PRESBYTERIAL PROCEEDINGS.

Buchan.-This presbytery met at Stewartfield, Old Deer, on the 4th of Nov. Messrs George M'Arthur and A. Thomson, students of divinity of the second year, were regularly attested by Professors Dr Lindsay and Dr Eadie, for their regular attendance and performance of prescribed exercises, during the preceding session of the Divinity Hall. Mr Thomson having removed to the bounds of the presbytery of Arbroath, was transferred to the superintendence of that presbytery. Mr M'Arthur gave a satisfactory account of his course of study at the hall, and was encouraged to persevere in his studies. Subjects of discourses were prescribed to him, and he was appointed to give in these discourses, and also to be examined in conformity to the plan prescribed by the Synod, at a meeting of the presbytery immediately before the month of May. Advice was requested in reference to the case of an individual unbaptised, having peculiar sentiments respecting the manner of christian baptism, and seeking admission to the communion of the United Presbyterian Church, without submitting to be baptised according to the rules and practice of that church, and advice was given to refuse admission. There was presented and read a schedule of queries with answers by the congregation of Gardenston, in support of a petition for increased supplement of stipend to their minister, which, with an explanation of the defalcation of stipend stated, were attested, transmitted, and earnestly recommended to the favourable consideration of the homecommittee of the Board of Missions.

Carlisle.-A special meeting of this presbytery was held on the 25th December, when the Rev. John Craig of Maryport, was appointed to preach and preside in the election of a minister at Whitehaven, on Monday the 12th of January. The next ordinary meeting of the presbytery is to be held at Carlisle, on the first Tuesday of February.

Cupar.-This presbytery met in Burnside Church Session-house, on Tuesday, 6th January-Rev. Mr Borwick of Rathillet, moderator. The clerk read a letter from Lord Palmerston, acknowledging receipt of the presbytery's resolutions on the Brazillian Slave Trade, and expressing his pleasure at finding the sentiments of the presbytery on this important question so much in accordance with the views and measures of her Majesty's government. The presbytery then took up the consideration of two overtures remitted by the Synod, and agreed to report on the former of these,

viz., an overture on the duty of the Church, as such, to circulate the Scriptures," to the following effect:-That, in the judgment of the presbytery, the principle involved in the overture has been already adopted and acted on by the Synod in the circulation of the Scriptures in the Persian translation, and other instances; and that a further extension of these operations falls within the province of the Synod's Mission Board, and other societies which have been specially organised for Bible circulation. On the second overture, contemplating the formation of the congregations south of the Tweed into a separate Synod, subordinate to the General Synod, it was agreed to report-That while the presbytery feels a deep interest in the prosperity of the United Presbyterian Church in England, and is prepared to support every measure that seems calculated to promote this object, yet, so far as it understands the design of this overture, the interests of the United Presbyterian Church in England would not be promoted by its adoption.

Edinburgh. The monthly meeting of this presbytery was held on 6th January- the Rev. Mr Parlane, Tranent, was chosen to succeed Dr Harper as moderator. A letter was read from the Rev. Archibald Cross of West Linton, expressing his deep sense of the kindness of the presbytery to him during the period of his illness, which had now extended over nearly eight months, and stating, that though the writer was not without hope that he would be restored to health and vigour; yet at present his medical adviser thought it would not be safe for him to resume his pastoral work, at least for some months to come, and that in the meantime he should betake himself to a more genial climate. He felt it his duty, therefore, to demit his charge, and he now begged to resign the same to the presbytery. Mr Cross expressed an anxious hope that the presbytery would continue their fostering care of the congregation over which he had been appointed; and that the pastor who should succeed him would be very successful in the discharge of his duties. A committee, consisting of the Rev. Dr Joseph Brown, Rev. Dr Peddie, and the Rev. George Johnston, was appointed to confer with Mr Cross in the matter; and arrangements were made to supply the pulpit in the meantime. The presbytery were then engaged in hearing discourses from students under trials for license.

