agency is loose and irregular. The only efficient lay work in the Church is represented by our Churchwardens, and by the judicial Committee of the Privy Council. They had trained the people to think that the clergy were to do all the religious work, and that the laity are to be simply the recipients of the spiritual benefits which they were commissioned to convey to them. Many of the Dissenters realized the idea of the Church as a co-operative society far better than they did. They had but a faint idea of Church life, through the want of united action. The Church of England was too clerical. If it were disestablished to-morrow, it would be thrown on the world in the form of a clerical skeleton. An entire renovation was required throughout the whole framework of the Church, from the highest Church courts and councils, down to the smallest parochial details. For the accomplishment of all that is necessary in the way of reform, some new powers from the State are requisite; but much may be done without by the holding of Diocesan Conferences and Ruridecanal Chapters. He thought it most important that the clergy alone should officiate in church, except so far as the laity might read the lessons, and act as choristers. He thought the laity might well preach in schools, and not necessarily from a printed book. Nay, he went further, and thought it would be well if some of our clergy did not preach at all, and some of our laity a great deal; always, of course, with the co-operation of the parish clergyman, and with the bishop's sanction, revocable at any time." Mr. Gambier Parry read another paper on the subject, which the majority of the audience received with a noisy manifestation of disapproval, and some with counter-demonstrations. He advocated the revival of religious communities, male and female, in the Church. He referred to the authority of Bishop Burnet in support of his advice; but the assembly showed an unmistakable reluctance to accept it, and some of his observations were drowned in a tumult of dissent. The speaker referred to the past history of the Church, and reminded the meeting that two hundred years ago confraternities existed in great numbers. He ventured to assert that "the establishment of Protestant nunneries on a wise plan and a liberal scale would confer the greatest benefit." This was too much for their patience to endure, and, amid cries of Sit down," No, no," and mingled expressions of approval, he resumed his seat. His Grace interposed, with a pungent pun. He observed that those who dissented had plainly and fully expressed their disapproval, and added, “ Your noes may be pronounced as you please-as plain as a Roman nose. Still, it is not advisable that the feature should be a prolonged one." This sally provoked a laugh, and Mr. Parry obtained a little further indulgence, and he completed his argument in favour of the re-establishment of monkeries and nunneries. 66 On the whole, the Church of England papers are greatly pleased with the proceedings of the Congress. The "Guardian" says, that the Evangelical element was decidedly predominant in it; but that although the High Church and Broad Church parties were also strongly represented, the utmost good humour and kindliness of feeling prevailed throughout. CONFERENCE AT MANCHESTER. A Conference of Evangelical Members of the Church of England was held on October 6th and 7th, under the auspices of the Diocesan Church Association, in the city of Manchester. Mr. Colquhoun of Killermont was to have presided, but he was absent, and his place was filled by Mr. Robertson Gladstone, a brother of the coming Premier. The attendance, though numerous, was of a very different sort from that which had assembled the week before in Dublin; and although the mode of procedure was very much the same in both assemblies, the English one was very inferior to the Irish at once in talent and in interest. At Manchester, the dignitaries of the Church were conspicuous by their absence. Not a single bishop, or dean, or archdeacon appeared in the ranks of the host whose avowed object is the overthrow of Ritualism; and (we confess it with sorrow) the papers read, and the speeches made, appear to have been, in general, of the most commonplace description. And we frankly say we do not wonder at the pithlessness of the demonstration. The Chairman inaugurated the Congress by pronouncing the Ritualists to be so many rats and thieves, whom they ought to drive out of the house-with, we suppose, poker and tongs. A clergyman reading an elaborate paper “On the Position of the Laity in the Church," laid it down as an indubitable principle, that "as long as the Union of Church and State continues, Parliament must needs be the legislative body for the Church." While another speaker assured his brethren, and that apparently without a pang of regret, that "all Protestant Churches were necessarily Erastian." The men composing a Conference in which these were the ruling ideas, may be possessed individually of the highest excellence nay, we know that there are no more admirable men in any Church, than some who took part in the Manchester deliberations; but as a great Church party, with a distinet mission before it, the utter want of breadth, and elevation, and generosity of view, which characterizes their policy, must ever invest all their movements and testifyings with an air of selfism and weakness. Alas! that it should be true that the only class of religious persons in the country who will be able to rejoice over that paragraph in the Premier's address which contains a direct insult to the entire Presbyterianism of the empire, are those members of the Church of England to whom, in other connections, we feel most nearly akin. We refer to this point in our leading columns ; but as a piece of extraordinary intelligence, we must also give Mr. Disraeli's declaration here. What a striking commentary is furnished upon it by the Church History of Scotland! "The Religious Liberty which all Her Majesty's subjects now happily enjoy, is owing to the Christian Church in this country having accepted the principles of the Reformation, and recognized THE SUPREMACY OF THE SOVEREIGN as the representative of the State, not only in matters temporal, but IN MATTERS