THE HEROINE OF A WEEK: Conversations | date. No one connected with, or infor the Teacher and the Taught.

London: Seeley & Co.

terested in, the ecclesiastical affairs of Scotland, should be without a copy of the "Clerical Almanack." The Christian Almanack embraces a greater variety of contents, and is got up with peculiar neatness.

THIS neat little volume is an attempt to draw from certain portions of biographical history some practical lessons, chiefly of benevolence and self-denial, for the use of the young. The characters selected are,―among the ancients,—Arria, The SCOTTISH INSTRUCTOR; devoted to

the Religious and Intellectual Improvement of Youth. No. I. December 1845. Edinburgh: Grant & Taylor.

Quintilia, Panthea, and Hortensia; and among those of more modern name,— Eleanor and Philippa, queens respectively of Edward I. and Edward III. THE periodical whose title is prefixed, We cordially approve the object, namely, is a continuation of "The Magazine of that of converting the study of history the Rising Generation." The general into a means of practical wisdom and excellence of that publication is already every-day guidance; and we feel the known, we trust, to many of our readers. force of the writer's remark, that "no- We notice the present number, chiefly thing can be more insignificant than the for the purpose of remarking, which we knowledge of mere facts, unless they are do with pleasure, that although the title viewed in the light of comprehensive of the publication has been somewhat truths, while those truths themselves rise changed, the object it has in view is still in value, in proportion to the closeness the same, namely, the religious and inof their connexion with our moral being." tellectual improvement of youth,-an obUnder this aspect, therefore, we welcome ject this, we need not add, of peculiar the appearance, even in a minor form, importance, and which will commend itof such attempts as the present. It must self to every parent and guardian who ever be remembered, however, that les- have the welfare of the young sincerely sons of morality, drawn from heathenism, at heart. It is, indeed, one of the hopemust be sadly defective ones, if unaccom- ful symptoms of the times, that more panied and uncorrected by a purer rule; attention is paid to the training, both and of this, indeed, we have a melancholy moral and intellectual, of the "rising proof in the fact, that two of the indivi- generation," than they were wont to reduals brought forward in the little work ceive; and, in proportion as this subject before us died by their own hand, in the is considered, will its importance be acvery exhibition of the virtues which they knowledged. are recorded as displaying. With this the "Scottish Instructor" as an able We cordially recommend caveat, which the authoress (?) herself auxiliary towards the improvement of very properly states (only we would ex-youth; and we do not hesitate to say that, press it in a more masculine tone,) we if extensively read by those for whom it shall not refuse the accounts of Pagan is chiefly designed, which it well devirtue a place in our juvenile library; serves to be, it cannot fail to exert a We may add, that a perfectly evangelical powerful and beneficial influence on the spirit seems manifested by the writer, minds of that interesting portion of the particularly towards the closing pages. community. With regard to the contents of the present number, it is sufficient to say that they are all appropriate, and fully sustain the reputation which the Magazine has already merited, and we believe to a considerable extent obtained.

Wilson's CLERICAL ALMANACK for 1846.

CHRISTIAN ALMANACK for 1846. THE former contains the usual lists, filled up and corrected to the present

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-FOREIGN.

SWITZERLAND-CANTON DE VAUD.

In this department of Switzerland a religious conflict is at present in progress, which has attracted considerable attention, and calls for the prayers of all who

long for the revival of religion, and the emancipation of the Church everywhere, until we see what God, in his gracious providence is to bring out of these "shakings, not of the earth only, but also heaven." In the Swiss Confederation are included

