there are "many mansions," though but one house. I do believe that, until better times come, we shall, in this present life, have many separate mansions; but at the same time we may all belong to that one true Church, the Church that took its name in Antioch-the name of Christ. I am glad to think that all Churchesespecially in the present day, when on the one hand the Papacy is raising its head, and Infidelity on the other spreads over the land-all Churches are beginning to think more on those cardinal points upon which they agree, and less upon the minor matters upon which they may conscientiously disagree. We are to make a presentation tonight to one whose praise is not in this Church only, but in all the Churches. The presentation, I am glad to think, consists of more than one article. We are also met to congratulate our friend upon receiving a too-long delayed but well-merited honour-that of D.D. In this last matter I have felt a deep interest, and I think there are some things connected with it that should be mentioned. I have been long enough in Perth to remember of five Doctors of Divinity-Dr. Thomson, Dr. Esdaile, Dr. Findlay, Dr. Young, and Dr. Newlands. But strange to say, for a series of years in this most ancient city, and the cradle of the Reformation, it would seem as if there could not be found one single clergyman worthy of receiving the distinction. It pleases me much to think that we have amongst us one who has now got that title. And what adds to my estimation of the title is the manner in which it has been conferred-it was not by the University in connection with which he was a distinguished alumnus-which I believe was Edinburgh; but it is that of Glasgowmy native city, I am glad to say--who has been foremost in giving the degree of D.D. to our friend. When the suggestion was made to the University of Glasgow, the reply was, that some of the Professors had heard of Mr. Manson's high character, and had read some of his publications. Reference was made to Dr. Manson's article on The Universality of the Deluge," which appeared first in the Original Secession Magazine, and was afterwards published in a separate form. Allow me to state here that the little work exhibits great scholarship and scientific research, and I do not know anything equal to it on the important subject of which it treats. I advise all who have not read it to do so as soon as practicable. The memorial that was got up asking the degree to Mr. Manson was signed by all the clergymen in the city, besides the Lord Provost of Perth, the Magistrates, and other leading citizens. On being sent to Glasgow, the Senatus made a strict investigation regarding Dr. Manson; and the degree was unanimously granted. Allow me to say at this stage that Dr. Blakely, who had taken an active part in the proceedings, wrote to me on the subject; and the letter is particularly interesting, from the circumstance that it was almost the last letter he wrote before death overtook him in his useful career. The letter is as follows: "To Hugh Barclay, LL.D. "Kirkintilloch, November 21, 1866. "Dear Sir-I am much obliged by your favour of this morning. I am delighted at the prospect of both honours coming together. I had the hope of meeting you on that occasion, but our Heavenly Father has ordered it otherwise. I have had very unsatisfactory health all summer, but latterly liver complaint in a severe form has rapidly developed itself. I am now laid aside from all public and literary work, being confined to my room and subjected to a severe course of medicine. I may say, indeed, with David, 'Wearisome days and nights are appointed me.' My pain is incessant and severe; but I am in the Master's hand, who can sustain under present suffering and deliver if he sees meet. I may say that for years my heart has been set on both objects-viz. the degree and the presentation. I attempted both, and failed. The time had not come. Though I cannot be with you, if spared and able to reflect I will rejoice in the sick chamber at the honours bestowed on my worthy father, Mr. Manson, whose aim has been to magnify his office' as a minister, and to adorn the doctrine of our Lord and Saviour as a Christian. I shall ever feel a grateful sense of your disinterested kindness and a sweet remembrance of our correspondence. -I am, with great respect and affection, yours in the bonds of the Gospel, "JOHN BLAKELY." I sat down to write an answer when-before finishing it-I happened to look into an Edinburgh paper and saw a notice of his death on the 24th of the same month. I have much pleasure in putting this letter of Dr. Blakely's into the hands of Dr. Manson, as I think my respected friend will value it much. [The Sheriff here handed the letter to Dr. Manson.] It was thought at one time, as I have hinted, that we might have a diploma parchment to present to Dr. Manson along with this material presentation; but the Professors very naturally objected to the proposal to make the diploma a part of the presentation. It is a curious coincidence, however, that the diploma came to our respected friend on his birth-day. I will not say what birth-day it was-but so it happened, and I look on it as one of those strange, curious, coincidences which occur in the course of one's life. The diploma is in Latin. I read it over and was much pleased with the manner in which it was expressed. I put it into the hands of one of our best classical scholars-namely, Mr. Davidson--and he has sent me a translation. I will not read the Latin version, because ladies are supposed not to understand Latin; and I fear some few gentlemen do not understand it either. The translation of the diploma is as follows: The Senatus Academicus of the University of Glasgow to the reader sendeth greeting. "Whereas the Senatus Academicus has been consulted about conferring the highest