the present contendings of the church, and tickets of admission were intrusted to the different elders for distribution. By some disreputable means on the part of lukewarm churchmen, a number of the tickets had got into the hands of the chartists; but their muster at the meeting was sufficient to show that some still more criminal means had been at work. This has now been ascertained to have consisted of a large issue of forged tickets of admission, an expedient quite in keeping with the character of them and their allies. Charles Wilson, Esq., draper, presided, and the Rev. Mr. Kirk, of Abirlot, opened the proceedings with an impressive prayer. The first speaker, the Rev. Mr. Wilson, of Carmylie, was heard with tolerable quietness, while expounding the principles and defending the conduct of the church. But the Rev. Mr. Cunningham, of Edinburgh, who next addressed the meeting, was throughout his speech assailed with vociferous violence. His speech, so far as it went, was keen and sweeping, and his arguments evolved, with a precision that defied criticism, the rectitude of the church's position. He was succeeded by Mr. Maitland Makgill Crichton, of Rankeilour, who replied to the several interjected interruptions made in the course of the evening. By a play of dry humour he obtained something like a hearing, but the clamour reached such a pitch, that he was obliged to give place to John Duncan, the chartist preacher of Dundee, who moved an amendment to the resolutions which had been proposed, to the effect, that, as there was neither "honour nor honesty" among the non-intrusion clergymen, they could not be supported in their present movement. His speech was replied to by Mr. Crichton in a very complete manner; and on the vote being taken by a show of hands, the amendment was declared to have been carried! The church was crowded to excess; and we are convinced that, by a skilful arrangement of their forces in the more prominent situations, the chartists had more the appearance than the reality of a majority. The meeting broke up after a vote of thanks to the chairmanthe chartist leader expressing his high admiration of the straightforwardness and impartiality with which they had been treated-conduct, on the part of the churchmen, that contrasted strongly with that of their opponents. On the following forenoon, a meeting of the friends of the cause took place in the inn, when a Defence Association was formed, and measures adopted for holding another meeting. The moderates are crowing over the defeat; but they may yet learn that, in some instances, a defeat may be more productive of good than even a victory.

MULL. The presbytery of Mull met at Ardnamurchan, on the 25th, when the Rev.

Archibald Clark, minister, Duirinish, was inducted as minister of that parish; the Rev. Samuel Cameron, of Aharacle, preaching and presiding on the occasion.

Mr.

ELGIN. This presbytery met at Elgin on Wednesday, the 1st of Nov., Mr. Walker, of Urquhart, moderator. Some discussion ensued regarding the communion roll of the parish of Elgin, objections being brought forward to several names upon it; but these chiefly intended against the communicants in the district of Pluscarden, who, having an ordained minister labouring and dispensing ordinances amongst them, were alleged to have no right to be upon the roll. Gentle, of Alves, and Mr. Topp, of Elgin, defended their right, in accordance with the act anent calls, and on the ground that, though the minister of Pluscarden is ordained, there is no quoad sacra parish, and consequently no separate roll made up there; and, also, that though these communicants reside in Pluscarden, they have sittings in the parish church, and regularly communicate there. The roll, however, was ultimately remitted back to the kirk session of Elgin to be revised, and again brought up before the presbytery.

DUMBARTON. - On Tuesday, the 2nd ult., this presbytery met at Milngavie, when the Rev. Peter Dale was ordained to the pastoral office over the quoad sacra congregation there. The Rev. John Lawrie, of Row, preached and presided.

PRESBYTERY OF DUNBLANE Met at Dunblane on Thursday the 7th. A society in defence of the church, within the bounds of the presbytery, was appointed to be formed; and it was agreed to draw up a protest against the opening of railways on the Sabbath.

PRESBYTERY OF LAUDER-Met at Lauder, Dec. 7. The presbytery agreed to address a memorial to the proprietors of the Edinburgh and Glasgow railway, against the opening of their line on the Sabbath; and recommended to the parishes within their bounds to move individually in the matter. Notice was given of a motion to overture the synods of Merse and Teviotdale to take into consideration the late report on the pauperism of Berwickshire.

