the falls, and begin to hear a strange rumbling noise, as of distant thunder After securing apartments at the "Cataract," we repair at once to the great attraction of the place. Proceeding to Goat Island, which contains about 75 acres, and divides the American part of the Fall from the Canadian, we ascend a tower built upon a rock overhanging the awful abyss. Reaching the summit, we find ourselves in the midst of a scene that fairly baffles description. Right before us is the great Horse Shoe Fall. The roar of its mighty waters, as they tumble headlong into the seething gulf below, is quite appalling. The floodgates of some great ocean seem to have been thrown open. High overhead the vapour floats in fleecy clouds, while all around we see rainbows of the brightest tints. Returning to the mainland, we descend to the water's edge by means of a little railway worked upon a steep incline. Here we step on board the ferry boat, and cross to the Canada side. The view, as we cross, is most magnificent. Walking up from the landing-place towards the table rock, we descend a spiral staircase to a slippery footpath, from which the adventurous traveller may pass behind a portion of the great sheet of water. It is truly frightful to look up here and see on one side the threatening cliff, and on the other the rushing waters. Watching our opportunity, when a gust of wind carried off the vapour for an instant, we hastily retire. The banks of the river below the fall are very precipitous, and about 170 feet high. Two miles down the river we can see that airy-looking structure, the Suspension Bridge.

Reviews and Notices.

The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes, D.D. Vol. II. Containing a Discovery of the Near and Dear Love, Union and Communion, between Christ and the Church, &c. &c. Edinburgh: James Nichol. 1862. Pp. 518.

To this, the second volume of Sibbes's works, fitly apply whatever words of commendation have been written in reference to preceding issues of this valuable series, whether as regards publishing, editing, or the matter contained in it. The discourses upon the Song of Solomon are full of that rich spirituality and unction for which the "Master of Catherine Hall, Cambridge," was so distinguished, and which have rendered him such a favourite with the religious portion of the community. There may not be the dramatic force and vivid portrait-painting of Adams, or the closely compacted theology of Goodwin, but there is a certain deep insight into the workings of the new life, which leads us to entertain the highest opinion of the knowledge of divine things possessed by this Master in Israel. We might cull from this and the preceding volumes whole pages of single sentences and sayings which would sufficiently attest the above remark. We find a pencil mark in our copy over against the following, and cannot resist the temptation of transcribing it. "It is music that best pleaseth God's ears to hear a soul come to him to request, especially spiritual things of him, which he delights most to give, which he knows is most useful and best for us. This pleaseth him so marvellously, that he will not presently grant it, but leads us along and along, that still he may hear more and more from us."

The Ambassador of the Great King. By the Rev. JOHN KAY, and the Rev. A. MACLEOD SYMINGTON. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. 1862. This admirable little work consists of the Ordination Services delivered on the 7th of August last, in connection with the settlement of the Rev. Mr Milroy as pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Congregation of Penpont. It is a most interesting and valuable memorial of a very solemn occasion, and contains much that may be profitably perused and re-perused, not only by the minister and people to whom the sermon and charges were immediately addressed, but by other congregations who may have for many years enjoyed a settled ministry, and by other ministers whose own ordination has long been an event of the past. When Fathers are being removed, and our church is mourning over repeated bereavements, and over what may well seem irreparable loss, it is matter of satisfaction to find, among the younger brethren who are still left us, such excellent

endowments, and such pure and lofty sentiments as are manifested in the work before us. Very beautiful too is the brotherly feeling shewn in the combined authorship, to which we are indebted for this publication. We are tempted to give extracts both from the Sermon and the Charges; in both which there is much able writing, and very earnest dealing with the conscience; but this our limits do not permit. And it is better that our readers provide themselves with the book, and study it for themselves. We say this not-as it is often said -merely by way of compliment, or to encourage the sale of a publication that has our good wishes, but from a solemn conviction, that the circulation of this little work among all the families of our Church, would be a mighty benefit, both to ministers and people. We know not where we should go to find, within so small a compass, such a comprehensive view of the Ambassador's mission and work; or counsels so needful, so full, and so weighty. The devout earnestness which breathes in every sentence, is very much calculated to find its way to the heart, Redeeming Love and other Poems. By JANE M'GREGOR.

