"The Presbytery are grieved to find, as matter of public notoriety, that Mr Anderson has separated himself from this Church, and, in conjunction with other seceding brethren, has recently engaged in constituting another Synod. Under these painful circumstances, this Presbytery, while they cannot but regret that the long and useful services of their co-presbyter to the Church should thus have been brought to a close so abruptly, and, in their belief, without just and sufficient reason, feel shut up to the duty-not deeming the regular form of procedure by personal citation and trial called for in the peculiar circumstances of this case-of declaring, which they hereby do, the Rev. William Anderson to be no longer a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and no longer entrusted with the pastoral charge of the Loanhead congregation. It is further agreed to appoint a committee, with the view of conferring with Mr Anderson, as far as opportunity may be afforded, in the hope that, on calm reflection, he may be willing to reconsider the step which he has taken; as also, for the purpose of corresponding with the Congregation of Loanhead, in the event of any application being received from it for a supply of preaching in connection with the Synod of this Church, it being understood that while the rights of property are thus reserved in favour of said Synod, no attempt by Prresbytery to deal with the Loanhead Congregation is, in present circumstances, deemed advisable, unless upon application from the congregation itself.'

"It was agreed that a copy of the above minute, with any explanation that may be thought needful, be sent by the Clerk to Mr Anderson, and also to the preses, clerk, and treasurer of the Loanhead congregation. Dr Goold and Mr Guy were appointed a Committee, in terms of the above minute; Mr Guy to act as convener.

"It will be your duty to inform the members of the congregation regarding the above decision in any way that may be found most convenient. The right of property, along with other matters of grave importance, being involved in this decision, the congregation are concerned in it equally with the office-bearers. If the members of the congregation are suffered to remain in ignorance of it, the responsibility will rest with the office-bearers in any legal question regarding property that may be raised.

"I may call your attention to the circumstance that the above decision does not affect Mr Anderson's status as a minister of the gospel. It is neither suspension nor deposition, but a judicial declaration that he is no longer a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church-a course of procedure which Mr Anderson's public acts, in withdrawing from the Church, rendered necessary and unavoidable.

"I have only to add, that it will give me much pleasure to correspond with you, or any other in the congregation, concerning the matters referred to in the Presbytery's minute.-I am, yours very truly,

"JOHN GUY, Clerk of Presbytery."

The following is a copy of the letter sent to Mr Anderson :

"KELSO, 16th June 1863. "MY DEAR SIR,-Agreeable to instructions received from the Edinburgh Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, I send you the following copy of a minute in reference to your case, agreed to at last meeting, held in Carnoustie, on the 10th day of the current month.

[The minute follows, as above.]

"The only explanation needful in connection with the above minute is simply this, that while Presbytery do not follow up and enforce their deci sion by preaching the pulpit of the Loanhead Church vacant, or even by giving intimation of their decision to the congregation by ordering a copy of it to be put upon the church door, they retain their claim to the entire pro perty of said congregation; and at the same time, desire you to understand

that, in the event of any legal proceedings being instituted regarding said property, the responsibility must rest with you and the office-bearers, if you and they suffer the congregation to remain ignorant of their decision, referring, as it does, to matters in which the congregation is concerned equally with yourself and the other office-bearers.

"I must add that, as convener of Presbytery's committee, it will give me much pleasure to correspond with you regarding a meeting and conference with you, by letter or otherwise, in order to see if, through divine guidance, in answer to prayer, the means may not be found of healing the unhappy division that has taken place, and of restoring friendly intimacy, and the united endearments of Christian fellowship.-I am, yours very truly, "JOHN GUY, Clerk of Presbytery."

Mr Guy reported that he had received no answer to the above letters— that they had not even been acknowledged by any of the parties. Regret was expressed that the offer by the Committee of friendly conference with Mr Anderson had met with no response whatever. Some were willing to overlook Mr Anderson's unhandsome and unbrotherly conduct in this matter, and to continue the Committee; but as there was no appearance of any good end being gained by its continuance, it was discharged.

