Notices of Books. Histoire des Classes Laborieuses en France. Presbyterian Institute at Gateshead, and has been published by request. The subject ONLY within the last two generations has the history of the working classes in Britain been specially treated. The same period, commencing with their Revolution, has witnessed the particular attention of the French mind to the topic. M. Du Cellier has treated his important subject with great calmness of investigation. Neither extreme section of political opinion will resort to his pages AMONG the many attractive and instructive for material of declaration or invective. works with which the Messrs. Nelson are, Historical impartiality is generally pre- from time to time, supplying the public, served by him. The chief exception is where those of "A. L. O. E." deservedly occupy he undervalues the educational and bene- a prominent place. In the "Christian's volent, while admitting the preaching and Mirror," the reader is supplied with kindly writing activity of the French Protestants advice, consolation, or admonition, as the of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. case may be, upon such subjects as do not The book is well proportioned, and even the generally come within the range of sermons. least inviting sections of the subject are In doing this, the authoress has acted upon most painstakingly treated. M. Du Cellier a wise discretion in the form she has given has divided his book into sixteen chapters, to her book. It is evident that short moral of which three embrace the Ancient, five essays or homilies would have been unatthe Medieval, and the remainder the Modern tractive to the general reader, and would, in departments of his theme. While he has all probability, have become dull. Feeling had recourse to the original authorities in this, she has adopted the more homely, but all the ages of which his narrative treats, he far more pleasing, form of dialogue, comhas also carefully studied the contemporary bining with it somewhat of the allegory. The writers, as Guizot and De Broglie, who have plan of the work may be given in a few words: investigated particular sections of it. As a Philias, an untiring minister at the eastbook of thorough conscientiousness of treat-end of London, who has been toiling ment, free from all misleading rhetoric, and amongst the unholy population of his disall exaggerating favouritism of topic, the trict for many years, finds he has made but work is worthy of the careful attention of little progress in his endeavours to improve all who wish to know the points of compa-them. With this feeling strong upon him, rison and of contrast between the past state he seats himself in his study at the close of and present position of the French work-a Sabbath day's labour, and from very man, urban or rural, and his compeer on this weariness falls asleep. In his sleep he side the Channel. It is needless to add, that visits, in their homes or closets, and holds while an inexpensive book, it is got up with converse with, those whom he would succour all the proverbial elegance of the Didier press. or console; and it is these short dreamSelf Culture: Intellectual, Moral, and Re- conversations that are recorded in the ligious. By the Rev. JOHN JEFFREY, "Christian's Mirror." The plan is a good Presbyterian Minister, Gateshead. W. S. one, well worked out; and the publishers Pringle, Newcastle. have not failed, as regards print, paper, and binding, to make the book worthy of its contents. THE above forms the substance of an address delivered before the members of the Presbyterian Church in England. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HOME MISSION COMMITTEE, Presented to the Synod at its late Meeting at Sunderland. THE only new enterprise that has been tion and influence, such as Preston, Hudundertaken within the bounds of the Church during the past year is the one in Maidstone, in the county of Kent. Regarding it, Dr. M'Crie writes to the Convener in the following terms: "A congregation at Maidstone, formerly belonging to Lady Huntingdon's connection, having failed to find suitable supply, and being on the point of closing their place of worship from want of funds, one or two Presbyterians residing in that place considered this a fair opportunity for obtaining ordinances in connection with our Church. Finding the trustees of the chapel quite ready to grant the use of it, on condition of paying £25, the annual interest of a debt of £500 lying on the property, one of these brethren took the chapel, undertaking to pay the interest himself for two years. Application having been made to the London Presbytery, it was received and opened by them as a preaching station last year. Latterly one of our preachers has been stationed there for six months, and the congregation is prospering. The audience is greatly increased, and the contributions from all sources have gradually augmented, so as to justify the hope of their being soon able to call a minister, and to become a self-supporting charge. The population of Maidstone is now 20,000, being an increase of 5,000 in twenty years. It is also a military depôt, and a considerable number of Scottish and Irish Presbyterians are constantly coming and going with the regiments there located." dersfield, Rochdale, Nottingham, Exeter, Derby, in which our