D. R. Collie and Son. 1862. Pp. 108.

Edinburgh:

This little volume contains not a few striking thoughts, well, and, at times, even beautifully expressed. It is evident that the writer has not been much accustomed to wield the pen, but many blemishes can be overlooked when the aim is good, the sentiment pure and healthy, and where the desire is to glorify God by the talents which he has bestowed.

Nothing to do; or, the Influence of a Life. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co.

We should have noticed some time ago this delightful little tale for the young. It has been issued uniform with the story of the "Red Velvet Bible," and "Alice Louther," and by the same publisher. We have every reason to believe that this tale of "life in earnest" will produce good impressions on the minds of our young readers, and will stir them up to do something for Him who has done so much for them.

News of the Church.

HALL LIBRARY.-We are glad to learn that the students have been successful in raising about £40 for the Hall Library. This will greatly improve the Library. Still there are great deficiencies. Members of the Church who may have intended contributing, but overlooked it when the appeal was made, may send their subscriptions to Professor Goold.

PRESBYTERY OF EDINBURGH.-This Court met on Wednesday 1st October, when Mr P. M. Martin delivered his trial discourses, and was licensed as a preacher of the gospel. We cordially wish him success in this new sphere of usefulness. A commissioner appeared before the Presbytery from the Free Church congregation at Carnoustie, seeking admission to the communion of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. The Presbytery entertained the application, and appointed a committee of inquiry to report at next meeting of Presbytery. A memorial setting forth the claims of the National Bible Society upon the Church was laid on the table. The Presbytery cordially recommended the Society to the support of the congregations under its care.

EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE HALL COMMITTEE.-" Before proceeding to business, the Committee unanimously agree to place upon their records the following minute submitted by the convener :-Since its last meeting the Committee has lost one of its most valued members by the death of the Rev. James Ferguson of Kilbirnie. Though for some time past Mr Ferguson's health has been impaired, he was able to be present with apparently restored vigour at the opening of the Session of Hall on the 5th August, and took his usual part in the work of examination; but on the 15th September, after a brief illness, it pleased God to terminate the earthly labours of his faithful servant, and call him home to his rest. The Committee desire to record with affectionate remembrance their sense of the heavy loss which they, in common with the whole

Church, have sustained in the removal of one who, for so many years, was a member of this Committee, regular in his attendance on its meetings, always evincing the liveliest interest in the cause of theological education, and ready by his judicious counsel and cheerfully rendered service, to promote in any way the efficiency and prosperity of the Hall. During the whole course of his ministry, by his devout and holy life, his peculiarly meek and quiet spirit, his firm and unflinching attachment to the truth, as well as by his zealous and unwearied, though unobtrusive labours in every department of pastoral duty, Mr Ferguson was enabled, through grace, to present a bright example of ministerial faithfulness, consistency, and usefulness to the rising ministry of our Church. There are few men of whom it might be said with greater truth than of our departed father, that in him we had amongst us a Nathanael, an Israelite indeed in whom was no guile a John, a disciple whom Jesus loved and who loved Jesus-a Barnabas, a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith—a righteous man and merciful, and one who walked in his uprightness. The Committee take leave to express their respectful, heartfelt sympathy with the sorrowing widow and bereaved congregation, commending them to the care of the Good Shepherd, while for themselves they desire to lay to heart the renewed warning, and to hear in it a loud and solemn call to work and watch until the Master come."

