, deacons, and week-day devotional Meetings, of the congregations within the bounds; and he was instructed to communicate with those whose organization is not yet complete. Mr. Nisbet gave in a report of the different congregations that had made collec-. tions, and of the moneys which he had received, in aid of the Fund for relieving the destitution in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The sum already realized was found to exceed 1,000; and more is expected. The following were appointed a Committee to dispose of the contributions for this important purpose, in the manner which they may deem best for attaining the object which the charitable donors have in view, viz., Messrs. Nisbet, Wm. Hamilton, Forsyth, Robert Wilson, Morris, Fraser, Ritchie, Dalton, Gillespie, Vertue, and Dr. Stewart; Mr. Nisbet to be convener. Mr. Gillespie submitted a plan, whereby the pulpits of the different ministers within the bounds might be supplied with strangers, and public Meetings, in aid of the schemes of the Church, arranged to suit the convenience of the different congregations during the visit of the deputations from the Presbyteries of Lancashire and Newcastle to London. The plan was unanimously approved of, and the thanks of the Presbytery given to Mr. Gillespie for the great trouble which he had taken, and the service which he had thereby done to the Presbytery. The Committee appointed to draw up a memorial to the Queen on the subject of the religious persecutions in Madeira gave in the following, which, having been signed by the Moderator, was ordered to be transmitted to her Majesty in the usual form:— TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. The memorial of the London Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in England, learned with feelings of deep sorrow, that British Humbly sheweth,-That your memorialists have subjects resident in Madeira, as well as natives thereof, have been subjected to grievous hardships and persecution on account of their religious opinions, and that many of them having suffered the loss of their goods, and being themselves exposed to personal violence, have been under the necessity of fleeing from the island altogether, in order to secure their personal safety. While under the government of your Most Gracious Majesty, the people of all nations, and of liberty to hold their respective opinions, to propaevery creed, are allowed in this country the fullest gate their faith, and to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience, your memorialists cannot but deem it a peculiar hardship The Presbytery agreed to hold an ad- that the same liberty of conscience should not be allowed to your Majesty's subjects, when, in the journed Meeting at Exeter Hall, on the 20th providence of God, their lot may be cast in other instant, to receive the deputations from New-lands. If it should be said, that international castle and Lancashire, and for other business. law allows this liberty to Protestants in Madeira Mr. Wm. Hamilton, Student of Divinity, in regard to their own personal belief and worship, requested permission to read some of his and forbids it only with reference to attacks upon the faith of others, and attempts to convert native trial discourses with a view to license; and it Portuguese to the Protestant creed: was agreed that he should be heard on Wednesday week. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at 16, Exeter Hall, on Wednesday, the 20th instant, at twelve o'clock noon, and the proceedings were closed with prayer. Jan. 20. The Presbytery met this day according to adjournment, to receive the members of the deputation-(the Rev. Josias Wilson, Moderator, in the chair),-when the Rev. Alex. Munro, of Manchester, and the Rev. William Blackwood, of Newcastle-onTyne appeared, and the following programme was finally adopted, with the view of carrying out the objects of the deputation:— Wednesday, Jan. 20.-Presbytery to meet at 12 o'clock noon. Wednesday, Jan. 20.-London-wall, meeting at 7, p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24.-John Knox, do., do., Mr. Blackwood. Your memorialists complain, that the violence of persecution has been directed against British subjects who have not been shown to have violated the case at Madeira; and, therefore, the very such international law. This has been notoriously liberty which law was believed to have secured to your Majesty's subjects there has been outrageously violated. This is felt to be the more grievous, inasmuch as this liberty, held to be by law provided for as to the faith and practice of maintained inviolate, by no means places them British subjects personally, although it were upon an equal footing with Portuguese subjects when in this country; for no subject of the tion in this country, either