ministerial work; and that the ministers, beginning at the top and at the bottom of the roll in rotation, be requested to do this by the clerk at least one month before the meetings.

Mr. James Paterson reported, for the committee appointed to visit congregations on the subject of the new rules for the distribution of the Home Mission Funds, that, owing to peculiar circumstances, the Chester congregation be recommended to the Home Mission Committee, to receive a grant of £20 for this year. The matter was remitted to the committee to get such particulars as will enable the Presbytery to assess the congregation according to the

rules.

Mr. Henderson reported for the same committee, that Crewe congregation should be assessed at £70, as the annual sum to be paid to the minister before receiving a grant from the Home Mission Committee; which was adopted.

A call from the Presbyterian Church in Plymouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse, under charge of the Presbytery of Belfast, was laid on the table in favour of the Kev. Joseph Wood, of Warrington. The Presbytery appointed a meeting to be held on the 17th instant, to hear all the parties in the case, and to decide thereon.

In reference to missionary work at Ruabon, North Wales, a committee was appointed, of which Mr. Lundie is convener, to visit the place, and report to next meeting.

Deputations were appointed to address meetings on the subject of the Revivals in Ireland, in the churches of Leeds and Risley, on the application of the ministers of these congregations.

A committee, of which Mr. J. C. Paterson is convener, was appointed to examine into the circumstances of the station at Swinton, and to report.

A committee was appointed to consider whether, and if so, where, new preaching stations may be opened within the bounds of the Presbytery.

PRESBYTERY OF LONDON.

THIS Presbytery met in the College Hall on Tuesday, December 6th; the following members were present, viz., Mr. Burns, moderator pro tem.; Drs. Lorimer, M'Crie, Hamilton, and Weir; Messrs. Fisher, Kimmitt, Keedy, Roberts, Chalmers, and Ballantyne, ministers; Messrs. Maclaurin, Macdonald, Scadloch, Mackay, Tulloch, J. E. Mathieson, and Dingwall, elders.

Dr. Graham of Bonn, and Mr. Steel of Cheltenham, being present, were associated with the Presbytery.

Dr. M'Crie laid on the table "A Manual

of the Presbyterian Church in England," which he had prepared at the request of the Presbytery. It was moved by Mr. Chalmers, seconded by Dr. Hamilton, and unanimously agreed that the Presbytery tender their cordial thanks to Dr. M'Crie for his kindness in complying with their request, receive the Manual he has submitted, express their high approval of its excellence, and earnestly recommend its circulation, not only within the bounds, but throughout the length and breadth of the land, as eminently fitted to promote the interests of this church.

Dr. Lorimer and Messrs. Fisher and

Ballantyne were appointed a committee for the examination of the Southwark Church Schools.

On behalf of the Foreign Mission Committee, Dr. Hamilton requested the Presbytery to take on trials for ordination, Mr. Hun Mackenzie, a licentiate of the Free Church of Scotland, who has been appointed a missionary to China. The request was agreed to, and the Moderator authorised to prescribe trials.

Arrangements for receiving the visits of the deputies of the Home Mission Committee were completed. In the evening a meeting was held of office-bearers, specially invited by the Presbytery for the purpose of hearing the Home Mission deputation. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Lorimer, and numerously attended; and the deputies, consisting of the Rev. Mr. Lewis of Dudley, Rev. Mr. Steel of Cheltenham, and Messrs. at Duncan and Eunson, elders, presented the claims of the Home Mission in a clear and forcible manner. They were followed by several ministers, elders, and deacons, who all expressed their concurrence in the object contemplated, and their desire to see it attained. As much interest appeared to be awakened by the facts submitted and the appeals made, it is to be hoped that the issue will be a really substantial gain to the cause of ministerial support and church extension amongst us.

The Presbytery adjourned, to meet Liverpool on the 4th day of January, at eleven o'clock a.m.

Manchester, November 17th.

The Presbytery met to consider and to dispose of the call from the congregation at Plymouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse, to the Rev. Joseph Wood, of Warrington. Present: Rev. David Blyth, moderator pro tem.; Revs. J. C. Paterson, Wood, Brown, and Clelland, of Bolton. Mr. Clelland was appointed clerk pro tem. After parties were heard, Mr. Wood declared it to be his mind to accept the call, and, therefore, the Presbytery agreed to grant his translation.

PRESBYTERY OF BERWICK.

