are now open to the students of this Church, and the colleges in Scotland and Ireland are, for the most part, both convenient and available; and in all or most of them such an education, as has been usual for the ministry in this Church, may be attained at moderate expense.

They are of opinion that it is not possible that the course of education usually comprehended in the undergraduate curriculum, can be successfully undertaken in a course of two years' study, and in the way proposed.

They are of opinion that it is not expedient to impose so many additional duties on the two theological Professors.

They are of opinion that it is an innovation, and not expedient, to permit students to take their course of natural philosophy while entering on the first year of the theological curriculum, and the more especially since the study of theology is proposed to be limited to three years.

Wherefore, and in consideration of all the reasons preceding, the Presbytery unanimously refuse their sanction to the proposals

now read.

PRESBYTERY OF BIRMINGHAM.

THIS Presbytery met at Wolverhampton on Tuesday the 9th ultimo. Present: Messrs.

Lewis (Moderator), Speers, and Dr. Bryson, ministers, and Mr. R. Houghton, elder.

The Rev. Wm. C. Burns, one of our missionaries from China, being present, was associated; and having addressed the Presbytery, and given most interesting and encouraging information regarding the progress of the Lord's work in China, it was moved by Mr. Spiers, seconded by Dr. Bryson, and unanimously agreed to: That the Presbytery having heard with great satisfaction the interesting and encouraging statements made by Mr. Burns regarding the progress of missionary labours in China, acknowledge with thankfulness the opportunities specially offered for the diffusion of the "truth as it is in Jesus" in that

great empire, and earnestly pray that the blessing of the Most High may come down in rich abundance upon the labours of Mr. Burns and the other missionaries engaged in the Lord's work in that interesting land.

The Committee appointed to examine the day-school at Dudley reported that they had conducted the examination on the 21st ult.; that they were much pleased with the general appearance of the school, the attendance being 120, and also with the great efficiency of the teacher. A schedule haying been laid on the table, was ordered to be attested.

The Presbytery having taken the pro

posals in regard to the college under consideration, it was unanimously resolved: That the Presbytery being of opinion that the arrangements which contemplate in future a preliminary course of instruction to be undertaken by the professors in addition to their present duties are not such as would promote the efficiency of the College, and therefore cannot recommend their adoption.

The Clerk was instructed to furnish Sessions with blank form of schedules, and also to request that all communion rolls, session records, and statistical and financial returns, be laid on the table at the March Meeting.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Stafford on the 23d inst., at three o'clock, p.m.

PRESBYTERY OF LONDON.

THE Monthly Meeting of this Presbytery was held in Great Ormond-street, on Tuesday, January 9. Present, Messrs. Duncan, Alexander, Chalmers, Gamble, Fisher, Ballantyne, Keedy, and Professors Campbell and Lorimer, ministers; Messrs. Jackson, Robb, Dr. Macauly, and Captain Cameron, elders.

[The Presbytery met on the 26th December, and sustained a call from the congregation at Brighton, in favour of Mr. John R. Macdugal, preacher.]

Trials were prescribed to Mr. Macdugal, and the Presbytery agreed to meet on the 30th January to receive them. Communion Rolls were received from the following congregations, showing the number of communicants to be-Greenwich, 126; Riverterrace, 416; Marylebone, 500; Southampton, 109; Windsor, 65; Chelsea, 169; and John Knox, 192.

mittee appointed to confer with the Rev. A Report was received from the ComDr. Hewlett. Dr. Hamilton was added to this Committee, which was re-appointed,

with further instructions.

The examination of the Southwark dayschools was reported, and a certificate granted.

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND.

THE Quarterly Meeting of this Presbytery was held at Alnwick the 9th day of January, and duly constituted. The roll being called, Sederunt, the Moderator Mr. Walker, Messrs. Hoy, Lennie, Huie, Edwards, Cathcart, Bannatyne, Edmonds, Forsyth, and the Clerk. The Minutes of last Quarterly Meeting and succeeding Meetings were read and sustained.

Communion Rolls from Glanton, Felton, Widdrington, Crookham, and Alnwick, were produced and ordered to be attested,

there existed no obstacle to ultimate union, which ought to be insuperable; whilst amongst those assembled, the desire for that union was evidently much increased by this opportunity of mutual intercourse.

The following Resolutions, unanimously adopted at the evening Meeting, will show the spirit in which the Conference was conducted and the results at which it arrived :

1. On the Motion of the Rev. Robert Redpath, M.A., of London, seconded by the Rev. John Weir, of London, "That this Conference, recognising the obligation resting on all the friends of the Redeemer to cultivate the spirit of brotherly love, is further impressed with the duty which devolves on all denominations substantially the same in doctrine and discipline, to unite in one Church organization for the promotion of the great work committed to them by their Head and Lord."

