rain and unhealthy fog, the attendance | London; J. Gardner, of Birkenhead; on all the services was large and respect- J. Speers, of Stafford; and P. J. Wright, able; amongst those present were many of the Methodist New Connexion at attached to other denominations of Shelton. The attendance was respectChristians; members of the Church of able, and consisted, chiefly, of members England and Dissenters seemingly of the congregation. The most equally desirous of testifying their good intense interest was manifested in the will towards the minister and congrega- spirited addresses of the different tion. The collections were very liberal, speakers, who stated the claims of the amounting to no less a sum than 1757.; Home Mission, and of the Foreign and the Mayor and other respectable inha- Jewish Mission, on the support of the bitants of the borough, of various deno- people of God. Both were in their minations, kindly assisting as collectors. infancy yet; but God had already greatly We doubt not that donations from those blessed the former, and had so far smiled that could not attend, owing to the upon the latter as to call, and send, to wetness of the Sabbath, will still farther the work, one whose labours had been increase this large amount. Donations so much blessed at home.-No associahave already been received from several tion has as yet been formed in this congentlemen of the town and neighbour- gregation, but it is expected that one hood, and any farther contributions will speedily be originated, which, by forwarded to the Rev. George Lewis will the blessing of God, under the superbe duly and gratefully acknowledged. intendence of the spirited and devoted We may remark of the new edifice itself pastor, will work efficiently. The that it is an ornament to the town. Sabbath school has for several years had Built in that style of Gothic architecture its Missionary Society, which, while it known as 66 early English," it is simple has fostered a fine spirit, has cast in an and tasteful. The spire at the south- average of 147. per annum to the Lord's west angle adds very much to the treasury. In connexion with it, is a appearance of the building, and the Monthly Missionary Sewing Meeting, lofty roof of the interior, stained an oak attended on an average by upwards of colour, attracts much attention, and is forty girls, where a large box, full of much admired for the beauty of its articles, has been prepared to be desconstruction. The Presbyterian congre- patched for distribution by the misgation by whom it was erected deserve sionaries in Old Calabar, Western much praise for their energy and per- Africa, who have secured the deep severance in erecting such a church; interest of the young folks, by means of their growing prosperity is best attested a visit from the late lamented Missionary by the zeal and liberality with which to that country-the Rev. W. Jameson they have gone forward to the com- previous to his sailing last year. pletion of this work. We trust that it may prove the means of extending the knowledge of the Gospel to many in the town who know not God nor his Son, Jesus Christ; and it cannot but be highly gratifying to the minister and members of the Church to see all parties combining to aid them in their "work of faith and labour of love." MISSIONARY SERVICES AT SHELTON. -On_Sabbath, 28th November, the Rev. J. M. Martyn preached an eloquent sermon on behalf of the missions of our Church, from Romans x. 13-15. He faithfully set before his flock, the destitute state of the heathen and the responsibility of a Christian people in the enjoyment of their privileges. On Monday evening following, a public Missionary Meeting was held, when the chair was taken by Mr. Martyn. On the platform were the Rev. Mr. Weir, of Collections were made after the above services, which, including a contribution of 57. from the Juvenile Missionary Society, amounted to about 187. YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY, IN CONNEXION WITH ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MANCHESTER.On Friday evening the 3d December last, the annual soirée of this Society was held in the Town Hall, Chorltonupon-Medlock, which was filled by members of the congregation. Mr. Robert Lockhart, Chairman of the Society, presided, and after tea, in an appropriate speech, commenced the business of the evening. Among those present, we noticed the Rev. R. Cowe, M.A., the Minister of the congregation; Messrs. Thomas Greig, C. P. Henderson, James Burt, jun., W. C. Williamson, W. Clark, James Galt, A. Wilson, James Mute Aitken, Robert Freeland, BIRKENHEAD CHURCH.-The following sums have, during the past year, been remitted to the Treasurers of the various schemes, viz. :— College Scheme, per Associa tion Collection ................. £17 12 6 Home Mission, per Association 26 17 10 Collection Foreign Mission, per Associa tion...................... Collection .................. Education Scheme, per Asso- Collection.................................................... year's Salary of Local Mis- .... Total..... 