5. That the affairs of this Society shall be conducted by a Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee consisting of twelve members (one-third to be ministers), with power to add to their number-five members to form a quorum.

6. That it will be the duty of any agent employed by this Society to send a quarterly Report of his labours to the Committee.

7. That the officers of the Congregational Union of the Province of Auckland shall be ex officio members of the Auckland Congregational Home Missionary Society.

8. That the Ministers and Churches of the Congregational order within the Province shall be requested to make an annual collection for the Society; that as soon as the circumstances of the Society demand such an agency, a collector shall be appointed; and that the subscriptions collected shall be brought to the Quarterly Meeting of the Committee, to be handed over to the Treasurer of the Society.

9. That no person shall be eligible to be chosen as a member of the Committee of this Society unless he is a member of a Congregational Church in full communion.

In the month of June, 1863, the Rev. J. L. Poore visited this town; on that occasion the following resolution was passed by your Committee:

"That this Committee requests the Rev. J. L. Poore, upon his arrival in England to engage a minister to labour as an evangelist, under the direction of the Congregational Home Missionary Society, and guarantees for his support a sum of not less than £200 per annum for two years after his arrival in the colony, with a view to his settlement in a pastorate."

At this meeting eighty pounds per annum for two years were subscribed by the members present towards meeting the sum of two hundred pounds.

But as it was necessary to provide for the outfit of the expected missionary, some liberal minded friends contributed the sum of one hundred pounds, which sum has been remitted to Mr. Poore.

"The responsibilities which the Committee have taken upon themselves demand that the means by which this Mission may be sustained should be brought this evening under your special notice. In expectation of a large influx of population into this Province, it is

manifestly the duty of the Congregational Churches to bear their part in the great work of evangelizing the land. It is evident that one or two agents in so wide a field can do but little; we need many more,-but where shall we find them, and how shall they be supported? Your Committee will propose this evening a very simple, but, if cordially supported, a very efficient plan by which to increase the funds of this Society. By weekly contributions of one penny per week and upwards from our Church Members and Christian friends, a considerable sum may be raised; a fund the more valuable because it will burden none, whilst it secures a certain source of income to your Society. But we ask at the same time from our wealthy friends large annual contributions, otherwise our efforts must necessarily be limited, and confined within very narrow bounds. If we seek to transfer from Britain to New Zealand not only the name but the piety of the churches in which we have been nursed and cherished in the fatherland, it is not with any desire to sustain sectarianism, but with a bright hope that whilst engaged in this work we shall be promoting the interests of pure and undefiled religion, and advancing the glory of Christ our Redeemer. Your Committee, therefore, come to you this evening strong in hope, confiding in your love to the truth, and your zeal for the Divine glory, and their urgent appeal to you is "Brethren, help us." By union we may accomplish much-by isolation, nothing. Give us then of your oil, otherwise the lamp which we have now lighted will go out. Cast your willing offerings into the treasury of the Lord, otherwise our Mission must languish or expire. In humble dependence upon the promised aid of Him without whom there is nothing strong, we invite your co-operation. If you will, with one heart and one soul, combine to support this Mission, our Union will be cemented, a cord of sympathy will be created, vibrating through all our Churches, whilst a work of usefulness will be commenced which in the ages to come will make the name of Christ, in connexion with the Congregational Churches, to be magnified and glorified."

Contributions will be thankfully received by D. B. Thornton, Esq., Treasurer, or by any Pastor or Deacon of a Congregational Church.

The Life of the Lord Jesus Christ; translated from the German of J. P. LANGE, D.D., by the Rev. R. SMITH. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark. London: Hamilton & Co.

Ir is not a little remarkable that at the present moment there are more Lives of the divine Mediator being published than at any period for centuries. There were previously some half-dozen such performances, of various merits and magnitudes, but none of them for

a moment to be compared with the work before us. Of two in particular, one abounded in eloquence, and another in piety, but both were greatly defective in erudition. The basis of this great work is the Word of God, and the business of the learned author has simply been fairly to interpret the text before him, and in every practicable way to illustrate the principles presented and the lessons taught.

The first volume, after a flood of interesting introductory matter proceeds with the more general records of the Life of the Lord Jesus; and to these succeeds a criticism of the testimonies to the Gospel history, where there is much recondite investigation. This is followed by a very masterly discussion on the origin and authenticity of the four Gospels, and their relation to the Gospel history, which conducts us to the great subject-the Life of Christ comprising the history of His birth and childhood, on which, although we have but a few hints in the scriptures, there is yet much to be said, all of a character to edify. Inspiration may be likened unto gold; a small ingot can be beaten out to a wide surface.