Glasgow. This presbytery held its usual monthly meeting on Tuesday, 13th January, -Rev. Dr King, moderator. A student applying to be transferred to another pres

at such hour as the congregation may find convenient. Mr Galloway reported that, according to appointment, he had presided in a moderation at Ramsey, Isle of Man, when the call was given unanimously to Mr John Stillie, preacher. The presbytery approved of Mr Galloway's conduct, and sustained the call as a regular gospel call. Mr Stillie has since declined accepting this call.-The ordinary meeting of this presbytery was held at Manchester on 13th January 1852. Mr Picken, student, gave an account of the lectures of the professors which he attended last session; subjects of discourse and examination for next meeting were appointed to him. Mr Skinner reported that he had fulfilled his appointment with reference to Bradford, having, after sermon on the day appointed, proceeded to moderate in a call, which was given unanimously in favour of Rev. David Sim of Girvan. Commissioners were also present from Bradford, by whom the call, reasons of translation, and other papers, were laid on the table and read. The presbytery expressed their satisfaction with the statements made by Mr Skinner and the commissioners respecting the earnestness and unanimity of the congregation. Approved Mr Skinner's conduct, sustained the call, and appointed that the ordinary papers be forwarded to the Kilmarnock presbytery, and that Dr M'Kerrow act as commissioner from the presbytery. Next meeting is to be held at Birkenhead, and to be called according to circumstances.

Newcastle. This presbytery met at Hexham, 31st December last, for the induction of the Rev. Alexander Henderson to the pastoral charge of the congregation there. Mr Robertson preached. Mr Young narrated previous proceedings, proposed the questions, and offered up the prayer. Mr Wilson gave the charge to Mr Henderson; and Mr Fisken, in Mr Houston's absence, addressed the congregation. The presbytery met at Newcastle, 6th January 1852, when the Rev. H. H. Garnet from America, was invited to take his seat among the members. Mr Christie was appointed moderator for six months. Mr Douglas reported his proceedings in the moderation at Stockton, and laid on the table a call to Mr J. A. Johnston, preacher. Mr Douglas' conduct was approved, and the call sustained. Trials for ordination were assigned to Mr Johnston, for whom another call from the congregation in Walker, was now also sustained. Mr Ker, student, was examined in Latin and Greek, giving good proof of his acquaintance with these languages; his examination on other subjects to take place at next meeting of the presbytery, on Tuesday 10th February. The committee for Swallwell reported their meeting with the

congregation there, a majority of whose members adhered to the call they had given to Mr Dodds; but, considering the divided state of the congregation, the presbytery did not deem it expedient to prosecute the call. A proposal was sanctioned for the location of Mr Sandy, preacher, for three months at Hull.

PROBATIONER LICENSED.

Annandale, 15th December.
Mr James Rome, by the presbytery of

CALLS MODERATED.

Walker, Northumberland.-Mr James A. Johnston, called 18th December-Mr Carmichael of Blyth, presiding.

Stockton-on-Tees, Durham. - Mr James A. Johnston, called 18th December-Mr Douglas of Hartlepool, presiding.

Bradford, Yorkshire. The Rev. David Sim of Girvan, called 7th January-Mr Skinner of Blackburn, presiding.

Whitehaven, Cumberland.-Mr William Drummond, called 12th January-Mr Craig of Maryport, presiding.

ORDINATIONS.

Dalreoch, Perthshire.-Mr Matthew Orr, ordained 30th December-Mr Swan of Comrie, Mr Lamb of Erroll, Mr Forsyth of Craigend, and Mr Forrester of Kinkell, officiating.

Dunning, Perthshire.--Mr Peter Barron, ordained 6th January-Mr Young of Newburgh, Mr Lamb of Erroll, Mr Martin of Crieff, and Dr Young of Perth, officiating.

Kilmaronock, Dumbartonshire.-Mr James Dunlop, ordained 6th January-Mr Inglis of Johnstone, Mr Thomson of Dumbarton, and Mr Cairns of Paisley, officiating.

HONARARY DEGREE.

The Senate of the University of Heidelberg, Germany, have conferred the degree of D.D. on the Rev. William M'Kerrow, of the United Presbyterian Church, Loyd Street, Manchester.

CENTENARY MEETING.