8 10 0 21 7 6 35 7 10 17 12 6 25 10 6 17 12 6 &c. An interesting report of the proceedings of the Society during the past year was read by the secretary, which repeatedly elicited the warmest marks of approbation from the meeting. It appeared that, in addition to the meetings held for their mutual improvement, the members had paid considerable attention to the moral and religious interests of the poor in the neighbourhood; and several very gratifying instances of good effects were referred to. In addition to the Sabbath-school, a week-day evening school had been opened for poor children, and a library established, open to all, whether belong To which may be added, halfing to the congregation or not, for the small payment of 1s. per quarter, entirely £146 8 4 through the agency of the Society. Mr. T. Greig, in an energetic speech, moved, YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION, MANand Mr. James Wood seconded, the adop- CHESTER.-The fourteenth anniversary tion of the report. Mr. Cowe then addressed of the Scotch Church Young Men's the meeting at considerable length, con- Society, was held on Monday evening, gratulating the Society on its past success, the 29th of November, in the large and stimulating the members to renewed concert room at the Albion Hotel, efforts in the philanthropic work in which Piccadilly, Mr. Thos. Aitken, the Presithey were engaged. Messrs. Watson dent of the Society, in the chair. The and Dickson spoke on the subject of vice-chair was filled by Mr. Jno. J. philanthropic agency; Messrs. M'Gregor Black. The chairman was supported on and Clark on the advantage of a well- the right by the Rev. Alex. Munro, A.M., selected library; Messrs. Halliday, Jack, and on the left by the Rev. William and J. Burt, on the desirableness of bring- M'Kerrow. There were about 160 ing young men settling in Manchester gentlemen present, amongst whom we within the influence of the Society before observed, Robt. Barbour, Esq., Thos. the formation of friendships calculated to Anderson, Esq., Thos. Greig, Esq., Jas. make them forget the customs and the Sidebottom, Esq., John Black, Esq., examples of their native land. Mr. D. Edward Ede, Esq., &c. The Rev. M'Kenzie moved, and Mr. James Robb, Alex. Munro read a most eloquent "The projun., seconded, a vote of thanks to the and appropriate address on strangers, which was replied to by gress and improvement of human soMessrs. Capstick, Aitken, and William-ciety, as guided by the providence and son. The meeting broke up about eleven aided by the inspiration of the Supreme o'clock, all parties apparently delighted God; with strictures on certain views with the evening's proceedings. propounded by Mr. Emerson, in his late public lectures here." The address gave universal satisfaction, and was frequently interrupted by the enthusiastic approbation of the meeting. Various speeches were made, and the evening was spent in a most agreeable and pleasant manner. JOURNEYMEN BAKERS.--No class of the community toils so hard as the journeymen bakers of London. Their hours of labour are from eighteen to twenty hours a-day, and, as our readers know, few of them enjoy the rest of the Sabbath. We have learned with lively satisfaction that there is now a prospect of relief. An effort is begun, and we are sanguine that it will be crowned with speedy success. At a meeting lately held in Gower-street, and where many master-bakers attended, Lord Dudley Stuart took the chair, and eloquent addresses were delivered by the Rev. John Weir, of River-terrace, and other gentlemen friendly to the object. expect that after three years' instruction | 6. Bible study, and religious instruction, he may be qualified for entering with ad- according to the doctrines held in comvantage on a course of study at the mon by the evangelical denominations. University. 2. Latin, Greek, and Mathe--Thirty Scholarships and Bursaries, of matics are to be the staple of the instruction. 3. The English language; its Latin and Saxon etymology, its syntax, composition, and the study of the English classics, to be a prominent department. 4. Public conversations and viva voce examinations in the various branches of study. 5. Cultivation of habits of observation, by excursions and other methods of cultivating the knowledge of natural history. 