wards, Barrie, Benvie, Douglas, Brown, The Presbytery appointed Mr. Cathcart to Davidson, and Blyth (Clerk), ministers; moderate in the session at Newbiggin till and Mr. Linn, elder. Minutes of last quar- next quarterly meeting. A letter was read terly meeting were read and sustained. from Mr. Hoy, requesting the Presbytery, Reasons of absence from Messrs. Huie, on account of his continued ill-health, to Fergus, and Forsyth, were read and sus- afford temporary supply for the pulpit at tained. In reference to the support of the Felton. In compliance with Mr. Hoy's ministry in Northumberland, Mr. Benvie request the following appointments were submitted a series of propositions-1. That made :-Mr. Douglas to preach there on the amount of stipend of the minister be 20th of January, Mr. Edwards on 27th, fixed by the Presbytery and the Home Mis. Mr. Fergus on 3rd of February, Mr. Davidsion and Supplemental Committees, or any son on 10th, Dr. Anderson on 17th, Mr. committee which the Synod may appoint Benvie on 24th, Mr. Blythe on 3rd of for that purpose. 2. That the Presbytery March, Mr. Huie on 10th, Mr. Craig on and committee shall endeavour to secure a 17th, Mr. Brown on 24th, Mr. Forsyth on stipend not less than £150 per annum. 31st, and Mr. Barrie on the 7th of April. 3. That the amount of stipend be paid in In consideration of the state of the weather, half-yearly or quarterly instalments by the and the necessity of abridging the proceedTreasurer of the Home Mission or Supple- ings as much as possible, the Presbytery mental Committee, or the Treasurer of any resolved to defer the inspection of the comcommittee that the Synod may appoint for munion-rolls and session records till next that purpose; and that the congregation be qua terly meeting. A communication from responsible to said committee for the sum the Home Mission Committee in reference promised or guaranteed by the congregation to Long Framlington was read regarding towards the stipend of the minister. the expediency of the congregation there 4. That a Presbyterial visitation of such increasing the guarantee to £50; wherecongregations as come under the above rules take place every two years, according to regulations appointed by the Synodwhich were ordered to lie on the table, and to be taken up and discussed at next quarterly meeting. With regard to the College question, the Presbytery resolved to postpone the consideration of the return to be made anent the interim regulations till next quarterly meeting. Mr. Douglas gave notice that then he would move an overture to the Synod in regard to the institution of a Bursary Fund. In regard to Newbiggin, it was moved and seconded that Newbiggin possesses peculiar and available facilities for the ingathering of a large congregation; that the station was raised into the condition of an organized and self-sustaining congregation, at no expense to the funds of the Home Mission beyond a small contribution given to the missionary when commencing operations there; that in the minister's absence from ill-health the con- THE PRESBYTERY OF LONDON.-The gregation is likely to suffer serious damage monthly meeting of this Presbytery was in numbers from the insufficiency of means held on Tuesday, Jan. 15th; the Rev. J. to provide efficient supplies for the pulpit; T. Davidson, Moderator. The Moderator that if the present minister should resign, stated that the Rev. Mr. Rae, of the New the congregation are not in such a health- School Presbyterian Church in America, ful and harmonious condition as to encou- was present, and he suggested that he rage the hope that the vacancy would be should be associated with them, which was supplied with a suitable successor; and agreed to. The Clerk read the following that, entertaining the conviction that if the letter, which had been received from the session were provided with means to em- Rev. Mr. Keedy, of John Knox Church :— ploy an active, energetic, and acceptable" 42, Tredegar Square, Jan. 14, 1867. preacher, the existing congregation would The Rev. the Presbytery of London. -My be greatly increased, the Presbytery re- dear Brethren, I much regret that, owing solved to make a fresh and earnest applica- to an attack of paralysis, I shall be unable tion to the Home Mission Committee for a to discharge my pastoral duties for some temporary grant for the aforesaid object. months. My medical advisers have re

upon the Presbytery appointed a com-
mittee, consisting of the Moderator, the
Clerk, and Mr. Linn, elder (the Moderator
to be Convener), to meet with Mr. Barrie
and his office-bearers, with a view to ascer-
tain what are the existing resources of the
congregation, and to report the same to the
next meeting of Presbytery. Another com-
munication from the Home Mission Com-
mittee was read in reference to certain aid-
receiving congregations within the bounds.
The Presbytery resolved to take the same
into consideration at the next quarterly
meeting. School schedules from Branton,
Glanton, Felton, Warenford, Newbiggin,
Wooler, Bavington, and Morpeth, were
given in, read, and examined, and ordered
to be attested by the Moderator, which was
done accordingly. Presbytery resolved that
the next quarterly meeting be held at Glan-
ton on the second Tuesday in April, at
11 a.m.
Closed with prayer.