Church has hitherto been wholly unrepresented. And yet your Committee are persuaded that if the means and the men were at their disposal, in every one of these towns a congregation might be organised, that would not only advance the interests of our Christian faith under its Presbyterian polity, but also be instrumental in reclaiming numbers who have sunk into the degradation of a practical heathenism. They are persuaded, too, that if the Church is to take a firm hold of England, her true policy is to follow the example of the Apostles, who, when they would extend the blessings of our holy religion, instead of directing their energies in the first instance to the smaller towns or the rural districts, seized on such populous cities as Jerusalem, and Antioch, and Corinth, and Rome; and then from these, as centres of influence, caused the truth to radiate to the surrounding districts and communities. Adopting this course, suggested by heavenly wisdom, let her missionary efforts be directed, not to places of trivial importance, that are likely to remain as a drag on her future progress, but to those centres of the mercantile and manufacturing industry of the kingdom where congregations are likely to be established, that shall add to her strength, and aid in the diffusion of her principles throughout the rest of the country. Your Committee believe that she is possessed of sufficient resources to venture on one such enterprise at least any year; and so, by a gradual and steady progress, she should, in process of time, overtake the leading towns in the kingdom; and from these, again, in their turn, would sound out the gospel to the less Your Committee regret that nothing important communities around them. additional to this has been done during And yet, though they have not to report the year, in the direction of Church exten- that much has been done during the year, sion. There are various centres of popula- in the way of organising new congrega Such is the satisfactory account the professor gives of this new opening. Your Committee have gladly made a small grant to aid the congregation in its infant struggles. The tions, your Committee gratefully cherish various Presbyteries willing cordially to the conviction that it has been a year of co-operate with them in this matter. very considerable usefulness in the pro- Presbyteries have appreciated the liberal motion of the general interests of the Mis- spirit in which the new measure was consion. It is to be borne in mind that the ceived. They have seen that whilst on extension of the Church has progressed very the one hand it is fitted to stimulate and rapidly during the last dozen years. In encourage the voluntary efforts of congrethis period a large proportion-about one- gations, it is calculated on the other to sixth-of her existing congregations have improve very materially the condition of been established. Many of these are still the ministry-guaranteeing, as it does, that struggling with the weakness and the in ordinary cases no minister of the Church many infirmities that are common to a have a smaller annual salary than £100, state of infancy. It is indispensable that and holding out a most attractive bonus they be encouraged and fostered. And to every congregation that is disposed to your Committee feel assured that they are raise its minister's salary to any point bepromoting the true interest of the Church tween this and £150. just as nobly and efficiently by contributing to the consolidation of the charges already found as if they were devoting their energies more fully to the organisation of new enterprises. They are glad to report favourably in regard to this department of their work. It is very gratifying to them to observe a gradual and steady progress in most of the congregations that are aided by the funds of the Mission. In some of them, indeed, such as Bolton, and Chester, and Leeds, and Lowick, the prosperity has been very striking; and it is anticipated that nearly all of these congregations will very soon be in a position to dispense with aid from your Mission altogether. And in regard to all the aid-receiving congregations your Committee never fail to urge it, that in order to be entitled to a grant, their first duty is to do all they can for themselves; and then, when aided, that by vigorous efforts, by congregational conscientiousness and generosity, they should seek so to elevate their own financial position that as rapidly as possible they may become self-sustaining, and so allow the funds by which they were aided to be transferred to some other struggling Church more needy than themselves. Recognising thus the beneficial character of the new measure, the Presbyteries have gone hand in hand with your Committee in endeavouring to have it carried out successfully in the various congregations. It is for the Presbytery to arrange with the applying congregation as to the amount of its stipend, in order to guard against its leaning on the Committee for a larger amount of aid than it should; and it is for the Committee to be satisfied that the arrangement so made is reasonable and just. They feel assured that the Presbyteries will have an enlightened regard to the interests of the fund, and accordingly see to it that in every case as large a stipend be guaranteed by the congregation as its circumstances