August, 1864, and from that time the who had been for some time under the teachers being thirty-six. BANK HILL CHURCH ANNIVERSARY SERVICES. - On Sunday, 13th October, anniversary services were held in Bank Hill Church, commemo-rative of the ordination of the Rev. Robert Scott to the pastorate of that congregation. Dr. Anderson, from Morpeth, preached in the morning from the text, "Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins," &c.; and in the evening from the words, "This is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you." The rev. doctor held his large audience in rapt attention while delivering his two eloquent addresses. Rev. Mr. Scott, the pastor of the church, preached a stirring sermon in the afternoon from the words, "Ye are the salt of the earth." All the services of the day ap-peared to be highly prized by a large and attentive audience. On the following even-ing the annual soirée was held in the church, when about 300 partook of tea pro-vided in a very orderly and efficient manner by the young ladies of the congregation. After tea Mr. Scott was called to the chair, and after an interesting address called on Mr. Richardson, the treasurer, to read his financial statement, from which it appeared that the Church was in a healthy state, for not only had a larger sum been collected for congregational purposes, but the other schemes of the Church had also proportionately increased. Addresses were then delivered by Dr. Anderson, Mr. Huie (of Wooler), Mr. Mc Guffie (of Etal), Mr. Mc Lean (Ancroft Moor), and Mr. S. G. Scott (of the United Presbyterian Congregation, Church Street). The addresseswere listened to attentively, and appeared to be appreciated. During the evening the Church choir sang several anthems in a manner which showed that the musical department of worship in Bank Hill Church is well looked to and closely cultivated. After the usual votes of thanks had been proposed and accorded, Mr. Scott brought the meeting to a close by pronouncing the Benediction. BAZAAR AT NORTH SUNDERLAND.-The bazaar in connection with the English Presbyterian Church, North Sunderland, for liquidating the debt on the New Manse, was recently held. The tables were covered with every variety of useful and ornamental articles, which reflected great credit on the ladies and friends of the congregation. The bazaar was largely patronized by the ladies ; and gentlemen of the neighbourhood. livered a neat and appropriate address. Among others we observed the Rev. L. S. The following gentlemen then addressed Orde and family, of Shoreston Hall; Rev. the meeting:-The Revs. Dr. Hamilton, D. Terras, Belford, and J. Benvie, Warren- Dr. Edmonds, Wm. Chalmers, Dr. King, ford; Dr. Embleton, Beadnell; R. Fadon, and T. Alexander, and Messrs. J. E. MaEsq., of Tuggall; Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, thieson, G. B. Bruce, Gainsford Bruce, Pasture Hall; Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Fleet- G. Duncan, J. R. Robertson, and Hugh ham; Mrs. Atkinson, Greenhill; Mr. Matheson. The speakers naturally dwelt Archbold, Newham; Mr. and Mrs. Burn, much on the extent of the proposed union Elford; Mr. and Mrs. Tate, Chathill, &c. and the prevailing feeling seemed to be that A great number of articles were disposed of, there should be an independent organizaand at the close of the second day the pro- tion in England, and that the churches ceeds of the bazaar realized upwards of south of the Tweed should prepare for an £100. The Rev. W. Dunn and his con- early union. gregation have great credit due to them for the noble efforts which they have put forth during the rev. gentleman's two years' ministry among them. To show the respect in which the minister and people are held, Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe, of North Shields; Mrs. Hudson, Alnwick; Mr. John Maule, Berwick; Mrs. Tate, Mrs. Lockie, Misses Maule, and Misses Scott, kindly assisted at the stalls. A refreshment stall was presided over by Mrs. Smith and Miss Pratt. FUNERAL SERMONS ON THE LATE REV. THOMAS M'CREATH, SOUTH SHIELDS.— The funeral sermons in connection with the death of the Rev. T. M'Creath, of the United Presbyterian Church, Mile End Road, South Shields, were preached in that place of worship on Sabbath, November 4th, by the Rev. John Parker, of Sunderland, from 2 Cor. iii. 6, and by the Rev. Thomas Whitelaw, colleague of the MEETING OF ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN deceased, from Rev. xiv. 13, to large AND UNITED PRESBYTERIAN OFFICE- audiences. Both preachers, at the close BEARERS IN LONDON.-A social meeting of the ministers and elders of the English Presbyterian and United Presbyterian Churches in and around London was held in November last, in the Lecture Hall of the Presbyterian Church, Regent Square (Dr. Hamilton's), for the purpose of interchanging sentiments on the union question, and on the interests and prospects of Presbyterianism in England. There was a large attendance on the occasion, there being in addition to the ministers the principal laymen belonging to both Churches. After partaking of tea and coffee, the Rev. Mr. Alexander, Moderator of the English Presbyterian Synod, proposed, amid the applause of the meeting, that the chair should be taken by the Rev. Dr. Macfarlane, Moderator of the General Synod of the United Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. McCrie having engaged in prayer, the Chairman de of their discourses, sketched the character of this much-esteemed minister, who was cut down in the sixty-second year of his age, and thirty-second of his ministry. He was ordained by the Relief