A VERY grave subject has been brought before the House of Lords-an attempt to relax the subscription to the thirty nine articles and to the three articles of the 36th canon, in the case of gentlemen commoners taking degrees of M. A. in Oxford University. It was introduced by a Petition from certain heads of colleges, professors, and tutors of the University of Oxford, praying for the removal of the present subscription required for academical degrees, presented by Earl Russell. The noble Lord observed that the petition was signed by 106 petitioners, seventeen of whom were professors. That the declarations now required to be made were practically inoperative. That they had certainly failed to secure unanimity of opinion, and in his opinion there was great mischief in multiplying declarations that were not necessary. The only effect the subscriptions had at present was to prevent men of great ability from entering the University. He thought it desirable that a place of great learning so distinguished as Oxford should rather open its doors to those who belonged to a different Church than shut them and debar such persons from entering. Earl Derby should very much regret to see the prayer of the petition adopted, as he was afraid it would only be the first step towards an interference with clerical subscription. Earl Harrowby should strongly object to any relaxation of subscription. The Bishop of London thought the declarations might be safely relaxed; but no further step was taken to grant the boon prayed for. Whoever has carefully considered the subject must see, that if in order to secure academical honours men are required to make declarations contrary to their own honest convictions; and if in order to secure these honours they yield to the requirement and belie their consciences, there can be no safeguard that in making oaths in Courts of Law or Justice, they may not readily equivocate to serve a purpose. It is, in our view, a heinous crime for men to make solemn declarations of believing what they do not believe; and that such a procedure is calculated to destroy that reverent regard to truth without which there can be no real Christianity, nor any dependence placed on the truthfulness of the most solemn assertions. While, however, it is appalling to think on the dogged adherence of many to the practice of subscription, it is a hopeful sign that some in influential quarters are waking up to a sense of the crying evil. REVOLUTION IN MADAGASCAR. The Revolution in Madagascar, the death of King Radama II., and the proclamation of his Queen as his successor, are events which the friends of Missions were not prepared to expect. From Mr. Ellis's letter to Dr. Tidman, it however appears, that "amiable and enlightened as in several respects Radama certainly was, his views of the duties of a ruler were exceedingly defective, and almost all government for the good of the country may be said to have been in abeyance ever since his accession." It appears that for two or three months before the revolution he was brought under the influence of a party whose aim was to stop "the praying," and who aimed at assassinating Mr. Ellis as one of the means of arrest ing the progress of Christianity. The nobles resisted-the king was slainmany of that party were put to death -and the Queen, consenting to govern within certain important restrictions, was proclaimed Queen of Madagascar. Mr. Ellis says, in conclusion, "Every thing is going on well. The new Queen has written to Queen Victoria and to the Emperor of the French, announcing her accession to the throne, her wish to maintain unimpaired the relations of amity and friendship established between the two nations and Madagascar, and assuring both Sovereigns that she will protect the persons and property of their subjects who may come to this country. The officer who gave me this statement informed me, also, with evident pleasure, that all the members of the Government had carefully examined the treaty with England, and agreed to accept it, and fulfil its conditions. Our Missionary prospects seem to rest on a better foundation than ever." Missionary Chronicle. AUGUST, 1863. DEPARTURE OF MISSIONARIES. NOTWITHSTANDING the debt on the Missionary Society, the Committee at their meeting in January last resolved on sending two unmarried men to Canada, and a single or married man to Ballarat, Victoria, under these circumstances. Suitable young men have not offered themselves, for a long time past, in sufficient numbers in Canada, and the good work has been in consequence greatly retarded. With an understanding that the expense should be met by the Canadian authorities, the Committee felt it was their imperative duty to do their best to meet this want, especially as there is a greater number of candidates for the ministry at home than can be employed at present. The representations as to the necessities of Australia were equally strong. There are many districts in the colony of Victoria, with a population of from fifteen hundred to two thousand, without a resident minister. Br. HOSKEN, stationed at Ballarat, says,— "We need assistance immediately. There are many favourable openings now which we could embrace if we had another preacher. If I had a colleague