sustained. On the motion of the clerk, | McLelland, seconded by Mr. T. W. Brown, the Revs. J. M. Ross (of Manchester) and moved that the report be adopted, but that J. B. Johnstone (of Warrington) being the question of publication be left to future present, were associated, and took their consideration. Mr. Reid moved the adopseats accordingly. Mr. J. Brown having tion of the report, but that the lectures be taken the chair, Mr. T. W. Brown moved not published. By the casting vote of the that the Presbytery do hold a private con- Moderator, Mr. McLelland's motion was ference on the subject of Union. To this carried. The Presbytery agreed to the the Presbytery agreed. And having con- proposed scheme of visiting the several sidered the matter fully, on resuming in congregations. Mr. Hedley, sen., theu open court, on the motion of Mr. T. W. submitted the following report of the Brown, seconded by Mr. Reid, it was Presbyterial Church Extension Committee. agreed unanimously that the following be 1. The Committee unanimously recomthe deliverance of this Presbytery anent mend Hull as a suitable field in which to the Report of the Union Committee sent commence operations; and as a prelimidown for consideration, viz. :-"The Pres-nary step they would propose that one of bytery, recognising the extreme desirable- their number should spend a fortnight in ness of union among the non-conforming exploring the district, and visit Beverley. Presbyterian churches of this country, 2. That two elders be appointed on each especially in England, rejoice to learn, from the 'findings' of the joint Committee, that the four Churches now negotiating on the subject have so much in common; but considering that difficulties still stand in the way, and that an incorporative union ought not to be entered into until the several parties in the case thoroughly understand each other's views, and with such full knowledge agree that union is dutiful, and therefore safe, recommend as follows:-1. That fuller inquiries be made regarding the duty of the civil magistrate to further the interests of religion; how far or in what circumstances any church is justified in receiving assistance from the State; and especially what attitude should be assumed by the United Church in the matter of Government grants for education. 2. That the whole subject of finance should be minutely examined in detail, and in particular that an attempt should be made to agree on a mode of arranging for the support of the ministry which might be universal throughout the Church. 3. That in further investigating the subject of the ninth head of programme, the Committee should lend their strength to the elaboration of a scheme of adjustment which would combine the advantages of a separate and independent jurisdiction with the maximum of moral and material support from the stronger to the weaker church." The clerk was instructed to transmit an extract of this finding to the convener of the Synod's Committee on Union. Mr. T. W. Brown then submitted the report of the committee on the subject of lectures and Presbyterial visits to the several congregations within the bounds. Mr. Murray, seconded by Mr. Hedley, sen., moved that the report be adopted. and that the committee shall take charge of the publication of the lectures, with consent of parties, as early as possible after the whole course has been delivered. Mr.

side of the Tyne to explore and report to next meeting of Presbytery. 3. That this Presbytery do correspond with all the ministers in the Berwick and Northumberland Presbyteries, requesting them (so often as any of their members remove to this district) to communicate with the ministers of the respective towns to which they may be coming. On the motion of Mr. Murray, seconded by Mr. McGregor, it was agreed that the report be adopted, the thanks of the Presbytery be given to the convener and committee, and that Mr. Stewart be appointed to visit Hull and Beverley, and report. Messrs. McGregor and Saybourne were appointed to inquire as to the supply of Presbyterian ordinances on both sides of the Tyne, and report. The Presbytery also agreed to record their thanks to Mr. Hedley for his offer to bear the expense connected with the visit to Hull and Beverley. The clerk was instructed to communicate with the ministers of Berwick and Northumberland in terms of the report. The Presbytery then received the deputies of the Home Mission Committee, when Messrs. Ross, Johnston, and Brown, elder, addressed the court on the subject of their mission. On the motion of Mr. Murray, the thanks of the Presbytery were given to the deputies, and it was agreed to afford them every facility in visiting the several congregations within the bounds. On behalf of Mr. Black, who is at present laid aside by ill health, the clerk craved two months' leave of absence. The Presbytery desire to express their deep sympathy with Mr. Black, and grant leave of absence as craved. Mr. Murray gave notice of motion at next ordinary meeting anent the use which the Presbytery might advantageously make of the press in furtherance of the interests of the Church. Home Mission schedule from Seaton Delaval was submitted, examined, and ordered to be attested and transmitted with

recommendation. Next ordinary meeting was appointed to be held in the church at Blyth on the 13th of November next, at half-past twelve o'clock p.m. The meeting closed with prayer.