ECCLESIASTICAL. "THIS IS THE STRONGHOLD OF OUR SPIRITUAL FREEDOM! So long as there is in the country the connection, through the medium of a Protestant Sovereign, between the State and the National Church, religious liberty is secure." Wouldn't there have come a fine "Sardonic grin over the face of Archbishop Laud if he had lived to this day, and heard so time-honoured a sentiment uttered by the leader of a constitutional government, not to speak of the originator of household suffrage. Yet, as we have indicated, it is not the introduction of such a false and stupid thought into the Premier's manifesto which gives us concern, so much as the fact that the obnoxious paragraph expresses too exactly the present ruling idea of English Evangelicalism. We do confess that we turn with a sense of relief and satisfaction from the narrow and unspiritual views of the "Record" and the "Rock," to the nobler conceptions of the position and functions of the Church which we find in the utterances of men from whom these papers stand self-righteously aloof. A meeting was held, for example, a week or two ago in London to bid farewell to the Bishop of Capetown. It was a meeting of High Churchmen, and the manner in which it was conducted was in many respects highly objectionable, in our opinion. But the bishop preached, and in his sermon there appears so much that is admirable, that we are strongly confirmed in the conviction we have long had, that that dignitary would have drawn more cordially to the Evangelicals, if they had not shown much more anxiety about the upholding of Erastianism than about the suppression even of such deadly errors as those of Colenso. We shall leave our readers, however, to judge for themselves. Here are some sentences from the sermon itself. Speaking of the English Church, he says: What keeps at this hour unbelievers ministering at her altars-witnessing in her name for Divine truth to her people having the cure of souls-but the decisions of the courts of the world, which are in open collision with her own decisions in her Synods? What prevents the exercise of discipline in cases well known and of the most flagrant character, but the dread lest fresh decisions of secular Judges should pronounce teaching utterly destructive of the faith of Christendom allowable within the Church of England? And what prospect is there of a remedy in the existing state of things? No changes in law can take place without the consent of Parliament; no development of the machinery of the Church; no increase of its episcopate, so essential to its growth and well-being-without its sanction. Who looks from any substantial redress from this quarter? Each year makes legislation for the real benefit of the Church more hopeless. How shall the Court of Appeal, which has done so much to destroy the Church's position in the eyes of Christendom, and has driven many of her children from communion with her, be amended or destroyed? Who has any hope that Parliament, as now constituted, will effect this in a way satisfactory to the Church? May it not be that because the Church is bound with chains which are destroying her, God mercifully breaks those chains and sets her free? I confess that if separation comes, I shall believe that this will be the secret cause of it. Men, while carrying out their own plans for the overthrow of God's Church, are made to subserve his purposes. But will not the Church then break up? Is it not held together only by the strong arm of the civil power? Not so. The same differences which exist here are to be found in America and in the colonies. The Free Churches there do not break up. They are held together visibly by the same system which held the Church together in early days; invisibly, by the good | Spirit of our God. Synods, in their due order and gradation, are the Church's true legislature. These have bound, these again will bind, all her members together in one. To Synods the Irish Church in its hour of danger at once turns its thoughts. And the first notes of the coming struggle here in England awaken one far-seeing mind to the necessity of providing against the day of trial. Let our Synods get into working order; and if disestablishment comes, the Church will glide easily and insensibly, while the change which cannot but be gradual takes place, from one condition to the other." THE INDEPENDENTS AT LEEDS. The Congregational Union of England and Wales held its autumnal session this year in Leeds. It was opened on Monday evening, October 12, by the Rev. Thomas Binney, who preached what seems to have been a remarkable sermon to a great congregation. On Tuesday the business meetings began the President of the Union, Dr. Raleigh, leading with a weighty address. Dr. Raleigh's theme was the apparently impending separation of Church and State, and its probable consequences. Three remarks of his in this connection will be read with interest-the first as illustrating the practical evils of division; the second showing how little of a "dead fact," as yet, is our own Disruption; the third, as holding out a faint hope that Independents and Presbyterians may by-and-by come to see eye to eye. 46 The disestablishment of the English Church would be a great step towards complete brotherly concert and agreement among all denominations of Christians in the practical work of evangelization, both at home and abroad. Such concert is extremely desirable. The want of it in some places produces a state of things painful to contemplate-which, indeed, is almost disgraceful to the intelligence and piety of the country. In a village containing a population which could all find the necessary accommodation in a church or chapel of ordinary size, there shall be three, four, perhaps five congregations, with as many ministers, while the vast heathen world lies dark, and parts of our own great cities have lapsed into heathenism. "On the 18th of May 1843, a quarter of a century ago, four hundred and seventy-four ministers of the Church of Scotland left their connection with that Church in order to have unfettered liberty in spiritual things. They filed out of St. Andrew's Church, Edinburgh, where they had left their claim of right' on the table of the Assembly, slowly, solemnly-the grandest procession, in