I am confident that we could open as many more places as we now have. You may depend the fields are white. I hope to have assistance to go into the rising places before it is too late. Not seven miles from Ballarat there are thousands who have no means of grace near them. Many who were members at home have not been to a place of worship for three, five, and seven years. These persons would gladly receive a preacher. There is a great work to be done." The Ballarat quarterly meeting passed the following resolution:"That this meeting feels grieved to hear of the present depressed state of the Funds of our Missionary Society, in consequence of which the late Conference was prevented from sending more than one Missionary to this Colony. We are, however, thankful to know that there is a larger number of candidates for the ministry this year than can obtain Stations at home, and feeling assured that the important openings presented to this Station cannot be taken advantage of with one Preacher, we have arrived at this decision, namely, that if the Committee will send us a suitable man, we will pledge ourselves to raise £30 towards his passage, &c., or £40 towards his passage, &c., if a married man. We will also do our best towards supporting him, but cannot pledge ourselves for his full Salary for a year or two." There seemed no other course open to the Committee but send a Missionary with as little delay as possible. Various circumstances prevented these resolutions being acted upon until the Committee met again in April. The previous decision was then confirmed, and it was also resolved to send a young man to Prince Edward Island, it being in the judgment of the Committee absolutely necessary to do so. The Committee shortly afterwards engaged Mr. J. ORCHARD for Ballarat, Mr. J. HARRIS for Canada, and Mr. T. SHORT for Prince Edward Island; the last named Brethren, not being at the time in the regular work, but strongly recommended by their respective quarterly meetings. A Valedictory Service was held at Shebbear, on Wednesday, June 10th, when all the Missonaries were present, and addressed the meeting in so satisfactory a manner that great hopes are entertained that they will prove themselves to be able Ministers of Christ, and a great blessing to the people among whom they are appointed to labour. Mr. SHORT sailed from Liverpool, in the "Theresa," on the 21st; Mr. HARRIS, the 26th of June, in the “ Hibernian;” and Mr. and Mrs. ORCHARD from Plymouth, in the " Alfred," July 14th, 1863. It will be observed by our readers that only one Missionary has sailed for Canada; what young man, of a true missionary spirit, will offer himself for the important work? and what Christian family will willingly give up its most gifted and beloved member for the service of Christ? The claims of South Australia are equally pressing-there would not be a moment's hesitation-but there is the double difficulty-where are the men to go, and the means to send them? Perhaps there would be no difficulty in obtaining the men. May we not therefore suppose that these circumstances indicate the will of Heaven, and be considered as a loud call to all the friends and supporters of the Bible Christian Missionary Society to increased self-denial and liberality. Prompt attention and practical sympathy on the part of all, so that not a single opportunity may be lost, or a single penny wasted, would secure all, and more than all, that the most largehearted and hopeful could, under the most favourable circumstances, expect. Shall the blessing of those ready to perish, and the approving smile of our Saviour, be the rich reward of the Denomination? Yes, if each does his part, and does it at once! AUSTRALIA. CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY, KOORINGA.-On Sunday, March 15th, 1863, three sermons were preached in behalf of the above Chapel. Mr. Rock, from Adelaide, preached at half-past ten and six o'clock, and the Rev. Mr. LLOYD, Wesleyan Minister, at half-past two. The services were highly satisfactory, and the collections a little in advance of last year. On the following Monday, at half-past four o'clock, a tea was provided in the school-room. A goodly number from both sides of the creek and the surrounding neighbourhood, attended. Things went on in an orderly manner, and the profits of the tea amounted to about £13. At 7 o'clock we repaired to the chapel. Mr. Rock opened the meeting by singing and prayer. Mr. RICHARDS was then elected to the chair. After making a few remarks, he called upon Mr. HANCOCK to Overplus ...............143 6 5 Present Debt £1361 2s. 5d. The Meeting was then addressed by Messrs. COLE, HANCOCK, LLOYD, and ROCK. A collection was made, and the Anniversary closed. our J. HANCOCK. BURRA MISSIONARY ANNIVERSARY. On Sunday, November 16th, 1862, three in sermons were preached large chapel at Kooringa, in behalf of the Bible Christian Missionary Society. Mr. J. OSBORNE preached in the morning at half-past ten, and Mr. T. ALLEN, from Kapunda, at half- two and six f-past o'clock. On the following Monday we held our Missionary meeting. H. MACDORMETT Esq., in the chair; the meeting was addressed by Messrs. ALLEN, COLE, OSBORNE, RICHARDS, and the writer. The congregations, all things considered, were good, and the meetings went off comfortably. A vote of thanks was given to the gentleman who occupied the chair, and a hope expressed that he would again favour the cause The with his presence and influence. collections and subscriptions were much as were expected. J. HANCOCK. SPRINGFIELD CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY, KAPUNDA CIRCUIT.