Free Church of Scotland out of the erastian establishment." After dwelling, in an affecting strain, on the sacrifice made by those who subscribed "the act of separation and deed of demission," by which 470 ministers did "separate from, and abandon the present ecclesiastical establishment in Scotland, and renounce all rights or emoluments pertaining to them by virtue thereof," the author proceeds to say that the sacrifice has been amply repaid in blessings of a nobler kind." Among others which he notices is this, that "it has elicited to a wonderful extent the sympathy and fraternal regard of christian men and christian churches." The little pamphlet, the title of which stands at the head of this article, is but one of a multitude of proofs that it has done so. We have occasion to know that it comes from the pen of a plain unlearned elder in one of the churches of the United Secession-one who is in a great measure self-taught, and who formerly did good service in the voluntary controversy by some things written under the signature of "a Layman," which showed considerable attainments, and withal sound and strong sense. We notice it the rather that it may be taken as an indication of the feelings entertained towards the new secession, by the class to which he belongs, and indeed by the great body of the people connected with the church in which he is a respected and influential member. We perceive from it that these are full of sympathy and hope-sympathy with the Free Protesting Church, in her present appearance for religious liberty-and hope that she will make yet farther advances in the path on which she has entered, so as fully to vindicate the designation she has assumed.

The chief part of the tract consists of an ingenious and well-conducted allegory-in which a tribe of Israel, that had consented to accept a settlement in Egypt, after finding i.s promised immunities and privileges invaded, is forced at length to resolve on marching out from the land, which proved to them, as it had been to their fathers, a land of bondage. The author gives a rapid sketch of the history of religion in Scotland, from the times of the reformation from popery, to those of the late disruption in the Established church. Laying aside the allegory, he gives us in the close some excellent and animating observations on the present duty and prospects of the churches. We regret that want of room obliges us to omit one or two interesting passages which we had marked for quotation.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-FOREIGN.

For the most interesting intelligence under this head, we refer our readers to the present number of the Quarterly Record, containing the Rev. Mr Robson's address to the United Associate Synod, in which he narrates his proceedings during his late visit to Jamaica, and gives a view of the state of our missions there. All who heard that statement from his lips, will be gratified to have possession of it in a permanent form. To those who have now, for the first time, an opportunity of acquainting themselves with its details, we are happy our journal should be the medium of furnishing so rich and so rare a treat. Who that reads but must rejoice that the churches of the Secession have had so large a share in the good work that is going forward? If such the first fruits, what shall be the harvest?

We expect to be able to give a brief monthly digest of missionary proceedings in this division of our miscellany. At present we must confine ourselves to a very few particulars.

The London Missionary Chronicle contains a very interesting notice of the prosperous state of the mission church on the Demerara river, under the care of the Rev. James Scott. On account of the increase of the congregation, larger accommodation having become necessary, a new and improved place of worship was lately built. The interest taken in the special services at the opening of the chapel, afforded gratifying evidence of the value attached by the negroes to the privileges which they now enjoy. In accordance with this feeling, an unwonted spirit of liberality was elicited among all classes of the people, insomuch that the opening collection alone amounted to L.290. Already the congregation have raised between 7000 and 8000 dollars, to defray the expense of the

erection.

From the Chronicle we also perceive that the directors of the London Missionary Society, ever alive to the state of the missions in the South Seas, have in prospect to purchase a new vessel, in room of Williams' mission ship, the Camden, and that they propose to raise the necessary funds by the liberality of the juvenile friends of the cause. "The reason why a larger ship is required is, that the present vessel is found much too small to carry out all the goods from England and Sydney, to the missionaries, and their families, in the South Sea islands, which we have to forward to them as supplies every year. The number of missionary families in those islands is now double what it was when the Camden went out. Our friends there cannot do without supplies being sent to them. There are no markets nor shops in those islands where they could purchase what they need, such as clothing, provisions, &c.; and if ships happen to call with them on sale, the prices are very exorbitant," &c. &c. The sum required for this purpose is L.4000.