honours in theology on the Rev. Thomas Manson, minister of the Gospel among the citizens of Perth, we forthwith willingly acknowledge him to be in every respect most wortly to be dignified by us with the highest academic honours in theology, as being a man very eminent for his piety, very much respected for the uprightness of his character and highly distinguished for his talents, learning, and skill in sacred literature. "We have therefore decreed that the said Rev. Thomas Manson should be honoured with the degree of Doctor in Sacred Theology, and him we have created, declared, and proclaimed D.D. and by this diploma we do create, declare, and proclaim him D.D.; and we most gladly grant and assign to him all privileges and rights any where grarted, or wont to be granted to, Doctors in Divinity. "In testimony whereof we have subscribed our names to this diploma, confirmed by the common seal of the University. "Given at Glasgow, on the 24th day of January, in the year of our Lord 1867. "(Signed) T. BARCLAY, D.D. Vice-Chancellor and Professor of the University. JOHN CAIRD, D.D. E. L. LUSHINGTON, M. A. Professor of Greek. ANDREW BUCHANAN, Professor of Institutes of Medicine. JOHN M. PAGAN, Professor of Midwifery, HARRY RAINY, M.D. Professor of Forensic Medicine. G. A. W. ARNOTT, Professor of Botany. Sir WILLIAM THOMSON, LL.D. D.C.L. Professor of Natural Philosophy. HUGH BLACKBURN, M. A. Professor of Mathematics. DUNCAN H. WEIR, D.D. Professor of Oriental Languages. T. T. JACKSON, Professor of Ecclesiastical History. W. J. M. RANKINE, LL.D. F.R.S. Professor of Civil Engineering and JOSEPH LISTER, M.B. Professor of Surgery. WILLIAM T. GARDINER, M.D. Professor of Practice of Medicine. WILLIAM P. DICKSON, D.D. Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism. JOHN B. COWAN, M.D. Professor of Materia Medica. "A man very eminent for his piety, and very much respected for the uprightness of his character." I am sure the Professors never penned in Latin a more just sentence. In making this presentation I could say a great deal, but for the feelings of Dr. Manson. But as Dr. Manson is present, I may just say I think if he were to speak his sentiments they would be found expressed in a passage in second Corinthians as follows:-"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." This is his appropriate answer. I hope it will be found, in a future state, that, Dr. Manson has had many "souls for his hire" in course of his ministry. Forty years is a long period to be in the ministry; and I would not be surprised if he is now teaching and preaching to the third generation of people since he began his ministry. Many an occasion of baptism, and marriage, and mourning, must he have seen in that long series of years. Allow me to say at the present time that we do not sufficiently value the ministrations of our clergy. In the present day, when all persons in official and commercial life are getting their salaries raised, we are really and truly allowing the most efficient of all public servants to go unrewarded. But, I have no doubt they all look to a higher reward than any material return from men, but that is no excuse for our conduct. The salaries of the clergy are at the present day totally inadequate to the requirements of the age. After alluding to the unsectarian nature of the movement in connection with this testimonial, the Sheriff formally presented to Dr. Manson a pocket-book containing a cheque for £400. He then presented the time-piece (which is an elegant French 16-day clock, with visible escapement), and bears the following inscription:-"Presented to the Rev. Thomas Manson, D.D. Perth, with a purse of four hundred sovereigns, on the completion of the 40th year of his ministry, by numerous friends in the city and county of Perth, and throughout the Original Secession Church, as a testimony to his personal worth, his long and faithful services in the ministry, and his valuable literary labours as editor for many years of the Original Secession Magazine. Perth, February 11, 1867." I have still another, and very gratifying presentation to make, and one which testifies the same kind spirit as is displayed by the subscribers to Dr. Manson's testimonial. It is a well considered and appropriate presentation, and does great credit to the ladies who originated and prosecuted it to a successful issue. Every one in official life must know that a vast deal of a man's usefulness depends upon his domestic comfort. A man who is not comfortable at home, will not be very comfortable abroad. The ladies have provided a handsome gold watch for Miss Manson. I shall give it into her father's hand, who will deliver it to his daughter. The watch bears the following inscription:-"Presented to Miss Manson by a few female friends as a token of sincere regard, on the occasion of her father receiving a public testimonial of a time-piece and 400 sovereigns. Perth, February 11, 1867." The learned Sheriff resumed his seat amid loud applause. [The watch and time-piece were both supplied by Mr. A. Drummond, jeweller, Perth.] One is Dr. Manson, who was received with cheers, then said--Sheriff Barclay and ladies and gentlemen, I need not say I am delighted to find myself in the midst of so many loving Christian friends. I always knew-at least long knew-that I had a number of warm-hearted and greatly-esteemed friends in Perth, but the extent and degree of their friendship have, I must admit, taken me by surprise. I would trace all this to the highest source, but not therefore less valuable are the streams through which the comfort has come to me. All this is of God. It is He who has enabled me to live so as to commend myself to the approbation of so many worthy and excellent friends in Perth and neighbourhood. It is He who has given them the heart they have displayed on this occasion, and