PRESBYTERY OF LANGHOLM -Met at Langholm on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Mr. Cunningham, of Eskdalemuir, applied to the presbytery for their sanction to the application of a sum of money, which had been mortified for behoof of the poor upwards of eighty years ago, to the erection of a schoolroom and house for the teacher, in a remote locality of his parish. It was stated that, at a meeting of heritors, the proposal was unanimously agreed to, provided the consent of two of the heritors, who were absent,

could be obtained. It should be mentioned that the kirk session and presbytery were the trustees appointed for the management of the fund. Some doubt was entertained as to the legality of such a measure, though all were agreed as to the propriety of it. It was thought, however, that, as there was no assessment for the poor at the time the bequest was made, the benevolent donor's intentions would be better carried into effect by the proposed appropriation of the funds, than by allowing it simply, by so much, to diminish the annual assessment. Accordingly, it was unanimously agreed to sanction Mr. Cunningham's plan. Mr. Barton gave notice that, at the next ordinary meeting, on the third Tuesday of March, the election of commissioners for the general assembly would take place.

PRESBYTERY OF BRECHIN-Met on the 7th ult. A memorial from the Montrose Abstinence Society was remitted to the committee on intemperance. In consequence of a letter from Mr. Sands, agent for the crown, the presbytery, without a vote, appointed a committee to ascertain how many of the heads of families concurred in, and how many dissented from, Mr. Tod being appointed to the parish of Lochlee. Mr. Nixon moved an overture on the duty of the church to maintain the principles, and to protect her people from such settlements as that reported to have taken place at Culsalmond. Dr. Smith moved a counter motion for the repeal of the veto. Mr. Nixon's was carried by eleven to eight; the ministers who voted being five on each side; the elders being six to three in favour of Mr. Nixon's morion.

PRESBYTERY OF DUNSE-Met on Dec. 7. In accordance with communications from Sir Andrew Agnew, and from Mr. Buchan, of Kelloe, as convener of the synod's committee on Sabbath Observance, the presbytery unanimously agreed to send to the directors and shareholders of the Edinburgh and Glasgow railway a memorial and remonstrance against running trains during any part of Sabbath, and appointed a committee to attend to the subject in general. Another committee was appointed to correspond with the presbytery of Berwick, and other neighbouring presbyteries on the subject of irregular marriages along the borders, with a view, if possible, to their prevention.

DUMFERMLINE.-At a meeting of this. presbytery, on the 8th of Dec., a presentation was laid on the table, from the Earl of Morton to Dr. Hugh Ralph, Liverpool, to be minister of the church and parish of Aberdour, with all the usual accompanying documents. The presbytery being satisfied therewith, it was moved by Mr. Gilston, and seconded by Mr. Doig, that they pro

ceed to take the necessary steps towards Dr. Ralph's settlement. It was thereafter moved by Mr. Brown, and seconded by Mr. Wemyss, that the presbytery resolve to proceed with the settlement of Dr. Ralph, according to the laws and practice of the church previous to the passing of the veto act, which has been declared to be ultra vires of the church, by the supreme civil tribunal of the realm. Both motions being put to the vote, the former was carried by a majority of eight to two. The majority were Messrs. Chalmers, Doig, A. B. Duncan, Gilston, W. W. Duncan, Sutherland, and Marshall, ministers, and Mr. James Paton, elder. The minority, Messrs. Brown and Wemyss. Mr. Brown dissented in his own name, and that of all who should adhere to him, for reasons to be given in; took instruments, and craved extracts. Mr. Wemyss and Mr. Ferguson (moderator) adhered. The presbytery then, in accordance with the first motion, finding that a roll of the male heads of families, being communicants in the parish of Aberdour, had been made up in terms of the Assembly's regulation, appointed Dr. Ralph to preach at Aberdour on the last two Sabbaths of this month, and agreed to meet there for the moderation of his call on Tuesday, the 28th inst., Mr. Ferguson to preside.

THE PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL-Met on the 8th ult. in the church of Kiltearn, for the purpose of moderating in a call to the Rev. Duncan Campbell, minister of Glenlyon, to be minister of Kiltearn. After a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Bethune, of Dingwall, the people were invited to come forward and sign the call, to which invitation they very cordially responded. The call was signed by two heritors, H. A. I. Monro, Esq. of Nanar, and Capt. Fraser, of Balcony, by all the communicants on the roll, excepting two, and by 167 other parishioners. There were no dissents offered. The people were evidently in high spirits at the prospect of being blessed with a gospel ministry, after a desolation of five-and-twenty years, occasioned by intrusion and the abuse of patronage. This is one of the instances in which the crown presented to the people the man of their choice, and thereby conferred upon them an invaluable boon, and secured their attachment and gratitude.

