with a large congregation, although tions cannot come into territorial collision; in a somewhat incongruous condition but if Dr. King had said to Mr. Chalmers, ecclesiastically, for the minister is con- "We are to spend a given sum of money in nected with the United Presbyterian the formation of a new Presbyterian congreChurch, and the congregation, with the gation in London, and we would gladly have congregational property, are not yet, we your advice respecting a proposal for its fear, clearly cemented in that union.* This employment in South Islington," he would station in Islington was not, therefore, have obtained a clear and courteous reply urgently required in the interests of Presby- against the scheme. If any party had last terianism; but in advocating the translation year, or in this year, proposed the formation of Mr. Edmond, the general state of religion of a new congregation to the London Presin London was adduced as a reason, and a bytery of the English Church, in the locality very proper reason, for Evangelical effort where Mr. Edmond is now placed, Mr. there. Again, however, a slight geogra- Chalmers would have urged them to adopt phical knowledge of London would have some other quarter. We have not heard, convinced the United Presbyterian body directly or indirectly, his opinion, or the that, for general missionary purposes, a opinion of any other member or minister of needless waste of strength was incurred in the English Presbyterian Church on this removing an able minister from Glasgow, particular mission, which must be mainespecially from Mr. Edmond's position in tained by extra congregational support; but Glasgow, to Islington. London is very we have no doubt respecting it, from their inadequately supplied with "the means of general practice. The south of London grace,' "but it is divided into districts much contains nearly one million of persons, and more completely separated for moral and between Battersea and Greenwich only one religious objects than could be easily sup- small Presbyterian congregation exists; posed by persons unacquainted with the but many families, belonging originally to metropolis. We heard Dr. Hamilton once Scotland or to Ulster, reside in that district; describe Islington as in this respect the and if the United Presbyterian Church had Goshen of London; and the comparison employed its means, and one or more than was perfectly correct. His own church and one of its ministers, on some point of that its stations are in St. Pancras. We have great field, the effort would have been, we known Islington generally for over twenty believe, useful. The step they have taken years, and very intimately for a large portion will not, we hope, be useless; but at a of the time; and the removal of a minister period when other measures are neglected, from Glasgow to Islington, with an ordinary although they are urgently required, we can mission purpose, is his withdrawal from one hardly say that it displays perfect wisdom. of the high places of the field to a compara- We do not even acknowledge the necessity tively cultivated and sheltered nook. The of maintaining differences in England that remark would be inapplicable to his transla- are little more than nominal there, and must tion from Glasgow to London, if the posi- act as distractions. The Irish Presbyterians tion were judiciously selected. have established congregations in different Dr. King, in recommending this step to towns of England, from the idea that an the Glasgow Presbytery of the United Pres- Irish minister might attract Irish families; byterian Synod, stated that he had some but they invariably placed them under the conversation with Mr. Chalmers of Maryle- English Presbyterian Church. Some time bone on the subject, who kindly assisted him since, a union of the congregations of the in examining the grounds suggested for a United Presbyterians in England with the site, and entertained an ardent desire for the Church there was proposed. It has not realisation of their scheme, without the been completed, and little progress has been slightest feeling that it might possibly inter-made in the arrangement of terms; but it is fere with the interests of his own congrega- desirable for the interest of Presbyterian tion. Dr. King has been in Mr. Chalmer's principles; and either the Churches in Church probably, and he has been in Isling- England act erroneously in maintaining ton; yet he evidently did not know that the " 'distraction," or those of the colonies have distance between the hall in which Mr. Ed- erred in uniting together. If the United mond preaches, or perhaps any part of Presbyterian Synod of Scotland believe in South Islington, and Marylebone Presbyte- the necessity of maintaining their distinctive rian Church, is four miles; and Mr. Chal-title in London, they have done well in mers, we are confident, would accept none of this credit for disinterestedness imputed to him by Dr. King, although he would have exhibited it in other circumstances, because the contemplated and the existing congrega

entering upon engagements for the maintenance of this mission; but they need not say that it is in the general interests of Presbyterianism, and it cannot help materially one gentleman, a member of parlia ment, who could not discover a Presbyterian congregation near the two Houses, and con

