Dunfermline.-This Presbytery met | sions approving generally of the basis, at Cairneyhill, on the 8th of Sep- but, in three instances, expressing a wish tember, -the Rev. Mr Walker, mo- for delay, and in one, that the Larger derator, when, inter alia, the subject and Shorter Catechisms be retained as of union with the Relief church. came part of our standards. The presbytery under consideration. The reports of then proceeded to take the scheme of sessions on the scheme of union, which union into consideration, and, after had been transmitted to them by the some reasoning, agreed to report to the joint committee, were received-all Synod that they approve of the basis of approving of the union, and in substance union, with the following exceptions; also of the proposed basis. Petitions in that in the name of the united body, the favour of the union from the session words "of Scotland," should be omitted, and congregation of Chalmers street, that the Larger and Shorter Catechisms Dunfermline, the congregation of May- should be retained as part of our stangate, Dunfermline, the congregation of dards, and that prior to the consummaBalgedie, and the congregation of Lime- tion of the union there ought to be kilns, were transmitted to the Synod. farther statistical inquiries and regulaAnd the presbytery agreed to report as tions. All the students within the their own judgment in the matter, that bounds were appointed to appear to give in substance they cordially approve of in their discourses at the next meeting. the basis which has been submitted to The presbytery meets again at Melrose, them; but would recommend to the on Tuesday the 1st December. Synod for reconsideration, the name Paisley and Greenock.-At a late which has been proposed for the united meeting, the attention of the presbytery body-the mode of reference to the having been called to a communication Catechisms-the article respecting the from the Rev. Dr James Thomson, voluntary support of religion-and agent of the British and Foreign Bible whether the article No. 8, in the "as- Society, requesting the presbytery to recertained points of agreement," should commend to the ministers in its bounds not find a place also in the basis-and to direct the attention of their congregafurther agreed to express their cordial tions to the cause of Bible circulation, and thankfulness, that the matter has been that contributions might be made to the brought into its present state of hopeful B. and F. Bible Society in the allocation progress, and their opinion and desire of their funds: after some conversation, that the union should be consum- it was unanimously agreed to recommend mated with as little delay as possible. to the ministers belonging to the presThe Rev. Mr Johnston intimated, bytery, to address their respective conthat at next meeting he will propose a gregations on this important subject, measure for the periodical visitation of the congregations in the presbytery by committees of its members. The Rev. Messrs Walker and Gibson, with Mr James Stenhouse, elder, were appointed members of the Committee of Bills and Overtures, to meet in Glasgow, on the 5th of October, in connexion with the ensuing meeting of the Synod in that place. The next meeting of presbytery to be at Dunfermline, on the Tuesday after the first Sabbath of November.

but leave it to the various sessions and congregations to decide as to the society to which their contributions shall be sent.-That this presbytery recommend to all sessions within their bounds, to see that all applicants for membership, and those who are already in communion, do pay for the support of ordinances, as God has prospered them. And respecting those who are unable to pay, that sessions shall make provision for them ;-that each member's name may appear on the seat-books, as well as Selkirk. This presbytery met at Mel- upon the roll of membership; and with a rose on Tuesday, the 15th September. view to this measure being carried into Read a letter from the clerk of the New-effect, that the managers of the various castle presbytery, intimating the suspen- congregations be recommended to fursion from the christian ministry and nish to the respective sessions, the necescommunion, of Mr George Jardine, sary documents, that is, the seat-books, preacher. The clerk laid on the table a or list of persons paying for sittings. copy of the scheme of union between Each session to report to the presbytery, the United Secession and Relief churches. at its meeting in March 1846. Reports were given in from various ses

your recollection-that he met the occa- as the one thing they must understand sion of his death in a special determined and believe, in order to be saved.” effort to save your souls-taking indi-"You see," added he, "I could easily vidual after individual up to his study, get it into every sermon; for example, and dealing with each in such a way of if I were on faith or repentance, or even discriminating faithfulness, as could only duties, I could easily get it in. Oh, 'tis be attempted in secrecy; and surely the one thing which gives me peace." those seven young men, who were thus Again, another characteristic, was the dealt with on that night, will never, never deep interest he felt in the welfare of forget that their minister lost his own his congregation. In every prayer they life in attempting to save their souls. If had a prominent place. His sister, who any of them fail of salvation, great in- overheard him, states, that even in imdeed will be their fall. ploring a blessing on a drink, or on medicine, his congregation were put into

Next day, after the over-exertion of that evening, when about to go out to it. When he requested me to take his visit a bereft family, and bowing himself to tie something about his boots, a bloodvessel gave way in the lungs, and he expectorated some blood. He thought it would be instant death, and said, “I thought I should soon meet all the good people in heaven, and felt a sort of spontaneous reluctance to leave my Bible behind me." For several weeks his prostration from exhaustion and anxiety, can hardly be described. He was advised to leave the coast, and go to Elgin, to be away from the sea air. As soon as practicable he was removed to my house, and except two or three days (when he went to Lossiemouth, and was worse), he was never able to leave Elgin.