will admit of, so that no greater supplement than is absolutely necessary may be drawn from the funds of the Mission. Acting on this principle, as they feel satisfied Presbyteries will, your Committee see no danger whatever of their coming into unpleasant collision with these respected Courts of the Church. They would suggest, moreover, that, for the furtherance of the interests of the Home Mission, each Presbytery should appoint one of its members as a corresponding member of the Committee, whose duty it would be to give special heed to the Mission's interests within the bounds. There are two special departments of labour to which your Committee, in accordance with the decision of the last Considerable progress has already been Synod, have been devoting themselves. made in effecting such an adjustment with First, they have been making the necessary the aid-receiving congregations as will lead arrangements for the application of the to the satisfactory operation of the new new rules to the aid-receiving congrega- measure. Indeed, most of them have tions; and, secondly, they have been fallen in with it at once, and gladly; and, sending deputations to visit the several so far as your Committee have as yet witPresbyteries and congregations within the nessed its operation, they can report of it bounds, with the view of developing more most satisfactorily. It is their decided con fully their congregational resources, spe-viction that it will be successful at once in cially in the way of forming associations in aid of the Home Mission and the other schemes of the Church. A few words in regard to each of these departments may not be inappropriate. First, as to the application of the new rules. Your Committee have found the stimulating the efforts of the people, and in promoting the comfort of the ministers. They have had several applications from churches whose stipends were upwards of £100 but less than £150, for the bonus that is offered to them under Rule 3, and they will be happy to encourage such 193 applications, convinced that the liberality | In every instance the deputies were corof the Church will not be wanting in order dially received; and they are impressed to the increased comfort of its esteemed with the conviction that there is such a ministry. As yet, however, the measure is measure of vitality and earnestness in most only in its infancy. carried out at once. It cannot be fully of the congregations as augurs favourably It will take a few for the future development of our Church years fully to develop it. Congregations, in England. In most cases the promise especially in rural districts, are slow in was given that congregational associations making changes. And your Committee would be formed, either forthwith or in the feel that although at last Synod power was course of the season. given them forthwith to administer the trust that the pledge so given will be faithfunds in accordance with the new rules, fully redeemed. Your Committee yet there are certain cases in which it would sometimes, amid the excitement of a public They are be very injudicious unduly to urge sudden meeting, vague promises are made, the aware that and sweeping alterations. They must pro- remembrance of which is allowed to pass ceed discreetly. And they have every con- away with the excitement that gave them fidence that, acting on the principle of a birth. They trust this will not be realised wise discretion, they shall be able, in a in the case of any of these congregations. short time, to bring the new arrangements They are convinced of this, that if funds to bear, and to bear with great advantage are to be raised adequate to the exigencies on all the aid-receiving congregations of of our Church, it must be by means of the Church. the alleged obstacles in the way of their associations. And they are satisfied that than real. Not only so; they are satisfied formation are very often more nominal that frequently the reluctance to their formation is more on the part of the officebearers than on that of the people. In most cases it needs only that the officebearers give the people credit for the spirit vades them, and that they provide channels for the stated, regular outflow of that liberality, in order that the funds of the Church be largely replenished. One thing, moreover, their experience has taught your Committee; organise an association in the first instance; it is comparatively easy to the great difficulty lies in maintaining it from year to year in vigour and efficiency. In order to do this, it is essential that the managers be thoroughly in earnest, that the contributions of the subscribers be called for regularly and punctually, that information be diffused regarding the objects the association is meant to aid, ones fail, and especially that all the parties that new subscribers be sought when old interested, whether office-bearers or contributors, act in the spirit of that Divine prescription-"Let us not be weary in welldoing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Secondly, as to the visitation of the Presbyteries and congregations. Committee have to report that this departYour ment of their work has been carried out with a considerable measure of efficiency and success. It was commenced during the previous year, when all the congregations in the Cumberland