into several of them the translation of the Scriptures, and of other useful and instructive books, is in progress. Printing establishments are supported in Ceylon, New Zealand, Tonga, and at two of the stations in Southern Africa.

Obituary.

DIED, of fever, on Thursday, the 13th April, Mr. Thomas Alison, Student in the Royal Belfast Institution. His remains were accompanied out of town, on Friday morning, by the Professors and Students of the College, as well as by the Clergymen of town; and the marked solemnity of deportment exhibited by all present, shewed the esteem in which he was held. By this melancholy and unexpected occurrence, the General Synod of Ulster has suffered a loss which will not be easily repaired. He had studied for four Sessions, and had almost completed his last, preparatory to his being licensed to preach the Gospel, when, in the mysterious providence of God, he was cut off by a sudden stroke. We had looked forward to his future usefulness with high hopes, and had anticipated much public good from his labours; but our fond expectations have been blighted by the hand of the Most High. The Lord's thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor his ways as our ways. He possessed intellectual powers of a high order, and a love of knowledge ever coveting loftier attainments. His mind was somewhat of a metaphysical cast, which led him to view subjects in a philosophic light. During his collegiate course he took most interest in Philosophy and Theology; and the numerous honours he received testified that he was no ordinary student. To the study of the Bible he had directed his attention with great diligence, from the time he joined the Divinity and Biblical Criticism classes, whence he had acquired enlarged and correct views of many of the leading subjects in religion. Nor did he neglect the Greek and Hebrew languages, a knowledge of which he justly looked upon as essential to the right interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. His mind being thus embued with the most useful learning, he had determined to prosecute the same studies, with unceasing interest, during his life. But with all his literary attainments and desires, he did not omit the cultivation of personal piety. Although accustomed to view religious doctrines in an intellectual aspect, he felt the necessity of having the affections powerfully impressed, and the exercise of the highest feelings called forth in the service of God. His piety, however, was not of an ostentatious kind,-it shrunk from display, but it was uniform and consistent, running through all his actions, and regulating the general tenor of his

life. In all his plans for the future he looked forward to the general good of the Church,-to the spiritual welfare of the community, and to the removal of such abuses as appeared to require thorough reform. He had formed high ideas of the qualifications of a clergyman, and often spoke in indignant terms of the unpreparedness of many to preach the everlasting Gospel, and of the careless manner in which not a few perform their pulpit ministrations. On all affairs connected with the General Synod of Ulster his views were correct; and we hoped ere long to see him advocate them with energy, and to carry them into effect. From his earliest infancy he was trained to serve his God, and notwithstanding many temptations to which he was exposed in his youth, the grace of the Lord accompanied him, and taught him to look upward for help and encouragement in the time of need. From the natural amiability of his disposition, and the mild graces of his character, all his friends and acquaintances were inclined to esteem and to love him. To preach the unsearchable riches of Christ was his highest aim, and to ameliorate the condition of men around him, by promoting their eternal welfare, his chief study. And although he deemed it his present and most urgent duty, as a student, to acquire a store of knowledge on religious subjects, and to attain correct views of the various doctrines and duties of revelation, yet he was actively engaged in various ways in the Redeemer's service. In conversation he frequently threw out such suggestions, and hints, and cautions, as shewed that he was alive to the necessity of vital godliness in himself, and to the everlasting happiness of those with whom he came into contact. We panegyrize not the dead, when we say that he was a young man who would have reflected honour on the religious body with which he was connected. We knew him intimately. In his secret thoughts we largely participated. In his confidential communications we generally shared; and we can truly say, that his habits of mind were such as would have placed him in a conspicuous station among those who are able to appreciate genuine talent, sterling piety, and true friendship. We do not think that he would have shone as a pulpit orator. He possessed not the vehemence of manner and the fluency of expression which characterize the popular speaker. But in the comprehension of his subject,-in the style of its illustration,-in lucid expression,-in correct description,-in chasteness of composition,-in the calm didactic tone of his discourses, and the high polish to which they would have been subjected, we doubt not but that he would have ranked high among the preachers belonging to the Synod of Ulster. These are more enduring qualities than the mere flash and glitter of words, which ordinarily pass away without much impression; and which, when committed to writing, lose all their attraction

