agreed to state in reply to it--that while they strongly disapprove of the carriage and delivery of letters on the Lord's-day, yet considering that the present applicant cannot avoid the latter without losing his situation that his doing so does not (since a late alteration in post-office arrangements), prevent him from attending public worship, they think that the proper remedy for this, and all similar cases, is the religious public's procuring from the Government a total cessation of labour in the post-office on the Lord's-day; and that, taking all the circumstances of this case, as stated to them, into consideration, especially that the applicant is now said to be unfit to support himself and family by any other employment, they do not consider that his present amount of Sabbath service in the post-office binds the session to continue his exclusion from sealing ordinances, provided his moral and religious character be otherwise satisfactory to them. A petition and statement of the congregation of Huntly to the Home Committee of Synod was read and recommended to that committee. A circular from the missionary secretary, concerning the past missionary contributions of the congregations of this presbytery, was read, some of the apparent omissions in it were satisfactorily accounted for, and the remainder were remitted to the mission committee. The clerk stated, that the petition from Cabrach to his Grace the Duke of Richmond concerning the chapel of Auldtown was transmitted as ordered. He also read a letter on the subject from Mr Robertson, Tomnavin, from which it appeared that the matter had been referred by the Duke to the district factor, from whom a favourable answer was expected. The presbytery resolved to begin their visitations at Aberchirder, and instructed the congregation there, through their elder, to intimate at next meeting when it will be convenient to meet with them. Next meeting is to be at Aberchirder, on 25th January 1853.

Berwick. This presbytery met on Tuesday, 26th Oct. Messrs D. and Basil Inglis, were certified from the junior Divinity Hall, subjects of discourses were assigned to them, and a committee was appointed to superintend their studies during the re

cess.

The presbytery missionary committee for the year was also appointed, when the communication from the Mission Board respecting the state of the funds was committed to them, with instructions to take measures for promoting still further the zeal and liberality of the congregations within the bounds of the presbytery, that as a church our contributions may keep pace with the wider spheres of labour on which we are entering. A report was given in concern

ing the chapel erecting for the congregation of Beaumont Union, intimating that a few collections had been made on their behalf; and the presbytery feeling anxious that more aid should be rendered to them in the outset of their efforts to establish the ordinances of religion in that district, agreed to recommend their case to the christian liberality of congregations within and beyond the bounds of the presbytery. Congregations were recommended to hold a thanksgiving service for the late abundant harvest. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be held on Tuesday, the 21st of December, and to be held principally for the purpose of considering the state of religion in the locality; and of making arrangements for another series of visits to the congregations. The Rev. Mr Inglis, moderator, was appointed to open these deliberations, by giving a short address on the desirableness of religious revival, and making such practical suggestions as he may think useful for securing that important object.

Edinburgh. This presbytery met on Tuesday, 2d November. Commissioners laid upon the table the acceptance of the call from South College Street congregation, by Rev. Mr M'Ewan of Ayr. The presbytery agreed that the induction should take place. on Tuesday, the 23d instant-the Rev. Mr Semple, of Peebles, to preach, and the Rev. Dr Harper to give the charge to the minister and congregation.

Elgin This prebytery met on 9th November. There appeared commissioners from the congregation of Burghead, with a petition from said congregation, praying for a moderation in a call on an early day. The presbytery agreed to grant the prayer of the petition, and appointed a inoderation to take place on Wednesday the 24th current-Mr Simpson, Forres, to preach and preside.

Glasgow. This presbytery met on the 24Tuesday of Nov.,-the Rev. J. S. Taylor, moderator, pro tem. Before the calling of the roll,it was reported to the presbytery that, since last meeting, and on 23d day of Oct., the Rev. Dr Kidston had been removed by death, in the 85th year of his age, and in the 63d year of his ministry; and, after prayer, with the view of improving this announcement, Dr Kidston's name was taken from the roll of presbytery. Dr Lindsay was appointed moderator for the next half-year.

