Being asked whether he had returned the money, he replied, Why should I? I had eaten it all up while I continued a papist."

25th.-Sabbath.-Numbers came to avail themselves of Dr Grant's medical skill, and as usual, he embraced the opportunity, while administering medicine to the body, of directing them to the great Physician, who alone could heal the worst diseases of the soul. Among the patients was one young man, whose sickness was occasioned by the fright and effort of escaping from a bear. Another had been bitten by a serpent, which well nigh proved fatal; so that they are not only surrounded by savage men, but also by savage beasts and venomous reptiles.

"In the course of the day portions of the gospels were read, accompanied by practical remarks by ourselves. The churches of the mountains are made of stone, yet so poorly lighted as to require lamps even at mid-day. We accompanied the priests to the church to witness their services, which are all performed in the ancient language. After services, one of the priests, with a complaisant air, asked Dr Grant if their prayers were not good. He replied that he was not the judge of prayer; that prayer, to be good, must come from a sincere and contrite heart; and that he could not determine the state of the heart; that was God's prerogative; that the words might be very good, and at the same time the prayer, as offered by them, be offensive to God, as it might proceed from wrong desires and impure motives, and therefore be very bad. Referring them to the parable of the pharisees and publican, he exhorted them all to offer from their heart, the humble petition of the latter, which they could do without a prayer-book. These and similar remarks were listened to attentively, and appeared to make some impression on numbers who had collected around God grant that they may be accompanied by the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit."

us.

THE PRAYER UNION.-This solemn season for united prayer is now over, and, we believe, with no small amount of blessing left behind. It was widely and well observed, and will not, we trust, soon be forgotten by any who engaged in it. We do not think it necessary to dwell upon this subject either in the way of narrative or comment, yet we thought it right to register the fact, as one deserving no mean or common place in the church's history or the nation's annals, though scoffed at by a prayerless world; and as one which we are assured is recorded above in that book of remembrance which is written for them that fear the Lord, and that call upon his name. We earnestly hope that nothing will prevent the renewal of this proposal next season. The call for it becomes louder every year, and though it may be apt to degenerate into form or superstition, still the possible evil is small in comparison with the assured blessing.

REVIVALS.-In the island of Skye, there has been a very remarkable work of God proceeding for some time past. It appears, from the brief accounts that have reached our ears, to be deep and extensive. Not possessing, however, any minute or detailed narrative of the work, we must be satisfied with merely noticing the general fact.

At the last meeting of the Synod of Merse and Teviotdale (in October) the committee on the subject of revivals gave in their report. It was pretty long, but truly interesting, furnishing authentic results of inquiries made at the different ministers with regard to the work of God in their parishes. After it was read, several members addressed the Synod upon the subject, with a very solemnizing effect. The Moderator was then instructed to call on Mr Walker of Legerwood to offer thanksgiving to God for what had been wrought amongst them, and to implore yet more of the manifestations of his power and grace. Nearly two hours were occupied in the reading and consideration of this report, during which the deepest solemnity and interest pervaded the Synod. It was a scene worthy of a court of the Church of Christ. Would that there were

many such in all of our courts! The report was then ordered to lie on the table, a copy being meanwhile furnished to each presbytery for the perusal of all its members.

We noticed in our last the awakening at Charlinch, in Somersetshire, under Mr Prince. We hear that the believers continue to walk in the fear of the Lord, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. Mr P., as our readers, we suppose, know, was obliged to leave his charge there, his license being recalled by the bishop. He found refuge in another parish, where he continued to labour faithfully in the Lord, with no small success. In the midst of this, however, he has been again arrested by the bishop, and obliged to leave this second sphere of labour. The reason of his very peremptory prohibition, the bishop (of Ely) states to be his perusal of "The Charlinch Revival," which he deems so very enthusiastic, that he considers the author of it "unfit for the sober religion of the Church of England." Mr Prince's brother-in-law, Mr Rees, curate of Sunderland, a like-minded servant of Christ, has been compelled to quit his curacy in that place for like reasons, notwithstanding the remonstrance and petitions of a devoted flock of 1400 people. He preached his farewell sermon on Sabbath the 4th of December last, to an overflowing audience of not less, we believe, than 3000 people. His parting appeal to them was very solemn, the people were much moved, and God seems to have spoken by him to them on this occasion. Two witnesses have thus been silenced in the Church of England by ecclesiastical authority. Faithful ministers cannot be tolerated in that Church, and what will be the issue of all this?

