many places the crops never properly ripened: and by continuous heavy rains much of the precious grain when cut was, in many quarters, seriously injured and even totally destroyed. It has been estimated that the loss sustained by the farmers of Scotland alone, from failure and destruction of crops during the past year, as compared with an average prosperous year, will amount to no less than ten millions of pounds. And all over the country trade in general has been for a length of time in a state of great depression, and this, along with strikes and lock. outs and what not, cannot but have occasioned much individual and domestic distress. Yet notwithstanding all such adverse providences by which a holy and righteous God has been solemnly admonishing us as a people, drunkenness and consequent crime of every form have been on the increase, thus shewing that the fear of God is not before men's eyes, and that though God's judgments are in the earth its inhabitants are not yet learning righteousness as they ought.

In the ecclesiastical world also events have been taking place fitted to render the past year a memorable one, events which go to indicate that things are hastening on a-pace to some grave crisis. The holding of what is known as the first Pan-Presbyterian Council, in Edinburgh, may be taken as marking an era in the history of modern Presbyterianism. In the interesting proceedings of that great assemblage of representative Presbyterians, not a little cheering evidence was given of strong attachment to Evangelical truth, and of ardent zeal in the cause of Christian Missions throughout the world. Yet, side by side with this, and with much earnest work being done in and by the various Churches of our land to spread the gospel at home and abroad, we behold a sad and ominous increase of indifference to divine things, of latitudinarianism in principle, of doctrinal error in many forms, of corruption in worship, and even of open infidelity; while throughout the Churches there is being manifested a strange unsettledness, a growing dissatisfaction with what is old in religion, just because it is old, and a restless craying for change, no matter in what direction or at what cost-all which goes under the imposing but delusive name of religious progress. There is unquestionably a contagious spirit of scepticism abroad and apparently on the increase, which is not only calling in question almost every one of those doctrines that have been so long most surely believed amongst us, but which is actually aiming at overthrowing the infallibility and supreme divine authority of God's inspired Word. And what is perhaps still more to be deplored than all this, is the fact that in the presence of the enemy thus coming in like a flood upon the Churches of our land, many of the professed friends of the cause of truth and godliness are either altogether holding their peace, or inclined to deal with the propagators of error with a slack and gentle hand. And while havoc is thus being made of what is true and sacred, where there ought to be a valiant defence of the truth, that archenemy of the truth and liberty of the gospel, Popery, as well as infidelity, is making rapid progress in our midst. According to all accounts, the establishment of a Romish hierarchy in Scotland will be an accomplished fact, if not before 1877 expires, at an early date after that. Then will the land of the Covenants—a land that has so often abjured Popery and kindred unscriptural systems, in solemn covenant with God and that has been drenched with the blood of martyrs slain by Antichrist-be once more embraced in name within the Romish fold; and to convert what is nominal into a reality will thenceforth be the object of Rome's unwearying efforts. Thus, both abroad and at home, the present aspect of things, both nationally and ecclesiastically, is far from being a pleasant or hope-inspiring one. There is much to betoken that still greater commotions and upturnings are at hand, and that the time of the end draweth nigh. In our patience let us possess our souls; at the post of duty let us seek

to be found in a spirit of unwavering fidelity to Christ and His cause; to Him who is able to keep us in the hour of temptation that shall come to try them that dwell upon the earth, let us day by day commit ourselves and all our interests in humble faith; and in response to the Redeemer's promise, "Surely I come quickly," let this be more and more our importunate cry-"Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