We are next led to the announcement and character of His public Ministry, and the enthusiastic reception given to Him at the outset. The time of the Lord's appearing and disappearing amid the persecution of His mortal enemies is elaborated with great breadth and force. Here the miracles acquire much prominence, and are expounded in a manner the most masterly. We are next presented with a deeply interesting discussion on the books of the Gospel, and first of that according to Mark, the representation, as set forth by our author, being symbolized by the lion. Here there is much original remark and striking observation. Luke immediately follows as the representation of the Life of Jesus Christ symbolized by the form of a man, and here there is also a great deal that will be new to the common reader, and that will be interesting to readers of every class. Beginning with the early history of the Lord, it goes on to His resurrection, and it may, therefore, be well supposed, that the latter sections are fraught with the deepest interest. The Gospel of John is next taken up, wherein the Lord is represented as symbolized by the eagle. Here, as in the former cases, there is a good deal that is imaginative, but that imagination is under the guidance of sound judgment and right principles.

Such is the substance of the first and the fourth volume inclusive: volume V., to some extent, resumes certain points previously discussed, setting forth the treason of Israel against the Messiah, His passion, death, and burial. The work then resumes the consideration of the Gospels, showing that the life of the Lord Jesus is unfolded in its fulness according to the various representations of the four Gospels. Here there is a good deal of poetic thinking and fine discussion, blended with admirable sentiment.

The last volume recapitulates many of the facts already referred to, but in new combinations.

The whole of this portion, which constitutes nearly half the volume, consists of profound disquisitions, all highly pertinent to the subject, and much fitted to establish and comfort the believer.

The work nas been very carefully edited and supplied by invaluable indexes. The index to subjects, more or less investigated, is a little publication in itself, readily supplying all points, upon all topics, such as the reader may require.

This may suffice as a glimpse at the contents, and a general character of the work, which is by far the most important that has yet reached this country from Germany. Nothing now extant can be at all compared with it. All that learning and labour could do has here been done, and the results are stupendous. The author has performed a service to the Church of Christ, of every sect and party which will not be soon or easily surpassed. In this alone everything of the sort, whether German or English, has been cast into the shade. It was worth being born, and, in order to preparation, being subjected to the severest study for half a lifetime to perform such an undertaking. The work is theology by way of eminence, a storehouse which never can be exhausted.

The Messrs. Clark may here be said to have attained a climax in their splendid career. In each of their previous essays they have done well, but in this they have excelled them all.

Intuition or Revelation? A Discourse by the Rev. A. BOYD, M.A. Seeley, Jackson, and Halliday.

THIS is a very valuable volume, seeing that it deals most ably with a highly important subject. The term is rather philosophic than popular, and hence the ordinary reader may not, at first sight, apprehend its value. The discourse, we understand, was delivered at the annual service of the Church Missionary Society, last May. A natural apprehension of encroaching too much upon the time and patience of the assembly led the preacher to condense more than was quite compatible with justice to his subject. Now, however, he has enlarged such parts as seemed to require it, and presented the thing in a suitable form for the public eye, appending at the same time a number of excellent notes, containing proofs and illustrations, which could not be introduced into the sermon. Mr. Boyd has done well in selecting such a subject as the claims of intuition, seeing that there are now those who are forward to place it above even inspiration itself, representing it as competent to furnish all necessary and moral

truth. The preacher, a thoughtful man, is deeply impressed with the conviction that the tendency of modern thought is to elevate reason above the Scriptures-to make truth the result of mere investigation and deduction rather than of God's communication to manand, by consequence, to bring into discredit the Bible as a book of ultimate decision. Such tendencies strike at the root of the whole work of missions to the heathen, seeing they, were this theory a correct one, are independent of any disclosures from on high. To men taught in the Bible no such aids are necessary; but there is a classs of the young and eager, who are only too apt to be stumbled in the morning of life by these pretentious exhibitions. Mr. Boyd and his friends will know that the Gospel alone is the power of God unto salvation, and that all who believe it are thereby renovated, saved, and blessed.

