having been laid on the table, it was agreed that the presbytery find it unnecessary to enter upon the consideration of papers from certain parties in Belfast congregation, laid on the table at last meeting, as the presbytery learn from a communication from the same parties that the church has been sold. On the motion of Dr Robson, the following overture to Synod was unanimously adopted: "That whereas various important advantages might accrue from more frequent intercourse on the part of presbyteries with congregations under their charge, it is overtured by the presbytery of Glasgow to the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church, that at its next meeting the Synod earnestly recommend to the several presbyteries of the church to take steps for having each congregation within their bounds, visited once a-year by a deputation of the brethren, with the view of affectionately urging the churches to hold fast the faith once delivered to the saints, to walk in the exercise of brotherly love, to be eminent in the grace of evangelical holiness, to give their vigorous energies to the support of gospel ordinances among themselves, as well as to such schemes of a benevolent and religious character as are or may be countenanced by the Synod." Dr Taylor, as convener of the committee appointed to consider as to the best means that might be adopted to increase the number of churches in this city, gave in the following report:

"The remit of the presbytery embraced two points, the propriety of attempting, by a kind of machinery somewhat different from any at present in existence, to bring under the influence of the gospel the multitudes who, in our city, are sunk in ignorance, poverty, and vice,-and the desirableness of increasing the number of our churches for the church-going portion of the people in a regular and systematic manner, so as to keep pace with the increasing population of the city. With regard to the former, the committee unanimously agreed to recommend the presbyteries to try the experiment of instituting a missionary church in some suitable locality, and appointing an experienced minister, with an adequate salary, who might give his whole time to the work of evangelising the outfield population in the vicinity of the place of worship-not as superseding but as supplementing the labours of the agents of that excellent and most deserving institutionthe City Mission. With respect to the proposal to increase the number of self-supporting churches as the rapidly augmenting population of the city may require-the committee are agreed in regarding it as a matter of very great importance, and one which the presbytery should keep steadily in view. But in the present depressed state

of trade and commerce, they consider that it will be expedient to delay the farther consideration of the subject in the mean time, more especially as the rules respecting the formation and constitution of congregations are at present under the consideration of presbyteries and sessions, and there is every probability that the whole question will be brought under the notice of the supreme court at its next meeting." The presbytery agreed to approve generally of the report, and to reappoint the committee to see how the object referred to may be best carried into effect. The ordination of Mr Brown, missionary to Caffreland, was appointed to take place in Cathedral Street Church, 26th April; and that of Mr Wild at Thornliebank on the 2d of May.

Kilmarnock. This presbytery met April 11, when a call was laid on the table from the church of Wigtown, in favour of Rev. A. Dalrymple, Tarbolton, and the congregation of Tarbolton summoned to appear at next meeting. A letter was read from Mr M. Dickie, accepting the call from Cumnock. The presbytery, by a majority,

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approve of a Supreme delegated court, on condition that the members composing it be returned only on the principle of rotation."

Kirkcaldy.-March 7th. A letter was read from the session-clerk of Kennoway, intimating that the state of Mr Douglas's health rendered it inexpedient at present to appoint his ordination, on which the presbytery agreed to defer appointing till next meeting, and expressed their cordial approbation of the Christian spirit which the letter breathed, and of the kindness which the congregation of Kennoway had manifested to Mr Douglas in his affliction. It was agreed that, in the case of the protracted affliction of any minister within the bounds, the presbytery should supply his pulpit every alternate Sabbath. It being reported that the Rev. A. Muir, Largo, had been unable to officiate for two Sabbaths past, and was not likely to be able to resume his duties for some time to come, several ministers were appointed to supply his pulpit. In regard to the interim forms of procedure, it was agreed to recommend the following amendments. 1. That, instead of the mode of constituting the Board of Missions prescribed in chap. ix. sec. iii. par. 1, the Board be constituted by taking a proportion of the members out of each presbytery, according to a fixed and definite plan. 2. That the Home Mission Board ought in no case to be allowed to interfere directly with, or to exercise any control over such congregations as require aid from the public funds; but that, agreeably to constitutional principles, all investigation