Messrs Thomson, M'Donald, Meiklejohn, Fleming, Potter, Morison, M'Queen, Walker, students under trials for license, delivered the greater part of their trials; and it was agreed to take the remainder of their trials with a view to license at next meeting. At an evening sederunt, there was read a report from the

missionary committee of the presbytery, in reference to the letter to the clerk, from the secretary of the Mission Board anent a mission to Ireland, as also in regard to the state of the mission funds; and it was agreed to take up this report at next meeting. A committee appointed to meet with the persons worshipping at the Stirling Square station, who had petitioned to be erected into a congregation, reported that they had admitted twenty-nine persons to fellowship. It was agreed that these persons be erected into a congregation, and that Mr Edmonds announce this decision to the petitioners.

Hamilton.-This court met on the 28th September-the Rev. A. M'Leod, moderator. In reference to the instructions of Synod to presbyteries, that "they should without delay call for, and review, the regulations according to which the financial concerns of the congregations under their charge are managed," appointed the different sessions to report on this matter, in writing, on or before the last meeting in January. This presbytery again met, on 26th October-Rev. A. M'Leod, moderator. Certificates from the Professors were read, stating that Mr John C. Weir, student of the fifth year, Mr John Mackie of the fourth year; Messrs William Martin, Robert Renwick, James Wilson, and James Muter of the third year; and Mr Robert Johnston of the first year, had attended the respective classes, and performed the different exercises prescribed to them. Mr Robert Johnston received a transference to the Glasgow presbytery. Mr John C.Weir, after the usual prior examinations, had various subjects prescribed to him as trials for license. The other students had also discourses and exercises assigned to them; and it was agreed that their examinations on the latter should be conducted by the whole presbytery, at meetings devoted exclusively to that work. Mr Struthers, convener of the committee to co-operate with the Synod committee on the Scholarship Scheme, reported that it be recommended to the various congregations of the presbytery to aid the Synod's committee, by subscription or collection, or both combined, and that they make a return to the presbytery a month before the meeting of Synod in May next. The presbytery tendered thanks to the committee for their diligence, adopted the report, and recommended accordingly.

gation of Maybole, tendered at last meeting, was now received by the presbytery with sincere regret, at parting with their esteemed brother, but not with disapproval of his having in the circumstances taken this step. The call to the Rev. David M'Ewan, Ayr, to be colleague to the Rev. Dr French of College Street Church, Edinburgh, was disposed of. Commissioners were heard from the competing congregations-from Ayr, appeared Messrs Martin and Dickie; from the presbytery of Edinburgh, the Rev. Dr French, and Mr J. L. Aikman,-and from College Street_congregation, Messrs Dick, Thomson, Drysdale, Dickson, and Bremner. After hearing parties, Mr M'Ewan was called upon for his decision, when he intimated that he accepted the call. The presbytery accordingly dissolved the connection between him and Cathcart Street Congregation, Ayr, and appointed intimation to be made in terms of this deliverance to the congregation.November 2, the presbytery met at Girvan, and ordained Mr John Stillie to the office of the ministry, and pastoral charge there., There was a very respectable attendance of members of presbytery-a full church in the forenoon,-crowded at the soiree,and a very numerous and most attentive audience on the Sabbath following, when Mr Stillie was introduced by the Rev. Dr M'Farlane, Glasgow.

Lanark. This presbytery met on the 9th of November-the Rev. Robert Cardine, moderator. Mr James Frame delivered three discourses as parts of trial for license, which were unanimously sustained. A petition was presented from the vacant congregation of Longridge, craving a moderation for the choice of a minister. After the usual inquiries, the prayer of the petition was granted; and the Rev. James Dunlop was appointed to preach and preside in the moderation, on the 23d of November. A number of the congregations reported that they had collected for the Synod fund, and several others, that they would do so as soon as convenient. the ministers of the presbytery were requested to call the attention of their respective congregations, on an early day, to the goodness of God in the late abundant harvest. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be held on Tuesday, the 7th of November.