THIS Presbytery met at Bankhill, Berwick, on Tuesday, the 30th of August. Sederunt:

the Rev. Mr. Terras, moderator; Messrs. to Mr. McLean and ascertain whether he Munro, Fraser, Robinson, Cant, Thomson, accept the call, and in the event of his doing and Valence, ministers; Mr. W. Tennant, elder. Commissions in favourof Mr. Henry Cowe, as ruling elder for the congregation of Berwick, and Mr. Thomas Waddel, as ruling elder for the congregation at Ancroft Moor, were given in and sustained. Mr. James Brown was examined on the subjects prescribed to him, with a view to his entering the Theological Hall for the third year, and his appearances were sustained as highly satisfactory. Mr. Fraser, interim moderator of the Kirk Session at Ancroft Moor, reported that at a congregational meeting, held at Ancroft Moor, he and Mr. Thomas Waddel, elder, were appointed commissioners to appear before the Presbytery and apply for the moderation in a call. The application was granted, and the 11th proximo appointed for the purpose, Mr. Fraser to preside. Collections for the school fund were reported. Home-mission schedules from North Sunderland and Horncliffe were produced and read. The Presbytery, being satisfied with the amount which the respective congregations agreed to raise towards the support of the minister, ordered the schedules to be attested. Several of the brethren reported that, as agreed to at last ordinary meeting, they had engaged in evangelistic labours within the bounds of the Presbytery, and had met with considerable encouragement. The election of Mr. James Chisholm, teacher to the school at Lowick, was sustained. The Rev. Mr. Lawson, probationer, who has resided and laboured within the bounds of the Presbytery during the last twelve months, applied, through the clerk, for a Presbyterial certificate, which was granted.

so, request him to appear before the Presbytery at its next meeting. The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Berwick on Wednesday, the 5th October, to make arrangements for Mr. McLean's induction, in the event of his accepting the call.

October the 5th, which day the Presbytery met by adjournment, and was duly constituted. Sederunt: Rev. Mr. Fraser, moderator pro tem.; Messrs. Cant, Thomson, and Valence, ministers; Mr. Thomas Waddel, elder. The clerk stated that, as appointed, he had written to Mr. McLean, who was now present, and having produced extract minute anent his admission into the Free Church, and Presbyterial certificate, the call was put into his hands; and being asked by the moderator whether he accepted of this call, he expressed his acceptance thereof. Appointed the induction to take place at Ancroft Moor on Thursday, the 27th October, at 12 o'clock noon; the Presbytery to meet at 11:30; Messrs. Cant, Thomson, and Valence to conduct the services, The edict to be served by Mr. Thomson on the 16th instant.

Adjourned to meet at Berwick on Tuesday, the 29th November next, at 11:30 a.m The Presbytery met at Berwick, pro re nata, on the 22nd September, and was duly constituted. Sederunt: Rev. Mr. Fraser, moderator pro. tem.; Messrs. Cant, Thomson, Valence, and Haig, ministers; Messrs. Tennant, Cowe, and Waddel, elders. The Rev. Mr. Izzet, F.C., Anstruther, being present, was associated. The circular issued by the moderator summoning the Presbytery to meet having been read, the conduct of the moderator in calling the meeting was approved. Mr. Fraser reported that, as appointed, he had presided at the moderation of a call at Ancroft Moor on the 11th instant, when the Rev. J. K. McLean, minister of the Free Church of Scotland, without a charge, was elected by a majority, and a call signed in his behalf, which call Mr. Fraser laid on the table, signed by nearly all the members and adherents, and duly attested. The call was sustained, and the clerk instructed to write

Ancroft Moor, October the 27th, 1859, which day the Presbytery met by adjournment, and was duly constituted. Sederunt: Rev. Mr. Thomson, moderator pro tem.; Messrs. Fraser, Robinson, Cant, Valence, and Haig, ministers; Mr. Thomas Waddel, elder. Mr. Thomson returned the edict, duly served and attested, which was again read publicly by the clerk mutatis mutandis before the congregation, and no objections being made, the Presbytery proceeded to the church, when Mr. Valence preached a sermon from Heb. ii. 10: "For it became him for whom are all things," &c. Mr. Cant gave an address on Presbyterianism. Mr. Thomson having put the usual questions to Mr. McLean, who was solemnly inducted, and received the right hand of fellowship from the brethren present, afterwards addressed the minister and people. The congregation, at dismissal, cordially received and welcomed their minister. The Presbytery having resumed their session, Mr. Mc Lean, upon promising to subscribe the formula when required, was received as a member of the court, and his name was added to the roll.

Jutelligenre.

COLLEGE SCHOARSHIPS.

