and in this aim it is eminently successful. The Life of Christ is divided into fifty-two lessons-one for each Sabbath in the year. The plainer topics in each passage are simply indicated; the more difficult, explained, either by a brief sentence, or by a reference to some Scripture in which the necessary information is contained. By the use of this work, parents will be able to throw great interest into their Sabbath evening readings with their children.

WELLINGTON, As Warrior, SenaTOR, AND MAN. By T. BINNEY.

London: Hamilton & Adams.

WELLINGTON and WAR. By NEWMAN HALL, B.A.

London: Snow.

WELLINGTON and VICTORY: or, Christians More than Conquerors. By the Rev. A. MORTON BROWN, LL.D., Cheltenham.

London: Snow.

DIVERSITIES OF GLORY: or, the Study the Senate-the Camp-the Church. By GEORGE PALMER DAVIES, B.A., of Wandsworth.

London: Ward & Co. THESE discourses, delivered on the same occasion, have one great aim in common,to improve the living, by the history, character, and death of England's most illustrious general. Mr Binney's is a noble burst of Christian eloquence-elevated, generous, philosophical, and discriminating. Mr Hall's-elegant throughout, contains some passages of remarkable force and beauty. Dr Morton Brown-from a text which has to be slightly misapplied to serve his purpose-makes admirable use of the Duke's achievements in commending the nobler warfare of the Christian hero. Mr Davies' discourse is briefer than any of the other three; but is worthy of a place beside them, for its ingenuity, freshness, sound Christian sentiment, and tasteful style of composition.

THE HIGHLANDS; THE SCOTTISH MARTYRS; AND OTHER POEMS. By the Rev. JAMES G. SMALL, Bervie. Third Edition.

Edinburgh: Johnstone & Hunter. WITH no common delight we have revisited in imagination the scenes of native grandeur and romantic historical interest depicted in

the poem of "The Highlands." Mr Small looks upon the varied face of nature with an eye, not, indeed, "in fine frenzy rolling," but beaming with Christian intelligence and true poetic feeling; and in the expression of these, he builds the lofty rhyme-the difficult Spenserian stanzawith remarkable ease and grace. "The Scottish Martyrs" gives a glowing sketch of the progress of the Reformation from the martyrdom of Patrick Hamilton to the close of the Covenanting era. Some of the minor pieces, particularly those descriptive of the sufferings of Christian confessors-as "The Martyrs of the Isles," "Lines written in Galloway," ," "The Battle of Drumclog," "The Martyrdom of the Marquis of Argyll" -possess high merit, both of conception and diction.

In Mr Small's martyrology of Scotland a wide gap occurs-extending from the sufferers of "The Pentlands" to the heroes of the Disruption. In his readings of Scottish Church history, he seems to have discovered during that long interval no contendings for Christ's prerogative as sole head of the Church, till the occurrence of the Auchterarder case (as we understand him), and then

"Again the trumpet-call to arms is heard,

And all the camp from end to end is stirred;
Again each warrior girds him for the fight,
Again a thousand swords are gleaming bright,
Again a banner floats upon the air,

Still are these sacred words emblazoned thereCHRIST'S CROWN AND COVENANT. Ho, all ye who prize

The rights your fathers died for, wake, arise!

Our poet must surely have learned ere this that he need not have been so alarmed. There were no threats of re-enacting the scenes of the Grassmarket and the Bass; it was only the stipends, glebes, and manses that were imperilled; and as soon as the holders of these were ready to part with them,- -as other good men had done before for a similar cause, they were permitted to maintain Christ's Crown prerogative in all its integrity. We admit that the call to part with national emoluments was a test of the martyr spirit; but we wonder Mr Small's muse did not suggest to him that the test had been borne by the Fathers of the Secession and Relief Churches, who struggled for Christ's Crown rights, not simply against the encroachments of civil power, but against that power backed by a tyrannical General Assembly.

CONTINENT OF EUROPE.