Some re

twenty-two Cantons, of which twelve are | were happy to free themselves of the Protestant, only in them Roman Catho-" nightmare" occasioned by the revival lics, who form a small minority, enjoy of religion; and having begun with makequal rights with their Protestant coun-ing the expulsion of the Jesuits their trymen; other three or four of the Can-pretext, they declared that they would tons are Roman Catholic, but grant more end with the "momiers," as they call all or less of toleration and liberty of wor- evangelical Christians. The liberty of ship to Protestants; while the remaining religion was now placed in imminent Cantons are exclusively Roman Catho- hazard, both from popular outrage and lic, not admitting liberty of conscience, from state encroachments. but visiting with severe penalties any ligious meetings were dispersed by popunatives who should embrace the doctrines lar tumult, and no redress granted. By of the Reformation. The Canton de a state circular, the ministers of the Vaud, containing a population of about national religion were requested to limit 184,000, is in its established religion Pro- themselves to their "legal" duty. And testant, and in the creed and constitution lest they should not understand the hint, of its church Calvinistic and Presby- there was issued on the 20th of May a terian. The clergy, amounting to about decree of the great council, declaring 172, are the stipendiaries of the state. that every pastor of the national church Since Protestant Switzerland began to who shall preside at any meeting held awaken out of the dead sleep of neology out of a consecrated place, or at an unand infidelity in which it had been long consecrated time, should be deprived sunk, a struggle has commenced betwixt of his salary. It is said, that even religion and absolute atheism. The awakening to evangelical religion having begun with the clergy, the people, instead of being prepared to follow them, have to a great extent, by the introduction of socialism, lapsed into atheism itself; and although in the Canton de Vaud there is no doubt more evangelical light than in any other part of Switzerland, yet the most bitter enmity at religion also prevails in it, and lifts up its head in the highest councils of the Canton, breathing nothing less than the gradual subjection, and ultimate extirpation of everything religious. Being republican in their constitution, popular influence is paramount, and hence there is a constant restlessness in their political condition. One revolu tion took place in 1830, which resulted in the more entire adaptation of their already popular institutions to the principles of democracy and equality. And in the month of February last another petty revolution took place, which compelled the abdication of the whole of the council of state, and placed at the head of the government men who are openly hostile to all religion. This was the doing of the party who were busied in seeking the expulsion of the Jesuits, and who had found the grand council not disposed to pay sufficient attention to their intrigues for the accomplishment of this. The men whom they, in February last, placed in the supreme power, however, were men entirely to their own mind, who scrupled not to declare on public occasions, and in the grand council, that they were weary of the moral restraints imposed upon the country, and

NO. I. VOL. III.

this iniquitous restriction suggested to about sixty of the pastors the idea of withdrawing from the national church. Against it the ministers and a number of the citizens addressed remonstrances to the government, but in vain. When the grand council had finished their work of preparing a new constitution, resulting from the revolution which placed themselves in power, in order to give it favour with the people, they enjoined the pastors of the reformed church to read from their pulpits, on the 3d of August, a long address or proclamation in defence of the revolution of February, and of the new constitution. Such an attempt to degrade the pulpit and the ministerial character to political intrigues, and to desecrate the Sabbath, was met in most of the parishes with a strong protest, and in many of them with a decided refusal, to submit to it, on the part of the pastors. About forty of them refused to read the proclamation; and many who had read it, afterwards declared that they had done it in ignorance of the law, and wrote to the council of state that they would not do so again. In this view of the law of the land they were borne out by the opinion of fifteen lawyers. The government, however, took speedy and stringent measures to repress this insubordination on the part of some of the clergy, in which they were countenanced by some popular petitions presented to them, demanding the punishment of those pastors who had set themselves in opposition to the higher authorities, and by an act of rebellion against legitimate power, refused to read the proclamation

D

of the 29th of July; at the same time | sovereignty of the island to the British embracing the opportunity, in their pe- crown; and had repeatedly cut down the titions, of recommending a reduction of British flagstaff erected at the Bay. On the stipends of the clergy, and the sale the 11th of March he and his soldiers had of their whole manses to be commuted a severe conflict with a small British to them by paying a small sum to each force: which ended in the British evacuof them annually, to provide houses for ating the town where the conflict took themselves. As the ecclesiastical law of place, and removing the inhabitants to the canton required that ministers, what- Auckland. The evacuated town was ever fault they might be accused of, plundered and burnt by the natives: only should be first judged by their own the mission-stations and missionaries classes or presbyteries, these were, by were untouched and uninjured. The order of government convened for the warfare, it is said, was conducted by the 22d of October, to pass judgment upon victorious chief in the most humane and the forty-three ministers accused of re- honourable manner. The Governor fusing to read the proclamation; as also writes, "Justice to the natives, misled upon three who were accused of per- and rebellious as they are, requires me forming divine service in a private place to state that European troops would not of worship, where an evening service had have behaved better, nor shown less been held on Saturday and Sabbath for vindictiveness. Acts of a chivalrous many years. The classes having unani- nature were performed by them; and mously, with the exception of two votes, their forbearance towards the settlers, acquitted their accused brethren of every especially the missionaries, after the concharge brought against them, the govern- flict, was remarkable. No missionary, ment, on the 3d of November, promul- no missionary property, known to be such, gated their judgment upon the forty- was injured intentionally." "Whence three, declaring them guilty, and sen- this wonderful change in the conduct of tencing them to suspension of ministerial the New Zealanders," the missionaries duties and of salary, for a longer or add, "but from the gospel of the grace shorter period. A meeting of the clergy of God? And this, it is to be rememberwas in consequence held on the 11th of ed, was the conduct of a chief who has November, when about 160 pastors or sadly declined from his christian princiyoung ministers signed a deed of resig- ples, and of natives who are in a heathen nation, in which they renounced their state." Another chief has taken up arms connexion with the national church from in support of British authority, and has the 15th of December following, and had several conflicts with the chief just sent it to the government: declaring referred to. In these circumstances it is that they would not resume their duties not surprising that the mission work has without full guarantees to the church been much interrupted in the contiguous and to themselves. The executive go- stations, which belong to the Church of vernment, instead of relenting, have England Missionary Society. "Our asked from the great council of the congregations," they write, canton a temporary suspension of eccle- seriously torn to pieces in consequence siastical law, with full powers to them- of this sad state of things. It is indeed selves to act in the emergency as they a day of sorrow and mourning; yet we shall think fit. It is supposed that this know our work is not in vain. We must extraordinary concession of power will stand in faith, and see the workings of be made to them. There is already a the Lord, who can, and doubtless will report that some of the seceding pastors subdue these rebellious dispositions, and have gone back; and it remains to be yet bring them into willing obedience to seen what God is to bring out of this himself." The missionaries judged it conflict. expedient to remove their daughters, the press, and some other portion of the mission property to Auckland: but they, with their wives, remained at their posts. The Wesleyan missionaries are somewhat removed from the scene of this warfare; yet the uneasiness and alarm which it creates have considerably disturbed the peaceful labours of their missions. One of them writes, that at his station all were quiet, but trembling. Their superintendent, Mr Lawry, writes