-On Saturday, April 11th, I left the Burra for Springfield. After a pleasant ride of about 34 miles, I arrived at the end of my journey. Slept at a farm house, about two miles from the Chapel. Preached the following Sabbath to three attentive congregations. About half-past four the following Monday a goodly number came from various parts of the neighbourhood to the Annual Tea. The festival commenced, went on, and ended in the most satisfactory manner. The attendance, influence, and collections were quite equal to expectation. After the public meeting in the evening, £40 out of the £100 on the chapel at 12 per cent, was lent without interest, and hopes were entertained that more would be done in the future. J. HANCOCK. Clarendon, S. A., 23rd April, 1863. DISTRICT MEETING. DEAR BROTHER THORNE, Br. KEEN, the Secretary of our District Meeting, intended to forward to you a notice thereof for the Magazine, but lest from any cause he should not have done it I here supply a few briefly stated facts. The meeting was held in Ebenezer Chapel, Gawler, commencing Feburuary 26th, and closing March 5th. All the Preachers and six representatives were present. There were prayer meetings, mornings, and preaching, evenings; and very good sermons were given. A very interesting public tea and meeting were held one evening,-Addresses on oil-water-fire-light, &c. The finance was behind somewhat in some departments, accounted for in part by the low prices of wheat, &c. The increase to the churches was small, and thought very unsatisfactory. There was a very solemn inquiry made as to the causes of such limited prosperity,—and how to realize greater success in our labours, and how better to care for and keep the flocks collected. There was also difficulty in distributing our labours for the next year, arising chiefly from three of us being unable to do full work. The meeting however was of great interest and excellence. The following is one of the many resolutions passed, with which I close: "That we recognize, with deep reverence and devout gratitude, that we have been brought through another varied year,' and are here all of us together before God, the greater part of whom are well, though a few of us are still in feeble health. Our business sittings thus far during the District meeting, have been seasons of much freedom of speech, and of great unanimity of feeling and good fellowship. Our religious meetings have all been times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord!' And now, whilst speaking our experience, we feel, with the Representatives, (two of whom are amongst the honoured few who formed our first Society in the Province) that we are brethrenfellow-sufferers, fellow-workers, fellowheirs, 'heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.' Amidst great unworthiness, we know God is with us, Father in heaven that Jesus is with us, precious and sweet- -our advocate with the Father'-that the Holy Ghost is with us, our Enlightener, Sanctifier, Comforter, Supporter, and Guide-and we hope will be all the way to endless happiness in heaven." our I am thankful to Almighty God that my health is so improved that I can preach again, and attend to many other duties, but I am not yet half so strong as I used to be. With kindest love to you, and all other friends, I am, Yours affectionately, Bible Christian Magazine. SEPTEMBER, 1863. Dibinity. GOD AND MAN, AND THE ONE MEDIATOR. NOTHING is of so much importance to men as the salvation of their souls. Religion is the one thing needful. It is the pearl of great price. It should be sought after with all our hearts. Three things are indispensable to salvation, namely, a right knowledge, a right faith, and a right life. Knowledge is the foundation of our faith; faith is the foundation of our obedience; and obedience is the condition of our happiness, and the proof of our acceptance. Our minds must be enlightened in order that our hearts may be subdued. To attain heavenly knowledge, humility, teachableness, and earnest prayer for the illumination of the Holy Spirit are necessary. A knowledge of God, ourselves, and the one Mediator between God and man is essential to everlasting salvation. I. A knowledge of God. God can only be fully known by himself. Who by searching can find out God? But God is all that is great and gracious, glorious and holy. He is the Creator and Preserver of all things. God is an infinite and Almighty Spirit. He is everywhere present. He is glorious in holiness. He is "merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." Exodus xxxiv. 6. He is absolutely independent, perfect in wisdom and power. II. A knowledge of ourselves. The Bible informs us that God created man in his own image, in knowledge and true holiness. In this state of innocence, obedience to a law was required. This requirement was perfectly reasonable, as man possessed the power to 2 D |