rence. The commissioners were heard in support of the petition, which was granted. The call was accordingly sustained, and the clerk instructed to transmit it to the clerk of the Presbytery of Melrose, with reasons for translation, and an extract of the presbytery's minute. The presbytery having been informed that Melrose presbytery would also meet to-day, it was agreed to intimate to that presbytery by telegraph that the call to Mr. Parlane had been sustained, and request a meeting of presbytery to be held early in January. Commissioners from Kinghorn laid on the table a petition for a moderation there. The petition was granted, and the Rev. J. R. Houston appointed to preach at Kinghorn, and moderate in a call, on the evening of the 25th January-worship to begin at halfpast six o'clock. Mr. R. C. Inglis, student, was examined on Latin by Mr. Martin, on Greek by Mr. Hyslop, and on Hebrew by Mr. Hardie; he was also examined on Church History and Dick's Lectures on Theology; all which examinations were sustained. Appointed the following committee to superintend the studies of Mr. Inglis-viz. Messrs. Hardie, Scott, Houston, and Brownlee-Mr. Brownlee, convener. Agreed also that Mr. Inglis appear at the meeting of the presbytery in April, and deliver a homily on 2 Cor. v. 18. Appointed the annual missionary meeting to be held at Leven, next ordinary meeting of presbytery Mr. Brownlee to give the address, and Messrs. Brown and Inglis to conduct the devotional exercises. Read a communication from the Finance Committee, containing the rates of the congregations in the presbytery for the Synod Fund. On inquiry, it was found that the great majority of the congregations had paid the rates, and the clerk was instructed to call the attention of those congregations to the subject that had not given any report of payment. Lanark. This presbytery met, December 8th, and was constituted by the Rev. Alex. Banks, A.M., moderator. Mr. M'Lean, convener of the committee appointed for the purpose, read a statement of what had been done by the churches of the presbytery for the Stipend Augmentation Fund, made inquiry in regard to the contributions for the Synod Fund, and the collection for the Aged Ministers' Fund. Agreed at next meeting to nominate an elder to represent the presbytery at the Mission Board for the four years ending May 1873. Mr. Peter H. Russel, student of the fifth year, gave, to the satisfaction of the presbytery, an account of the lectures which he had heard during last session of the Divinity Hall. Read petition from the session of the South Con gregation, Biggar, requesting advice in regard to a dispute long pending between them and the session of the Moat Park congregation of the same place, about a legacy of £1000, left for educational purposes to the kirk-session of the United Presbyterian Church of Biggar. Agreed that the petition lie on the table till next meeting, and that notice to this effect be sent to the session of the Moat Park congregation. Appointed next meeting to be held on the Tuesday after the second Sabbath of January 1869. Lancashire.-A special meeting of this presbytery was held on the evening of 25th November, at Grange Road, Birkenhead, for the ordination of Mr. John Bannatyne, preacher. Mr. Bannatyne had received a commission and appointment to Takaka, New Zealand, by the Free Church Colonial Committee, and by the Rev. Peter Barclay, of the Presbyterian Church in said colony. At the ordination service, the Rev. Dr. M'Leod, Birkenhead, preached; the Rev. Wm. Graham put the questions of the formula, and offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. James Towers gave the charge to Mr. Bannatyne, and in name of the presbytery commended him to the grace of God in his distant sphere of labour.-Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, 8th December.-The ordinary monthly meeting of presbytery was held here to-day-the Rev. W. M. Taylor, A.M., moderator pro tem. The Rev. Robert Black, of the Presbytery of Hamilton, the Rev. William Huie, of the Presbytery of Stirling, and the Rev. Dr. Scott, Home Secretary, being present, were invited to correspond. An interesting report was received, from Mr. Bruce, missionary, about the progress of his work at Lumley station. The presbytery received this report with approbation, and agreed to send it forward, as requested, to the Home Mission Board. A petition was presented from the new congregation, Blackburn, praying the presbytery to appoint one of its number to preside in an election of elders, that a session might be formed to superintend the spiritual affairs of the church. After some explanations by the clerk, in answer