tery should do all it could to lessen the outlay on the funds of the congregation, and thus leave them free for placing their minister in circumstances of comfort financially. Professor Lorimer, the Rev. Mr. Matheson, the Rev. Mr. Fotheringham, and the Moderator, all expressed the deep sympathy which they felt for Mr. Keedy and his people; and the proposal of Mr. Dinwiddie was agreed to, it being under

commended as necessary to my recovery a dicated by Mr. Dinwiddie would be to let period of perfect quiet, and a temporary all their congregations see the sympathy discharge from all ministerial responsibi- which they felt for them in trying circumlities, which involve more care and thought stances of this nature. The Rev. Mr. than in my present weak state I am able to Alexander, as an old class-fellow of Mr. sustain. In accordance, therefore, with Keedy, could not express how deeply he this advice, which I regard as binding upon sympathized with him and his people; and me, I have to ask you to relieve me of the was certain that if he (Mr. Alexander) had oversight of John Knox Church for six been the individual laid on the bed of suf-months, and during that interval to watch fering, Mr. Keedy would have been the first over the interests, and, as far as possible, to come forward with his brotherly help in supply the needs, of my beloved flock, that supplying his pulpit and ministering to it may in nothing suffer through my afflic- him consolation. The Rev. Dr. Hamilton tion. In making this request, I consult was sure they would all only be too happy the good of the congregation to which I to do what they could in this trying mohave ministered so long, as much as my ment for Mr. Keedy and his congregation. own health and comfort; and as I have The congregation were just on the eve, as been deeply affected by the sympathy al- they thought, of a new start in its history ready expressed by my brethren in the when this dispensation came. They had Presbytery, I have every confidence that got rid of the £1,100 of their debt, and all they will now not only relieve me of my looked promising, both for their brother greatest anxiety, but exercise such wise and and his people. In this time of sore visitapaternal supervision as the especial circum-tion it was of importance that the Presbystances of the congregation may require. With kindest Christian regards, believe me, ever faithfully yours, WILLIAM KEEDY. P. S.-I enclose certificates from Dre. Philips and Story." The Rev. Mr. Dinwiddie proposed that this application of Mr. Keedy's be acceded to; and in order that their esteemed brother might have complete freedom from anxiety, and that the interests of his congregation might not suffer, he further proposed that Mr. Mathe-stood that the two gentlemen appointed son and Mr. Fotheringham should be appointed to act as joint Moderators of the John Knox Session during the six months. Mr. Keedy had very considerable claim upon them as a Presbytery at this time. He had been for a long time associated with this Presbytery, and during that time he had been held in the very highest esteem and affection by the brethren. He had also done a good work for the Church. For somewhere about fifteen years, Mr. Keedy had been minister of John Knox congregation; and though it had perhaps suffered more than other congregations from fluctuations in membership and from the changing character of the locality in which it was placed, he had been enabled to maintain it in efficiency, and it was at the present time a large, united, and prosperous congregation. This he (Mr. Dinwiddie) thought demanded some recognition by them; at all events, they should now do what they could to relieve their brother of all anxiety, and show that they were willing to render to the congregation every possible assistance. The Rev. Dr. Fisher was sure they all heartily concurred in what had been proposed by Mr. Dinwiddie, and rejoiced exceedingly in the hope expressed by Dr. Philips. One good effect of their moving in the direction in

were to put themselves at perfect liberty along with the session to call upon the clerical brethren for the proper supply of the pulpit, and for doing all in their power to render any service that might be deemed requisite. A minute was drawn up expressive of the sentiments of the Presbytery, and the Clerk was instructed to transmit a copy of it to Mr. Keedy. The Rev. Mr. Matheson gave in, on behalf of the Church Extension Committee, an interim report on the Camberwell and Norwich stations. It was to the effect that the people of both places were anxious that the Sacrament of the Supper should be dispensed to them; and in order to accomplish this, the committee recommended the appointment of a temporary kirk session at each place. The request was granted, and kirk session appointed. Dr. Hamilton said that, before taking up any other business, he begged to be permitted to bring under their notice that event which had startled and solemnized all who had heard of ithe referred to the death of the Rev. Mr. Masson. Mr. Masson, as they were all aware, had been ordained last year by the Presbytery of London; and he therefore thought that they should place on their records, however briefly, their solemn sense of the Word of God in this dispensation,

