the administration of the word and sacra- above facts and considerations the Comments for the future."

Heath Street Mission be recognised as a station in connection with the Presbyterian Church in England; that it be formally placed under the care of the Canning Street Session, which shall act as a provisional Session for Heath Street; and that said Session be authorised, after due care in the examination of candidates, to draw up a communion roll, and to dispense the sacraments in that place." Dr. Munro moved, Mr. J. C. Paterson seconded, and the Presbytery agreed, that the report be received, the recommendation adopted, and the diligence of the Committee approved of.

committee is not yet prepared to report regarding Derby. This report was received, and the diligence of the committee approved of.

mittee feel that there is much ground for Mr. Lundie gave in the following report gratitude to God as regards the past, and from the committee appointed to inquire for hope as regards the future, and agree in into the circumstances of the Heath Street recommending to the Presbytery that the Liverpool Territorial Mission:-This Mission was commenced in the first Sabbath of June, 1858. The room used as a church and the two school-rooms, are held by the trustees of Canning Street congregation on a deed identical (mutatis mutandis) with that of Canning Street Church. The church holds about 300. On Sabbath evenings it is filled and sometimes to overflowing. In the mornings it is pretty full but somewhat variable. The Mission is under the care of Canning Street Session and a committee of that congregation. It has, since September last, been superintended by Mr. Donald Mucklejohn, a licen Mr. J. C. Paterson reported for the Comtiate of the Free Church of Scotland, whose mittee appointed to inquire as to the prospect labours have been acceptable and success- of establishing congregations in Preston and ful. It is worked on the territorial prin- Derby: That inasmuch as our brethren of ciple, and the congregation are nearly all the United Presbyterian Church Presbytery drawn from the immediate neighbourhood, have appointed a committee to take steps with the exception of persons connected towards organising a congregation in Preswith the Mission, who have removed to ton, in connection with their own church, it other parts of the town but who prefer con- is not deemed advisable to do more at tinuing to attend there. The adherents present regarding Preston; and that the consist in tolerably equal proportions of English, Scotch, and Irish. There are about 150 day scholars, viz., girls and infants; also an Evening School for boys, average attendance sixty-five. A necessity is felt and an effort is being made to enlarge the Church so as to contain 500, and to add a Boys' School. Most of the appliances calculated to aid such a mission are in operation. Courses of lectures have been delivered during the winter, and have been well attended. A Mothers' Meeting is attended by about 30 mothers. A Savings Bank is voluntarily conducted by young men. There are upwards of 300 accounts, and at this date about £130 of deposits. There is also a relief fund for the poor. About 300 attend the Sabbath school, which is taught by 33 teachers. Pecuniary support has been provided by the Canning Street Church. But a movement has lately been commenced among themselves, by which £1 58. to £1 10s. per month is being raised for the support of ordinances, &c., in Heath Street. It has been ascertained that upwards of 50 would be candidates for communion in the event of the Presbytery sanctioning the dispensation of sealing ordinances. These are all, or almost all, either excavated or restored. There is a strong desire among the Heath Street congregation for the dispensation of the sacraments. The Canning Street Session are of opinion "that it would greatly conduce to the interest of the work going on in that place were this desire realised. In view of the

Dr. Munro, and Messrs. Lundie and Johnstone were appointed a committee to examine the students within the bounds for the present year, and to report. Mr. Johnstone convener.

In reference to the call from the congregation in Bradford to the Rev. Charles Morrison, the clerk read a letter from that gentleman, to the effect that were the call put into his hands in all the circumstances, he would not accept it. The Presbytery, on account of the pointed and definitive refusal of Mr. Morrison to have the call in reference to himself prosecuted, agreed to accept of this refusal or resignation, and to intimate the same to the parties concerned. Mr. Breakey was appointed to moderate in the Session in room of Mr. Brown, who tendered his resignation, which was accepted.

Mr. Davidson reported for the committee in Swinton and Wharton, that arrangements having been made for a retiring allowance, Mr. Stewart, of Wharton, is about to resign. After consideration of all the circumstances of the case, the Presbytery agreed to recognise Swinton and Wharton as a preaching station, and appoint Messrs. Davidson and J. C. Paterson a committee to provide supply when they learn that Mr. Stewart has actually resigned.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet in

Liverpool on the 5th day of September, at reference to ministerial support. Mr. 11 o'clock, A.M.

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND.

Douglas to be Convener." Mr. Benvie seconded the motion.