into the affairs of these congregations, and all control over them, be left (as in the case of the more favoured congregations) to the presbytery under whose inspection they are, and that all correspondence with them should be conducted through the same medium. 3. That the latter part of Rule 12, sec. iv. chap. ix., "It is expected also that," &c., be omitted. 4. That in chap. ix. sec. iv. Rule 7, a fixed instead of a varying sum be specified. 5. That edicts, and all notifications to congregations, be signed by the presbytery clerk alone. From the second recommendation Mr Hardie dissented, and begged to have it marked in the minutes, that he objected to the intervention of a committee at all, because, 1. The presbytery is the court which, according to the constitution of our Church, has the superintendence of the congregations within their bounds. 2. The presbytery is as competent as a committee to carry out these rules into practice. 3. To introduce a new power is virtually to divest the presbytery of its just right, and to supersede its authority. A minute of the session of Kinghorn, proposing certain amendments in the interim forms of procedure, was ordered to be transmitted to Synod. Mr Cowan recommended Mr Morris, student, for admission to the Divinity Hall.

Lanark. This presbytery met on the 14th March, and held a conference with the elders and Sabbath school teachers within the bounds; the Rev. David Smith in the chair. There was a good attendance, both of elders and Sabbath school teachers. The Rev. Mr Johnston of Lanark delivered a suitable address on the duties of elders, and on Sabbath school instruction. After the address there was a long and familiar conversation on the same topics, at the close of which the conference was closed with prayer and praise, conducted by the Rev. Alexander Banks. The presbytery then resumed, when the following motion was unanimously adopted, viz.,-That the thanks of the presbytery be given to Mr Johnston for his address; that the recommendation of the conference in reference to the formation of a Sabbath School Union, in connexion with and under the superintendence of the presbytery, be approved of, and that, with a view to the formation of such a union, the presbytery agree to invite all the elders and Sabbath school teachers within the bounds to a second conference, to be held at a time to be afterwards fixed, in the course of the ensuing summer; that, in the mean time, the presbytery agree to bring the subject of Sabbath school tuition under the consideration of their respective sessions and Sabbath school teachers, and take such steps as they shall consider neces→ sary, in their respective localities, for or

ganizing new schools in destitute districts, and increasing the efficiency of those now existing. The interim rules and forms of procedure were considered in the evening sederunt, and several alterations and additions suggested.-The presbytery again met on the 11th April; the Rev. Andrew Scott moderator. Heard Mr Sandy, student, deliver a discourse, which was received with approbation. The Rev. Messrs Andrew Scott and Nelson were appointed to represent the presbytery in the committee of bills and overtures. Reports were received from a number of sessions on the question of a representative assembly. After all the members present had been heard, it was found to be the unanimous judgment of the court, that in the present circumstances of our church, so soon after the union, the adoption of the proposed plan of a representative assembly would be inexpedient.

Newcastle. This presbytery met on March 14, when reasons of dissent from a decision of the presbytery in the case of Walker congregation by Messrs Bannatyne, Wilson, Houston, and Cochrane were read, and a committee appointed to answer them. On a petition from the congregation of Blackett Street, Newcastle, a moderation, with the view of obtaining a colleague to the Rev. D. C. Browning, was appointed to take place 30th April, Mr Wilson to preside. The convener of the mission committee reported, that he had issued circulars with statistical queries to the sessions, and had received a variety of returns. It was agreed that the committee be instructed to procure the returns which had not yet been rendered, that the whole of them be recorded in a book, to be accessible to the inspection of the presbytery, and that the committee report upon such cases as may require special attention. A circular was read from a Synodical committee proposing a deputation to visit the congregations of the presbytery in reference to Sabbath schools in the month of April; on considering which, it was moved that the presbytery cannot at present make arrangements for receiving a deputation in support of the Sabbath school scheme, but that a conversation on this subject be soon held by the presbytery. It was also moved, that the presbytery agree to express deep and cordial interest in the subject of Sabbath school education, and to accept of a deputation at a future and convenient time, to be agreed upon and fixed by the presbytery; that, in the mean time, a conversation be held on the general subject on an early day. The first motion was carried. The Rev. Messrs Somerville and M'Gill being now present, were requested to take their seats as corresponding members. The Synod's

remit as to a General Assembly was considered, when the general opinion of the presbytery was, that, whatever it may be necessary to do in this matter a few years hence, no alteration should, in the mean time, be made in the constitution of the Synod.