some respects, that Scotland has ever seenheaded by the great Chalmers and others; and when, amid the plaudits and the tears of great multitudes who crowded the streets and hung in every window, they made their way to Canonmills, the place chosen for their new Assembly, the first word in prayer was thanksgiving for 'enlargement '-the first words spoken in council were expressive of the joyful sense of liberty, Now we breathe freely.' Whatever happens to the Church of England will probably come quietly, without scenic effect, and with no one act of heroic culmination. But if the severance is as complete as it is expected to be, surely the grateful emotion of those who are set at liberty will be no less in the south than it was in the north. Now we breathe freely,' will be heard in effect in many an assembly of clergymen, and in many a parsonage and parish church, while the fruits of that freedom will begin at once to flow along many channels." "If we are to live, and do good, and grow in our associated capacity, we must not set ourselves up in Chinese immobility, and say to England, You have only to come to us.' We must go with the movement, shaping our forms and instruments-all that is not vital and unchangeable-to its necessities and claims as they arise. Our chief constitutional doctrine-the independence of the particular Church-remaining untouched substantially (although certain definitions and practical interpretations of it, which have not been uncommon, may have to be set aside), we might quite well, if we will, put our external relations under some common law, to which we should all be subject. We might be as dependent mutually as we are independent singly. We might thus link freedom and order as they have not been joined yet. Then the stronger would help the weaker, and the richer the poorer. Then we could hope for a sustentation fund that should bring full recognition and adequate support to every competent and worthy man in our ministry. Then we should be free of scandals that, when they arise, are laid by public sentiment at our door, while we seem to have no means of putting them away. Then, above all, we could send out the gospel into the dark places, and keep it there until the places are no longer dark." The first papers read before the Union were, "On the Terms and Design of Church Membership," and "On the Relation of Children to the Church." We regret that the pressure upon our columns makes it impossible for us to notice these papers particularly, or the discussion which followed upon them. We are the more sorry on this account, that the whole day's proceedings seemed to us to indicate a hopeful dissatisfaction with what we (Presbyterians) have always regarded as the unworkable principles of Independency in relation to the admission of applicants to the Table of the Lord. At the public meeting held in the evening, and presided over by Mr. Edward Baines, M.P., addresses were given "On the Importance of a Firm Adherence to True Protestant Principles," " On Congregationalism in Relation to National Life," and "On Christian Simplicity in Religious Work and Worship;" the two last being delivered by Mr. Dale, the successor of Angel James, and Dr. Joseph Parker, now the avowed author of "Ecce Deus." All the speeches were extremely able and suggestive, and were well fitted to convince the people of Leeds that in the coming chaos these sturdy Nonconformists will be quite able to hold their own. The other days were spent in a similar way; and the whole proceedings seem to have been managed in such an admirable manner that we are not surprised to hear Mr. Samuel Morley at the closing meeting announcing that he was going home with his heart cheered, his principles confirmed, and his zeal sensibly quickened. THE BAPTISTS AT BRISTOL. Bristol, the city of churches, and the western metropolis of Nonconformity, has given a right hearty welcome, says the "Freeman," to the Baptist Union. The place of meeting is the most attractive that could be chosen. As the scene of the labours of Robert Hall and John Foster, it will be ever memorable; and the autumnal assembly of 1868 has been not unworthy of these. Six hundred ministers and delegates gathered to the spot to deliberate upon such subjects as seemed likely to affect the welfare of the denomination. The proceedings were opened by a sermon from Mr. Hugh Stowell Brown of Liverpool, on Monday evening, October 12, and by a great missionary meeting on the evening of Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday were wholly given to business. We have space to say little more. One notable thing, however, must be mentioned. It is a grand testimony to the genius of Chalmers that an idea which he submitted to the Convocation six-andtwenty years ago, and which was regarded then with not much hearty faith, is now being everywhere entertained, and praised, and acted on. We refer to the idea of a shall be immediately commenced. Of course, the ROME'S APPEAL TO PROTESTANTISM. The Pope has addressed a letter to "all Protestants and non-Catholics" on the subject of his approaching General Council. The letter does not, however, contain any invitation to us to be present; and the reason why is given in an article in the "Tablet," written in a style of language which nobody but a Popish editor could use, and which he must learn through listening to that pleasant religious exercise-so common, at least, in Ireland-of" cursing at the altar:" fully declining the invitation, and giving, as his excuse for doing so, the very sufficient reason that he believed the Pope of Rome to be the Man of Sin and the Son of Perdition! But Dr. White evidently thought also that one good turn deserved another. The Holy Father had been gracious enough to show concern about his spiritual welfare; and he felt constrained to return the compli ment by reciprocating the anxiety. In a postscript, therefore, he added these kindly words-"I sincerely congratulate your Holiness on the improved tone of your communication. Might I venture to suggest that you should carry out the assumed spirit a little further, so as to grant to all the inhabitants of Rome liberty to worship God according to the dictates of their consciences, and also to exert your great influence to