157. each, for three years, have been already secured for students, and these are to be bestowed by competition. Parties recommending a Bursar are required to guarantee an additional sum of 15l. to make up 307, per annum calculated to be necessary for the expense of board and education of each pupil. Other details may be learned by applying to the secretary as in the advertisement. Our Protestant Watch-Tower. IN ENGLAND there is such a dust arising from the Hampden controversy that we can scarcely see anything else this month. The battle is not one in which Christian men can feel much interest, being between Tractarians on the one hand, and Erastians on the other. It may lead, however, at some future time, to a conflict of higher principles, and an inquiry whether it be right that the Queen, any more than the Pope, ought to be the head of the Church of England. Hampden is an ominous name for the beginning of an outbreak, and many are no doubt heartily wishing that he had remained a "village Hampden," in the peaceful rectory of Ewelme. In IRELAND, deeds of darkness and blood! poverty and crime, famine and pestilence, stalking_over the land! O Ireland, unhappy Ireland! how is it, that with thy genial clime, and fertile soil, and "the finest peasantry in the world," thy condition is so miserable? How is it, that while other nations are advancing in civilization and happiness, thy people are fast going back into barbarism? How is it, that where commerce and agriculture and arts might flourish, there is nothing but desolation and wretchedness? Thy disease is too deep, and thy cure too difficult, for the surface remedies of thy political physicians ! One says, "Make railroads," another votes money for "harbours and fisheries," a third proposes "laws against absenteeism," a fourth calls out for "improved tenant right," a fifth recommends" emigration," a sixth would "encourage native industry," a can In SWITZERLAND war is over, but oppression and wrong have not ceased. Of all tyranny and despotism, save us from the tyranny and despotism of a mob! Russian autocracy is better than Swiss democracy. A tyrant makes no disguise of his tyranny; but hypocrisy and cruelty go together, in the present conduct of the Liberal Council of the Canton de Vaud. An ordinance has been published, headed "Liberté et patrie," by which all meetings for religious worship, unauthorized by the State, are prohibited, under severe penalties. The intolerance of Infidelity is as virulent as the intolerance of Popery. Liberty of conscience, it seems, is not included in the word "liberté." In BAVARIA, of all countries, Popery is losing ground! What Gustavus Adolphus, and Oxenstiern, and the campaigns of the thirty years' war failed to achieve; what the infidel onslaughts of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; and the philosophic reasonings of Kant and Fichte could make no impression upon, Romish despotism and Jesuit ascendancy in Bavaria, have yielded, they say, to these dark Spanish eyes of Lola Montez! Shades of Tilly and Wallenstein! Strange revolutions turn up often in the wheels of Providence, and God works by unexpected instruments. Old King Louis has always been a patron of science and the arts, himself a naturalist as well as a poet, and in his younger days an enthusiast in botany. But to patronize Protestant literature and the cause of the Reformation, is a new idea in Bavaria; and the appointment of Thiersch, the Hellenist scholar, to be Rector in Chief of the University of Munich, has caused no little surprise. Even if it were true that the King's first alienation from the Jesuits arose out of his attachment to Lola Montez, let no English Churchman at least say anything, when he remembers what share Henry VIII. had in the English Reformation. Mr. Elliott, in his book on the Apocalypse, interprets the ascension of the slain witnesses into the heavens to mean the taking of the Reformed Churches up into political power and state connexion, by Henry VIII. and other Protestant princes! And Mr. Elliott's work is everywhere in England at present counted an oracle. Reformation by the powers that be, such as Henry of England or Louis of Bavaria, is a much more orderly and proper thing, than when done, as in Scotland or in Switzerland, under the guidance of such Presbyterian fanatics as John Knox or Calvin! And in ROME, what is going on? On the outside of the Vatican there are proclamations posted, with great words about liberty and Italian independence; and there are crowds shouting " Viva Pio Nono!" and blessing the name of the benevolent Reformer. But inside the Vatican, along with his Jesuit cardinals, 66 Pius is writing an anathema against the Bible Societies, or sending secret instructions to Canada, or the South Sea Islands, or planning Romanist invasions in England, under the advice of some of the Oxford converts, or inciting the Irish prelates to keep up the turbulence and social misery of that unhappy island. Opposite the house of the English Envoy, a great crowd stands shouting, led by some of the creatures of the Jesuits, till Lord Minto appears at the window and acknowledges their vivas. It is a great point gained if he will write home to his son-in-law, Lord John Russell, the British Prime Minister, and describe the enthusiasm of the Romans towards England! This may hasten the establishment of diplomatic relations, and with an Ambassador at Rome and a Legate at London, the designs of the Papacy may be greatly forwarded. SUSANNAH, COUNTESS OF SUFFOLK. (Born 1627. Died