Paisley and Greenock.-April 4th. A number of persons, trustees of the property connected with the second congregation, Largs now dissolved, were present; and, having intimated their willingness to renounce all claims upon said property, provided they be freed from all pecuniary liabilities connected with it, a committee of presbytery were appointed to take the steps necessary in the case. Commissioners from certain parties residing in Gourock, were present with petitions praying to be elected into a congregation in Gourock, in connexion with the United Presbyterian Church. The clerk was instructed to give intimation to the sessions in Greenock, that they may report without delay. The presbytery, by a majority, agreed that it is desirable to have a delegated Supreme Court. Next ordinary meeting was appointed to be held in Abbey Close Hall, Paisley, on the first Tuesday of June.

Perth.-March 21st. A letter was read from Mr Swan, preacher, declaring his acceptance of the call from the congregation of Comrie. The committee appointed to meet with the congregation, Cupar-Angus, and their minister, with the view of effecting a reconciliation between them, reported that they had not succeeded in that object; and as Mr Reston, who had at last meeting laid his resignation of his charge on the presbytery's table, now appeared urging its acceptance, and commissioners from the congregation also requesting that it be accepted, the presbytery accepted it, and agreed to give Mr Reston a testimonial of his status as a minister in this Church at the time he demitted his charge. Mr Marshall was appointed to moderate in a call at Lethendy on Wednesday, April 4th.

Selkirk.-April 4th. A call from the West Congregation, Earlstown, addressed to Mr James Ballantyne, was presented, and unanimously sustained; and Mr Ballantyne, being present, accepted the same. Dr Henderson gave an account of his proceedings at the opening of the station at Innerleithen on 2d April, and of the favourable appearance of the meeting on that occasion. The presbytery expressed their gratification at the statement, and various members intimated their willingness to supply the station in succession, gratuitously, till after the meeting of Synod. In regard to the rules and forms of procedure, Messrs Baird and Lumgair, in

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timated, that their sessions unanimously approved of Mr Robertson's proposed amendments. It was agreed to recommend the following alterations and amendments:That at page 78, rule 4th, after the word church," the words "and for all home and congregational purposes" be inserted. That at page 81, rule 6th, after the word "addressed," the words "through the presbytery " be inserted, and to add the following words to the rule, "it being understood, that the committee be requested to communicate its proposed decision, with the grounds of it, to the presbytery, and to hear them before making it final." That at page 81, rule 7th, after the words, "the minister," the rule proceed thus, "and as the aim, in first place, is to raise all the stipends of ordained ministers to L.100 and a manse, that every effort be made to secure its realization, and that the stipend should in no case be below L.80 and a manse." And that a new and separate rule be introduced to the effect, "collegiate charges to be included in the provisions of the supplementing scheme, subject to such arrangements as may be deemed fit." That at page 82, rule 11 be omitted, because it states nothing more than what is the duty of all ministers, and makes an invidious distinction between ministers receiving supplement, and those ministers who do not; and also, that the last two sentences of the 12th rule be omitted; and that the words, "through the presbyteries' be inserted after the words, "Home Committee." After receiving reports in favour of the principle of a delegated Supreme Court from the session of Lauder, and Castle Street, Jedburgh, the presbytery agreed, nem. con., to report that they were favourable to a delegated Supreme Court. Mr Rodgie was appointed moderator for the next twelve months. The next meeting is to be at Edinburgh, on Tuesday the 9th of May.

INDUCTION.

REV. JAMES GIBSON, formerly of Dunfermline, to High Street Church, Brechin, in the Presbytery of Arbroath, 14th March.