The Presbytery then proceeded to take up the Call from the Presbyterian Church THIS Presbytery met at Branton, July 10th, at Dalston, in the Presbytery of London, 1860. After public worship in the church, in favour of the Rev. Matthew Davison, of conducted by the retiring moderator, the Birdhopecraig. The edict was returned quarterly meeting of Presbytery was held duly endorsed, and the relative documents here, and duly constituted. The roll being were read. Parties being called, there ap called, sederunt, the moderator, Mr. Ben- peared for the Presbytery of London, and vie, Messrs. Hoy, Anderson, Huie, Cath- the congregation at Dalston, the Rev. cart, Fergus, Forsyth, Edmonds, Davison, Professor McCrie, D.D., LL.D.; also for Douglas, and the Clerk, ministers. Reason the congregation at Dalston, Mr. John of absence was given in from Mr. Edwards, Scadlock, Elder. For the congregation at which was sustained. Minutes of last Birdhopecraig there appeared the Rev. quarterly meeting, and of the subsequent James Anderson, A. M. Morpeth, and Mr. pro si nata" meeting, were read and Thomas Douglas. For the Session of sustained. Commissions of Elders from Birdhopecraig, Mr. James Waddell and the Kirk Session of Wooler, in favour of Mr. Davison for himself. Parties having Mr. James Dodds; from the Kirk Session been heard, and Mr. Davison having reof Branton, in favour of Mr. George fused to accept the call, and said parties Davidson; from the Kirk Session of being removed from the bar, and Mr. Felton, in favour of Mr. John Coxon; and Benvie, at the request of the Presbytery, from the Kirk Session of Birdhopecraig, in favour of Mr. James Waddell, were given in, read, and sustained. Mr. Douglas was elected Moderator for the current year. Mr. Blythe was re-elected clerk.

The presbyterial exercise was then resumed, and the whole of the members having now expressed their sentiments, it was moved by Mr. Huie, seconded by Mr. Anderson, and cordially agreed to, that the Presbytery desire humbly and gratefully to record their sense of the recent great workings of God in various parts of our land; and, feeling the exceeding desirableness of a more visible manifestation of the advance of practical religion in our midst than has yet been witnessed, agree to take up at next quarterly meeting the question, what practical means, by presbyterial unity of action, it might be expedient or desirable to adopt to further that end?

In regard to Framlington, Mr. Anderson gave in a report, expressive of a change of circumstances in the congregation, highly encouraging to its future prospects; which report the Presbytery agreed to receive and adopt. The Presbytery appointed Mr. Anderson to moderate in the Session of Framlington for the next twelve months. Mr. James Anderson, introduced to the Presbytery by Mr. Anderson, produced an extract of his license, and was admitted a preacher within the bounds.

The moderator, having left the chair, moved, in accordance with previous notice, "That a Committee, consisting of Messrs. Anderson, Fergus, Benvie, and Douglas, ministers, and Messrs. Davidson and Waddell, elders, be appointed to consider how the Presbytery might best carry into effect the Home Mission recommendations in

having implored Divine light and guidance in the matter, the moderator called on the members present to state their views on the subject, when the mind of the Presbytery was found to be, not to translate Mr. Davison; whereupon the Presbytery did and hereby do resolve accordingly. Parties being called in, the moderator intimated to them the decision of the Presbytery; against which Dr. M'Crie and Mr. Scadlock protested, and appealed for leave to complain to the Synod, for reasons to be given in due time, took instruments and craved extracts, which were allowed.

Mr. Benvie, Convener of the Committee appointed to confer with the office bearers at Widdrington, gave in a report, which the Presbytery agreed to receive and adopt. The Presbytery re-appointed the Com. mittee, with the addition of Messrs. Fergus and Douglas, with power to associate Messrs. Hood and Blair, elders, with them.

Home Mission schedule from Thropton was given, read, and ordered to be attested by the moderator, which was done accordingly.

The Presbytery resolved that the next quarterly meeting be held at Weldon Bridge on the 2nd Tuesday in October, at twelve o'clock. Closed with prayer.

Intelligenre.

MANCHESTER.-Presentation to the Rev. Andrew Inglis.-A Congregational Soirée was held, in connection with Chalmers' Presbyterian Church, Mill Street, Ancoats,

God according to the scriptural form of their forefathers, and of giving their children a good education after the fashion of the parish schools in their native country, while they have conferred a rich boon upon their neighbours, who are availing themselves of the privileges. The proprieter, R. Barton, Esq., generously provides the school and the salary of the teacher, and the clergyman of the parish has given his kindly countenance to the benevolent efforts thus put forth. On the 8th of July Mr. Steel ordained three elders, chosen of the congregation to take

on the 6th inst., at which a purse of sovereigns and a handsome gold watch and guard were presented to the Rev. Andrew Inglis, of Warrington, the late minister of the congregation. The watch bore the following inscription: "Presented with a purse of gold to the Rev. Andrew Inglis, as a token of esteem, by the congregation and friends of Chalmers' Presbyterian Church, Ancoats, Manchester, July 6th, 1860." Mr. Brown, one of the elders, occupied the chair. Mr. Scott, another of the elders, made the presentation. Mr. Inglis made a touching acknowledgment. The other the oversight of the flock. Thus, as complete speeches given during the evening were characterised by much warmth, feeling, and taste. The speakers were the Rev. Messrs. J. C. Paterson, of Manchester; and Blelloch, of Crewe; Daniel A. Clarke, Esq., of Phoenix Mill, and Messrs. Wilson, M'Pherson, and M'Gregor. Letters of apology were read from the Rev. W. M'Caw, Robert Barton, Esq., &c.