From information recently published, chiefly through the medium of the Evange

lical Alliance, or the very useful monthly periodical conducted under its auspices, we collect a few facts respecting the religious condition of some of the continental

countries, sufficient to awaken sympathy, or to create hope, in all the friends of truth. In Russia the most remarkable feature in the ecclesiastical matters of late has been the efforts, honourable or dishonourable, to bring into conformity with the national religion all within the empire who profess any other creed. These efforts have attracted notice especially in the western provinces, which being originally German, were protestant in religious profession. Among these the proselytism has had a success much to be deplored. Because, although it must have been a merely nominal protestantism which they could renounce, in order to embrace, for the sake of worldly advantage, the grotesque rites of the Russian Church, yet under any modification of protestantism, they were nearer the Bible, and had more liberty of conscience, than in a church nothing behind that of Rome in corruption and intolerance. From an official report presented to the Emperor by his home secretary for the year 1849, it appears that in the course of that year there joined the Russian Church 2703 Protestants, 1473 Romanists, 1787 Jews, 11 Armenians, besides 1150 heathens, and 828 Mohammedans. In Sweden, where Protestantism under a Lutheran form has long been degraded by intolerance, a struggle for religious freedom has commenced, which now bids fair to gain speedily its object. The state church there, like other state churches having the power, has of late been showing much zeal in putting down conventicles and Bible expositions, and religious meetings conducted by laymen; while very forbearing as to the moral character, and religious sentiment of its own clergy, provided they do not greatly offend public decency by their conduct. But a "Society for Religious Liberty' has at length been organised, and is taking cautious, but decisive, measures. Religious liberty will thus soon become a matter of general discussion in the country. One great meeting was held to promote it in 1850, another in 1851, and a third was announced for 1852, of a character likely to be more influential than either of the preceding, and sufficient to awaken much alarm in the state church. This important meeting was held on the 20th of July last, at Helsingborg, a town adjoining the country of Denmark, where the meeting of the previous year had also been held. No disturbance was given to the meeting by the authorities. It was attended by forty clergymen, and as many schoolmasters, besides many of the nobility of Sweden, ladies of rank, and others of the middle and agricultural classes. Among various subjects for consideration previ

ously arranged, that on the state of religious liberty in the country occasioned a very animated discussion. It was put in these terms "What is the amount of religious liberty guaranteed to Swedish citizens by the 16th paragraph of the Form of Government?" An old law did exist which forbade all meetings in private houses for reading or singing, or preaching the Gospel; under the authority of which law—although, as has turned out, now abrogated-the persecution of all meetings for cultivating vital religion had been perpetrated. To a Roman Catholic priest they have been indebted for bringing to light that more recent article of the Swedish constitution which secures to all liberty of conscience in religion. In an action brought against this Romish priest by the consistory of Stockholm regarding proselyting, the advocate employed by the priest, reminded the court, that religious liberty was now the law of the country! The fact was this, that the existing constitution or form of government was drawn up in 1809, after the dethronement of Gustavus IV., when a spirit of liberty was generally aroused in the country. And in this constitution the 16th paragraph runs thus:"The king shall not force any man's conscience, nor suffer it to be forced; but shall protect every one in the free exercise of his religion, so long as he does not disturb the peace of society, nor occasion public scandal." But when Bernadotte, in 1810, became crown prince, his policy being to secure the support for his throne of the hierarchy and nobility, this law, which secured religious liberty, was allowed to lie dormant, and was forgotten; no one ventured to name it, or, during the last thirty years, even remembered it. Now it is brought under notice, and the public prosecutor in the action against the priest, admitted in his closing appeal, that by that article in the constitution, religious liberty was now the law of the land; but stated, that as this law had not hitherto been practically applied, he was necessitated to crave that the sanctions of older laws against proselyting be carried into effect. This unlooked for discovery has given to the friends of religious liberty in Sweden a feeling of exultation. In the meeting at Helsingborg, it appeared like a hand from the clouds extended for their help; and the meeting loudly proclaimed the validity of this article of the constitution. They made their appeal to the judges of the land, and claimed their decision in favour of that religious liberty, which it was now evident that Sweden, de jure, possessed. A petition was prepared for general signature, praying his majesty the king to grant the same religious liberty here, as had been for several

