depôt, and has secured the important services of Mr. J. T. Hoskins as secretary and agent. A large stock of Bibles and Testaments ordered from London has recently arrived, and is in active demand for various parts of the colony. The report the Rev. W. M. Becher presented to the parent Society, on his return from his mission, has arrived here, and is an able and interesting document, giving a comprehensive view of the state of these colonies in relation to the supply of the Scriptures, and the most likely means of securing a wider circulation of them.

A TRACT SOCIETY, upon the catholic basis of the Religious Tract Society of England, has recently been formed in Melbourne, and is proceeding satisfactorily. A good stock of tracts has been obtained from Sydney, and more are expected from England, and the demand for them is steadily on the increase. The depôt is in Swanston-street, in the same premises as that of the Bible Society.

EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE. On Friday, May 29th, a numerous meeting of Christian ministers and members of various religious denominations was held in the Protestant Hall, Melbourne, to take into consideration the desirableness and practicability of establishing an Evangelical Alliance in Victoria. Henry Langlands, Esq., M.L.A., presided. The Bishop of Melbourne opened the proceedings with prayer. Addresses approving of the object were delivered by the Bishop, the Revds. Dr. Cairns, D. Seddon, J. Harding, Jas. Ballantyne, and others. Resolutions were then passed, formally constituting an Alliance on the basis of the Alliance in Britain, and the following officers were appointed:-President, Judge Pohlman; Vice-Presidents, H. Langlands, Esq., M.L.A., D. Ogilvy, Esq.; Treasurer, H. Jennings, Esq; Secretaries, Rev. Jas. Ballantyne, Mr. J. T. Hoskins; Committee, Revds. Dr. Cairns, R. Fletcher, J. Harding, W. Jarrett, D. Seddon, J. Sunderland, J. Taylor, Messrs. T. T. A'Beckett, H. Budge, W. Little, J. S. Ogilvy, and J. Russell.

A second meeting was held, June 12th, in the same place, when additional Rules were agreed upon for the regulation of the Society.

The first Quarterly meeting was held in the same Hall, on the evening of July 7th. Owing to the inclement state of the weather, the attendance was not so numerous as it otherwise would have been. The chair was occupied by Mr. Justice Pohlman, the president. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Richard Fletcher; the Bishop of Melbourne delivered an address upon Christian Union, which was most catholic in its spirit, and deeply interesting. Addresses were then delivered by the Revds. Dr. Cairns, R. Fletcher, T. Harding and others. The basis was read by Mr. J. T. Hoskins, secretary, and parties present were invited to become members. Full information may be obtained as to the rules, basis, and mode of admission, from Mr. Hoskins, at the Bible Society Rooms, Swanston-street, Melbourne, or any of the officers of the Alliance. The formation of this Union is a happy omen for the cause of christian charity in Victoria, and it is to be hoped that the example will be followed in the other colonies.

BETHEL UNION.-A Bethel Union has been formed for the purpose of supplying religious ordinances to seamen frequenting Port Phillip. It is composed of members of all Evangelical Denominations. A vessel, as a Floating Church, has been lent to the Society by Government for six months; numerous gentlemen have subscribed to meet the expenses, and the Rev. Kerr Johnston, late of Hobarton, has been appointed Chaplain. The opening services were held on Wednesday, July 1st, on board the vessel in Hobson's Bay, when the Bishop of Melbourne read prayers, and preached the first sermon. Refreshments were provided, and a public meeting was held in the ship, when the Hon. C. Vaughan, M. L. C., presided, and the Bishop and Dean of Melbourne, the Revs. Messrs. Harding, Moss, W. R. Fletcher, and Johnston, and Messrs. H. Langlands, M. L. A., C. Ferguson, J.P., W. Fairfax, Mathews, A. Bonar, T. Dickson, and others, addressed the meeting. Excellent arrangements had been made to convey visitors by railway and steam-boat; but the extreme inclemency of the weather detained great numbers who had promised to be present. As it was, the attendance was very encouraging. The Society is at present not in debt, but its future liabilities were stated to be likely to amount to £1,000 per annum.