ORDINATION.

ON the 20th April, Mr John Semple, probationer, was ordained pastor of the East United Church, Peebles, vacant by the resignation of the Rev. Thomas Adam.

PROBATIONERS LICENSED.

Mr JAMES MAILER, by Perth Presbytery, 21st March.-Mr JAMES WATSON, by Buchan Presbytery, 11th April.

CALL MODERATED.

Berwick.-Zion Chapel. Mr. Hugh Dunlop, probationer, called 6th April.

PASTORAL RELATION LOOSED.

REV. DAVID RESTON, ordained A.D. 1828, was loosed from 2d Congregation, Cupar

Angus, Presbytery of Perth, on March 28; received testimonials of ministerial standing.

REV. GEORGE WALKER, ordained 1840, was loosed from the Congregation of Johnshaven, Presbytery of Arbroath, on March 22d, being about to proceed as a missionary of the United Presbyterian Church to Nova Scotia.

PROGRESS OF REVOLUTION IN FRANCE.

THE stupendous events which are taking place on the continent of Europe follow each other in such rapid succession, that in our brief review for this month we cannot pretend to give even the most meagre sketch of those belonging to the history of the last four weeks. This, indeed, is of less consequence, as the various governments affected by the spirit of reform and revolution, so suddenly raised in Paris, are still in a transition state; and we must wait some time longer, ere we can have any thing but the most doubtful conjecture as to what shape they shall finally assume. The provisional government of France, if we consider the difficulties by which they are surrounded, aggravated as these are by the partisans of the extinct monarchy, who are mischievously employed, both in France and England, in endeavouring to perpetuate the confusion and panic, are maintaining their position with remarkable energy, dignity, and success. Peace has prevailed all along in the capital, and disturbances which had been excited at Lyons and elsewhere, have been effectually suppressed. The planting of " trees of liberty," and similar follies, which might have led to confusion in Paris, have also yielded to the decision of the government, and been brought to an end-a triumph to peace and good order that must have proved not a little mortifying to the enemies of liberty. That a disposition exists on the part of some of the chief monarchical powers of Europe to interfere forcibly with the internal affairs of the young French Republic, is hardly to be doubted; but it is equally plain that, while the present feeling in regard to international affairs prevails in the provisional government, no feasible excuse will be afforded for such interference. The general policy of Lamartine, the minister of foreign affairs, is admirably set forth in a circular addressed by him to the representatives of the new French government residing at foreign courts, and is exemplified most unexception

ably in the language of the same minister in his answer to an address of congratulation presented by a deputation of Irish repealers. These two documents afford the best guarantee for the peace of Europe that has been furnished since the events of February. The circular, notwithstanding its poetical and Frenchified style, which certainly does contrast with the cold business form of such letters in ordinary use, contains many noble and statesmanslike principles, beautifully and eloquently expressed. The reply to the Irish sympathizers, as it affects us more directly, deserves that we quote a few sentences. After some words of French compliment, which told upon the Irish deputation, Lamartine continues, "As regards other encouragements, it would neither be expedient for us to hold them out, nor for you to receive them. I have already expressed the same opinion with reference to Germany, Belgium, and Italy; and I repeat it with reference to every nation which is involved in internal disputes, which is either divided against itself or at variance with its government; where there is a difference of racewhere nations are alien in blood-intervention is not allowable. We belong to no party in Ireland or elsewhere, except that which contends for justice, for liberty, and for the happiness of the Irish people. We are at peace, and we are desirous of remaining on good terms of equality, not with this or that part of Great Britain, but with Great Britain entire. We believe this peace to be useful and honourable, not only to Great Britain and the French Republic, but to the human race. We will not commit an act, we will not utter a word,-w -we will not breathe an insinuation, at variance with the principles of the reciprocal inviolability of nations which we have proclaimed, and of which the Continent of Europe is already gathering the fruits. The fallen monarchy had treaties and diplomatists -our diplomatists are nations-our treaties are sympathies. We should be insane, were