on account of his faith Queen of Portugal would suffer the least molestaor mode of worship, nor yet on account of any zeal which he might display in attempting to convert others to his own creed. If this liberty of conscience and freedom of worship, so righteously allowed under your Majesty's enlightened government, be founded upon, and in beautiful accordance with, the doctrine of man's responsibility to God as a free and accountable moral agent, then the crushing of this liberty, and the cruel persecution of Christians for the exercise of it, in whatever country or nation it may be perpetrated, must be a gross outrage upon the spiritual privileges of man, and the holy principles of unchang Mr. Wilson to supply London-wall. Monday, Jan. 25.-Marylebone, meeting at 7, p.m. 6, p.m. Friday, Jan. 29.-John Knox, meeting at 7, p.m., Mr. Blackwood. Munro. Monday, Feb. 1.-Regent-square, meeting at 7, p.m. Mr. Fisher to supply John Knox. Munro. Your memorialists being happily the subjects of a government under which these rights are recognised, and this toleration so fully secured, feel, that in asking the same freedom of religious thought and action, they are only asking at the hands of others what to others they freely grant. Your memorialists beg leave, therefore, humbly to submit to your Majesty, that British subjects Majesty's Government in the exercise of the have good cause to crave the protection of your sacred rights of conscience, and to be shielded from the cruel and oppressive treatment to which they have been subjected in the island of Madeira. The principles of religious toleration which are so happily recognised under your Majesty's Goagainst religious persecution, whether practised vernment, justify your memorialists in testifying against British subjects or the subjects of any other country. Your memorialists, therefore, humbly crave leave farther to submit to your Majesty's consideration, that the liberty of British subjects to practise and exemplify their religious principles, neces Mr. Nicolson gave in the Report of the Wednesday, Feb. 3.-Dudley, meeting at 7, p.m., Mr. sarily involves the right of all such as may be Committee regarding the persecutions at Madeira, and submitted the draft of a Memorial to the Queen on the subject, which the Committee had sanctioned. The Memorial was highly approved of by the Presbytery, and it was unanimously agreed that it should be attested by the Moderator in due form, and thereafter transmitted to the Munro. A memorial was presented from Birmingham, influenced by that practice, to adopt and act upon embrace them. And whereas natives of Madeira the same principles when conscientiously led to having been instructed in the truths of the Gospel, have felt it to be their duty to renounce the faith and practice of the Church of Rome, and have been, in consequence, subjected to imprisonment, and other severo trials: Your memorialists earnestly desire, that such representation be made to her Majestý tho Queen of Portugal as might lead to measures being adopted, whereby natives of that country embracing the Protestant faith may be protected against being disturbed in any way for, or on account of, their religious faith or practice. Per secution for religious belief being contrary to the Divine precepts of our Lord. May it therefore please your Majesty to interpose your Majesty's high and potent influence with her Majesty the Queen of Portugal, in such a way as to your Majesty may seem best, for carrying into effect the wishes, as herein expressed, of your Majesty's faithful and devoted subjects. And your Majesty's memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. Signed in name, and by appointment of PresbyJOSIAS WILSON, Moderator. The Presbytery then adjourned to meet at 16, Exeter Hall, on Tuesday, the 9th Feb., at three o'clock, P.M. Closed with prayer. tery, PRESBYTERY OF LANCASHIRE. THIS Presbytery held its ordinary monthly meeting at Liverpool, on the 6th of January. The Rev. D. Magill, Moderator, in the chair. Mr. Fergusson delivered the usual address, and the Moderator was appointed to deliver the next. The Presbytery then took up the case of Wigan; when, after consideration, it was moved by Mr. Gardner, and seconded by Mr. Fergusson," That regretting the necessity of abandoning any sphere of usefulness, but convinced from years of painful experience, that no good is likely to be done in Wigan, and seeing that there are so many calls for labourers in places more eligible, the Presbytery resolve to abandon that station." As an amendment it was proposed by Mr. Welsh and seconded by Mr. Lang, "That the Presbytery having entered into the consideration of the case of Wigan, resolve for the present to defer the appointment of a minister, and meanwhile appoint a missionary to labour