low-men, and may, though you think not so, destroy yours? Our limits do not permit us to state all the arguments in support of our cause, nor any of them so fully as we could wish. We offer the following only as a specimen. 1. The plan is simple. We can conceive nothing more so. No one can fail to understand it. No one can mistake in applying it. Now, considering the very degraded state of multitudes in our country that we have to deal with, we see, in its simplicity, its adaptation to its end, and therefore, in part also, its efficiency. And be it remembered, that some of the simplest things are also the strongest. All the great powers of nature are simple. "The very law that moulds a tear, And makes it trickle from its source, And guides the planets in their course." The sling, with the smooth stone from the brook, was a simple thing in the hand of the Israelitish stripling; but, heaven-directed, it brought to the dust the Giant of Gath. And so do we, depending on the same heavenly guidance, hope, by our simple plan, to destroy the giant crime of our country. 2. The plan is practicable. It is clear that, if there were no drinkers, there would be no drunkards; and, therefore, as abstinence spreads, intemperance must cease. And we can point to thousands of cases, in which its practicableness has been proved-to individuals snatched from the brink of ruin, lifted up out of the very lowest depths, restored to their right minds, when every thing belonging to humanity, save what is animal, seemed wrecked and lost,-to happy fathers-to happy mothers-to happy homes, where happiness had hitherto been unknown-and, best of all, to those who, being recovered from intemperance, were brought under the influence of the truth, and by the truth were made free indeed. As to the practicableness of the plan, then, we have no doubts. It only requires extension. Let all adopt it, and it triumphs. 3. The plan is scriptural. We do not mean that it is laid down formally in scripture; but we hold that it is scriptural in its principle, its spirit, and its aims. We abstain; and where is the law that enjoins us to take, if we think it better not to take? We abstain from what we believe to be both hurtful and dangerous; and every one knows what the sixth commandment requires and forbids. Is compassion for the ignorant and them that are out of the way-is readiness to help the weak, and to succour the tempted, and, if need be, self-denial and sacrifice for their sakes-is the determination to seek not merely his own, but every man another's profit, and to repudiate both the temper and the conduct of him who said, "Am I my brother's keeper ?"-are these in harmony with the spirit of the Bible? So is our plan. We adopt it in the very spirit of the declaration, "It is good (i. e., in certain circumstances) neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth or is offended, or is made weak." And we pro secute it in the spirit of him, who, prepared to act out his own principles, if circumstances should demand it of him, pledged himself thus, "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." We do not put our plan, then, in the room of We do not hold it forth as an the gospel. improvement on Bible morality. They who say so, do us great injustice. We hold it forth only as a particular application, demanded by the circumstances of our country, of some of the great principles of our holy religion. And, instead of opposing the other scriptural measures for the suppression of intemperance, we welcome them most cordially. We say to all-work these measures with all your might; preach against drunkenness; thunder against it the terrors of the Lord; exercise fully and faithfully the discipline of the Church; reprove, rebuke, exhort, and put away the unclean thing from among you. None will rejoice in your success heartily than we. more 4. The abstinence principle has been adopted by many of the wisest and worthiest in our land. From among hundreds of similar testimonies, we select the three following. The Rev. J. A. James of Birmingham declared, that "He had tried the system for two years; he had gone through much ministerial labour; and he could honestly aver, that he never laboured with so much comfort as since he had rigidly adhered to that principle. He felt bound to give his own example to the cause, that he might, upon consistent ground, reason with the drunkard whom he addressed." The Rev. W. Jay of Bath"For the last six years I have been a teetotaler. To this (now I am past 70) 1 ascribe, under God, the glow of health, evenness of spirits, freshness of feeling, ease of application, and comparative inexhaustion by public labours, I now enjoy. The subject of teetotalism I have examined physically, morally, and Christianly; and after all my reading, reflection, observation, and experience, I have reached a very firm and powerful conviction : I believe that, next to the glorious gospel, God could not bless the human race so much as by the abolition of all intoxicating spirits." The Rev. B. W. Noel declares, "There is no zeal, no faithfulness, no pity, if we can see the wicked die, and refuse to save them. If a man were placed among spirit-drinking population, where he saw thousands hurried down to death by that vice, it would be his plain undeniable duty to abstain. If we, as the disciples of Christ, are really anxious to convey blessings to the degraded, we must, we are absolutely bound to set them an example in this matter." Now, we ask, what ought to be the legitimate influence and result of such declarations? Not certainly that you should embrace the cause merely because these and many other wise and worthy men have embraced it, but that you should examine your own principles, and position, and practice, in reference to it, and giving to the whole subject a fair, full, and prayerful consideration, act as those who must give account of themselves to God. This is clearly your duty; will find it equally your interest and and you your safety. 