obtain the release of those who are pining in Spanish and other dungeons in Roman Catholic countries for reading the Word of God.” tinent. SPAIN AND THE GOSPEL. "An epoch is at hand in the history of the Church. First, it was seen at the very outset that the Spanish form of Popery had become a burden which the people were no longer able to bear; for one of the earliest street crics was for "Free Education" and "Religious Liberty." Next, this popular cry received authoritative expression from General Prim when, on his way to Madrid, he was waited on by some expatriated Protestants and asked whether they would now be at liberty to revisit their country. "You can leave immediately for Granada," said he, "with the Bible under your arm. Henceforth liberty will be a reality, and every one will be free to worship God as he thinks best." A third significant piece of news sent home was, that the populace of the capital had burnt the Concordat with Rome before the Palace of the Papal Nuncio. This was speedily followed by intelligence of a yet more important nature-viz., that the Junta had suppressed the Jesuits, and confiscated their property. And finally, to show that although the Provisional Government thinks a body of Popish ecclesiastics too dangerous to be tolerated, the Spaniards no longer believe it unsafe to allow Protestant worship in their country, an application from Seville for leave to erect a Protestant Church has been at once and cordially granted. In plain terms, we have no ccclesiastical persons whatever among us. Dr. Pusey is as bad as Dr. Cumming; and even Dr. Crawford is, in the eyes of his Holiness, as much a bishop as Dr. Wordsworth. We have nobody, then, whom we could send to the Council; | and, in the circumstances, all that the Pope can ask us to do is to take particular notice of the new proof which Rome is about to give of "its radical unity and its invincible vitality," and to pray that we may be "guided back to the bosom of Holy Mother Church, in which our fathers found the salutary pastures of life, and in which alone the teachings of Jesus Christ are pre-fying to know that Edinburgh has been the seat of a served and handed down in their integrity, and the mysteries of heavenly grace are dispensed." Strange to say, the Ritualists seem quite thankful for the notice-such as it is-which the Pope has taken of the Western Church. Yet why should we call it strange? They would kiss his Holiness's toe-and why should they not accept the crumbs that fall from his table? There is only one thing with which they are disgusted in the matter. It is-but we had better let the Church News" state its own grievance. "There can be little doubt," says that print, "that this grand | subject [the Ecumenical Council] will be among the foremost questions of the day in a very few months. We rejoice that the Pope has summoned both Easterns and Anglicans, and can quite forgive the impertinencefor which not the Pope, but somebody in England is responsible-OF OUR BEING IGNOMINIOUSLY CLASSED WITH PROTESTANTS!" Sustentation Fund." We find these, to us, familiar words cropping out now-a-days in the most unexpected places. Dr. Alford uses them in forecasting his Church of the Future; Dr. Raleigh uses them in We are glad to see that a Liverpool Presbyterian addressing an assembly of Independents; they are minister-Dr. Verner White-exhibits in this connecconstantly on the lips of English and Irish Presbyte- tion a more wholesome spirit. Imagining that the rians; and, finally, we have to record that the Baptist | Pope's letter contained an invitation to him and to Union has not merely adopted the expression, but has agreed to accept the scheme. It was resolved at Bristol that a Sustentation Fund for the Baptist Ministry other Protestants to be present at the Council, he con- In circumstances so interesting, it is extremely grati "Spanish Evangelization Society," which has already done much for Spain, and which has an agency ready prepared by means of which it could do a great deal more if it were promptly provided with adequate funds. Of the committee of this Society, Sir Henry Moncrieff is the chairman, and Mrs. Robert Peddie, Grange Bank, Morningside, is the financial secretary. As if coming events had been casting their shadows before, a remarkable meeting of Spanish evangelists had been held at Gibraltar a few weeks earlier than the Revolution, at which it was resolved to take steps for the organization of a Reformed Church of Spain. It is perhaps rather too much to compare this meeting to the first General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, but it was nevertheless a notable gathering; and it is likely to have more extensive issues than could at first have been anticipated from it. We heartily commend to our readers' attention, therefore, the last number of "Times of Refreshing "-the quarterly periodical of the "Spanish Evangelistic Society "-in which there is a full account of the meeting in question; and we add the confident hope that the Society itself will not appeal in vain for a largely increased support. God has marvellously opened the door; it will be foolish as well as disgraceful if we do not at once seek to enter in. FROM OUR GERMAN CORRESPONDENT. BERLIN, October 17, 1868. I shall limit myself in this letter to an account of an Ecclesiastical Conference held on the 15th instant, with Dr. Hoffmann, the Superintendent of the province of Brandenburg, in the chair. I regard the discussion of this Conference as very important in the history of the Prussian Church. There were two subjects considered: the first, the necessity of recognizing the Augsburg Confession as the common Confession of the Prussian Church; the second, the relation of pastoral work and the pulpit. I may mention, that it is the custom here to bring forward the subjects to be considered in these Conferences in the form of theses, somewhat after the old style which Luther himself adopted. I think the plan good, as it gives definiteness to the discussion. I was extremely gratified with the whole tone of the conference. Evidently, Rationalism, if it still, alas! survives in Prussia, has altogether lost the position it once held. Not a voice was lifted up in its favour by any of the numerous clergy