THE CASE OF DR. MARCUS DODS.-As the result of a very full and animated discussion upon the report of the Committee appointed to consider whether the Presbytery were called to take any action with reference to the views of Dr. Dods in his sermon on "Revelation and Inspiration,” the Glasgow F.'C. Presbytery, by a narrow majority of three, have adopted a resolution on the motion of Dr. Adam to the effect that the sermon is open to grave objections, that it is desirable its publication, at least in its present form, should not be continued, but that there is no call to take any further action in the matter. A counter motion (in favour of which other two similar were withdrawn in the course of the debate) was moved by the Rev. Mr. Howie, declaring that the Presbytery cannot approve of the report, that they disapprove of and censure the views set forth in the sermon regarding inspiration and the infallibility of the Bible as contrary to the Word of God, and the standards and teaching of the Church, instruct the author not to carry the publication further, and appoint a Committee to confer with him in regard to his views and report. As one has pithily put it (in a private communication) the majority of his Presbytery "have handled Dr. Dods with velvet gloves." The decision come to is in our judgment far from satisfactory, and not what the interests of truth demanded. The speakers in support of the motion carried, while taking more or less exception to the views propounded in the sermon, all pleaded strongly for the toleration of these views as not being at variance with the teaching of Scripture and the standards of the Church. Professor Bruce (who made himself nearly as conspicuous in defence of Dr. Dods as he had previously done in defending Professor Smith) stated that he had not shared in the anxiety caused by the sermon; and regarding the sermon as a whole he declared that if it was not proof against criticism, it was at least susceptible of defence against anything like a serious charge of unsoundness. And Mr Scrymgeour announced, in a threatening manner, that if such views were not to be tolerated amongst them, the Free Church would alienate many of their finest and ablest young men, and shrivel up into one of the narrowest of sects ! But is the dread of even such a calamity sufficient reason for the Church tolerating in her pulpits teaching that is unscriptural and dangerous? On the other side several admirable speeches were delivered by such men as Dr. A. Bonar, and Messrs. Bremner and Howie, in which, as we think, they succeeded in showing that the views in question are inconsistent with Scripture and the Church's standards and teaching, and ought to be unhesitatingly condemned as being so. And we rejoice that so many declared themselves to be of this conviction. Dr. Dods has intimated to the Presbytery, that as the motion carried is not based on the assumption that he has contravened the Confession, and as he is not commanded but merely advised to withdraw the sermon, he would take their advice into most serious consideration. But if Dr. Dods has published nothing at variance with what he is bound to hold and teach, why should he even be advised to withdraw his sermon? If his views are not chargeable with "unsoundness," why should he not be left at full liberty to continue publishing them or not as he pleases? Does not the very fact that his friends regard his sermon as so objectionable as to warrant them advising him to stop its publication show, that there was really sufficient ground

for their agreeing to the proposal that they should confer with him further respecting the views he has set forth? This certainly would have done no harm, and it was calculated to do good in more ways than one. We cannot but add that it is rather a significant circumstance, that while a majority of the ministers, including the Principal and Professors of the Free Church College in Glasgow, voted in favour of Dr. Adam's do-nothing motion, as large a majority of the elders supported Mr. Howie's more stringent and faithful motion.

By this we are reminded of a remark made the other day to a friend, by a gentleman, described as "by no means distinguished for what is called narrowness in religion," that "unless the pew come to the rescue, the Bible is in great danger of being pitched out the pulpit." That there should be occasion for such a remark being made is surely lamentable in the extreme. We are glad to see any indications of the pew coming to the rescue, and assuredly the sooner the people—the membership of the Churches-bestir themselves in earnest in behalf of the maintenance of sound doctrine in the pulpit, the better will it be for the Churches themselves and for the country at large.