2d. On the Motion of the Rev. Dr. M'Kerrow, seconded by Robert Barbour, Esq., "That after full and explicit conversation on various points of difference, this Conference rejoices in the large and substantial union which exists between the two bodies represented in the Conference, and in the prospect which is thus afforded of an eventual union without any surrender of principle."

3d. On the Motion of the Rev. Dr. Paterson, of Sunderland, seconded by the Rev. Dr. Crichton, of Liverpool, "That, with a view to exhibit the existing harmony, as well as to expedite the desired issue, the Conference would affectionately suggest to ministers and congregations of the two Churches the desirableness of cultivating meanwhile fraternal intercourse in the way of ministerial exchanges, and such other good offices as may bring the two bodies more frequently and more closely together."

4th. On the Motion of the Rev. Peter Carruthers, of Longtown, seconded by Alex. Gillespie, Esq., of London, "That the following members of the Conference be requested to follow the consideration up of the whole case, and to communicate, before the 1st of April next, to the two Chairmen of the Conference, any information and suggestions which they may think conducive to the attainment of the desired union, viz., the Rev. Drs. Hamilton, M'Kerrow, and Paterson, the Rev. Messrs. Pringle, Redpath, and Trail. John Collingwood Bruce, Esq., LL.D.,

and Robert Barbour, John Geekie, and Alexander Gillespie, Esqs."

5th. On the Motion of the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, seconded by the Rev. R. S. Drummond, M.A., of Carlisle, “That the Conference cannot part without recording the delightful fellowship which the members have enjoyed with one another, gratefully acknowledging the good hand of their God upon them, and the grace of his Spirit in the vouchsafement of so much candour, forbearance, and brotherly love, which they would devoutly hail as a happy earnest for the farther progress of the present movement."

Robinson's Bible Class have lately presented ETAL. The young persons attending Mr.

him with Horne's "Introduction to the Criti

cal Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures," five vols.; Prideaux's "Connexion

between the Old and New Testaments," two vols.; and Foster's "Essays and Lectures," four vols., as a token of their affection for himself and gratitude for his valuable instruc

tions.

LEEDS CHURCH.-The Trustees respectfully request subscribers to remit, at their earliest convenience, the amount of their subscriptions to the Treasurer, as immediate payment of

the purchase-money for the site is demanded, and as they require all available funds to enable them to commence building in February. The Trustees also beg to inform the Church generally that an additional sum of 1,500l. is required to enable them to erect a building suitable to the wants of so important a town as Leeds, and worthy of the Presbyterian Church in England. While, therefore, grateful for the kind assistance already accorded them, the Trustees feel themselves called upon to make a further appeal to the friends of the Church, and earnestly hope that

it will be liberally responded to. Contributions will be thankfully received by the Rev. Geo. W. Adam, Burley Lawn, Leeds; Wm. Macleod, Esq., M.D., Treasurer, Ben Rhydding,

near Leeds; and Messrs. Beckett and Co., bankers, Leeds.

ST. MARK'S PRESBYTERIAN SABBATH SCHOOLS, GREENWICH.-On Thursday of Christmas week, a period usually characterised by kindly festivity, the friends and teachers of St. Mark's Sabbath-school gave the scholars a very acceptable treat. Early on that evening the Rev. Mr. Duncan, accompanied by the teachers and several friends, sat down to tea in the vestry. The school-room, which was tastefully decorated with evergreens, was, in the meantime, rapidly filling with the eager

scholars, to the number of about sixty, bent on partaking of the good cheer which had been provided for them; this consisted of tea, with an abundant supply of bread, buns, cake, and oranges. These having been disposed of, the scholars were addressed by the Rev. Mr. Duncan, and, in succession, by Mr. Beaumont, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Basden, in short but appropriate speeches. In continuation the mysteries of the magic lantern were skilfully displayed by some of the teachers, to the great delight and merriment of the young folks, who throughout the whole evening conducted themselves with great propriety. About nine o'clock the party broke up, much gratified with the evening's entertainment, the teachers and other friends of the school feeling greatly encouraged to repeat, at appropriate periods, this first attempt to regale the Sabbath-school children of St. Mark's Church.