there for a time." Which motion and amendment having been put to the vote, the latter was carried by the casting vote of the Moderator. The Presbytery resolved accordingly. Thereafter, it was moved by Mr. Welsh and seconded by Mr. Lang,-" That Mr. Radcliffe be appointed to labour as a missionary at Wigan for the next six months, the Rev. W. Smith, of Free Half Morton. The clerk gave notice that, at next ordinary churches. A reference for advice from the session of St. Peter's, Liverpool, was disposed of. The arrangements recommended by the Committee, for the reception of the deputation appointed by the commission of Synod to visit this Presbytery and advocate the schemes of the Church within its bounds, were adopted, and provision was made for the supply of the pulpits of those brethren who were about to visit some of the other Presbyteries for a similar purpose. The Committee for securing the more regular attendance of members gave in their final report, to the effect, that the monthly meetings should be continued, and that there should be no meetings pro re nata or in hunc effectum, save in the most urgent and critical circumstances, and that such alleged circumstances should be seriously considered by every member of Presbytery, in the event of any such meeting being called. In proceeding in such a way, the Committee think that the attendance upon the meetings might be full, and that the edification of all our office bearers might be greatly promoted. The Presbytery approved of said report, and adopted said recommendations; and instructed the clerk to write to kirk sessions and congregations to remind them of the existing law of the Presbytery, that all sessions and congregations should invariably defray the expenses of ministers and elders attending Church courts, irrespective of the means or income of either. Adjourned to meet at Manchester on the first Wednesday of February next, at eleven o'clock, A.M. Ecclesiastical Notices. THE DEPUTATIONS. as claiming the cordial support of the people; it is a mission directed against a mass of gross ignorance, superstition, and vice in the immediate vicinity of the church; a most devoted servant of God has for some time been at this work, and while some have been rescued, it is believed, from the downward course of vice through his agency, it is also interesting to know that many of the sick and infirm of God's people have been comforted by his presence and counsel in their dying hour. But it is much to be desired that some united aggregate effort should be directed upon some one particular locality, containing a manageable population of from 2,000 to 3,000 persons, where the complete system of district visiting, industrial and evening schools for boys and girls, and preaching station, might be efficiently carried forward. It is calculated that this could be done upon nearly the same current expence as is now incurred upon the present system, where the energies of visitors, &c., are spread over a population of 10 to 12,000 persons. Refer ence was made to what other churches were doing in their localities, particularly Dr. Leifchild's, Mr. Noel's, and Mr. Evans's, from which it appeared too evident, that, as a congregation, Regent-square had accomplished but very little in this way. The Sabbath schools were reported in full operation, having under instruction an attendance of about 250 boys and girls. A class or young men has been recently begun under the direction of a member of the Deacon's Court, which supplied a want that had long been felt. It is much to be desired that a similar class for young females might be begun for Bible reading and instruction, and this was mentioned in the hope that some one present might be stirred in her heart to offer herself for the work. An Evening School for girls has for some time been in operation under the daily direction of one of the ladies in the congregation, who has sacrificed much valuable time for this good work. The girls' branch of a congregational school which has been opened since the month of and that the Presbytery recommend the sta- THE deputations appointed by the Commis- November, under the direction of a most tion at Wigan to the favourable consideration of the Home Mission Committee." As an amendment it was moved by Mr. Fergusson, and seconded by Mr. Gardner,-"That no such recommendation be sent." Which motion and amendment having been put to the vote, the latter was carried; whereupon the Presbytery appointed Mr. Radcliffe to labour as a missionary at Wigan for the next six months. sion of Synod in October, to visit the Presbyteries of the Church, are at present fulfilling their mission in the Presbyteries of London, Lancashire, and Newcastle. The London deputation, consisting of Mr. Munro, of Manchester, and Mr. Blackwood, of