years granted to Norway, namely,-1st, Liberty to hold religious meetings in private houses. 2d, That he would formally repeal the old law which sentences Swedish subjects to banishment, if they leave the communion of the Lutheran church. This

new phase which the question has assumed in the land, has awakened general terror among the conservatives, and especially among the senior clergy. They profess to consider the whole of Christendom in danger, according to the usual outcry of state priests, when their own monopoly, or their ecclesiastical pre-eminence, is threatened. In France, the political changes which have been, and are still in progress, are to some extent not encouraging to the friends of the Gospel in that country; but still they allow much ground for hope and perseverance. The Roman Catholic clergy, no doubt, have a large measure of countenance from the public authorities; but it would be an error to estimate highly their power over the masses, with whom they no longer possess much of either spiritual or moral influence. And should another revolution occur in France, which can scarcely be at any great distance, the Roman Catholic clergy, already gravely compromised in public opinion, will experience, with fearful retribution, the disastrous effects of the storms which are at this moment accumulating over the country. Since the 25th of last March, the Protestant churches of France have been placed under a new law as regards their organisation; which law has been received by these churches generally with satisfaction; although it cannot be viewed favourably by those who wish religion to be exempted from all state connection. A permanent central council at Paris is charged to represent these churches officially, in their communications with government; and by means of it the Protestants will be able to cause their grievances, as well as their suggestions and requests, to be heard; a privilege which, it is thought, may in a great many cases afford immense advantage. The men who compose this council are all taken from the leading Protestants; and it is presided over by one who is entitled to the highest confidence of all the friends of evangelical truth. In Paris, a city mission has been established in the course of the year, under an association of young men, several of whom are distinguished by eminent piety, and have devoted themselves zealously to the work. A number of evangelists and colporteurs have also been recently set to work in the capital; and a Sunday school association has been formed. A sisterhood of Protestant ladies of charity has also been established, on whom will devolve the charge of visiting the sick in the hospitals of the

capital. And it is now ruled that these ladies shall have free access to all the hospitals; and it is even expected that this license will be extended to all the principal towns of France. In the provinces, throughout France, the Roman Catholic population are very eager to hear the word of God. And although, in several quarters, the municipal authorities have given opposition to the preaching of the Gospel, yet this opposition has rather increased than lessened the interest awakened among the people. In one commune, until lately Roman Catholic, the inhabitants, despairing of obtaining an evangelist, resolved to meet regularly and edify each other, and applied for a book of prayers, and some collection of sermons, to assist them in carrying out their design. The free circulation of the Scriptures by colportage has been greatly hindered by some new regulations issued in reference to this itinerant mode of merchandise. In Belgium, where, until recently, the Roman Catholic religion had undisturbed sway, conversions from it to evangelical religion are constantly occurring. And although, with few exceptions, it is the poor and despised of this world, as usual, who have embraced the light, yet exceptions do occur, and will increase. Some priests have renounced the Church of Rome; and after due probation, have been consecrated to the evangelical ministry. In this country, as in France, popery is, on the whole, decidedly losing ground. Indeed it would be difficult to find there one who is a Roman Catholic from conviction; nominally professors of this religion, it is indifference as to everything religious, and actual infidelity, that occupy the minds and hearts of the population. But, then, to cast off the name of the prevalent religion would be to forfeit their position in society, and incur more or less of stigma and reproach, if not of personal danger. However, the condition of Protestants in Belgium differs in one respect materially from that of their brethren in France; in that they enjoy, without hindrance, all the rights guaranteed to them by their constitution; and have only to maintain the conflict of the Bible and truth with the Romish clergy, a body more powerful, it is true, than the clergy of France would be, if left to stand by themselves; but wielding, on the whole, a far less formidable influence, because they occupy a less ambiguous position than do the clergy of France, who are backed by their government. In Switzerland, no instance of persecution on account of religion has occurred during the past twelvemonths. The brethren of the Free Churches of the Canton of Vaud, have had no fresh difficulties cast in their way. These young churches appear to have acquired stability,

and are likely to increase in strength. The Evangelical Society of Geneva continues its labours in Switzerland, France, and Italy. It employs twenty-six labourers, including ministers, evangelists, and schoolmasters. Its Theological College had last year thirty students. Of the students who have been educated in this seminary, there are in Switzerland eighteen who are pastors, nine of them in the National Church, and nine of them in the Free Church; in

