have been resumed, but the attendance has chiefly been confined to the pupils, and the persons in the employ of the mission.

BURMAH.

THE latest intelligence from the American Missions among the Burmese is of a mixed character active labour; but discouragements from within as well as from without. At Tavoy and Mergin in the south of British Burmah, twenty-four had been baptized during the year; the Sabbath-schools generally are large and interesting; and many day schools also are well sustained. The native assistants are improving, so as to be becoming almost, if not altogether, equal to a foreign missionary; and, under judicious direction, may soon be more valuable. At Maulmein and Amherst, in the northern part of the British territory, the mission has, in the Burman department, 160 communicants, with 373 pupils in their schools. Owing to various unknown influences, and the unsettled relations of the Burmese church for a series of years, its condition was found, at the opening of the year, to demand careful investigation, and a more rigorous enforcing of church discipline.

The native assistants have been appointed by the whole body on careful examination-the examination being often repeated-and they are all employed either in the preaching or the translating departments. The Roman Catholics, it is noticed, are gathering strength at Amherst, and have recently bought an eligible site to enlarge their operations. Among the mountain tribes, or Karens, where the American Mission has, from its commencement, had the greatest measure of success, it is noticed that the want of adequate supervision has reduced the churches to a low state. Some of them have been scattered by cholera; others are at discord among themselves. To this general declension there are, however, happy exceptions. In ten churches there have been fifty-five baptisms in the year. The total number of churches on both sides of the river is seventy-six; and the forty-six churches which are on the western side of the river have forty-six preachers. The baptized persons amount to 1729. In British Arracan, on the west side of Burmah, the report of the missionaries is similar, both as to the Burmese and the Karen departments. At Akyab the church has been much reduced and afflicted by dissension, but now wears a more favourable aspect. Thousands of the Karens have heard the word of life; and some have become so far enlightened as to despise and oppose idolatry. The efforts made to induce this people to support schools of their own, for the two or

three past years, have failed to secure adequate results; either owing to their poverty, or to the oppressive taxation of their Burmese rulers, or from want of a proper appreciation of the value of learning. The assistants are disposed, as a body, to maintain a high standard of moral purity.

WESTERN AFRICA.-ABBEOKUTA.

THE missions here and at Badagry on the Lea coast, have been recently the scene of events very trying; some of them of a character far different from the usual course of missionary history, yet tending, it is hoped, in the good providence of God, to the speedy and effectual furtherance of the gospel in those regions. In the latest report on the Church of England Mission, it is noticed that the missionaries have been in the midst of war and bloodshed; they have been called on to mediate between armed conflicting parties; and have been enabled, in so trying circumstances, to act with faith, prudence, and courage. The energetic efforts of the cruisers on the coast to cripple the slave trade, had exasperated to an extreme degree the various parties interested in the continuance of that traffic: and a combination was formed by a few of the chiefs on the coast to crush the rising christianity of Abbeokuta, which lies about sixty miles inland, and expel the missionaries from the country. The first attack, resulting from this confederacy, was an assault upon Abbeokuta by the King of Dahomey in March 1851, which terminated in his discomfiture and retreat. The seat of war was then transferred to Badagry on the coast, which was assailed by the war-canoes of the chief of Lagos, which lies about fifty miles east of it. This chief Kosoko was a usurper, who had driven out the lawful sovereign Akitoye. He first attempted to seize some of the inhabitants of Badagry, and carry them as slaves to Lagos. He succeeded in firing the town, and nearly reduced it to ashes. The mission premises were protected, and the missionary acted the wise and Christian part of calmly remaining at his post, with his wife, even in circumstances of extreme danger, that he might not create additional confusion, and that he might be at hand to mitigate the horrors of the bloodshed. Again it pleased God to give the success to the party favourable to the British, and Kosoko was driven from Badagry with great loss. He and the people of Lagos then became more enraged, and threatened with destruction the British merchants as well as the missionaries. One Englishman was shot while guarding his goods on the beach. Under these circumstances, her Majesty's cruisers