DEATH OF THE REV. Dr. Barclay, of KETTLE.-We regret to announce the death of the Rev. Dr. Barclay, minister of the parish of Kettle, which took place on the 13th ult. Dr. Barclay was, we believe, upwards of ninety years of age. He was ordained in 1778, and has been, since the death of Dr. Kelloch Cunningham, father of the kirk of Scotland.

ARBROATH CHURCH DEFENCE MEETING.

On the 13th inst., that indefatigable advocate of the rights of the Christian people, Mr. Makgill Crichton, delivered a lecture in Ladyloan church here, upon the principles of Religious Liberty for which the church and people of Scotland are at present contending.

The lecture occupied upwards of three hours in the delivery, and contained demonstration that the claims of the church and of the Christian people are firmly intrenched upon, and supported by-1st, the word of God-2nd, the standards of the church-3rd, the law of the land and constitution of the country-4th, that the people are bound to unite in holy combination for the defence of the sacred principles at stake.

At the conclusion of the lecture, Mr. Abram Duncan, Chartist, came forward to discuss the question with Mr. Crichton.

Mr. Thomas Dempster, of Dundee, was appointed chairman on behalf of Mr. Crichton, and a lad was named joint-chairman in behalf of Mr. A. Duncan.

The discussion proceeded by alternate speeches till half-past one o'clock in the morning. Mr. A. Duncan, (who seems inferior in powers to John Duncan) received a refutation and exposure to his heart's content. It is only to be regretted that a better representative of the mis-statements and fallacies of moderationism had not come forward, so as to have given Mr. Crichton more to do. He convicted Mr. A. Duncan of ignorance of history, ignorance and perversion of scripture, of being an enemy of religious liberty-the only sure basis of civil freedom -of doing the work of the tory intrusion moderates, while he affected to dislike their principles. When the vote was taken a large majority declared on behalf of the church, although the Chartist chairman had the impudence (amidst roars of derisive laughter) to claim the majority for Mr. Duncan. Even at near two in the morning, a large number of ladies and gentlemen remained to join the association and defence subscription. The spirit of the Arbroath churchmen is roused to a noble pitch of zeal. Truly, this agitation has done a world of good in Arbroath.

SUCCESS OF MR. LECKIE'S CAMPAIGN IN DUMFRIES.-The Dumfries Herald, a rabid intrusion print, and which has industriously abused Mr. Leckie ever since he went to Dumfries, congratulates itself, in a most heartfelt manner, on his departure, and trusts that "all that tumultuous babbling about church, religion, and the Holy Scriptures, to which his presence has given rise among our populace," is at an end. A certain prelate once expressed an opinion, that the Bible was a book which, if allowed

to be in the hands of the common people, would utterly ruin the catholic church. We do not precisely see that there is much difference between the views of this duteous prelate and those on which moderateism has ever acted. Popery keeps the Bible out of the hands of the laity, and moderateism finds it extremely inexpedient that the people should talk about "church, religion, and the Holy Scriptures." We trust that Mr. Leckie will raise "a babbling" about these topics throughout all Scotland. The people of this country are not in the habit of "babbling," unless when they are in earnest ; and we are obliged to the Dumfries Herald, for being so forward to make us aware that the people in Dumfries are so.

STRANGE BIGOTRY AND IGNORANCE.EDINBURGH PRESBYTERY.-The monthly meeting of this presbytery was held on November 24th, when, The Witness says, in reference to what it terms "the schismatic clergy," that, "On the motion of Dr. Candlish, the clerk read the remit from the commission of the assembly, instructing the presbytery to deal with Mr. Grant on the allegation of having assisted at the dispensation of the sacrament in the church of Keith, and having received the bread and wine, pretended to be consecrated, from the hands of the deposed minister." The words which we have put in italics induced us to give the paragraph, as showing the light in which these Scottish presbyterians view these matters. If the bread and wine were only "pretended to be consecrated," why may not the word "pretended" be applied to presbyterian ordinations?-Church Intelligencer. [Answer :-The word "pretended" may not be applied to presbyterian ordinations because it would imply a falsehood. Was the ordination of Timothy 'pretended?" Yet he was ordained, as were all the primitive ministers, "by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." Our cotemporary is sadly in the dark in regard to such matters.]

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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES. The synod of New Jersey met at Princetown, N. J., on the 19th of October, when the Rev. P. O. Suddiford was chosen moderator.

