and was followed by Messrs Moir, Walton, and J. M. Hutcheson, who all made appropriate remarks, and the proceedings, which were of a happy and enjoyable nature, were brought to a close by the pronouncing of the benediction. As a further token of progress it was mentioned that Mr Jarvie's salary had been increased by £70.

INVERNESS.-Jubilee of Fraser Street Sabbath School. The jubilee of this school was celebrated by a soiree in the Congregational Chapel, Fraser Street, on the evening of Thursday, 23d December. There was a large attendance of scholars and others. Mr Corner occupied the chair, and, in a few appropriate sentences, opened the proceedings, referring to the interesting fact, that they were met to celebrate the jubilee of the school as a cause for thankfulness to God.

Mr A. S. Monro read the report, from which it appeared that the Fraser Street School was instituted in 1825. Prior to that, however, an institution, supposed to be about the first of its kind in Inverness, for the instruction of the young in religious knowledge, was held in a small building known as the "smithy." On the erection of the chapel, the late Rev. Mr Kennedy, pastor of the chapel, began several Christian agencies, chief among which was the Fraser Street School. Those who had conducted the school in the small building adjoining the chapel, joined Mr Kennedy, and they were thus able to place the school on a firm footing. At first the success attending these efforts was small, but gradually through the devoted labours of the teachers, the attendance increased, and much good to the young resulted. Some thirty years ago, the school may be said to have been at the height of its prosperity and usefulness, having some four hundred scholars, and over forty teachers. This was kept up for some years, during which it was recognised as the most flourishing in town, and a model of order and effectiveness. As Mr Kennedy, through bodily infirmities, became unable to take an active part in the management, the success of the school diminished. Prior to 1860 it was at a low ebb, through various causes, but by the zealous efforts of Miss Macphail, whose death was recorded with sorrow last year, it was maintained, and the present superintendent, Mr D. Fraser, who had previously been engaged in similar work elsewhere, undertook the charge in 1862. Previous to that time the school had been directly associated with the Congregational Church, but during the last thirteen years it has formed a sort of union school, being attached to no particular denomination, and having for teachers members of most denominations in town.

AIRDRIE.-The Annual Social Meeting of the members and adherents of the Congregational Church here was held on Thursday evening, 6th January, the pastor, Rev. James Buchan, M.A., presiding. The attendance was large. From the various reports submitted, the state of the Church was found to be very promising. In the course of the year the membership had increased considerably. One special cause for thanksgiving was the consecration of many of the young of the Church to the service of Jesus. A very cheering report was given of the Young Men's Christian Association connected with the Church, by Mr Godley, the vice-president. The Association now numbered nearly thirty members, and had already shown itself fitted for aggressive work, in arranging and carrying on evangelistic meetings, which had been greatly blessed. After the reports had been rendered, and office-bearers for the year elected, the meeting was addressed in an earnest and happy manner by Messrs Stark, Orr, Paterson, Docherty deacons, and others. Sacred solos were sung at intervals by Miss M. Rae, and several pieces of music by the choir. In the course of the evening it was stated by the treasurer, Mr Stark, that as the funds had very materially increased, it had been resolved by the church to add £20 to the salary of the minister.

STUARTFIELD-Sabbath School Soiree. The annual soiree of the Sabbath School was held in the church on the evening of Tuesday, January 4.

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was a good attendance of children and of the general public. Rev. William Robertson, pastor of the church, occupied the chair. After praise and prayer, tea was served. Thereafter addresses were delivered by Mr John Wallace, Kinknockie, on "The Importance of Sabbath Schools;" Rev. Mr Whillas (U.P.), New Leeds, on The Importance of Little Things;" Mr Mowatt, North East Coast Missionary, Peterhead, to the children, on Things interesting and amusing;" Mr Boyd, Clola, on "Human Life," and Rev. A. Borrowman (Methodist), Peterhead, on "The Improvement of Time." Hymns were sung by the children, led by Mrs Robertson on the harmonium, very tastefully and heartily. A very pleasant evening was spent. At the close of the meeting, Mr William Shand presented Mrs Robertson, in the name of the children of the Sabbath School, with a handsome teapot and other things, spontaneously subscribed for among the children, as a mark of their appreciation of her labours in teaching them to sing the hymns with harmonium accompaniment. Mr Robertson replied appropriately for Mrs Robertson. The usual votes of thanks having been passed, the meeting was closed with the benediction.