assembled on the occasion. On the contrary, any references to it were rather in the form of complaint that the higher Consistorics were not sufficiently vigilant in guarding the rights of Christian congregations, and preventing the propagation of heterodoxy. On this point nothing, however, could be clearer than the utterance of Dr. Hoffmann. He assured the Conference that the Upper Consistory of the province was resolved, if any distinct and definite charges were brought forward against any clergyman, that he taught what was contrary to the Confessions of the Church, the case would be inquired into, and if the libel were established, the clergyman would be dismissed from his office. This, as your readers are aware, is a great step for Germany. Would that the Anglican bishops would act with as much firmness. Before noticing the discussions of the Conference, a word as to the speakers. Dr. Hoffmann is admirably qualified to be the President or Moderator of such an assembly. He combines the qualities of tact and firmness, and there is in all he says a tone of evangelical earnestness, much to be appreciated in one who occupies in Prussia almost as influential a position in the Church as Bismarck does in the Cabinet. He is a cordial supporter of union on the basis of the historical Confessions of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. In one sense these are indeed incompatible, if Lutherans hold strictly to Luther; but as is well known, and as Dr. Cunningham used often to notice, Melancthon, the longer he lived, inclined the more to concessions to Calvin. They were men, as regards high scholarship, in many respects of like minds; and although the outside world look on T. NELSON AND SONS' PUBLICATIONS. BY THE REV. J. C. RYLE, B.A. Series of Biographical Sketches of the Leading English The Religious and Moral Condition of England. And now to come to the discussions of the Conference. You are aware that the Augsburg Confession of 1530, if interpreted by the additions of 1540, is really one to which any Calvinist could give his subscription. England a Hundred Years Ago: Being a We hold the sacraments to be seals as well as signs (sigilla et signa), and the Augustana, as the Germans call it, goes no further. Were it recognized in all the Prussian Churches in the new provinces as well as the old, it would be as important a step for Germany as your union with the United Presbyterian Church in Scotland. At present, there are indeed many Prussian pastors who hold to the United Church as expressing their faith; but there is a want of a Confession, and the indefiniteness of the position often leads to an uncertainty of conviction. If all, on the other hand, accepted the Augsburg Confession in the liberal interpretation given to it at the Conference, there would be a solid Confessional basis. William Grimshaw of Haworth, and His Ministry. John Berridge, and His Ministry. Henry Venn, and His Ministry. James Hervey of Weston Favell, and His Ministry. Fletcher of Madeley, and His Ministry. NEW TALE By the Author of "The Dark Year of Dundee.” Century. Uniform with the "Schönberg-Cotta Series." Their His I was gratified, in reference to this discussion, to find that Dr. Hoffmann repudiated the idea that the State could originate the movement. Prussia is evidently moving in a Free Church direction, and that with the Earthquakes and Volcanoes. cordial consent of its sovereigns. It will never again attempt a forced union. Any movement towards a common Confession must emanate from the Church itself, declaring its wishes through the provincial synods, and with the consent of the congregations, if the synods deem that necessary. Then alone the Upper Consistories could take the question into consideration, and ask the consent of the King. tory, Phenomena, and Probable causes. By MUNGO PONTON, F.R.S.E. Author of "The Great Architect, as manifested in the Material Universe," &c. With numerous Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth. Price 3s. AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN REUNION. On this subject we give the following article from the "New York Observer":-" We are asked every day as to the prospect of the reunion of the Presbyterian Church. Our answer is that the prospect is favourable. "It is hardly probable that the reunion will be formed on the basis of the terms proposed by the two Assemblies to the Presbyteries. That platform has been losing ground ever since the adjournment, while the union itself has been gaining. Men who voted against the Terms have come out over their own signatures and declared themselves in favour of union on the simple basis of the Confession of Faith, the doctrinal standards of the Church. The Presbyteries are acting, or will be called to act upon the question in their fall meetings. "All the signs indicate the reunion on the basis of the Standards only. If the two Assemblies have confidence in one another, and are both sincerely attached to the doctrines of the Confession, they will receive one another without other terms, and then adjust all details on the principles of justice and Christian comity." Calvin as austere, they were both really tolerant. But T. NELSON AND SONS' NEW PUBLICATIONS. this is a digression. Referring to the speakers at the Conference once more, I was glad to see the venerable Dr. Krummacher, whose oratory and aspect have always struck me as similar to Lord Brougham's. Age has not abated his energy, but somewhat injured his voice. Formerly pastor in Berlin, he is now Court preacher in Potsdam. There were other speakers, but I shall not notice many of them. There was Professor Dorner, one of the greatest ornaments of the Berlin University; worthily, in a measure, supplying now the place Neander once held. There is something extremely mild and truly devout in the tone of this theologian. He is quite after the Melancthoncan type, earnest yet gentle. He is more decided in his confessional views than Nitsch, who approximated, in a degree, to Schleiermacher. Nitsch was at the same time a sincere Christian, and his death I deplore. Many years ago, I remember meeting him at Bonn, and he told me with some pride that Dr. Pusey had been at one time his pupil. The scholar and the teacher widely diverged