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that while paying all the expenses of the

debts, the one on the manse and the other on the wall around the church, they would still have a balance in hand of from £20 to £30. This announcement of the Treasurer's was received with loud cheering. The subject of a new school-room was frequently adverted to in the course of the evening, and upwards of £20 was promised as a commencement towards it.

thorough appreciation of, the distinctive characteristics of the respective authors. He then proceeded to notice the great impulse given in the present age to religion by the hymns of the Church, of which a number of well-selected specimens were given.

thought that it was in the line of past action, sanctioned and approved by the Presbytery. alteration-some £300-and also two old This petition was cordially made by those who were to remain in St. Peter's, and by those who were to form the new congregation. As a session and congregation they were unanimous. The building of the new church and the payment of the debt on the old would require £6,500. Of this sum they had about £5,000, and he was hopeful that the remaining £1,500 would be got before and at the opening of the new church. LECTURE.-The Rev. J. A. Huie, M.A., The Presbytery granted the prayer of the of the English Presbyterian Church, memorial, and appointed a meeting to be Wooler, recently delivered a lecture in the held within Everton Valley Church on the Presbyterian Church, Manor Street, East 12th of June, to take the steps necessary India Road, London, on "The British for the formation of the congregation. It Poetry of the Present Century-Secular and was also agreed to take Mr. W. Gilliott, Sacred." The lecturer traced the progress student in divinity, on trial for license at of poetical authorship in the period indithat meeting. cated in a deeply interesting and masterly WHARTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.-Amanner. He gave-partly read and partly public tea-meeting was held in the school- recited-quotations from Scott, Macaulay, room at Wharton, on Saturday evening, May Mrs. Brown, Keble, Hood, Moore, Camp12th, in connection with the re-opening of bell, and others, in which he evinced the the church after extensive repairing and most perfect acquaintance with, and a beautifying that it has recently undergone. Tea being over, the Rev. John Gordon, M.A., presided, and made some encouraging remarks, concluding as follows:-"I would feel myself wanting in my duty did I not gratefully acknowledge, in this public way, the obligation we are under as a congregation to the public generally for their kind and liberal aid. Few, certainly, and far between, have been the instances of an opposite kind; all have been most kind and generous. First and foremost, our thanks are due to R. Barbour, Esq., of Bolesworth, both for his sympathy and advice at the commencement of our undertaking, and for his liberal grant of £50. And not less must we remember with gratitude another generous friend of Wharton, John Stewart, Esq., of Manchester, whose subscription is also £50. Special thanks are also due to John Gordon Brown, Esq., of Liverpool, and to Hugh Matheson, Esq., of London, whose heart and hand are ever open, and from whom we have received the liberal grants of £25 and £20. And many other names might be mentioned, both in our own neighbourhood and elsewhere, from whom we have received very substantial help. As a congregation we are also indebted to the labours of our Building Committees; especially are we indebted to Messrs. Clarke and Cooke for their many services in this matter; and to Mr. Thomas Horridge for his active oversight during the progress of the work." The Chairman then called for the Treasurer's report, which was given in by Mr. Cooke, on behalf of himself and Mr. Clarke, which was found to be highly satisfactory. In the course of his address, Mr. Cooke said their funds were in such a prosperous state,

DEATH OF AN ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER.-We regret to state that the Rev. Alex. Anderson, minister of the English Presbyterian Church at Falstone, Northumberland, died at the house of Mr. Steele, a relative of his, at Cricklewood, near London, on Friday, April 27th. He was staying there on the occasion of his attending the annual meeting of the English Presbyterian Synod. He was very poorly for some time before he left home for London, though nothing fatal was apprehended. A sense of duty, the hope that the change would do him some good, and the wish to obtain the best medical advice that could be had in the metropolis, combined in determining him, though contrary to the advice of his friends, to take so long a journey. The travelling did not appear to injure him, and during the first week of his stay in London he was able to move about, though he felt very far from well. Towards the beginning of the week following he felt himself turning weaker, and became anxious to return home. private compartment in the train had been secured for him for Thursday evening. He, however, turned much worse the night before, and early on the morning of Friday, as we have already announced, another journey was awaiting him. Every attention that medical skill and the solicitude of kind friends with whom he was staying could suggest was bestowed, but all was of no avail. Throughout Thursday he felt certain