Mr William Gillespie has received ordination as a missionary to China. He is to be stationed at Hong Kong.

In Western Africa, the Wesleyans appear to be urging on the work with increasing prospects of success. A mission has been undertaken by Mr Freeman, to the king of Dahomy, with a view to disabuse him of some erroneous impressions relative to the mission station at Badagry. Not only was this object attained, but so pleased was the king with his vistors, that he gave Mr Freeman repeated invitations to extend missionary efforts for the religious instruction of his people. The narrative of the expedition is lively, and not uninstructive, from its graphic descriptions of native manners. Among other peculiarities of the court of Dahomy, the royal body-guard is composed of women. As the missionaries withdrew from the king's presence, the female brigade, at his command, kept firing salutes for ten or fifteen minutes. Mr Freeman adds, that "the women fired their blunderbusses remarkably well." We wish Mr Freeman may have been duly explicit on some points. We allude particularly to his acceptance of presents of slaves from the king, intending to educate them and to give them their liberty. He expresses himself "satisfied that the king could not misunderstand any thing of the kind as countenancing slavery, because he had already told him that England would not sanction any thing savouring of slavery." He appears, however, to have given thanks for the present, without any expression of his sentiments with respect to trading in human flesh. This was, to say the least of it, somewhat equivocal, and liable to be "misunderstood" by the donor and the natives who witnessed it. To our way of thinking, the transaction wears a very unmissionary aspect.

The London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews, a thoroughly church of England institution, appears to regard the Jerusalem episcopate as one of the trophies of the cause. Secular influence, we fear, has had too deep a hand in the matter. Our readers may yet remember

the idle pomp with which the Lord Bishop of Sion entered and took possession of his imaginary diocese. The last accounts say nothing indeed, of his worldly state, neither do they say much of successful labours. A college has been established at Jerusalem for furthering the objects of the mission. Mention is made of the conversion of a Jewish family, and of ten inquirers who were receiving instruction in the christian faith. Arise, O God, plead thine own cause."

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE-DOMESTIC.

UNITED SECESSION.

JUBILEE SOIREE IN WELLINGTON STREET SECESSION CHURCH, GLASGOW.

It was our wish to give the report (a copy of which has been sent us) of the proceedings of the great soiree held in honour of our revered father, the Rev. Dr Mitchell, on occasion of his completing the fiftieth year of his ministry; but the space we have found it necessary to give to our Miscellaneous and Review departments, precludes our insertion of more than the reply of Dr Mitchell to the address presented to him by the congregation. This we give entire. The latter we are obliged to omit, which we much regret, for it is truly admirable. Nothing can exceed the judgment and the taste with which the congregation express their sense of their pastor's merits, and the filial tenderness and veneration with which they testify their obligations to the man of God, who has for so lengthened a period been their "servant for Jesus' sake." A brief review is given of the circumstances of Dr Mitchell's settlement; of the subsequent growth of the congregation, notwithstanding disadvantages of position and restrictions of a peculiar kind; and of the extended labours in which their pastor participated for the advancement of religion, both at home and abroad. The allusions to Dr Mitchell's impaired health, and to bereavements in the congregation and in his family, which have successively passed over him, are highly beautiful and touching-altogether in the spirit of him whom they so much and so deservedly honour.

Dr Mitchell acknowledged the address in a few very impressive sentences, and begged leave to call upon his son to read the following more lengthened reply :—

"TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED ASSOCIATE CONGREGATION WELLINGTton Street, GLASGOW.

"Glenarbach, 19th Sept. 1843.

"DEARLY BELOVED,-I have now to thank you, with a full heart, for the address which has been presented to me from you-for the form in which it has been given, so considerately accommodated to my circumstances-for the manner in which it was, by a brief anticipation, communicated to me through your Committee, which could not fail to enhance its value as well as its interest,- and, especially, for the ardent affection and respect which it breathes throughout. The sentiments of esteem which it expresses so strongly, I feel to be greatly undeserved, and would say were exagge rated, did I not know that, as coming from you, they are the language of sincere affection, and of unfeigned regard. Above all, I have to record humbly, but, I trust, earnestly, those acknowledgments of gratitude and of wonder which are most due to the Father of mercies, and the God of salvation, for all his kindness and care towards us, individually and collectively, from the beginning until now. I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.'