5. The measure is demanded by the circumstances of our country. It is said of the children of Issachar, that "they were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." Now, we hold, that the suppression of intemperance is the pressing duty of the present time, and that every good man should come forward and put his hand to the work. Like an evil genius, intemperance is moving throughout our country; meeting us wherever we go; marring our best laid schemes; frustrating our fondest hopes; diminishing the influence of what is good, and making every thing evil worse. The educationist, the philanthropist, the home missionary, the Christian minister, all find it counter-working them; so that, often weary and worn, and sad at heart, they turn away from otherwise delightful work, saying, We have laboured in vain, we have spent our strength for nought and in vain." Oh! shall not the wise and the good in our land rise, in indignant might, and banish for ever the pestilent demon? They could, if they would. 6. We know of no other plan that will effect our end. If there be any that have a better, let them show it. We wish the best. Why then, say some, not try moderation? Moderation has been tried, in the shape of the former temperance societies, and has failed. There are thousands that cannot be moderate. As long as they abstain, they are safe; but the moment they taste, they lose all self-command, and are overcome, and fall. Moderation will not do; for it allows the tempter to remain among us. Out of a given number of moderate drinkers, there is always a proportion advancing into the ranks of the intemperate; so that, were all the present drunkards reclaimed, their places, in a few years, would be filled up. And from whom? From among the present advocates of moderation. Moderation will not do; for it encourages the present drinking customs, and till these are abolished, intemperance will continue to pollute our land. Nothing but abstinence will do. And are we sure that it will do? Yes, if generally adopted, it will. Were all the intelligent and religious in our land to adopt it, what a change would take place! Drinking, as we call it, would become disreputable, and gradually disappear, till it was found only among the worthless. And then, with the united example and efforts of such a host of abstainers, might there not be hope for many of these also? And more than hope that, when all the unreclaimed had died out, a new and better state of things would spring up, and drunkenness be as rare as now it is common. As to the efficiency of onr plan, therefore, if generally adopted, there can be no doubt. But the doubt lies here-will it be generally adopted? Is there benevolence enough? Is there selfdenial enough? Is there religion enough in our country for an enterprise so noble? Or must the present generation depart, and must the honour of expelling the great destroyer be reserved to their children, wondering all the while, and grieving too, that their good fathers should have harboured among them such a pest, and nurtured so long a thing so vile? Such are some of the general grounds on which we submit our plan to your consideration. Those that follow are of a more personal and private nature, and must be very briefly stated. Think of your own safety. The drinks of our country are most deceptive. Thousands as pure, and free, and firm of purpose, as any of you now are, have fallen; and so may you. Not one that uses them is safe. Think of your friends. There are few, we believe, that have not suffered, or are not suffering, from this cause, in some of their relations. This suffering may not always have been known to the world; but it has often been deep, and poignant, and long continued. Many a heart has it broken. Think of your children. Is the time approaching when they must leave the paternal roof? And have you no fears as to their safety, when you remember how many as promising have been ruined by intemperance? We ask, then, whether would they be safer leaving the paternal roof nurtured in abhorrence of all intoxicating drinks, and engaged not to taste them, or pleading that to use them was manly, and enforcing their plea by the endeared usages of home, and the venerated example of their pious parents? Think of the congregation to which you belong. If you are able to trace back its history, for any considerable period, you will probably be astonished at the numbers that have fallen through intemperance. And, alas! elders too have fallen! Ministers too, some of them largely gifted, and most promising, have fallen! And shall the destroyer be permitted thus to raven, not only on the world, but in the Church? But there is a view of the subject still more solemn. Remember that the drunkard is a self-destroyer. Surely, and often not slowly, does he bring himself to an untimely and dishonoured grave. And what a saddening sight, in a Christian land, is a drunkard's grave? And sadder still, when we look beyond the grave, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, *** drunkards, shall inherit the kingdom of God." Oh! if there are Christian sympathies, here is something to awaken