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of his approaching end, seemed to be thoroughly resigned, often expressed his confidence in his Saviour, and, there is every reason to believe, has now gone to his reward. He died at the early age of thirtytwo, after a brief, but laborious, able, and useful ministry of six years. He was respected and beloved by all who knew him, and his loss will be deeply felt in the district in which he laboured, and a'so by a wide circle of friends. His remains were interred in Kensal Green Cemetery on Tuesday. Besides his own relations, there were present at the funeral the Rev. Dr. McCrie, the Rev. William Dinwiddie, and the Rev. Andrew Wilson.

long incumbency in Easter Ross, he maintained a very high place in the estimation of his parishioners, and of the whole of the districts around, as a pious and devoted minister and a man. While outspoken and spirited in his bearing, of a judicious and accomplished mind, he had the qualities which attracted, and, it may be said, compelled respect from all who came in contact with him, from the most influential of the heritors of his parish down to the humblest individual in it. He was eager on the side of the Evangelical party in the Church of Scotland in all the controversies and struggles that led to the Disruption, and at the "coming out" in '43, none in the ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NOT- Presbytery of Tain, where all the ministers TINGHAM.-The first quarterly tea-meeting came out, was more clear as to his course and in connection with this young congregation keen than Mr. Matheson. Of the principles was held some weeks ago in the school-room. of the Free Church he was all along a zealous Mr. Duncan D. Hepburn occupied the champion; and he would, in fact, have been chair, and in his opening address took a bold man, in any station, or with whatever occasion to remark on the steady progress pretensions, that would assail them in his the congregation has made since its com- presence. Withal he had much kindliness mencement two months ago. They had of heart, and his brother ministers throughreceived the greatest kindness and the best out the country, as well as all others coming wishes of the other Christian communities in contact with him, vied with each other in in the town, and it was their wish to main-esteeming him. Mr. Matheson continued tain this feeling and to assist in carrying on in the discharge of his duties until within the good work. Mr. Johnstone read the the last three years, when his failing strength financial statement, and congratulated the made it necessary that a colleague and sucmeeting that although the Committee had cessor should be procured. This was been obliged to incur considerable expense accomplished to his satisfaction and that of in connection with the opening of the church, the congregation in the appointment of Mr. the balance owing to the Treasurer was so Macdonald. Mr. Matheson's eldest son is small, he was happy to say, that in view of the valued minister of the English Presa deficiency of income during the present byterian Church at Hampstead. year, a guarantee fund had just been started, and had been liberally responded to. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Christall, Mr. Train, and others; and it was resolved to commence a Sunday-school in connection with the congregation as soon as possible. A vote of thanks was awarded to the Rev. R. H. Arbuckle, who has been officiating during the month of March, and the meeting warmly expressed its sense of his services and the interest he had taken in the congregation.

DEATH OF THE REV. MR. MATHESON, KILMUIR-EASTER.-Another of the fathers of the Disruption in the North is removed. The Reverend Charles Ross Matheson, of Kilmuir-Easter, died at the advanced age of eighty-one. He was for fifty-four years minister in that parish; having been ordained in 1812, as colleague and successor to his father, who was also for many years minister of Kilmuir, and was the successor there of Mr. Porteous, a man whose name is still cherished in the North as one of its eminent worthies in the past. The minister now deceased officiated for a short time after being licensed for the congregation of the Gaelic Church, Edinburgh. During his

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CARDIFF.-A meeting of this congregation was held on Tuesday evening, the 23rd April, to elect a minister. The Rev. James Paterson, of Liverpool, presided, and moderated in the call. It was moved by Mr. Lowe, seconded by Mr. Walker, and unanimously agreed to, that the Rev. John Fordyce, of Dunse, be called. The members and adherents present signed the call. It was also unanimously resolved to offer a minimum stipend of £300 a year, and a guarantee for that amount was subscribed. The congregation are most hearty and united in giving this call. They are also making great exertions to open their new church in July next, clear of debt. It is hoped their wishes may be gratified and their earnest labours crowned with success. We possess an engraving of the new church, and we are bound to say that it will be not only an ornament to the town of Cardiff, but one of the handsomest churches within the bounds of the Synod. Some months ago the foundation-stone was laid by John Bannerman, Esq., and, in connection with the ceremony, Cornelius Lundie, Esq., of Cardiff, who has from the beginning given all his influence to the cause, made a statement

concerning the rise and progress of the rovement, which gives evidence of much vigour and wisdom in the past, and large promise of success in the future.

