gical curriculum, but as compensating for that he had attended the last session of the Divinity Hall of the United Presbyterian Church in Edinburgh. The report, in their examination on the subjects prescribed was highly satisfactory, and recommended that these trials be proceeded with.

the establishment of an Aged and Infirm Ministers' Fund.

Church, on the 8th of May, at half-past six The Presbytery of London met in Trinity P.M. This being the first meeting after the retiring moderator (Mr.M'Millan, of BourneSynod, public worship was conducted by the mouth), who also preached from 1 Kings x. 8, 9. The members present were Drs. M'Crie and Weir; Messrs. Chalmers, Duncan, Fisher, Keedy, Walker, Burns, Roberts, and Ballantyne, ministers; Messrs. A. M. Gillespie, Wilson, Garden, Bell, and Keiller,

elders.

On the motion of Mr. Duncan, the moderator was authorised to prescribe them subjects of trial discourses and examination. And in respect of the deficiency of attendance during Mr. Thom's theological course, the Presbytery agreed to refer his case to the Synod, with a request for leave to proceed with his trials for license along with the others. Dr. Weir to state the reference. Dr. Lorimer proposed that Mr. John Kelly be taken on trial in order to license; The Clerk of Synod having laid upon the and having stated that there was a pecu- table an extract minute of Synod, recognisliarity in the extent of his theological curing the congregation at Maidstone as a sancriculum, the Presbytery resolved to refer his tioned charge within the bounds, a temporary application to the Synod, accompanying it Session was appointed to it, Dr. M'Crie, with a request for leave to proceed. Dr. Hamilton to state the reference.

Dr. M'Crie was elected moderator for the current year.

moderator.

Dr. M'Crie brought before the Presby- of Scotland at Bracadale, Skye, and Mr. Mr. Fletcher, minister of the Free Church tery an application from the congregation at Davidson, minister at Birdhopecraig, were Maidstone, hitherto recognised as a preach-associated. ing station, to be admitted to the place of a Mr. Ballantyne, on behalf of the com regular sanctioned charge. The circum-mittee, on the examination of Mr. John stances having been fully stated, it was agreed to lay the application before the Synod; and Dr. M'Crie was authorised to support it before the Synod at its meeting in Sunderland.

Mr. Thomson made a statement relative to Woolwich, to the effect that, in consequence of representations made, the War Department had so far conceded his claims as acting-chaplain to the Presbyterian troops in the garrison of Woolwich, as to grant him the payment| of a fixed annual salary, instead of a sum per capita, as formerly; and that with the increased facilities thus afforded him, and with the expected aid of friends, he intended to employ an assistant in the civil and military portions of his charge. The Rev. Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Lorimer, and Mr. Ballantyne, having alluded to the importance of the step gained, and to the generosity of Mr. Thomson in devoting the personal advantage connected with it to the necessities of his flock, the Presbytery agreed to record the pleasure with which they have heard of the position thus allowed by Government to their brother, the minister at Woolwich, and their gratification at the prospect of his obtaining a fellow-worker in a field of labour becoming increasingly arduous and important.

A report from Harrow Road congregation was left for consideration at next meeting.

On the motion of Mr. Mackay, the Presbytery unanimously agreed to approve of the overture sent down by the Synod on

Kelly, gave in a satisfactory report, and the moderator was authorised to prescribe to Mr. Kelly subjects of trial discourses.

Messrs. Burns, Roberts, and Ballantyne, subjects of summer study to the theological were appointed a committee to prescribe students resident within the bounds. Mr. Ballantyne, convener.

The Presbytery of London met at 29, Queen Square, on the 22nd May, at three p.m. There were present Dr. M'Crie, moderator; Drs. Hamilton and Weir; Messrs. Chalmers, Burns, Fisher, Roberts, and Ballantyne, ministers; Messrs. Ritchie, Mitchell, Keiller, and Gillespie, elders.

The Session of Dalston applied to the Court to moderate in a call to a minister. The application was granted, and the 31st was fixed for that purpose.

The Presbytery agreed to sanction an appeal which the congregation at Rochester are making for funds to enable them to purchase Star Hill Chapel on advantageous terms.

Mr. Hunter, minister at Chester, was associated.