THE PROPOSED ROMISH HIERARCHY.-It is gratifying to know that public attention has been lately further directed to this important matter by persons who, it will be generally allowed, possess a special right to speak and claim to be heard upon the subject. And well would it be if Scotland had ears to hear what has been addressed to her by several of her sons deeply concerned for her welfare. It is painful in the extreme, however, to observe how little interest is being manifested throughout the country. The gravity of the crisis is not at all being realized as it ought to be. This is much to be deplored, though it is only what was to be expected, in consequence of the visible change that has come over the minds of men in regard to the whole subject of the nature and aims of the Papacy. Dr. Badenoch, Secretary of the Protestant Educational Institute, London, has written two valuable letters on the question, (which have been issued together in pamphlet form), in which he tells us that what is now proposed, is not the setting up of a system of religion, but the establishment of a government over not only the souls of men but their persons, property, and relationships, whether as members of families or of the body politic. Dr. Wylie, than whom no one is more entitled to speak with authority on the subject, or more able to do it justice, has once and again given forth his views with no uncertain sound. Thus in an address at a recent meeting of the Reformation Society, he solemnly stated that he had “as clear a conviction on this as perhaps he ever had on any matter, that in allowing the hierarchy to be set up in Scotland without dissent we were taking a step backward on the road of freedom, and that the men who shall be living thirty years after this would have occasion to look back on this event as being the opening of an era of decadence in our national liberties, and God grant that it might not be also in our national religion." Subsequently in a published letter he thus expresses himself :—“ If the hierarchy be an affair of names only, why so anxious to set it up? If the three vicars apostolic who now superintend the Romanists in Scotland answer Rome's purpose, why supersede them by territorial bishops? For this simple reason, that vicars apostolic cannot, and the territorial bishops can, govern with the full sweep of canon law. If we Protestants don't see much in this, Romanists see a great deal-they see everything in it, and their response to the commands of their new rulers will be in accordance therewith. The Vatican, we may be assured, does not mean to do its work by halves. It is a hierarchy with full jurisdiction that Rome intends favouring us with." "This affair," he further says, "will just open the door for the full tide of Jesuitism to flow into our country, and it will harness every

Romanist in Scotland to the machinery by which it is to be worked and brought to bear on our peace, our religion, and our liberties." And in a pamphlet just issued, entitled "Words to the Protestants of Scotland, &c," he makes an appeal to his fellow countrymen which deserves to be listened to, and which it is of the utmost moment for the country's well-being should meet with an immediate, universal, hearty response in the form of an energetic, united, national protest against this insulting and impious attempt to restore, in defiance of law, that which our sagacious forefathers were at such pains to overthrow and abjure as the curse of the nation. We wish we could transfer the entire pamphlet to our pages, and so help to bring it under the notice of a few of those to whom it is addressed; but we can only give a part of the concluding appeal, the solemnity and powerfulness of which all must feel. "Scotland has not so far forgotten what she owes to truth, to her martyred ancestry, and to her own rank amongst Protestant nations, as to act thus. She will, we trust, let her voice be heard through all her public organs-her Town Councils, her Presbyteries and Synods, her public meetings. She will go to Parliament, and if need be to the foot of the throne itself, and say that loyalty to her Queen, whose supreme sovereignty this hierarchy contests; that fidelity to her Divine Head and Lord, whose office this hierarchy usurps, and whose truth it denies; that her remembrance of her own great oath, which that august Being, to whom their fathers lifted up their right hands, now calls on their sons to fulfil, and regard for posterity, to whom Scotland seeks to transmit a pure faith and an unimpaired liberty, compel her to demand that the faith pledged in law and treaty, shall be kept with her, and that this spawn of the Vatican, this scarlet-clad hierarchy from the Seven Hills, shall be told that Scotland it cannot and must not enter." We earnestly trust these most seasonable and weighty "words" of warning and counsel will be scattered broad-cast over the land, and be greatly blessed as a means of awakening and fostering everywhere a deeper patriotic practical interest in this and kindred questions which bear so vitally upon the present and future well being of our beloved country.

As was to be expected, Dr. Begg also has been letting his voice be heard on this important subject, with which, like Dr. Wylie, he is thoroughly acquainted. To him belongs the honour, so far as we have observed, of being the first and as yet the only one who has moved with reference to this event in an ecclesiastical court. This he did by proposing a resolution bearing on the matter at the last meeting of the Free Church Commission-a resolution that appears to have been at once agreed to as a matter of course, without any other member, save the seconder of the motion, uttering a single word of sympathy or approval. Is there to be no further ecclesiastical action in regard to the matter? Why are the Presbyteries of the various Churches not taking it up and giving forth their views regarding it? There is no lack of zeal being shown in urging on the disestablishment of the favoured section of our national Protestant Church; but where is the zeal being manifested against the establishment of this unhallowed hierarchy ?—an event which, as Dr. Wylie reminds us, will only prove another step towards the position the Roman Church aims at occupying in the British Empire, even that of virtual establishment and real endowment. In a recent lecture on "The Dangers of Scotland and the duties of her Christian Young Men" delivered in Glasgow, Dr. Begg again alluded to the erection of the proposed hierarchy as furnishing an illustration of his subject. And in close connection with this he appropriately gave expression to the sentiment, which we heartily endorse, that "it was high time we were considering the renewal of the Covenants of Scotland." Never did the speaker utter a truer or more seasonable word, for this is what we need, and should

