was first seized. The discourse which he intended to deliver to his congregation on the day on which he died, though not quite finished, was beautifully and carefully written in short-hand; and it is a touching and note-worthy circumstance that the text was Phil. i. 23—"I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better." The object of the discourse is to show that, like Paul, all Christians have good reason for thinking that to depart and to be with Christ is far better than to remain here; and the reasons specified are, that, with Christ in heaven, they attain what they never do on earth, entire freedom from sin-complete deliverance from all tribulation and pain—and free and uninterrupted access to the pure, spiritual, and never-failing rivers of pleasure which are at God's right hand. The last lines which his hand traced when only a few hours before he was called upon to depart, and (as is humbly hoped) to be with Christ, were these. Are we likely to possess this blessedness? This is a very interesting inquiry. The rich cannot lose it without being miserable; the hope of attaining it may well comfort the poor amidst the privations and trials of their situation. Men may hear of it with a careless ear, but they will one day wish they had minded nothing so much.”* Mr Wilson was doubtless well prepared for death; but it is pleasing to know that a topic so appropriate to the circumstances in which, unknown to himself, he was placed, should have been occupying his attention; nor is it without significance to his congregation and surviving friends. Mr Wilson was a judicious preacher, a laborious pastor, a most affectionate husband and parent, and a truly honest man, respected and loved by all who knew him; and the more respected and loved the better he was known. Correspondence. AUSTRALIA A FIELD FOR MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE. DEAR SIR,-I have read with satisfaction the seasonable and appropriate remarks in your "Retrospect" for this month on "Emigration and Christian Colonisation," more especially as these apply to Australia. My object in now writing you is simply to express the wish that something may be done speedily and effectively by our Church to supply the thousands who have left, and are still leaving, their native land in quest of worldly treasures with the means of grace, which is of infinitely more value than all the gold of Mount Alexander or Victoria. It is melancholy to think that, notwithstanding the great number of ships that have left our shores with emigrants for that country, there have been almost no preachers of the gospel sent. There has been none from the United Presbyterian Church since the tide of emigration set in. This surely says little for the missionary spirit of our half-employed probationers and half-supported ministers at home. There is a wide field opened up; why not take advantage of it? If we are convinced that our voluntary principles are worthy of being upheld and promoted, then why not go and take possession of this goodly land? This should be done, if it were from no other or better motive than out of pity for the many youths who have been brought up under these principles, and who have gone forth from us, some of them with sorrow at leaving the ministrations of the pastor under whom they have been reared. We had an opportunity lately of seeing a young man taking farewell, and receiving, in all likelihood, the last advice of his much loved minister. The scene was truly affecting when he commended him in prayer to the God of Providence and of Redemption, and counselled him to stand on his guard against the temptations to which he might be exposed when removed from a gospel ministry. The young man was quite overcome; and it is hoped he will not soon forget the interview. It must greatly aggravate the pang that a pious parent feels at *We embrace this opportunity of expressing a grateful sense of obligation to the Rev. Mr Roger of Auchinleck, who, on being applied to, very readily and kindly deciphered Mr Wilson's manuscript, and furnished a copy of this discourse in long-hand. parting with a dear son or daughter, when necessitated, it may be, to go from under his roof, if he has the thought of their going where they will have no opportunity of hearing "the glorious gospel of the blessed God," and enjoying the ordinances of divine grace, as they have been accustomed to do. The United Presbyterian Church is doing something for the heathen, and it is to be hoped she will yet do more. But why not follow our own countrymen to Australia in our missionary enterprise, as we have already followed them to the wilds of America with so much success? I would not be for compelling ministers to go against their will, as was the case at one period in the Secession Church; but might not the Mission Board hold out some