and exhibit their leanness. If, therefore, his fame had not been great among the common people, as an orator who could control and sway the passions, it would have been of a lasting character among the intelligent and the learned. In training up men for heaven,-in imbuing them with a love of God and of his word, few would have excelled him. As a writer, he had acquired a style remarkably perspicuous, chaste, and accurate; and the Church would probably have reaped more benefit from his services in this capacity, than she has done from the ephemeral speeches of many. It is to be regretted, that almost from the commencement of his illness his mind was so affected that he could not converse on his prospects when laid on a sick bed, and leave a testimony behind him for the truth and efficacy of the Gospel, as able to support and console the spirit when hovering on the confines of an eternal world. Still the remark of John Newton is forcible," tell me not how a man died, but how he lived." His life was a constant preparation for eternity; and though no expressions of triumphant faith were uttered, yet we doubt not that the Saviour whom he loved, irradiated his dying moments with the light of his countenance,—and though his departure was marked by no peculiar utterances of the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, yet the Lord Jesus, whom he served from his youth, doubtless supported his soul by the secret aids of his grace, and ministered unto him an abundant entrance into his everlasting kingdom. D.

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NOTICE OF BOOKS.

Letters to the Author of an Article in the Edinburgh Review, on Evangelical Preaching." By the Rev. A. CARSON, A. M., Tubbermore.

Fraser & Co., Edinburgh.

WHAT a treat! A more complete humbling of a conceited philosophy we have seldom seen. The reviewer takes upon him to criticise and condemn Evangelical Preaching. Mr. Carson demonstrates that he understands neither what he says nor whereof he affirms. As a sound' philosopher, he detects and exposes the sophistries of a mere pretender. Sure enough the wise man becomes a fool in his hands. Evangelical. doctrines are consistent with themselves and with the Scriptures; the theories of both Scottish and German Neology are weakness and folly

itself. We are thankful that God raises up men in the Church so qualified to uphold the faith once delivered to the saints. Mr. Carson has many times seasonably and successfully maintained the cause of truth and righteousness; and the present we regard as one of his happiest efforts. It will be found profitable not merely as an exposure of error, but also as a concise and clear statement of several important and difficult doctrines.

NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BALLYMA

CARRETT.

THIS new and handsome Church was opened for public worship on Sabbath, the 23d inst., by the Rev. Dr. Smyth, of Glasgow, under very favourable circumstances. The audience was very large,-the day most delightful, the preacher truly engaging and edifying, and the collection liberal. This house is the second that has been raised by a Committee, in Belfast, without any view to their own accommodation, but simply for the good of their Presbyterian brethren elsewhere. Their success has been great in Townsend-street, and they fondly anticipate that, under the Divine blessing, it will not be less in Ballymacarrett. The Christian public have much encouraged them, by their liberal contribution of £160, at the opening of the Church; and better still, one hundred sittings were engaged before 11 o'clock the next morning. The house will accommodate 700 persons,--it will yield a stipend, if all let, of £170, and the Committee have expressed their desire, that there should not be less promised to the minister than £150 a-year. As this Committee has hitherto acted so generously and successfully, it is hoped they will persevere in their labours. An application has been made to them, by the Presbyterians of Ligoniel, to aid them in the erection of their place of worship, and they have promised favourably to consider their case. We believe, however, that their principal object is the erection of a New House in York-street, Belfast, and we trust they will not relax their efforts until this most desirable object is gained.

Ordinations.

ON Tuesday, the 28th March, the Presbytery of 'Tyrone ordained the Rev. Alex. Fleming to the pastoral charge of the First Presbyterian Congregation of Cookstown, as assistant and successor to the Rev. John Davison. The services of the day were conducted by the Rev. E. M. Dill, Rev. James Denham, Rev. Robert Allen, Rev. D. Bennett, and the Rev. Dr. Barnett.

On the 29th March, the Presbytery of Strabane ordained the Rev. Wm. Fleming to the Congregation of Pettigo. The services of the day were conducted by the Rev. A. P. Goudy, Rev. S. Armour, and the Rev. John Crocket.