Presbytery of Kelso, on the 13th of August, 1835, and by indefatigable and persevering labour had succeeded in increasing the congregation, and building an elegant new church in Mile End Road. An able minister of the New Testament, a faithful pastor, an affectionate husband and father, a Christian gentleman, a beloved colleague, an honoured citizen and cordial friend, has passed away. A large number of his congregation and townsmen and co-presbyters followed his remains to the grave on the 29th October; and the funeral services were conducted by the Revs. Morris, of Sunderland, Bell and Wallace, of Newcastle, and Kinnaird and Whitelaw, of South Shields. Correspondence. CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. MY DEAR SIR,-In view of some observations upon my opening College Lecture, contained in your last number, I think it desirable, if not necessary, to offer a few words of explanation. The faith which I had in view throughout the sometimes been called historical faith, or lecture was not saving faith, but what has that belief in Christ and Christianity which may be wrought in the mind by the force of the Christian evidences, without the action of grace or the agency of the Holy Spirit. I did not, therefore, deem it neces sary to go into any statement of doctrine speaking of the same subject as he. And PETER LORIMER. Our Hymns. Their Authors and Origin. We have rarely read a book that gave us more satisfaction than this. It has often occurred to us that there was a want in the Church of some compendious account of our Christian hymnologists. No doubt our own comparative ignorance, combined with a desire for information, suggested the thought. Such hymn-writers as Watts, and Wesley, and Doddridge, and Newton, and Cowper, and Montgomery, and Bonar are well known, and have become as familiar friends; but there are many who have done good service in the same field, about whom the Church is very ignorant. And why should Christians be ignorant of those who, in the passing generations, have guided and embodied their praises to God and the Lamb ? It may be that a knowledge of them will not add to the fervour and acceptableness of our praise-and yet we are not certain about that, for it could not fail to better our hearts. Mr. Miller has supplied, to a great pect of the immediate publication of our own Built on Jesus; or, Ground to Powder. her conduct run through the whole, and the A New Year's Address for 1867. By valuable lesson is taught how the results of the Author of "The Way Home." Stirling Drummond. We recommend this very excellent and seasonable address to the notice of all teachers, missionaries, and distributors of tracts of all Christians who, at the beginning of another year, would send a message of comfort to the sorrowful, of encouragement to the weak, of warning to the careless, or of congratulation and counsel to the Christ-loving. It contains a suitable word for all classes, and is marked by mingled faithfulness and affection. The writer is well-known and much esteemed as one who has dedicated unusual talents and a very delightful pen to the service of the Saviour; and we feel sure that this little tract will have a wide circulation, and, as bread cast upon the waters in the name of the Lord Jesus, will yield a blessed fruitage many days hence. The tract may be obtained from Drummond's depôt, Stirling, at three shillings the hundred. Illuminated Texts. London: T. Nelson & Sons. We are told that this is the only series of illuminated texts which "fulfils the conditions of illumination." Certainly these brilliant cards are the finest specimens of that art which we have ever seen at so low a 66 price. They are exceedingly beautiful-a delightful feast both to the eye and to the mind-and suggest the Scripture figure, Apples of gold in pictures of silver." How they can be produced at such a price (only six shillings the dozen) we are at a loss to understand. Both in design and in colouring they are all that can be desired; and we know of no more suitable ornament either for the drawing-room table or for the nursery-wall. Nettie's Mission. Stories illustrative of the Lord's Prayer. By ALICE GRAY. London: J. Nisbet & Co. In the busy time in which we live, the children are not uncared for. A special and large literature is devoted to their amusement and instruction, and it is pleasing to think that while there is much poor fare set before them, there are not a few wise and able pens unceasingly at work in their behalf.“ Nettie's Mission" is well fitted both to interest and benefit the youthful mind and heart. It embraces a series of stories illus trating successively the petitions of the Lord's Prayer; and while each story has a completeness of its own, a continuity is preserved by the leading character in each heing taken from the one preceding. Nettie a Christian's faithfulness may spread far beyond the circle of the Christian's know ledge. The book is full of incidents of deep pathos, sketched by a practised hand, which are admirably suited to impress the young heart with a love of Jesus, and of all recommend it to the notice of parents and that is benevolent and good. We cordially others as a worthy Christmas present. History of the oldest Free Church in England. London: Jackson, Walford,. & Hodder. The oldest Free Church in England is the little chapel in Horningsham, Wilts, built in the year 1566, and we are indebted to the Rev. H. Mayo Gunn, of Warminster, for this very interesting account of its origin and history. Strange to say, it was built by some Scotch workmen who had been brought south to assist in the erection of