Messrs. Anderson, Brown, Thom, Laing, and Kelly, candidates for license, appeared before the Presbytery, with their trial discourses, all of which had been previously in the hands of ministers for examination. They were likewise examined orally in Hebrew, Theology, and Church History. The Presbytery having expressed their high ap

probation of all their trials, resolved to grant them license to preach the gospel. The moderator therefore put to them the appointed questions; and they having given satisfactory answers to the same, and subscribed the formula, he did, after solemn prayer to God, declare them duly licensed to preach the gospel within the bounds or wheresoever they may be lawfully called. At the close of an earnest and affectionate address on their position and responsibilities, the moderator gave them the right hand of fellowship, in which he was followed by all the members present. As this was perhaps the first time since the establishment of the College when so many of its members were sent forth at once from one Presbytery to preach the gospel, the transaction was felt to be both solemn and auspicious. And whilst it cannot be doubted that they are followed by the desire of many that doors of usefulness may be opened for them, and that the expectations of good service that have been associated with them may be realised, it is to be hoped that the places they have left vacant in our Divinity Hall will be more than filled, so that the ever-enlarging demands for the ministry of our church, at home and abroad, may be adequately met.

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND.

THIS Presbytery met at Alnwick, April 10th, 1860. Present-Mr. Benvie, moderator; Messrs. Edwards, Cathcart, Fergus, Davison, Forsyth, Douglas, Fotheringham, and the Clerk, ministers. A letter was read from Mr. Anderson assigning reason of absence, which was sustained.

The Presbytery then resumed the consideration of the best means of promoting a revival of religion within the bounds. Several members addressed the Court, and made valuable suggestions on the subject; the time set apart for the exercise having expired, and certain members not having yet had an opportunity to express their sentiments, the Presbytery agreed again to take up the matter at next meeting.

pect of his absence) he has previously communicated his reasons in writing to the moderator or clerk, who shall submit them to the Court, which was unanimously carried. In regard to the motion of which he gave notice at last meeting, Mr. Douglas craved leave to defer the subject till next meeting, which the Presbytery agreed to grant. The consideration of the overture anent the establishment of a fund for Aged and Infirm Ministers was then taken up, which met with the unanimous approval of the Presbytery. Next quarterly meeting will be held at Branton on the second Tuesday in July, at 12 o'clock. Closed with prayer.

PRESBYTERY OF LANCASHIRE.

THIS Presbytery met at Liverpool on May 2nd. Present-Rev. J. R. Welsh, moderator; Dra. McLean and White; Messrs. Lundie, J. C. Paterson, Brown, Davidson, McCaw, Henderson, Jas. Paterson, Johnstone, John Clelland, Halkett, and Inglis, ministers; and Messrs. McGill, Laing, and Waldie, elders.

Mr. Lundie brought forward the report of the committee on the mission near Ruabon, and moved as follows, which was seconded by Mr. James Paterson: "The Presbytery feeling desirous to give encour agement and support to the Presbyterian worshippers at Ruabon, and considering that they are at a distance of nineteen miles from the nearest Presbyterian church, agree to grant their request, that the sacrament of the Supper be dispensed among them, and they appoint Mr. Hunter, minister, along with Messrs. Henderson and Wilcox, elders, to draw up a communion roll, and to carry out this resolution of the Presbytery." Mr. J. C. Paterson moved, and Mr. McCaw seconded as follows: "The Presbytery feeling desirous to give encouragement and support to the Presbyterian worshippers near Ruabon, and considering that they are at a distance of only nineteen miles from the nearest Presbyterian church, request Mr. Hunter, of Chester, to visit them and A communication from Mr. Anderson in make arrangements for having the names of regard to Framlington was read. The the members of the Presbyterian Church Presbytery re-appointed Mr. Anderson to there placed upon the communion roll of moderate in the Session there till next quar- the Chester congregation, that they may terly meeting. Mr. Anderson having ten-attend at Chester for the dispensation of the dered his resignation of the Convenership of Lord's Supper." After discussion, Mr. the Newbiggin Committee, the Presbytery Lundie desired to add to his motion, thus: agreed to accept the same, and appointed" And to take a general superintendence of Mr. Edwards in his stead. such worshippers, and to report to the In terms of previous notice Mr. Fergus Presbytery when they may see cause." This moved that, in whatever case a member addition was not allowed by the casting shall be absent from a meeting of Presby-vote of the moderator. Whereupon the tery, whether ordinary or special, he shall Presbytery proceeded to the vote upon the be expected to state the reason or reasons of his absence to the Court at the next quarterly meeting ensuing, unless (in pros

original motions, when Mr. Lundie's motion was carried by 9 to 7. Mr. J. C. Paterson, in his own name, and in the names