dating the debt on the new manse connected with the Presbyterian church, North Sunderland. An appeal is made to the ladies of the church at large for assistance in the shape of "useful and fancy articles," and we trust that it will be largely

and it is hoped that the result of the present effort will be its complete discharge. There was a necessity for the building of a manse, inasmuch as a suitable house could not be found in the place for the minister and his family. Since Mr. Dunn was settled at North Sunderland the congregation, we believe, has prospered, and the enlightened energy which minister and people have lately exhibited gives them a claim on the sympathies and aid of the church. Contributions will be received by the Rev. Wm. Dunn, the Manse, North Sunderlandby-Chathill.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

PRESBYTERY OF BERWICK.-This Presbytery met at Berwick on the 4th Septem-responded to. The debt amounts to £200, ber. The Rev. W. Dunn, moderator. Sederunt: Messrs. Fraser, Terras, Cant, Valence, Haig, M'Lean, Scott, Dunn, and McGuffie, ministers; Mr. A. Lilley, elder. It was reported that the congregations of Ancroft Moor, Belford, Berwick, Horncliffe, Lowick, Norham, North Sunderland, and Tweedmouth had made collections for the Synod's School Fund. The congregations which did not, at last meeting, report collections for the Synod's Foreign Mission Fund, now did so. The Presbytery now made arrangements for receiving the Home Mission Committee's deputies; and believing that the best time for the deputation to visit the congregations would be the middle of October, this was agreed to. It was also agreed that others be associated with the deputies from the South, from AT the last meeting of the London Presneighbouring Presbyteries, that the con- bytery of the United Presbyterian Church, gregations may be addressed on a Sabbath- Dr. Edmonds gave notice that he would day. As formerly agreed, the Presbytery ask the Presbytery either themselves to now took up the subject of union with other churches, when several suggestions were submitted by Mr. Valence for consideration and transmission to our Committee. It was agreed not to transmit at present, but that the subject be resumed at next meeting. Mr. McGuffie requested, and it was granted, that Mr. Andrew Lilley, elder, be appointed to act with him in the Etal Session, at the election and ordination of elders. Agreed to take up the Synod's remit, on the regulations of admission of students to the college, at next meeting, appointed to be held at Berwick, on Tuesday, the 23rd October next, at twelve o'clock, noon.

CARLISLE PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION. A congregational meeting was recently held in the English Presbyterian Church, Warwick-road, Carlisle, in the presence of the Presbytery, when it was unanimously agreed to present a call to the Rev. Thomas Smith, M.A., of Edinburgh. The congregation has been without a pastor since Mr. McIndoe accepted the call to Paisley. Mr. Smith has preached to them several times, and is a great favourite with the people.

THE COLLEGE.-The next session will be opened on Tuesday, October 2nd. The Rev. Dr. Lorimer will deliver the lecture, having chosen for his subject, "The teaching of Christ on the Evidences of Christianity-critique of Ecce Homo"."

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NORTH SUNDERLAND.-It is intended to hold a Bazaar in October to aid in liqui

overture the Synod, or to transmit an overture in his own name, in reference to the question of being allowed to use instrumental music in public worship. He be lieved that the Presbytery of Lancashire was to take up this subject; and in so far as his own action was concerned in the matter, something would depend upon their decision.

PRINCELY SUBSCRIPTION TO MR. SPURGEON, &c.-The princely gift of £20,000 has been promised by a lady to Mr. C. H. Spurgeon to found an orphanage in connection with the Metropolitan Tabernacle. Other works are in contemplation. The sale of the Park Row Chapel will place funds at command, which it is proposed to employ in the erection of large schools; and the establishment of a grammar school, in which the children of the middle classes may be educated in connection with the Tabernacle, has been suggested. The ground for the erection of some almshouses has been secured opposite the Elephant and Castle Railway Station, and building thereon will be shortly commenced.

EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.-The autumnal conference of the British organization of the Evangelical Alliance will be held at Bath. Its meetings will commence on the 16th of October, and extend to the 19th. The following, among others, have been engaged to take part in the proceedings:The Revs. Charles Kemble, Dr. Winslow, Canon Auriol, Dr. A. Morton Brown, and Dr. John Hall; Captain Ed. Marsh, J.P.,

the Earl of Cavan, R. N. Fowler, Esq., Lord Radstock, Hon. W. Ashley, &c. Several foreign brethren are also expected to be present.

THE ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH.-The new cable has been successfully laid, and the old one has been raised from the bottom of the Atlantic and attached to the mainland; and thus has been accomplished one of the greatest triumphs of science and industry that the world has seen. The East and West are now united, and we may hope that the great wire will not only develop material interests, but promote good understanding and good feeling between Great Britain and her mighty offspring in America. CHOLERA.-We are thankful to say that this mysterious scourge is on the decrease, though still hovering over many parts of this and other countries. It has elicited much Christian liberality and effort; and it will, we trust, lead to a great improvement in the sanitary regulations of our large towns and in the dwellings of the humbler classes.

THE HARVEST.—The continuous rains of the last month have greatly impeded harvest operations, and been the cause of intense anxiety to farmers. The most gloomy accounts have been received from many parts of the country; and at one time it was feared that the year's crop would be very inferior both in quality and measure. But from the latest accounts we learn that things are not so bad as they were expected to be. The best use has been made of the little intervals of dry weather that have occurred, and, though much grain has been injured, it is believed that the yield will be little, if any, below the average.

that important subject, and having considered the report of the committee transmitted to Presbyteries by the General Assembly, and having respect to the object of the Assembly in sending it, resolve to make the following suggestions to that committee:-1. That the committee should endeavour to ascertain and set forth still more explicitly than is done in their present report, the precise extent of agreement and disagreement which exists among the negotiating Churches in relation to the great principles which their Church holds as to the Headship of Christ in relation to both the Church and the State, and for I which she was called to contend and to suffer at the period of the Disruption. 2. That in reviewing the other doctrines' embraced under the second head of the programme, the committee shall be careful to have all doubts removed as to the actual agreement of the several bodies negotiating for union in the doctrine contained in the Confession of Faith on these points, and to ascertain whether, and to what extent, any present intention exists to alter, modify, and abridge the Westminster Confession of Faith or adherence to it as a subordinate standard of the Church. 3. That a like course of inquiry should be followed for the purpose of removing all uncertainty as to the agreement of the several Churches in the matters embraced under the fifth head of the programme, respecting 'the law and practice of the Churches as to public worship.' 4. That in relation to Government grants for education, as referred to under the sixth head of the programme, the committee should so conduct their inquiries as to bring out fully and exUNION OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES. plicitly how far the negotiating Churches -The Presbyteries of the negotiating are agreed, and how far they differ, as to churches are now busily engaged in con- the right and duty of the State, when sidering the report of the Union Com- necessary, to grant aid from the national mittee. As was to be expected, the process resources for the training of the young in is revealing the existence of some differ- the principles of the Christian religion, so ence of opinion on certain points contained as to exhibit the grounds on which they in the report. The most prominent and cherish the anticipation, that this question difficult of these points relates to the duties may be solved in a manner which will preof the civil magistrate in the matter of vent it from causing any bar to union religion. We discover nothing, however, between the several Churches.' 5. That, to prevent a harmonious settlement of all considering the vast importance of the differences given only time and patient Free Church Sustentation Fund for the effort. As a specimen of Presbyterial support of the Gospel ordinances, and for deliverances in Scotland, we give the fol- securing an adequate maintenance for the lowing series of resolutions which, on the Christian ministry in all parts of the land, motion of Dr. Buchanan, were unanimously and among even the poorest of the people, adopted, after some slight modification of the committee should be at pains to make the preamable, by the Free Church Pres- those with whom they are negotiating disbytery of Glasgow:-"That this Presby- tinctly aware of the strong feeling which tery, cordially approving of Union upon a the Free Church is known to cherish on Scriptural basis, and in harmony with the this subject, and to ascertain clearly to great principles of the Reformed Church what extent the other negotiating Churches of Scotland, among the Presbyterian are prepared to approve of the general Churches in Scotland now negotiating upon principles and constitution of this fund,