"In the facts you state concerning the rise and progress of the congregation, I cordially concur; but desire ever to remember with you, that the peace, the increase, and the unity we have enjoyed have all been of the Lord. If my poor services have contributed ought towards these most desirable effects and issues, they have done so only as they were aided and blessed of Him. And if the conversion of souls or the edification of saints has been promoted by them, to Him all the praise alone belongs. Alas! howsoever persevering they may have been, or numerous in amount, or active and strenuous in discharge, I am sensible they have been extremely imperfect, unworthy, and sinful in themselves. But such is the manner of our God; He gives grace to the guilty, aid to the feeble, and blessing to those who merit nothing. Nay, He is pleased sometimes to prosper those who, of themselves, could least of all secure success, and bless those most who were least deserving of his favour. At the same time, if such happy results have ensued in our history, I owe it to truth, to justice, and to gratitude, to say that these, under God, have arisen, in a great degree, from the dutiful affection of the congregation, which cheered me on my course, from the counsel and co-operation of the session, which assisted and encouraged me in my ministrations; as well as from those more intimate connexions of domestic life, which it has pleased God now to abridge, but which, rendering home delightful, also rendered public duty more easy and agreeable.

"To the same causes, also, I cheerfully attribute much of any acceptance and usefulness which I may have enjoyed in the Church; and gladly acknowledge my debt of obligation to you, and to your fathers and predecessors, for strengthening and honouring me in the Church, and in society around us. My loved fathers and brethren in the ministry (several of whom are now, alas! no more) delighted to minister to you from time to time; and, in their appreciation of you, I found new sources of gratification, and new stimulus of effort to myself.

In your prosperity I have had unfeigned joy. No discord has marred your agreement; no party arrangement has weakened it. You have received my ministrations in public and private with a love which was pleasant and seemly in you, while it at once rewarded and encouraged me. When my labours among you were in part interrupted by the duties of the chair to which you refer, you not only forbore murmuring, but remained united and sted fast. Ere many others had felt the claims of those who were perishing for lack of knowledge, you were accustomed, from time to time, to own and to answer them. You have ever honourably supported ordinances among yourselves and you have cared for the poor of the flock, and provided for them in a manner which has blessed them and blessed you.

"Nor have there been wanting evidences that God has given testimony to the word of his grace, as well as added some seals, at once to comfort and to crown my ministry in the Lord. These things have concurred both to uphold and to sweeten my multiplied labours, while the praise of all, I repeat it again, is due to sovereign grace. And at this memorable era, whose retrospect includes so many sabbaths and services, and so large a portion of our life and work, I would express my sense of your kindness, and my adoration of the long-suffering compassion and grace of our God. Yet, while we thus record the memory of His tender mercies,-many of them comparatively long passed,-we will not forget those which he has wrought for us of late, particularly in the full restoration and safe return of our beloved brother, your junior pastor, and our well-approved colleague in the ministry, who serveth with us as a son with a father, in the gospel of Christ, and in the work of the Lord-a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. May God himself bless abundantly, and continue long his labours amongst you, so that he also may enjoy a day of jubilee, and be refreshed with such communications as I have at this time received.

"The present crisis, however, brethren, you will permit me to remind you, is not only memorable, but solemn. It is comparatively rare, and should be always impressive. Looking back through the vista of past years, how dim and shadowy does every thing appear! How much is gone, and gone for ever! I can hardly figure to myself the time and scene of the ordination service. He who was once considered minister of Anderston, as residing there, sleeps near to the place,beneath a marble, inscribed with his name, and with this honourable, yet comprehensive memorial, The servant of God, and the friend of man. Another, nearly related to myself, and who preached occasionally amongst you, lies in a different corner, not far remote, with the text (not inappropriate, I judge), engraved on his monument, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea, saith the Spirit; they do rest from their labours, and their works do follow them.'