encouragement in the way indicated in the paper referred to? And surely there will be found some among our numerous preachers who will be willing to devote themselves to the service of their Lord and Master in a foreign land yet, among their own countrymen. Trusting that more than one will come forward having talent and zeal, saying, "Here am I, send me," I am, dear Sir, yours respectfully, A. M. THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST. MY DEAR SIR,-In your Magazine for September and October there have appeared two well written papers, entitled, "The Number of the Beast 666-Solution Proposed." I am exceedingly well pleased with the papers and the manner in which the writer seeks to settle the meaning of the number which has perplexed so many. It is truly refreshing to meet with a good treatise on the important subject of prophecy. I do not, however, attempt a criticism. I wish simply to say that, although the writer is somewhat original in his conclusions as to the termination of the Papal reign, yet he appears not so original in his mode of solving the mystic number. He is anticipated in this by the Rev. Archibald Mason of Wishawtown, in his work on prophecy, which was given to the world some thirty years ago. So far as my memory and my notes of Mr Mason's work serve me, his mode of solution or theory is the following:-He endeavours to harmonise the longest date of Daniel, cap. xii., viz., 1335, with John's date of 1260. Rev. xii. 6. He holds that the number of the beast must signify the age of the Roman empire when the Papacy arose; that the 666 years are to be dated from the time that the fourth beast of Daniel or the Roman power became the fourth universal empire. The kingdom of Pergamus in Asia was bequeathed or fell to the Romans, B.C. 133. If to this we add 533 years of the Christian era, we have the number of the beast 666. It was in A.D. 533 that Justinian proclaimed the Bishop of Rome bishop universal. In the year B.C. 60, the Romans crossed the Hellespont, took possession of a portion of Asia, and then their empire was considered, or begun, as universal. But in A.D. 606 Pharos confirmed Justinian's edict. Add 606 to 60, and again you have the 666. If to A.D. 533 we add Daniel's prophetic number of 1335, it reaches A.D. 1868. He understands that Daniel computed after the Eastern manner, from the beginning of the year, as he lived in the Nabonassarian period-the annus magnus of the Chaldean astronomers. Taken from the beginning of the year, say the first year of 1335 corresponds with the 533d year of the Christian era, then only 1334 is to be added to 533, which reaches 1867. But the last year of 1335 is the first of millennial "blessedness;" so that, with these deductions, Daniel's longest date will reach 1866, the same as John's 1260 years, both concluding at the same time. He regards these things as striking coincidences. A great many writers on the subject look on 1866 as most likely to be the termination of the Papal reign. But, without entering on discussion as to when the 1260 days will terminate, I would say, let us keep by this mode of explaining the mystic number, viz., that 666 denotes the age of the Roman empire when the Papacy arose; or, as it is expressed by the talented writer of the solution, "the number 666 denotes the period in the history of the beast which is represented by the sixth head. This period is to be dated from the rise of the imperial power of Rome; and it was completed when the anti-Christian form of the Roman empire came into existence.' "As he ceases at the end of 1260 years, so he becomes the beast of the sea at the end of the 666 years which have preceded these." I am inclined to hold to this theory until a better be proposed. If the writer of the papers referred to has seen Mason's explanation of 666, he has, in our opinion, greatly improved upon it. If he has not, Mr M.'s views are so far confirmatory of his. Hoping the author of the solution will favour us, and the Churches, with occasional papers on the engrossing subject of prophetic interpretation, I am, very truly, yours, D. H. E. Entelligence.-United Presbyterian Church. PRESBYTERIAL PROCEEDINGS. Annandale. --- - This presbytery met at Langholm, on the 28th September-Rev. William Tait, moderator pro tem. A letter from Mr Andrew Graham, preacher, was read, declining the call from Chapelknowe, and the call was set aside. Certificates from the professors in favour of Mr W. C. Young, student of the fifth year, were read and sustained. The next meeting of presbytery is to held at Lockerby, on Tuesday, 30th November. Buchan. This presbytery met at Stewartfield, 4th October-Rev. A. Lind, Whitehill, moderator. Certificates were read from the professors, attesting the attendance of Mr G. M'Arthur, student of divinity of the third year, at the Divinity Hall last session, and