them! If there are "labours of love," here is something that instantly demands them! Our fellow-men are perishing around us-in the most awful sense of the word perishing. "And shall we let them perish? "Will no man care for their "for nor souls? "If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keep thy soul, doth he not know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? Such then, brethren, is our cause; and such a few of the considerations by which we support it. And now, the all-important question which it belongs to you to decide is, What is Christian duty in reference to this cause ? We have been furnishing you with materials to assist you in coming to a decision. We have shown some of the evils that flow from drinking;-place beside these the good that flows from it. We have stated some of the reasons for abstaining;-place beside these your reasons for using intoxicating drinks, and let the better reasons and the better cause prevail. And if any of you are convinced that ours is the better cause, then we say have the manliness to follow out your convictions. Whatever opposition you may meet with, whatever temporary inconvenience it may occasion, have the Christian fortitude to do what you believe to be the Christian duty. If so, you shall have your reward; if not, remember that "to him who knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” To all prepared for it, we would say, it is your duty not only immediately to abstain, but either to connect yourselves with the abstinence societies in your localities, or to form similar associations for yourselves. And the members of this Society that may be in your neighbourhood will be happy to give all direction and assistance in their power. Think how long drunkenness has been the great sin of our land!-how little has been done for the removal of this great sin, even by the people of God! And surely you will admit, that it is more than time that you, and all good men, were engaged, heart and hand, in this good work. A For your own, and your children's sakes; for the sake of the Church to which you belong; for the sake of religion pure and undefiled; for your country's, for the world's sake, we are deeply anxious that you should decide rightly. Were the members of our Church generally to embrace the cause, how interesting, how important, would be the results! Could other Churches, after that, stand aloof? Would not the movement spread, till all the good in our land were engaged in it? And what an honour that our Church should take the lead in this great and good cause! Sure are we that it would be one of her noblest distinctions, and that generations yet unborn would call her blessed. And what an honour, too, that she should be the instrument of stimulating the Church generally. And does not the Church greatly need to be stimulated as to this matter? Yes; she is at present "in a false position.' great and benevolent movement is going on; and, instead of assisting and guiding it, she stands aloof. Her general bearing, in reference to this cause, has, as yet, been unworthy of her. She speaks too much as the world speaks, and acts too much as the world acts. But, she must arouse herself, and be to the world in this, as in other things, what her Divine Redeemer intended her to be, "the world's light." And the sooner she takes her proper position the better. Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust, loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion." And then, free and pure thyself, thou shalt go forth in thy beauty, and majesty, and might; and call the world to be pure and free. 66 Signed by seventy ministers of the United Presbyterian Church, also by numerous elders, preachers, and students. PRESBYTERIAL NOTICES. The Annandale.-This presbytery met_at Waterbeck on the 23d November. The Rev. John Black was elected moderator for the next six months. The presbytery found that most of the congregations in the presbytery had made the collection for the Synod fund, and enjoined those which had not yet made it, to do so on an early day. A communication was read from the Synod's committee on joining small congregations in the same locality, in answer to the pres bytery's request respecting the union of the two congregations in Annan. clerk having stated that he had communicated the resolution of the committee recommending union, to the parties, the presbytery approved of his conduct. A communication was read from the first congregation, Annan, stating that they had met and appointed a committee to consult with the second congregation on terms of union. A communication was also read from the second congregation, stating that they had appointed a committee to confer with a committee of the first congregation, on the even. ing of Friday the 26th November. The congregations were instructed that they should endeavour to bring the matter to a speedy termination, and to report to the presbytery at its next meeting. An overture was laid on the table by Mr Hamilton, the object of which was, to stir up the presbytery to adopt means to make their influence more felt on the congregations. Agreed that the overture lie on the table for discussion at next meeting, to be held at Chapelknowe, 21st December. Berwick.