Longleat House, and who could not conscientiously attach themselves to the parish church; and for many years a congregation of Presbyterians worshipped in it. But after the passing of the Act of Uniformity it gradu-ally and of necessity became an Independent Church. Its history has been very interesting, and we are glad to learn that the little building of the pious Scotchmen is still, after the lapse of three centuries, a centre of Christian light and activity. We thank Mr. Gunn for his valuable lecture. Meditations on Scriptural Subjects. By the Rev. H. CRESSWELL. London: John Snow & Co. Mr. Cresswell follows in a track that many pursue now-a-days. It has become common to publish short meditations on Scriptural subjects. It is easier and safer in many cases to publish a few thoughts on a number of Bible-texts than to offer to the public an elaboration of one truth, and perhaps it is more profitable. At any rate we like the meditations of Mr. Cresswell. They cover a wide field and deal with many subjects. And as we read them, we feel that we are under the guidance of a man who has thought deeply, and has had rich experiences of the grace of God. They are marked in some instances by very considerable literary power, and in all by the true Christian spirit. May they bring light and comfort to many inquiring souls! Daily Bible Illustrations. By JOHN KITTO, D.D., F.S.A. Edited by J. L. PORTER, D.D., LL.D. Vols. I. and II. Edinburgh: William Oliphant & Co. This is a new and beautiful edition of a only appears in the first, but the fruits of very valuable work. "Kitto's Bible Illus trations" are known and prized by many. They contain a fund of Biblical instruction to which no similar readings can lay claim. The author's extended knowledge of Hebrew antiquities and Eastern customs enables him to throw a flood of light upon many of the historical portions of Scripture, and to make interesting to the general reader what might otherwise have been dry and profitless. What a vast good would be the result if Christians could be induced to read and reflect on the daily portion here offered to them. With all our modern helps to Bible interpretation we believe that the Bible is very little studied by the mass of our church-going people. The divine word has now many competitors. Not only is the press more prolific, but life is busier than it has ever been in the past; and in consequence many confine their meditations on holy things to the Sabbath-day or to the sanctuary-services. In the present day we regard Scripture readings or illustrations like those of Kitto, at once so solid and interesting, as peculiarly valuable, and we trust that this new edition will have a very large circulation. Dr. Porter has increased the usefulness of the work by adding notes which bring it up to the information of the day, and the publishers have spared no pains to give it an attractive and worthy exterior. The Lycee Boys; or, School Life in France. By R. H. MONCRIEFF. Edinburgh: Wm. Oliphant & Co. Mr. Moncrieff is now well known as a writer of stories for boys. He seems to know boy-nature well. There is a naturalness and a robust sympathy in his delineations of youthful feeling and action that distinguish them from many efforts of a similar character. We recommend his little book to parents and others as showing not only the dangers to which youth is exposed, but the power of Christian principle to overcome temptation, and to win the esteem and Jack-allegiance of the thoughtless and badly disposed. The Pulpit Analyst. Edited by JOSEPH This volume has the merit of novelty in design, if not in substance. It is intended specially for the benefit of young preachers, and it contains sermons, outlines of sermons, analytical notes, translations, expositions, illustrations, and reviews. There is great variety of matter in it, and there is not a little liberality of sentiment. Nothing can be more easily abused than a work of this kind, and yet few things may be put to greater use. To some it may prove a snare; to others it will be an aid and an encourage. ment. We believe that the "Pulpit Analyst" will occupy a vacant niche, and if the first volume is to be taken as a fair specimen of what is to follow, we have no hesitation in giving it our warm recommendation. We could not subscribe to all that it contains, and we could easily pick out faults, but in such a work it would be folly to expect perfect consistency of opinion or perfect freedom from blemish. On the whole, both plan and execution are good, and the editor deserves much credit for the successful way in which he has launched so difficult an undertaking. May he be as well supported-or better-in the building up of the second volume as he has been in that of the first. The Children's Hour Annual. Edinburgh: books for the This is one of the best children that we have seen. It contains a wonderful amount and variety of the most interesting matter, and many illustrations of a superior kind. The publishers have done their work very tastefully, and we should think there will be few books in greater requisition about the Christmas time. The Cottager and Artisan. London: Religious Tract Society. Like all the serials of the Religious Tract Society, the "Cottager and Artisan" is in every way excellent. Its illustrations are very striking, and it contains a great variety of profitable reading. NOTICE. As the number of the Messenger contains the Index for the year 1866, we have less space at our command than usual, and are, in consequence, obliged to postpone the insertion of several Book Notices, and other matter, till next month. -[ED. OF E. P. M.] |