on the increase, though consisting, in a great measure, of promiscuous hearers, a few of whom have become more regular in their attendance. The missionaries are, as usual, making active exertions in the establishment of schools. In Jamaica, the field comparatively is largely occupied by various missionary societies. The Wesleyans have thirty-three missionaries; the Baptists thirty-two ditto; the Moravians, fifteen ditto; the London Missionary Society, twelve ditto; the Scottish Missionary Society, seven ditto; and the United Secession Church, six ditto. Yet, how inadequate these numbers still are, even with the aid of such as are evangelical among the Established clergy, to supply the means of gospel instruction to a population embracing nearly 300,000 emancipated negroes, scattered over an island of so considerable an extent. These negroes, humbled by long adversity, and with minds rather darkened by the grossest ignorance, than pre-occupied with native superstitions, are in a condition peculiarly favourable for the reception of the gospel, and give cheering encouragement to those who labour among them, by their docility, and ready submission to the doctrines and duties of Christianity. So favourable an opportunity for gathering in multitudes of benighted souls to a Redeemer whom they are so eager to know and embrace, ought to arrest the attention of the church, even more than other fields where the difficulties are great, and the amount of success small. In the Bahamas, the Baptist Missionary Society has four missionaries, with seventeen native assistants. They have under their care 697 Sunday scholars, and 1598 members.

NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS.-This interesting but ill-fated portion of the human family-so oppressed by the white men, who have driven them from their country, and spread among them deadly contagions, both physical and moral-have of late been receiving an increasing share of the Christian sympathy and missionary zeal of various religious bodies, chiefly American. Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Wesleyans, Baptists, Moravians, have missionaries dispersed among them, to the number of 156, besides assistants, teachers, and schoolmasters, greatly more numerous. Portions

of the scriptures are translated into the languages of several of the tribes; and among the churches, who are far advanced in civilization, tracts and books to a large extent are annually printed. Some of these Indians are already so well instructed in the gospel, as to be employed as catechists, or licensed as preachers. The labours of the missionaries have much encouragement in some instances, and in others are attended with disappointment. The desire for education is now becoming more strong and general among all classes. They occupy themselves in useful arts, and various kinds of labour, with less feeling of degradation, and less dread of the ridicule of their associates. Temperance is making progress among many of the tribes, through the influence of the missionaries: and from one station, it is stated that owing, as is believed, to the diminished use of intoxicating drinks, and to a general improvement in morals, the annual number of deaths is not now half as great as it was twelve years ago.

LABRADOR.-Here the United Brethren have four stations, embracing about 1093 Esquimaux in their congregations.

GREENLAND. Their stations here also are four, and their congregations embrace 1800 Greenlanders. In both these inhospitable regions, the devoted missionaries have peculiar hindrances to embarrass them. The native mind is dull and unsusceptible; and, as their flocks are scattered during a considerable portion of the year, at their hunting and fishing stations, they are apt to lose, during their absence, the impressions they have received, and to be allured into evil babits by the heathen, or by the unchristian traders, with whom they come into contact. Yet the missionaries have their joy in some, as well as disappointment and grief in others.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-DOMESTIC.

UNITED SECESSION CHURCH.

PRESBYTERIAL NOTICES.

Elgin. The presbytery met at Boghole on the 12th November. Inter alia, a letter having been read from the Rev. John Shool braid (late of Lochwinnoch), intimating his "withdrawment from the United Secession Church," and requesting a "certificate of character and ministerial status," the consideration of this case was delayed until next meeting-to be held at Forres on Tuesday after the second Sabbath of December.-Forres, Dec. 10.—Mr Daniel Munro, student, gave in part of his trial exercises for license. Mr William Macdonald, student, having delivered the whole of his trial exercises to the satisfaction of the presbytery, was licensed to preach the gospel. Mr Shoolbraid's application to the Presbytery at last meeting having been taken into consideration, it was moved and unanimously agreed to, "that the presbytery highly approve of the spirit manifested by the Commission of the Free Church, at a recent meeting, in reference to cases of this nature, more particularly in respect of their having agreed to refer such cases to the Assembly, instead of leaving them to be settled by presbyteries; and that this presbytery, being prepared on their part to act in a corresponding manner, do refer this case to the United Associate Synod at their first meeting, more especially as Mr Shoolbraid has not informed the presbytery with what Church he intends to connect himself, or what are his reasons for withdrawing from the United Secession Church." Next meeting was appointed to be held at Forres on Tuesday after the second Sabbath of January.