PRESBYTERY OF NEWCASTLE.

of those who adhered to him, dissented, bytery agreed to meet on the 24th inst., to complained and appealed to the Synod, dispose of this call. took instruments and craved extracts, which were allowed. Messrs. McCaw, Davidson, Brown, and John Clelland, ministers; and Mr. McGill, elder, adhered to the dissent and complaint. Mr. J. C. Paterson gave in the following reason of dissent, and Messrs. Landie and James Paterson were appointed to answer it: "Because the Presbytery, while it consents to grant sealing ordinances to the people at Ruabon, makes no provision for the preaching of the gospel to them or the exercise of discipline, a state of things wholly anomalous and unprecedented."

On application from the interim Session of Warrington Church the Presbytery agreed to meet in hunc effectum in that church on the 10th inst., to moderate in a call to a minister, Mr. John Clelland, to preach and preside, and empowered that meeting of Presbytery to carry out the matter of this call to its issue.

Messrs. Lundie and Jas. Paterson, ministers; and Messrs. Smith and Waldie, elders, were appointed a committee to meet with the session of Canning-street Church and the Heath-street Mission Committee to inquire into the circumstances of that mission. The Presbytery were gratified to hear from the Rev. Mr. Micklejohn, at present labouring in that mission, accounts of the spiritual good which have resulted from the work of the mission.

THE Presbytery of Newcastle met at Sunderland on the 18th April by authority and instruction of the Synod, and was duly constituted. Present-the Rev. Colin A. Mackenzie, moderator; the Revs. Dr. Paterson, G. B. Blake, J. Brown, J. Black, A. Anderson, and J. Reid, ministers; with Messrs. Brewis and Dods, elders.

The Clerk stated that he had received all the documents in the case of the Rev. A. Hardie from the Presbytery of Kingston, C.W., viz., extract minutes of the Presbytery of Kingston, Presbyterial certificate, and extract minute of demission of his charge at Monkwearmouth from this Presbytery.

It was moved and agreed unanimously that the conduct of the clerk in writing for said documents be approved. And after deliberation, it was also moved and agreed unanimously, that, considering that the whole case of the Rev. A. Hardie having been referred simpliciter to the Synod for advice and direction, that the Synod having appointed a committee to consider this case and report, that the said committee having recommended the Synod to instruct this Presbytery to meet for further consideration of the case in the hope that this Presbytery may see its way to close the A committee, consisting of Messrs. J. C. same without further reference to the Synod; Paterson and McCaw, ministers; and in the peculiar circumstances of the case Messrs. Robert Barbour and Robert Lock-the reference to the Synod be withdrawn, hart, elders, were appointed to visit Preston and Derby to inquire whether there are any prospects of establishing Presbyterian congregations there, and to report.

A call from the congregation at Bradford was laid on the table with relative papers, which the Presbytery delayed in the meantime to sustain.

The committee on the preaching station at Swinton was re-appointed to arrange matters for the union of Wharton Church and that station in our ministerial charge, Mr. Davidson, convener.

Mr. Brown, of Leeds, intimated his intention to make an effort to raise subscriptions to liquidate the debt on his church, and requested the Presbytery to give him a recommendation of the case to lay before the friends of the church. The clerk was appointed to supply such a recommenda

tion.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Manchester on the 4th day of July next.

10th May. The Presbytery met by appointment in Warrington Church, when a call was given to the Rev. Andrew Inglis, of Chalmers Church, Manchester. The Pres

the clerk be instructed to keep the whole of the documents in retentis till such time as Mr. Hardie shall come forward to claim the same, and transmit an extract of this finding to the Presbytery of Kingston. The meeting closed with prayer.

Met for ordinary business in the John Knox Church, Newcastle, on the 8th May, at 11 a.m., and was duly constituted by the moderator. Present the Rev. Colin A. Mackenzie, moderator; the Revs. P. L. Miller, J. Jeffery, W. Wrightson, J. Brown, W. Dinwiddie, J. Black, A. Saphir, A. Anderson, and J. Reid.

The minute of the last meeting was read and sustained. Elders' commissions, in the usual form, from the Kirk sessions of Blyth, Falstone, St. John's, Monkwearmouth, St. George's, Gateshead, Hexham, John Knox, and Trinity, in favour of Messrs. Richard Hettle, John Crozier, Terrot Glover, John Burnop, Robert Brewis, Robert Falconer, Thos. P. Dods, Thos. Hinton, and Isaac Freeman, appointing them respectively to represent the said Sessions in this Presbytery during the current year. The commissions were read and sustained, and their names

they maintained in their native land, and with families growing up around them are now living in a state of practical hea

thenism.