It is clear now that we must take up the long-neglected duty of preaching the gospel through the whole breadth of the land, Scotland and England. We must shake off the trammels of delicacy, and custom, and fancied ecclesiastical law. We must go forth into the ungospelized parishes of the land to carry the glad tidings to all. Necessity is laid upon us so to do, yea, woe is unto us if we preach not the gospel. Let every town, village, and hamlet hear the full message of peace. They have been allowed to famish too long. We have shrunk from duty too long. It is time now, in these last days,—these days of thickening gloom, (precursors, however, of the glorious liberty), to gird up our loins, and, staff in hand, to go forth as evangelists of the cross to all who will listen to our message.

We rejoice greatly in mentioning to our readers that, ere the late Convocation broke up, they agreed, on the motion of an aged servant of Christ, to remember each other faithfully at a throne of grace, more especially on the Saturday and Sunday evenings, praying for each other, interceding for our church, and asking for the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Blessed conclusion to the noblest assembly of Christ's faithful ministers, that for two centuries at least, had met together, an assembly of men true to their Master, to themselves, true to one another, true to their church, true to their nation. An assembly not more of the godly, the zealous, the holy, than of the brave, the bold, the free.

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY.

The stated quarterly meeting of the Commission of Assembly took place on Wednesday in the High Church, Edinburgh, Dr Welsh, Moderator of last Assembly, in the chair. The attendance of ministers belonging to the majority was unusually large. Very few of the Moderate party were present, and these took no part in the business. There was a very large attendance of ministers not members.

BICENTENARY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY.

Dr CANDLISH, as convener of a committee appointed to consider a letter which bad been received from the General Assembly of the United States on the subject of commemorating the bicentenary of the meeting of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, which falls in July 1843, stated that the committee had no full report on the general subject of the commemoration, which would therefore require to be recommitted. A desire after more unity was rapidly extending in the Christian church. Communications on the subject, of a very delightful kind, had recently appeared from ministers and members of several evangelical denominations, including a very admirable one from the eminent and godly Independent minister, Mr James of Birmingbam. The unity desired was founded neither on popish uniformity, nor on latitudinarian compromise, but as an agreement on essential points, leaving those of a minor nature to be differed on. It had struck the committee that, on this occasion of the proposed celebration of the Westminster bicentenary, something might be done to follow out these breathings of unity in the way of a general meeting at London of the deputies from the various evangelical denominations at home and abroad. And in pursuance of this view, the committee begged to lay on the table the following interim report, reserving the full report till next stated meeting of Commission :"The committee have had under their consideration the letter from the Presbyterian Church in America, and also a letter from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, on the same subject; and while they are not prepared to suggest a detailed plan, they beg to make an interim report to the Commission, on one particular point.

"1. Besides the commemoration of this event by the several churches which hold the Westminster standards, separately and by communion with one another, the committee are of opinion that advantage should be taken of this opportunity for attempting a joint or united meeting of Christians of different denominations, on a still larger scale, and in a wider and more catholic spirit. In particular, if any demonstration is to be made in London, it is doubtful whether it should be restricted to those churches exclusively which adhere to our symbols. That in Presbyterian communities, as in Scotland, Ireland, and America, and among the Presbyterians in England, there should be solemn meetings, at which communications by deputations, or otherwise, may mutually be interchanged, is highly desirable and important. But, in addition, there is every reason to believe, especially from recent movements, that a proposal for a more general convocation of evangelical churches in London would be hailed with great satisfaction, and would be productive of much good; while it might be so arranged and conducted, on the principles of a united testimony against prevailing beresies and corruptions, of various kinds, as to have an appropriate harmony with the Westminster Assembly itself, which, while it aimed at unity and uniformity, had for one of its leading objects the fencing of the true Protestant Church, on every side, against anti-Christian errors.