All

Lancashire. This presbytery met in Manchester, 9th November-the Rev. Mr Graham, moderator. A petition was read from the congregation in Ramsay, Isle of Man, praying that a member of presbytery be appointed to moderate in a call for one to be chosen as pastor. The presbytery granted the moderation, and appointed Mr Inglis, of Kendal, to preside on Wednes

day, 24th November. A communication was read from Messrs Marshall and Somerville, in name of the Mission Board, and in accordance with its suggestion, and the rule of Synod, the ministers of Manchester and Blackburn, with their elders, were appointed a missionary committee for the present year, Mr Scott, convener. It was ascertained that, with two exceptions, all the congregations in the bounds had made missionary collections, and that the result had been on the whole satisfactory. Dr M'Kerrow reported that he visited Kendal congregation in the beginning of October, and held a meeting with Mr Inglis and his people; that the meeting was more encouraging than could have been expected, but the town was declining in population, and the congregation decreasing in adherents, and many circumstances appeared to combine in opposition to the United Presbyterian cause in that place. The presbytery unanimously expressed sympathy with Mr Inglis their readiness, also, to render him and his people every assistance in their power-and their hope that he may be directed for his own best interests and those of the congregation. Messrs Shorthouse and Hobbs being certified as having attended the Hall, the one as a student of the third, the other of the first year, subjects for examination, etc., were assigned them for next meeting. A petition was again received from parties in Bolton, praying that this presbytery would procure for them the services of a missionary, or otherwise send them supply of sermon. The presbytery expressed cordial sympathy with the people represented in that petition, but declined giving any decision on its prayer until next meeting, which is to be held in Birkenhead on second Tuesday of January 1853.

Melrose. The presbytery of Melrose met on the 12th of October. Mr Allison, student of divinity of the third year, was transferred to the presbytery of Buchan; and Mr Taylor of the first year, was transferred to the presbytery of Edinburgh. Mr Lumgair reported the arrangements made for the supply of Mr Williamson's pulpit; and the presbytery made such additional arrangements as were deemed necessary, in consequence of Mr Williamson's inability, as yet, to resume his ministerial labours. Certificates were read from the Professors, in favour of Mr Z. Baillie, student of the third year. Mr Baillie was appointed to deliver a discourse at next meeting, and also to give an account of the lectures during the last session of the Hall. It was agreed to recommend to the sessions within the bounds, to consider the propriety of setting apart a day, or part of a day, for offering thanksgiving to God for the late abundant

harvest. The presbytery called for reports in regard to the collections for the Synod fund, when it appeared that it had been made by the congregations generally. The missionary committee of the presbytery presented their annual report, received the thanks of the presbytery, and were reappointed. The committee consists of Messrs Thomson, Robertson, and Blair, ministers; and Messrs Darling, Hilson, and Dunn, elders. Read a letter from the Rev. Joseph Scott, anent the circumstances in which he is placed; and after some conversation, a committee was appointed to converse with him on the subject, and to report at the next meeting of presbytery. The presbytery meets at Melrose, on Tuesday, 21st December.

Newcastle. This presbytery met on 24 November, when a letter from Mr Rome was read, stating his acceptance of the call from Hull; and his trials for ordination were appointed to be given at next meeting of presbytery, on the 7th December. On a petition from some persons in Jarrow, for resuming supply of the missionary station formerly occupied there, a committee was appointed to make more minute inquiry, reference to be made to the neighbouring sessions, and in the meantime supply of preaching to be given by ministers in the presbytery. Mr Thomas Boyd, student of divinity of the second year, had some exercises prescribed to him, and a committee was appointed to examine Mr James Ker, student of the fourth year. In pursuance of the Synod's instructions, it was recommended that congregations report to the presbytery the regulations by which they manage their financial affairs; and after some conversation on the question of an English Synod, the full discussion of it was postponed till next meeting.

Perth. This presbytery met on the 9th of November-Dr Newlands, moderator. Mr W. Hutton, student in divinity, was transferred to the presbytery of Glasgow, Mr Imrie, who has completed his theological studies at the Divinity Hall, was appointed trials for license. The presbytery agreed to have an annual meeting for religious conference and devotional exercises. Messrs Marshall, Pettigrew, and Hay, were appointed a committee to prepare a report on the points referred to in a communication from the Mission Board respecting the state of our missionary contributions, to be given at next meeting of presbytery on Tuesday, 21st December.