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and are likely to be agreed in upholding it. That the committee in their further negotiations for union should carefully reconsider its bearing on the tenure of Free Church property, according to the provisions of the model trust-deed recommended by the General Assembly, 1844, and printed along with the Acts of Assembly of 1851, as well as upon the tenure of the Church property of other negotiating Churches. And, further, that approving generally of the findings of the committee, in reference to other matters, this Presbytery do not deem it necessary, in present circumstances, to offer any further suggestions."

amount to £176,050. The whole amount of the fund, including what is promised as well as paid, is £268,550, including a sum of £15,000 promised as payable through the local associations. To the present date the grants from the fund provide for 71 missionary clergy, and 31 parochial curates, in all, 102 clergy. With respect to permanent works, it was stated that grants from the fund have been made to 46 churches, the aggregate amount voted to that object being £45,765; £12,900 has been voted in aid of the erection of 24 schools; £1,700 has been granted towards nine parsonages. Towards erecting 19 mission-stations the THE BISHOP OF LONDON'S FUND.- sum of £9,376 has been voted, besides From a statement submitted to the general £3,620 expended in the purchase of leases board meeting of this fund it appears that of such buildings. The total grants for the whole cash receipts to the present time | sites amount to £36,434 18s. 5d.

MINISTERIAL SUPPORT.

THE REV. J. M. Ross, as one of the deputies some 38s. 6d. per week, is not a respectable of the Home Mission Committee to the mechanic's wages. In Manchester there Newcastle Presbytery, made the following are hundreds of mechanics who can make pertinent remarks:-"It will be remem- 50s. or £3 per week with ease, and the bered that at last meeting of Synod, when members of whose families, when only the Home Mission Committee's report was from fourteen to eighteen years of age, given in, it was resolved, amongst other can with equal ease make from twelve to things, That the Committee be requested eighteen shillings each per week. Consider to take steps, by means of deputations or further the necessary difference between otherwise, to raise the stipends of all minis- the expenditure of mechanics and ministers ters to a minimum of £150 per annum.' of religion. Ministers are expected to, and We have been appointed by the Home indeed must, if their usefulness is not to Mission Committee to come and confer be hindered, keep up a position very differwith you on the matter, and place ourselves ent from that of mechanics. Then comat your disposal, for the visitation of the pare the kind of apprenticeships through congregations within your bounds, hoping which a minister has to go to fit him for by our joint efforts to be able to do some- his calling with that of a mechanic, and the thing that may help in securing this most disparity will appear. Mechanics receive desirable end. The importance of raising wages from the commencement of their ministers' stipends to the minimum of £150 three or four years' apprenticeship, which can hardly be over-estimated, and indeed goes on increasing as their apprenticeship this minimum is by far too low; but it is advances. Ministers must be possessed of believed to be the highest attainable at a comparatively good education before present. Looked at in a social aspect, it is entering the University. They are required in the utmost degree necessary that minis- to remain four years at the University, and ters of religion should be delivered from a after that, four years at the Divinity Hall, position of anxiety in regard to temporal and undergo by the Presbyteries of the affairs. Few things can be more distract- Church severe examinations before they ing to a minister of religion than to be can be ordained to a ministerial charge. toiling away in the discharge of the arduous During this long period, they not only duties entrusted to him, under the burden receive no wages, but have a continuous of pecuniary difficulties. And how men, and very considerable expenditure. I leave who are obliged to keep up a respectable it to any intelligent man to say whether appearance, who have to educate their children in a way becoming their position in society, and procure the books necessary to keep themselves abreast of the times, can keep out of pecuniary difficulties on £100 a-year, it is difficult to understand. The fact is, that £100 a-year, which is

these men, with such prolonged and costly preparations, are anything like adequately remunerated at £100 a-year, or even at £150, yea, at £200 and a manse, which I humbly submit ought to be the minimum stipend all the Church over, and which I believe is perfectly attainable, were the