-This presbytery met on the 23d instant. After disposing of some other business of no great public interest, the Rev. Dr Thomson of Coldstream stated, that certain paragraphs were going the round of the newspapers, calculated greatly to injure himself and the cause of cheap and extended Bible circulation. He thought this was a case in which he was warranted to apply to his brethren in the presbytery for advice and support. He had not moved one step, in the first instance, in the prosecution of his scheme, until he had laid the matter before them. Their minutes would show this; and that the presbytery had highly approved of his plans, and expressed cordial wishes for their ultimate success. His success had indeed been very remarkable; much more than he himself had ever ventured to anticipate, or had led the presbytery to expect, had been accomplished in cheapening and circulating the inspired volume. But at length, in consequence of the avowed determination of the English monopolists and their coadjutors, to sell those Bibles, most in common use, at prices below the cost of production, and that with an obvious intention, a stock of Bibles of all sorts had been thrown on the hands of the Free Bible Press Company, amounting in value to several thousand pounds. The necessary result of this must be, either that the company must be compelled to relinquish its operations in printing and binding Bibles altoge. ther, or to curtail them, so as merely to preserve a check against a future rise in the price of the Word of God; and, in either case, the loss to be sustained by the company, with whose interests Dr Thomson's own are identified, must be great, if not ruinous, by the extensive machinery and stereotype plates, &c., being rendered to a great extent useless. Under all the peculiar circumstances of the case, he needed sympathy and support, and he confidently left it to the presbytery to pronounce whatever opinions, and give whatever recommendations they, in their wisdom, might see fit. He had made a full statement of matters at meetings lately held in London, and attended by highly respectable and influential ministers and others of various evangelical denominations; and the result of these meetings so far appeared from papers which he laid on the table. The presbytery having heard the statement of Dr Thomson, it was moved by the Rev. John Cairns, seconded by the Rev. John Peden, and unanimously resolved :That this presbytery, having from the first manifested a warm and cordial interest in the efforts of Dr Thomson to secure the free and cheap circulation of the Word of God, unite in again testifying their strong approbation of the energy, devotedness, and perseverance, with which he has laboured for that great end; and in expressing their fervent gratitude to the great Head of the Church for the astonishing success with which his labours have been crowned; and, recording this testimony, they deem it due to Dr Thomson to add, that they are only giving utterance to the general feeling of the United Presbyterian Church, as was evident from the manner in which a reference to his labours was received at the late meeting of Synod. That, however, they are deeply concerned to find that, partly from the difficulties of the times, but more especially from the conduct of the monopolists and others, the benevolent enterprise has involved him in embarrassments, which are the more to be deplored that they threaten the sacrifice of his personal property, and that of his family and connexions, which has been generously embarked in this sacred cause. That at the same time they are gratified to find that a deep sympathy with his present circumstances is being excited in the Christian public generally; and that in particular, at a late meeting in London, a large and most influential committee of ministers and laymen, of all evangelical denominations, was appointed for the purpose of adopting measures for immediately relieving Dr Thomson from his difficulties, and ensuring the continued success of the Coldstream Free Bible Press Company; and that, while they hope that the measures of this Committee will be universally entered into throughout the country, this presbytery earnestly recommends to all the congregations under their inspection, to raise, by collections or subscriptions, or donations from the funds for religious purposes, as large a sum as possible, to be expended either in the purchase of Bibles, for sale or distribution, or in otherwise aiding the great cause in which Dr Thomson has been so long and so honourably engaged. Carlisle. This presbytery met at Carlisle on the 30th November. The clerk reported that the presbytery's suggested alteration on draft formula had been adopted by the Supreme Court. Read a communication from the Home Mission Board, recommending a presbyterial visitation of the congregation of Maryport. Approved of said recommendation; and appointed the Rev. Messrs Hunter and Howie to visit 7th December, and report to the Secretary that_congregation on the evening of the of the Board with all convenient speed. The clerk was instructed to tender the thanks of the brethren to John Henderson, Esq. of Park, for his valuable present of the volume entitled "An Earnest Ministry the Want of the Times." Next meeting was appointed to be held at Wigton, on Thursday, 20th January next. Cupar.