felt it necessary to interfere; and acting on instructions from the home government, took measures against Lagos, the usurper of which had fired on the British flag of truce. Two attacks were made by the boats of the men-of-war, at the interval of a month, and the second was completely successful; the usurper Kosoko was driven from the town, with only a few followers, and the lawful sovereign Akitoye reinstated in the supreme power. Important treaties were made with Lagos and Abbeokuta by the commodore on the station; in which protection is secured to the missionaries, as well as lawful commerce. During the period of this conflict, missionary work at Badagry was much hindered. The people were, by the excitement, rendered more indifferent and careless. Many of their people, with about twenty of their scholars, fled to the interior; yet, with few

exceptions, their services, classes, and schools were regularly kept, though some. times with very thin attendance. The mission has since been transferred to Lagos, which is a large and populous town. On the Lord's day following the conflict with the Dahomians at Abbeokuta, twenty-four adults were received into the church by baptism; other two were prevented from being present by illness, who were to have been baptised also. The missionary, during the formidable conflict outside that city, in which the Dahomians, 16,000 strong, were in so short a time beaten off, was sustained by firm confidence in God, that He would not permit his own work to be destroyed; and by the assurance that prayers were constantly offered up by thousands of Christians for God's protection over them and their mission. The 46th Psalm was also a support to his weak, little faith.

PRESBYTERIAL PROCEEDINGS.

Buchan. This presbytery met on 22d February-Rev. D. Allison, moderator pro tem. A letter from Mr Robert S. Drummond declining the call from Peterhead, was read, and the call set aside. A moderation was granted to the congregation of Peterhead, and fixed for the 30th March -Mr Allison to preside. Messrs George M'Arthur and David Allison, students of the third year, were examined on the subjects formerly prescribed to them; which exercises were cordially sustained, and they were enjoined to attend next meeting of presbytery, to be examined on the remaining topics which have been appointed to them. The next meeting is to be held at Stewartfield, on Tuesday, 5th April.

Edinburgh.-This presbytery met on 1st March Rev. Francis Muir, moderator. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read, Mr Tait of Union Church, Musselburgh, tendered the resignation of his pastoral charge, with the view of entering on an educational sphere in England -his health having failed him in the ministerial work. Nothing in the state of the congregation, he observed, led him to take this step. The utmost harmony prevailed among his flock, and he would be followed by their best wishes and prayers. Commissioners appeared from the congregation, who stated, that at a meeting held the previous night, it had been unanimously agreed to concur in the resolution expressed by their minister. After some discussion,

it was agreed to accept Mr Tait's demission, and dissolve the connection between him and the Union Congregation. Mr Robertson, of Newington, was appointed to intimate this decision to the congregation on the following Sabbath. Mr Semple, of Peebles East Congregation, tendered demission of his charge there, having, for for some months back, been much impressed with the strong claims of our countrymen in Australia, he had felt it his duty to offer himself for some appointment in that colony. He spoke of the peace and prosperity which, during the five years of his ministry, had prevailed in his congregation at Peebles, and said, there was not a member of it from whom it would not give him pain to part. His demission was ordered to lie on the table in the meantime, that intimation may be made to the congregation to appear in the matter at next meeting. Mr Robertson read a report of the committee on missions. It was ordered to lie on the table till next meeting.

Glasgow. This presbytery met on Tuesday, 8th March, in Greyfriars' sessionhouse-Rev. Dr Lindsay, moderator. The clerk reported that since last meeting the Rev. Alexander Duncan, of Duke Street Church, had been removed by death. As usual on such an announcement, the moderator called upon Dr Robertson to engage in prayer, which he did, acknowledging the hand of God in this bereavement, and imploring the Divine blessing on the bereaved family and congregation. Mr Duncan's name was then dropped from the