Newcastle, were received by the Presbytery of London on the 20th, and have since visited most of efficient teacher from Edinburgh, gives good reason to hope that it will very soon be entirely self-supporting, but as it is contemplated to extend the benefits to boys, and to have a commodious building for the purthe contributions of the people are much needed to enable the deacons to carry out these intentions. pose, Some of the elders referred to a plan Mr. Gardner reported, that a memorial of the churches within the bounds. From the which they had now for a second winter encouragement had been drawn up and transmitted to the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Directors. It was further reported, that St. Andrew's Kirk Session had transmitted a memorial; that St. George's and Birkenhead Sessions had agreed to transmit, and that the subject was under the consideration of the Canning-street Session. Additional collections were announced as having been made by the following congregations, viz., St. Andrew's, Ancoats, Salford, and Douglas. The clerk was instructed to write again to those congregations who had not sent in any report. At the request of Mr. Shaw, the missionary at Chester, the Presbytery appointed the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to be dispensed to the infant congregation there. They further appointed an interim kirk session to make up a communion-roll, and to fix the day of communion. Mr. Welsh reported, that the free Presbytery of Lockerby had refused to translate meetings, and the proceedings connected therewith, we doubt not that great good will result. REGENT-SQUARE CONGREGATION. ON Tuesday evening, the 19th ult., a Meet- The elders and deacons had issued a special The Congregational mission was referred to adopted, of having Meetings for devotional in the houses of those members who purposes desired it. They expressed the delight such Meetings afforded them, and the social good they expected would result from them. The minister afterwards added a few words expressive of the joy he felt in being permitted to meet his people in this way, and called to mind his long absence from them, as a time which had been productive of much thoughtfulness on his part in looking to the future. He said he was anxious to commence a systematic course of preaching upon the whole truths of Christianity, and referred to his recent lectures on the evidences as a part of this plan, which, if it pleased God, he hoped to be able vigorously to follow up in other branches, and he asked the earnest and prayerful attention of his hearers to these things now, for although they might appear to some of them of little moment, he was persuaded that they would be found of immense service hereafter. harmless. Moreover, God will not suffer His ministers to starve for hunger; for even when the rich men suffer scarcity and hunger, He will feed them, and in the day of famine they shall have enough. Verse 7, "For whatsoever a man soweth that will he reap." Foreign Secretary, with a view to its being laid before Her Majesty. The Moderator stated that the Committee appointed to counsel and assist the Yorkstreet congregation, had met in accordance with their instructions. He reported favourably of the number and prospects of the congregation. He also communicated that they were in a fair way of getting quit of the site which they had, at one time, proposed to secure at Belgrave-road: and he expressed a hope that they would soon succeed in getting a more suitable place of worship than they at present occupy, and that they would by and by, be in circumstances to petition the Presbytery to take ulterior steps. All these things tend to this purpose, that ministers should be nourished and maintained. For my part I do not gladly interpret such sentences; for they seem to commend us, and so they do indeed. Moreover, if a man stand much in repeating such things to his hearers, it hath some show of covetousness. Notwithstanding men must be admonished hereof, that they may know that they ought to yield unto their pastors, both reverence and a ne- An extract minute, from the Records of cessary living. Our Saviour Christ teacheth the Home Mission Committee, regarding a the same thing in the 10th of Luke,-"Eat-grant to Wolverhampton, was produced and ing and drinking such things as they have; read, and a communication from Mr. Bryson for the labourer is worthy of his reward." on the same subject. The Presbytery agreed And Paul saith in another place,-"Do you to resume consideration of the subject at not know that they which sacrifice in the their next Meeting. Temple, live of the sacrifices? and they which serve at the altar, are partakers of the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel."-Luther's Commentary on the Gala tians. Presbyteries' Proceedings. PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. THIS Presbytery held its ordinary Meeting at 16, Exeter Hall, on the 12th January. The Rev. Josias Wilson, Moderator, in the chair. The Clerk produced and read a tabular view of the returns which he had received from the different Church sessions, in reference to the elders, deacons, and week-day devotional Meetings, of the congregations within the bounds; and he was instructed to communicate with those whose organization is not yet complete. Mr. Nisbet gave in a report of the different congregations that had made collections, and of the moneys which he had received, in aid of the Fund for relieving the destitution in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The sum already realized was found to exceed 1,0007; and more is expected. The following were appointed a Committee to dispose of the contributions for this important purpose, in the manner which they may deem best for attaining the object which the charitable donors have in view, viz., Messrs. Nisbet, Wm. Hamilton, Forsyth, Robert Wilson, Morris, Fraser, Ritchie, Dalton, Gillespie, Vertue, and Dr. Stewart; Mr. Nisbet to be convener. Mr. Gillespie submitted a plan, whereby the pulpits of the different ministers within the bounds might be supplied with strangers, and public Meetings, in aid of the schemes of the Church, arranged to suit the convenience of the different congregations during the visit of the deputations from the Presbyteries of Lancashire and Newcastle to London. The plan was unanimously approved of, and the thanks of the Presbytery given to Mr. Gillespie for the great trouble which he had taken, and the service which he had thereby done to the Presbytery. Mr. Nicolson gave in the Report of the Committee regarding the persecutions at Madeira, and submitted the draft of a Memorial to the Queen on the subject, which the Committee had sanctioned. The Memorial was highly approved of by the Presbytery, and it was unanimously agreed that it should be attested by the Moderator in due form, and thereafter transmitted to the While under the government of your Most Gra cious Majesty, the people of all nations, and of liberty to hold their respective opinions, to propaevery creed, are allowed in this country the fullest gate their faith, and to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience, your memo rialists cannot but deem it a peculiar hardship The Presbytery agreed to hold an ad- that the same liberty of conscience should not be journed Meeting at Exeter Hall, on the 20th providence of God, their lot may be cast in other allowed to your Majesty's subjects, when, in the instant, to receive the deputations from New-lands. If it should be said, that international castle and Lancashire, and for other business. law allows this liberty to Protestants in Madeira Mr. Wm. Hamilton, Student of Divinity, in regard to their own personal belief and worship, requested permission to read some of his and forbids it only with reference to attacks upon trial discourses with a view to license; and it Portuguese to the Protestant creed: the faith of others, and attempts to convert native was agreed that he should be heard on Wednesday week. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at 16, Exeter Hall, on Wednesday, the 20th instant, at twelve o'clock noon, and the proceedings were closed with prayer. Jan. 20.-The Presbytery met this day according to adjournment, to receive the members of the deputation-(the Rev. Josias Wilson, Moderator, in the chair),-when the Rev. Alex. Munro, of Manchester, and the Rev. William Blackwood, of Newcastle-onTyne appeared, and the following programme was finally adopted, with the view of carrying out the objects of the deputation:Wednesday, Jan. 20.-Presbytery to meet at 12 o'clock noon. Wednesday, Jan. 20.-London-wall, meeting at 7, p.m. Munro. Mr. Wilson to supply London-wall. Monday, Jan. 25.-Marylebone, meeting at 7, p.m. 6, p.m. Friday, Jan. 29.-John Knox, meeting at 7, p.m., Mr. Friday, Jan. 29.-Edward-street, meeting at 8, p.m., Mr. Sunday, Jan. 31.-Marylebone, Sermon at 11, a.m., Mr. Blackwood. Munro. Mr. Chalmers to supply London Wall. Sunday, Jan. 31.- Chelsea, sermon at 11 a.m., Mr. Black wood. Mr. Cousin to supply John Knox. Sunday, Jan. 31.-Edward-street, sermon at half-past 6, p.m., Mr. Munro. Mr. Macaulay to supply London-wall. Sunday, Jan. 31.-Southwark, sermon at half-past 6, p.m., Mr. Blackwood. Monday, Feb. 1.-Regent-square, meeting at 7, p.m. Munro. Munro. A memorial was presented from Birmingham, praying for the appointment of a day for moderating in a call to the pastoral charge of the church there; when the edict was appointed to be served on Sunday, the 24th January, and the call to be moderated in on the 5th February. |