France thirty, of whom twelve are in the National Church; in Belgium there are nine; and in Italy there are seven.. These are hopeful results; and an extensive amount of good may be expected to flow from this valuable institution. The numerous annual religious meetings were, this past year, all held in their customary localities; and in Geneva and elsewhere, were extremely well attended, and most edifying.

PRESBYTERIAL PROCEEDINGS.

Annandale.-This presbytery met at Lockerbie on the 30th November last-the Rev. John Riddell, moderator. Mr W. C. Young, student, who has completed his theological curriculum, was, after the usual examination, received on trials for license, and delivered an exegesis and thesis, which were sustained with approbation. The next meeting of presbytery is to be held at Ecclefechan, on the last Tuesday of January

curt.

Buchan.-At the meeting of this presbytery, on 23d November, a call, addressed to Mr Robert S. Drummond from the congregation, Peterhead, was unanimously sustained, and trial discourses appointed to him. At the request of the session, Mr Hunter was appointed to preside at the dispensation of the Lord's Supper there on the second Sabbath of December. Messrs Lind, Allison, and Balfour, with their presbytery elders, were appointed as the committee of the presbytery on missionary affairs-Mr Lind, convener. It was reported that all the congregations, with one exception, had made collections for the Synod's annual fund. A duplicate statement of income and expenditure of the congregation of New Deer was presented and read, in compliance with the injunction of Synod, to those congregations whose ministers' stipends are supplemented by the funds of the church. The treasurer was instructed to collect and transmit to Aberchirder congregation the proportion due by the presbytery of the sum voted in aid of that congregation for three years. Messrs Allison and M'Arthur read each an exegesis, which in both cases was unanimously sustained; and they were enjoined to attend next meeting, for examination on the languages, according to the author

ised form. It was agreed to take up at next meeting the remits from the Synod to presbyteries. Next meeting to be held at Stewartfield on the Tuesday after the third Sabbath of February.

Cupar.-This presbytery met in Burnside Church session-house on 23d NovemberMr Gray, moderator. Reports were given in from several of the sessions on the regulations according to which the financial affairs of their congregations are managed, and those sessions which had not reported were instructed to do so by next meeting. The clerk read a communication from the treasurer regarding the annual collection for the Synod's general fund; and the congregations which had not yet collected were ordered to do so without delay. Read a petition from Kettle congregation, praying the presbytery to appoint one of their number to preside in a moderation for a call. Read reasons of protest and appeal against the deed of the congregation in this matter; and, after hearing parties, the presbytery agreed to delay granting a moderation, on the ground of want of harmony; and counselled all parties to mutual love and forbearance. After disposing of a case from St Andrews' session, the presbytery adjourned to meet in the same place on the Tuesday after the third Sabbath of January 1853.

Dundee. This presbytery met on 7th December-the Rev. George Gilfillan, moderator. Granted a transference to Mr D. M'Owan, student of the fourth year, to the Perth, and Mr George Barclay, of the fourth year, to the Berwick presbyteries. Assigned subjects of discourse to Mr David Mair, student of the third year; Mr William Lauder, of the second year; and Messrs Alexander Doctor and James Forester, of the first year. Read a letter from the Synod's treasurer, stating the congrega

tions in the presbytery that had not made the Synod's fund collection in October last. Found that some in the list had since made it. Instructed the rest to do so. Read the remits of Synod regarding ministerial support and congregational statistics; but delayed their consideration. The next meeting of presbytery on Tuesday, 8th February.