he and Mr D. Allison, student of the third year, who is expected to be transferred from the Melrose presbytery, were examined on the course of divinity pursued at the Hall. Subjects and exercises, according to the scheme sanctioned by the Synod, were then appointed them. Intimation was received of the excision of Mr Houston by the Newcastle presbytery. The clerk was instructed to acknowledge, on the part of the presbytery, the receipt of the present from the Rev. G. Blyth of his excellent work on missions, and to tender to him their very cordial thanks for the same. Commissioners from Peterhead congregation presented a petition, craving a moderation for the choice of a minister. It was unanimously agreed to grant the prayer of the petition, and Mr Hunter was appointed to preside in the moderation of a call there on the 22d October. Next meeting of presbytery to be held at Stewartfield, on Tuesday, 23d November. Carlisle. This presbytery met at Carlisle on 28th September-the Rev. P. Carruthers, moderator. Six ministers and three ruling elders were present. It was agreed to transmit to the Home Mission Board certain references from the congregations of Maryport and Wigton. The question of raising a fund for the permanent endowment of students' scholarships was carefully considered; and the presbytery were unanimously of opinion, that the scheme is well entitled to the general support of the church. The goodness of Divine Providence in the late abundant harvest, was brought under the notice of the presbytery; and all the ministers were enjoined to direct the attention of their respective congregations to the subject on some early day. The presbytery is to meet at Carlisle on the last Tuesday of December. Cupar. This presbytery met in Cupar on Tuesday, 8th October-Rev. Mr Gray, moderator. The following students were certified from the Theological Hall, viz., Messrs Gorrie, of the fourth year; W. Aitken, of the third; Nicol and Gillies, of the second; and D. Hay, of the first-to all of whom subjects of examination and other exercises were appointed. Mr Borwick gave in a report from a committee appointed at last meeting, to propose some scheme for securing the more efficient superintendence of the students within the bounds, which was received ad interim. Sessions were instructed to report at next meeting the regulations according to which the several congregations of which they have the superintendence manage their financial affairs, in terms of an appointment of Synod, adopted at the last meeting. Dundee.-This presbytery met on 5th October-the Rev. G. Gilfillan, moderator. A letter was read from the Newcastle presbytery, intimating the excision of the Rev. John Clarke Houston. The following were appointed a committee to superintend the studies of the students in the boundsMessrs Reston, Borwick, and Ogilvie; Rev. D. Ogilvie, convener. The professors certified to the presbytery, as having been regular in their attendance at the Hall, and had done the exercises prescribedMr John M'Nab, of the fifth year; Messrs M'Owan, Rattray, and Barclay, of the fourth; Mr David Mair, of the third; and Messrs Alex. Doctor and James Forrester, of the first. Mr John M'Nab having finished his studies at the Hall, had assigned him trials for license. The presbytery meets on Tuesday, 7th December. Dunfermline. This presbytery met on 5th October, when, inter alia, the name of the Rev. Mr Wilson, Crossgates, was taken from the roll, he having been removed by death on the 29th August. A petition from the congregation was read, representing that, in their present bereaved and enfeebled state, they are unable, by all their efforts, to meet the expense of supporting gospel ordinances, and praying the presbytery to represent their case favourably to the Home Mission Committee for some aid. The presbytery having examined a statement of the income and expenditure of the congregation, the number of seats let, etc., presented along with the petition, heard commissioners, and considered the whole case, agreed to recom mend it to the favourable consideration of said committee, in the hope of obtaining a small donation, to aid and encourage the congregation in their present difficult and afflicted circumstances; and further, agreed that members of presbytery shall assist them, by each giving a day's supply gratuitously, in exchange with the preachers appointed to them. The students, Messrs Bartlet, Hamilton, Whyte, and Wilson, of the third year, and Carmichael, of the first, were certified from the professors. Mr Wilson was transferred to the presbytery of Falkirk. Subjects of discourse were prescribed to them, and the former committee of superintendence was re-appointed. Mr Peter Duncanson, student of philosophy, was examined in Greek, moral philosophy, and mathematics, and encouraged to prosecute his studies. The