afterwards in their views. Another of the speakers was Hegel, son of the great metaphysician, but baptized with a very different spirit. He is a layman, but at the same time President of the Upper Consistory of the Church. I only notice another speaker, one of the royal chaplains-Koegel. He is comparatively a young man, but evidently possesses influence. He will leave his mark, I think, on the Prussian Church. He combines at once much spirituality of thought with great soundness of judgment. He reminded me, in some measure, of your own Dr. Charles Brown. Just Ready, Uniform with The Bird," The Mysteries of the Ocean. From the French of ARTHUR MANGIN. By the Translator of "The Bird." With One Hundred and Thirty Illustrations by W. FREEMAN and J. NoкL. Imperial 8vo, full gilt side and gilt edges. Price 10s. 6d. This comprehensive and richly-illustrated work is probably the most complete that has appeared on this popular subject. It treats of the Ocean not only in a philosophical and scientific, but in a moral and historical light-describing not only its tides and currents, its wonderful varieties of life, and constant changes of aspect, but its influence Got up in the same upon commerce and civilization. recherché style as Michelet's "Bird," which achieved so great a success last Christmas, the publishers believe it will be accepted as a valuable addition to the library, while as a gift-book it will possess a permanent interest. Also nearly Ready, Uniform with the Above, From the French of ARTHUR MANGIN. Edited and Enlarged by the Translator of "The Bird." With 160 Illustrations by W. FREEMAN, FOULQUIER, and YAN DARGENT. Imperial 8vo, full gilt side and gilt edges. Price 10s. 6d. [On Nov. 14th. The Desert World. CONTENTS. The Steppes:-The Desert in Russia, Siberia, and Tartary. The Rainless Desert-The Bed of a Sea-The Dead Sea. The Nubian Desert-The Great Sahara. The Men of the Desert. Deserts of the New World:-Prairies, Pampas, Llanos. Vegetable Life in the Prairies, Pampas, and Llanos of the Animal Life in the Prairies of the Old World. Vegetable Life in the Forests of the Old World. Animal Life and Vegetable Life in the Polar Deserts. T. NELSON AND SONS, London, Edinburgh, and New York. This useful little volume embodies the results of the latest researches on the important subject of volcanie dis turbances-of which the recent deplorable calamity in South America is so impressive an example. It includes a graphic description of the principal volcanoes in the world and of their most remarkable outbursts, as well as of the disastrous earthquakes which at various times have convulsed the surface of our globe. No similar work exists in English of so compact, interesting, and comprehensive a nature. HANDSOME PRESENT BOOK. The Bird. By JULES MICHELET, Author of "History of France," &c. This beautiful volume is Illus trated by Two HUNDRED AND TEN EXQUISITE ENGRAVINGS BY GIACOMELLI, Dore's Collaborateur on his celebrated Bible. Imperial 8vo, handsomely bound in Cloth and Gold. Price 10s. 6d. "It is a charming book to read, and a most valuable volume to think over. It was a wise, and we cannot doubt it will be a profitable, duty to publish it here, where it must take a place second only to that it occupies in the language in which it was written. The Engravings on wood are of a very masterly character; they are all firstclass, admirably drawn and exquisitely engraved; they may be classed, indeed, with the best productions of the art that have been produced in our age; and Messrs. Nelson have done full justice to them in the minor accessories of paper and print."-The Art Journal. FOR THE YOUNG. THE WORLD AT HOME: PICTURES The Aurora Borealis. The Man drawn by Dogs. Houses made of Snow. The Greenlander. CONTENTS. A Fight with the Walrus. A Little about Brazil. The Indian's Bow and Arrow. The Hanging Nests. The Electric Ecl. A Little about Iceland. The North American Indian. Indian Wigwamus. The Feast of Green Corn. The Prairie on Fire. The Wild Pigeons of America. The Beaver. The Mahogany Tree. Where does Cotton come from? Gathering Cotton. The Sugar Cane. The Land of the Giants. The Sand Storm. The Lights in the Trees. Crossing the Andes. The Indian's Beast of Burden. The Steppes. The Camel of the Tartars. Wild Horse of the Steppes. The Pearl Divers. The Sponge and the Coral. The Elephant. The Tiger Hunt. The Snake Charmer. The Humming-Bird. The Banyan Tree. ROBERT WALKER, Esq., Publisher. JOHN CAY, Esq., W.S., Solicitor to the General Post-Office. GLASGOW, 67 St. Vincent Street. CHARLES LAWSON, Jun., Esq., Seed-Merchant. GRAHAM BINNY, Esq., W.S. NEIL C. CAMPBELL, Esq., Advocate, Sheriff of Ayrshire. sophy, Edinburgh University. JOHN AULD, Esq., W.S. JOHN PARKER, Esq., Inland Revenne. JOHN CARMENT, Esq., Preses of the Society of S.S.C. The TERMS of this Institution secure, as compared with those of other Offices, A greatly Larger Original Assurance for the same Premium, with the prospect to good Thus, a Policy for £1200 or £1250 can at most ages be had, from the first, for the premium charged elsewhere for £1000 only. Policies for £1000, which have shared at three Investigations, have already been increased to £1400, £1600, and even to £1800. Examples of Annual Premiums for Assurance of £100 at Death (with Profits). DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS. Nine-tenths, or Ninety per cent., of the Profits are divided every Seven Years among the participating Policy-holders. Policies of five years' duration becoming Claims between one Division of Profits and another are entitled to an Intermediate Bonus. The Company's system of Division of Profits, while it does not exclude younger Policy-holders from their fair share in the allocation of Bonus, reserves a much larger proportion for those whose Policies have existed for a long period, and who have themselves attained an advanced age. Five Periodical Investigations have already been made, and the results of the equitable principle of distribution are brought out in the very large bonuses which attach to cases fulfilling these conditions, and are fully illustrated by the undernoted examples. EXAMPLES OF BONUS ADDITIONS ALREADY PAID. Thus, a person of 30 may secure £1000 at death (with Profits), for a Yearly Premium