to a question by Mr. Fraser about the progress made towards a satisfactory transference of the Mount Street property from St. George's to the new congregation, it was agreed to grant the prayer of the petition, and appoint the Rev. H. T. Howat to preside in the election of three elders on the last Sabbath of December. Took up the call addressed to the Rev. William Thomson of Burton-on-Trent, by the congregation of Kirkmuirhill. The Rev. Robert Black appeared as commissioner from Kirkmuir The hill; the Rev. J. Thomson of Birkenhead, and Mr. Wilkins, elder in Burton, appeared for the Burton congregation. Reasons for Mr. Thomson's translation, with answers thereto, were read. Rev. James Muir asked some questions regarding Kirkmuirhill, to which the Rev. R. Black gave suitable replies. Dr. M'Leod and Mr. Black asked questions regarding Burton, to which the Rev. J. Thomson replied. After which the Rev. William Thomson, being called upon to give his decision, intimated his acceptance of the call to Kirkmuirhill. Thereupon the presbytery agreed to dissolve the connection between Mr. Thomson and the Burton church, and translate him to the Presbytery of Hamilton. The Rev. A. M. Dalrymple was appointed to preach the Burton church vacant on Sabbath next, and the clerk was instructed to procure a supply of preachers. The clerk intimated that he had received a donation of £50 from Robert Hannay, Esq., of Ulverstone, for presbytery work; and cordial thanks were given to Mr. Hannay for his generous gift. In room of the Rev. James Towers, the clerk read a report of the Committee on Stipend Augmentation. A large meeting of ministers, elders, and managers had been held in Liverpool on the 1st of December, and arrangements had been made for bringing the subject before all the congregations at an early date. Dr. M'Leod and Mr. Graham examined Mr. A. P. C. Jameson in the professors' lectures, delivered at last meeting of the Divinity Hall. The examination was cordially sustained, and Mr. Jameson was encouraged to prosecute his studies. Mr. Rodger, who had been transferred from the Kilmarnock Presbytery, was placed under the Western Committee for the Superintendence of Students. On the motion of Mr. Taylor of Bootle, the following committee was appointed to arrange the financial business of the presbytery: the Rev. J. Thompson, J. Mair, Dr. M'Leod, W. G. Fraser, W. M. Taylor, ministers, with Messrs. Stitt, Bell, and M Kerrow, elders. It was agreed to hold the meetings alternately in Manchester and Liverpool. Next meeting to be held in Brunswick Street, Manchester, on the second Tuesday of January 1869. Newcastle-This presbytery met on the 1st December-The Rev. R. Leitch, moderator pro tem. Mr. J. R. S. Miller presented certificates from Professors Eadie and Cairns, attesting his attendance at the late session of the Divinity Hall, and the usual exercises were prescribed to him. A letter was read from the Rev. W. Lauder, thanking the presbytery for their sympathy with him in his affliction, and intimating that his sight was some what improved. An application from the congregation of Blackhill to the Home Committee of the Board of Missions for a grant to enable them to meet their present increased expenditure was transmitted and recommended. It was stated that Union Church, Sunderland, was about to erect a new place of worship, and an application for a grant from the Permanent Loan Fund was transmitted and recommended. Mr. Laurie, at present located in Gateshead, presented a report of the station, which indicated considerable increase both in the attendance and the contributions, and it was agreed to forward the report to the Home Committee of the Board of Missions, and to request a grant on behalf of the station for next half-year. The consideration of evangelistic effort was resumed, and it was agreed to devote a portion of next meeting, on the first Tuesday of January 1869, commencing at 12:30 P.M., to conversation on the work of God in the respective churches of the presbytery. Paisley and Greenock.-This presbytery met at Greenock on Tuesday, 1st December. The presbytery adopted the following resolutions anent Sabbath observance: 'Attention having been called to certain forms of Sabbath desecration practised or imminent within its bounds, this presbytery deems it fitting to renew its testimony to the continued obligation and blessed influence of the Lord's day. Strongly disapproves (except in cases of necessity and mercy) of all trafficking and travelling on that sacred day, whether by omnibus, railway, steamboat, or otherwise, and recommends to the sessions under its care to use all diligence in the oversight of their respective congregations, to guard the members against such breaches of the divine commandment.' Mr. Glen having accepted a call to Mitchell Street, Beith, his ordination was appointed to take place on the 15th. Called for report of amounts contributed to Synod Fund, when it was found twenty-three had paid the full rate. The clerk was instructed to write those who had not reported. Next ordinary meeting to be held in Paisley on the third Tuesday of January.