THE THEOLOGICAL HALL-CLOSE OF THE SESSION.-The Session of the Theological Hall was brought to a close on Friday the 27th September. The Rev. William Symington, Convener of the Hall Committee, presided, and opened the meeting by prayer. Besides the members of the Hall Committee, we noticed the following ministers present on the occasion:-The Rev. Messrs David Taylor, John Torrance, A. M. Symington, John Bole, from America, A. Clokie &c.; also a number of gentlemen who are well known as taking a deep interest in our Theological Institution, and in the affairs of our Church generally. Professor Goold reported regarding the course of study pursued during the Session in the departments of Biblical Literature and Church History. Professor Binnie also reported as to the course he had pursued in the department of Systematic Theology. Both of the Professors expressed themselves highly satisfied with the regularity of the attendance given, and with the diligence and success with which the students had prosecuted their studies. The Convener then reported that the result of the competitors' examination for the Dumfries Bursary was, that Mr James Hunter had gained a majority of marks, and was therefore declared the successful candidate. The examination had been very lengthened, and had brought out fully the comparative merits of the students. Both had acquitted themselves most creditably-the unsuccessful candidate excelling in some of the departments, and in all shewing skill and scholarly ability. The Rev. Messrs Clazy, M'Dermid, Symington, and Easton then reported on the examination of the students on the intersessional course of study, and expressed their high satisfaction with the various papers submitted to them, as evincing great diligence and care on the part of the students in preparing the prescribed subjects. Mr Symington also reported that the Scottish Reformation Society had placed at the disposal of the Hall Committee the sum of £10, to be offered in prizes to the students attending the Hall, who should excel in an examination on certain books on the Popish Controversy. The Committee had agreed that this sum should be divided into three prizes of £5, £3, and £2 respectively-that all students attending the Hall during the Session of 1863 might be competitors→→ that the examination take place at the commencement of that Session-and that the following be the works on which competitors shall be examined, viz. :—(1.) Stillingfleet's Doctrine and Treatise of the Church of Rome, with Cunningham's Notes; and, (2.) Owen's Sermon on "The Chamber of Imagery in the Church of Rome."-See Goold's Owen, vol. viii. p. 547. It was also intimated that the Committee had been led, from a variety of considerations, to agree that the next Session of Hall should, subject to the approval of the Synod, meet in Edinburgh. Thereafter Mr Easton delivered an able and impressive address to the students, and the meeting was closed by prayer and the benediction. There had been in all twenty regular students in attendance at the Hall during the Session; of these five were of the first year, six of the second, five of the third, and four of the fifth. The four of the fifth Session have now completed their curriculum, and will, we hope,

soon be licensed by their respective presbyteries. These students are Messrs Edgar, Jackson, P. M. Martin, and W. Whyte. We congratulate the Church on the prospect of the accession to the number of probationers, of these young gentlemen, who by their diligence and progress in sacred learning, have gained the highest approbation of their Professors and of the Hall Committee. We trust that they may be long spared, and greatly honoured as labourers in the Lord's vineyard.

COURSE OF INTERSESSIONAL STUDY FOR STUDENTS OF THEOLOGY. Students of the first year to be examined on Mlivaine on the Evidences. Recommended to read Doddridge's "Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul," and Hodge's" Way of Life."-Examiner, Mr KAY.

Students of the second year to be examined on Pily's Hora Paulina. Recommended to read Augustine's "Confessions," and Taylor's Spiritual Christianity."-Examiner, Mr WM. SYMINGTON.

Students of the third year to be examined on Princeton Essays, i. to viii. inclusive, first series. Recommended to read Charnock's "Select Treatises."— Examiner, Mr CLAZY.

Students of the fourth year to be examined on Cunningham's Reformers, and the Theology of the Reformation. Recommended to read Hall's "Help to Zion's Travellers," and Howe's "Redeemer's Tears." Examiner, Mr

M'DERMID.

Students of the fifth year to be examined on William's Essay on Equity and Sovereignty. Recommended to read Baxter's "Reformed Pastor," and James's "Earnest Ministry."-Examiner, Mr EASTON.

IN EXEGESIS-All students, except those of the first year, to be examined on Hebrew, PSALMS i.-v. inclusive; and Greek, Epistle to the ROMANS, ch. i.—v. inclusive. Examiner, Mr EASTON.

WM. SYMINGTON, Convener of Hall Committee.

Missionary Intelligence.

LETTER FROM MR COPELAND.

ANEITYUM, NEW HEBRIDES, May 23. 1862. REV. AND DEAR SIR-About a month ago I received your letter of October last, with several numbers of Evangelical Christendom, the News of the Churches, and the Reformed Presbyterian Magazine. We were anxious to hear from home, and learn what effect the tidings of our successive disasters have had on our churches. We are thankful to see that a proper view seems to have been taken of these trying dispensations, for the many expressions of sympathy for us and our people, and for the many prayers that have been sent up to Him who sits at the helm of affairs.

