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ordinance of the Lord's Supper at Stafford Whiteham, and Rev. Joseph Burns, who on an early day.

Attention was called to the resolution of Synod, relative to the observance of the Tercentenary of the Reformation, and the members expressed their intention of giving effect thereto.

A Committee was appointed to examine Broad Street Day School. A Conference was held with the Trustees of the Smethwick Manse, from which it appeared that for the last two years no payments had been made to the Building Society, the rents received having been expended in repairs and other payments, to the exclusion of the Building Society, whose claims now amounts to about £90. After much conversation and discussion Presbytery agreed "That the Trustees be, and hereby are instructed to comply with the decision of Synod in the application of the rents for the future, and the Presbytery further suggest as a means of so far meeting the present claims of the Building Society, the employment for that purpose of the balance of the Endowment Fund, £58 2s. 6d., now stated to be in the bank, and further that if necessary, the Trustees confer with managers of the Society as to extending the time of payment.

Congregational books and Session Records were directed to be laid before next meeting, and overtures sent down from Synod to be

then considered.

The Presbytery arranged for a public meeting, bearing especially on Missionary objects, to be held on the evening of next day of meeting, at Dudley.

Adjourned to meet at Dudley on the 1st Tuesday of February at half-past two o'clock.

Intelligence.

narrated some very striking incidents of the Revival of Religion within his own congregation, and concluded a speech of great power by urging all to seek a Revival and to be faithful.

The proceedings of the evening were wound up by votes of thanks to speakers, singers, managers, strangers, and chairman, which drew forth several pithy little speeches from lay gentlemen connected with the district. Between the addresses the audience were enlivened and delighted by pieces of sacred melody which were very effectively sung by Mr. James McGibbon, Annan, and a numerous class of young people connected with the congregation. At a quarter to eleven the assembly of about 450 were dismissed with the parting hymn, and the benediction.

CHALMERS' PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION, ANCOATS, MANCHESTER. The third Anniversary Meeting of the above Association was held in the school-room, behind the church. The President, Mr. James K. Slater, occupied the chair. There were present upwards of 180 ladies and gentlemen.

Tea and thanksgiving being over, the chairman, in his opening address, briefly and pointedly urged the claims of such associations as this upon the attention and support of those labouring for the spread of education and religion, more especially ministers and members of congregations with which they are connected.

The Annual Report was then read by the Secretary, Mr. William Alker, and was adopted, as satisfactory, upon the motion of Mr. Joseph Wood, seconded by Mr. Samuel Johnston.

The Rev. Andrew Inglis, of Warrington (till lately the pastor of this church), having, sometime ago, offered a prize for the best Essay written by a member of this Association, now reported the decision of the adjudicators, and finally awarded the prize to Mr. Henry Waghorn, for his Essay, entitled "The Source of England's Power." Mr. Inglis also intimated his willingness to give a prize next year for the second best Essay, should a first one be offered, and not less than ten Essays sent in. Shortly afterwards it was intimated that Mr. Brown and Mr. Scott, two members of the congregation, would, conjointly,

BEWCASTLE.-On Tuesday evening, 27th Nov., a soiree numerously attended by residents upon both sides of the Border, was held in the Presbyterian Church, Bewcastle, Rev. William Tweedie, minister, in the chair. After praise and prayer the Chairman called on the Rev. J. B. Thompson, U.P., Holywell, to address the meeting. Mr. Thompson's subject was "Christian Unity," and in a lengthened and lucid speech he illustrated and enforced the fact of the one-give a first prize. ness of believers in Christ, and the necessity Dessert having been placed on the tables, and importance of their exhibiting it by living together in holy concord, and cooperating in every good work. The meeting was then addressed by Revs. Mr. Laurie, Carlisle, Harvey, Maryport, Macleod, Workington, Taylor, Brampton, Sands, Elder,

and after a few words from Mr. Brown, Mr. Henry Waghorn read an extract from his Essay, which was well received. The deputies from the various Presbyterian and United Presbyterian Associations in the neighbourhood, on behalf of their various

Associations, expressed their goodwill and sympathy towards this Association.