of £20, 15s., which in the other Scottish Mutual Offices would assure £800 only. Or, if unwilling to burden himself with payments during his whole life, he may secure a Policy for £1000 (with Profits), for a Premium of £27, 13s. 4d., limited to Twenty-one Payments, being nearly the same as most Offices require during the whole of life. The Company's Financial Year closes on 31st MARCH, and Profit Policies, issued on or before that date, will be en- An Additional Bonus over Later Entrants 22 GEORGE STREET, EDINBURGII. JAMES NISBET AND CO.'S NEW BOOKS. I. Just published, post 8vo, 7s. 6d, cloth, The SOCIETY has taken a leading part in the relaxation of restrictions on Policies, and in the The First Volume of a Uniform Edition REMOVAL OF GROUNDS OF CHALLENGE. Nearly twenty years ago it was declared that error in the original statements should not involve forfeiture, unless proved to have been fraudulent as well as untrue; and at same time the forfeiture which attached to death by capital punishment, by duelling, and even by SUICIDE (unless occurring within six months), was removed. Foreign Residence and Travel.-Members (not ́ seafaring men) are now at liberty, free of charge, to travel or reside in any part of the world (Asia excepted) north of 35° N. and south of 30° S. The Directors are also empowered, under certain conditions, to grant Certificates of Exemption from all restrictions. BUSINESS OF 1867. In the year, 1373 new Policies were issued, for £621,574. Above 13,000, for Six Millions, remained in force. The REALISED FUND is now above £1,400,000, all invested in unexceptionable securities. REPORTS and every information as to the PRINCIPLES and RATES may be had on application. EDINBURGH, October 1868. Price 6d., by post 7d., Scottish Missions in India: Two LECTURES by the Rev. WILLIAM MILLER, M.A., Madras. "These eloquent lectures have already excited much interest, and will excite more."-Daily Review. "A strong recommendation of these lectures is their straightforward honesty."-Aberdeen Free Press. "The innate force and quality of the thinking will com mend it to readers who know nothing of the man."-Presbyterian. "The clearest and most sensible brochure on the subject."-London Weekly Review. "Two very able lectures.”—Sunday Magazine. "A thoughtful and important contribution to our missionary literature."-Family Treasury. "I would refer for further information to the lectures by the Rev. W. Miller."-Rev. Dr. Norman Macleod. Edinburgh: ANDREW ELLIOT, 17 Princes Street. Published this day, in crown 8vo, price 38. 6d., The Sabbath of Scripture: An Endeavour to ascertain exactly and fully all that the Bible teaches respecting the Sabbath. By the Rev. Jons KELMAN, M.A., Leith. Edinburgh: ANDREW ELLIOT. London: JAMES NISBET and Co. FIFTH THOUSAND. Among the Masses; or, Work in the Wynds. By the Rev. D. MACCOLL, Glasgow. Post 8vo. Price 3s. 6d. The Work in the Wynds' has certainly been the most successful home mission work of the age. This book, in which Mr. Maccoll has given us the results of his remarkable experience, is a precious contribution to the cause which he has served so well."-Free Church Record. T. NELSON AND SONS, London, Edinburgh, and New York. JAMES WATSON, Manager. NEW WORK By the Author of "Chronicles of the Schönberg-Cotta Family." Watchwords for the Warfare of Life. Light and Truth-Bible Thoughts and On Both Sides of the Sea: A Story of the A Memoir of the late James D. Burns of Hampstead. With a Selection from his Writings. By VIL; A Memoir of the late Rev. John Milne, M.A., of Perth. By the Rev. HORATIUS BONAR, D.D. With Recently published, small crown 8vo, 2s. 6d., cloth, London: JAMES NISBET and Co., 21 Berners Street, W. THE PRESBYTERIAN. Subscribers' Names received by all Booksellers. Terms: 28. a year; or, by Post direct from the Publishers, 3s. a year, payable in advance. T. NELSON AND SONS, EDINBURGH AND LONDON CONDUCTED BY MEMBERS OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. PRESIDENT of the EDITORIAL COMMITTEE-REV. DR. RAINY, EDINBURGH. REGISTERED FOR] No. 8.] DECEMBER 1, 1868. the Irish Establishment Communion Services. Address on Christian Missions to India.. 9 The Dogmatic Faith, &c. &c... . . . . . . . REVIEW OF INTELLIGENCE:- 10 The Evangelical Party in England.. Thorns in the Side.. 4 The Free Church 10 5 Scottish Church Rates. 11 The Queen's Supremacy in Ireland 11 Instrumental Music in Public Worship.. 6 "The Mainstay of Protestantism". 12 REVIEWS OF BOOKS: Disestablishment in Jamaica.. 13 13 7 The "Veto" Reviving.. ..13 The Scottish Psalmody. 8 A Protestant Dean's Hope in the Pope..13 Versions of Psalms submitted to the General Assembly of 1867.. The Two Archbishops 13 The Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland.. THE PRINCIPLES OF THE FREE CHURCH AND THE IRISH ESTABLISHMENT. 13 .14 .14 THE question whether the Irish Establishment shall stand with Mr. Disraeli, or fall on the accession of Mr. Gladstone to power, is one in which every one of us may lawfully take an interest as citizens; but it is a different question that chiefly concerns us as members of a Church that is both national and free. The question is not whether the Irish Establishment shall be sustained, but whether Free Church principles sustain it. Do our specific principles historically and logically bind us to join Mr. Disraeli in resisting the proposal to disestablish and disendow that branch of the English Prelatical Church which is, and long has been, maintained by | public authority and at the public expense in Ireland? If this question must be answered in the affirmative, the present writer, for one, must forthwith abjure the principles of the Free Church. He does not, however, anticipate such a catastrophe; for he does not believe that the exodus of 1843 took him bound to uphold an institution which is nationally unjust, and ecclesiastically Erastian. In regard to the historical aspect of the subject, let a single fact suffice. In the first number of the "North British Review," edited by Dr. Welsh, and written by Alexander Dunlop, you read: "We find no fault with the principle of the appropriation of Church property, which was then proposed to be asserted. Church property is national property, and justly liable at all times and at any