PRESBYTERIANS.-PORTLAND.-INDUCTION SERVICE.-On Sabbath the 28th June, the Rev. Wm. Ridley, B.A., formerly in connexion with the Synod of New South Wales, was formally inducted into the pastoral charge of the church and congregation worshipping in the above place; the Rev. A. M. Ramsay, as commissioner from the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Melbourne, officiating on the occasion. Three services were held in connexion with the settlement. In the forenoon, after sermon by Mr. Ramsay, the members of the church observed the communion of the Lord's Supper; in the afternoon the ceremony of the induction took place; and in the evening Mr. Ridley

preached. The weather was very propitious, and the attendance at the different services large and encouraging. The various exercises were solemn and impressive. Much benefit to this community is anticipated from the settlement of a minister of Mr. Ridley's talents and high reputation as a scholar, and faithful minister of the Gospel. It may interest some of our readers to see the following queries, which were addressed to the minister and congregation in the course of the service. They constitute the Ordination Formula of the United Presbyterian Synod of Victoria; -1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice? 2. Do you acknowledge the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as an exhibition of the sense in which you understand the Holy Scriptures; it being understood that you are not required to approve of anything in these documents which teaches, or is supposed to teach, compulsory or persecuting and intolerant principles in religion? 3. Are you persuaded that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only King and Head of the Church, has therein appointed a government distinct from, and not subordinate to, civil government? And do you acknowledge the Presbyterian form of governmeut, as authorized and acted on in this church, to be founded on and agreeable to the Word of God? 4. Do you approve of the constitution of the United Presbyterian Church, as exhibited in the Basis of Union; and while cherishing a spirit of brotherhood towards all the faithful followers of Christ, do you engage to seek the purity, edification, peace, and extension of this church? 5. Are zeal for the glory of God, love to the Lord Jesus Christ, and a desire to save souls, and not worldly interests or expectations, so far as you know your own heart, your great motives and chief inducements to enter into the office of the Holy Ministry? 6. Have you used any undue methods, by yourself or others, to obtain the call of this church? Do you, the members of this church, testify your adherence to the call which you have given to Mr. William Ridley, B.A., to be your minister? and do you receive him with all gladness, and promise to provide for him suitable maintenance, and to give him all due respect, subjection, and encouragement in the Lord? 7. Do you adhere to your acceptance of the call to become minister of this church? 8. Do you engage, in the strength of the grace that is in Christ Jesus, to live a holy and circumspect life, to rule well your own house, and faithfully, diligently, and cheerfully to discharge all the parts of the ministerial work, to the edifying of the body of Christ? 9. Do you promise to give conscientious attendance on the Courts of the United Presbyterian Church, to be subject to them in the Lord, to take a due interest in their proceedings, and to study the things which make for peace? 10. And all things you profess and promise, through grace, as you shall be answerable at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints, and as you would be found in that happy company?

The

BEECHWORTH.-A new Presbyterian cause has been commenced here by the settlement of the Rev. John Grant, who has recently arrived in the colony. A temporary church on a government grant of land has been put up, and is occupied at present. foundation of a permanent church was laid by the Rev. Jas. Nish, of Bendigo, on Monday, July 6th, and an overflowing tea meeting held the same evening. It is estimated that the new church, school, and manse will cost £3,500.

GEELONG.-UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-This new and handsome church, situated in Ryrie-strect, was opened on Sabbath, July 5th, on which occasion sermons were preached in the morning by the Rev. R. Fletcher of St. Kilda, in the afternoon by the Rev. J. Cooper the minister of the church, and in the evening by the Rev. John Ballantyne, of Emerald Hill, Melbourne. The attendance was overflowing, and the collections amounted to £110, which sum was augmented on the following evening to £141 178. The soiree took place on Monday evening, July 6, in the capacious hall of the Mechanics' Institution. The demand for tickets was so great that they were with difficulty to be obtained. From seven to eight hundred persons are supposed to have sat down to tea. Rev. John Cooper, the pastor, occupied the chair. The platform contained a goodly array of ministers and other friends; a full report of the past proceedings of the church was read by the secretary; and the speakers were, besides the chairman, the Rev. J. Apperley, Rev. R. Fletcher, Rev. A. Love, Rev. M. Townend, Rev. A. Scales, Mr. Turner, &c. About six years ago the church was organized. No time was lost in building a suitable place of worship; but a storm laid it in ruins while in the course of erection, and a pecuniary loss was entailed amounting to £2,608 18s. 6d. This severe calamity checked the progress of the cause for a time. About three years ago the present pastor, the Rev. J. Cooper, settled there. Nothing daunted by their former loss, the congregation soon set about rearing the present structure. It is in a commanding and central situation. The style is Gothic, with a tower and spire at the entrance

ninety feet high. It is felt by all to be an ornament to the city. The entire cost has been £4150, part of which remains as a mortgage on the property. The liberality, vitality, and growth of the congregation will appear from the following statement which was read at the soiree. The pecuniary history of the congregation, during the past six years, may be summed up as follows:-The total amount collected from all sources during the year 1851-52 was £205 12s. 8d.; ditto, 1852-3, £553 18s. 5d.; ditto, 1853-4, £1272; ditto, 1854-5, £716 17s. 7d.; ditto, 1855-6, £1,125 16s. 1d.; ditto, 1856-7, £1,207 17s. 10d; total, £5,082 2s. 7d.