members of presbytery were enjoined to attend to the injunctions of last meeting of Synod, on the subject of regulations for managing the financial concerns of congregations, and to be ready to report at next meeting of presbytery. It was recommended to sessions and congregations to take an early opportunity for special acknowledgment of the goodness of God in the bygone harvest. The Rev. Dr Johnston was appointed moderator of the presbytery, and the Rev. Mr Young moderator of the session of Crossgates. The next meeting of presbytery to be on the last Tuesday of November. Edinburgh. This presbytery met on 5th October-Rev. Mr Cooper, moderator. Dr Peddie reported his proceedings in the moderation at College Street, Edinburgh, on the 22d September; and laid on the table a call from the church there to the Rev. D. M'Ewan, Ayr. The call, which was signed by 788 members, and 98 adherents, was sustained by the presbytery, and Drs French and Peddie were appointed commissioners to prosecute it before the presbytery of Kilmarnock. A draft of constitution for Richmond Place Church, Edinburgh, after having been revised by a committee of presbytery, was approved of. It was agreed that the third Sabbath of October, or the earliest convenient day thereafter, should be observed by the congregations in the presbytery as a season of thanksgiving for the recent bountiful harvest. Five students were examined on the studies they had pursued at last session of the Divinity Hall. Mr Hutton, student, gave two discourses as parts of trial for license. Glasgow. This presbytery met on the second Tuesday of October-Rev. Dr King, moderator. The invitation by the committee on missionary churches, to Mr M'Rae, of Oban, to occupy the mission station of the Gorbals, came on for consideration. A Mr letter from Dr King was read, bearing, that he had preached at Oban, and summoned the congregation. Commissioners from Oban were heard. Mr M'Rae stated that he had come to the conclusion that it was his duty to accept the invitation of the committee on missionary churches, and accordingly his pastoral relation to the congregation was dissolved, and his name taken from the roll of presbytery. M'Coll and Mr Burgess were appointed to visit the congregation of Kirkintilloch, along with the deputies from the Mission Board, to inquire into the circumstances of that congregation, and report. The pctition from the people worshipping in Stirling Square, under the superintendence of the Rev. George Blyth, for erection into a congregation, was considered. From the reports of sessions on this matter, it appeared that they are generally favourable to the erection, and, with a view to it, a committee was appointed along with Mr Blyth, to converse with the persons making application, and report. A communication from the secretary of the Mission Board in reference to a mission to Ireland, with a printed circular in reference to the state of the mission fund, was remitted to the missionary committee, with a view to their being brought before the presbytery at next meeting. Messrs William M'Donald, Jas. C. Meiklejohn, Walter Morison, George M'Queen, Wm. Fleming, Wm. Thomson, James S. Potter, William Walker, students of the fifth year, were examined, and had trials for license appointed them. Mr John Tannahill, student of the third year, about to proceed to Germany for the winter, was also examined, and had an exercise appointed him, to be given to the Eastern Committee for the superintendence of students. Mr Borland, of Gillespie Church, about to proceed to Jamaica, on account of ill health, had supply for his pulpit granted during the period of his absence. Kilmarnock. This presbytery met on 12th October-Rev. Matthew Dickie, moderator. Mr Stillie having undergone the usual trials for ordination to the satisfaction of the presbytery, his ordination at Girvan was appointed to take place on Tuesday, 2d Nov.-Mr Dickie to preside, Mr M'Fadyen to preach, and Mr Symington to give the concluding address. The presbytery sustained a call from the congregation of Troon to Mr More, and prescribed his trials for ordination. The Rev. Dr Peddie, from the Presbytery of Edinburgh, with Commissioners from South College Street Church, laid on the table another call to Mr M'Ewan of Ayr, with relative documents. Mr Symington was appointed to preach at Ayr, Cathcart Street Church, on Sabbath first, and cite the congregation to attend a meeting of presbytery at Kilmarnock, on Monday, 1st Nov., when decision in the case may be given. Mr Thomson gave in to the presbytery the demission of his charge of the congregation of Maybole. The presbytery were sorry to find that a brother so long and so highly respected among them should have been led to take this step. But Mr Thomson's statement of his reasons and of his prospects very considerably relieved them from