time to be applied, saving the existing interests of individuals for their lives, for the benefit of the nation. The property of the Irish Church is not now, and never has been, so applied. That Church has been throughout an incubus on vital religion-the great barrier against the progress of the Reformation in Ireland, the stronghold of the oppressor, and the just object of the indignation of the people. During its late trials, it seemed as if it was about to fulfil some of the true functions of the Church of Christ; but once freed from danger, it threw aside every symptom of penitence and amendment-abandoned or crushed the home mission, by which, almost for the first time, it was attempted to convert the native Irish from Romanism, and to preach the gospel throughout the country-and concentrated its energies in an arrogant and intolerant attempt to domincer over all other communions, and to have them branded by law as without a Christian ministry. A practical measure for appropriating the revenues of the Irish Church to the true benefit of the Irish people, we shall hail with satisfaction; and the sooner it comes the more welcome will it be, as every day's delay increases the risk that if left in the possession of those who now hold it, it will only be preserved by them entire for the Romish priesthood." Although these views are thoroughly in accordance with our own, we do not at present put them forward in order to maintain their absolute truth. Let Mr. Dunlop hold one opinion and Dr. Begg another. We do not at this stage decide between them. But one thing this extract decides conclusively without any argument of ours-viz., that at and after the Disruption, Free Church principles were not understood to cover the maintenance of the Establishment in Ireland. There may, for aught I know, have been members of the Free Church at that date who would have sup ported the Establishment in Ireland; but it is certain the Free Church [TRANSMISSION ABROAD. [Price 2d. was not committed to that opinion, for the honoured elder who drew up the Claim of Rights and the Protest, ere the ink of these documents was long dry, eloquently denounced that institution before the world as an incubus on the nation, and a barrier in the path of Protestantism. Enough as to the historical aspect of the question. Look to it now on its logical side. To Dr. Begg, "as the most prominent champion on the other side, I must specially refer; not, however, for the purpose of taking down his edifice stone by stone, but rather to draw out his foundation, that the building may dissolve of its own accord. He is very happy, I perceive, to learn that thirty-two thousand of his pamphlet have been disposed of. But I think this amount of success should not be any trial of his modesty; for surely if even a less able man, who had long been prominent in Liberal measures and in the Free Church anti-Erastian movement, had written and published on the side which the Tories happened to take on the great practical question which is about to decide the contest between the rival powers, he might have with good reason expected that in the heat of a national political conflict the party might have paid the wholesale price of even a larger number for gratuitous distribution among the electors in support of their canvass. As to the alternative of endowing all or none-to which, in the judgment of most people, the choice of the Parliament is, in point of fact, confined-Dr. Begg sublimely rejects both sides. He has what he calls "a third alternative-viz., to do what is right." What a short and simple solution! Surely we must be very naughty people to hesitate a moment, when we are asked to do only what is right. Now, dear Dr. Begg, we will be good; we shall agree with you to do right all the world over; and in the meantime, as you are a great teacher and know all about it, will you be so kind as tell us what is the right thing at present in Ireland on the matter of its Established Church? Passing over, in the meantime, the question as to what the true Church is, take the proposition in general terms: that it is right to endow the true religion in every parish, whatever may be the opinions of the parishioners. Dr. Begg finds a capital example for his purpose in the history of Ahab. He supposes Ahab to say, "I must support Baal or none. Am I to support a religion represented by little more than a single individual so far as I can see?" This, by the argument à fortiori, is applied to show that we ought to support the true religion in Ireland. If he was bound to support throughout the country the religion professed by only one man, much more are we bound to support the true religion throughout Ireland, where it is professed by a considerable number. If that principle is good, it will apply to any country where there is one professor of the true religion. If there is any such country in which it is not applicable, the principle is worthless. Try it on British India. A considerable number of the Queen's subjects in that country, both of British and native birth, are true Christians. Is it the duty of the Government to establish Christianity throughout India at the expense of the inhabitants? Or if it were so established, and an effort were made in the Imperial Parliament to disestablish and disendow it, would Free Church principles compel or permit those who hold them to interpose and prevent the fact? When this question gets an answer, we shall carry the argument a step further forward. The experience of the Free Church has entered as an important element among the combined influences which have brought about the present crisis. Our exodus, it now begins to appear, was a lever, silently and softly introduced beneath the fabric of State endowments, that will in due time overturn the whole. We meant all another thing: but it is like the Lord's ways in other departments, to bring about his designs by the agency of men who know not what they do. If we had intended by our movement to secure the overthrow of endowments, we should not have succeeded. Through grace we were enabled to prosecute our own work—a Free Church for the nation-with some measure of the single eye; and God was pleased to give us great success. Now, however, we begin to see in |