set ourselves to seek, as the most likely means under God of saving our country. We only wish the Rev. Dr. had added that he, for one, had at length made up his mind to espouse the cause of the covenants. Assuredly to no more important and urgent work could he devote his powerful energies than to that of enlightening his countrymen on the subject of covenant obligation and covenant violation, and the duties of national repentance and covenant renovation. Ah, had these forgotten and despised covenants been only faithfully adhered to and zealously prosecuted, we would not have had to-day to bewail Rome's progress and menacing attitude amongst us, or to lift our protest against the re-establishment of a Popish hierarchy in the land where these Popery-abjuring deeds were so often sworn. But as we have sown as a nation, so may we expect to reap in the righteous retribution of a jealous, covenant-keeping God.

We subjoin the Act of the Scottish Parliament abolishing the Popish Hierarchy at the time of the First Reformation :

"Anent the abolisching of the Pape and his usurped authoritie. At Edinburgh, December, 15, 1567.

"Our Soverane Lord, with advise of his dearest Regent, and three Estatis of this present Parliament, ratifyis and approvis the Act underwritten, made in the Parliament halden at Edinburgh, the Twenty-fourth day of August, the yeir of God 1560 yeiris; And of new in this present Parliament, statutis and ordanis the said Act to be as ane perpetuall law, to all our Soverane Lordis Liegis, in all times cumming; Of the quhilk the tenor followis :-Item the three Estatis understanding that the Jurisdiction and authoritie of the Bischop of Rome, called the Pape, used within this Realme in times bypast, hes not onely bene contumelious to the eternall God, but also very hurtful and prejudiciall to our Soveraines authoritie, and common weil of this Realme: Therefoir it is statute, and ordained that the Bischop of Rome, called the Pape, have na jurisdictioun nor authoritie within this Realme, in ony time cumming: And that nane of our said Soveraines subjects in ony times heirafter, sute or desire title or richt of the said Bischop of Rome, or his sect, to ony thing within this Realme, under the paines of Barratrie, that is to say, proscription, banishment, and never to bruke honour, office, nor dignitie within this Realme: And the contraveners heirof to be called before the justice or his deputes, or before the Lords of the Session, and punisched therefoir, conforme to the Lawes of this Realme: And the furnischers of them, with finance of money, and purchasers of their title of right, or maintainers, or defenders of them, sal incurre the samin pains. And that na Bischop nor other Prelat of this Realme, use ony jurisdiction in time cumming, by the said Bischop of Rome's authoritie, under the paine foirsaid: And therefoir of new decernis and ordanis, the contraveners of the samin, in ony time hereafter, to be punished according to the paines in the foirsaid Act above-rehearsed."

INCREASE OF ROMANISM SINCE 1851.-From the last report of the Scottish Reformation Society we take the following brief reliable statistics bearing on this important point-statistics which "show what grounds exist for the recent boast of Dr. Manning, on the occasion of the Half-Jubilee of the Papal aggression, that his Church had made greater progress in England these twenty-five years than he had expected it would do for a century :"-" Within the last twenty-six years Rome has strengthened her position in Great Britain by the accession of 1130 priests; 632 churches and chapels; 86 monasteries or religious houses for men; 251 convents or religious houses for women; and ten colleges. The figures in the Roman Catholic Directory for 1877 show an increase in Scotland over those of the preceding year of 16 priests and 6 churches, chapels, and stations. The number of Roman Catholic peers is 36, of whom 26 have seats in the House of Lords. There are 47 Roman Catholic Baronets; 7 members of the Privy Council; and 50 members of the House of Commons, all of whom represent Irish