-The presbytery met again at Beith on the 15th December, for the ordination of Mr. Glen as colleague to Dr. Meikle. Mr. Henderson of Millport preached, Mr. William Johnstone of Alexandria ordained, and Mr. Elder of Paisley addressed the congregation. CALLS MODERATED. Burntisland.-The Rev. James Parlane, A.M., Hawick, called on the 10th November, to be colleague and successor of the Rev. David Crawford. Findochty, Banffshire.-Mr. W. Watson, preacher, called on the 23d November. Chirnside. Mr. William Rutherford, preacher, called 25th November. Ayton, West. Mr. William Wilson, preacher, called on the 21st December, to be colleague and successor of the Rev. J. Stark. Glasgow, Gorbals.-The Rev. W. H. Murray, Ardrossan, called on the 25th November to be colleague and successor to the Rev. David Macrae. ORDINATIONS. Beith, Mitchell Street.-Mr. Henry Glen, preacher, ordained 15th December, as colleague and successor to the Rev. Dr. Meikle. Mr. John Bannatyne, preacher, ordained at Birkenhead on the 25th November to the pastoral charge of Takaka and Golden Bay, province of Nelson, in connection with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. MUNIFICENT LIBERALITY.-Mrs. Archer, widow of the late Dr. Archer of Oxendon Chapel, London, has transmitted to our Synod treasurer the sum of £1500, for the founding of two scholarships of £30 each, to be given to two of the missionary stu dents of the United Presbyterian Church, and to be called 'The Archer Scholarships,' in memory of her beloved and lamented husband. It is impossible to withhold our admiration from such a touching instance of conjugal reverence and love. Monthly Retrospect. PRESBYTERIANISM AND THE REVIVAL OF RELIGION. IN so far as scriptural argument is concerned, we have no doubt that it is clearly in favour of the Presbyterian form of church government, as opposed to Episcopacy on the one hand, and Congregationalism on the other; and as regards the working of the system, we are equally satisfied that the advantages are on the same side. In the arrangements necessary for securing a competent sustenance for the gospel ministry, and for training a succession of young men to occupy the places of those who from time to time are removed by death, as well as in the facilities for extending Christianity at home and abroad, the advantages of Presbyterian organization are so conspicuous, that both Episcopalians and Congregationalists have been eager to take a leaf out of our book. In their Unions,' and 'District Associations,' and 'Church Congresses,' the Episcopalians and Congregationalists seek to make up for the imperfections of their respective systems; and, with the view of wiping away the reproach under which they lie, because of the scandalously inadequate stipends of their ministers, there is at the present moment a proposal for organizing a sustentation or supplementary fund, not only among the Independents and Baptists of England, but also among the Episcopalians of Scotland. In one respect, however, it is alleged that Presbyterianism lags behind. As compared with Congregationalism, it is averred that the Presbyterian form of church government fails to adapt itself to times and circumstances, and does not readily enlist the popular sympathies. In support of this allegation, we are pointed to the discussions which take place in the meetings of the Congregational Union, Baptist associations, and church congresses. At these meetings papers are read and conferences held on the best way of reaching the lapsed masses,' the 'relation of children to the church,' the character of modern literature,' the tendency of philosophical speculations, and the most approved modes of preaching,' etc. In further corroboration of this, we are pointed to the movements-outside the church organization that are being carried on in many parts of the country with the view of promoting the revival of religion. Now let us see what this objection is worth. Is there anything in Presbytery to prevent its constituent members from discussing at any length such questions as those referred to? Is there anything so rigid in its forms of process, that the brethren may not originate and carry through with success a series