BAPTISTS.-MELBOURNE.-An important movement has taken place in this body by the mission to Australia of the Rev. James Taylor, late of Birmingham, to promote the welfare of the denomination. An interesting breakfast meeting was held in the Mechanics Institution, shortly after his arrival, to welcome him to the colony, on which occasion a large number of ministers and friends of other denominations, besides the leading members of the Baptist body, were present. The Hon. C. Vaughan, M.L.C., presided; and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Cairns, A. M. Ramsay, A Morison, J. Sunderland, D. J. Draper, T. Bradney, J. Taylor, &c. The most cordial spirit of brotherly love breathed through all the speeches. Mr. Taylor is settled at present as the minister of the Collins-street Baptist Chapel, Melbourne. It is understood that more ministers are to follow him from England. BRIGHTON.-The recognition of Mr. Collins as pastor of the Baptist Church here took place on Thursday evening, July 9th, when the Rev. J. Taylor, of Melbourne, delivered an introductory discourse; and the Rev. R. Fletcher, of St. Kilda, delivered a charge to the pastor and ohurch.

CONGREGATIONALISTS.— VICTORIA PARADE, MELBOurne. A temporary place of worship, at the corner of Victoria Parade and Fitzroy-street, for the use of the church and congregation under the pastoral care of the Rev. H. Thomas, B. A., was opened on Lord's day, May 10th. On the following Tuesday evening a public tea-meeting was held, which was largely attended and satisfactorily conducted. F. J. Sargood, Esq., M.L.A., presided, and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Morison, Odell, R. Fletcher, Sunderland, Clark, W. R. Fletcher, H. Thomas and T. Bradney. This congregation, recently worshipping in a store in Brunswick-street, have purchased this most eligible site, and intend erecting upon it a church worthy of the situation. A superior plan, selected out of several competing ones, has been adopted; and the congregation is only allowing itself a little breathing time before commencing in earnest the arduous undertaking of giving embodiment to the masterly ideas of the architect. FOREST CREEK.-The Independent congregation at Forest Creek has for some time worshipped in a tent; but the cause becoming sufficiently consolidated to warrant further proceedings, a plain, but good and substantial stone chapel has been erected. The opening services took place on Tuesday the 9th, and Sunday the 14th of June, when sermons were preached by the Rev. W. R. Fletcher, M. A., of St. Kilda, and the Rev. E. Day, of Castlemaine. The ordination of the Rev. J. F. Pitman, the pastor, was held on the evening of Wednesday the 10th, when the Rev. W. R. Fletcher read the scriptures and prayed, Rev. E. Day delivered the introductory discourse, the Rev. W. Young, missionary to the Chinese, offered the ordinati n prayer, and the Rev. R. Fletcher, of St. Kilda, delivered a joint charge to the past or and the people. Mr. Pitman gave a very interesting statement of his religious experience and doctrinal views. On the following evening (11th) a tea-meeting was held, when the attendance was so large that the tables had to be cleared for a second company, and then the room was scarcely sufficient. An animated meeting was held, and engagements were entered into by numerous persons present, to raise in the course of twelve months the £200 requisite to clear the place from debt.

He

NORTH COLLINGWOOD.-This church having been long without a pastor, the Rev. J. Mirams, for some years pastor of the Congregational Church, Chishill, Essex, having just arrived in the colony, was applied to to undertake the charge. engaged to do so for a limited period on trial, commenced his labours a few weeks weeks ago, and has since accepted a unanimous call to become its pastor.

BALLARAT.-The Rev. J. M. Strongman, of New Town, near Hobarton, having received an invitation from the Congregational Church at Ballarat, has removed thither, and entered upon his new sphere of labour on Sunday, July 12th.

ST. KILDA AND BRIGHTON.-The Congregational Churches of these two places have entered into an arrangement with the Rev. R. Fletchor, pastor of the St Kilda

church, and his son, the Rev. W. Roby Fletcher, M. A., recently arrived from England, to supply the two places alternately for a period of six months.

THE REV. J. L. POORE.-Letters have been received from Mr. Poore announcing his safe arrival in England, and his successful efforts in awakening the attention of the Congregational Churches at home to the claims of these colonies. Some ministers are now on their way hither, and more will follow in due time.