roll of presbytery. Supply of sermon was granted to Duke Street congregation, and Mr Edmond was appointed to moderate in the session from time to time as occasion may require. On the motion of Dr King, a large and influential committee was appointed to take what steps they may deem fit for giving public expression to the presbytery's esteem for the late Mr Duncan, and the interest felt for his widow and family. Dr Robson intimated the receipt of the following communication:— "To the clerk of the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Glasgow.-Sir,-I have a little money to spare, which I intended to have given to the education scheme of the Church of Scotland, of which church I am a member; but on making inquiries I found that about a fifth of the whole amount collected for that scheme is expended on what is called 'management. Finding that the United Presbyterian Church collections are more economically handled, I beg leave, therefore, to hand you L.200, which the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Glasgow will please dispose of in any way they may think most useful for furthering the ends of education; but of course I would prefer that it was expended in the poorest districts. Please insert this letter in the next 'United Presbyterian Record,' for I wish by it to do some good to my own church as well as good to yours.-I am, yours truly,-A MEMBER OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH." Dr Robson said he had no idea whatever who the writer was. The person who communicated with him on the subject, and furnished him with a check upon the bank for L.200, said he did not wish his name to be mentioned; and he was quite sure the presbytery would have no desire to obtain it. Dr Robson moved that the grateful thanks of the presbytery be given to the unknown donor, and that the same be recorded in their minutes; that the presbytery agree to carry out to the best of their ability the wishes of the donor as to the application of the money, and for this purpose appoint a small committee to consult on the subject, and report. The motion was agreed to. The party who at a former meeting had protested against a deed confirming the decision of Cathedral Street session, whereby she was excluded from the membership of the church, because of marriage with a deceased husband's brother, gave in a letter, requesting that her reasons of appeal from the session's judgment be sent up to Synod as her reasons against the decision of presbytery. The presbytery agreed to this request, and appointed Dr Eadie and Mr Jeffrey to appear for the presbytery before the supreme court. A committee, consisting of Mr Burgess and

Mr Jeffrey, was appointed to examine the congregational statistics sent in to presbytery by order of Synod, and report, giving the general results, not as to individual congregations, but as to the presbytery at large.

Hamilton. This presbytery met in Brandon Street Church session-house on 25th January, Rev. D. Laughland, moderator. Mr John C. Weir, student, delivered part of his trials for license. Messrs James Martin, John Mackie, James Wilson, Robert Renwick, and William Martin, students, were examined in theology, biblical literature, and church history, with which the presbytery expressed their satisfaction. Several congregations reported that they had collected for the Synod fund. This presbytery again met on 22d February. Mr John C. Weir having delivered the remainder of his trial exercises, was licensed to preach the Gospel. The members of court were enjoined to report, at next meeting, on the Synod's remit respecting the better support of the Gospel ministry. Next meeting is to be held on the last Tuesday of March.

Lanark. This presbytery met on the 15th of March-the Rev. Peter Macfarlane, moderator, pro tem. Heard Mr William Scott, student in divinity, deliver a discourse, which, after some critical remarks, was unanimously sustained. The committee appointed to prepare some queries for the guidance of our churches, in furnishing information to the Synod regarding the mode of managing their financial affairs, reported that they had considered the matter remitted to them; and laid on the table a paper, containing questions on the principal points on which information is desirable. It was agreed to send a copy of this paper to each of the churches within the bounds, with instructions that they shall report at next meeting of presbytery. It was agreed to certify and recommend to the favourable consideration of the "Board on the liquidation of debt on churches," the application of the congregation of Lesmahagow, for assistance to enable them to reduce the debt still resting on their church property. At the request of the convener of the committee on the better support of the Gospel ministry, it was agreed, in terms of the remit of Synod, to call the attention of our sessions and managers to the matter, in order that they may report on the question to the next meeting of Synod. Mr R. D. Scott was appointed to dispense the Lord's Supper to the vacant congregation of Longridge, on the first Sabbath of April. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be held on Tuesday the 19th of April.

