"In regard to other expressions and phrases in the letters to which no reference has been especially made, the Committee do not deem it necessary to take them into particular consideration.

"The Convener asked Mr. Kemp whether he were the author of the letters in question, which was replied to in the affirmative. Mr. Gardner proceeded to state his grounds of complaint, after which the Committee called upon Mr. Kemp to give what statement he may have to make in reference to the matter; whereupon Mr. Kemp was heard. Messrs. Gardner and Kemp were removed, and the Committee conferred together on the letters in question, and came to the following conclusions:

"1. In the case of Mr. Louson, of Carlisle, the Committee are of opinion that Mr. Gardner has no personal ground of complaint against Mr. Kemp.

"2. In reference to the alleged vitiation of the Presbytery Record, the Committee are of opinion that, so far as Mr. Gardner is concerned, he has no personal ground of complaint against Mr. Kemp; and further, they find it impossible constitutionally to raise the question.

"3. In the case of the allegation of private feelings and surmisings, and the confession of fault, the Committee are of opinion that there is mis-statement, but no evidence of wilful mis-statement.

"4. In reference to the sentence in which the words 'personal enmity' occur, the Committee are of opinion that, so far as the construction of the language is concerned, there is no evidence that Mr. Gardner is the personal opponent specially alluded to. (From this fourth decision Mr. Fergusson dissented.)

"5. In reference to the passage in which Mr. Gardner is said to have given expression to feelings and surmisings which, for years, seem to have been smouldering in his breast, &c., the Committee find that the language was in accordance with fact. (From this decision Mr. Clark dissented.)

"6. In reference to the passage beginning, 'So reckless were his (Mr. G.'s) assertions,' &c., the Committee are of

"The Committee conclude by saying, that if the Presbytery agree with the Committee in the conclusions to which they have come, they recommend that the Presbytery proceed no farther in the case. (Signed)

"JOSEPH R. WELSH, Convener.” After which three Motions were made. 1. It was moved by Mr. Barbour, and seconded by Mr. McHinch, "That the Report be received and adopted." 2. Moved by Mr. Fergusson, and seconded by Mr. Clark, "That the Presbytery receive the Report, approve the diligence of the Committee, find in terms of the Report that Mr. Gardner has been in one instance the subject of 'mis-statement,' and in another instance, the subject of objectionable language,' adopt the recommendation of the Committee to stay proceedings in the case, adding a caution to the writer of the letters to be more guarded in time coming." 3. Moved by Mr. Munro, and seconded by Mr. Forster, "That the Report of the Committee be received; that their diligence be approved; that the Presbytery regard the charges made by Mr. Gardner against Mr. Kemp as involving charges against the Presbytery and the Synod of a hurtful and unfounded kind, and that Mr. Kemp has acted according to his best views of conviction and duty:" which three Motions having been regularly put, the first carried, and the Presbytery resolved accordingly, adopting the recommendation of the Committee to proceed no further in the case. From which finding, Mr. Fergusson dissented on the following grounds :

1. Because, whilst the Presbytery has acknowledged that one of the oldest and most useful members of the Presbytery has been the subject of "mis-statement and objectionable language," there is in the deliverance neither expression of sympathy with the injured party, nor censure of the party that has committed the fault.

2. Because the deliverance of the Court is tantamount to an encouragement to students in mixing themselves up with public discussions in Church courts, writing in public newspapers upon

matters as yet sub judice, assailing without personal provocation the character and conduct of their superiors, and with- | drawing the attention of students and preachers from the subjects where with they ought specially to occupy themselves.

To which dissent Mr. Clark adhered. Mr. Munro also dissented from the finding of the Court, for reasons to be given in due time.

Parties were then called in, when Mr. Kemp appeared. Intimation having been given to him of the finding of the Court, he protested and appealed from the same to the Synod, promising to give in reasons in due time; took instruments in the clerk's hands and craved extracts, which were granted. Mr. Gardner did not appear; the clerk was, therefore, instructed to summon him to attend next meeting, to hear the decision of the Presbytery.

The application of Mr. Cross for aid from the Home Mission Fund was recommended to the favourable consideration of the Home Mission Committee.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Fergusson (in Mr. Gardner's absence) moved that the Synod be overtured to divide this Presbytery into two Presbyteries; the one to be called the Presbytery of Liverpool, the other that of Manchester; which motion was seconded by Mr. Neilson.

Mr. Clark moved, that the overture be not transmitted, which was seconded by Mr. Cross. At this stage of the proceedings, on the suggestion of Mr. M'Lean, the Presbytery agreed to delay the consideration of the matter till next meeting, and to set apart a portion of next meeting for devotional exercises, the Moderator, Mr. M'Lean, and Mr. Welsh, to conduct them.