This very able discourse takes a comprehensive view of the setting forth important thoughts touching the immortality of the soul, the nature of God, the moral law, and other requisite truths undiscovered, and, we may add, undiscoverable, by mere tuition. Revelation is here shown to be at once necessary and sufficient, with rewards for reliance on the Scriptures, the Word of the Living God. We have a grand and comprehensive address on the mighty power of the Divine Word, both in ancient and in modern times, while the whole is applied to the Church Missionary Society, and rendered powerfully contributory to their noble enterprise.

A Digest of the History, Polity, and Doctrines of the Primitive Methodists. By the Rev. JOHN PARROTT. Second Edition, Enlarged. Kent & Co.

MR. PARROTT has done well in setting before the public this excellent digest, which, while it must be highly useful to his own people, will be interesting and instructive to other sections of the Church of Christ. But he has not done well in writing his "kind regards," &c., on the title-page. We have frequently stated that we have a special aversion to this polluting of printed matter, more especially in large books, seeing that it prevents their being bound. There is much in the tractate that all may read with profit, seeing that it gives a glimpse into the interior of a very remarkable, a most zealous, and a most useful people. We doubt if there be any section of the Church of Christ in England or in the world, that according to numbers and means is so much blessed to the conversion of men. We trust they may long retain their simplicity, and that it may please the God they love and serve to withhold from them a rapid rise in

However it may

point of circumstances. improve their aspect to the carnal eye, it has an inevitable tendency to impair Divine power and to clog the wheels of the chariot of salvation.

The Beloved Physician; a Memoir of Peter Murray, M.D. By the Rev. R. BLAGARNIE. Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.

MR. BLAGARNIE has performed an excellent service by this publication. While limited in amount, it is great in value as delineating the life and the labours of a very interesting man whom he designates "a friend, a philosopher a philanthropist, and a Christian." Happy the man that has such friends, and happy the nation which, like England, can count them by thousands. The little volume forms a piece of very superior biography, much calculated to instruct, to interest, and to edify.

Infant Salvation. By JOHN HANSON Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.

THE best book that ever appeared upon this subject, in the English or any other tongue, is the celebrated volume of Mr. William Logan, of Glasgow, a book which has only to be seen to be admired, purchased, read, and made a handbook for all that are interested in this most momentous theme. The present little volume, although but a fragment, is yet fraught with sound principles and soothing discourse. In some respects its very brevity is a recommendation, seeing that the busiest mourner may peruse it at a sitting; and let it thus be perused, from day to day, till the balm with which it is charged shall have taken happy effect in binding up the broken heart.

Order and Disorder; or, Charles the Thoughtless. Oliphant & Co.

WE should like to know how many millions of children, boys and men, we have in the British Isles who are brothers to Charles the Thoughtless. There is but too much reason to fear that the number is immense; and we greatly wish that a copy of this pretty volume might be placed in the hands of every one of them, not excepting those who number their years by tens. The book is framed upon the right principle, the principle of being adapted to the comprehension, the taste, and the circumstances of light-hearted young people. It is, throughout, a boy's book, and boys will read it, talk of it, and read it again; and it may be doubted if any boy can ponder it with care without being, to some extent, profited by it. This is saying a good deal for any book, but not saying too much for the book before us.

MR. TRESIDDER'S PAMPHLETS. WE have here four excellent pamphlets just issued by Mr. Tressidder at a very small price. There is, first, "The Ravages of a Carpet Bag," by Mrs. Beecher Stowe, a capital piece for young ladies and servant maids. We have, secondly, "Letters to Mr. and Mrs. Jones," by Timothy Titcombe, concerning their system of family government. The tractate, while brief, is yet replete with wisdom, and both masters and mistresses, boys and girls, sons and daughters, may read it with advantage. We have next, "Thoughts on Slavery," by Henry Ward Beecher, being one of his grand orations, which the philanthropist will read

with more than ordinary interest. We have, finally, "The Reception of Scripture the Test of True Principles," the most copious, elaborate, and valuable of the series of occasional pamphlets. There is here a very considerable amount of reasoning, and a vigorous defence of the thing that is right. The tractate is highly suggestive, and will require to be read with thoughtfulness in order to appreciate the excellent principles which it comprehends. We may just observe that we have received by the same parcel, a series of numbers of the "Juvenile Missionary Herald," a very nice and useful publication, adapted to all, but especially to young people.