if I am enabled to walk worthy of the honour now conferred on me, it must be of Him also. In this I have no sufficiency, but He is all sufficient. If I am kept from being unduly elated by this honour, by this expression of friendship, it will be the doing of the Lord. He alone can by giving me an increased sense of my unworthiness, effectually keep me from any undue elation, and enable me to walk softly the rest of my years. There have been a number of things particularly pleasing to me in connection with this movement. that, in any doings of mine, I had no respect to this reward. It could never have entered into my mind that such an expression of kindness could have been manifested towards me. Another thing I am satisfied about is that all those who have contributed to this object, more or less, shall not lose their reward from the highest source-inasmuch as it has been given to one "in the name of a disciple." And I have no doubt many think I am far better than I am. But they do not know me as I know myself. I have no doubt they have a higher estimate of my character than is fully due to me. It has also been gratifying to me that my exertions, for the last sixteen years, particularly for promoting the interests of this body generally, have been appreciated, notwithstanding that these exertions have been to the neglect, in some degree, of my own congregation and my own interests. One cannot do everything. But if one thing more than another is pleasing to me, it is that so many friends in Perth, beyond the Original Secession, whom I have long esteemed, so far as I knew them, and so many whom I never knew at all, not even their names, have contributed to this testimonial with such hearty cordiality. I would take this opportunity of expressing the deep sense of obligation under which I am laid, to the originators of this movement; to the Synod for sanctioning and encouraging it; to the committee, who prosecuted the object with such hearty earnestness; to the congregations who responded to the call made upon them; and to those who were active in those congregations in promoting the scheme. Especially would I cordially thank those beyond the denomination in Perth who have so heartily and liberally contributed to this object, though they knew not how much I have had to exercise self-denial in refraining from taking part in many of the public movements in the city (in the objects and aims of which I cordially acquiesced), through some conscientious difficulties that stood between me and those movements. I feel particularly grateful to the friends who have contributed to the testimonial to my daughter, who is the stay of my old age, and who manages all my temporal affairs, so that I have no care on that score; and who encourages me in every good work. I am sure she feels deeply grateful for your kindness, and will evince, so far as in her power, her appreciation of it. I can make no return to my benefactors for what they have done to me, greater than pray that that God, whom I claim as my God, may supply all their need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus; that their souls may prosper and be in health; that their families may be made like a watered garden, as a field that the Lord hath blessed; that they may walk Enoch-like with God on earth, and at last have an abundant entrance into His everlasting kingdom in glory; and that they may hear from the lips of the Judge at the last day, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me.' The congregation here joined in singing a psalm. The Chairman then explained that there were representatives present of the Established, Free, and U. P. Churches, who would now address the meeting. Dr. Crombie of Scone had been asked to attend on behalf of the Established Church, but could not on account of delicate health. His place was, however, well supplied by Mr Kirkwood of Dunbarney, the Clerk of the Perth Presbytery. The other representatives were-Mr. Dymock (Free Church), and Mr. T. Miller (U. P. Church) Perth. Mr. Kirkwood then rose and made a few appropriate remarks, expressing his great gratification at having the opportunity of heing present at the presentation of the testimonial to Dr. Manson. Dr. Manson had said that he did not deserve it. He was sure, although this might be the Doctor's own feeling, it was not the feeling of any one else. It was now verging on 24 years since he (Mr. Kirkwood) became connected with Perth and its neighbourhood, and the first minister he heard spoken of when he came was Mr. Manson of Perth-Dr. Manson now. During that period of 24 years he had invariably heard him spoken of in the highest terms. He had occasion to know a little of the Doctor from a few of his parishioners being members of this congregation; and he knew from them that the highest respect is entertained for Dr. Manson by his people-and not only respect, but a high testimony is borne by them to his character. He rejoiced to think that after 40 years of, he trusted successful labour, Dr. Manson had been presented by his fellow Christians in Perth and other parts with a mark of their appreciation of him, and he sincerely hoped that he might long be spared to enjoy what had been presented to him. Mr. Dymock said, he rose to express two ideas-thanks to the committee for requesting his presence at so interesting a meeting; and the great pleasure that he, and the members of the denomination to which he belonged, felt in the events of this evening -met as they were to do honour to a man to whom his heart had been ever drawing closer since he became acquainted with him. The rev. gentleman then proceeded—Ï have seen Dr. Manson in a variety of circumstances. I have stood by him when his heart was wrung with domestic affliction. I have wept with him when he wept, and now I am delighted to have the opportunity