May 19, 1649.)She began the day with GOD; and as she opened it, so she shut it, with the same key of prayer: she ordered her soul first, and then all other things were set in the expected order; she had digested her hours into methods for affairs, repasts, readings of books, of humanity, divinity, devotion chiefly, as may appear both by the books marked in the margent, and noted with her own hands; besides reading the BIBLE, which she did for the daily bread and food of her soul, she, for pious recreation, had set time apart to examine the hard places by Diodati's notes and others which she had by her; and because she could not stop her current of reading at that instant to stay and search every difficulty, she set a mark at them to be searched at her further leisure: she had marks of several kinds, some for difficulties, some for memorials of choice places, or pertinent to some peculiar purposes; but I know it was her resolution to have read the Bible, together with expositors, in a daily task, besides her number of six chapters a-day and the Psalms; and besides that she noted such places as she intended to confer with divines and others about the meaning of.-Life of Susannah, Countess of Suffolk.—[Would that such an example were more followed by the noble in our beloved country, and that there were more of such as are described at Berea "noble, because they searched the Scriptures daily!"] SYNOD OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN ENGLAND. THE following is a list of the Churches and Ministers now in connexion with the Presbyterian Church in England. The Presbyteries, besides their meetings for ordinary ecclesiastical business, meet occasionally for ordination or induction of ministers, presbyterial visitation of churches, or other special objects. The Synod of the Church meets annually; intervening meetings of Commission of Synod being held when required for particular business, or to dispose of matters referred to them by the Synod. The annual meeting is held in different towns throughout England. A representative Elder from each church sits in the Presbyteries, and in the Synod, along with the Ministers. The Standards of the Church are the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, drawn up by the Assembly of Divines, in 1643-48, at the desire of the English Parliament. These were compiled by the most learned and godly of the Puritan Divines of the seventeenth century. In England, indeed, they have fallen into comparative neglect, since the time of the ejection of the 2,000 Nonconformists on the restoration of Charles II., and still more since the greater part of English Dissenters have ceased to require subscription to creeds. It has thus come to pass that the Westminster Confession, and that admirable compendium of Scripture truth, "The Shorter Catechism," are better known and have more honour everywhere than in their own country. But this is a frequent fate of what is good, and the English Presbyterian Church all the more feels it a privilege and a duty to be the custodier and representative in England of the venerated standards of the Westminster Assembly. Most of the Scotch congregations in England are in connexion with the Presbyterian Synod. A few are connected with the Secession and other Presbyterian denominations in Scotland; and as they also hold the Westminster Standards, we should rejoice if they could be incorporated with our English Presbyteries. The English Presbyterian Synod and the Free Church of Scotland are closely allied in sympathy and communion, but there is no ecclesiastical connexion between them; all the congregations in England being under the jurisdiction of the English Synod only. Neither has the Established Church of Scotland any jurisdiction nor ecclesiastical superintendence over any Scotch churches in England, although a few congregations profess to be connected with it. With these exceptions the Presbyterian Church in England comprises Presbyterians, whether English, Scotch, or Irish, by birth, holding Protestant and Evangelical truth, as set forth in the Westminster Standards. A series of regulations are at present being drawn up for the admission of ministers and churches into connexion with the Synod of the Presbyterian Church. The Synod meets at Newcastle on the third Tuesday of April, 1848; Moderator, Rev. JAMES ANDERSON, A.M. Clerk, Professor CAMPBELL, London.-Treasurer, ALEX. GILLESPIE, London. THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, EXETER HALL, LONDON. Professor of Divinity (Vacant).—Church History, HUGH CAMPBELL. PRESBYTERY OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED. Meets last Tuesday of February, May, August, and November. Ancroft Moor.......... Belford Etal....................... Ordained in..1845 Berwick,p.town. .......... 1839 Belford." .1836 Berwick. .......... ............ ..(Vacant) .(Vacant) ........................ .........Donald Munro.. .......Robert M'Clelland Berwick. Berwick. |