Aberdeen.-A pro re nata meeting of the presbytery was held in Belmont Street church, November 18th. The moderator explained that he had called the meeting according to a requisition made to him by several members, the circumstances occasioning the requisition being the following:That it had been stated to the clerk by two of the elders of the 4th congregation, Aberdeen, that the Rev. Mr Robertson, the minister of said congregation, had intimated to his session his intention to leave the communion of the United Secession Church, and to go over to another body of Christians; and that it had been resolved by a majority of the session to call a meeting of the congregation, in order to carry the purpose into effect. There were laid upon the table various papers connected with the business, and a letter from Mr Robertson was also read, declining the authority of the presbytery, assigning reasons for the step he had taken, and asking a certificate of his ministerial status and moral character. After long reasoning it was unanimously resolved, "That as Mr Robertson, previous to his giving any intimation to the presbytery of his intention to leave the United Secession Church, has plainly been following divisive courses, under greatly aggravating circumstances, he be refused the certificate which he has requested, be suspended from the exercise of the ministerial office, and from the charge of the 4th congregation, Aberdeen; that the presbytery afterwards take into serious consideration what should farther be done in reference to him, and also in reference to the 4th congregation; and that intimation to this effect be immediately given to Mr Robertson." The case was resumed at a meeting in the evening of the same day, when it was resolved to put Mr Robertson in possession of the grounds of complaint against him, viz. "his unfaithfulness to his solemn engagements as minister

of the 4th congregation, not only in seeking to transfer said congregation to another communion, but in refusing to allow them a deliberative voice in the matter; in making unfounded statements against his brethren, and other unfounded statements; and in subversing presbyterial order and liberty in his session ;" and to summon him to attend another meeting, to be held on the 2d day of December. Mr Angus was appointed to moderate in the session of the 4th congregation, and to preach and intimate the deed of suspension on the ensuing Sabbath. According to appointment, the presbytery again met on the 2d December Mr Robertson was present to answer to his summons; and the following decision was unanimously come to, after long discussion, and at a late hour in the evening:-" That on the ground of Mr Robertson's demission, and the statements contained in his letter of demission, he be declared to be no longer minister of the 4th congregation, Aberdeen, or a minister or member of the United Secession Church; and that he be informed that evidence will be led at another meeting on the grounds of complaint against him, when he will have an opportunity of bringing counter evidence, with a view to settling the question of granting or refusing him a certificate." A meeting for the above and general purposes was appointed to be held on Tuesday after the second Sabbath in January 1845. Mr Stirling was appointed to preach to the 4th congregation, and to declare it vacant on the ensuing Sabbath. The presbytery are in the meantime continuing service to those who refused to leave with Mr Robertson. They number from 80 to 100, including four elders.

Annan and Carlisle. The presbytery met at Chapelknowe on the 22d October. It was reported that the committee had met at Chapelknowe as appointed, and after due inquiry, had sent a representation to the Home Mission Committee. Mr Clark stated that this representation had been answered by the secretary requiring a statement of accounts for the last half year, which statement was produced; and after examination, was ordered to be signed by the moderator and clerk. Received and read a petition from the congregation of Great Salkeld, which the presbytery was requested to transmit to the Home Mission Committee. It was agreed to transmit and recommend said petition, stating that it is sent to said committee as a temporary expedient for the reasons stated in it. It was reported by the clerk that in consequence of Mr Stewart, who has been supplying at Wigton for four months bygone, being about to leave, he had appointed Mr Andrew Wield there for the month of November; and that the month of December was not provided for yet. Rev. Mr Thomson, Holywell, made a representation to the presbytery of the deficiency of the funds of his congregation. After reasoning on the matter, the Rev. Messrs Black and M'Gill were appointed to proceed to Holywell, to examine into the pecuniary affairs of the congregation-ascertain, if possible, how it has come to pass, that while it was represented to this court that L.60 per annum were raised for the previous minister, and offered as stipend for the present minister, which was one of the conditions on which the moderation was grantedonly L.36 have been raised for the last year-that a congregational meeting be held for this purpose-the duty of the people in this matter stated to them; and that the committee stir them up to its performance. Appointed next meeting to be held at the same place on the 21st January 1845.

Dundee. This presbytery met on the 26th November, and was constituted, &c. A notice was received from the presbytery of Coldstream and Berwick that they had suspended Mr George Kidd from the exercise of his office as preacher of the gospel. Mr Rob. R. D. Duncan being present, had the call of Wishart church presented to him, which he cordially accepted and returned to the clerk. He was then recommended to have a part, if not the whole, of his trials for ordination ready at next meeting.

Glasgow. The presbytery met in Wellington Street church on the evening of the 27th November, when Mr Andrew Main, preacher, was ordained as a missionary to Jamaica. Mr Gardiner preached, and Dr Robson ordained and gave the charge to the newly ordained missionary. The presbytery met again at Cambuslang on the 28th November, when Mr A. W. Smith was ordained to the office of the ministry and the pastoral charge of the congregation of Cambuslang. Mr Robertson of Busby preached, and Professor Eadie ordained and delivered appropriate exhortations to the minister and people. The ordinary meeting of presbytery was held on the 10th December-Dr Robson, moderator. Mr Robertson presented a call from the congregation of Campbelton, addressed to Mr John Riddell, preacher, which was unanimously sustained. Mr Johnston gave a report of his procedure in the ordination of elders at Ramsay, and his conduct was approved of. The draft of an address to the elders in the bounds, prepared by a committee of presbytery, was read, and it was agreed that it be printed and circulated. Messrs M'Ewan, Goold, and Campbell, students, gave in part of their trials for license, which were sustained. A considerable portion of the sederunt was occupied in considering the application for pecuniary aid from the congregation of East Regent Place, which terminated in the presbytery finding, though with much painful feeling, that in present circumstances they can do nothing effectually to relieve the congregation from its present distressing embarrassments. [In our report for September, it is stated :-"The Rev. James Galloway gave in his resignation as a probationer of the United Secession Church, and craved extracts of his licence, as he was about to leave the fellowship of the church, which were granted." Mr G. is dissatisfied with this report, and claims insertion of the following as the correct account of his case. "In a letter to the presbytery I mentioned that I had seen it to be my duty to resign my office as a probationer of the United Secession Church, and that I wished a presbyterial certificate, and also an extract of my licence by the foresaid presbytery, both of which were unanimously granted."]