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judge of the difficulties that Christian young establishments where they are boarded on men have to contend with in those huge the premises. I rejoiced exceedingly when I heard that Mr. Edmond had consented to go to London,-a man who has proved himself to have a large, warm heart, and who can and is willing to sympathise with young men, and who is capable of giving them good counsel and advice peculiar to their circumstances, and more, that wherever he has been he has succeeded. He is a tried man; and, with the spirit in which he has commenced his labours, we cannot doubt of his success.

sidered his want of a directory or of local knowledge a good reason for establishing a mission at a point four miles from them: while if that Church want the extension of Presbyterianism in London, they would have done better, and would have secured all the advantages they are entitled to expect, by selecting for their enterprise one of the many populous and unoccupied localities in the metropolis. The maintenance of denominational peculiarities, distraction, and weakness, is on one side, and the reasonable hope of strength in union on the other; yet we should scarcely have mentioned the facts, if there were not still opportunity to correct them, and to render the "mission" more useful than in its present locality it the neighbourhood have not met with more I regret extremely that the churches in can ever become for general interests, and success than they have done. All could the maintenance of religious practice and accommodate more than attend them; and principles among the Presbyterians scattered it ought to become a serious question, both. over London, or their extension among with ministers, Sessions, and people, What other classes of its vast population. We is the hindrance to their prosperity?" cannot leave the subject without expressing pleasure at the vigour with which the United Presbyterian Church have entered on this scheme, although a better site might be selected.

In reply, the Witness says,—

"From one of these letters we learn that the Islington station is not the only geogra phical error that the United Presbyterian

Two letters in reply to the above have ap- Church in this country is likely to commit, peared in the Witness,—

Its

unless we accept the second letter as a "Had the writer of the article given an writer states that the United Presbyterians correct explanation of their views. estimate of the number of the Scotch in the of Scotland, when they remove to London, district, his readers could have formed a prefer Congregationalism to the Free or correct judgment of the necessities of the Established Churches. If they act on this case. Islington is commonly called the opinion, we cannot object to the formation Scotch colony; they prefer to settle in this of their churches wherever their means perneighbourhood, especially those connected mit; but we are obliged to believe that the with business in the city, who are not their desire for Presbyterian union is not prevalent own masters, who may be styled the middle among them. There are no "Free" Churches classes, and many of whom belong to the in London, in the sense used by our corresUnited Presbyterian Church, who rather pondent. The English Presbyterian Church prefer to attend the ministry of the Congre- has a closer connection with the Free Church gationalists than the churches connected of Scotland than with any other Presbyte. with the Established or Free Church. Albion rian Church; but the reason is obvious, in Chapel is the nearest to the new station, the determination of the United Presbytewhich is nearly two miles distant,-much | rians, or a few leading men among them, to too far for a family to go, considering the maintain distinctions that are not clearly very crowded thoroughfares leading to it, understood in England. especially evening service. No doubt this chapel is large, and plenty spare accommodation for double the number that attend it. This is not to be wondered at, considering the want of a stated pastorate for so considerable a time. There is no want of population in the city of Scotch Presbyterians, who would fili double the number of such churches, should a pastor be chosen who could sympathise with, and arrest the sympathy of, the young men engaged in business, who may be said to be without a home, and under an influence hostile to the practice of a religious profession; and it is a wonder that there are not more who make shipwreck of their faith. No one can rightly

have given some estimate of the number of Our correspondent thinks that we should Scotch families in Islington. The number of families obviously of Scotch descent among the middle classes of London is onefourth or thereby; but the great majority have long ceased to have any connection with this country, except some traditional idea, and their family names. terian Churches are blamable in part for the change that has gradually occurred in Our Presbythe religious profession of this section of that population; and when the United Presbyterians endeavour, at some considerable expenditure in the meantime, to make provision for this field, we regret that they

cannot be induced to co-operate with other parties who have already accomplished part of the necessary work.

have no theory to guide us-the facts are too few, and too far removed from ordinary experience, to warrant any dogmatic interpretation of them. We are not, therefore, about to pronounce any opinion-but we shall venture to throw out a few suggestions intended to modify the moral tone and spirit of both parties to the controversy.