The choir of the church, under the efficient leadership of their precentor, Mr. Lewis, favoured the meeting with an excellent programme. The usual votes of thanks having been accorded, and the benediction pronounced, the meeting was brought to a close at half-past ten o'clock.

tory replies, was set apart by prayer, to the pastoral charge of the congregation. The Rev. Dr. McCrie delivered an admirable address to the minister, and the Rev. Dr. Lorimer addressed the congregation on their duties and responsibilities. At the termination of the services, Mr. Davison received a hearty welcome from the people as they retired from the church. In the evening, a crowded tea-meeting was held in Albion Hall, in connection with the induction. After tea, the assemblage adjourned to the lecture-hall, when addresses were delivered by the Chairman, Mr.. Davison, the Revs. Wm. Chalmers, John Edmond (United Presbyterian Church), Dr. McCrie, Dr. Lorimer, Dr. Weir, and other friends. The meeting was most hearty, and enthusiastic. On Sabbath, the 2nd December, Mr. Davison was introduced by the Rev. Dr. Lorimer, who preached a most excellent sermon from 1 Cor. xiv. 3, 4. In the evening, Mr. Davison preached from 1 Cor. iv. 20, to a

BIRDHOPECRAIG, NORTHUMBERLAND. The Rev. M. Davison having accepted a second unanimous call from the Dalston Presbyterian congregation, London, to become their pastor, a public meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church, Birdhopecraig, on Tuesday, the 20th November, to take farewell of Mr. Davison. The meeting having been opened by appropriate devotional exercises, Mr. Ephraim Anderson, in the name of the Bible Class, presented Mr. Davison with a massive gold chain, with gold seal and key attached. Mr. Hedley, of North Shields, then presented him, in the name of the congregation, with a purse of large and most attentive congregation. gold, and a richly-chased gold pencil-case. Mr. Davison acknowledged the valuable gifts, in feeling terms, and assured those attached friends whom he was about to leave, that he would never cease to remember the happy years he had spent among them.

GROSVENOR SQUARE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MANCHESTER.-This congregation who had expended many thousands of pounds on their church and school edifices ten years ago, have just completed the laudable effort in which, for the last eighteen months, they have been engaged, of raising the sum of £2,200, to liquidate a debt which remained pressing heavily upon them.

There is every ground to believe, that the sanguine expectation with which the Dalston congregation have looked forward to the settlement of Mr. Davison amongst them, will be fully realised, and that by the blessing of God, a large and influential congregation will soon be gathered together.

UNION OF THE FREE AND UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES IN CANADA AND IN NOVA SCOTIA. THE fourth of October 1860 will be a day long held in remembrance among Presbyterians in British North America. On that

The members generally entered most heartily into the object, and contributed so cheerfully and liberally, that we have now day all the remaining difficulties in conto make the gratifying announcement that nection with the Union between the Presbythe debt is entirely extinguished; and that terian Church of Canada, and the United the noble pile of buildings, consisting of Presbyterian Church, were surmounted, and church, lecture-hall, and schools, erected the two Synods formally resolved to conby this congregation when they were con

strained to make the sacrifice of leaving summate the Union in June next, and their church in St. Peter's Square, is now pre-appointed Committees for carrying out the sented a free-will offering to the Lord.

We congratulate the esteemed pastor, Dr. Munro, on the accomplishment of an object which he so earnestly desired; and on the zeal and spirit of Christian liberality, shown by all classes of his people on this occasion, which is full of promise for the future welfare and prosperity of the congregation.

DALSTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, LONDON.-On Friday, the 30th November, the Rev. M. Davison, late of Birdhopecraig, was inducted as minister of this church. The Rev. J. Walker, of Rochester preached, and put the usual questions to the minister elect. Mr. Davison having given satisfac

necessary arrangements. In Nova Scotia the day was, in a still more signal manner, marked by the actual consummation of the Union between the two bodies.

The Synods of these respective Churches in Canada met at Toronto, and on the above day finally adopted the following preamble to a basis of Union.

"The Presbyterian Church of Canada and the United Presbyterian Church in Canada, believing that it would be for the glory of God, and for the advancement of the cause of Christ in the land, that they should be

united, and form one Church, do hereby agree to unite on the following basis, to be subscribed by the Moderators of the respective Synods in their name and behalf; declaring, at the same time, that no inference from the fourth article of said basis is held to be legitimate, which asserts that the Civil Magistrate has the right to prescribe the faith of the Church, or to interfere with the freedom of her ecclesiastical action; further that unanimity of sentiment is not required in regard to the practical application of the principle embodied in the said fourth article, and that, whatever differences of sentiment may arise on these subjects, all action in reference thereto shall be regulated by, and be subject to, the recognised principles of Presbyterian Church order.

"Be it therefore resolved;

I. "Of Holy Scripture.-That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, being the inspired Word of God, are the supreme and infallible rule of faith and life.

