AN ENGLISH MINISTER'S ACCOUNT OF THE GREAT SECESSION. Manchester, Ellerby.

This pamphlet, written by the Rev. R. Fletcher, of Manchester, is just what was wanted to explain the circumstances and nature of the dispute which has caused so large a secession of ministers from the Established Church of Scotland. It is concise and clear, mild and firm. It gives in a very small compass, the chief points of the whole movement. For young persons we would also recommend The Martyrdom of John Brown,' a small sixteen-pages book, lately prepared by a Sunday school teacher. It is sold in London, by Nisbet; and develops the early triumph of those principles for which the free church is now contending.

The Portion.

Nov. 12.-THE WIDOW'S CHILD raised.-1 Kings xvii. 17-24.

NOTES.

Ver. 18. 'Call my sin, &c..' she supposes Elijah had by his prophetic spirit discovered her sinful heart; afflictions often bring sins to mind. Ver. 19. ‘A loft,' an upper chamber for his own use, 2 Kings iv. 10. Ver: 21. Stretched herself, &c,' by communicating natural warmth, he would dispose and prepare the body to receive the soul again. 2 Kings iv. 34; Acts xx. 10; three times,' several times. Ver. 24. 'Now by this, &c.' Elijah's prophetical character was thus established; the woman also was convinced of her sinfulness; the separate existence of the soul and the doctrine of the resurrection were proved, and all the instructions of Elijah were attested by this miracle which God enabled him to work. contending.

QUESTIONS.

1. After what circumstances was this miracle wrought?-2. As this is a world of change, what is the best state of mind to be in?— 3. How should christians regard the trials which their Lord may inflict? Heb. xii. 8.; James i. 2.; 1 Peter iv. 12-16.-4. What kind of a person was it on whom this sickness fell?-5. Whence spring the affliction of children?-6. How did the child's death affect the mother's mind?-7. In what way do afflictions call our sins to remembrance?-8. How did Elijah act in reference to this dead child?-9. What led Elijah to carry the child up into his own room?-10. When most earnest in prayer do we wish to be alone with God?-11. What is the doctrine of the Bible as to the soul when it leaves the body? Eccl. xii. 7.; Luke xvi. 22, 23.; 2 Cor. v. 8.-12. Under whose power are souls which have left their bodies; Rev. i. 18. 13. Why do they not return to us?-14. At Elijah's prayer this child's soul was brought back, what important ends were secured by it?-15. If miracles proved the divine authority of God's servants, how must we treat their doctrine? John xx. 30, 31.-16. Do the scriptures assure us that our souls will be re-united to our bodies?-17. As both soul and body are redeemed by Christ, how should we now employ them? Rom. vi. 12, 13.

Nov. 19.-CHRIST'S INSTRUCTIONS ON PRAYER.-Luke xi. 1-13.

NOTES.

Ver. 1. 'Lord teach us, &c.' Christ's hearers were struck with his prayers. Jewish teachers are said to have taught their disciples a form of prayer as a token of discipleship. Ver. 5. At midnight,' travelling in hot countries is

usually at night; 'three loaves,' Jewish loaves were thin brittle cakes. Ver. 12. 'Scorpion,' a poisonous creature several inches long, with a sting in its tail. Ver. 13. 'Being evil,' many are evil towards God who are good to their children.

QUESTIONS.

1. What great duty does our Lord here teach ?-2. How does Jesus now teach us to pray?-3. What feelings should God's fatherly character produce in us?-4. Should his dwelling in heaven inspire us with any emotions?-5. In what ways do many children fail to hallow God's name?-6. What, beyond praying, should we do that Christ's spiritual kingdom may cover the world?-7. When was that kingdom established in the earth? Acts ii.-8. How can we tell whether it is set up in our hearts? John xiv. 21.-9. With what disposition is the will of God done in heaven?-10. If done here as in heaven, what would be the effect in the world?-11. May we in prayer ask for support for future years?-12. What lesson does daily praying for daily bread teach us ?-13. Through what medium does God forgive us? Acts xiii. 38, 39.-14. Why is forgiving others connected with praying for our own forgiveness ?—15. Unless we are forgiven can we really enjoy our daily bread ?-16. What is the last petition here taught?-17. Can we expect to have this prayer answered if we go in the way of temptation?-18. Have we instances in which the Lord did not keep from evil those who presumptuously went in the way of evil? 2 Chron. xxxii. 31; Matt. xxvi. 72.-19. When our prayers are scriptural and earnest, are they always answered at once?-20. How does Jesus here illustrate the need of perseverance in prayer?-21. In what respects are the best of us evil to God?-22. What great blessing is God nevertheless ready to give us?-23. Can we become christians without the Holy Spirit's work upon us? John iii. 5.-24. May every one have the spirit through prayer?-25. If we have not the Holy Spirit, what is the cause?-26. Being without the spirit, what is our state? Rom. viii. 9.

Nov. 26.-NADAB AND ABIHU.-Lev. X. 1-11.

NOTES.