and their sympathy with his widowed Lord's-day. (Hear, hear.) The reading of mother and his family in the heavy bereave- it would, he was sure, produce a most ment which had befallen them. (Hear, solemn impression. The Foreign Mission hear.) There had been many striking in- Committee should now appeal to the cidents in the history of missions; and this Church to give them two missionaries— might justly be added to them. Events one being essential to fill the place for had happened which, at the time, filled the which Mr. Masson was designed; and the friends of missions with dismay, but which other to labour in Formosa, by the side of eventually turned out to be for the further- Dr. Maxwell, where there had been already ance of the Gospel; and in like manner first-fruits unto Christ. Mr. Matheson, in might they not cherish the hope that answer to questions, stated that when the although in the first instance what had mournful event occurred, the vessel, which happened in this case was fitted to create was a magnificent one, had been four distress and dismay, yet in the good hand months at ea, and that as it was within of God it might be made instrumental in 650 miles of port, in another eight days it working out his gracious purposes? It would have reached its destination. Dr. was a very striking circumstance that the Hamilton's suggestion was agreed to; and same morning which brought tidings of the a copy of a minute which the Clerk was death of their young brother, also brought instructed to draw up, was ordered to be letters to Mr. Matheson from the mis- sent to Mr. Masson's mother and family. sionaries at Swatow, stating how anxiously The Presbytery, in compliance with the rethey were looking forward to, and hoping quest of Mr. Roxburgh, appointed three for, his arrival, pressed as they were on of their number to act on the session at every side for want of men on the mission Millwall. The Rev. Mr. Harris stated staff. All who had the opportunity of making the acquaintance of Mr. Masson could not but entertain a high regard for him. He was not only a good man, and a man of Christian devo tedness, but he was of a manly, energetic, and unpretentious character, and amenable to all friendly hints and advice; and from what those who had heard him giving addresses in the open air in the streets in a crowded district of London saw, it was evident that his ability in this respect was all that could be desired in such circumstances, and that these appearances of his marked him out as a thorough evangelist, and just the man who was wanted in such a field as China, and who, they had every reason to believe, would have been a worthy colleague to the noble band of brethren who had gone before him to that distant land. The Moderator having requested Mr. Hugh Matheson to favour the Presbytery with any particulars he might possess of the sad event, Mr. Matheson said that the information which had as yet been received was somewhat scanty, and he was afraid that they were not likely to obtain much more. Dr. Hamilton had received a letter on the morning of Friday last from the Rev. Mr. Hodge on the subject. This communication Dr. Hamilton endeavoured to get inserted in the Weekly Review, but failed, as the paper had gone to press. It would, however, appear in this week's issue; and meanwhile he would read it. The reading of the letter produced a deeply solemnizing feeling on the members of the Presbytery. Mr. Matheson thought good would be secured by all the ministers within the bounds reading this communication from their respective pulpits to their people next

the attempt which had been made by the Rev. Dr. Cumming and various other gentlemen to take away the Royal Marines from St. Andrew's Church had not succeeded. The Rev. Mr. Matheson stated that Mr. Wright and himself had been appointed by the Home Mission Committee to represent the Synod in the Presbytery in the matter of arranging the visits by deputations to congregations where the minimum of £150 of ministerial income had not been realized; and said that the plan suggested by the Committee was that at the annual congregational meetings some individual might be fixed upon by the officebearers to come and address them on the subject of ministerial support. A report could be given in to the Home Mission Committee to be embodied in their general report to the Synod. A resolution was agreed to, recommending the sessions within the bounds to arrange for the reception of deputations from the Home Mission Committee at their annual congregational meetings. Mr. Dinwiddie proposed that the College regulations should be taken up at the next meeting, and the Presbytery then adjourned till the second Tuesday of February.