CALEDONIAN ROAD, LONDON.-Ameeting of this congregation was held on the evening of Wednesday, May 16th, for the purpose of establishing a missionary association. After tea the chair was taken by the pastor of the church (the Rev. W. Dinwiddie, LL.B.), who stated the object of the meeting, and advanced a number of reasons why such an association should be formed. He was succeeded by Mr. James E. Mathieson and Dr. Hamilton, who delivered most interesting and effective addresses on the Mission in China. Messrs. G. Kenwick, J. S. Ness, R. R. Robertson, Alex. Whytt, D Campbell (office-bearer of the congregation), James Dinwiddie (Secretary of the Young Men's Society), and A. Young (Regent's Square), then made, in succession, short but forcible speeches. In the course of the evening it was formally and unanimously agreed to establish a Missionary Society, and a working committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements. The meeting was a most harmonious and delightful one,

all listening with the deepest interest to the addresses of Dr. Hamilton and Mr. Mathieson, and seemingly resolved to do their utmost to carry out the objects of the proposed association. What makes the action on the part of the Caledonian congregation especially pleasing is the fact that they are about to erect a new place of worship, and have contributed largely to that object.

ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PRESTON.-A meeting of the friends of the move. ment recently commenced in Preston for the format on of a congregation in connection with the Presbyterian Church in England, was held in the hall of the Mechanics' Institution on the evening of the 26th ult. After tea, of which some 200 partook, the Rev. John Kelman, M.A., of the Free Curch, Dundonald, Scotland, who is at present officiating there, took the chair, and expressed the interest which he felt in the prosperity and the encouraging prospects before them. The Rev. J. M. Ross, of Manchester, delivered an able and encouraging address, after which the following gentlemen spoke :-Messrs. Carson, Dick, Crerar, Wilkinson, Baitson, and Johnston. The cause is one of much promise.

Collections and

HOME MISSION.

HOME MISSION COLLECTION

Donations.

Ayr, per Rev. William Grant

Cleator Moor, per Mr. A. R. Balfour. £1 0 0 St. Andrew's, Kilmarnock, per Rev. Mr.

Harrow Road, London, per Mr. T. M.

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Thomas Matheson, Esq., Liverpool .50 0 0

COLLECTIONS IN SCOTLAND FOR
CHURCH EXTENSION.

St. Leonard's. Perth, per Rev. John Milne 15 1 7
First Free Church, Thurso, per Mr.
Galloway

Alva, per Mr. A. Melville'

Free North Church, Stirling, per Mr. J.
Coubrough

Free Middle Church, Perth, per Mr. A. B.

Smith

Cambusnethan, per Rev. R. G. Millar
Olrig, per Rev. A. Auld

First Free Church, Blairgowrie, per Rev.
John Baxter

Tullibody, per Rev. W. F. Goldie
North Bute, per Mr. R. McFie
Selkirk, per Rev. G. J. C. Duncan
Hawick, per Rev. G. J. C. Duncan
Melrose, per Rev. Wm. Cousin
Watten, per Rev. Alexander Gunn.
Wallacetown, Ayr, per Mr. Rowand

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Free Abbey, Dunfermline, per Rev. G. J. C. Duncan

£13 0 0

Free High Church, Kilmarnock, per Rev. P. Robertson

20 0 0

Young

Pathhead, per Mr. John Kay.

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10 0 0

200

126

309

8 18 7

9 12 6

Free North Church, Dunfermline, per Rev. G. J. C. Duncan

Free St. Andrew's Church, Dunfermline, per Rev. G. J. C. Duncan Pitcairngreen, per Mr. James Duncan Free West Church, Perth, per Mr. Jas. Duncan.

Free West Church, Thurso, per Mr. W.

Bremner

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Bower, per Rev. John Durran.

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Lybster, per Rev. J. Mackay

Latheron, per Rev. J. Mackay

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Free High Church, Elgin, per Rev. J. R.

500

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Mackenzie

Lossiemouth, per Rev. G. J. C. Duncan. Newton, Ayr, per Rev. J. Miller

St. John's, Hamilton, per. Mr. T. Ander

son

140 Fraserburgh, per Mr. James Walker
3 0 5 Wick, per Mr. W. Rae

6 15 8 Halkirk, per Rev. H. Fraser
346 Pultneytown, per Rev. Geo. Stevenson
470 Free North Church, Inverness, per Rev.
1 0 0 William Chalmers

20 0 0

2 18 0

8 10 0

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700

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Biblical Commentary of the Book of Job. Vol. I. By F. DELITZSCH, D.D. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark.