I am glad to say that all the members of the mission are in good health at present. Mr Matheson and Mrs Johnston are both living with Mr Geddie. Mrs Johnston occupies a portion of her time in teaching a class of young people of both sexes. The natives are in good health at present. Food is very scarce, but we trust the worst is over. The attendance on the several meetings for religions instruction and for worship is encouraging; the teachers report that the people turn out well to school in the morning. At this station, the institution was resumed some time ago. The attendance is not all I could desire, but the falling off can be easily accounted for. In the first place, we have lost about one-third by death, and then we had such a long, long recess, that they had got fairly out of the way of attending. The natives also have had to spend much time in their plantations, and in the erection of dwellings and schoolhouses destroyed by the hurricanes. You are probably aware, too, that the desire for knowledge is not very great among people like the Aneityumese. Education has not yet become fairly an indispensable. As yet, the Aneityumese hardly see in the accumulation of knowledge a sufficient equivalent to their leaving off their manual

labour every day soon after noon. The possession of knowledge will continue to be more and more appreciated, I have no doubt, till a proper feeling shall prevail on this subject. Three weeks ago, we met on this side of the island for the observing of the Lord's supper. The weather was not very favourable, and the audience was not so large as on former occasions. On the Friday, nineteen adults were baptized and several children. There are about 140 church members on this side of the island. We have ten elders and nine deacons. Before our last communion, one member was excluded for improper conduct. Since March 1858, I find that thirteen have been removed from the roll of membersten being males and three females; of that number two have died, and two have been restored. The sin in the case of eleven out of the thirteen has been either a violation of the seventh commandment, or some approach to it. Of the eleven, six broke that precept palpably; the other five, though not violating the letter, yet sinned against the spirit. Fornication and adultery are among the besetting sins of all these tribes. When any one falls into this position of disgrace, his friends and the community generally do not spare him at first, but they gradually soften down and treat him as if his conduct were perfectly correct.

We had letters from Mr Paton in April, and are glad to learn that he had been so successful up till the time of his writing.

The John Knox has made two trips this year to the adjoining islands, one to Tanna and Nina, and one to Fotuna. I was in the vessel on her visit to the two first islands. We intended to take Fotuna on our way to Tanna, but as the wind did not suit, a subsequent visit had to be made. After the return of the vessel, Mr Geddie wrote me thus: "The teachers on Fotuna are all well and in good spirits. The people are all quiet, and some progress is being made. They wish a missionary and more Rarotongan and Aneityum teachers. The tidings on the whole have never been so favourable from that island." On Nina, we found the two Aneityum teachers well. During the time that elapsed, from the breaking up of the Tanna mission till the visit of the vessel, we felt anxious about the work there, knowing that some of the Tannese had gone there. The distance between Port Resolution is only fourteen miles, and the direction such that the wind is generally fair. I must say that I was agreeably disappointed to find that not only no disaster had befallen the teachers, but that the work had not even relapsed. I do not say that much progress has been made : that we do not expect. One white man was killed by some of the Nina natives during the rainy months. A boat with some white men had gone to that island, for what purpose I do not know. They arrived, it would appear, after sunset, and cast anchor, but had not gone ashore. Some of the natives went off and attacked them with clubs and killed one of the party. A woman, a native of the Loyalty Islands, had a narrow escape. The survivors cut their cable, put to sea, and went to Eromanga. When I asked the cause of this bold and unlooked-for deed, I was told that they (the Ninans) were afraid of the men, lest they carried disease and sickness with them.

At Port Resolution we spent but a few hours. Miaki, of whom you have often heard, came off to us in his canoe. He was shy, as might be expected. He told us that the fighting was over, but that a great many had been killed. Abraham, the Aneityum teacher, and I went ashore to see the mission premises and the natives. We found Mr Paton's boat under some cocoa-nut trees some distance from the mission station. Miaki said he had removed her lest some one should take her away. We saw neither rudder, grapnel, oars, rowlocks, mast, nor sails-nothing but the bare boat. We went along the shore to the mission premises, and found that the boat-house had been destroyed, We saw young cocoa-nuts that had been cut down during the war. On ascending to the dwelling-house, we saw nothing but the marks of destruction, and little remaining of the work of years. The place was overgrown with grass and weeds. The room in which Mrs Johnston lived had been stripped of all the thatch, and so had also the house in which the teachers lived. We were told that the natives took the thatch for their own houses, as the sugar-cane leaf, of which it was made, is scarce at present. All the glass in the windows has been deliberately smashed, and not a few of the sashes. They have removed every door on the pre