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IV. "Of the Headship of Christ over the Nations, and the duty of the civil magistrate. That the Lord Jesus Christ, as Mediator, is invested with universal sovereignty, and is therefore King of Nations, and that all men in every capacity and relation are bound to obey his will as revealed in his Word; and particularly that the civil magistrate (including under that term all who are in any way concerned in the Legislative or Administrative action of the State) is bound to regulate his official procedure, as well as his personal conduct, by

the revealed will of Christ.

II. "Of the subordinate standards.—That V. "Of Church Government.-That the the Westminster Confession of Faith, with system of polity established in the Westthe Larger and Shorter Catechisms, are re-minster Form of Presbyterian Church Govceived by this Church as her subordinate

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to be understood

1. "That no interpretation or reception of these sections is held by this Church, which would interfere with the fullest forbearance as to any difference of opinion which may prevail on the question of the endowment of the Church by the State.

2. "That no interpretation or reception of these sections is required by this Church, which would accord to the State any authority to violate that liberty of conscience and right of judgment which are asserted in Chap. xx. sec. 2 of the Confession; and in accordance with the statements of which this Church holds that every person ought to be at full liberty to search the Scriptures for himself, and to follow out what he conscientiously believes to be the teaching of Scripture, without let or hindrance; provided that no one is to be allowed, under the pretext of following the dictates of conscience, to interfere with the peace and good order of society.

3. "That no interpretation or reception of these sections is required by this Church, which would admit of any interference on the part of the state with the spiritual independence of the Church, as set forth in Chap. xxx. of the Confession.

ernment, in so far as it declares a plurality of Elders for each congregation, the official equality of Presbyters, without any officers in the Church superior to the said Presbyters, and the unity of the Church in a due subordination of a smaller part to a larger, and of a larger to the whole, is the Govern ment of this Church, and is, in the features of it herein set forth, believed by this Church to be founded on and agreeable to the Word of God.

VI." Of Worship.-That the ordinances of worship shall be administered in this Church, as they have heretofore been, by the respective bodies of which it is composed, in a general accordance with the directions contained in the Westininster Directory of Worship."

It was agreed that the name of the United Body should be "The Canada Presbyterian Church," and that the Union should be consummated at the annual meeting to be held at Montreal in June next.

The Nova Scotian Synods met at Pictou on the 3rd October to settle several preliminary matters: the following, with the necessary changes, was the final minute of both Churches:

"The Synod of the Free Church of Nova Scotia, considering that a basis of Union with the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia, has been prepared, deliberately considered, and cordially sanc. tioned by both Synods; and having been remitted for the consideration of Pres

byteries and Kirk Sessions, has met with two Synods should meet and consummate their cordial and unanimous approval, and the Union on a rising ground in the neighconsidering that by the good hand of their bourhood of Pictou, on which were erected God upon them they have completed all two tents, connected together, one of them other preparatory arrangements, do new with surmounted by the Blue Banner' of the fervent gratitude to God for past goodness Presbyterian Church of other days, with the to the Free Church of Nova Scotia, and for legend'FOR CHRIST'S CROWN AND having led them and their brethren of the CoVENANT,' and the other having floating Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia thus over it a white banner with the inscriptionfar, and in humble dependence on his 'THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE.' To these gracious blessing in the solemn and interest- tents which were filled to overflowing, the ing step they are about to take, and with members of the two Synods walked in proearnest prayer that he would pour down the cession. The Rev. Mr. Murdoch, the senior rich influences of his Spirit on the United Moderator, gave out the hundredth Psalm. Church, and would enable her ministers, The Clerks read the final minutes of the reelders and people to improve the privileges spective Synods. The Rolls were then they enjoy, and discharge the obligations called, after which the Rev. P. G. McGregor devolving on them, resolve and hereby read the basis of Union which was enrecord their Resolution, forthwith to repair grossed on parchment, the members of the as a constituted Synod to the place prepared, two Synods standing, while the basis of in order that they may there, as arranged, Union was being read. The two moderators unite with their brethren of the Presbyterian thereafter affixed their signatures to the Church of Nova Scotia, and form one Synod basis of Union. to be known as The Synod of the Presbyterian Church of the Lower Provinces of British North America,' and that they may henceforth work together in the fear of God and in the comforts of the Holy Ghoststriving for the faith of the Gospel, for the purity of Divine ordinances, and for the enlargement of the Church of Christ: And this Synod declare that whereas they are the Synod of the identical Church which in the year 1844 assumed the designation of The Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia adhering to the Westminster Standards,' and which in 1848 assumed its present designation of 'The Free Church of Nova Scotia,' so they shall be considered the Synod of the same Free Church when, united with the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia, it shall be known under the designation of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of the Lower Provinces of British North America,' and shall be entitled to, and vested in all the authority, rights, and benefits to which it is now, or may become entitled: And this Synod further declare that each of the congregations under its inspection, whether they shall adopt a name to be hereafter fixed, or shall retain, as they shall be permitted to do if they shall deem proper, the name by which they have hitherto been designated, shall not be held, though remaining in consequence of this Union under the inspection of the Synod of the United Church, as in any respect changing their ecclesiastical connection, or affecting any of their civil rights."