FALKIRK.-Anniversary Services.-Anniversary Services were conducted in the Congregational Church, Falkirk, on Sabbath, December 19th, by Rev. David Cook, Glasgow, and Rev. J. W. Leith, B.D. (Established Church), Falkirk. Mr Cook preached in the morning on Fellowship with the Father and with His Son. Mr Leith preached in the afternoon on the sin of forsaking the first love. Mr Cook again preached in the evening an eminently practical discourse to a large congregation from the words, "What do ye more than others?"

The Annual Soiree was held on the Thursday evening following. The Rev. J. Anderson, M.A., who occupied the chair, gave a favourable report of the affairs of the Church. The Rev. A. Nairn, Stirling; Rev. Daniel Jackson, Hamilton; Rev. James Buchan, M.A., Airdrie; and Rev. James Aitchison, (U.P.), Falkirk, delivered addresses. The Rev. George Wade (U.P.), Falkirk; Rev. George Bell, M.A. (E.U.), and Rev. J. W. Leith, were also present on the platform, and gave a few words of counsel at the close of the meeting.

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ABERDEEN.-Frederick Street Church.-The Sabbath Scholars, with their parents and friends, numbering nearly 300, were convened in the chapel on the evening of January 7, to enjoy a treat of tea and fruit-the pastor, Rev. John Hunter, presiding. After praise and prayer a hearty repast was served and enjoyed. ́ ́Addresses were then delivered by the President, on "the value of Time and Religious Training in Youth;" by Mr Matthewson on Temperate Habits in Early Life," and by the Superintendent, Mr Shinie, on "the Importance of combining Sabbath School Instruction with Domestic Religion." The interest of the meeting was greatly enhanced by the Superintendent exhibiting a number of Scripture scenes by means of the magic lantern, which were so explained as to be a source of both pleasure and instruction. The precentor, Mr Alexander, and a Choir, sung a selection of hymns. An interesting meeting was concluded by devotional exercises. It is but duty to say that this auxiliary to the church has been very prosperous during the past

year.

MONTROSE.-The Rev. J. S. Morris has resigned his charge here, and accepted a call to a church in England. An account of the farewell services will be found in another part of our columns.

STIRLING. The annual social gathering of the members and adherents of the Congregational Church here, was held in the hall under the chapel, on the evening of Monday last. The Rev. Alex. Nairn presided. After a service of tea, addresses were delivered by the Chairman, on The Moral Significance of the Beginning of a New-Year; " Mr Nicol, on "The Duties of Church Members to each other;" Mr Robb, on "Working for Christ;" Mr M'Kin

lay, on Sabbath School Work;" and Mr M'Kenzie on "Evangelistic Work.” During the proceedings, Mr M'Kinlay, in name of the church, presented the pastor (Rev. Alex. Nairn), and the leader of psalmody (Mr John Melville), with a purse of sovereigns each. The gifts were suitably acknowledged by these gentlemen. A number of hymns, rendered by the choir, led by Mr Melville, contributed to the enjoyment of the meeting. After the usual votes of thanks, the proceedings, which were eminently practical, and apparently thoroughly appreciated, were brought to a close by the benediction.

CULLEN.--The annual soiree of the Sabbath School in connection with this Congregational Church was held on Friday, the 14th January-the Rev. J. Taylor, pastor of the church, presiding. The Chairman stated that there were upwards of 100 names on the roll, and that the average attendance for some time back had been above 90, and that never since his connection with the school had so much interest been manifested by the scholars in the lessons, as during the present season. A number of views, illustrative of the life of Joseph, were afterwards exhibited, which, with appropriate readings and singing, were much appreciated. Addresses were also given by the Rev. J. Forgan, F.C., and Mr Geo. Will. The chapel was crowded with the young people and their friends.

ABERFELDY.-At a meeting of the Church, it has been resolved to build a chapel on the site of the Independent manse in the square, provided a renewal of the lease of that site be obtained from the Earl of Breadalbane.

CUMNOCK.-We have been requested to announce, that owing to ill health, the Rev. J. Murray has resigned the pastoral charge of the church.

CRIEFF.-Mr Bell, of the Theological Hall, has received a call to this

church.