individual members and adherents of the people need only to be properly instructed Church to give the matter an honest con- as to what their duty is in the matter, and sideration, and act in a reasonable degree, to be shown how they may, in a way according to their ability. Ministerial consistent with their means and ability, labour, when efficiently and faithfully per- accomplish what they desire as much as formed, is far removed in point of likeness, we do, the proper remuneration of their and greatly more valuable than other ministers. I grant you there are those labour. Do not ministers, besides pro- who grumble at the very mention of claiming the glad tidings of eternal salva- giving, for whatever object, in connection, teach and impart a knowledge of the tion with the cause of religion; but these principles of truth, integrity, industry, and men are poor men, even if they be possessed righteousness, which are the principles of this world's good things; their soul is without which society, real prosperity, and shrivelled like a withered leaf, they are honest money-making were impossible. sapless and fruitless, and it is not a breach Looking at it only from this low and of charity to say, Christless. Such are not mercantile, though not mercenary, point of to be the rule or standard for the Christian view, we maintain that these labourers are church. They have yet to learn the secret worthy of their hire-worthy of a far higher of the Lord which is with them who fear pecuniary hire than is generally offered him; and what is more, they have yet to them. They have a right to expect that learn the secret of real worldly prosperity they shall receive from their people a and money-making. But it was to do our reasonable and adequate pecuniary remu- people, as a whole, a great injury to class neration, certainly not for the Gospel they them with such men as these, or to suppose bring, which they freely receive and freely that they are not as anxious as we are give, but for their toil and labour in bring in this matter. What they do want is to ing it. It is not too much to say, that be instructed in a right manner, as to what their labour enhances the value of every they ought to do and the way to do it. It other kind of labour; and it is the blind- is our duty properly to instruct our people est and most short-sighted policy possible as to the duty and privilege of Christian not at once to recognise this fact, and act liberality; but much, very much, rests with in accordance with this recognition. There the office-bearers of each congregation. It are enlightened and noble-hearted Christian is theirs to devise liberal things, and I have men in our Church who fully recognise not the slightest doubt but that the people this truth in all its bearings, from its most will respond in a manner that will astonish worldly to its most spiritual aspect, and, the church at large. This is not a question according to their ability, act upon it; but which simply touches the comfort and usethe Church at large is not alive to it; or fulness of ministers at present in office. It it were better days with the Church and vitally affects the question of the supply of with the world than it is. Except in men for the ministry in the future, also the exceptional circumstances, which do not character of that ministry and the standhere at present exist, there is a pruden- ing and the usefulness of the Church in the tial necessity for ministers and their land. It is all very well for men to theorise families being placed in a position of on the duty of ministers to be above the respectability and freedom from pecuniary influences of earthly things, while they difficulties, that the great cause, to the themselves are earning their thousands, and furtherance of which they are set apart, keeping back more than is meet of the labe not hindered. I apprehend sensible bourer's hire, and whilst they require him and reasonable men will appreciate the to be wholly devoted to their good. But necessity of a minister being able to preach despite this theorising, parents are beginconsistently from the text, Owe no man ning to think that their sons will be better anything; but ought he not to be able able to be above earthly things and set their with equal consistency to enjoin on his affections on things above, if they be placed people that it is their duty to use hospi- in a position where they will be able to earn tality,' and 'to contribute to the necessities a competency, so that they may live of the poor?' Is it right for congregations honestly, Owe no man anything,' and the church at large to permit ministers give to him that needeth,' and be able of the Gospel, their servants in the Lord, the better to help forward the cause of to be in such a position embarassed in Christ. Talent is thus turned away from the very teaching of the truth itself, because the Church, and the cause suffers. Prethrough their straitened circumstances vention is better than cure, and it becomes they are compelled to seem to act incon- us to look to this matter in time, for the sistently with the truth they teach. It is evil is creeping apace, and the Church is my firm belief that the people have no only awaking to the danger as she begins to desire that this state of things should realise the difficulty of procuring candiexist. My experience has been that the dates for the ministry."