Books.

and sobered by study, the development of the subtle plot-the action of the sublime drama-is gradually advanced and made to evolve fresh light and meaning and interWe hail the work of Dr. Delitzsch with est at every step. God's dealings with delight. It is a magnificent contribution the soul are explained and vindicated, and to a right understanding of the Book of the soul's strugglings under the dark disJob. As might be expected in a work pensation of Providence are analysed and from the quarter whence it issues, it ex- pursued with much sagacity and power. hibits profound and minute scholarship, The author identifies himself with the great psychological power, keen spiritual period in which the plot is laid; he has a discernment, and a most reverent spirit. clear perception of the influences at work Everything rests on the solid basis of of the chief features of patriarchal life— learning; and it is beautiful to see how, of the amount and character of religious under the hand of genius, sanctified by grace knowledge that was possessed before the

epoch of the Thora, and of the difficulties pulpit, Dr. Guthrie still preaches to a large which surrounded Job and his friends in multitude, and with admirable effect. their efforts to read the meaning of the May he be long spared to labour in the severe afflictions which brought them to- vineyard, and to sow the good seed by gether. On the whole, there is no com- many waters! mentary on Job, accessible to the English reader, so satisfactory in all points; and when we say this, we keep in view Mr. Davidson's excellent work, of which Dr. Delitzsch expresses a high opinion. The new translation of the Book of Job is exceedingly good, the poetical portion being given in couplets, which preserves something of the original aroma.

Biblical Commentary on the Books of Samuel. By Drs. KEIL & DELITZSCH. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark.

The names of the authors of this commentary are a sufficient testimony to its excellence. Drs. Keil and Deltzsch, thanks to the Messrs. Clark, are now well known to Bible students in this country. This new and joint production seems worthy of the high reputation they have gained. It bears evidence on every page, not only of scholarship, but of the painstaking application of scholarship. It is critical enough to satisfy the most advanced student, while, at the same time, it preserves the flow of the narrative and gives a flesh-andblood character to the actors in the piece of history which it explains and unfolds. The commentary on the two Books of Samuel are complete in one volume, and those who wish to see the histories of Samuel, Saul, and David treated in a critical and philosophical way, cannot do better than put themselves in possession of

the work under notice.

The Parables read in the Light of the present Day. By THOMAS GUTHRIE, D.D.

London: Alexander Strahan.

Readers of "Good Words" will be acquainted with the contents of this volume, and yet they, we should think, will be the first to welcome its appearance, and to secure in a collected and portable form the papers which delighted and instructed them from month to month in the pages of the Magazine. The parables are peculiarly suited to Dr. Guthrie's manner of treatment, and in no previous volume has he exhibited a greater wealth of illustration, or brought religion more effectively into the domain of every-day life. The great preacher's strength gives no sign of abatement. He is like a fountain whose waters dry not, but only become the fuller and sweeter through the lapse of time. Some of the parables are handled in a very fresh and powerful way, exhibiting a combination of breadth, beauty, and force, which few living writers, if any, could equal. Though unable to occupy the

Italy in some of its Political and Religious Aspects. An Essay. By ROBERT MACEWEN, Esq. Manchester: W. Wilson. London: Nisbet & Co.

This essay was written for and read before the Young Men's Society, Grosvenor Square, Manchester, and is the production of a thoughtful and accomplished mind. In a small pamphlet of thirty-six pages, Mr. MacEwen contrives to give a summary of Italian history, from the rise of the Roman power to the unification of the Italian States under Victor Immanuel.

He has produced a multum in parvo. It requires a thorough knowledge of the suband much literary ability, to compress so ject, in its principles and facts and issues, much into so limited a space, and Mr. MacEwen shows himself to be possessed of all the knowledge and ability requisite for the accomplishment of this, for his essay is a most excellent and complete little work.

address the continuity of the narrative, He has preserved with much showing the influence which one period had upon another, and the principles which were at work in the various grand epochs through which the Italian race has passed. At the close of the essay we have a very admirable account of the testimony borne by the Vaudois Church through ages of persecution. Mr. MacEwen is an old and valued elder of our Presbyterian Church in England, and many friends of his will see with pleasure that he is still employing his high gifts and attainments for the benefit of those who are about him. Unusually favoured is the Young Men's Society that can command such talent as that which this essay exhibits.

Waymarks for the Guiding of Little Feet. By the Rev. J. A. WALLACE.

A series of most excellent addresses to children by one who possesses in rare measure the gifts that are necessary for this branch of pastoral labour. The subjects handled present great variety, all turning, however, on the one thing needful; and some of the addresses are marked by an exquisite adaptation to youthful minds and imaginations. Mr. Wallace has evidently prepared himself for these occasions with great care, and has sought not simply to amuse, or even instruct, but to draw out the minds of his young hearers, and to exercise them freely and intelligently on "the things of the kingdom." We cordially recommend his book both to heads of families, and to pastors of the flock of Christ.

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