Ver. 1. 'Strange fire,' not the sacred fire which was always burning on the altar Lev. vi. 13. Probably also it was strange incense: Ex. xxx. 9. Only one person at a time was to burn incense, and in turn: Luke i. 9. Some persons have thought from verse 9, that these young men had drank too freely at the feast. Ver. 2. 'Fire from the Lord,' lightning, or the fire which consumed the sacrifices; the very element which ought to have honoured them by accepting their offerings, destroyed their lives; theirs was a sin of presumption, and severely punished; they had no time for repentance: it is twice said they had no children, that their names might die, and they have no connection with the promised Saviour: Num. iii. 4; 1 Chron. xxiv. 2. 'Before the Lord,' close to the mercy seat, shewing that even mercy will not be affronted; to be slain before Christ is the deepest doom, Luke xix. 27. Ver. 3. 'Held his peace,' his grief was too deep to be uttered, and his sense of the righteousness of God too clear to allow of murmuring. Ver. 5. In their coats,' thus refusing them the rites of washing, &c., previous to interment. Ver. 6. 'Uncover not, &c.,' as mourners did; Lev. xiii. 45; Ezek. xxiv. 17, 23; Job. i. 20; thus there was no reflection on God's conduct, nor any interruption of the service of the holy place. Ver. 10.

'Put difference between, &c.' this was not done by these men; those who are employed in divine things need the full use of their powers, and that the priests might have it, they were to take no wine, &c., verse 9.

QUESTIONS.

1. What sin did the sons of Aaron commit ?-2. Of what were the offerings to be typical? Heb. ix. 9-12.-3. As God is very jealous of his own worship, how should we determine to serve him? Heb. xii. 28, 29.-4. Why are our sentiments and actions in divine things of great importance?-5. May we offer to God in worship any thing but his own truth? John iv. 24.-6. Is baptismal regeneration and sacramental salvation taught in God's word?-7. Do we resemble Nadab and Abihu when our worship is hypocritical?-8. Under the christian dispensation we have fewer judgments than formerly, when will God punish us for departures from his will?-9. How were these young men punished?-10. Where did they die?-11. Did their connection with the priesthood lessen or increase their guilt? -12. Their sin seemed a small one, why was it a great one?-13. Can you name cases of severe punishment for sins which men would call little ones? Gen. iii. 17-19; Acts v. 1-11; Num. xv. 33; Gen. xix. 26; 1 Sam. vi. 19.-14. How did Aaron act?-15. Under so heavy a trial, what produced this submission?-16. Why was mourning for these young men forbidden?—17. What improvement do you intend to make of this portion?

DEC. 3. THE LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD.-Matt. xx. 1-16.

NOTES.

Ver. 1. 'Householder,' meaning the Lord of all; 'vineyard,' the church of Christ; labourers,' all who love and serve God; early, &c.,' day break, about six o'clock. The patriarchs and prophets from Adam to Moses were the early labourers. Ver. 2. 'Penny,' about seven-pence, the common rate of daily wages; this payment represents the spiritual privileges of those employed in Christ's church. Per. 3. Third hour,' nine o'clock, meaning the time of those who followed Moses; 'standing idle, &c.,' not having begun to love and serve Christ; it is usual in the east for labourers to stand in public places to be hired. Ver. 4. 'Whatsoever is right, &c.,' a general promise of what is right is sufficient to engage us in God's service, Ps. lxxxiv. 11. Ver. 5. Sixth and ninth hour,' the periods of the Jewish church down to our Lord's appearance. Ver. 6. 'Eleventh hour,' time of pentecost; 'others,' Gentiles who had never had the call of the gospel. Ver, 8. The even,' the time when both Jews and Gentiles had been called; beginning from the last,' to show that in this world God acts according to his own mind; Matt. xi. 25; Rom. ix. 16; though the future reward will be according to our doings; Matt. xvi. 27; Luke xix. 16-19; 2 Cor. v. 10. Ver. 9. 'Every man, &c.,' the Gentiles had the same privileges as the Jews. Ver. 12. Burden and heat, &c.,' many burdensome ordinances; Heb. ix. 10; vii. 19. Ver. 15. 'Evil,' envious at the happiness of others; Acts xv. 7-11; Rom. x. 12. Ver. 16. So the last, &c.,' the Gentiles called last were the readiest to receive the gospel, and the Jews the last to receive it.

QUESTIONS.

1. What is this parable called?-2 What do you understand by the householder, labourers, &c. ?-3. Is it an honour or a disgrace to be employed in Christ's vineyard?-4. Who may be called idlers?5. In what spirit should we work for God? Ecc. ix. 10.-6. At what

part of the day has God called us into his service ?-7. What is the best season of life for us to devote ourselves to works of benevolence? -8. In what respects is our service easier than that of the Jews?9. How do we know God cannot do wrong in appointing us our privileges? Gen. xviii. 25; Rom. ix. 14.-10. What feelings should the talents and success of others excite ?-11. May we feel sure of a gracious reward if we labour for Christ? Heb. vi. 10.-12. Will all be rewarded alike, or according to their labours? Matt. xxv. 20-29. -13. As we have privileges superior to those of the ancient Jews, how should our conduct be?-14. And as our opportunity for doing good is only for a season, how should we employ it? John ix. 4.-15. May we hope that many Sunday scholars will become good ministers at home and devoted missionaries abroad?-16. Why should they all determine to become active holy christians?-17. Can you name various ways in which even young persons may labour in Christ's vineyard?-18. What is your determination in reference to serving Christ the Lord?