"The number of persons resident in Islington and born in Scotland is not very great,-probably four to six thousand; but we have no exact return of the number, and we may be mistaken; while we cannot be mistaken in saying that, if the United And, first, we may observe, that the very Presbyterian Church of Scotland be to pay extraordinary nature of the facts deponed to, for the establishment of congregations in and their wide deviation from the current of London, the sites should be selected at some common experience, do not suffice to wardistance from other Presbyterian Churches, rant their rejection, qua facts. These and not in their immediate vicinity, either at characteristics, undoubtedly, impose on us Paddington or Islington, unless some differ- an obligation to weigh, count, and scrupu ence of principle exists so broad as to lously appreciate the testimony which, from prevent co-operation, and, in that case, it various quarters, is adduced in support of was unnecessary to enter upon any negotia- the affirmative. We have not sufficient tion for a union of the Churches in England; means of ascertaining whether the "spirituand we think that this opinion is entertained alists" have, or have not, courted fair generally by the members of the United investigation. We are willing, for the Presbyterian Church, being consistent with present, to assume that they have shrunk the economy of missions, and the employ- from no test proposed to them in a becoming ment of means where they are most requisite. spirit. But, surely, on the hypothesis that The members of the United Presbyterian their theory is a correct one, they are bound Church of Nova Scotia were unanimously to admit that no test proposed with a boná wrong on the 4th of October, if the policy fide intention of getting at the truth, and pursued towards London in "Old Scotland" by that body be right,

SPIRITUALISM.

(From the "Nonconformist.") A GREAT controversy is raging just now in the columns of the Morning Star, on what are called "spiritual manifestations." Extraordinary statements of what disembodied spirits can do, and have done, with both mind and matter, in this world of ours, are most respectably attested-and, on the other hand, easy denunciations of credulity, insinuations of collusion, dogmatisms of socalled science, and burning as well as brilliant sparkles of ridicule, are profusely scattered about. We have watched the fray with much interest. We cannot profess to side with either party. Indeed, we look upon the contest with ulterior views and expectations, differing by a long way from both. We cannot help thinking-in truth, we have cherished the notion for some years that mankind is approaching a discovery which, when made, will put them into possession of the key to a vast number of now unacaccountable phenomena connected more or less closely with the vital forces of nature, and the laws by which mind can act upon what is extraneous to itself, whether animate or inanimate. Approaching," we say, without presuming to measure, even in conjecture, the distance yet remaining to be passed, or the number of mysteries to be uncovered. We frankly confess, for ourselves, that we

fairly adapted, when applied, to elicit a decisive response, one way or the other, ought, in a matter of such grave importance, to be refused as implying a sceptical and unbelieving spirit. It is all very well to say that the "spirits" have their own ways of working, and that they are offended at such and such impertinencies of an incredulous mind-what is wanted, however, before we can rationally yield a satisfied belief in their agency, is that they should do what they are assumed to do, under conditions which shall exclude the possibility of a mistake, or the success of an imposture.

Now, the spiritualists will hardly deny that some of the conditions and modes of manifestation in the phenomena alluded to, if intelligent spiritual beings be the agents, are, at least, such as we should not have anticipated, and that professed mediums, wooden tables, and half-darkened chambers, are well fitted to suggest some doubt of supernatural intervention. Even a man well disposed towards belief, and quite open to conviction, might properly inquire, What is the speciality which constitutes a good medium? Is it physical construction or temperament? Or is it moral superiority? Or is it religious adaptation? About the fact that these spiritual manifestations, as they are designated, do take place more quickly, more frequently, and, in much higher kinds, in the presence of some persons rather than others, there will be no dispute. Well, now, it is surely rational to inquire what there is in such persons that can be assigned as distinguishing them from others. We do not ask why the spirits prefer

