the Home Missionary Society are on the increase, and the income is so deficient. It is very true, that there must be no dictation to the churches making collections, as to the proportion to be given ; but at the same time, it seems only proper that facts should be furnished, to assist them in making a fair division of what is collected. I perceive the delicacy and difficulty of the officers of the several societies, either separately or unitedly, appealing to the churches for a specific share of the collection. Each one may conclude, and with great sincerity, that his own institution needs special assistance most, and therefore a large share of the churches' bounty should be awarded to his society. It is evident, therefore, that any remarks bearing on this delicate point must be general, and should keep as much as possible to obvious and important facts. My wish is to do so on this occasion.

By referring to the reports of the Home Missionary Society, I observe that the £1273, stated to be its share of the October collections of last year, includes all that was received on its own stations on that occasion, besides other collections in other places which used to be made regularly before the plan was adopted. These amount to about £400. All this would have been collected for the Home Missionary Society, though the simultaneous movement had never taken place. Deducting that sum, it will be found that the three institutions have each nearly the same amount contributed to their funds by this extra effort-this admirable plan of economically obtaining funds, if the churches will only carry it out generally. The question returns, What should be the proportion given to each society? Who can answer? Here there may be many private reasons-many personal feelings-many old attachments-and it may be, many prejudices in operation. These may be so powerful as to render any uniform plan of distribution impracticable. If all the Societies had commenced their operations at the same time, had exactly the same fields of operation as to extent and demand, and were all situated out of England, the case would be very simple, and the duty of allocation very easy. "Let there be an equal division" might then with confidence be said. But when, as in the case of the Home Missionary Society, it labours in England; when in nine counties out of ten, there is a demand for help from the society, to a larger amount than it actually receives: when it is also considered that the Society, in consequence of its new and closer connexion with the Congregational body, at the very time this plan of contribution commenced, had incurred enlarged responsibilities, it is evidently placed in a perilous attitude, unless this circumstance be duly considered by the Congregational churches, and adequate help be afforded.

There is another point deserving attention. There are several counties in which there are large and active associations. These associated bodies have received aid from the Home Missionary Society for a long period, and are at present receiving it to an extent of several hundred pounds a year; and yet not one farthing of the October collection is appropriated by them to the Home Missionary Society! The result is similar in other counties, though the process is somewhat different, where the annual October collection, even on missionary stations, is taken as a part of the sum originally promised to the Society at the time missionaries were sent to those counties! There are some noble and generous exceptions, where the question is not "are we above or below the pledged sum?" but "how much more can we raise in any way, to assist the Home Missionary Society in its difficulties ?"

Now it never could have been the intention of those who planned this method of helping British missions, that one of these societies should, in the very counties which were most closely connected with it, receive no benefit whatever from the October collection, especially on the ground, that certain sums were already paid to the Home Missionary Society for sustaining missionaries. This rather seems to present a strong reason why additional liberality should be shown, to enable the Society to continue

its help in such districts. At the present moment, it is evident from the report, that the Society is returning to such counties one hundred pounds for every fifty promised; and in all instances except one or two, spending more in every county in England, where they have agents, than is received by the Society. On the ground then of justice and equity, the Home Missionary branch of British Missions should not be overlooked; and least of all by those churches around which the agents of the Society labour, and with success. All that can be desired in this matter is, a sufficiency for accomplishing the object of the Society, and an ability to respond to the numerous calls for help in this crisis of England's history. It is gratifying to observe from the published statements, that a number of churches who never contributed to the Society before, did so last year. And it is also encouraging to perceive, that most of the counties, in which there are active associations unconnected with the Home Missionary Society, are beginning to feel that Home includes other counties besides their own.

It appears only right that the above facts should be known. The peculiarity of the position of the Home Missionary Society, as giving back more than it receives from all the counties of England, render certain explanations necessary, which are not required in the other branches of British Missions, for they simply receive and expend their income, without any drawback being required by the English churches. It is evident, however, that all the three institutions call for greatly augmented aid.

I hope the appeal in the last magazine will succeed in producing a more extended and united effort, to secure collections for British Missions, on one day-that the churches and pastors will consider the relative claims of each society in apportioning the amount; and take especial care, if possible, that the sum obtained for the three objects, be three times more than if the collection had been only for one institution. Let the arguments in the appeal be duly considered, and I have no doubt of a favourable result.

AN OLD FRiend.

IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY.

