PRESBYTERIAL PROCEEDINGS.

Annandale. This presbytery met at Ecclefechan on the 2d August-the Rev. William Ballantyne, moderator. Letters were read from the Synod treasurer in reference to congregations which had not collected for the Liquidation of Debt. From the Melrose Presbytery intimating their recommendation of the Rev. John Baird, M. A., late of Jedburgh, to be placed on the roll of probationers. And from Mr John Milne, preacher, declining the call from the congregation of Chapelknowe. Next meeting of presbytery is to be held at the same place on Tuesday, 11th October

next.

Arbroath. The presbytery met at Brechin on the 7th of June. The Rev. John Cooper was elected moderator for the twelvemonths ensuing. The committee of last year on missionary affairs, was reappointed for this year. An able and interesting report was read on the statistics of the congregations of the presbytery for 1852, as reported to the Synod's committee; and it was resolved to take into careful consideration at next ordinary meeting the practical suggestions which the report embodied in it. The students of theology within the bounds of the presbytery were appointed to attend next meeting, with a view to the approaching session of the Hall. Next ordinary meeting of presbytery was held in Arbroath on the 26th of July. Messrs Barry, Binny, and Blair, students of theology, were present. The committees which had had superintendence of their studies, reported favourably on them; after which the presbytery heard a discourse

from each of them, and examined them on a topic in theology previously appointed. They were then certified to the Hall as students of the fourth year; and a report on the presbytery's superintendence of them during the session was made up for the Synod's committee on theological education. Read a letter from the treasurer of synod, reporting those congregations of the presbytery which had not made the collection of February last on behalf of the Debt Liquidating Fund. The clerk had given intimation to these congregations of this communication. Received a copy of the minutes of last meeting of Synod, and ascertained what matters in them claimed the attention of presbyteries. Next meeting of presbytery is at Brechin, on the 4th of October.

Berwick-This presbytery met on Tuesday, 19th July. Mr Basil Inglis, having satisfactorily performed all his exercises, was certified as a student for the second year to the Divinity Hall. In pursuance of a decision of Synod, the presbytery at its former meeting appointed Robert Home, Esq., Berwick, a law agent for the congregations of the United Presbyterian Church in England, and instructed the clerk to request his acceptance of said appointment. The clerk, at this meeting, read a letter from Mr Home, in which he stated his cordial acceptance of the office, and express ed his willingness to render the English congregations of the presbytery whatever services they may require of him in that capacity. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be held on Tuesday, 4th October.

Cupar. This presbytery met in Boston

Church, Cupar, on the Tuesday after the third Sabbath of July. Mr Urie, moderator, read a communication from Mr George Barlas, probationer, intimating his acceptance of the call from the East congregation of Auchtermuchty, and agreed to give notice of this to the congregation of Kettle, and also to the presbytery of Galloway, within the bounds of which Mr Barlas has been called. Messrs Alexander B. Jack, and David Johnstone, were examined for admission to the study of divinity in connection with the United Presbyterian Church, and on a vote being taken, they were declared qualified and admitted. Messrs Barclay, Aitken, Gillies, and Hay, students of divinity, under the inspection of the presbytery, delivered discourses, and were again certified to the Hall for Session 1853. Appointed the next meeting to be held in the same place on the Tuesday after the second Sabbath of September.

Dundee. This presbytery met on the 26th July-the Rev. James Stirling, moderator, pro tem. A letter was read from the Melrose presbytery, recommending the name of the Rev. John Baird, late of Jedburgh, to be put on the probationer's roll. Also, a letter from the Synod's treasurer with a list of the congregations in the bounds in arrears of Synod and Liquidation Debt Fund collections. The clerk was instructed to write the sessions of these congregations to make such collections at their earliest convenience. The missionary committee of presbytery reported, and was reappointed. Mr William Lauder, student, second year, gave an excellent address on Galatians iii. 24, which was sustained. Mr Robert Muir, A.M., was examined for admission to the Hall. His examination was approved of. Agreed to certify to the Hall, Messrs Mair, Lauder, Doctor, Forrester, Muir, and Graham. Next meeting of this presbytery to be on Tuesday, the 18th October.

