Jubilee of the Scottish Congregational Churches.

These services, commemorative of the fifty years existence of the Congregational Churches in Scotland, have excited among the members of the Independent denomination in and around Edinburgh a very high degree of interest. Their various pulpits on Sabbath, Oct. 22, were used for calling up feelings and associations known personally only to the very oldest members of the churches, and for earnestly urging upon the younger members the nature, duties, and responsibilities of their position. In the evening of that day, Dr. Wardlaw delivered, in Albany-street chapel, a magnificent discourse, to a crowded audience, from these words, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, that thou hast forsaken thy first love.” In vigour of thought, in practical appeal, in brilliancy of diction, and in the chastened beauty of his illustrations, Dr. Wardlaw even surpassed himself. On Monday evening there was a meeting in Mr. Cullen's chapel, Leith. On Tuesday, another prayer meeting was held in Albany-street chapel. On Wednesnay there was a conference of members connected with churches. On Thursday there was a public breakfast; interesting addresses were delivered by Dr. Paterson, by the Lord Provost, and by several other gentlemen. On the afternoon of the same day, Dr, Alexander delivered an admirable sermon upon the duties and aims of the Church in general, and of the Independent churches in particular. On the evening of the fast day, the last of this series of Jubilee services took place in Argyle-square page 22 chapel (the Rev. Dr. Alexander's.) Mr. Kinniburgh occupied the chair. The chairman took a survey of the leading events of Congregationalism during the first fourteen years of its history, viz. from 1798 to 1812, when the Congregational Union came into existence. From 1798 to 1807, he said, eighty-five churches were formed, and had pastors ordained over them in various parts of Scotland. Thus Congregationalism obtained a footing in the country in a much shorter time than could have been expected; and its influence was felt by many of the pious, both in and out of the Established Church. Evangelical Ministers were stimulated to greater diligence in their ministerial duties, and employed new means to stir up their people to Christian activity. The breaking up of the seminaries (formerly adverted to) cut of all supplies of preachers, and to repair that loss the Glasgow Theological Academy was established in 1811. But a supply of preachers without the churches being assisted to support them would not have removed the evil: hence arose the Congregational Union in 1812. The number of churches formed from 1798 to 1848 was 147; dissolved at various periods 32; joined other bodies, 12; number of churches at present, 103.

—Edinburgh News.