MONTROSE.-On Tuesday, 11th January, the Rev. F. S. Morris, of the Independent Church, Montrose, who is leaving for a church in the suburbs of Manchester, took farewell of his present congregation at a soiree held in the church. There was a very large attendance of the members, and Mr Morris occupied the chair. After tea and the singing of a hymn, ex-Bailie Johnston, in a few well-chosen and feeling remarks, presented Mr Morris with a purse containing 60 guineas, which had been contributed most heartily and spontaneously by the members of the church. Mr Johnston said he had great pleasure in making the presentation, which was given in token of the respect in which Mr Morris was held, and in appreciation of his ministry which had now come to a close. The Rev. Frederic Sydney Morris, after briefly expressing his thanks to the Church for the presentation just made, as very acceptable in itself, and still more so from the encouraging sympathy with him in his work that it manifested, said: “It is almost three years since I came among you. You remember the time well; so do I. The Church was apparently united; the invitation to me was unanimous. Since that time very much has happened. There have been joys and sorrows, encouragements and disappointments. I must for a moment refer to the past. I came amongst you hoping to remain for some years, and determined to give you the best work I could, at whatever cost to myself. I came believing that I should have your co-operation and sympathies, and hopeful as to results. It was my firm conviction that work done that cost no labour, could lead to no good; and that ordinary pastoral engagements fulfilled without loving sympathy, could produce no comfort or strength. I always looked upon the man who would not work, as unfitted for a preacher; and the man who was not keenly sensitive and deeply sympathetic, as unfitted for a pastor. It was my desire to be both -to be a teacher in your pulpit, and a friend and comforter in your homes. There may be a difference of opinion as to how I have put into practice my theory; how I have carried out my desire. But this I can say with a clear conscience that I have, to the utmost of my power, endeavoured to do what I have said I believed a man must do, if fitted to be the minister of a church.

I have never entered the pulpit with what has given me no toil, or given you, as food for your thought, what has cost me none. I have never been slow to visit you in sickness or sorrow, and I think I may say that the happiest moments of my life amongst you have been those in which I have been able to give a sufferer some consolation, and, by sympathy, to share the burden of

some heavily-laden spirit. Do not, I beseech you, misunderstand my feeling or purpose in saying this. It is not that I want the praise of men; it is not that I consider myself faultless; on the contrary, I am becoming more indifferent as I grow older, to men's judgment: and I feel very keenly that I have been guilty of many indiscretions and shortcomings, and yet I feel justified in saying, that in spite of all errors in judgment, indiscretions in conduct and speech, and many and various faults, I have worked for your highest interest and welfare, hard and conscientiously. Many persons think that a minister does nothing or little. It may surprise such to hear that I have preached in Montrose 240 sermons; have paid about 700 or 800 pastoral visits. In addition to this there have been about 150 week-night services, most of which were prepared for; and during the winters about 60 or 70 meetings of the Bible Class, each of which cost me a whole day's study, and I have enjoyed my work. I love it, and I have had the more pleasure in it because I have known that I could count upon the affection and appreciation of a large number of you. I may say what I have said before, that perhaps my last winter's bible class was the most pleasant part of my work here to me; and that the kind and substantial proof of the appreciation of the members of that class, will, as long as I live, be treasured with peculiar feelings of gratitude and satisfaction. I have received great kindness while in Montrose; kindness that I shall never forget; kindness from very many of you that has sustained me in difficulty, and strengthened me for work; kindness that can no more be forgotten than it can be fully and sufficiently repaid. You may say—If all this be so, why do you leave? Because, in spite of all this, my experience here has led me to the conviction that I cannot do here what I would. That my way of working, my style of preaching, is not suited to the requirements of this place. I am convinced that while my work has not been, and cannot be without results, it cannot produce the effect which is considered by many, if not most, success. I feel that many are not, and cannot be in sympathy with (not my views, for I maintain that they are as orthodox as yours)-but my mode of teaching; and that my ministry will be more likely to be useful amongst those whom I understand, and who understand me. This, I take it, is no fault of yours or mine; it is simply and solely owing to the fact that we belong to different nationalities; have been affected by different influences; and look at God's truth (which we all love), from different stand-points. And now, brethren, in wishing you farewell, I thank you earnestly for all your goodness and consideration shown to me, and I pray that you may have a happy, a united, and, in the highest sense, a prosperous future; and that the peace of God which passeth understanding, may keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." And " now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God and Saviour, be glory, and majesty, and dominion, and power, both now and ever. Amen." And may "the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Bailie Japp, in a neat speech, expressed the regret which the church felt at losing Mr Morris' services, which they had appreciated so much. He was confident that Mr Morris, in his new sphere, or wherever his lot might be cast, would prove himself a successful minister of the gospel. Ex-Provost Mitchell followed with a few remarks in a similar strain; and short speeches were given by Messrs W. D. Johnston, John R. Mitchell, and other members, The evening was a very enjoyable one.

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NOTICES OF BOOKS.