ST. JOHN'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WARRINGTON.-After the induction of the Rev. Andrew Inglis, late of Manchester, into this church on the 7th ult., a Soirée of the members and friends of the congregation was held in the school-room, which was densely crowded. The mayor of Warrington, Dr. Smith, occupied the chair, who gave a very spirited and evangelical address. A large number of the Ministers of the Presbytery of Lancashire were on the platform; and also representatives of the local ministry of other denominations. Mr. Inglis received a very hearty welcome from the members of his new congregation. It is earnestly to be desired that his ministry may prove to be a blessing to the town.

MICHAEL CHURCH, ESCLEY, HEREFORDSHIRE. This interesting station of our church continues to prosper. the communion of the Lord's Supper was dispensed by the Rev. Robert Steel, of Cheltenham, assisted by Captain, now Sir George Pechell, Bart, as elder on the 17th June. On the 18th a tea-party was held, at which there was a great gathering-no fewer than two hundred and fifty persons being present; a circumstance altogether unprecedented in the parish. Captain Pechell took the chair after tea, and made an admirable speech. The meeting was first addressed by Mr. Sherriffs, who has been missionary in the station for the last eighteen months, and whose labours have been blessed. The chairman then called successively upon the Rev. R. S. Short, of Hereford, the Rev. Mr. Camp, of Peter Church, and the Rev. Robert Steel, of Cheltenham, each of whom delivered an animating address. The cause of Presbyterianism has taken root in this rural parish, and the Scotch settlers in it have now the satisfaction of worshipping

an ecclesiastical apparatus as can be afforded to the station is established in Michael Church. Owing to its distance from any other congregation, this was as necessary as it was just and right. The choice has fallen upon worthy men as elders who have already proved their zeal for the welfare of the church and the people.

"Yesterday afternoon, after dark, the house at Anhai was attacked by a mob of thieves, robbers, and ragamuffins. At last the door of the house was burst open, and soon after the door of the room where I was. There was then no way but to escape amongst the crowd; and soon one of the Christians led me to his house. There and in an adjoining house I lay quiet till the confusion was over, and about midnight came down to the Gospel boat, and this afternoon reached Amoy in safety."

Mr. Douglas adds that he has not suffered in any way from the excitement, and that there can be no doubt the tumult was directed against the Christians. By last mail Dr. Carnegie has written home that Mr. Douglas had just returned from a subsequent visit to Anhai, where he found the people quiet, and had called for the mandarin. The people's feeling was evidently fear for the consequences of what they had done, and the Christians had not been further molested, but were meeting together as usual.

Amoy, 18th May, 1860. Five weeks ago you heard of the danger in which we were at Anhai on the 2nd current, and of the merciful deliverance which God gave us on that anxious night. If the place had been one only occasionally visited by us, and if none had received the

THE ENGLISH

PRESBYTERIAN MESSENGER.

THE HOMAGE OF MAN'S MIND TO GOD'S WORD.

By the Rev. Joseph R. Welsh.

"The Scripture has God for its Author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter."-LOCKE

MANY Christians, when asked the reason of the homage they pay to God's Word, eschew the question, as if it were a kind of blasphemy to put that Word upon its trial in any court of evidence. Or, if they give a reason, it is simply from their own experience, and perhaps in some such sentence as this from Gurnall, "Those trees bear the sweetest fruit that stand most in the light of the sun;" or this, from Scripture itself, " On you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing under his rays."

Now this is not the right state of things. Admitting that such Christians are most rationally convinced on the ground of experience, times may come, when even their minds may be clouded. We know, from their biographies, that this has happened to the most eminent Christians, as Dr. Payson, and that the convictions which they had, so to speak, laid on the shelf that they might enjoy and not reason about the light of the Sun of Righteousness, had to be taken down, examined, revised, and relaid there. Often in proportion to the loftiness of the mind, is it troubled with these speculative doubts. And then, suppose they themselves do not need more evidence, what is to become of those younger and inquiring persons, who look to them for teaching. In an age like this, when infidelity of thought, though not of speech, is widely spread, nothing but thoroughly sifted, well defined, and well expressed statements, will bring satisfaction. The result of a believer's teaching from his own personal experience, may be, that in proportion to the consistency and beauty of his own Christian character, there is produced a respect for the Bible, and such truths as have brought peace and satisfaction to his own mind. Perhaps, too, in some cases, as in Cecil's, who, as an infidel, which he once was, said that he could answer many arguments for the Bible, but never the argument drawn from the remembrance of a mother's holy life, it may lead to solid conviction. But in the majority of such cases there will be felt a want and a dark fear, lest, after all, the Bible may not be true. Or, if admitted to be true, its truths may come to be so admitted, not because God has revealed them, and the mind is willing to give homage to him, but because it has discovered, or thinks it has discovered them, for itself. This is the form and degree of belief that prevail among the educated classes at the present day. But such belief will not stand the stress of trial, will not receive all that is in the Bible, even when some part of it may be above our No. 153.-New Series.

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