From the statistical reports of the presbyteries under its control, it appears that there are in connection with the synod 119 ministers, 109 churches, 19 licentiates, and 22 candidates. There has been one ordination within the year with reference to labour in the foreign field, and twelve ordinations for home labour. Ten candidates have been licensed to preach the Gospel.

Rev. Dr. Wm. A. M'Dowall, corresponding secretary of the board of Domestic Missions, addressed the synod on the concerns

of that board, and deep feeling was excited in the minds of the members with relation to the subject.

The synod recommended that the first Sabbath of January next be observed by all the churches under its care as a day of special prayer for the conversion of the world. There was no other business of importance.

BOWDEN. The Anti-patronage and Church Defence Association of this parish held a meeting on Thursday evening, the 9th ultimo, at which the Rev. Walter Wood (convener of the committee appointed by the synod for diffusing information on the present position of the church) delivered a most impressive and eloquent address. The meeting was numerously attended, and the Scripture argument adduced by Mr. Wood against intrusion of ministers, and proving the headship of Christ over his church, did not fail to make a very deep impression on the minds of all present. We wish him great success in his labours.

PROGRESS OF PRESBYTERIAN MISSIONS IN THE SOUTH OF IRELAND.-The missionary association of the presbyterian congregation of Limerick supports more missionary stations and missionaries in Munster than the whole number maintained in that province by the general assembly of the north of Ireland. The resources of the general assembly are expended in sending continual successive supplies to two stations, Tralee and Bandon. The congregation of Limerick maintains wholly two missionaries and partly a third, and the minister, as another missionary, has under his care two principal stations in his own immediate neighbourhood. There are six towns, besides outposts, occupied by the presbyterian mission of Limerick alone. The only other missionary station, in connexion with the presbytery of Munster, is Portlaw, a village in the county of Waterford, wellknown for its distinguished cotton manufactory, and containing a considerable presbyterian population; but the missionary placed here is the third, who is partly supported by the congregation of Limerick. To show the importance of the field entered upon, it may be sufficient to mention that the Limerick missionary at Tipperary preaches regularly to a rising congregation in that town, and officiates also at stated periods in Thurlesthe very hot-bed of popery-in the county of Tipperary, with its spacious Roman catholic chapel and college, its two convents, its monastery, &c.; and that the other missionary is settled in Youghal, where there has lately been formed a Roman catholic college for foreign missions all over the

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* About forty young missionaries are prosecuting their studies at St. Mary's Catholic College, Youghal." The college has issued the following pro

world, particularly England, Scotland, and the British colonies," but where, nevertheless, there have been several recent conversions from popery to protestantism.* The population of the towns occupied by the Limerick mission is on an average 10,000 each.

NEW ZEALAND.-On Sabbath last, the 20th inst., divine service was performed in the Gaëlic language, by the Rev. John M'Farlane of the Scotch church. The occasion was peculiarly interesting, as being the first time in New Zealand when the Gospel was proclaimed in those accents, which are so dear to the heart of every Scottish highlander. It was also important, as affording assurance to future emigrants from the glens and mountains of the northern hemisphere, that on their arrival here they still enjoy the privilege, so precious in their estimation, of worshipping in that language which is endeared to them by so many sacred recollections and associations.

The following advertisements appear in the same paper : :

"The Rev. Mr. M'Farlane, of the Scotch church, will perform Divine worship, in future, in the morning, at the native chapel, Te Aro Flat, at eleven o'clock, and in the afternoon at the court-house, Thordon Flat, at a quarter past one o'clock.

"Notice.-Persons desirous of being married by the Rev. John M'Farlane, first minister of the Scotch church in New Zealand, are requested to register their names with the undersigned at latest the Saturday previous to the ceremony, in order to proclamation of banns on Sabbath. Persons also desirous of having their children baptized, must previous thereto give the requisite information in order to registry, to Robert Strang, solicitor and registrar for the Scotch church."

EDINBURGH.-The presbytery of Edinburgh met in Morningside church, on the 17th instant, at two o'clock, P.M., and after a sermon, preached by the Rev. Mr. M'Letchie, to a crowded audience, from Matt. xxviii. 19, 20, proceeded to the ordination of the Rev. Thomas Addis, as minister of that parish, after which the minister and congregation were addressed upon their respective and reciprocal duties. The entire unanimity which has characterized this settlement, and the high attainments of the individual now ordained, afford the pleasing prospect, through the Divine blessing, of clamation:-"England is ripe for reconversion Scotland seeks the truth; while from the British colonies, thousands upon thousands stretch forth their arms and supplications for pastors to break to them the bread of life."