Dunfermline. This presbytery met at Alloa on the 7th of June, when, inter alia, Mr Carmichael delivered a homily on the text prescribed to him, which was sustained, and he was encouraged to prosecute his studies. Messrs Peter Duncanson, Alex. Gilmour, and Williamson Shoolbred, students in philosophy, were nominated, with a view to their being examined at next meeting of presbytery for admission to the Divinity Hall, and subjects for examination, and examinators were appointed. The Rev. Mr Fleming reported as to the moderation in the congregation of Crossgates on the 10th of May, that a unanimous call was given by the congregation to Mr Andrew Graham, probationer. The call, subscribed by 141 members, and 23 ordinary hearers, was sustained, and subjects of

trial for ordination prescribed to Mr Graham. The presbytery held next meeting in Dunfermline on the 26th of Julythe Rev. Dr Johnston, moderator, when a letter was read from Mr Graham, intimating his acceptance of the Crossgates call. He was afterwards present and gave part of his trials, which was approved and sustained the remainder to be given at next meeting on the 23d of August. Messrs Duncanson, Gilmour, and Shoolbred, were examined, agreeably to the appointment of last meeting, and certified to the professors. Mr Hamilton read a thesis on the question prescribed, which was sustained, and he was encouraged to prosecute his studies. The students, Carmichael, Bartlet, and Hamilton, were examined on a portion of Calvin's Institutes, in Latin; of the Book of Genesis, in Hebrew; of Davidson's Hermeneutics; of Dick's Lectures on Theology; and of Hagenbach's History of Doctrines, by means of written questions and answers. The examination was sustained, and they were attested to the Hall. Supply, by members of presbytery, was appointed to Professor M'Michael's pulpit during the coming session of the Hall. The Doctor, as convener of the committee of presbytery on statistics, laid on the table their report of the statistics of the congregations of the presbytery for last year, the consideration of which was delayed till another meeting.

Glasgow. This presbytery met on 9th August-Rev. John Edwards, moderator. The presbytery resumed consideration of the call lying on their table from the Mission Church in Stirling Square, Glasgow, to the Rev. Mr Blyth. Mr Blyth being present, the call was presented to him for his acceptance, when he intimated his acceptance of it, and his induction was appointed to take place on Wednesday, 5th October-Dr Robertson to preach on the occasion, and Dr King to induct and preside. A petition, craving a moderation in a call, was presented from the Mission Church in Main Street, Gorbals. The presbytery found that the congregation, by the help of the presbytery's Home Mission Committee, promised the minister they might call L.200 of annual stipend. The prayer of the petition was granted, and Mr Beckett appointed to moderate in a call as craved, on Thursday, 25th August.

Hamilton. This court met in Brandon Street Church session-house, on the 26th July-Rev. Peter Leys, moderator. Mr William Craig, from the East Church, Strathaven, after examination, was unanimously transmitted to the Divinity Hall. Messrs James Martin, and John Mackie, students, delivered each a lecture, which were sustained, the presbytery finding that