NEW ZEALAND.

THE missions in this island have of late been considerably disturbed by the unsettled state of the relations between the native tribes and the British government. A chief in the neighbourhood of the Bay of Islands had always been adverse to the cession of the

66 are very

from Auckland, “We are endeavouring | coadjutors and friends. The missionaries to comfort ourselves in the Lord, and to of the Church of England being reinforc put our trust in Him. Here all is bustle ed by the appointment of a bishop, with and warlike preparation; fortifying the his usual retinue, there must of course infant town, training to arms, and many be some reason shown for the pomp and are going off to the neighbouring colonies. circumstance of such an ecclesiastical As almost all communication is cut off personage, so unlike the humble missionbetween this place and those tribes who aries who first took up their residence have destroyed the town and settlements among these islanders. And accordingly about Kororarika, very little is known of some of the episcopal clergy there have their proceedings, further than that they been aping the puseyism of their brethren say they will do the same at Auckland, at home, in endeavouring, and too sucas they have done at the Bay." cessfully in some places, to unsettle the native converts of the Methodist mission, by calling in question the ministerial character of that society's missionaries, and the validity of their ministrations. Such conduct ought assuredly to bring into doubt the ministerial character of the men who are capable of it.

It is mortifying to think that while the missionaries of both these societies might have found enough to do in withstanding the common enemies of war and popery, the missionaries of the Wesleyan society should have found another enemy in those who ought to have been their

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-DOMESTIC.

UNITED SECESSION CHURCH,

PRESBYTERIAL NOTICES.

clerk have been discharged by Mr Frazer -to express their hearty sympathy with him in the painful ordeal through which he has recently passed-and their high admiration of the christian meekness with which he had endured these afflic tions-their undiminished esteem and regard for him as a Christian and minister of Jesus Christ, and their earnest desire that God may abundantly prosper his way in the scenes of his future life and labours, and bless his declining years with peace, honour and felicity. A copy of this minute to be forwarded to Mr Frazer. Appointed the ministers of Dundee and of the South and North Ferry as a committee to superintend the studies of the divinity students within the bounds of the presbytery. The presbytery met, December 16. According to appointment of Synod, the presbytery received reports of congregations respecting the collection to be made for the Synod's fund; nine congregations reported that it had been made; two gave in no report. Appointed Messrs M'Gavin, Muckersie, Ogilvie, and Duncan, minis ters, with Messrs Millar, Mudie, and Philp, elders, a committee on the Synod's new mission scheme-Mr M'Gavin convener. Mr Andrew Henderson, student of the fourth year, was certified to the presbytery from the Hall. Mr Muir, Newtyle, who has been acting as clerk pro tempore, was elected to fill that office Messrs Marshall and

Dundee -This presbytery met on the 30th September, when a request was made by the Rattray congregation for continued supply of sermon, also that the Rev. R. D. Duncan, Wishart Chapel, Dundee, be appointed to dispense the sacrament in that congregation on the third Sabbath of November. The presbytery granted accordingly. The Rev. Matthew Frazer appeared and intimated his necessary retirement from the office of presbytery-clerk, in consequence of the acceptance of his demission (as recorded in the minutes of Synod's committee and presbytery), and his early departure from the bounds-requested an extract of his ministerial status and character, in order to facilitate his designs of future employment in the service of the church. The presbytery unanimously agreed to express their deep regret (Messrs M'Gavin and Muir appointed to draw up said expression) at the painful departure of their venerable father and friend, whose uniform urbanity and kindness had long endeared him to all the brethren, and whose prudent experience and counsels had been invaluable in conducting the business of the court. They farther agreed to declare their entire satisfaction with the strict and businesslike accuracy with which the duties of permanently.