this or that man as a medium to another experiment. If to the latter, they must - but when the preference is very mark- furnish us with adequate moral credentials. edly displayed, we think we may ask whether Startling and inexplicable facts, even wheu there is, or is not, any assignable peculiarity they are contradictory of our whole sum of in that man-physical, moral, or religious. experience-nay, even when, at first blush, Again, as to tables. Are tables of any ma- they seem to imply intelligent agency-are terial equally operated upon by the spirits? too narrow a basis upon which to build so Will slate, for instance, answer as well as towering a structure as "spiritualism" in its mahogany? or iron or silver as well as deal? modern sense. We do not say that the If, according to the hypothesis, spirits have devotees of the new and fascinating faith power to lift by their sole agency a maho- must necessarily be wrong-but we do say gany board to the ceiling, or even dash it that before they can fairly assume to be to splinters, it can hardly be irreverent to right, their investigations must take a very ask whether they can do the same thing different shape than that of merely questionwith the hearthstone, or, still better, with ing the oracle. the stones of a foot pavement in the streets? No greater physical force would be wanted in the one case than in the other. Has the experiment ever been tried? Can the spirits act as powerfully upon inert matter in the open air, as in a semi-lighted apartment? Is there any medium in whose presence the spirits can or will lift, in an open field, not a heavy dining-table, but a pebble not bigger than an egg, and transport it twenty, ten, or even five yards, into a basket set there to receive it? It is assumed by the theory that spirits have power over inert matter. Does the theory embrace all inert matter, or only wood? Does it include wood, wherever and under whatever circumstances it may be found, or only within doors, and shaped by the upholsterer? The spiritualists really insist upon the existence of certain modes of approach whereby unseen spirits can exert visible power over matter. If there be any truth in their theory it cannot be improper to find out by actual experiment whether those modes can be varied, and whether the power they exert is restricted to wood and hats when not in the open air.

But it is not only, nor chiefly, in the power they can exert over inert matter, that the agency of spirits is said to be manifested, but in the performance of acts, and the communication of intelligence, which can only be performed and communicated by beings themselves intelligent. They play the accordion beautifully. Might they not be asked to play the organ in St. Paul's? Might they not set at rest a whole host of doubts by drawing sweet sounds out of a harp or violoncello? Or is the accordion the only musical instrument over which they have power? They disclose to a physician the death of a patient. Does their power extend to the discovery of the circumstances under which, and the person or persons by whom, the Road murder was perpetrated ? These are not captious questious. We are asked to ascribe certain extraordinary phenomenaphenomena, however, which have occasionally presented themselves to notice from the beginning of the world-to the agency of disembodied spirits. We think it not impertinent to ask that, instead of doing a hundred things which are of no use whatever, unless it be to strike the mind with wonder, they should do one thing, though it were but one, which shall benefit mankind by furthering the ends of justice-that they should unravel one mystery, or disclose one secret, which could not be done but by their intervention, and the doing of which will be of direct and essential service to the world.

Now, without for a moment questioning, much less denying, the remarkable phenomena which seem to be so well attested, and which exhibit the mobility of matter (of one or two kinds, at least) in the absence of any moving power with which we are as yet acquainted; and admitting, as we readily do, that several impostures will not set aside one well-attested fact; and that all truths, but For, it ought never to be forgotten in an especially all great truths, in the process of inquiry of this kind, that by resorting to the emerging from obscurity to light, invariably spiritual world for an explanation of remarkattract towards themselves a good deal of able facts, the assent, not merely of our clever scoundrelism which would strangle intellectual, but of our moral power is them in their cradle, but that they are demanded. The spirits of the departed cantruths we beg to remind the spiritualists not be brought upon this mundane stage, that, by inventing a theory to account for without altering most of our established these strange facts, they place themselves notions respecting the methods of Divine under obligations to present to the world a government, and the authority of Divine good deal more, and of a much higher kind, revelation. We instinctively turn, therefore, than simple and incontrovertible testimony to scrutinise the moral pretensions of this to the facts themselves. Do they intend to agency, as disclosed by its performances. It add to the domains of our knowledge, or of is the moral aim, object, and effect of the our faith? If to the former, they must Christian miracles which stamps them with submit to the widest range of scientific their high authority. The medium, the