Edinburgh. This presbytery met on Tuesday, 7th December-Rev. Mr Cooper, moderator. Discourses were heard from various students under trials for license. The mission committee reported that returns to their queries respecting the amount of money sent in by the several congregations of the presbytery to the Mission Board had been as yet only partially received. After some conversation, the committee was re-appointed, with instructions to bring up a full report at next meeting. Falkirk. This presbytery met on the 7th December-the Rev. Mr Gardiner, Kincardine, moderator. A certificate was received from the presbytery of Dunfermline, transferring Mr Andrew Wilson, student of the third year. Exercises and examinations were appointed to him. Mr Thomas Baxter, student, gave all his trials for license, to the satisfaction of the presbytery, and was admitted a preacher in connection with the United Presbyterian Church. Mr Alex. Grosart, student of the second year, after presenting some exercises, received certificate of transference to the presbytery of Edinburgh. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed for the first Tuesday of February 1853.

Glasgow. This presbytery met on 14th December, and was occupied the whole sederunt with hearing discourses from students under trials for license.-The presbytery adjourned, and having met next day, concluded the trials of candidates for license, and the following students received licenses as probationers: Messrs. W. Fleming, W. M. M'Donald, G. M'Queen, J. C. Meiklejohn, Walter Morrison, J. G. Potter, W. Thomson, W. Walker.

Lanark. This presbytery met on the 7th of December-the_Rev. Robert_Cordiner, moderator. The Rev. James Dunlop reported that he had preached and presided in the moderation of a call at Longridge, on the 23d of November, and that the call and been given by a considerable majority to Mr John More, preacher. The conduct of Mr Dunlop was approved of, and the call sustained. Mr James Frame, student in divinity, after delivering the remainder of his trial exercises to the satisfaction of the presbytery, was licensed to preach the Gospel. Members present reported the means used in their respective congregations to promote the cause of missions. A

letter from the Synod's treasurer was read, containing a list of the congregations which had not collected for the Synod's fund. It was found that some of these congregations had collected since this letter was received, and those that had not done so, promised that the collection would be made immediately. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be held on Tuesday the 18th of January.

Newcastle.-At a meeting of this presbytery, held on 7th Nov., Mr Rome's trials being given in and approved, his ordination was appointed to take place at Hull on the 9th of February next. The committee for Yarrow reported favourably as to the prospects of a preaching station there, upon which it was agreed to remit the case to the presbytery's mission committee, that it be brought under the consideration of the Synod's Home Mission Board; and that, in the meantime, a supply of preaching be provided for the people in that place. Mr Walter Chisholm, student of divinity of the third year, being transferred to this presbytery, Messrs Douglas and Stewart were appointed a committee to examine him. The mission committee were instructed to take measures for a deputation to visit the presbytery in March. Next meeting to be held here on 4th January.

Paisley and Greenock. This presbytery met at Paisley, 7th December-Rev. James Meikle, moderator, pro tem. From the presbytery of Edinburgh, a transference was received of Mr Robert Brown, student of the fourth year; and from the presbytery of Glasgow, of Mr Robert Knox, student of the fifth year. Mr Knox was taken on trials for license. The motion of Dr Baird, as to the better support of the gospel ministry, was delayed till next meeting, which is to take place at Greenock on the third Tuesday of January. After considering the remit of Synod as to presbyteries calling for, and reviewing, the regulations according to which the financial concerns of congregations under their charge are managed, the clerk was instructed to communicate with the congregations in the bounds on the subject.

Stirling. This presbytery met on the 7th of December. A call from the West Congregation of Alloa, to Mr John More, preacher, was sustained and concurred in. Appointed Mr Brown to preach to said congregation, on account of Mr Fraser's continued indisposition, on the fourth Sabbath of December, and Mr Gilfillan on the fifth Sabbath of January. Mr John Maclaren passed part of his trials for license. A letter from the Synod treasurer, with a list of congregations who had failed to transmit collections for Synod's general fund by the 15th of November, was read.