Decided symptoms of consumption early became apparent, and resisted every means which medical skill could employ to arrest their progress, and he died here on the afternoon of Saturday the 25th of July 1846, at half an hour past five o'clock.

The state of Mr Reid's mind, in his affliction, and at his death, was in fine keeping with his character and life. One of its most prominent characteristics, was entire resignation to the Divine will. Often did he say, "Good is the will of the Lord,"-" He doeth all things in wisdom and kindness." And so complete was his satisfaction, with the whole way in which the Lord had dealt with him, that he emphatically declared he would not wish one circumstance of it altered, though that were possible. Another characteristic of his state of mind in affliction and at death, was the great prominence he gave to the righteousness of the cross, or the obedience of Christ. Very often he would say, “O, that glorious righteousness; how absolutely perfect, as a foundation for the poor sinner's hope of salvation. How worthy of God. If ever I preach more, I'll have it into every sermon; I'll just hold it up continually before the eyes of sinners,

place, and preside in the dispensation of the Sacrament, he gave me a solemn charge to exhort his flock, seriously to lay to heart the lessons conveyed to them, through his affliction, and especially to the careless among them. "Tell that class," said he,-"a large one in the congregation, of whom I have not evidence that they have repented of their sins, and believed on the Lord Jesus,— that the reason why I am lying here, may be their misimprovement of my ministry, and that if they would have me restored again, to repent of their sins and believe the gospel. And tell them, oh, tell them, only to think how they are to do when they come to die, how they will meet me at last, if they continue in their sins, and perish under the means."

Having been called away to attend the funeral of a brother, I could not officiate for him on Sacrament Sabbath; and being worse than usual on that day, and observing his sister a good deal affected, he said, "Ah, Mary, you are taking a gloomy view of the case-that is not right. God knows far best what is good for us; he is saying to us impressively, cease from man. When I thought I had one whom I wished to be in my place, he sent him to do something else he sent him to the grave. Ah, he has taken the work into his own hand, and he is letting us see that he can do without us, and he'll do it far better than we can. If I know my own heart, I would not wish one thing altered from the way that God has it;" and when told that the services connected with the Communion had been comfortably and satisfactorily concluded, he seemed greatly delighted, and said, "What cause of gratitude to God-he has done great things for us ;" and on seeing two of the people after, and referring to the occasion, he said, "God is teaching us terrible things in righteousness."

When his sister expressed a strong desire to have him taken south, hoping it was still practicable, though he was labouring under extreme weakness, he said "I wish you to understand that it is my earnest desire to get south, if it be the will of God; only I wish this promise kept constantly in view-Philip. iv. 6, 7,-Be careful for nothing; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.""

"He'll call on me, I'll answer him;
I will be with him still,
In trouble to deliver him,
And honour him I will.
"With length of days unto his mind
I will him satisfy;
I also my salvation

Will cause his eyes to see." And he repeated them along with me, and said, "Oh, that's beautiful-that's sweet, sweet."

On the Thursday night immediately before his death, about twelve o'clock, he appeared to wonder why I was remaining so long with him; and I said, "I am unwilling to leave you, when I On the Saturday night before his death, see you so distressed;" and he said, he was too weak and exhausted to admit "Oh, it might be worse." I added, "I of having worship beside him as usual, feel to part with you, my dear brother; and, with his consent, we retired to an but though I fear you will not be long adjoining room, where he could overhear with us, I have no fear as to the state of us; and it so happened that, contrary to your soul." He said, with some animausual practice, I omitted to pray for his tion, "Do you think I'll not be long restoration; and when his sister returned with you?" I said, "I am afraid of it." to him after worship, he said, "And so He replied, "What says the doctor?" you don't think that I'll survive this turn I answered, "He is afraid of it." "Well, of weakness?" and she said, "Do you well," said he, "I can say, Jesus is mine mean to-night?" he answered, "Oh, no,He is my Saviour." I said, "You I just mean this." She said, "I am afraid of it." He replied, "Well, well, so far as my knowledge goes, I can say Jesus is mine; he is my Saviour; he has forgiven all my sins:" and she replied, "Death may be much nearer than we expect;" and he added, "No matter, no matter whatever how soon-all is well -don't vex yourself."

On Monday night, when he appeared too weak to converse, I said, "You are too weak to speak, or bear speaking;" and he bade me read the first nine verses of the first chapter of Joshua, and seemed much struck with the repetition in the passage of the words, "Only be strong, and of a good courage."

On Tuesday, a letter was received from a sister, requesting to know if he had anything particular to say to her; and he said, "No, nothing particular to Annie, but what I say to every one, to take Jesus for her own Saviour now, immediately, and then live like him."