CHESTER NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. -The bazaar (to which we directed the attention of our readers last month) in aid of the building fund of this church was held in the Music Hall, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 12th, 13th, and 14th April.

of land has been secured at "The Six Ways," a central and very suitable locality, and surrounded by a numerous and rapidly increasing population. A plain but neat structure has been erected on a portion of this land, to serve in the meantime as a church. This building is capable of accommodating two hundred people. It was opened for public worship on Tuesday evening, the 3rd of April, by the Rev. John Crowe, of Hanley, moderator of the The hall was beautifully decorated with Presbytery of Birmingham, and also modeflags, banners, and evergreens. The stalls rator of the session of the Cape church. After this service a congregational meeting were five in number, and were presided over by the following ladies :-Mrs. and Miss was held for congregational business. On Dickson, Upton; Mrs. F. A. Dickson, the forenoon of Friday, the 6th of April, Queen's Park; Mrs. Broadbent, Sealand; the Rev. R. D. Wilson, of Ebenezer Miss Lockhart, Sealand; Miss Ewen, Chapel, Birmingham, preached a sermon Bridge Street Row; Miss Knill, Queen in the same place, and in the evening of

Street; Mrs. Denman, Nicholas Street;
Mrs. Milligan, Upper Northgate Street;
Mrs. Haynes, Duke Street; Mrs. Rowe,
Queen's Park; Mrs. Fraser, Eaton Road;
and other ladies who kindly assisted.

Performances on the organ at intervals served to enliven the proceedings. There was a large assortment of articles for sale, and the receipts for the three days amounted to the handsome sum of £325.

BOURNEMOUTH.-On Thursday a lecture on the "Evidences of Christianity" was delivered in St. Andrew's Scotch Church, by the Rev. H. McMillan. The rev. gentleman reminded his hearers of the two great branches of the Christian Evidences, the one branch establishing Christianity as an historical fact, the other branch establishing Christianity as a Divine Revelation. The lecture was confined to the proof of Christianity as an historical fact. The points discussed were the genuineness, the authenticity, and the integrity of the books of the New Testament. These points were established with force and clearness well fitted to carry conviction to the mind of every one present. We are glad to learn that the Rev. H. McMillan contemplates preparing a catechism on the Evidences of Christianity, a work which will be gladly welcomed by all who wish to see the weapons for the defence of our faith against the attacks of infidelity brought within the reach of all. The want of such a work has been long felt by the instructors of youth.

OPENING OF A NEW PRESBYTERIAN PLACE OF WORSHIP AT SMETHWICK.The Cape Schools, erected about six years ago, by the late John Henderson, Esq., having by a decision of the Court of Chancery become the property of others, it has therefore been necessary for the Cape congregation to provide another place of worship for itself. For this purpose a piece

the same day a social meeting of the members and friends of the congregation was the Rev. Mr. Kent, who has been officiatheld. This meeting was presided over by ing for a short time to the congregation, and was addressed by him, and also by the Rev. T. H. Morgan (Baptist), G. Ingall (Independent), Richardson (Wesleyan), Messrs. A. Rankin, S. Grove, J. Criag, and J. Menzies, members of the congregation. On Sabbath, the 8th April, sermons were preached in the forenoon by the Rev. George Lewis, of Dudley, and in the evening by Mr. George Ingall, of Saltley. Collections were made after these services, as well as after the service on Friday forenoon; the total of these amounted to about £11. This sum goes to assist in defraying the expenses in erecting the church and of fitting it up for the use of Sabbath-schools. It is intended, when the present building becomes too small for the congregation that may be gathered out of the surrounding population, to erect a commodious church on the remaining portion of the land that has been secured, and to devote this building to the use of day-schools.

PROPOSED UNION BETWEEN THE
"ENGLISH" AND "UNITED"
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
THE subject of union with the English
section of the United Presbyterian Church
was first brought before our Synod, we
believe, at its sitting in Sunderland, in 1854;
and, as our readers know, it was again
brought up prominently at the late sitting in
April last. It may, therefore, be of some
use to reprint the following minutes of a
Conference of Delegates from the two
churches, held in Manchester in 1855, on
the subject of union :-

In compliance with the request of a Circular issued by the Rev. James Hamilton