ACCRINGTON.-PRESENTATION TO THE REV. CHARLES WILLIAMS.-On Wednesday evening, the presentation of three memorials, and several purses of gold (amounting in the aggregate to £150 12s. 4d.), to the Rev. Charles Williams, took place in a small room of the Peel Institution. Mr. Williams has accepted a charge at Southampton, after being in Preston fourteen years. J. E. Lightfoot, Esq., was voted to the chair; and in the name of several fellow-townsmen, presented Mr. Williams with a purse containing nearly £40, and a memorial as follows:-"This memorial is expressive of the esteem and regard in which the Rev. Charles Williams is held by the various religious bodies and others in the town of Accrington. His public spirit, his labours to further the advancement of the working classes, and the comfort of the poor, his efforts to promote a good feeling between employers and employed, together with the catholicity of his spirit, and the urbanity of his manners, have alike endeared him to his fellow-townsmen of all classes, by whom the memorial, together with a purse of gold, is now presented." Another memorial from the whole of Mr. Williams's church and congregation was presented by Mr. G. Marshall. On behalf of the church, Mr. L. Whittaker then presented Mr. Williams with purses containing about £120, and spoke of his departure as a great loss to the county, and especially the Baptist denomination, and of the universal regret at his removal. Mr. J. Barnes having presented the memorial of the Young Men's Society, Mr. Williams acknowledged at some length, and in appropriate terms, the several memorials of their esteem and affection, expressed his pride in the confidence of so many members of various denominations, and adverted to their co-operation in relieving the poor during the late crisis. After a brief address from the Rev. Mr. Lewis, and Mr. S. Rhodes, a vote of thanks to the chairman was adopted, and the meeting separated.

BARTON-ON-HUMBER.-The Rev. James Hoyle has resigned the pastorate of the Congregational Church in this town, and has accepted the invitation of the church at Rothwell, Northamptonshire.

BIRMINGHAM.-The Rev. John Richards, late of Bicester, having accepted the cordial and unanimous invitation of the Congregational Church worshipping in Legg Street Chapel, has commenced his labours amongst them.

BIRMINGHAM.-MOSELY-ROAD.-The Rev. R. Thomas has resigned the pastorate of the Congregational Church here, and will leave at the end of the present year.

BRADFORD.-The jubilee services of the Independent Chapel, at Allerton, Bradford, were held last week, and were marked by the liquidation of a debt of £400, which had hitherto remained upon the building. The subscriptions towards this object reached £252, and collections made on Sunday last, after sermons by the Rev. H. Simon, of Castleford, amounted to £183 2s. The services were closed on Tuesday evening by a public tea-meeting, over which Mr. John Crossley, of Halifax, presided.

BRAINTREE.-Mr. Albert Goodrich, of Hackney College, has accepted the cordial and unanimous invitation of the church assembling in Braintree Chapel, to succeed their late beloved pastor, the Rev. John Carter, who laboured among them for fiftytwo years.

DOVER.-The Rev. Samuel Spink has resigned the pastorate of the Congregational Church, Russell Street, Dover, through failure of health.

GAINSBOROUGH.-Mr. H. Luckett, of Rotherham College, has accepted a unanimous invitation from the church and congregation of the Independent Chapel, Gainsborough. HAGGERSTONE. DOVE-ROW MISSION CHAPEL.-We find that it is proposed to build a new place of worship in the Haggerstone district, which is densely populated with the labouring poor, and has for some time past been left with but little effort for the spiritual or moral improvements of its inhabitants. No agent of the City Mission has laboured in this locality for some years past, and in the district on the north side of Hackney Road, there are but two places of worship, besides the City

Mission station in Ann's-place School, to meet the wants of the thousands residing in their neighbourhood. The teachers of Doverow Sunday-school have established a mission church in the locality; and the meetings have been hitherto held in a shed in Hay Street, Dove-row, from which the secretary has received a writ of ejectment, in consequence of the landlord's title having been disputed; and the shed has for some time past been much too small for the accommodation of those who are desirous of attending therein. The cause has steadily progressed, and there are now about fifty members in church fellowship, whilst others are seeking to be united with them. The lease of a plot of ground, situated in John Street, Dove-row, has been obtained, on which it is proposed to erect a suitable building for public worship, to occupy a frontage of about sixty feet, accommodate about 200 persons, and not to cost more than £400.