ST. ANDREW's YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY, MANCHESTER. The ninth annual Meeting of this Society was held on the 7th ult., in the Chorlton-upon- Medlock Town-hall. Above two hundred ladies and gentlemen sat down to tea. After some remarks on the advantages of such Societies, by Mr. Jas. Mackenzie, the President of the Society, the Secretary, Mr. George Robertson, read the Report for the year, which showed a considerable increase in the number of members, but a slight decrease in the average attendance. The adoption of the Report was moved by Mr. Robb, and seconded by Mr. Milligan. The Rev. W. Trail delivered an able and appropriate address to the members; and was followed in some excellent remarks by the Rev. A. Ingles, of Ancoats Church. The Meeting was also addressed by Messrs. Clark, Halliday, and J. M'Gregor. A paper was read from the MS. Magazine of the Society; after which, Mr. Service, seconded by Mr. Stewart, moved a vote of thanks to the representatives present from kindred societies, which was responded to by representatives from Grosvenor-square, Salford, Lloyd-street, and Coupland-street Societies. Mr. Fulton moved a vote of thanks to the "Ladies and Strangers," which was seconded by Mr. Patterson. The congregational choir was present, and sang some pieces of sacred music in excellent taste. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and to the choir, the Meeting separated.

DUDLEY.-The annual examination of the day-schools here took place before a Committee of Presbytery, comprising the Revs. J. R. Mackenzie, D.D., John Bryson, LL.D., Geo. Lewis, and Mr. Robert Houghton. The attendance of parents and friends was numerous and respectable. The children were examined by Mr. M'Intyre, the Master, in grammar, geography, reading, recitation, &c., in all of which their general proficiency excited the admiration of all present. The needlework and knitting produced by the girls was also excellent, and reflected much credit both on teachers and pupils. On Tuesday evening, January 2d, the Sabbath-school soirée took place in the school-rooms, which were tastefully decorated with evergreens. After tea, the business of the evening was introduced by singing and prayer; after which, on the motion of the Rev. Geo. Lewis, the chair was taken

by Mr. Henderson, of the London Works. The Report, which was read by Mr. M'Intyre, gave a very encouraging view of the progress of the schools during the past year. The average attendance had been upwards of two hundred, and a good library had been provided for the use of the scholars. The choir having sung an appropriate piece, interesting addresses were delivered by Dr. Bryson, of Wolverhampton, Rev. James Speers, of Stafford, and the Chairman. Votes of thanks were passed to the teachers, the ladies who provided the tea, and the Chairman. Tea was provided for the children of the Sabbath-schools on the following evening, after which Mr. Lewis delivered an excellent address.

GROSVENOR-SQUARE.-TESTIMONIAL.-On Tuesday evening, October 24, the Committee of Management of the Presbyterian Church Boys' Day-School, Grosvenor-square, in connexion with the Rev. Mr. Munro's congregation, presented their late teacher, Mr. James Hawkins, with a handsome gold watch and guard chain, as a mark of their esteem for his valuable services during a period of upwards of thirteen years, in which he has had the charge of that school. Mr. Hawkins, who is about to emigrate with his family to Australia, was addressed in an eloquent and feeling manner by the Rev. Mr. Munro, to which he made a suitable reply; and after some appropriate remarks by other gentlemen, the Meeting separated, highly gratified with the proceedings of the evening.-[We regret that the insertion of the above was accidentally omitted in a previous number.]

MORPETH.-The annual social gathering on behalf of the Sabbath-schools was held here, as usual, in the Borough Schools, on the evening of January 1st, Dr. Trotter in the chair. After the tables were withdrawn, the Chairman, in a very appropriate address, introduced the several speakers, who kept up the interest of one of the largest and most delighted Meetings ever assembled on the occasion, by their apt, eloquent, and effective speeches. The Rev. Mr. Forsyth, of Bavington, spoke on "Selfishness, in its Types and Tendencies;" the Rev. Mr. Walker, of Alnwick, on "Patriotism, in Reference to Existing Circumstances; the Rev. Mr. Edwards, of Widdrington, on "Influence, in its Personal and Social Relations;" the Rev. Mr. Mooney, Curate of Longhorsley, on "Liberty, in Relation to the Diffusion of the Gospel;" the Rev. Mr. Duncan, of Newcastle, on "The Providence of God, as Developed in the Revolutions of Empires, and the Progress of Civilization;" and the Rev. Mr. Anderson, minister of the congregation, on "The Nature and Necessity of Recreation, and its Legitimate Limits." The choir of the congregation performed some pieces of music in a splendid style; and Mr. Tait's band of Sabbath-school singers greatly interested and delighted the audience. Want of space compels us to suppress details.

