Reid came forward and stated that the congregation had resolved to take this opportunity of presenting to their pastor a tangible evidence of their respect for him, and had devolved on him the duty of presenting it in their name. He accordingly, in a very neat and appropriate speech, presented to Rev. A. Stirling a handsome gold watch, which, he said, had been subscribed for by the people most spontaneously, and which he hoped Mr. Stirling would receive and wear as a sincere expression of their heart-felt goodwill and affection. Mr. Stirling, in accepting the gift, expressed his deep sense of the kindness which the congregation had displayed toward him. He assured them that at such a time he felt more keenly than ever his own shortcomings in duty. Such kindness, however, was a powerful stimulus to redoubled exertions; and his earnest prayer was that, as he enjoyed the favour of his people, he might enjoy, also, what was of vastly more moment, the gracious approval of the Master. Mr. David Gray, preacher, then addressed the children. Mr. John Duncan, treasurer of the Sabbath School, presented a very satisfactory account of the financial affairs of the school; and, after the usual votes of thanks, a very pleasant and gratifying meeting was closed by the benediction. THURSO. The annual meeting of the scholars attending the Sabbath School and the Minister's classes, was held in the Thurso Benevolent Institution, on Thursday evening, 18th January. The Rev. C. S. Findlay occupied the chair, and the large hall in which the meeting took place was comfortably filled-many parents and friends of the scholars being present. After prayer, tea was served and the Hundredth Psalm sung. The children were addressed by the chairman, and afterwards an interesting report on the work of the school for the past year was read by the secretary, Mr. A. M'Donald. Interesting and instructive addresses were also given by Mr. Couper, on 'Covenanting;" by Mr. John Waters, on "Our Foreign Missions;" and by Mr. John Shearer, on "Two better than One." There were services of cake and fruit during the evening, and at the close of one of the most pleasant meetings ever held in connection with the Thurso Sabbath School, a plentiful supply of prize-books and mission cards was distributed among the scholars. MIDHOLM. On the evening of Wednesday, 7th February, a considerable number of the members of this congregation, with other friends, met in the Public School immediately after the close of the weekly prayer meeting, for the purpose of presenting their pastor, the Rev. Thomas Matthew, with a handsome marble timepiece and purse of sovereigns, as tokens of their continued respect and esteem. Mr. Jeffray, farmer, Newtown, occupied the chair, and called on Mr. John Scott, Clarilawburn, to make the presentation. Mr. Scott said that he did so in name of the congregation, and especially of the Senior Bible Class, of which he is a member, and with whom the present movement originated, and expressed his sense of the value of Mr. Matthew's labours among them, and hoped he would be long spared to enjoy the gifts. Mr. Matthew made a suitable reply, in which he stated that this was the third occasion on which he had received valuable gifts from them since his settlement among them, some twenty-one months ago, and expressed the hope that they would encourage and stimulate him further in the Lord's work, as well as strengthen the bonds of attachment between him and his people. The timepiece is of beautiful black marble, and bears an appropriate inscription. The members of Mr Matthew's Junior Bible Class, a few weeks before, presented Miss. Matthew with a valuable reference Bible, as an expression ot their affection and respect. A VOL. 2. FEBRUARY, 1877. No. 1. THE ADVOCATE: A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE, IN BEHALF OF REFORMATION PRINCIPLES, MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE, AND THE REVIVAL AND EXTENSION OF TRUE RELIGION. "That in all things He might have the pre-eminence."