ONE of the secretaries, Mr. James, is just returned from a tour of inspection of all the stations occupied by this Society in the sister country. He found the agents faithfully devoted to their work; and some of them enjoying delightful tokens of the Divine presence and blessing. In those districts of the country where popery bears almost exclusive sway, the number of persons attending the ministry of our brethren, as might be expected, is small; but the Committee feel it to be a point of the greatest importance, amidst the prevailing superstitions, to bear a faithful testimony to the truth of the Gospel. This our agents have done with untiring perseverance, their patience being sometimes rewarded with pleasing instances of the power of the Gospel to overcome the most deeply-rooted prejudices. Churches are formed in the principal stations occupied by the agents, whilst numerous out-stations are regularly visited, more or less frequently, according to their respective distances. In some of these, as they are less liable to observation, the Catholics will occasionally attend, and listen with deep interest to the faithful exhibition of Gospel truth. Our brethren also attend to the sick and dying; and frequently at funerals, when large numbers of the people congregate together, they find most favourable opportunities of making known the way of salvation through faith in Christ. At such seasons the people listen to the preacher with great apparent interest, and seem most grateful for the attentions they receive.

Many of the country stations visited by our agents are attended by circumstances of great promise. The places obtained for preaching are crowded with attentive

hearers, who will come from great distances, and will sometimes remain during the interval of worship, that they may obtain the benefit of a second service.

To show the gratitude of these poor people, who have neither silver nor gold to offer, an instance may be mentioned, in which it may be said of these cottagers, as it was said of one of old," They did what they could." Happening to hear that the minister wanted some turf for fuel drawn to his house, a distance of some miles, no less than forty of them, each with his horse and car, appeared in a day or two at his residence, conveying his load of turf; and promising that another year they would not only convey it home, but would give a day in the mountains to dig it for him. Many such proofs of the gratitude of these poor people could be mentioned, which prove a great encouragement to our brethren amidst their self-denying labours.

One of the stations visited by Mr. James, is marked by peculiar features of deep interest. It is situated in a mountainous district, which for miles round has in all probability never, to any extent, received cultivation from the hand of man; and where occasionally are to be found implements of war, such as spear heads rudely carved from flint, and stone heads for axes ground down to an edge, which must have been used in the remotest ages of antiquity, when the aboriginal tribes of the country were in a state of barbarism. Over these mountains, by tracks which none but their experienced eye could discern, the people were pursuing their way to the chapel in which our brother officiates. This humble sanctuary, though unpretending in its appearance, is nevertheless the "house of God," and has no doubt often proved as "the gate of heaven" to those who are accustomed to assemble within its lowly walls. Here Mr. James preached to a deeply attentive congregation, and received the sincere and hearty welcome of many a cottager, who loved the truth as it is in Jesus. There are eighty persons united in the fellowship of the Gospel; and Sabbath-school instruction is afforded to two hundred children in the summer; the distance of their residences, and the wild character of the country, necessarily diminishing the number in the winter.

The rapid increase in the education of the children of the poor renders it exceedingly important that some means should be adopted, without delay, for the circulation by sale, at reduced prices, of instructive and especially religious books. The committee, in their last report, stated their design to commence, if practicable, some efforts similar in their character to the colporteur system, found so useful in France. Mr. James was instructed to make inquiry, during his tour, on the practicability and probable usefulness of such a plan. From every part of the country, and from persons of different religious denominations, he received the strongest expressions of approbation of the measure. Individuals fitted for the employment, it is thought could easily be found, and it is believed that the peasantry and farmers who may be induced to purchase a book will be far more likely to read it than if it was given them; whilst the children are beginning to beg money of the passing traveller, as they say, "to buy a book." As this plan will involve considerable expense, the Committee will be thankful to receive from their friends special contributions for the object.

In visiting the brethren labouring in connexion with this institution, Mr. James found the most cordial attachment to the Society, which for so many years had helped to sustain them in their self-denying labours; and when they are sufficiently near to enjoy occasional intercourse with each other, they were united together in the strictest bonds of brotherly affection. At one town, a public meeting was held, which was most numerously attended, and at which expressions of the strongest attachment to the Irish Evangelical Society were uttered by the speakers, and warmly responded to by the assembly.

Nothing is wanted but the more liberal support of the Society by the British churches. Numerous stations could be immediately occupied, if the Committee had the pecuniary means to sustain them. Towns of considerable extent are to be found where agents would at once be introduced, with the most promising hopes of success. To the wealthy in our churches the Committee would therefore appeal for donations; and to others for smaller contributions. If organised associations for British missions could be formed in every congregation, and the collections on the last Sabbath in October could be made more general, a much larger amount it is thought could be raised than has ever yet been obtained.

COLONIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

MISSION OF REV. J. C. GALLAWAY, TO ST. JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK.