"II. Following out this idea, it is suggested that a plan for the constitution of such a meeting might be framed, which would be sufficiently precise to exclude heresy and disorder, and yet sufficiently wide and catholic to admit of all who hold the Head, which is Christ, joining in the consultations, as well as in any measures which might be adopted for the advancement of the principles of the Reformation and the extension of the kingdom of Christ. Three points require, in this view, to be considered: -the parties who are to meet the terms of the meeting-and the objects to be sought.

"I. The parties who are to convene.

"1. These should not be mere volunteers, or self-constituted representatives of any section of the Christian church, but individuals duly named and commissioned by the respective bodies in whose name they are to sit.

"2. The bodies so naming commissioners should be either the supreme assemsemblies of those churches which have such assemblies; or, in the case of churches not having supreme assemblies, any association or society which is understood virtually to be the bond of union and the centre of action among any number of evangelical Christians.

"3. By correspondence among the churches having recognised organs, and by the appointment of a joint committee for this purpose, consisting of members of different churches, this preliminary point, as to the bodies which are to send Commissioners, and as to the number of Commissioners to be sent by each, might be arranged and settled.

II. The terms of meeting.

"1. Great difficulty might be felt in framing any thing like a general creed or confession of faith, in which all the Commissioners should concur. There are obvious objections to the statement of essential truth in terms more wide and comprehensive than the several churches have adopted in their respective standards; and there is manifest danger of schism or of latitudinarianism in such an attempt.

"2. But in entire accordance with the spirit of Protestantism, as well as with the exigency of the times, it is conceived that such a body of Commissioners from various evangelical denominations, might harmoniously and effectively meet and concur in a statement of errors renounced and opposed, rather than of truths held. And the errors which would require to be specified are of such a nature, that the mere denial of them would be a sufficient guarantee for substantial soundness of faith.

"3. These errors are chiefly of these kinds; and the terms might be stated in the form of a protest against socinianism or rationalism, popery, and what is called tractarianism. The protest would thus embody a denial and renunciation.

(1.) Of socinian and rationalist principles as these affect

1. The inspiration and interpretation of Holy Scripture.

"2. The doctrine of the Trinity.

"3. The person of Christ.

"4. The doctrine of the atonement.

"(2.) Of popish principles, as these affect

"1. The supreme and exclusive authority of Scripture.

"2. The doctrines of the mass, transubstantiation, purgatory, &c.

"3. The power of the priesthood, auricular confession, supremacy over civil rulers, &c.

“(3.) Of popish and tractarian principles, as these affect—

"1. The doctrine of justification.

"2. The doctrine of regeneration.

"3. The doctrine of the sacraments.

"4. The apostolical succession and the catholicity of the Church.

"III. The objects to be sought by such a meeting.

"1. The exchange of mutual and brotherly affection among various bodies of protestants might be expected to strengthen and encourage the several churches in the good work of the Lord.

“2. While the meeting would, of course, be strictly precluded from all authoritative interference in the affairs of any of the bodies represented in it, and while controversial discussion on matters on which they differ must necessarily be avoided, a free interchange of advice and consultation might be encouraged: and by prayer and the searching of the Word of God together, light might be expected to be cast on the principles of our common faith, and the duty and prospects of the church at large in the present critical state of the world.

"3. The various missionary operations of the several bodies or churches would furnish an interesting theme.

"5. The spectacle might be exhibited of protestant unity, as distinguished from popish uniformity and latitudinarian compromise.