Lancashire.-This presbytery met in

Liverpool, 8th March-Rev. Alexander Leslie, moderator, pro tem. The clerk reported that he had received a letter from Mr Stephen Wallace, respectfully declining the call from Ramsay congregation, and that he had forwarded the same to the congregation. Mr Shorthouse delivered a sermon, which the presbytery unanimously approved, and encouraged him to prosecute his studies. He was also examined on Hebrew, and was directed to be prepared for examination on biblical literature at next meeting. Mr Barr, the missionary at Prestatyn, being present, along with Mr Jones, a member of the congregation worshipping there, the latter read a brief statement of Mr Barr's labours in chapel and school, and of the state of the finances, all which were exceedingly gratifying to the presbytery. The infant cause there, as appeared from the statement, is at present self-sustaining; and, in Mr Barr's opinion, if the work is only maintained, it promises to be instrumental in accomplishing much good. The presbytery appointed to Mr Barr subjects for examination and discourses, at next meeting. Having resumed consideration of the case from Bolton, as deferred from former meeting, it was agreed that, in order to carry out the resolution of last meeting, the clerk write to the Synod's missionary committee, requesting their approval of the presby tery's deed, and endeavour to obtain a suitable preacher for location.. Mr Towers having intimated his resolution to resign the clerkship, owing to the state of his health for the last two months, the presbytery acceded to his wishes, expressed their sympathy with him, and their thanks for the diligence with which he had discharged the duties of that office. It was then unanimously agreed, that the Rev. Mr Galloway of Sutton (near Chester), be appointed clerk. Next meeting is to be held in Manchester, Lloyd Street vestry, on Tuesday, 26th April.

Melrose. This presbytery met at Mel

rose

on 22d February. After making arrangements regarding the discourses, and examination of the students within the bounds, the presbytery proceeded to consider some of the synodical remits. On the subject of the better support of the Gospel ministry, it was moved and agreed to, That the presbytery approve generally of the report of the committee of Synod, and, without committing themselves to particulars, recommend the Synod to continue to prosecute the subject, and to instruct the committee to take such prudent measures as may seem best calculated to gain the object contemplated. In regard to the remit of the Synod anent congregational finance, it was agreed to appoint a commit

tee, consisting of Messrs Robson and Robertson, to draw out a list of questions to be sent to congregations, with the view of ascertaining how they manage their financial affairs; and to submit said list to the presbytery at the next meeting, for consideration and approval. The next meeting is to be at Melrose on the 12th of April.

Newcastle. This presbytery met 1st March. A petition from the congregation in Clavering Place for the moderation of a call for a colleague to the Rev. James Pringle, was granted: the moderation_to take place on the 14th curt. - Rev. Mr Duncan to preside. A petition from the congregation of Blackett Street, for a moderation with the view of obtaining a fixed pastor was also granted-the moderation to take place on the 14th curt.-Mr Dalk to preside. The petition from persons recently withdrawn from the congregation of Clavering Place for being organised as a distinct congregation, was now considered, when the Rev. Messrs Wilson and Riddle, with Messrs Hutchinson and Crauford, elders, were appointed to meet with the petitioners for the purpose of making up a roll of membership, and to report. The committee for Jarrow reported the state of matters there. It was agreed to send preachers to that place for six months, with L.15 to meet the expenses. The Rev. Mr Fraser was appointed to preach in Jarrow on Sabbath, and along with the Rev. Messrs Lawson and M'Creath, afterwards meet with the people there, and to report. On considering the Synod's remit as to the more liberal support of the Gospel ministry, the presbytery agreed to report their approval of the suggestions of the Synod's committee on that subject. Next meeting of presbytery to be held on Tuesday, 5th April.

to

Paisley and Greenock.-This presbytery met at Paisley, 1st March-Rev. S. Sinclair, moderator. A call from the Gourock congregation, addressed to Mr George Sandy, probationer, was sustained and concurred in. It was agreed to report to the Synod's committee on the more liberal support of the Gospel ministry, that the presbytery cordially approve of the object contemplated, and are ready to hail any practicable plan by which it may be obtained. A committee was appointed to prepare a draught of an overture to the Synod on the subject, to be submitted at next meeting of presbytery at Greenock on the third Tuesday of April. The presbytery agreed to petition the House of Commons, and to memorialise her Majesty's Government as to the abolition of the university tests. Reports were called for as to the collection for the Debt Liquidating Board.