purpose, the significance, and the obvious adaptation, of those supernatural displays, were strikingly in accordance with the highest conceptions we can frame of the Divine mind and will. Now, we think ourselves entitled to ask for some resemblance to this in modern spiritual manifestations. And we must say that we ask in vain. We know of no manifestation the moral weight of which suggests, or will appropriately admit of, spiritual agency. They all seem to us puerile, or purposeless, or trite, and recall Hamlet's observation, "There needs no ghost come from the other world to tell us that." We do not say the spirits cannot do something better-something which shall make a more powerful appeal to the heart of humanity. But, until they do, our spiritual friends must not be surprised that their theory is slighted, even where their facts are believed.

basis of calculation the published values of the various dignities and livings, which values are in many cases much below the real value-states that in the Church of England, there are 13,215 dignities and livings, with a gross income of nearly £4,000,000; and that the Irish Church has two Archbishops and 13 Bishops, with 300 dignities and 2000 livings, with an annual income of nearly £1,000,000; total for both countries, 15,500, with an aggregate income of nearly £5,000,000.

The Crown, nominally-the ministry of the day, virtually-has the disposal of about 200 dignities (such as Bishoprics, &c.) and 290 livings, of the annual value of £400,000. The Prince of Wales 29 livings, worth £8,000. The Lord Chancellor 788, of the value of £200,000. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 48, value £15,000. The Archbishops and Bishops, with the Deans and Chapters, have the disposal of 4,000 dignities and livings, of the value of £1,000,000. The University of Oxford has 482 livings, value £150,000. Cambridge has 307 livings, value £100,000.

On the whole, we are inclined to think that much more importatnt results might flow from a strict, impartial, and vigilant investigation of the phenomena apart from all theory. We have no doubt the facts, so far as they are facts, are leading the way to some unknown but important truth. We recommend the laying aside of pre-judgments, and dogmatism, on both sides. We The livings under private patronage have ever held with our immortal bard that, are 7063, with an income of nearly "there are more things in heaven and earth £2,000,000.-Liberator. than our philosophy e'er dreamt of." We BISHOP AUCKLAND.-A special effort have also held in profound contempt the so- has been made by the Primitive, Indecalled scientific scepticism which denies the pendent, and Free Church Societies possibility of anything which does not re-(who all united), for an outpouring concile itself to its own limited knowledge of the Holy Spirit; and we are happy and experience. But, on the other hand, we to say their earnest expectations so think much more caution and modesty far have been realised, and the faithful might be evinced in the generalisation of extraordinary facts. Something more we prayers of God's people have been are probably destined, by and bye, to know blessed. Believers have been quickened, of life and its forces, and of its connection with matter, and power over it, than we can now boast of having ascertained. But, depend upon it, this is a race of inquiry which will not be to the swift-and virtue will consist, not in hurriedly leaping to conclusions, but in thoroughly scrutinising phenomena, watching them in their various aspects, applying to them every rational test, and with our eyes wide open, and sweeping the whole field before us, following wherever facts indubitably lead us.

UNION PRAYER-MEETINGS.-It is said that there are no less than one thousand union prayer-meetings in the United States, eight hundred in England, four hundred in Ireland, and three hundred in Scotland. Union church organisations also are springing up all over Protestant Christendom.

PATRONAGE IN THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH.-The Patriot taking as the

backsliders have been reclaimed and healed, and sinners have been awakened and saved. The Spirit has moved upon the waters; the promise to the ancient has been literally fulfilled to the modern church-" And I will make them and the places round about a blessing, and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; and there shall be showers of blessing." We have opened the meetings with singing and prayer: afterwards two short addresses have been given, and we then waited on the Lord in prayer twenty or thirty minutes, and pointed such as were under conviction to the "Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world;"' and when such have got liberty, we praised the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and concluded. The greatest unanimity has, so far, characterised the proceedings, and newly-born souls have been left to their own choice of church.