5. Out of such a meeting, besides the immediate advantage of a suitable commemoration of the Westminster Assembly, and a pleasing opportunity of brotherly fellowship in the Lord, some plan for future fellowship and co-operation might arise." This report was, on the suggestion of Dr Candlish, ordered to lie over for consideration till next ordinary meeting.

CASE OF GARIOCH.

MR GENTLE of Alves, as convener of a committee appointed to deal with the

majority of the presbytery of Garioch for inducting Mr Middleton in opposition to the will of the people and the rules of the church, gave in a report, the substance of which was, that the committee had a meeting with the presbytery, at which much good feeling was expressed on both sides, but the members of presbytery would not admit that they had done any thing wrong. A lengthened paper, containing the substance of the conversation, was read.

DR CUNNINGHAM said there was no occasion to discuss this case at any length. The Assembly, in all its former proceedings in similar cases, had clearly marked out the course which the Commission ought now to pursue. He would therefore move, that the Commission resolve to serve these gentlemen with a libel, appoint a committee to prepare the libel, and summon them to appear at next meeting of Commission. MR CARMENT of Rosskeen seconded the motion.

The motion of Dr Cunningham was then unanimously agreed to, on which Mr Peterkin protested for all remeid competent in law.

Mr Middleton's case was then taken up, when a report of a similar nature was given in by the same conimittee, Mr Middleton's defence being, that he had obeyed the presbytery, who were his ecclesiastical superiors.

On the motion of Dr Cunningham, he was also ordered to be served with a libel. Mr Peterkin protesting as before.

CASE OF DAVIOT.

The Commission then took up the case of Daviot. It is well known that there are only ten male heads of families communicants in this parish, out of a population of about 1600 souls; and that a majority of these ten vetoed a presentee of the name of Mackintosh. That presentee was withdrawn, and another gentleman, Mr Clark, at present missionary in Granton, has since been presented. Six of the ten have again vetoed him; and the matter has been for some time before the church. It having been alleged that the six were tainted with schism, and were not duly qualified to exercise the privileges of the church, a former Commission appointed a committee, consisting of Mr Beith of Stirling, Mr Gray of Perth, Mr M'Lagan of Kinfauns, and Mr Stewart of Cromarty, to go to the parish, and personally to inquire into its state. Their report was brought up at the August meeting of commission, when we gave an abstract of the facts and opinions stated by the committee. We now only repeat, that they stated, that irregularities did exist in the parish, arising at first from the ministrations among them of one Peter Stewart, who used to come and catechise the parishioners; and that, though he is now dead, the same spirit still continues; that there is an unwillingness to attend the church, but that those who do not attend are the flower of the parish; and, farther, that these six communicants who had vetoed Mr Clark were not tainted with the schism, and had never withdrawn themselves from ordinances, though they had occasionally attended Mr Stewart. Parties having been heard at some length, were removed.

MR DUNLOP said, there could be no doubt that this was one of the parishes which presented difficulties in regard to the working of the veto act, which they all felt and acknowledged. At the same time it ought to be remembered that, in regard to this very parish, the Assembly of 1841 had resolved that there was no reason for excluding dissents on the ground of the fewness of those entitled to exercise the veto; so that, but for the special circumstances alleged in regard to this parish-but for the schism said to exist in it, there would have been no room for besitation, and no objection could have been taken in the case of that parish, or any other in the same district of the country similarly situated, to giving effect to the conscientious will of the people. He thought that the only difficulty the commission could have felt in giving effect to the wishes of the people, namely, the accusation of schism against the communicants, was now removed by the report of the committee, which testified that these communicants fairly represented the feelings of the parish at large. He entertained no doubt of the excellence of the character of the presentee; but he did not believe that his settlement in Daviot would tend to heal the breaches in that parish, or would be for edification. He could not, therefore, either in consistency with the veto act, or the interests of the parish, follow out any course other than that fol