On Friday evening, 26th December, the members and adherents of the United Presbyterian Church, Blackett Street, Newcastle, celebrated their hundredth anniversary. Between 400 and 500 sat down to tea in the Victoria Room, Grey Street-the Rev. John Morris of Sunderland in the chair. On the platform were the Rev. Messrs Lawson, Young, Bell, Fraser, Parker, Dall, Drysdale, Bruce, &c., besides other friends. After tea, the Chairman gave a rapid account of the progress of the denomination, and congratulated the members of the con

bytery, was directed to present the certificates of his attendance at the Divinity Hall, previous to his being transferred. A petition was read from an individual in Milngavie, requesting to be permitted to appeal from a sentence of the session there -he having lost his right of appeal, in consequence of not protesting at the time judgment was pronounced. He craved also to have access to the record of evidence taken in his case. It was agreed, the session concurring, that he should be allowed to bring his case by appeal before the presbytery, at next meeting. Dr Taylor gave in the following report of committee on the subject of missionary churches in Glasgow:

"When this subject was last brought under the notice of the presbytery, it was unanimously agreed cordially to recommend the scheme to the liberality of our congregations in Glasgow, and to instruct the committee to act in the matter to the best of their own judgment. The committee, after due deliberation, felt that it would not be prudent to take any steps which might involve them in pecuniary responsibilities without the concurrence or authority of those who were expected to contribute the necessary funds. And, accordingly, they called a meeting of the ministers and elders of our church in Glasgow, and generally of the members who felt an interest in the scheme, and laid before them a statement of the measures which it was proposed to take for the evangelisation of the masses in our wynds and closes. The meeting was very numerously attended, and the details of the scheme were listened to with deep interest, and were fully discussed in all their bearings. An adjourned meeting was held (on the 19th March last) for the consideration of the rules which were proposed for the management of the scheme, and after the most ample discussion they were unanimously approved of in the shape in which they are now laid on the presbytery's table. An interim committee was appointed to take charge of the scheme; but it was resolved that no active measures should be taken until the committee should be completed by the addition of the representatives from all the congregations or missionary societies which intended to contribute towards the support of the scheme. One of the first steps taken was to appoint a sub-committee to communicate with other bodies engaged, or likely to be engaged, in the same work. There is room enough for all. The field is, indeed, only too large. It is most desirable, therefore, to avoid collision or the waste of means, and we were resolved not to enter into other men's labours. Another sub-committee was appointed to look out for suitable localities in which the mis

sionaries might be placed; and after careful deliberation, it was resolved to commence with the district around Nelson Street. The Lyceum was engaged as a temporary place of meeting, and Mr Blyth, whose praise is in all the churches as a most zealous, able, and devoted

labourer in another field of missionary exertion, was chosen to take charge of the station. Another very necessitous district has been selected on the south side of the river, and an invitation to occupy it has been given to a highly esteemed minister, which it is earnestly hoped he will see it to be his duty to accept. Several other destitute localities have been examined, and it is hoped that operations will be commenced in them as soon as circumstances will permit. Various measures have beon adopted for the purpose of bringing the scheme under the favourable notice of our congregations. A short statement, setting forth the claims of the masses in our city, and the measures which it was proposed to adopt in order to bring the Gospel to bear upon them with greater effect, was extensively circulated among the members of our churches, and an interchange of pulpits was pretty generally gone into on the second Sabbath of December last, with the view, both of attracting attention to the scheme, and of recommending it to the cordial support of our various congregations. It may be proper to add, that the short trial which has been made, has, so far as it has gone, fully realised our expectations. Mr Blyth has been labouring in the Lyceum for nearly six months with the most encouraging results. His meetings have been numerously attended by the class for whose benefit they were designed. The number of persons connected with the station amounts to above 200. The number of catechumens who meet on the Thursday evening averages from forty to fifty, of whom about one-half may be fit for communion."

The appeal referred to in the above report as having been circulated among the various congregations, stated, among other things, that L.800 had been subscribed by six individuals for the purpose of erecting churches and schools in the more destitute localities of the city. A long discussion took place, and eventually, on the motion of Dr Beattie, the report was adopted, and the committee instructed to present to the presbytery a list of names, with a view to to form the permanent committee on missionary churches. The committee was further directed to consider the propriety of requesting the presbytery, at its next meeting, to locate Mr Blyth in the district now occupied by him.

Lancashire. This presbytery met at Sutton, pro re nata, on 22d DecemberRev. Dr Crichton, moderator. The clerk stated that owing chiefly to an urgent application from the congregation of Bradford, this meeting had been summoned. And that having preached there yesterday, he was requested to act as their commissioner, and to ask that a member of presbytery be appointed to moderate in a call on as early a day as presbyterian order will permit. The presbytery granted their prayer, and appointed the Rev. F. Skinner to preside on Wednesday 7th Jan. 1852,