we openly to exchange such a diplomacy for unmeaning and partial alliances with even the most legitimate parties in the countries which surround us." Lamartine seems to understand the Irish. An apt pleasantrya cleaver hit-would upset them if they were met at their mother's wake. With great adroitness the French minister continues:-"Do you know what it was which most served to irritate France, and estrange her from England during the first Republic ? It was the civil war in a portion of our territory, supported, subsidized, and assisted by Mr Pitt. It was the encouragement and the arms given to Frenchmen as heroical as yourselves, but Frenchmen fighting against their fellow-citizens. This was not honourable warfare. It was a Royalist propagandism waged with French blood against the republic. This policy is not yet, in spite of all our efforts, entirely effaced from the memory of the nation. Well, this cause of dissension between Great Britain and us, we will never renew by taking any similar course." In vain does Mr Smith O'Brien, the leader of the deputation, attempt on his return to Dublin to qualify this blank denial of help to the Repealers, by alleging that the clubs of Paris offer him 50,000 men to help in wresting the measure of Repeal. Lamartine's reply is decisively a sore discouragement to the Young Ireland party, as it must have strengthened the Republic with all the governments of Europe.

The provisional government have certainly a difficult business in hand. In particular, by assuming the directorship of industry, they have inveigled themselves in a net which they must soon break asunder, or they shall be involved in inextricable confusion. To fix the hours and terms of labour, and to find work for every body, are powers which might be used to the incalculable injury of the working man. They involve, indeed, a surrender of his right to sell his labour in the best market; and only the selfish ignorance apparent in the conduct of the railway-labourers, in driving away English workmen, and demanding for themselves a full day's wages, whether they give labour for it or no, could account for the pressure of such a demand. We wait anxiously for the result of the general election of members to the National Assembly, to determine whether this and similar measures are to be permanently sanctioned.

GERMANY AND ITALY.

THE affairs of Germany and Italy, during the last month, are full of the deepest interest as affecting liberty and religion. A national congress, consisting of representa

tives from the various German states, has been held at Frankfort, for the purpose of organizing a system for the maintenance of their rights and liberties; and has issued an address, directing the election of a constituent national assembly, the members of which are to be chosen on the principle of universal suffrage. The principal sovereigns interested, with the exception of our countryman, King Ernest of Hanover, have contrived, with what grace they might, to acquiesce in this proceeding on the part of their subjects. The King of PRUSSIA has even revoked his own electoral law, and annulled the elections made in conformity with it, for the purpose of meeting the views of the congress. In reference to King Ernest's declared intention, to forbid an election in Hanover in conformity with the resolutions of the congress, the liberal party seem to be very much at ease, and say (to use the language of one of them), "I wish he may be mad enough to try." The King of DENMARK, who has a stake in the German movement, in consequence of his Duchy of Holstein-Schleswig, lying within the limits of the fatherland, has taken the field against this portion of his subjects. Warlike operations are at the same time going on between the Austrians and the people of the Italian states, hitherto under the Austrian sway. The Emperor of Russia, it is declared, after setting his troops in motion towards the frontier, felt his courage fail on hearing of the Frankfort congress, and the submission of his brother monarchs in relation thereto, and is joining hands in amity with republican France. In ITALY the Pope has granted the promised constitution; and deputies, ninety-nine in number, sent up from the various papal states, will now share in the government of Rome quoad civilia; while the Duke of Parma and Placentia has accorded to his people a representative assembly, freedom of religious opinion (though Romanism is still to be the state religion), and liberty of the press. The opening up of so many different countries to the efforts of evangelical Christians, presents a loud call to prudent Christian enterprise ; and it becomes the churches of this and other Protestant countries to watch and pray for the best means of improving so precious an opportunity.

ALARMS IN GREAT BRITAIN.

THE present state of political affairs throughout Europe lends an appearance of importance which, in ordinary circumstances, they could not claim, to multitudinous gatherings, and other displays of popular strength in our country. On this account, much anxious concern was excited a few days ago, by the announcement of a