-The Cupar presbytery held a special meeting for the revival of religion on Tuesday, the 23d November, to which all the elders within the bounds were invited. Before proceeding to the business of the day, Mr Anderson from Ceres intimated that he and his congregation were now prepared to give in their cordial adherence to the United Church. The representative elderconcur. red in this statement, and they gave in their adherence accordingly. The members of presbytery expressed their high gratification at this announcement, and ordered Mr Anderson's name, and that of his elder, to be entered in the sederunt. Mr Gorrie, moderator, delivered an address on the important work committed to the church, and the means to be employed for effecting it. A conversation on the state of religion in the several congregations and districts was then entered into, in which all the ministers and elders took part. A vote of thanks was given to the moderator for his excellent and appropriate address; and it was agreed to divide the presbytery into three district committees, for the purpose of holding at least one meeting during the year in each of the congregations, and receiving from the sessions such reports on the state of religion as may be furnished, the junior member in each district to act as convener; the junior members being Messrs Kidd, St Andrews; Smith, Pitlessie; and Stevenson, Auchtermuchty. Adjourned, to meet in West Port session-house, Cupar, on Tuesday 18th Ja nuary. Dunfermline. This presbytery met at Dunfermline on 22d November. Certifi cates from the professors were read, bearing that Mr George Morris of the fifth year, Mr David Young of the third, and Mr John More of the first, had regularly attended the last session of the Divinity Hall, and satisfactorily performed the exercises prescribed to them. Messrs Morris and More being present, gave an outline of their subjects of study at the Hall, and were examined on several of them. Mr Morris having completed his theological curriculum at the Hall, was taken on trial for license, and subjects of trial were prescribed to him. The fol lowing committee was appointed for the superintendence of students: Messrs Law, Johnston, Young, M‘Michael, and Walker Mr Johnston, convener. Next meeting was appointed to be held at Dunfermline, on Tuesday 18th January. Edinburgh. This presbytery met on Tuesday, 3d December. Dr Ritchie was elected moderator in the room of Dr Brown, whose term of office had expired. A committee was appointed to prepare a scheme for supplying the pulpits of ministers prevented by affliction from discharging public duty; and, in the mean time, supplies were appointed for Mr Scott, Dunbar; Mr Cooper, Fala; and Mr Waldie, Dalkeith. An application for advice was received from the College Street session, in the case remitted to them at last ordinary meeting of presbytery. The session, after the deliverance of presbytery removing the suspension of the parties appellants in that case, had held a meeting, at which the parties being present, the question was put to them whether they acquiesced in said deliverance, and would express regret for their conduct? In answer to this question, the parties had intimated, that while they acquiesced in the decision of presbytery, they expressed no regret. On this point, the session had agreed to refer to the presbytery for advice. A counter memorial was presented and read from the former appellants. The College Street session and the memorialists having been heard, the members of presbytery having delivered their opinions, came to a vote on the following three motions :-The first by Mr Smart," That the presbytery express their satisfaction that the session of South College Street Church have entered into the spirit, and given effect to the deliverance of the presbytery on the 2d of November last, and they regret that the memorialists have failed to do so. The presbytery express their approbation of the session requesting a manifestation of regret from the memorialists, and their disapprobation of the memorialists withholding the same; but in all the circumstances of the case, instead of leaving the session to proceed in the matter, appoint a committee to meet with the memorialists, and to report." The second by Dr Harper," That the presbytery appoint a committee to meet with the session of College Street Church and the memorialists, in order to effect a settlement of the matters of difference, and to report." The third by Dr Ritchie, "That the presbytery adhere to their former deed, and recommend to all parties to let the deed of presbytery terminate the matter." On the vote being taken, fifteen voted for Dr Harper's motion, eight for Mr Smart's, and two for the moderator's. Dr Harper's motion was thus declared carried, and a committee was accordingly appointed. The clerk read a petition, signed by forty-seven residenters in Newington, praying for the establishment of a place of worship in that quarter; and also a memorial from several individuals interested in the prosperity and extension of the United Presbyterian Church, and asking the sanction of the presbytery to purchase a chapel in Duncan Street for the use of the United Church. Mr Greig appeared in support of the memorial, and narrated the circumstances in which it had originated. few years ago an attempt had been made to establish a congregation of Baptists in Newington, which had failed. A place of worship, elegant, substantial, and commodious, had been erected. This church had, in consequence of the abandonment of the field by the Baptist brethren, come into the market. The proprietors were anxious that, next to the body for whom it had been erected, it should pass into the hands of the United Presbyterian Church; and, besides accommodations of various kinds, they were prepared to make pecuniary sacrifices even with this view. The church is seated for about 750 persons. There are two school-rooms, the one seated for about 100 children, the other smaller. Within these school-rooms many of the neglected children of the neighbourhood have been taught for years past by A |