The Rev. J. C. Gallaway, late of West Bromwich, embarked at Liverpool, on the 19th September, for St. John, by the Post Office steam packet, viâ Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Committee of the Colonial Missionary Society, deeming this beloved brother peculiarly qualified for the mission to St. John, proposed it to his devout consideration. Prayer, advice of brethren, indications of the will of Providence, guided the mind of Mr. Gallaway to a cordial acceptance of the proposal of the Committee. All circumstances which transpired after Mr. Gallaway had undertaken the mission, till he embarked to enter upon it, contributed to satisfy him that he was in the right course, and that Providence favoured the movement. His people at West Bromwich parted with their beloved pastor with equal affection and regret. His brethren in the district, though regretting the loss of a valued neighbour and coadjutor, yet justified the Committee in selecting and applying to Mr. Gallaway for this important mission, and Mr. Gallaway, in accepting the proposal. Sent forth under auspices so favourable and satisfactory, may abundant success attend his enterprise !

ADELAIDE.-ENCOURAGING SUCCESS OF REV. T. Q. STOWE.

Extract of a letter from Mr. Wm. Giles, Adelaide, under date 13th April, 1843, to Mr. David McLaren, London.

"Amidst the gloom of temporal difficulties, I am happy to tell you, that the hand of Jehovah is manifestly stretched out on our behalf. Grace reigns. Many souls have been converted of late; seldom an ordinance without three or four candidates for the communion. Two members out of one family are now making inquiry after their soul's welfare, in a way truly astonishing. Money-making was the universal idolatry of this colony, during its season of worldly prosperity. In this, its day of adversity, the people find the Lord hath a controversy with them, and begin to inquire after his will, when they discover that they cannot serve two such opposite masters as God and mammon. "The two Messrs. -, now with us, appear very decided followers of the Saviour. Mr. more especially, conducts the service on the Sabbath, at --; they came into the colony when their aid was most needful: about a hundred characters such as these would do for us all that we require."

CANADA WEST, AND AN AMERICAN MINISTER'S Report.-On the first week of last July, the annual meeting of the Congregational Union of Canada West was held at Brantford, when an encouraging report was read, from which are gleaned the following particulars. During no previous year have so many souls been led to Christ in the churches. Eight new stations have been formed-five brethren have been added to the number of their ministry-two furnished by their infant academy, two who have connected themselves with the body, and one who had

arrived from England. The Sabbath-schools of the churches in union are generally in a prosperous state; and these, with the Bible classes for the young, are found to be means of much usefulness. The Union now comprises about twenty ministers and churches. The Rev. S. Griswold attended the meeting as a delegate from the Monroe Association of Orthodox Congregational Churches of the State of New York. On his return he addressed a letter to the Editor of "The New England Puritan," from which the following encouraging passages are extracted :

"I cannot but express my high sense of the discrimination and fidelity manifested by the Colonial Missionary Society, in selecting and sending out men so worthy, so well fitted for the responsible stations and difficult labours of missions in new settlements, where there are many rivals that have grown more or less into popular favour, are supported by imposing ceremonies and appearances, and by government patronage. When they hear of the fidelity of brethren, and the blessing of the Lord attending their efforts to rear congregations and build places of worship-when they hear of the growing strength and usefulness of the Union, and especially when they learn that the Lord has poured his regenerating influences on a number of their congregations, they must rejoice exceedingly, that they have been God's favoured, honoured instruments in sending out and sustaining such men. To the New England churches and ministers, I would (as a son of New England) most cheerfully commend them. The church in which the Union held their meeting was built, in part, by the contributions of New England Christians, governors not excepted; and often did its walls reverberate the warm expressions of gratitude for the kindness and benefactions received in New England as well as in New York."

TRANSACTIONS OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.

AUTUMNAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

Ir is with much satisfaction that we announce the final arrangements of the adjourned meeting of the Congregational Union, to be held in Leeds, on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of October.

Tuesday evening, October 10th, the Rev. T. Binney, of Weigh House Chapel, London, will preach in Belgrave Chapel. Worship to commence at half-past six o'clock. Wednesday morning, 11th-The delegates and brethren will meet at nine o'clock to transact the business of the Union, when the Rev. John Reynolds, of Romsey, Hants, will take the chair.

Wednesday evening-a public meeting in favour of the Union will be held in Queen Street Chapel, when John Remington Mills, Esq., of Stamford Hill, Middlesex, will take the chair at six o'clock.

On Thursday morning, at nine o'clock, the second meeting of the members of the Union will be held, for the transaction of business.

On the evening of Thursday a public meeting will be held on behalf of the British Missions of the Union, at East Parade Chapel, when James James, Esq. the Mayor of Birmingham, is expected to take the chair at six o'clock.

It is earnestly hoped that the brethren of the Union, especially in the midland and northern counties, will make a point of being at Leeds; and it is particularly requested that they will write at least a week before the meetings are held, to the Rev. Richard Winter Hamilton, to apprise him of their intention. Brethren arriving by the railroad will find friends in attendance at the vestry of Salem Chapel, near the terminus, on Monday and Tuesday, to supply them with cards of introduction to the families with whom they are to sojourn during their visit. And the officers of the Union