the different students under their care had delivered the varied discourses, and performed the respective exercises prescribed to them since last session, instructed the clerk to certify them to the Divinity Hall. Next meeting is to be held in the same place on the last Tuesday of September. Kirkcaldy-This presbytery met at Leven on the 26th July, and was constituted by the Rev. W. Cowan, moderator, pro tempore. One of the students appeared in obedience to a citation of the presbytery to explain as to his having preached in one of the churches on a recent Sabbath. Having stated that he had believed the circumstances in which he so acted were urgent; that he was desirous of obeying the laws of the church in all cases; that if he had erred in this instance he regretted it, and that he would be very careful in time coming. The presbytery believing the object of the inquiry to be now accomplished, agreed to proceed no further with it. A letter was read from the Rev. James Bain, of Union Church, Kirkcaldy, tendering the resignation of his ministerial charge, and requesting to be released from it as soon as an observance of the necessary forms might permit. The presbytery agreed that in the meantime Mr Bain's letter should lie on their table, and appointed Mr Pettigrew, of Dysart, to preach in Union Chapel on Sabbath first, to intimate to the congregation Mr Bain's resignation, and summon them to appear for their interests at next meeting, which was appointed to take place at Bethelfield on Tuesday the 16th August. On the 16th August this presbytery again met and was constituted by the moderator, the Rev. T. Sommerville. Mr Pettigrew, of Dysart, reported that, in terms of the appointment of last meeting, he had preached in Union Chapel on the 31st current, intimated to the congregation Mr Bain's resignation, and summoned them to appear at the present meeting for their interests. A letter was read from Mr Bain, stating that for some time his mind had been unalterably made up to transport himself and family to another country; and that his congregation were apprised of this; and requesting the presbytery to dissolve the relation subsisting between them, and to grant him extracts with the usual certificate. Messrs Stevens and Stenhouse, attested commissioners from the congregation, stated that they appeared not for the purpose of offering any obstruction to the acceptance of Mr Bain's resignation, but of mentioning that the step he was now taking was his own voluntary act, and not the result of any want of congregational prosperity, or of any decline of friendly relations betwixt pastor and people; that all pecuniary obligations to Mr Bain had been

liquidated; that there existed now, as there had during the whole of Mr Bain's ministry, the best feeling between him and tht congregation; and that much regret was felt at the meditated separation. The presbytery highly approving of the conduct of the congregation towards their pastor, Mr Bain, and fully appreciating Mr Bain's personal and ministerial character, agreed to accept of his resignation, to dissolve the connection, which is hereby declared to be done accordingly; and to grant the extracts and certificate craved by Mr Bain; the certificate to be drawn out by the moderator and clerk, and to be signed by them in name and by authority of the presbytery.

Lanark. This presbytery met on the 16th of August-the Rev. Peter Macfarlane, moderator, pro tem. Mr Thomson reported his proceedings in the moderation of a call at Longridge, and laid on the table a call addressed to Mr John M'Laren, preacher, subscribed by 256 members, and a paper of adherents subscribed by 62 ordinary hearers. The presbytery agreed unanimously to sustain and concur in the call.

Messrs Weir and Thomson, with their presbytery elders, were appointed the presbytery's committee on missions for the next twelve months-Mr Weir, convener. The remit of the Synod on congregational finance was considered, and the former committee on this subject was reappointed to consider and compare the congregational returns on the question still in the possession of the presbytery, and report. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be held on Tuesday, the 4th of October.

Stirling. This presbytery met on the 26th of July. The principal business related to the students of divinity, who delivered discourses, and were examined on the Antinomian Controversy, on Practical Religion, and on Hebrew and Greek, after which they were appointed to be attested to the professors. A letter from the presbytery of Melrose was read, recommending that the name of the Rev. John Baird be placed on the roll of probationers. An extract was read from minutes of Synod, relative to collectors, and accompanying letter of the treasurer, stating that all the congregations of this presbytery had collected for the general fund, and that five were in arrear for the Debt Liquidating Fund. One of those reported as in arrear had duly made the collection. Next meeting is to be held on 4th October.

CALLS MODERATED.

Scone.-Mr James Hill, called 14th July -Mr Pettigrew of Balbiggie presiding.

John Carmichael, James Craig, Matthew Crawford, Alexander Doctor, Robert Dunlop, James Forrester, James E. Fyffe, Andrew Grigor, William Hall, William Handyside, David Hay, James Hay, William Hutton, Basil B. Inglis, Robert Johnston, James Keating, Robert M'Donald, Robert M. M'Innes, Daniel M'Lean, Henry Miller, Hugh L. Niven, John Pettigrew, Robert S. Paterson, Alexander Robertson, James H. Scott, Tiyo Soga, David Smith, John Squair, Simon S. Stobbs, James Tait, John Taylor, William Taylor, William Watson, William W. Watson, John Wilson, William Wilson, Peter Wright.