A memorial was read from St. George's Session, Liverpool, praying the Presbytery to appoint a season partly for public thanksgiving to Almighty God for the late harvest, and for the preservation of peace in this country amidst the shaking of neighbouring nations; and partly for humiliation and acknowledgment of sin, and supplication to God for the withdrawal of the judgments wherewith he is visiting the land. Which prayer the Presbytery granted, and appointed the last Sabbath of this month to be observed as a day of thanksgiving and humiliation by the respective congregations.

A statement was then heard from the Rev. John Fraser, Minister of the church

at Lowick, in reference to his congregation; after which it was moved by Mr. Barbour, seconded by Mr. Neilson, and agreed to, that the Presbytery_deeply sympathize with Mr. Fraser and his congregation in their present circumstances, and agree to recommend their case to the very favourable consideration of their people.

The communion roll-books of St. Peter's, Chalmers', and Salford, Manchester; St. Peter's, Liverpool, and Risley, were produced, and attested by the Moderator. The School Committee reported, that they had examined the schools in connexion with St. Peter's, Liverpool, and with Trinity and Salford, Manchester, and found the intelligence evinced by the children in the branches in which they were examined, and their general progress, very satisfactory.

The Presbytery adjourned, to meet at Liverpool on the first Wednesday of March next. Closed with prayer.

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND.

BIRDHOPE CRAIG, JAN. 9, 1849.-On which day the Presbytery of Northumberland met and was duly constituted.

The Minutes of last Meeting were read and sustained. The edict in reference to the ordination of Mr. Whyte was returned duly endorsed. The clerk having proceeded to the church, read from the precentor's desk the edict, and made public intimation, that the Presbytery were now prepared to receive any relevant objections to the life and doctrine of the Rev. Wm. M. Whyte; and the Presbytery having waited a reasonable time, and no objections having been offered, proceeded to the solemn services of ordination. Mr. Cromar preached from Matt. xxviii. 20. Mr. Lennie, after putting the prescribed questions, and receiving satisfactory answers, proceeded by prayer and the imposition of hands to ordain and induct Mr. Whyte to the pastoral office. Thereafter the Presbytery gave him the right hand of fellowship. Mr. Trotter addressed the minister, and Mr. Edwards the people. At the close of the service the Moderator and Mr. Whyte proceeded to the principal entrance of the church, when the newly-ordained minister was received with much cordiality and affection. On his return, Mr. Whyte was requested to take his seat in the Presbytery, and his name was added to the roll.

School schedules were given in from

Glanton, Branton, Warrenford, and Wooler; and being read, were ordered to be attested coram, which was done accordingly.

Mr. Lennie reported that he had made satisfactory arrangements with regard to Birdhope Craig.

A schedule for the Home Mission was given in by Mr. Trotter, of Bavington, read before the Presbytery, and ordered to be attested by the Moderator, which was done accordingly.

The following Committees were appointed to examine the schools within the bounds of the Presbytery; at Morpeth, Messrs. Anderson, Gillespie, and Edwards; Glanton, Messrs. Lennie, Huie, and Cromar; Branton, Messrs. Blythe and Cathcart; Warrenford, Dr. Hutchison and Mr. James Blyth; Wooler, Messrs. Huie, Lennie, and Cromar; Howtel Crookham, Messrs. Cromar, Lennie, and Huie. The respective clergymen to be Conveners.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Glanton on the second Tuesday in April, at twelve o'clock.

Closed with prayer.

PRESBYTERY OF BIRMINGHAM.

THE Presbytery of Birmingham met at Hanley on the 26th Dec. Sederunt, Messrs. Mackenzie, Speers, Martyn, ministers; Henderson, Hossack, Chetwynd, elders. The minutes of former meeting having been read and sustained, elders' commissions were handed in and sustained: from Birmingham in favour of Mr. Hugh Hossack, for the currency of the next four months; and from Hanley in favour of Mr. Elijah Chetwynd, for the currency of the next six months.

Mr. George Broadhurst appeared on behalf of the people connected with the preaching station at Congleton; and, after submitting a statement of the moneys raised throughout the year, requested that Mr. Mottear should be continued as supply till next meeting of Presbytery. Whereupon the Presbytery recorded their gratification with the state of things at Congleton, appointed a Committee to audit the accounts, and directed that a copy should be forwarded to the Home Mission Committee, accompanied with a recommendation that the grant of the past year should be continued.

Several papers forwarded by the Secretary of the Home Mission Committee,

respecting an application from Wolverhampton, having been laid on the table and read, the Presbytery directed that all future correspondence with that Committee should be carried on through the Presbytery, and that the clerk should intimate the same to the parties concerned.