JUVENILE MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION, GROSVENOR-SQUARE, MANCHESTER. - The thirteenth annual Meeting of "The Juvenile Missionary Association" was held in the church, on Christmas morning, the 25th December. The attendance of members and friends of the Association was large, and much

interest was evinced in the proceedings. The Meeting was addressed by the Rev. Alexander Munro, who presided on the occasion, and also by several other ministers and gentlemen. The Rev. W. C. Burns entered at some length on his own experience in China, noting some of the peculiarities of that singular and interesting people, adverting to their religious condition, and pointing out the various religions into which its population is divided. From the spirit of change and healthy inquiry now beginning to manifest themselves amongst the Chinese, he augured considerable success to the Missions now in operation; and although for the leavening of so mighty a mass there was but a little band of pious and devoted missionaries of the cross, yet, with God's blessing on their exertions, many had been, and he trusted many more would be, turned from bowing the knee to wood and stone to the worship of the one only true God. In referring to the beneficial results likely to accrue from the translation of Christian books into the Chinese tongue, he exhibited a copy of the "Pilgrim's Progress," which he himself had been enabled to prepare in that language. The exhibition of this copy excited considerable interest, especially in the minds of the youthful members of the Association, who have recently contributed a considerable sum for the circulation of that book, as also for the Bible, translated into the same language. Mr. Burns was listened to with great interest and attention, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him at the conclusion of his address. The Rev. Mr. Munro intimated, at the close of the proceedings, that the amount subscribed by the Association, for the session 1853 to 1854, reached the handsome sum of about 751. Copies of the biography of R. M. Banboo, native missionary for this Association at Madras, were distributed to the Meeting as it dispersed.

ANCOATS, MANCHESTER, CHALMERS' PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.-The new church belonging to this congregation was opened on Sabbath the 7th ult., when a crowded assembly waited upon services ably conducted by the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, of London. The church, which is seated for 750, is in the Italian style, and reflects great credit upon the architect, J. E. Gregan, Esq., of Manchester. On the 8th a tea-meeting of the congregation and its friends was held in the large room of the new schools adjoining the church. The chair was filled by Robert Barbour, Esq., and addresses were delivered by the Chairman; the Rev. Andrew Inglis, minister of the congregation; the Rev. Dr. Hamilton; Rev. Messrs. M'Caw, Scott (U. P. Church), Trail, Stewart, and Blyth; James Crawford, Esq., J. E. Gregan, Esq., &c. The attendance was large, and the enthusiasm great. Mr. Barbour, by helping in the erection of a most commodious schoolroom, and by providing this most suitable church for this populous, working-class neighbourhood, has established agencies which it is hoped will promote largely the moral and religious welfare of the inhabitants, and has done an act of generous liberality to the Presbyterian Church in England.

PRESENTATION.-The ladies in connexion with the English Presbyterian Church, Bank

hill, have presented the Rev. Mr. Murdoch with an elegant pulpit-gown and cassock, as a token of their regard and esteem for him as their pastor. ISLINGTON.

RIVER-TERRACE,

On the evening of Monday, the 22d ult., the Annual Meeting of the congregation was held in the school, and was largely attended, notwithstanding the unfavourable weather. The Rev. J. Weir occupied the chair. The annual accounts were submitted by Mr. Cotes, the treasurer, and were adopted on the motion of Messrs. Pittman and Nicholson. A vote of thanks was presented to Mr. Cotes for his long-continued and valuable services as Treasurer. The Report of the Benevolent Society (for the visitation of the sick poor) was read by Mr. Watson. The amount of good thereby effected, and the libera! support which it has received are very gratifying. Mr. Landrath, city missionary, gave an interesting account of his labours during the past year. Mr. Jackson read an account of the various sums contributed for local and Synodical objects, which amounted to upwards of 1,110. The Rev. William Gill, a missionary from the South Seas, a young Christian chief accompanying him, and the Rev. R. S. Ward, from Canada, also took part in the proceedings, which were of a cheering character. From the Report submitted by Mr. Hill, superintendent of the Sabbath-school, it appeared that the library was well supplied with books; that upwards of 107. had been contributed for missionary objects by the children; and that within the last few weeks they had formed themselves into a missionary association, with officers elected from among themselves.

Jattings of the auth.

Dr. Duff, in a letter dated 1st January, 1855, says, "It is the Lord's will still to keep me very low. I hope there is some slight progress on the whole, but it is so slow as to be imperceptible from week to week. It is still a succession of ups and downs, but never yet approximating the wished-for mark. Still I am satisfied that there is a fair prospect of ultimate, though as yet far-distant, perfect recovery. Occasionally I have still a return of some of the most distressing symptoms; but the interval between these returns is, on the whole, widening, while, in the ordinary state, there is a great abatement of the worst symptoms."

Presbyterian Chaplains for the East.-Chaplains from the Church of Scotland and the Free Church have been sent by Government to the Crimea; and a Committee of the ministers and elders of the Established Church, in Glasgow, have engaged the Rev. Wm. Ferguson, who is to proceed as Presbyterian chaplain to the hospital at Scutari. The Government guarantees 1007. per annum, with other allowances, on condition that the Committee raise another 1007. The Rev. G. H. Johnston is about to proceed to the Crimea, as chaplain to the Irish Presbyterian soldiers there.

The Gospel in Turkey. There are now