"On the morning of Thursday the fourth, the greatest interest was manifested by all in Pictou, where were assembled many Presbyterians from various quarters of the Province. It had been arranged that the

"The Rev. Mr. Murdoch then declared that the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia (United Presbyterian) was from this date merged into and should be known as the 'PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE LOWER PROVINCES OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA,' and should be entitled to all the rights, and vested in all the privileges, to which it is now, or may hereafter become, entitled. The Rev. Mr. Forbes having made a similar declaration in reference to the Free Church, the moderators gave each other the right hand of fellowship-all the ministers and elders following their example, the choir and the whole audience singing the 133rd Psalm,

"Behold, how good a thing it is,
And how becoming well,
Together such as brethren are,
In unity to dwell!"

"This was a most affecting scene, and the big tears rolled down many a cheek not used to weeping.

"Mr. Murdoch then moved, and Mr. Forbes seconded, that the Rev. Professor King, of Halifax, be now chosen moderator. This was agreed to unanimously, and the Professor took the chair amid loud and repeated cheers. He then offered up solemn prayer; after which it was moved by Mr. Bayne and seconded by Mr. N. McKay, that Messrs. Duff and McGregor be the clerks of the Synod, and agreed unanimously. The Roll of the United Synod, was then called and every member requested to signify his assent or dissent from the basis of Union. gave their assent. Members then signed the basis in order of seniority.

All

"Rev. Mr. McGillivray gave out a Psalm and read some passages of Scripture, after which Mr. Roy offered up prayer.

"Professor King then addressed the Synod in very spirited and appropriate terms.”

Original Papers.

THE REFORMATION IN ITS PRESBYTERIAN ASPECT.

BY THE REV. DAVID KING, LL.D."

I HAVE been requested to view the occasion of our meeting in its relation to Presbytery. Under some aspects this topic is not altogether agreeable. Had I been solicited to express my favourable sentiments of Christian friends in the Established Episcopal Church, or in the Methodist Connexion, or in the Congregational Union, I might have responded to the call with unreserved and heartfelt satisfaction.

But next to the egotism of speaking about one's-self, is that of speaking about one's sect, and as a Presbyterian, I feel as if there were somewhat of this indelicacy in now obtruding and commending Presbytery.

It is so in Scot

Yet this subject is infallibly raised by the circumstances. land; and the exposition of it is not less needed, but is rather more needful in England. If the facts are not here explained, they are liable to be misapprehended, and my whole attempt in the following brief address will be to obviate some local misapprehensions. Surely this measure of advocacy is allowable and inoffensive.

Presbytery, though once powerful in England, and still numbering many churches, is now comparatively enfeebled and shrivelled. And hence, many judging of all time by the present, and of all space by the Southern division of Great Britain, are apt to suppose that we are an isolated few, and resemble somewhat the frog beside the ox, in the fable, striving to dilate ourselves into rival consequence. But wherever our comparative deficiency may lie, it is not in numbers or extension. Visits to Scotland are now favourite pleasure trips with English tourists and there they may see Presbyterianism almost universally prevalent. Some minor bodies are highly estimable in character, and in their moral influence are extensively useful; but numerically they are inconsiderable.

If we pass over to France, the Protestantism of that country has been identified with Presbytery. A vigorous Protestant church--one of the greatest churches of the Reformation-long flourished there, and the remains of it left by exterminating persecution are still a principal check to Papal intolerance, and a principal hope of Gallican improvement.

The Protestant Swiss Cantons are Presbyterian. The Waldenses among the Piedmontese mountains, who rendered such service to pure religion during the dark ages, are Presbyterian. The like statement is applicable to Holland, and to many sections of the European continent.

If we cross the Atlantic, the new world gives largely its suffrages for the same system. In the United States the Baptists and Methodists are in

* Read at a Public Meeting, held in Freemasons' Hall, London, Dec. 20th, 1860. No. 158.-New Series.

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