at such hour as the congregation may find convenient. Mr Galloway reported that, according to appointment, he had presided in a moderation at Ramsey, Isle of Man, when the call was given unanimously to Mr John Stillie, preacher. The presbytery approved of Mr Galloway's conduct, and sustained the call as a regular gospel call. Mr Stillie has since declined accepting this call.-The ordinary meeting of this presbytery was held at Manchester on 13th January 1852. Mr Picken, student, gave an account of the lectures of the professors which he attended last session; subjects of discourse and examination for next meeting were appointed to him. Mr Skinner reported that he had fulfilled his appointment with reference to Bradford, having, after sermon on the day appointed, proceeded to moderate in a call, which was given unanimously in favour of Rev. David Sim of Girvan. Commissioners were also present from Bradford, by whom the call, reasons of translation, and other papers, were laid on the table and read. The presbytery expressed their satisfaction with the statements made by Mr Skinner and the commissioners respecting the earnestness and unanimity of the congregation. Approved Mr Skinner's conduct, sustained the call, and appointed that the ordinary papers be forwarded to the Kilmarnock presbytery, and that Dr M'Kerrow act as commissioner from the presbytery. Next meeting is to be held at Birkenhead, and to be called according to circumstances.

Newcastle. This presbytery met at Hexham, 31st December last, for the induction of the Rev. Alexander Henderson to the pastoral charge of the congregation there. Mr Robertson preached. Mr Young_narrated previous proceedings, proposed the questions, and offered up the prayer. Mr Wilson gave the charge to Mr Henderson; and Mr Fisken, in Mr Houston's absence, addressed the congregation.-The presbytery met at Newcastle, 6th January 1852, when the Rev. H. H. Garnet from America, was invited to take his seat among the members. Mr Christie was appointed moderator for six months. Mr Douglas reported his proceedings in the moderation at Stockton, and laid on the table a call to Mr J. A. Johnston, preacher. Mr Douglas' conduct was approved, and the call sustained. Trials for ordination were assigned to Mr Johnston, for whom another call from the congregation in Walker, was now also sustained. Mr Ker, student, was examined in Latin and Greek, giving good proof of his acquaintance with these languages; his examination on other subjects to take place at next meeting of the presbytery, on Tuesday 10th February. The committee for Swallwell reported their meeting with the

congregation there, a majority of whose members adhered to the call they had given to Mr Dodds; but, considering the divided state of the congregation, the presbytery did not deem it expedient to prosecute the call. A proposal was sanctioned for the location of Mr Sandy, preacher, for three months at Hull.

PROBATIONER LICENSED.

Annandale, 15th December.
Mr James Rome, by the presbytery of

CALLS MODERATED.

Walker, Northumberland.-Mr James A. Johnston, called 18th December-Mr Carmichael of Blyth, presiding.

Stockton-on-Tees, Durham. - Mr James A. Johnston, called 18th December-Mr Douglas of Hartlepool, presiding.

Bradford, Yorkshire. The Rev. David Sim of Girvan, called 7th January-Mr Skinner of Blackburn, presiding.

Whitehaven, Cumberland.-Mr William Drummond, called 12th January-Mr Craig of Maryport, presiding.

ORDINATIONS.

Dalreoch, Perthshire.-Mr Matthew Orr, ordained 30th December-Mr Swan of Comrie, Mr Lamb of Erroll, Mr Forsyth of Craigend, and Mr Forrester of Kinkell, officiating.

Dunning, Perthshire.--Mr Peter Barron, ordained 6th January-Mr Young of Newburgh, Mr Lamb of Erroll, Mr Martin of Crieff, and Dr Young of Perth, officiating.

Kilmaronock, Dumbartonshire.-Mr James Dunlop, ordained 6th January-Mr Inglis of Johnstone, Mr Thomson of Dumbarton, and Mr Cairns of Paisley, officiating.

HONARARY DEGREE.

The Senate of the University of Heidelberg, Germany, have conferred the degree of D.D. on the Rev. William M'Kerrow, of the United Presbyterian Church, Loyd Street, Manchester.

CENTENARY MEETING.

On Friday evening, 26th December, the members and adherents of the United Presbyterian Church, Blackett Street, Newcastle, celebrated their hundredth anniversary. Between 400 and 500 sat down to tea in the Victoria Room, Grey Street-the Rev. John Morris of Sunderland in the chair. On the platform were the Rev. Messrs Lawson, Young, Bell, Fraser, Parker, Dall, Drysdale, Bruce, &c., besides other friends. After tea, the Chairman gave a rapid account of the progress of the denomination, and congratulated the members of the con