Presbytery, most of those in the Presbytery of Birmingham, of enlightened Christian liberality that perand a large number of those in Lancashire, were visited by suitable deputations. The work has been continued during the past year. The Rev. Messrs. Lewis and Steel, with Messrs. George Duncan and John Eunson, visited congregations in the Presbytery of London; the Rev. Dr. M'Crie and Mr. George J. C. Duncan, with Mr. James Burt, visited in the Presbytery of Newcastle; the Rev. Dr. Weir and Mr. Lundie, with Messrs. Lockart and J. Gordon Brown, visited the congregations in Northumberland; and the Rev. Messrs. Johnston and Blake, with Messrs. James Stevenson and Robert Brewis, visited those in the Presbytery of Berwick. now all the Presbyteries, and almost all the So that congregations of the Church, have been separately addressed by approved deputies on the duty of increased liberality in behalf of the various schemes of the Church, but especially the Home Mission. The stated course adopted has been for the deputation first to visit and address the Presbytery, and then, under Presbyterial sanction and advice, to deal separately with the officebearers and members of the congregations in the bounds. The special object they have had in view has been to induce the different churches to form associations for collecting funds in aid of the schemes. Your Committee have received a report from each of the deputations, and the results on the whole are highly satisfactory. good will result from the labours of the Your Committee are hopeful that much deputations. Indeed, a considerable measure of fruit has already been gathered; fresh life has been infused into some associations already in existence; some new ones have been formed; and the result has been that the funds of the Mission have derived through this channel £120 more than they did in the previous year. Collections, too, in behalf of the Mission have generally been more liberal than on former occasions, inasmuch that the total income is greater than that of the past year by the handsome sum of £260. Your Committee are satisfied, therefore, that the labours of the deputies have not been in vain. Valuable information has been given regarding the schemes of the Church. Earnest appeals in the spirit of the New Testament have been addressed to the consciences of the people. The willing have been encouraged, and the dormant have been roused. And doubtless, for the good seed thus sown, fruit will be gathered in its season. Your Committee would suggest, moreover, that in order to perpetuate and deepen the interest awakened by the depu tations, they should be repeated bi-annually throughout the congregations. One of the rules adopted by Synod at last meeting gives to your Committee a certain discretionary power to depart from the letter of the new regulations in exceptional cases; but it requires that they should report specifically to the Synod in all such cases. In terms of this requirement, they have to report that they have made grants to Alderney, Guernsey, and Millwall, though these congregations have not yet complied with the stipulations of the new measure. They have done so on the ground that, owing to their somewhat exceptional circumstances, they found it impracticable all at once to do so. future, however, it is expected they will be in a position to conform to the same rules that bind the other aid-receiving congregations of the Church. A small grant has also been made to the Chester congregation, inasmuch as the resources of the people have been heavily taxed by the erection of their new church. The church, however, is now opened, the congregation is in a very prosperous condition, and henceforth is to be self-sustaining and independent. In come the gospel under our Presbyterian PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. Your Committee now resign their trust into the hands of the Synod with some measure of satisfaction and hopefulness. THE Presbytery of London met on the They believe that the congregations gene- 10th April, in the College Hall. The memrally are growing in strength and stability, bers present were Drs. McCrie (moderator and that the condition of the ministry is pro tem.), Hamilton, Lorimer, and Weir; gradually becoming more comfortable. In Messrs. Duncan, Thomson, Ballantyne, Rothis latter respect, however, there is still berts, Keedy, Alexander, Kimmit, and much room for improvement. But they Walker, ministers; and Messrs. Mackay, rejoice to know that the Church is becom- Tulloch, Ritchie, Hinde, and Scadlock, ing more fully alive to the importance of elders. this question, and they trust she will not Mr. Ballantyne reported that the comrest till it be satisfactorily disposed of. In mittee in the examination of students proregard to the further extension of the posed for license at last meeting, had Church, they are assured that she possesses found that these students had completed the resources sufficient for the gradual and course of study prescribed by the laws of judicious prosecution of this work. She the church, with the exception of Mr. Robt. has a noble field for Christian enterprise in Thom, who, in consequence of ill health, England. There are many in the larger had attended only one, instead of two towns of the country that would wel-sessions during the first year of his theolo |