--COLOSSIANS i. 18. GEORGE GALLIE & SON, 99 BUCHANAN STREET. EDINBURGH JAMES GEMMELL, GEORGE IV. BRIDGE. PRICE FOURPENCE. Is published on the 1st of February, April, June, August, October, and December. About twenty pages of every number are devoted to brief original articles on Theology, Biography, Church History, Christian Life, Modern Science, &c. About eight pages to reviews of the leading ecclesiastical and political movements of the two months preceding date of issue. Six pages to the latest information from the Mission Fields of Africa, India, China, Italy, Spain, Japan, and the Isles of the Sea, giving special prominence to missionary progress among the Jews. Six pages to the Family and Children's Department, with interesting Scripture Questions, Religious Anecdotes, and Bible Lessons. There are also Church News, Inquiry Column, Literary Notes, and Poetry. Editors of THE ADVOCATE—Rev. JOHN M'DONALD, M.A., B.D., Loanhead; and REV. JAMES KERR, Greenock. Among the Contributors to THE ADVOCATE are: A few Lady Contributors have also consented to write Articles for THE ADVOCATE. Original articles. which will be published if considered suitable, are requested from voluntary writers. In recent numbers of THE ADVOCATE there have appeared original articles as follows:-National Reform in America; Turkey, Its Mission and Doom; Viscount Dundee (Claverhouse) and His Times; An Hour in a Jewish Synagogue; Paul, A Model of Transparency and Zeal; A Chat about Freemasonry; The Siege of Acre; Epistle to the Romans; Conquests in Africa; Paul and the Corinthians; Spiritualism; A Glance at Britain's National Accounts; The Printing Press; Our Pulpits, A Visit to America, &c. Annual Subscription-One Copy, 2s.; by Post, 2s. 3d. Two or more copies in one parcel, Post Free. America-One Year, Postage included-75 cents. The second volume of THE ADVOCATE begins with the number for February, 1877. The numbers issued already for 1877 may still be had. ว SIR, FORM OF APPLICATION. Please send me THE ADVOCATE for One Year, beginning with the February Number for 1877; and oblige, Intending Subscribers should fill up this "Form of Application," detach it, and forward immediately to REV. JAMES KERR, Gateside House, Greenock, to whom all communications regarding THE ADVOCATE should be addressed. ERMONS BY MARTIN LUTHER. Preface by ALESSANDRO GAVAZZI. Edited, with Life of Luther by Rev. James Kerr, Greenock. These Sermons prove that Luther discovered a hidden treasure in the Scriptures, and shew by their spirit that their author enjoyed an overflowing piety. A general return to such a style as that of the great Reformer would be a supreme boon in our present age. -Gavazzi. Next to the saturation of these Sermons with Scripture, the reader is struck by the same racy, homely, bold style which marks the "Table Talk," but toned down, as was fitting, by the occasion and the subject.—Daily Review. It contains an ably written and vivid sketch, by the Elitor, of the life of the Great Reformer.-Christain Banner. THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF SECRET THSOCIETIES GOOD TEMPLARISM, FREE MASONRY, AND ORANGEISM) OPPOSED TO SCRIPTURE AND REASON. By Rev. JAMES KERR. Fourth Edition; pp. 55; 6d., by post, 7d. The author wields a trenchant pen, and his blows fall with telling effect upon the system he opposes.-Reformed Presbyterian (America). His reasoning is clear, logical, vigorous, crushing. It ought to convince every one whose mind is not filled with prejudice.-The Covenanter. The author's design is here fulfilled in a clear, intelligible, and masterly way, and we thoroughly concur in his views on the subject.-O.8. Magazine. BRITAL RITAIN'S LEGISLATION ON EDUCATION: AGAINST THE BOOK AND FOR THE ANTICHRIST. By Rev. JAMES KERR. Your admirable Lecture I have perused with singular pleasure. that such sentiments were general.-Professor Smeaton, D.D. Would Read it with the greatest interest and satisfaction. In every respect conclusive.-Rev. James Begg, D.D. A most masterly pamphlet. The exposition it gives of Educational principles and national responsibility is at once instructive and powerful.Western Standard and Renfrewshire Observer. TULL REPORT OF THE PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF FOOD TEMPLARISM, between the Rev. JAMES KERR, Greenock, and JOHN PYPER, Esq., G. W.C.T. of Ireland, in Clarence Place Hall, Belfast, on the evenings of 5th and 6th Nov., 1873, as published by the Joint Committee. Pp. 75. Sixpence; by post, Sevenpence. Templarism has been turned inside out. The light of heaven has been poured into the inmost recesses of the Lodge, and all its private machinery and craft have been exposed to the public gaze. The work has been well and honourably done, and does not need to be repeated.-Rev. J. A. Chancellor in Introductory Critique. The The debate is certainly damaging to the Templar cause. whole of these five charges were fully sustained. The denial of the only stamps Mr. Pyper as ready to assert anything he may deem requisite in the interests of the Order.-The Ecclesiastical Observer. We are bound to say that Good Templarism had by far the worst of it, and its advocate was totally unable to answer the clear and logical arguments of his opponent.-Weekly Review. James W. Black, Bookseller, Havelock Buildings, Greenock. |