of revival meetings in connection with all the congregations in the bounds? On the contrary, we hold, that just as the great end of the gospel ministry is to revive religion,-to strengthen the work of grace in the hearts of those who have already believed, and to secure for it an entrance into those hearts from which it has hitherto been excluded,―so, each session is a committee for promoting the revival of religion in the congregation of which it has the spiritual oversight, and each presbytery, in a given district, is a standing committee for the same important purpose. It matters not to our argument that presbyteries have not given themselves very earnestly to the special work of meeting the circumstances of society in modern times. It may be, that the presbyteries and synods of all the Presbyterian churches have given themselves too exclusively to what may be regarded as business details, instead of turning their united strength and variety of gifts to awakening the careless and converting the ungodly. After all these admissions, our position remains unassailable. The Presbyterian form of church government has in itself an adaptation for all kinds of Christian work, and the responsibility of applying its machinery in a right way lies on those who acknowledge its divine authority. It is unnecessary, we trust, to say more in the way of pleading for the employment of the power that belongs to Presbyterian organization, in order to silence its enemies, and to guard the people from the unprofitable and dangerous teaching of those, who, with all their good intentions and zeal, may not be qualified to act as instructors of others. In speaking thus, however, we have no sympathy with those who rest satisfied with urging the apostle's qualification, that a bishop is not to be a 'novice'-that is, one newly converted. Our zeal must go farther than sneering at the well-intended efforts of earnest men, who, in their own place and under experienced guidance, may be eminently serviceable. If not pleased with the manner in which the enemy is attacked, let us ourselves mount the ramparts and serve the guns. 'Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion!' We are gratified to observe from the presbyterial reports, that the revival of religion is assuming the importance to which it is so eminently entitled. ECCLESIASTICAL NOTES. The Free Church.-At a meeting of the Edinburgh Presbytery of the Free Church, the Rev. Moody Stuart proposed that the following overture anent union be transmitted to the General Assembly : 'Whereas, in the proposals and discussions in the General Assembly on the Union of Churches, from the commencement of negotiations in 1863 till last General Assembly, it was never called in question that the Confession of Faith embodies the rightfulness of the civil establishment of religion (as distinguished from its endowment), or intimated that the basis of Union was to rest in any manner on the assumed absence of the Establishment principle from the Confession, more particularly no such intimation having been given in 1867, when the Assembly was asked virtually to sanction the Articles of Agreement; and whereas in last General Assembly it was maintained by more than one member of the Union Committee, with the expressed or apparent concurrence of the convener and other members, that the Confession of Faith contains no binding statement of the rightfulness of the civil establishment of religion: It is humbly overtured by this Presbytery to the Venerable the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, to instruct the Committee on Union, that in their negotiations they are not warranted either to set aside, as of no binding force, the passages in the Confession of Faith in which the civil establishment of religion is implied so manifestly and so necessarily, that they are void of meaning without it, or to assume that the Confession does not clearly lay down the duty of the State to establish the Christian religion.' The object of the overturist seems to be, to secure, that while the question of endowments may be held to be an open question in negotiating for union, the Established Church principle is not to be placed in the same category. In support of the transmission of the overture, Mr. Stuart delivered a very elaborate speech, but he failed altogether to bring out what he means by the Establishment principle, apart from endowments. If his reference to the twenty-third chapter of the Confession of Faith be worth anything, he will find himself in conflict, not only with United Presbyterians, but with the great majority of his own brethren. The most interesting part of the debate was