CALLS MODERATED.

Peterhead. Mr Wm. Drummond, probationer, called 22d October-Mr Hunter, Savoch of Deer, presiding.

Mossbank.-The Rev. J. R. Scott, Creetown, called 13th November-the Rev. A. Macfarlane, Lerwick, presiding.

ORDINATIONS.

Girvan. Mr John Stillie, ordained 1st November-Mr Dickie, of Cumnock; Mr M'Fadzen, of Patna; and Mr Symington, of Kilmarnock, officiating.

Newbigging, Forfarshire.-Mr Alexander Millar, ordained 26th October-Mr J. P. Millar, Carnoustie; Mr Huston, Brechin; and Mr Johnston, Letham, officiating.

INDUCTION.

Edinburgh, College Street.-The Rev. D. M'Ewan, late of Ayr, inducted 23d Nov.-Mr Semple of Peebles and Dr Harper, officiating.

HOME MISSIONARY INDUCTION.

Gorbals.-The Rev. David M'Rae, late of Oban, was set apart to the home mission station at Gorbals, Glasgow, on 21st October-Mr Brown, of Wishawtown; Mr M'Gill, Dr Macfarlane, and Dr Anderson, of Glasgow, officiating.

OBITUARY.

Died, at Ibroxholm, near Glasgow, on the 23d October, the Rev. William Kidston, D.D., senior minister of the East United Presbyterian Church, Campbell Street, Glasgow, in the 85th year of his age, and 63d of his ministry. Dr Kidston was the father of the United Presbyterian Synod,

and the oldest minister in Scotland.

Died, at Leslie, Fifeshire, on 1st November, the Rev. John Johnston, minister of the United Presbyterian Church there, in the 38th year of his ministry.

SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATION.

THE examination of university students competing for scholarships in the United Presbyterian Church, commenced simultaneously in the four university cities of Scotland, on Wednesday, 4th November. The papers written on the occasion by the different students, in presence of a deputation from the scholarship committee, hav

re

ing afterwards been read privately, and their several merits adjudged, were ported on at a full meeting of the committee, held in Greyfriars' Session House, Glasgow, on 12th November. It was found that fifty-eight students had engaged in the competition-twenty-one at Edinburgh, fourteen at Glasgow, thirteen at Aberdeen, and ten at St Andrews. The numerical value of the different papers having been ascertained, and their sum cast up in the case of each competitor, it was agreed that scholarships should be assigned to twentysix out of the fifty-eight. The sealed envelopes revealing their several names were then opened. In the first section, the competitors being students who are to attend college at least three sessions before

applying for admission to the Divinity Hall, ten scholarships were assigned. In the second section, including students one year further advanced, the number of scholarships assigned was nine. In the third section, a year still further advanced, the number assigned was seven. The nature of the scholarship scheme does not permit the publication of the names of the successful competitors; but it may be allowed us to state, that they are furnished by the several university towns in the following proportions:--

1st Sec. 2d Sec. 3d See.

ful students had previously held scholarIn the second section, six of the successships; in the third section, all the successful competitors had their bursaries continued. We sincerely regret to find that the state of the funds did not admit of any increase this year in continued scholarships. All the examinators spoke in terms of high commendation of the progress manifest in the essays of the advanced competitors-proving clearly the satisfactory working of the scholarship scheme. We expect to publish, in an early Number of the Magazine, a specimen of the extemporaneous answers to the questions proposed in the department of English litera

ture.

INTERESTING ACCOUNTS FROM FLORENCE.

THE sujoined is taken from the "Christian Times," the writer of which has had access to evidence which is not yet laid before the public. It is another illustration of the doctrine, "that God makes even the wrath of man to praise Him, while the re

mainder of it He restrains." The Grand Duke, who is perhaps more to be pitied than to be blamed, as a silly tool in the hands of Jesuits, must have been confounded at the interest taken by the Protestant world in the case of a poor man and his wife, of whom nothing was known ex

cept that they loved the Bible, and were persecuted for reading it. It is a lesson, we hope, which will not be losť upon Italy, both as a warning and an encouragement. It is confidently expected, that the Madiais will shortly be liberated, on condition of leaving their native land.