The Presbytery having called for the Report of the Statistical Committee respecting the circular letter to congregations within the bounds, Mr. Henderson read the letter prepared by the Committee; whereupon it was resolved that the draught now submitted be approved, and that the thanks of the Presbytery be tendered to the members of Committee for their great diligence in the matter.*

The Committee appointed to examine schools reported, that they had examined the school at Birmingham, which they found in a most prosperous condition, the attendance of pupils being large, and the modes of instruction adopted most successful; also the schools at Hanley and Stafford, which, though inferior in point of numbers, and not completely supplied with school utensils, were notwithstanding in a state of vigour and efficiency. The reports having been sustained, the Presbytery ordered the applications to the School Committee to be attested.

Mr. Martyn craved permission to postpone his overture respecting the better management of the Home Mission till next ordinary meeting.

The Presbytery ordered the communion rolls, session records, and congregational records of all the churches within the bounds to be laid on the table at next ordinary meeting.

Mr. R. Fleming, student in divinity, having applied to be taken on trial for license, the clerk was directed to communicate with him respecting the necessary certificates.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Birmingham on the first Tuesday of February, at 2, p.m.

Ecclesiastical Notices.

ISLINGTON.-RIVER-TERRACE SABBATH

SCHOOLS.-The Annual Meeting of the

*Through the liberality of an esteemed elder, a member of Presbytery, the letter was within the bounds before the following printed and circulated in all the congregations Sabbath.

children connected with this Sabbathschool took place on Tuesday, 26th Dec., 1848. A very admirable Address was delivered by J. W. Ware, Esq. The children were rewarded with suitable books, to the amount of 77. in value, and were afterwards regaled with a plentiful supply of tea and cake. A lecture on astronomy was then delivered to them, illustrated by diagrams from the magic-lantern. Great praise is due to Mr. Pratt, one of the teachers, for the pains taken by him for his instructions to the children in sacred music.

On the following Thursday evening, a tea-meeting of teachers and friends was held in the school-room, the Rev. John Weir in the chair. The Annual Report was read by Mr. Hill, the Superintendent, from which it appeared that the school was in a very prosperous state, and that great love and unanimity prevailed among the teachers. The numbers attending the school were 360, and might be divided thus:-Number in the senior female classes, 40, 19 of whom are communicants; in the male senior class, 11; in the infants' class (lately opened), 70; in the intermediate classes, 240; number of male and female teachers, 31.

The gratifying announcement was also made, that during the year 1848, the children had subscribed upwards of 197. for the cause of Christian missions. The Meeting was addressed by the Chairman, the Rev. J. Nesbitt, missionary from Bombay; James Gibson, Esq.; J. Belfast, and Joseph Payne, Esqrs.; and Messrs. Starling and Cuthbertson, Secretary to the Sunday-school Union. The warm thanks of the teachers are due to John Dalgleish, Esq., for a large quantity of tea and sugar for the children's treat, and a donation of 31. 3s. to the funds of the school.

FELTON. PRESENTATION.-A soirée was held at Felton on the evening of Tuesday, the 5th Dec. last, in honour of the Rev. Alexander Hoy, who has been minister of the Presbyterian congregation there for nearly thirty years. His congregation having by a vigorous effort completely extricated the Church and manse from the disheartening pressure of a debt long incumbent upon the property, resolved to signalize the occasion by paying a wellmerited compliment to their beloved pastor. In the furtherance of this object they were cordially seconded by their friends in the neighbourhood. The church was densely filled. After tea,

which was served by ladies of the congregation, the Chairman, the Rev. James Anderson, of Morpeth, stated the object of the meeting, reviewed the history of Mr. Hoy's connexion with the congregation, and gave expression to the sentiments of esteem and affectionate regard heartily entertained towards him by all classes in the neighbourhood. He then specially addressed Mr. Hoy, and in the name and on behalf of the congregation, presented him with a purse containing fifty sovereigns, as a small but sincere testimony of the respect and veneration in which he is held by the people of his charge as a man, a scholar, a minister, and a member of society, and of the gratitude cherished for his faithful labours among them, both as their pastor and the instructor of their children. Mr. Hoy, in accepting the gift, made a very touching and appropriate reply. The meeting was subsequently addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Trotter, Huie, Cathcart, Kerr, Cromar, Edwards, Gillespie, Whyte, Hall, Johnstone, and Lennie. The Rev. Mr. Binny, of London, the early friend and quondam fellow-student of Mr. Hoy, was prevented by indisposition from being present, but his letter of apology added to the interest of the meeting by the terms in which it expressed his regard for Mr. Hoy, and the handsome donation with which it was accompanied, of 107. to the funds of the congregation. The entertainment of the evening and the enthusiasm of the meeting were also enhanced by the recitation of a poetical Address to Mr. Hoy on the occasion, composed by one of his congregation, for which we regret that we cannot find room in this notice.