the pain that would otherwise have been felt. The congregation were appointed to be summoned, and the case decided on 1st Nov. Mr Jamieson was appointed to be presbytery treasurer, in the room of the late Mr Elles. Mr William Taylor was taken on trials for license, and the other students placed under the superintendence of the Ayr Com. -mittee. Kinross. The presbytery of Kinross met at Edenshead on the 28th of Septemberthe Rev. Mr Leishman, moderator. Messrs James Davidson and David Storer, students of arts, were examined in Latin, Greek, Logic, and Mathematics; and having acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of the presbytery, were encouraged to pro-secute their studies. Subjects of lecture and sermon were assigned to Mr David Anderson, student of divinity. The pres.bytery proceeded to consider the remit of Synod, on the circulation of the Scriptures, and ultimately adopted the following resolution :-"That the presbytery, having considered the remit of Synod in reference to this subject, recommended to sessions to inquire whether any persons within their bounds may be destitute of copies of the Scriptures, and to supply any ascertained deficiency, in the manner and to the extent which to them may seem advisable." The presbytery also agreed, in obedience to an injunction of Synod, to call for, and review at next meeting, the regulations, according to which the financial concerns of the congregations under their charge are managed; and instructed moderators of sessions to be prepared by that time with such written statements on this subject, from their respective congregations, as may enable the presbytery to report regarding it to the Synod. Next meeting was appointed to be held on the Tuesday after the fourth Sabbath of December, in the West session-house of Kinross. Kirkcaldy. This presbytery met on Sept. 28. A petition was read from the First Congregation, Leslie, for one to be colleague and successor to their present pastor, who had laboured among them for thirty-eight years, and now frequently exhibited the symptoms of increasing infirmity. Two of the elders and two of the managers appeared as commissioners from the congregation, and stated that the congregation, after careful investigation of their affairs, had agreed to give to the senior pastor (besides the manse) L.80 per annum of stipend, including the sacramental expenses, and to continue these emoluments during life; and to give to the person whom they might call as junior pastor L.80 per annum of stipend; and on the demise of the senior pastor, to devolve on the junior pastor the emoluments now held by the senior pastor, viz., L.100 per annum of stipend, L.10 of sacramental expenses, and the manse; and, in fine, the commissioners stated that these stipends were to be paid half-yearly in advance. Rev. J. Johnston stated that he had cordially acquiesced in this arrangement. After some deliberation, the presbytery unanimously granted the prayer of the petition, and appointed the Rev. J. B. Johnston to moderate on the evening of Monday, Oct. 11. The presbytery appointed next meeting to be held in Bethelfield session-house, Kirkcaldy, to receive and judge on the call. Testimonials from the Professors in behalf of the students under the inspection of the presbytery were received and read, when they were examined on the lectures they had attended at the Hall, and encouraged to prosecute their studies. Texts, as subjects of discourses for summer, were also assigned to them. The Rev. J. B. Johnston's appointment as moderator pro tem. of Crail session was continued ; and in consequence of a petition from the congregation of Crail, he and Rev. W. A. Pettigrew were appointed a deputation to examine the state of their affairs, and give such advices as may be required. Mr Johnston was appointed convener, with power to fix the meetings of session and congregation. Mr David W. Morris was taken on trials for license. The presbytery recommended to the congregations under their inspection to set apart a season for thanksgiving to God for the late bountiful harvest. Lanark. This presbytery met on 12th October the Rev. Robert Cordiner, moderator. Certificates were received from the Professors of Theology, attesting the attendance of Messrs Frame, A. Scott, David Mann, William Scott, George Riddell, Alexander Aikman, John Hinshelwood, and James H. Scott, at last session of the Hall. Mr George Riddell was transferred to the oversight of the presbytery of Edinburgh; Mr James Frame was taken on trials for license, and had the usual exercises prescribed to him. Exercises were also prescribed to all the other students of the presbytery, to be given during the recess of the Hall; and Dr Smith, Messrs Scott, Thomson, Macfarlane, Johnston, and Barrie, were appointed to examine them. Notice was received of the excision of Mr |