WESLEYANS.-BEECHWORTH.-The foundation-stone of a new and substantial church for the use of the Wesleyans in Beechworth and the neighbourhood, was laid on the ñrst day of the present year, by the Superintendent of the Circuit, the Rev. J. C. Symons; and it was opened for worship on Sabbath day, April 12th, 1857. On this occasion the Rev. D. J. Draper, of Melbourne, Chairman of the Victoria District, preached morning and evening to overflowing congregations. On the following evening a tea-meeting was held in the adjoining school room, which had been till then used also as the chapel. The attendance was very large. H. M'Lean, Esq., presided. The Rev. J. C. Symons presented the financial statement relating to the structure, and delivered an address. The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. D. J. Draper, Mr. Wilton, Mr. Witt, &c. The speeches were animating, and the meeting was much interested. appears that the building which is plain and substantial, and in the Gothic style, cost altogether about £1,650; that to meet this expenditure a grant had been received from the Wesleyan Extension Fund of £500, a bazaar had raised £455 11s. 4d., and a balance of debt remained of £674. Towards this, about £180 was raised at the opening services.

It

Tasmania.

CANVASS FOR SABBATH SCHOLARS.-The important movement originated in Birmingham, and adopted in London, Manchester, and elsewhere in Britain, for making a general canvass for Sunday Scholars, has stirred up the friends of Sabbath school instruction in Hobart Town, to go and do likewise. The matter was taken up by the Tasmanian Sunday School Union, who invited the co-operation of ministers, superintendents, and teachers connected with all the Protestant Denominations, to combine in a general and simultaneous canvass of the city and its suburbs; to ascertain the number of children of age to attend school; the number connected with Sabbath schools, and the number unconnected; and to induce non-attendants to join themselves to some Sabbath school. All denominations (with the exception of the Episcopalian) seem to have responded to the invitation. The town was divided into thirty-one districts, two canvassers being appointed to each. The work was done very effectually. The sum of the results given in is as follows:-Number of children between the ages of four and fifteen, 2,965; number attending Sunday schools, 1,813; number of promises of new scholars, 323. The canvassers not being armed with an authority to require answers, this notice can be considered only as an approximation to the truth, but it is sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes. The work was carried out in a most unsectarian manner, and the canvassers were generally received by the parents and others in a kind and cordial spirit. Though the number of young people who attend no Sabbath schools is large, 1,152, the Committee state that a greater number is in attendance than in any town of similar size in the United Kingdom. If the promises of attendance are fulfilled, the number of non-attendants will be reduced to 829. The report of these proceedings was given in at a public meeting held in the Wesleyan school-room, Melville-street, April 21st, when Henry Hopkins, Esq., J.P., presided.

The fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Tasmanian Sunday School Union, was held May 11th, in Collins-street Chapel, Hobarton. The Rev. G. Clarke presided. The Union embraces the Island, and reports were sent in from all quarters, some favourable, others unfavourable. Attention has been paid, with encouraging success, to Ragged schools in Hobarton. A depository is established for books suitable for Sunday schools, and books to the amount of £78 28. 6d. had been sold during the year. The Committee suggested visits to the country districts by deputations, and, if possible, the employment of an agent after the American plan, to promote the establishment of Sabbath schools. On the whole the work of Sabbath school instruction seems to have secured in Tasmania a commendable amount of attention.

Printed at the Steam Press of W. FAIRFAX AND Co.. Melbourne.

The Southern Spectator.

No. 2.

OCTOBER, 1857.

TO OUR READERS.

VOL. I.

EDITORS of Periodicals, in adopting the royal wE, have affected somewhat of royal state and reserve. From their invisible council chambers their decrees have gone forth without any kindly intercourse with those whom they treat as their subjects. The conductors of the present work would like to be upon better terms with their readers, and to hold a familiar tête a tête with them now and then. The subject of the first talk shall be the Magazine itself. Well, it has been launched at length; and our readers would not believe us if we pretended to be indifferent as to its reception. The project has been too long in our thoughts, and taken up too purely from love, to make it possible for us to be otherwise than anxious for its success. How has it gone off? We have the pleasure of saying, Better than at one time we dared to hope. Upwards of three thousand copies were printed, and not many are left on hand. If those who

have become purchasers will be so good as to go on as they have begun, make a little exertion to get a few more subscribers in their several circles, send advertisements for the covers, and be punctual in their remittances of payment, we shall have nothing to complain of so far as the business part of the work is concerned.

But how is it liked? Ah, that is a more delicate question. Perhaps it would hardly be prudent to divulge all that has come to our ears on this point. We may, however, say this much that from those for whom it was more particularly designed, the members of Christian congregations, we have received much of commendation and encouragement. For this we are thankful, and also for the hints they have thrown out for future improvement. It always looks well when, instead of sulkily grumbling at what is amiss, some kindly efforts are made to mend it. And we can assure our readers that any practicable suggestions for making the work what is really wanted, shall have due consideration. But the general public, How has it gone down with them? We dare say that if the English public were shut up to the Evangelical Magazine, and the Christian Observer, they would think them "dry and heavy," just because they have little relish for the religion that is in them. But having plenty of choice, they let them alone for those that like them. Here, however,

E