FoUR candidates have appeared to compete for the three scholarships which were lately advertised, in connection with our College; and the scholarships committee

have recently completed the examinations, very materially to the enjoyment of the

and adjudged as follows:

To Mr. Gordon

To Mr. M'Laren

To Mr. Baker

To Mr. Edwards

£40
40

40

20

Mr. Edwards being equal to the other candidates in the departments of Mathematics and Mental Philosophy, the committee were happy to be enabled, by the state of the fund, to put at his disposal a scholarship of smaller amount. It is a most gratifying circumstance, that the appeal for contributions to the Scholarship Fund has been so liberally responded to by the friends of our church and college. It is not often that such appeals bring in more than is asked for, as in the present case. But, though more than was asked for, the result shows that it is not more than was needed, and was fitted to be useful. The number of students in attendance upon the college is twelve.

meeting by their excellent performance of their allotted portion of the evening's programme. After addresses from the representatives of the various Presbyterian Young Men'sand Mutual Improvement Associations in the neighbourhood, and the usual votes of thanks accorded, the benediction pronounced, and the company separated.

was

LEEDS. ST. COLUMBA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.-The annual "Soirée" in connection with the above place of worship was held in the Stock Exchange, Albion Street, Leeds, on Tuesday evening, 13th December. It was one of the largest and most respectable that has been held since the Presbyterian cause was commenced in Leeds; upwards of 400 sat down to an excellent tea provided by the members of the congregation, and many more came afterwards to hear the speeches and music. After the repast, the Rev. Nason Brown, the recently-appointed pastor of the church, was called to the chair. There were present also on the platform-the Rev. A. Cromar, M.A., Liverpool; Rev. A. Inglis, Manchester; Rev. Mr. Craggs (Independent); Mr. Fyfe, of Shipley; with Mr. Alexander Campbell, and Mr. Hazlett, respected members of the Leeds congregation. At intervals during the evening, several appropriate anthems were tastefully sung by the choir of Queen Street Independent Chapel, assisted by the "St. Columba" leaders. The Chairman briefly addressed the meeting, expressing himself highly gratified with the order preserved, and the large attendance, not only of his own people, but also of strangers, representing nearly all the denominations in the town, who had honoured the meeting with their presence. He then called on Mr. Alexander Campbell, elder of the congregation, to give some account of the present state of the church; and his statement was very satisfactory. Having referred to the trials through which the cause had passed, previous to Mr. Brown's settlement as the minister, he was happy to inform the meeting that during the nine months of Mr. Brown's ministry, the number of seatholders was doubled, and that the financial state of the church had improved in a surprising manner. He had no doubt that the church would continue to prosper, and that in a few years it would attain to that importance which it ought to have in Leeds.

CHALMERS'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION, ANCOATS, MANCHESTER.The Second Anniversary Soirée was held in the school-room adjoining the church, on Monday evening, November 7th, 1859 the Rev. Andrew Inglis in the chair. There were about 200 ladies and gentlemen present. After tea, the Rev. Chairman, in his address, briefly reviewed a few of the more important subjects discussed by the Association during the past year. The Secretary, Mr. Wm. Alker, was then called upon to read the annual report, which was of a very satisfactory and encouraging nature. Mr, J. K. Slater next laid down some general principles for the well conducting and proper management of mutual improvement societies generally. Mr. Henry Caughey then addressed the meeting on the present lamentable London "Lockout." His remarks were chiefly in favour of the men. He denounced the masters' "declaration" as an attempt to deprive the workmen of their legitimate rights and liberties. Dessert having been laid upon the tables, and duly discussed, the editor of the "Manuscript Magazine," Mr. Wm. Hurst, was called upon to read a selection therefrom. He accordingly read the two last articles contributed, entitled respectively, "The Town and Country," and "Commerce, its Political and Social Effects." Mr. John B. Inglis, the late president, and the principal originator of the Association, then briefly addressed the meeting, this being his last opportunity previous to his departure for the West [The very long letters we publish Indies. Mr. Joseph Sharples then dwelt upon the advantages and importance of such this month have shut out a good deal societies as this, and was followed by a few of important matter. If our corresremarks from Mr. Jas. Lee.-The choir of pondents will not try to condense their the church, under the able and efficient communications in future, we must.leadership of their precentor, contributed ED.]

THE ENGLISH

PRESBYTERIAN MESSENGER.

NELLORE ;

THE FIELD SUGGESTED FOR OUR INDIAN MISSION.

ONE of the features of the Free Church of Scotland's Mission at Madras is the outflowing of its Christian activities towards the to wns and villages around. The attention of the heads of the Madras Mission was early directed to a town about a hundred miles to the north, called Nellore. This town, the capital of the collectorate of the same name, has a population exceeding thirty thousand, and is, besides, the centre of a field wide enough for extended missionary operations, as it is surrounded by many populous villages, which are open to every one that may choose to visit them, whose adult population is accessible to preaching, and in many of which there is a strong desire for education.