CONGREGATIONAL NOTICES.

Galashiels.-The new church erected for the United Associate congregation of Galashiels in the High Street of that town, was opened for public worship on Sunday the 24th November. The Rev. Dr Henderson, the minister of the congregation, preached in the forenoon from Matt. xviii. 20 ; the Rev. Dr John Brown of Broughton Place Church, Edinburgh, in the afternoon, from 1st Peter ii. 17, second clause; and the Rev. George Lawson of Selkirk, in the evening, from Psalms cxxii. 1. The house was thronged at all the services, especially in the afternoon and evening, when those in most of the other churches in the town were over, by attentive audiences. The collections during the day towards defraying the cost of the building amounted to the liberal sum of L.62, 2s. A few of the ladies belonging to the congregation had presented their minister with an elegant pulpit gown, with which to enter the new church. On the Monday evening following, a congregational soiree was held in the new place of worship-the Rev. Dr Henderson in the chair. After prayer had been offered by the Rev. R. Blair of the Relief Church, Galashiels, the chairman said, that he thanked God that he had been spared to see his congregation in possession of a handsome and commodious place of worship, and one much more conveniently situated for the great body of its members than their former one— that he was happy to think that the exertion made by the congregation to attain this object had been so creditable to them-that they had reason to be thankful for the countenance and aid they had received from the inha

bitants of the town generally of other religious denominations, many of whom he saw now present to congratulate them on their entrance into their new place of worship; and also for the kind interest taken in their affairs, and the liberal assistance afforded by friends belonging to other churches of the Secession. What had been done for them by some who were now with him on the platform, it might not do for him to mention here publicly in their presence, but he could assure them that it would make them live in the grateful remembrance of the members of this congregation. The chairman then said that he was happy to have his brethren, the ministers of the other Presbyterian churches in the town with them that evening-the Rev. Mr Blair of the Relief church, and the Rev. Messrs Falconer and Nichol of the Free Church-that he had received a note from the Rev. Mr Phin of the Established Church, regretting that he could not attend, and expressing the most friendly feelings towards himself and his congregation. He accepted all this as a pledge, which he most cordially reciprocated, that, while adhering to their own conscientious views, they would regard each other with christian affection, and follow after the things which make for peace. He observed, that to those who like him were getting well advanced in life, even events in themselves joyful would come mingled with feelings of sadness. He could not but miss many who would on this occasion, had they been spared, have rejoiced with him, but they were now worshipping in the upper sanctuary. If he had a wish for himself to be continued to labour among them for a few years longer, it was, that ere he departed he might see the congregation freed from any remaining burden of debt; but such wishes may be vain. It is not ours to say-if this or the other object be attained, we will be willing to depart; but to wait, in the performance of the duties to which we are called, our Lord's time. Happy if we, when he comes, be found doing his will.-The chairman then called on the Rev. Mr Lawson, whom, he said, he did not need to introduce to them, as he had been the first minister of the congregation here; and they were happy that, after his various removals, he had come to their neighbourhood, and that they could be refreshed by his occasional visits. Mr Lawson then addressed the meeting in a lively and interesting speech, on the propriety of having commodious and even elegant places of worship; in the course of which he adverted happily to facts connected with the early history of the congregation, and the progress which the town had made in its trade and manufactures, and to the consequent increase of its population, and congratulated the congregation in their not having been driven out of their former meeting-house, with which he, in common with many others present, had many interesting and affecting associations, by any calamity or persecution, but had been obliged to provide another, because the place had become too strait for them. Mr David Anderson of Glasgow followed with an address on congregational exertion; he acknowledged that the congregation had done well, but even they who had done well, he said, might do better. He proceeded to detail a number of facts which had come under his observation as secretary to the new fund for assisting weak congregations in liquidating debt upon their churches-facts showing strikingly how much may be done even by those who had imagined themselves powerless for any pecuniary effort, when Christian principle is called into action. He stated that the L.8000 contributed to the fund by the churches of the Secession had called forth about L.12,000 from the congregations relieved. Mr John Boyd, of 2 York Place, Edinburgh, gave a pleasing and encouraging address on the same subject to which Mr Anderson had directed the attention of the meeting. The Rev. Mr Falconer then spoke impressively on the nature and desirableness of a revival of religion. The Rev. Dr Robson of Wellington Street church, Glasgow, next enchained the attention of the audience, for upwards of an hour, by an animated address, full of striking