SOUTH SHIELDS.-We have much pleasure in recording the commencement of another place of worship in connexion with our English Presbyterian Church. The ceremony of laying the foundationstone of the new church here took place on the site in Frederick-street, on the 7th December, at noon. Though the weather was rather unfavourable, there were on the ground five or six hundred people, amongst whom were the ministers of the Presbytery of Newcastle, and several of other denominations.

The Rev. John Lister, B.A., the minister of the congregation, opened the proceedings with praise and reading a passage from 1 Kings viii. The Rev. Mr. Anderson, of Gateshead, then engaged in prayer; whereupon, James Stevenson, Esq.,

one of the elders of the Church, proceeded to lay the foundation-stone, after which he addressed the meeting. The Rev. Mr. Lister then addressed the assembly in an eloquent speech, and the proceedings were closed with praise and prayer.

A large meeting of the congregation and their friends was held in the evening in the school-room connected with St. John's Presbyterian Church; Mr. Lister in the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Paterson, of Sunderland, the Rev. Messrs. Duncan, of North Shields, Johnston, of Blyth, and Anderson, of Morpeth, and the Rev. Messrs. Fraser, of the United Presbyterian, and Jack, of the Independent Church, North Shields, whose speeches were alike eloquent and appropriate to the occasion.

The church is being erected from the designs of John Dobson, Esq., architect, Newcastle. It is in the early English style, the simplicity of which appears to us well adapted for a Presbyterian church. It will accommodate 400 in the groundfloor, and the gallery, which occupies one end of the building, will hold 100. It stands with the side to the street, about twenty feet back, and is entered through the tower, which occupies part of the space between the church and the street. The tower will be 104 feet high, the upper half being in the form of an octagonal pyramid. The church is sixty-six feet six inches long, by thirty-four feet broad, inside measurement. Underneath, where the ground slopes to the back, are a vestry and a large Committee-room. The building is of stone, and when completed will be a conspicuous object, and a great ornament to the neighbourhood.

Notices of Books.

Essay on the Union of Church and State. By BAPTIST WRIOTHESLEY NOEL, M.A. London James Nisbet and Co., 21, Berners-street. 1848. 8vo., pp. 631.* AN advocate of the union between Church and State who understands his subject will be in no manner affected by this work. The principle of the union is never once here touched. Mr. Noel

*Such was the interest attached to the appearance of this work that a large impression was sold off in two or three days. A second edition and yet a third have since appeared, and disappeared with equal rapidity. Our

references are to the first edition.

deals only with the abuses of one existing establishment. The real merits of the question-the union between Church and State, are, we repeat it, not once alluded to. The work from first to last is an elaborate, eloquent, and we will add, unanswerable attack upon the corruptions of the Church of England.

"The union between the Church and the State, of which I have to speak," says Mr. Noel, p. 11, “is the definite union which arises from a national payment of the pastor, and the consequent superintendence of him and of the Church by the State." The following is our author's idea of an Establishment, and such, of course, is the only institute he condemns:-"The Establishment (he says, p. 14,) can neither amend one of the articles of its creed, if erroneous, nor add to their number if the creed be defective, without the assent of the State. Without the concurrence of the State it cannot meet to enact a canon, nor enact a canon when met, nor execute a canon when enacted. It cannot execute discipline upon offending clergymen or others except in Courts, of which the State appoints the judge, and from which the State receives appeals. And lastly, the State both nominates its prelates and determines by law the appointment of all its pastors." These statements he repeats pp. 11, 12, 15, 18, 27, 75, 93, &c., &c. Mr. Noel's idea of an establishment, (and he frequently repeats it in almost so many words,) is a Church whose creed is framed and imposed by the State,-whose laws are enacted and executed by the State,whose membership is determined,-whose discipline is administered, and whose pastors are paid, appointed, and removed by the State: the people, and even the clergy, the while, being but the slaves, and at best but the mere agents or tools of the State.

Such, we repeat, is from first to last the union of Church and State against which this work is directed. All this, however, is but a mere abuse of the union, an Erastian domination antichristianly usurped by the State, and traitorously submitted to by the Church. In our notice of the work, therefore, we shall not so much as allude to the Voluntary controversy farther than to say that, unconnected though we be with the State, we hold in all their integrity the establishment principles of our standards. Yea, perchance, we hold them all the more chivalrously that our love is not only dis