Previous to the year 1840, Frederick Cooper, Esq., a medical officer in the late East India Company's service, had established a school in Nellore, and settled upon it some property, contributed by himself and friends, for its support. At its outset all he aimed at was to teach the natives their own vernacular Telugu and the elements of English. In that year Mr. Cooper placed his school under the superintendence of the Madras missionaries, who undertook it on the expressed and accepted condition that it should be strictly a missionary one, and conducted throughout on Bible principles, without any compromise with caste or heathen idolatry. Since then, with the exception of a short interval, the school has remained under their superintendence. From the beginning it grew yearly in importance; and it assumed a new feature in 1852, when the Rev. S. Ettirajooloo, who had been ordained at Madras as a native missionary the year before, was sent to take charge of the establishment, and to carry on the work of teaching and preaching on a method similar to that pursued at Madras. Ever since, under him, or the Rev. A. Venkataramiah, or the Rev. J. M. Macintosh, with the aid of Christian catechists and teachers, it has been carried on as a full Mission station, with varied results. In addition to the stated labours in the school, the native missionaries make preaching tours in the surrounding villages. Ettirajooloo thus describes one of these:

"During the holidays I had the privilege of declaring the truth in some of the surrounding villages. I was accompanied by E. Ramasawny, who was sent to No. 146.-New Series.

3

assist me last year. It was not only a relief to my mind and body, but also enabled me to see more than ever the utter destitution of this country. Every village, however poor or insignificant, had one or more temples to which the people looked with great veneration. One of the places to which we went was Veerummah Pullay, about thirty miles from Nellore. The moment the villagers saw us they fled into their houses, shut their doors, and soon the rumour was afloat that we had come to rob them. I told them that, far from that, we came to make them rich, and that the unsearchable riches of Christ were committed to us to distribute freely among them. We were obliged to put up under the shadow of a tamarindtree, not far away from the village. In front of us a large tank was spread out in quiet beauty, to our left lay a group of huts, and to our right were extensive paddy fields. In the evening we had very good opportunities of setting forth the truths of the Gospel in Telugu. One old Brahmin who had turned his attention to Vedantism, hearing that we were come with a new revelation, came to see and converse with us. He was intelligent, but extremely subtile. He believed that his soul was a part of his Creator, and that at last he will be swallowed up in the Divine nature. When I showed him the utter childishness and folly of his belief, he was struck dumb. This gave me a very good opportunity to set forth both to him and to the people God's holy and spiritual nature, and Jesus Christ the only way which he has appointed under heaven for the salvation of mankind. Many women also heard us, who are shut up in the inaccessible dungeons of superstition, and doomed to end their days in debasing and disgusting slavery. One Mohammedan family especially drew our attention. The head of it is not yet baptized. He has sat under my ministration for the last nine or ten months, and has made great progress in knowledge. Mr. Anderson, when he was here, set before him solemnly and earnestly his duty; but God has not vouchsafed unto him grace to make a public confession. He gathered around us his large family whom he had been instructing in the truth. They all knew something about the creation, the fall, and the redemption of Christ. This was comparatively a Goshen in the land of Egypt! Poor people! they have many difficulties in the way. They have no means of getting instruction, and the polluted atmosphere is enough to choke their souls. I gave them several portions of Scripture and a few tracts, and took leave of them. They were very unwilling to let me go, but after admonition and prayer that the seed sown in their hearts may yield abundant fruit, we parted."

Such is a specimen of the self-denying labours of our dear missionaries at Nellore. Exhausted more or less with the toils of the school, they go out and recruit themselves by preaching in the country villages during the holidays. Noble men! Instant in season and out of season, in due time you shall reap, if you faint not.

In the beginning of the year 1855 the Rev. J. M. Macintosh,* from Madras, joined the labourers at Nellore. During this year there were manifestations of wide-spread concern among the senior pupils of the English school, and among the girls of the female school. Not a few, both by letter and conversation, discovered to the missionaries a conflict going on between the truth of the Bible and their own corruption, fortified as that was by the errors and prejudices of their own false system and the frightful bulwark of caste. A young man, who had long been a pupil and for some time a teacher in the school, found his way to Madras and was baptized. Not long after, another youth abandoned his hope in Hindooism, broke his caste, and joined the missionaries at Nellore. This brought the struggle between the gospel and caste to a crisis. The heathen felt this, and determined to arrest the progress of the truth. The friends of the youth last referred to were instigated to force him out of the hands of the missionaries. Having failed to carry their point by bringing their case before the magistrate, they endeavoured to seize him by open violence when returning from the magistrate's

* MS. Paper, by the Rev. J. M. Macintosh.