a statement made by Dr. Guthrie. When Dr. Begg quoted a passage from a speech of Dr. Guthrie's delivered prior to the Disruption, and endeavoured to show off his (Dr. Guthrie's) inconsistency, he met Dr. Begg's charge in the following terms. With regard to the speech Dr. Begg had quoted, the doctor proceeded to say that the circumstances of the case were totally altered. In what position had he been then? He had been in the position of a man defending Establishments against the assaults of Voluntaries who wished to pull down an Establishment which, he believed, stood independent of the royal supremacy and of the civil power, and was possessed of all the spiritual liberties of the church; and unless he had believed that, he would not have been on that platform and made that speech. But times brought round a different state of matters, and after the suspension of the Strathbogie ministers, he found he had been under an entire delusion. Interpreted as the law was by the Court of Session, backed by Parliament, he found that the Church of Scotland was not a church that could carry out the law of Christ, and he ceased to be her defender. He did not say he was consistent, but he would conIclude with the words of Hallam, who said that men who boasted of their consistency were unfitted for the conduct of public affairs, because they must shut their eyes to many new facts, and their ears to many new arguments, and they would generally be found bigoted and intolerant. We thank Dr. Guthrie for this statement. It is worthy of a place beside Mr. Gladstone's autobiography; and when our readers are reminded by any enemy of union, of the inconsistencies of the Free Church leaders, let them put the charge to -silence by this explanation: If we defend our friend so long as we believe him trustworthy, it does not follow that we should praise him after finding, to our cost, that he is a traitor. There is no inconsistency in such a change. By the casting vote of the moderator, the presbytery resolved not to transmit the overture; but the debate was not promising, so far as the prospects of an early union are concerned. At a meeting of the Kirkcaldy Presbytery of the Free Church, the Rev. N. L. Walker, Dysart, gave notice that at the next meeting he would move as follows:The Free Presbytery of Kirkcaldy being more than ever impressed with a sense of the vital importance of the great principle for which the Christians of Scotland have so often had to contend and suffer, viz. the principle of the right of the church within its own province to freedom from civil control, and observing that not only is this principle being decried in our most influential places, but its opposite -the duty of the church to submit itself to the ruling of the State-is proclaimed to be the very keystone of our liberty, would humbly overture the General Assembly to give forth, in some emphatic form, a fresh testimony in favour of Christ's sole supremacy, and to express its strong condemnation of whatever may be regarded as involving the Free Church of Scotland in support of systems which are essentially Erastian.' The discussion on this overture will go so far to counteract the misrepresentations of Dr. Begg and his friends. Established Church.-Since the meeting of the General Assembly in May last, the question of patronage has been agitated in the presbyteries, and while the present law has been very generally complained of, there has been no agreement as to a remedy for the existing evil. In the debate on this question in the Metropolitan Presbytery a marked diversity of opinion prevailed-one party being strongly in favour of a modification of the present law, and another party being desirous to allow matters to remain as they are. Mr. Stewart of Liberton and others are of opinion, that if they press this question in a Reformed Parliament, the result may be-not the abolition or modification of the law of patronage-but the disestablishment and disendowment of the Church of Scotland. There is no doubt that the wise course is rather to bear the ills they have than fly to others that they know not of.' Mr. Cumming, who rivals Bishop Colenso-not in unsound doctrine, but in arithmetic-made some interesting historical statements in the course of his speech. 'He had drawn up a statement,' he said, of the disputed settlements in the history of the Church of Scotland, and he found there had been something like 750. Of that number about sixty-three only took place before the revival of patronage in the year 1712. Since 1843 there had been forty-eight cases of disputed settlement. If these forty-eight cases of disputed settlement cost on an average £500 |