"The gentlemen deputed to Florence on behalf of the Madiai have returned-re injectâ in one sense, but in another, and a more important one, having succeeded very much beyond expectation. The Grand Duke acted upon his prerogative, and refused to receive either the deputation itself, or the memorial of which they had charge; but we are glad to understand that, after some difficulty, Lord Roden was indulged with permission for an interview with Rosa Madiai, an event which took place under circumstances of touching interest, which will doubtless be given to the public. Even the iron hand of the Tuscan Government was unable to restrain the expression of popular sympathy at Lucca, when Lord Roden's mission was known by the inhabitants, and a crowd es. corted his carriage to the prison door. Both Rosa Madiai and her husband are kindly treated, and although she has been subjected to the indignity of the convict tonsure, we are informed that the reports which have been circulated as to the unwholesome character of her diet, and her being exposed to unseemly outcries proceeding from other persons in confinement, together with that of her working in chains, are unfounded. Amongst the incidents of substantive value which occurred, was the reception by the deputation of an address from the Protestant Christians in Florence, to whom this mission has given an importance in social position upon which it is difficult to lay too much stress. Hitherto they have been regarded as outeasts-in fact, proscrits-and such is the relentless persecution carried out in Tuscany, that although, in the providence of God, the specific case of the Madiai has been prominently brought forward, these honoured victims of Papal intolerance are but a type of a considerable class which, under various pretences, and in various localities, are at the present moment enduring bondage, and degradation, and physical suffering, for their confession of the Gospel. It is a fact which this most auspicious mission will proclaim to civilised Europe, that there are about 25,000 subjects of Tuscany, we believe in and in the immediate neighbourhood of Florence, who are diligently reading the Bible to ascertain what this way' really is, which, wherever it has asserted its righteous dominion, has elevated the understanding, has been forward to proclaim sympathy

with human suffering, has enlarged the regions of science, and has won trophies in every field, of civil, social, and political liberty. A proportion, perhaps, and probably a large proportion, of these persons are unconverted, but the remainder are exhibiting all the well-known features of earnest discipleship which those who are familiar with the early ages of Christianity know to be common to that honoured band that, by an instinctive necessity, is doomed to suffer. The ingenious devices to which they are driven in order to follow the yearnings of their hearts are touching beyond expression; a tyrant's hand prohibits their entering a place of public worship, and they have to read the Bible by stealth; in order to multiply copies of this to them the greatest of treasures, it has been known to have been actually copied out in manuscript. To such a blighting process does Popery reduce her votaries, and such anachronisms is she not ashamed to perform;

while, as no fraternal meetings are allowed, it has been ascertained that at a café two Christians have been known to meet, and at the humble board, under cover of their ordinary fare, they have contrived to spread a napkin, and thus, by twos and threes, they celebrate the Supper of the Lord. It is calculated that the supply of Bibles for these 25,000 readers, amounts to from 10,000 to 16,000; and it is beyond doubt that a spirit of earnest inquiry has been awakened which no effort or coercion will, by any means, be able to repress. We are given to understand that no question is entertained of the speedy release of the Madiai—an event, therefore, which may be looked for with but little fear of disap pointment. The impression which this movement on the part of the European nations has produced, has been profound and unexpected. In the Italian States a new complexion has been imparted to Protestantism;-men who were yesterday the offscouring of the earth have become all at once objects, if not of respect, at least of interest; and when crowned heads, and statesmen, and nobles, say that in the treatment of two humble servants at Lucca Volterra they feel an interest which has a reflex action upon themselves, the partizans of Rome must pause at least, before, in the broad glare of European light pouring a flood of indignant publicity upon their proceedings, they venture to proclaim themselves the unrelenting enemies of mankind. A new phase of national intervention has been exhibited unheard of before, and least of all carried into execution. This effort is without a precedent in the history of the world, but we trust that it will not be without a parallel. We may add, for the satisfaction of our readers,