HORSLEY-ON-TYNE.-On Saturday week, a meeting was held in the Congregational Chapel, to take leave of the pastor, the Rev. J. H. Hughes, who has accepted a very cordial invitation to the pastorate of the church of Newent, Gloucestershire. After tea a public meeting was held-Mr. W. Yeates, of Wylam, presiding. The chairman, in a short and appropriate opening address, expressed his deep sorrow that their pastor, who, by his earnest labours, affability, and kindness, had endeared himself to all who knew him, was now about being separated from them. He called upon Mr. G. Redhead, jun., one of the deacons, to address the meeting, who, after touchingly referring to the anticipated separation, on behalf of himself and friends, presented to Mr. Hughes a purse, as a small token of love and

esteem.

KENNINGTON.-CARLISLE CHAPEL.-The Rev. T. Stephenson has accepted a unanimous and pressing invitation to the pastorate of this Church, and will commence his labours, with every prospect of abundant usefulness, on the second Sabbath in October. Until that time the chapel will be closed for cleaning and necessary repairs.

LIVERPOOL.-The Rev. Joseph Shillito, of Dewsbury, has accepted the cordial invitation of the church worshipping in Crescent and Norwood Chapels, Liverpool, to be one of the pastors of the church, in conjunction with the Rev. John Kelley. Mr. Shillito purposes entering upon his labours on the second Sunday in November.

The

LEDBURY, HEREFORDSHIRE.-The anniversary services of the Independent chapel here were held on Sunday and Monday, September 4 and 5. On Sunday, sermons were preached morning and evening by the Rev. J. C. Rook, of Thaxted, Essex. On Monday, the services were resumed by a public teameeting at the Feathers' Assembly Room, which was attended by 150 persons. public meeting which followed was presided over by H. O. Wills, Esq., of Bristol, and was addressed by the Revs. T. Young (pastor), Richard Perkins (Malvern), J. C. Rook, V. P. Sells (Newnham), J. H. Hughes, and R. W. White, Esq. (Blakeney), Treasurer of the Gloucestershire and Bristol Congregational Union. The pastor gave an encouraging statement of the improved state of the church

and congregation, and made an earnest appeal to the people to attempt to clear off the debt of £120, which for twelve years has pressed heavily on the energies of the congregation. He proposed that they should make a united effort to pay it off by the end of the year, and, by way of commencement, offered to make himself responsible for £20. Messrs. Wills and White each promised £5, the anniversary realized £13 more, and, at the close of the meeting, £90 of the £120 were promised. Thus the debt is in the way of being entirely removed by Christmas.

LONDON.-ADELPHI CHAPEL, HACKNEY ROAD.-The Rev. A. A. Ramsey, of Gloucester, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the above Church to become the pastor, and is expected to commence his pastoral labours the first Sabbath in October.

MARGATE.-The anniversary services of the Congregational Church in this town were held on Sunday, August 28th, when the Rev. R. Ferguson, LL.D., preached morning and evening. Collections were made after each service for the reduction of the large debt on the church. The congregations were large, and liberally responded to the appeal of the preacher. On Monday evening there was a public tea-meeting, after which the Secretary, Mr. Ritchen, gave a statement of the financial position of the church, showing a most cheering improvement. It appeared that there is now in hand the sum of £130 towards the debt, a large part of which has been gathered by local efforts. Challenge has been made in the course of the summer by a gentleman to the effect that he would give £5 if nineteen others would do the same. It was accepted by the people, and twelve have promised out of the twenty to give £6 each. The Rev. C. Galloway congratulated the pastor and people on their present position. The assembly was then addressed by the Revs. J. Bartram, J. Crofts, T. Blandford, Dr. Ferguson and H. W. Butcher.

NANTWICH.-On Monday evening, September 12th, a number of the members and friends connected with the Congregational Church in this town, invited their pastor, the Rev. Edward L. Adams, to a tea-meeting. The room was tastefully decorated, and the meeting well attended. After tea, Mr. Thompson, in a kind and appropriate speech, presented him, on their behalf, with a very valuable gold watch, and an address beautifully engrossed on parchment, expressing their esteem and respect for his faithful and unwearied services, during eight years' ministry amongst them. Several earnest addresses were given, and a very pleasant and profitable evening was spent.

NORTHWICH.-On the 9th of August, a new organ was publicly opened in the Congregational Chapel here. Mr. Jukes, organist of Witton Church, Northwich, presided on the occasion, and the choir was assisted by members of the Northwich Harmonic Society.

POOLE, DORSET.-On Wednesday evening, September 7th, Mr. John Fernie, jun., who is about to proceed to Natal, under the auspices of the Colonial Missionary Society, was ordained to the work of the Christian ministry, in the Independent Chapel, Poole, Dorset, where he has been assistant to the Rev. R. T.