First Year.-William Adie, Robert Anderson, Andrew Baillie, James Berry, George Black, James Brown, W. H. Cairns, James Copland, William Craig, Thomas Davidson, Thomas Dodds, Thomas Downie, T. C. Duncanson, Alexander Gilmour, George Graham, Alexander Hay, James Henry, David Hay, John Hogg, A. B. Jack, John James, David Johnston, George Johnston, Adam Lind, Thomas M'Ewan, John M Luckie, James M'Owan, John P. Meikleham, Robert Muir, William Salmond, James Scott, Williamson Scholbred, John Stark, John J. Thom, Robert Thomson, Peter Whitfield, William Whitfield, John Wilson.

Private Students.-Ferdinand Dunn, J. Forbes, William M'Kirdy.

Total number-Fifth year's students, 27; Fourth do., 42; Third do., 33; Second do., 48; First do., 38; Private 3.- In all, 191.

HONORARY DEGREE.

The College of Princetown, America, has conferred the degree of D.D. upon the Rev. Robert Simpson, United Presbyterian Church, Sanquhar.

CENTENARY SKETCH OF THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, OAKSHAW STREET, PAISLEY.

A MEETING was held in the United Presbyterian Church, Oakshaw Street, Paisley, on the 26th April last, to commemorate the centenary of the existence of the congregation there. At this meeting the Rev. William France, minister of the church, read a sketch of the congregation's history, which has since, at the request of the Session, been given for publication. As the mother church in a wide district of country, the following leading facts in its history, gleaned from Mr France's Sketch, will be read with interest.

The first minute of session bears date March 4, 1751, and refers to occurrences

hich took place "some time ago,' indiwating probably that the congregation was

organised in 1750. Like other Associate Churches of that era, it seems to have originated in praying societies, which increased in numbers till they formed a church.

"It does not appear that there was any local grievance sufficient to account for the origin of the Secession here. We read of no violent settlement in spite of any reclaiming congregation, nor of any thing objectionable in the doctrine, character, or conduct of the then parish ministers. Indeed, the minister of the first charge in the Abbey Parish, Mr Robert Miller, had already occupied that place for the space of forty years, and is reported to have been a man of singular piety and exemplary character. Mr Peter Scott, who had been for a while assistant, and ultimately became successor to Mr Robert Mitchell, first minister of the Low, then called the New, Parish of Paisley, was also a minister in good repute, and was incumbent of the Low Parish at the time of the formation of this church. It is right to notice, that early in 1747 the second charge of the Abbey Parish became vacant by the death of Mr William Fleming, and that the patron presented to the living a Mr James Campbell, a probationer, who was obnoxious to many in the parish. So far, however, from proceeding to the settlement of Mr Campbell, the presbytery, unlike other presbyteries of the establishment, was disposed to give effect to the opposition of the people, and made such a report of the case to the Synod of Glasgow and Ayr as induced that court to decide, on the 6th of April 1748, and that unanimously, that, Considering the objections against the validity of the presentation and call, they cannot appoint the presbytery to proceed to the settlement of Mr Campbell.' The case having been brought, by appeal, before the General Assembly of that year, this supreme ecclesiastical court affirmed the decision of the Synod. The presbytery, feeling their hands thus strengthened by the superior church courts, and by the heritors and congregation of the Abbey, boldly rejected four subsequent presentations by the patron, in favour of the same party. In the presence, then, of such proof of sympathy with the people, on the part of the presbytery of the bounds, and in the absence of other local grievances, we must look to some general public cause as having given origin to the secession here."

One of the causes originating the congregation was the reading from the pulpit of the Abbey Church of the Act of Assembly condemnatory of the "Marrow" doctrine. This led to the inquiry, What that doctrine was? and so strengthened the Secession. It is thus God makes the wrath of man to praise him.

The extent of territory embraced within