PRESBYTERY OF LANCASHIRE.-The usual meeting of the Presbytery of Lancashire was held on Tuesday, Jan. 15th, in St. George's Presbyterian Church (the Rev. W. K. Moore's), Myrtle Street; the Rev. J. B. Johnstone, Moderator. There were also present-ministers: the Revs. Dr. Monro, W. K. Moore, M.A., A. Rentoul, Jas. Paterson, J. C. Paterson, John Gordon, M.A., David Blelloch, George Johnstone, M.Á. (the Clerk), R. H. Lundie, M.A., Ebenezer Thomson, David Hender

:

the Presbytery are humbled before God, as well as sorrowful in spirit, at the event that has thus befallen them, and would regard it as a call to themselves and their people to be more earnest in prayer to God that he might raise up in his room, and to fill othe vacancies, faithful servants who shall go forth to proclaim the unsearchable riches; and also the Presbytery deeply sympathize with Mr. Masson's bereaved relatives. The motion was adopted; and the Moderator, the Clerk, the Rev. J. R. Welsh, and Mr. Thomas Matheson, were appointed to draw up a suitable minute. Mr. J. B. Johnstone, Moderator of Session, requested that an early day be appointed for a moderation in a call. Thursday, the 24th Jan., was appointed, the Clerk to preach and preside. He also reported that the Committee of Management are of opinion that they should purchase the Wesleyan Chapel, which was for sale, if it could be had at a reasonable price, rather than build. It was remitted to them to make their inquiries, and to com

mittee. Mr. David Henderson reported that the Presbytery's Committee had met with the managers of the new charge at Everton Valley. The finances of the congregation were in a most satisfactory condition, and it was a matter of great gratification to him to report that Mr. Paterson's stipend was to be £400 per annum, a considerably larger stipend than he had received while minister of St. Peter's.

son, J. R. Welsh, M.A. Elders Messrs. William Thorburn, Thomas Rolt, and Thomas Matheson. The Presbytery having been constituted with prayer, the Rev. R. H. Lundie moved the adoption of the following overture on the distribution of charges:"To the venerable the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in England Whereas great changes have taken place in the distribution of the population of the country since the formation of some of our charges, so that what were once busy centres are in some cases half-deserted hamlets, and little villages are in some cases great cities: and whereas in some instances the strength of able ministers is expended upon fields that do not give scope for their energies, to the cramping of the powers and lessening of the usefulness of such men; and whereas one great obstacle to the raising of the minimum stipend of our ministers is found in the existence of a certain number of weak charges, it is humbly overtured to the venerable the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in England, to take into their municate with the Church-building Comserious consideration the whole subject of the distribution of charges in the Church; not with a view to sudden and hasty changes, but with the view-by a committee appointed to investigate this subject or otherwise-of devising such measures as to the wisdom of the Synod may seem best, on consideration of all the circumstances, and with respect for all existing interests." The Rev. W. K. Moore seconded the motion. The Moderator, having left the chair, which was taken by Mr. Lundie, moved that the overture be not transmitted. The Rev. James Paterson seconded the amendment. After discussion, in order to meet the views of all parties, the latter part of the overture was altered so that it read as follows:-"It is humbly overtured to the venerable the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of England, to take into their serious consideration the whole subject of the distribution of charges in the Church, with the view of calling the attention of the Presbyteries to the matter, to determine whether and how far it is practicable to alleviate the evils referred to, and otherwise to act as to the wisdom of the Synod may seem best." The overture in this amended shape was then unanimously approved of. Mr. Thomas Matheson (elder) imparted to the Presbytery the sorrowful intelligence that the Rev. David Masson, who sailed in the Peter Denny for a mission station in China from London on the 11th July last, was washed overboard in stormy weather in the Chinese seas on the 10th of November. The Rev. Dr. Monro moved that a suitable record be placed on the minutes of the death of Mr. Masson, the latest missionary sent forth by this Church; and further, that

THE PRESBYTERY OF CUMBERLAND.This Presbytery held its last meeting at Carlisle; the Rev. P. Taylor, Moderator. The Presbytery took up remit of Synod anent union with Presbyterians of other Churches, and, after discussion and deliberation, agreed to make the following suggestions to the Synod's Committee on Union:

"The Presbytery, recognising the desirableness of union among the Nonconforming Presbyterians of this country, rejoice to learn, from the 'findings' of the joint Committees, that the four Churches now negotiating on the subject have so much in common; but, considering the difficulties still standing in the way of an incorporative union, recommend as follows:-1. That, rejoicing in the substantial agreement of the negotiating Churches as to the power of the civil magistrate in relation to the Christian Church in other matters, they would respectfully suggest to the Committee, that the only point in which there is a decided disagreement, the civil establishment of religion and endowing it out of the national funds, may be safely left a matter of forbearance in the United Church. 2. That the Committee should seek to bring out more fully the precise amount of agreement and disagreement there is among the negotiating