Perth.-This presbytery met on the 15th March-Rev. Mr Ramsay, moderator. Dr Jamieson of Scone (the father of the United Presbyterian Synod), having deceased on the 5th of March current, his name was dropped from the roll of presbytery. Mr Martin was chosen moderator for the ensuing six months. A petition from the North Congregation, Perth, that a member of presbytery should be appointed to moderate in a call for one to be colleague to their pastor, was granted; and the moderation was appointed to be on Monday after the second Sabbath of AprilMr Lamb to preside. Messrs John Clark, John Young, ministers, and Mr Henry Millar, elder, were appointed members of the Synod's committee of bills and overtures. A petition from Kinkell, requested sermon every alternate Sabbath till Whitsunday, at their own expense, and that a preacher might be located among them for the following six months; and expressing the hope that the presbytery would recommend them to the assistance of the mission board for the payment of the preacher's stipend, if they should require it. The presbytery agreed to apply for sermon to them as they requested, reserving the question till afterwards, whether they shall, or shall not, recommend them to the assistance of the mission board, should the congregation think fit to apply for assistance. Appointed the next meeting of presbytery to be on Tuesday after the third Sabbath of April.

PROBATIONER LICENSED.

dained 9th March-Mr Johnston, Kirkcaldy, Mr Somerville, Largo, and Mr Douglas, Kennoway, officiating.

OBITUARY.

Died at 77, North Frederick Street, Glasgow, on the 27th February, the Rev. Alexander Duncan, minister of the United Presbyterian Church, Duke Street, Glasgow, in the 26th year of his ministry.

Died at Carlisle, on the 2d March, the Rev. Richard Hunter, minister of the United Presbyterian Church there, in the 58th year of his age, and the 34th of his ministry.

Died at Burnhead, Penpont, Dumfriesshire, on the 3d March, the Rev. John Smith, junior minister of the United Presbyterian Church there, in the 43d year of his age, and the 17th of his ministry.

Died at Scone, on the 6th March, the Rev. John Jamieson, D.D., minister of the United Presbyterian Church there, in the 86th year of his age, and the 62d of his ministry. Dr Jameson was the Father of the United Presbyterian Synod, and of the Christian ministry in Scotland.

DEATH OF A CENTENARIAN.

THE Banffshire Journal of March 8th, contains an account of the death of a worthy person, who, we presume, was the oldest member in the communion of the United Presbyterian Church. ANNE SCOTT died at Hill of Echt, parish of Cabrach, Banffshire, on the 22d February last, aged 100 years and eleven months. At the age of

CALLS MODERATED.

Kilmaurs.-Mr Wm. Taylor, probationer, called 22d February-Mr Jamieson, of Kilmarnock, presiding.

Newcastle, Blackett Street.-Mr Matthew M'Naughton, probationer, called 8th March -Mr Dall of Bedlington, presiding.

Newcastle, Clavering Place.-Mr Stephen Wallace, probationer, called 8th March, to be colleague with the Rev. J. Pringle-Mr Duncan of Warkworth, presiding.

South Congregation, Sanquhar.--Mr Wm. Taylor, probationer, called 17th MarchMr Rogerson of Thornhill, presiding.

ORDINATIONS.

London, Albion Chapel.-Mr John Macfarlane, ordained 1st February-Dr Fletcher, Dr Archer, Mr Redpath, and Mr M'Whirter, officiating.

Leslie, Fife.-Mr William Johnston, or

Rev. Mr Troup, of the Secession Church, Elgin, the first minister of that body who appeared in Banffshire, and whose frequent itinerant labours in the district, resulted in the formation of a Secession Church in Cabrach. This church still exists, though without a stated minister, and enjoys during the summer months the services of ministers and probationers of the United Church-the ministrations being supported chiefly by the proceeds of a legacy left for the purpose, by the late Mr M'Phail. At an early age, Anne Scott became a member of this Christian Society, and for fourscore years, whatever might be the state of the weather, was never absent from the meeting-house when a preacher was announced to officiate in it. She continued throughout her long life to be much respected for the sincerity and elevation of her religious convictions. "The deceased," says the Journal to whose kindness we are indebted for the chief particulars above stated, "was remarkable for the catholicity of her sentiments; and during the last twenty years of