of rejoicing with him when he rejoices. Dr. Manson does not stand in need of any eulogium from me. He has been eulogised by all those who have preceded me, and who are well able to form an estimate of his character and of his work. I have been 21 years, and more, associated with Dr. Manson as a fellow-labourer in Christ's vineyard in this town; and standing here and looking back upon that long period, I cannot recall a single instance when I heard so much as a single whisper against his life, or against his character, or against any thing connected with him. And you are as well aware as I am, friends, that Dr. Manson's popularity has not been gained by his being a time servant, or flinching from the discharge, the faithful discharge, of the duty to which he was called. His popularity has not been gained by giving up the things which he himself conscientiously believed to be true. I look upon Dr. Manson much in the same light that I look upon John the Baptist, and I regard him as a man of whom it may be said that he is not "a reed shaken with the wind." He knows how to form an opinion, and all of us know very well that he knows how to keep it. After referring to Dr. Manson's "deep erudition and theological lore," Mr. Dymock said-It delights us all to think that at length his honours have come upon him. He has a well-earned title of D.D. and he has received at the hands of his people and friends very substantial tokens of their respect and affection. And before I sit down, as I am in the presence of a good many of Dr. Manson's people, I have to make one request of you in regard to him-I have to ask something of you for him yet, and it is in connection more especially with the spiritual office which he exercises in this place. I request that you give him the joy to which the Apostle John--and I believe that Dr. Manson has drunk deeply of that beloved disciple's writings-the joy to which he alludes when he says "I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth." I hope this joy will be his to a greater extent as time advances. I trust his arms will be made strong by the power of the mighty God of Jacob, and that he may see the "pleasure of the Lord prospering in his hand." I trust his congregation will appreciate and love a man whom the Churches delight to honour. Mr. Miller followed, expressing like the others the pleasure he felt in being present at this presentation meeting. He did not know any minister in town who was so highly revered and esteemed as Dr. Manson; and he thought the remark of the late Sir Robert Peel concerning the late Lord Palmerston, "We are all proud of him," applied to Dr. Manson in an eminent degree. Dr. Manson had laid the ministers in Perth under very deep obligation in supplying a pattern minister, and thereby commending the ministry to others at a time when the ministry and the work of the ministry was considerably canvassed. He was a pattern minister in many respects, and amongst others as regarded his moral worth and his adherence to the old theology of Scotland. Mr. James Anderson, elder (Original Secession), thanked the speakers on behalf of the congregation for the kind manner in which they had spoken of Dr. Manson, and the friends who had assisted in and countenanced the movement. He also bore testimony to the faithful, earnest, and loving character of Dr. Manson's ministrations, Dr. Manson feelingly thanked Dr. Barclay for the very great interest he had taken in connection with this and other matters connected with the Church. On the motion of Mr. Kirkwood, a vote of thanks was passed to the learned Sheriff (Dr. Barclay) for presiding at the meeting; and the meeting was closed with devotional exercises, conducted by Mr. Gardiner. Literature. The Sinaitic Inscriptions: A Brief Inquiry into the Evidence of their Hebrew Origin. By Hugh Barclay, LL.D. Sheriff-Substitute of Perthshire, at Perth. Glasgow: Thomas Murray & Son. London: Richard Bentley. Perth: Mrs Charles Paton. THE subject of this treatise is one of deep interest to the whole Christian world. It is so especially at the present time, when the enemies of true religion of various types are so active in their endeavours to undermine the foundations of the Christian faith. On what trifling grounds do they found insinuations against the truth of the Bible record! How shadowy are they, compared with the degree in which the writings on the rocks of the Mokateb corroborate the facts of the Scripture narrative! The Sinaitic Inscriptions, so numerous, so distinct, and in such a state of preservation on the rocks, is a very remarkable instance of the all-wise providential arrangements of that God who sees the end from the beginning. It is cause of gratitude, also, that a key to the meaning of the language in which they are written had been laid up under the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and then fished up seasonably to serve this important object. The matter of the inscriptions, in so far as they have been already translated, tend also to prove that the Israelites must have been the parties who took so much pains in engraving them on these rocks. For such laborious work the Bible narrative also shows they had abundant time and ample leisure, as they had their food furnished daily from heaven. The learned doctor has laid the Christian public under a deep debt of obligation by condensing in such small compass, by no ordinary research and labour on his part, the sum of what it is necessary for them to know regarding these writings. In the "first part" of this little book the author adduces conclusive evidence of the antiquity of these inscriptions, in opposition to the more recent dates to which those who question their Hebrew origin would ascribe them. For conclusive proof of this also providential arrangements were made. In the "second part" we |