On Wednesday night, when he was suffering a great deal, I said, "You are not able to pray for yourself, we'll go and pray for you;" and he said, "No, not very able, but the desire." I said, "Yes, that's prayer," and repeated the last three verses of the 91st psalm

"Because on me he set his love,

I'll save and set him free;
Because my great name he hath known,
I will him set on high.

have several strong inducements to desire to live." He answered, "Oh, yes! that glorious righteousness you see;" referring to his idea of preaching Christ's righteousness in every sermon.

Early on Saturday morning, which was the last morning of his suffering life, he said, "Oh, for a little rest!" His sister replied, "I fear there is no rest for you here, except in precious Christ." He said, "I always find it there. Hold my chest, to keep it from going in two;' and she said

"Though painful at present, it will cease before long,

And then, O how happy the conqueror's song."

He said, “ You are not quite so near it. Do you think that I will survive this day?" She answered, "Oh! yes, I hope so, and far longer." But during the course of the forenoon, indications of a quickly approaching change became distinctly apparent. Though in broken sentences, he still continued to speak, and said, "Oh, that cross, that blood! Glorious righteousness!" I repeated, "The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." He said, as it were with revived energy, "Tell that to the world, and make them hear it, and understand it!" Then he said, "Happy, safe!" But at this stage he was afraid of an attack of suffocation, and pointed to me, saying, "Uphold, uphold;" meaning a favourite promise, which he wished repeated-Isa. xli. 10,

"Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be To the members of his congregation, not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will the death of their beloved pastor conveys strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; a loud call to reflection and diligenceyea, I will uphold thee with the right a powerful call to awake out of sleep. hand of my righteousness." At this Oh! ye who have indeed repented of stage he seemed faint, and evidently your sins, and believed the gospel, rethought he was to get away. When member the thrilling saying of your pasthe pains returned, he said, "I am dis- tor, when in the swellings of Jordan, appointed;" and desired me to feel his "It needs it all here ;" and ye, who have arm; I said the pulse was still there; not repented of your sins, nor believed and he said, "Why this detention? the gospel, recollect, I entreat you, his come, Lord Jesus, O come quickly!" solemn message to you, "Tell them, Oh and then began to breathe slowly, and tell them to think, only to think, what his countenance seemed singularly sweet, they are to do when they come to die, innocent, and childlike in its expression, and how they will meet me at last, if and, contrary to his fear, he died without they continue in their sins, and perish the slightest struggle. under the means."

MONTHLY RETROSPECT.

SAVINGS BANKS.

ments and remarks of the directors are, in our opinion, deserving of the most serious consideration.

Ir is highly satisfactory to observe, that almost all classes of operatives are at "Having ready money at command, present receiving ampler remuneration these steady people procure what they than they have been accustomed to of want, of the best kind, and at the lowest late. In every department where any- prices, besides enjoying other benefits thing considerable depends on skill, taste, that are beyond the reach of improvident or adroitness, workmen possessed of persons, and of all persons who live from these qualities are handsomely rewarded; hand to mouth. These people have, in and the number of railways going for- fact, acquired not merely a little store of ward is securing tolerable wages even money, but steady habits, which are of for unskilled labourers themselves. In more value than mere money, and by consideration of this, the Directors of which alone working people are enabled the Edinburgh National Security Savings to take care of themselves. Wages are at Bank have thought it incumbent on present good in almost every occupation, them to issue an address to "Workmen." but if such wages are ill spent, they do That address is before us, and, warmly those who get them harm in place of approving of its object and spirit, and good. Both good and bad habits are feeling deeply interested in the subject acquired by degrees, perhaps imperto which it relates, we have great plea- ceptibly. The mis-spending of small sure in transferring to our pages the sums begins the ruin of many. It is substance of its contents.-The bank, it melancholy to see how many young appears, was opened in 1836. The sums labouring men not only squander their received and paid have amounted to money, by carelessness and dissipation, nearly two millions sterling. The de- but ruin their health, their habits, their positors have been in all nearly fifty characters, and, if they are married, thousand; at present, about half that number of persons have money in the bank. "Of these, about three thousand are mechanics and labourers; about three thousand more are the wives of men of that class; about five thousand are unmarried females, mostly domestic servants; and about two thousand are apprentices or other young persons, male and female; the remaining twelve thousand belong to a variety of other classes and occupations." The subjoined state

their families also, when they might preserve all these, and be ere long independent, comfortable, and respectable, by simply laying by small spare earnings.

"Labouring men are apt to delay to begin to save until they are married. This is either a great mistake, or a great neglect. It is YOUNG UNMARRIED men that can save most; and it is they also that are apt, by mis-spending small sums, to acquire those bad and improvident habits that ruin so many. No man can