Entelligence.

Bridgenorth.-On Friday, September 29th, a meeting of the National Sunday School teachers was held for the purpose of presenting to Mr. Seth Bennett Barber, a beautifully-worked silver ink-stand. It bears this inscription:- Presented by the Sunday Teachers of the National School, Bridgenorth, to Mr. Seth Bennett Barber, as a small token of their respect and acknowledgment of his very valuable and efficient services as superintendent.

Hull.-The Rev. C. Daniell has just resigned the pastorate of George-street chapel. The congregation expressed, in a substantial way, its sense of the value of Mr. Daniell's ministrations. An evening was specially set apart for a final interview with the teachers and scholars. Elegantly-bound copies of Bagster's Bible were presented by the schools to Mr. and Mrs. Daniell, as parting tokens of love.

Llanidloes.-On 25th September, a grand Sunday school demonstration, on the part of the Wesleyan, Calvinistic, Independent, and Baptist bodies was made in this place. The scholars were arranged in their respective chapels, and proceeded in beautiful order to the top of the town, where various stirring addresses were delivered. Upwards of fifteen hundred children were regaled with tea, &c., provided by subscription. We find that the different religious bodies of this town are provoking each other to good works. The church school, under the sanction of the Rev. Evan Pugh, and the wealthier ladies of the place, is also greatly prosperous.

Manchester.-On Tuesday, October 3rd, the teachers-and scholars belonging to St. Simon and St. Jude's church, assembled for the purpose of presenting to their late incumbent, the Rev. W. H. Smith, a handsome quarto Bible, together with other tokens of their esteem for his great exertions in their favour during his ministry among them. In return, the Rev. gentleman delivered a most suitable address, and greatly deepened the attachment which his whole course has excited.

The Rev. John Dallas has just dissolved his connection with the congregation at St. Luke's church. Various expressions of regard were presented to him:

and the female teachers of the Sunday school presented to Mrs. Dallas an elegant tea-caddy with silver spoons, &c.. as a small memorial of the love they cherish toward so excellent a friend.

Newcastle-on-Tyne.-The teachers of the Sunday schools in connection with St. James' chapel, anxious to express their respect for one of their number, Mr. Septimus Fletcher, who was about to leave for Manchester, he having been connected with the schools since their commencement, first as a scholar, and for some years as a teacher; and having, by his conduct, endeared himself to all who had the happiness of being associated with him, met with many of their friends on Sunday afternoon, July 30th, the day for the usual monthly prayer meeting, in the Cross-street school room: when, after prayer was offered up by two of the superintendents, Mr. Wilson and Dr. Hayle, Mr. Mather, superintendent of the Croft school, after delivering an interesting and appropriate address, presented him, in the name of his fellow teachers, with neatly-bound copies of Cruden's Concordance,' and 'Fox's Acts and Monuments of the Church,' as a small mark of their regard for the interest he had taken in the schools, and as a token of their esteem and affection for him. Mr. S. Fletcher, in reply, endeavoured to show, as well as his evidently excited feelings would allow, the honour there was in being connected with such an association of persons as Sunday school teachers, by contrasting the object they had in viewnamely, the conversion of the immortal soul to God, and the training of the soul for the everlasting enjoyment of heaven-with the object which, what are called, the learned societies had in view, in which men of the greatest and most educated minds, with which it was considered an honour to be united, when the utmost they accomplished was not to be compared with what pious and devoted teachers accomplish when they are the means, as has so happily been the case in St. James' schools, of converting the scholars to God. Mr. Robert Best, student at Homerton College, London, then implored a blessing from the most High on all present, and concluded the proceedings. Mr. Best had also been a scholar and a teacher in the school, and when he removed, about a year ago, to college, was presented by the teachers with a neatly-bound copy of 'Horn's Introduction to the Scriptures.'

Wentworth.-On Friday, the 25th August, Earl Fitzwilliam, with his usual benevolence and hospitality, and in accordance with his annual custom, invited all the scholars of the infants', girls', boys', and Sunday schools, to take tea at Wentworth-house. Early in the afternoon they assembled at their respective schools, formed a procession, and walked to Wentworth-house, where they arrived about four o'clock, and then sat down on the lawn, in front of the south wing, to an excellent tea, and an ample supply of bread and butter and plumb cake, with which the children were highly delighted, and fully discharged their duty to it. The party was a very numerous one, consisting of 116 infants, 95 girls, and 91 boys, altogether 302; and about 30 Sunday school teachers. Ladies Charlotte and Dorothy Wentworth Fitzwilliam, and Lady Selina Milton, presided at three of the tables, and after tea the noble Earl, and other members of the family, mixed with them in the most kind and affable manner. The children were kindly permitted to go through the pleasure grounds and menageries, which was a great treat to many of them; after which, and other amusements, they were formed in a ring on the lawn, and from the inside the ladies set off a fire-balloon, with which the children were much delighted. Afterwards they