ter among them as not adequate, yet as much as in present circumstances they can be expected to raise, agreed, in the meantime, to assist them by a pecuniary grant, and appointed the moderation to take place at Stockton on Thursday 7th December, at seven P.M., Mr Morris to preach and preside on the occasion. From this decision Mr Browning dissented, because he deemed the proposed stipend inadequate.

Muckersie were appointed to draw up a formula to Mr Fraser, who was then, scheme of operation for promoting the with prayer offered up by the moderator, revival of religion in the congregations and by imposition of the hands of the connected with the presbytery. Next presbytery, set apart to the pastoral meeting of presbytery to be held in oversight of the congregation. Mr Fraser Dundee on Tuesday the 10th February. of Alloa gave the charge to Mr H. E. Newcastle, 4th November, 1845.-At a Fraser, his son, and also addressed the meeting of the presbytery now held, Mr congregation. A public meeting was Henry Erskine Fraser having accepted held in the evening, numerously attended the call from North Shields, and Mr by the congregation and their friends, Peter Bannatyne that from Hexham, when various addresses were delivered they gave in their trials for ordination, connected with the solemn services of which were sustained. Mr Bannatyne's the day, in the course of which a deep ordination was appointed to take place impression was evinced by all present. at Hexham, on Wednesday the 19th, Mr Robert Grayton presented a petition and Mr Fraser's at North Shields, on from the congregation of Stockton for a Thursday the 20th instant. Mr Robert- moderation, with the view of obtaining a son having formerly given in the resig-fixed pastor. The presbytery regarding nation of his pastoral charge at Wallsend, the sum proposed to be given by the and still adhering to that resignation, congregation for the support of a minisit was now accepted, and his name was erazed from the roll. Mr Bell was appointed to preach at Wallsend on the 9th inst., and intimate this decision to the congregation. Mr Douglas reported his proceedings in the election of elders at Stockton, which were approved, when he and Mr Pringle were appointed to converse with the elders-elect, that regular measures might be taken for their ordination. Next ordinary meeting to be held here on Tuesday, 6th January. Dunfermline.-The United Associate Hexham, 19th November.-The presby- presbytery of Dunfermline met at Duntery met here for the ordination of Mr fermline on November 11, 1845,-the Peter Bannatyne. The Rev. Robert Rev. Mr Walker moderator. Certificates Redpath of London being present, was from the professors were read, attesting invited to be a corresponding member. the attendance of the students of divinity After the usual preliminary measures, belonging to the presbytery on the by-. Mr J. B. Johnston preached from 2 Cor. gone session of the Hall. These being v. 21. Mr J. Young narrated the pre-present, gave an account of their course vious proceedings, and proposed the of study during that session, and were questions of the formula to Mr Banna- examined on several of the subjects emtyne, who was then, with prayer offered braced in that course. Mr James Haxup by the moderator, and by imposition ton, student of the fifth year, was entered of the hands of the presbytery, ordained on trial for license, and subjects of trial to the pastoral oversight of the congre- were prescribed to him. Exercises were gation. Mr Redpath from London gave prescribed also to the other students, the charge to Mr Bannatyne, and Mr Bell and the district committees of presbytery addressed the congregation, A meeting for superintending their studies were rewas again held in the evening, when appointed. The Rev. Dr Hay, Messrs various addresses were delivered, the Law, Johnston, Young, and Gibson, attendance good, and all present seemed with Messrs James Stenhouse, John impressed with the solemnity of the occa- Duncanson, and George Clark, elders, sion. North Shields, 20th November.-The were appointed "the standing commitPresbytery met for the ordination of Mr tee of the presbytery on missionary afHenry Erskine Fraser. The Rev. Wil-fairs,"-Mr Johnston, convener. liam Fraser of Alloa, and Rev. Robert inquiry as to whether the annual collecRedpath of London, being present, were tion for the Synod's general fund had invited to be corresponding members. been made by the congregations in the After the usual preparatory measures, presbytery, as enjoined by last meeting Mr Dall preached from Phil. i. 21. Mr of Synod, on the second Sabbath of OcMorris narrated the previous proceed-tober, it was found that it had been made ings, and proposed the questions of the either at that time or on some previous

On