"Not a few honourable elders, and many private christians, young and old, who were once adjoined to our congregation, were loved and revered by us, called away during this long revolution of years, sleep in the dust, within the precincts of the same cemetery, and shall not awake till the heavens are no more. Others are interred elsewhere; and those near and dear to me, of whom you are pleased to make touching and honourable mention, lie beneath the sanctuary in which we now assemble. But

all, or almost all, the living and the dead, have incurred momentous responsibilities from the ministrations which have now passed, or will soon pass away for ever.

"Let us be admonished that the day of the Lord is at hand. Yet, blessed be God, amid these solemn recollections and associations, the Word of the Lord, the faith of which affordeth rich support and strong consolation, endureth for ever, and shall, I trust, be long and successfully proclaimed within these walls from lips that you love. May the Word of the Lord have free course and be glorified amongst you.' May our colleague and his successors in office (if such there be) have many seals of their ministry, and many for a crown of joy and rejoicing in the day of Christ." May many, young and old, rise up in the midst of you to call Messiah blessed. May the congregation here be established, as aforetime, yea, and more abundantly in the presence of the Lord of Hosts, dwelling, like Israel of old, amid his goodness!

"May the Lord bless you and keep you, and cause his face to shine on you, and when even this sanctuary shall fall into ruin, and be crumbled into dust, may hallowed remembrance inscribe upon it this united memorial, Jehovah Shammah, the Lord was there,' and this and that man was born in her:' and finally, my friends and brethren, when all these things shall be dissolved,' when the scheme of redemption shall have been fully unfolded, and all the good gathered together in Christ their great and common Head, may we (and oh that there were not one wanting,) be reunited on the day of eternal jubilee, in that high and glorious convocation which shall never break up, but remain associated, triumphant and adoring, for ever and ever!"

One of the most interesting features of the occasion was the part which the Rev. Mr Robson, junior minister of Wellington Street Church, was enabled, with renovated health and strength, to take in the proceedings. His address had the high merit of being like himself-every way worthy of one so loving and so beloved. It was replete with the eloquence of the heart, and glowed with passages of great brilliancy and power.

Amidst the mutual congratulations of the evening, care was taken to render the honour of all success, and of all deliverance to Him to whom all praise is due.

PRESBYTERIAL NOTICES.

Newcastle.-October 3, 1843. At a meeting of the presbytery now held, a proposal was made by the Rev. Mr Rattray to discontinue the labours of his school, that he might preach more frequently in the surrounding villages. It was then agreed to have a private conversation with him upon this subject, with the view of eliciting more fully the circumstances of the case; and, in the meantime, to recommend him to the affectionate sympathies of the Synod now meeting in Edinburgh. A committee was appointed to visit the station at Jarrow, as soon as possible, and to concert the best practicable measures for its supply. The next meeting of the presbytery was appointed to be held in Smyrna chapel, Sunderland, on Tuesday, December 5; and, at Mr Parker's request, a meeting to be held with his congregation there on the evening of the same day. Smyrna Chapel, Sunderland, Dec. 5.-The presbytery of Newcastle met, when the Rev. Dr Thomson of Coldstream, being present, was requested to take his seat as a corresponding member. The case of Mr Rattray and his congregation was again considered, and some measures were proposed for more efficiently promoting their interests. A petition from the congregation of Clavering Place, Newcastle, for a supply of preachers, with the view of obtaining a colleague to the Rev. James Pringle, their present pastor, was read; which, after hearing commissioners from the congregation, and considering the case, the presbytery agreed to grant. Read a petition from the persons now worshipping in the Close chapel, Newcastle, for the Rev. A. Ritchie's location as a preacher among them, and also for their being organized as a congregation of the United Secession Church, under the inspection of this presbytery. Commissioners were heard in support of