* An establishment of presentation monks, consisting of the superior and four brothers, have lately been converted in Youghal.

much spiritual comfort and improvement in Morningside parish.

ST. BERNARD'S CHURCH.-On Thursday the 16th instant, the presbytery of Edinburgh met in this church for the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Brown. The Rev. Mr. Noble, of the Gaëlic chapel, preached an able and impressive discourse to a numerous congregation; and at the conclusion of the services Mr. Brown received a cordial and affectionate welcome from his flock. We congratulate the congregation of St. Bernard's on the settlement among them of a highly excellent pastor in such gratifying cir

cumstances.

CHURCH EXTENSION.-On Tuesday evening the 14th, a numerous and respectable meeting of the inhabitants of Carronshore and vicinity, was held in the Infant school-room, according to previous intimation. At the conclusion of the monthly prayer meeting, the Rev. Mr. Glass gave a clear and interesting account of the success of his missionary operations in the district during the last nine months, and the considerable number of grown-up individuals who had been brought under the influence of gospel ordinances. The Rev. Mr. Bonar, minister of the parish, having followed up the report in a very convincing and impressive address, the following resolutions were moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to:-1st, That the inhabitants of Carronshore and vicinity, attached to the worship and communion of the church of Scotland, living at a considerable distance from the parish church of Larbert, are desirous of having the ordinances of grace regularly dispensed among themselves. 2d, That feeling their present place of worship, however commodious in other respects, unable to suit the twofold purpose of a church and school-house, they resolve that a new place of worship be erected at Carronshore. That they co-operate to the best of their means in carrying out this desirable end. 4th, That a report of the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Edinburgh Witness, Scottish Guardian, Aberdeen Banner, and Dundee Warder.

3d,

MORE INTERDICTS.-An intimation being made from the pulpit of the church of Barry, that a meeting was to be held in the church, at which an address on the church question was to be delivered by Mr. M. M. Crichton, of Rankeilour; it roused the ire of the moderate heritors of the parish to the utmost pitch; and forthwith an application was presented by several of them to the sheriff-substitute for interdict against the church or school-house being used for such an "unholy" purpose. This, as a matter of course, was granted accordingly by Mr. Sheriff Henderson; and was served upon the minister, Mr. Crichton, and the beadle, on

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Wednesday evening. It prohibits and discharges not only the meeting in question, but all others, on any other day or days, for the purpose of discussing questions relative to, or passing resolutions in favour of, what is called the principles of non-intrusion of ministers, or the abolition of patronage, or for the purpose of hearing a lecture by the said David M. M. Crichton, or for any similar purposes, and so far as regards the said church, for any other purposes except those of public worship, and the dispensation of the ordinances of religion and ordinary parochial business relative to the said church and parish." Immediately on the service of the interdict messengers were despatched in all directions intimating the occurrence, and that in consequence of the desire of the parties to obey the "law of the land," the intended meeting would be held in Carnoustie church. It took place there accordingly, and a noble meeting it was-noble in point of numbers, and in the enthusiasm that pervaded it. people were fairly roused, and entered heartily into all Mr. Makgill's views. At eleven o'clock, when the meeting closed, eighty-five members joined the Defence Association, which, there can be no doubt, will receive a mighty impetus from the efforts used to crush its formation. As the north country man said, "they are grand things these interdicts" for opening the understandings, and exciting the spirits of the people.

The

CHURCH MEETING IN MONTROSE.-A meeting was held in Montrose on the evening of the 9th; Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Makgill Crichton, and Mr. Troup, addressed it. The meeting was a large and most attentive one. The speeches especially were admirable. Mr. Cunningham's, in particular, was exceedingly powerful; and, though a sustained argument throughout, was at once so clear and conclusive, as to carry even the common people along with it, and to leave an impression on their minds which will not soon be effaced. The success of the chartists, aided by other parties, in disturbing the meeting at Arbroath on the evening immediately before, was followed up in Montrose by the hasty publication and circulation of a handbill, asking, "Will the enlightened people of Montrose consent to be priest-ridden, any more than their neighbours?" The attempt was vain. The people did prove too "enlightened" to be either deterred from attending the meeting, or otherwise than confirmed, rather than weakened, in their attachment to the church by this attempt. There is reason to believe that in this attempt, the chartists had the assistance of some of the moderate gentry, and that there was thus added another to the thousand proofs existing, of the wicked, though after all consistent, coalition of the moderates with all mischief-makers against