Presbytery next proceeded to consider what action should be taken in order to recover from Mr Anderson, who acted for many years as Presbytery Clerk, the minutes and other records of Presbytery that remain still in his possession. It was agreed to instruct the Clerk to request Mr Anderson by letter to transmit these documents to him; and at the same time, to send a statement of any pecuniary matters connected with his official duties up to the time when he ceased to act as Clerk of Presbytery.

Mr Robert Hunter, student of theology, delivered his remaining trials for licence, which were sustained; and it was agreed to take his examination in theology, church history, Greek, &c., at the next meeting, when it is expected Mr Hunter will receive licence to preach the everlasting gospel.

Mr John Towert, a student about to enter college for the first year, appeared before the Presbytery. Several expressed their gratification in seeing him; and, inasmuch as he gained the highest honours in the Edinburgh High School at the close of the last session, Presbytery dispensed with the examinations prescribed to students before entering college for the first year. The next meeting of Presbytery was appointed to be held in Edinburgh, on Wednesday, the 30th of December next.

PRESBYTERY OF PAISLEY.-This Presbytery met at Paisley on the 6th ult.Rev. G. Clazy, moderator. The Clerk reported that he had sent an extract of the minutes of last Presbytery in the case of the Rev. P. Carmichael to Mr Carmichael and the leading officials connected with the congregation, and that a copy had been appended to the door of West Stuart Street Church on the evening of Saturday, 25th July, in the presence of witnesses. He laid on the table, receipts for the registered letters in which the extracts had been sent, and a declaration by witnesses that the extract had been posted on the church door. It was agreed that the different documents be kept in retentis. The Clerk reported that the answers of Messrs Symington, Cosh, Hunter, and Neilson, students of theology, and of Mr Symington, on "Symington on the Atonement," had been examined, and that in all the five papers the answers were very satisfactory. Mr Andrew Symington, student of the fifth year, delivered, as part of his trials for licence, a popular sermon, a popular lecture, and an exercise and additions. All were sustained, and the remainder appointed to be given at next meeting of Presbytery. A lecture and exegesis were prescribed to Mr James Hunter, M.A., and to Mr Thomas Neilson, students of the third year, a popular sermon to Mr James Cosh, A.M., student of the fourth year, and a homily to Mr William Watt, student of the second year. Rev. Donald M'Lachlan made a statement in regard to the condition of the congregation at Lorn. The Presbytery expressed their cordial sym

pathy with Mr M'Lachlan in his trials, their confidence in his Christian prudence and good feeling, and encouraged him to continue in his labours.

OBITUARY..

[The following obituary notice, extracted from the Session minutes of Grant Street Reformed Presbyterian Congregation, Glasgow, will bring before our readers one who, during a long period of active exertion for the cause of Christ, commanded the respect and gained the affection of almost all with whom he came in contact. As the years are passing, the ranks of these aged fathers in the office of rule are being rapidly thinned, and the cry becomes, month after month, more urgent to those who succeed them "Work while it is called to-day."-ED. R. P. Mag.]

"The Session feel called upon to enter on their record the removal by death of Mr William M'Leod, one of their number, who departed this life on the 13th May.

"Our venerated and beloved father had entered the eighty-fifth year of his age, and had completed his fiftieth year in office as an elder in this city. He was ordained in Calton Church in the year 1813, and continued to officiate there, and afterwards in the same congregation when it removed to Great Hamilton Street Church, until the formation of the West Campbell Street congregation; when, having seen it to be his duty to join the brethren there, he was chosen a member of their Session. He took part in the movement which resulted in the constitution of Grant Street congregation, and on that occasion was invited, and took his seat in the Session.

"Mr M'Leod was well fitted to fill and adorn the office he held for such a lengthened period, by his sincere and unaffected piety, his exemplary character, and becoming gravity of deportment. His mind was well stored with general knowledge, but his chief study being the Holy Scriptures, his acquaintance with divine truth was most extensive. This was singularly manifested in the weekly fellowship society-that time-honoured institution of our Church. Those who took part with him in those meetings will not soon forget the concise, pointed, and appropriate remarks in which he was wont to state his views of Scripture doctrine and Christian experience. They bear testimony to his regular and punctual attendance, and to the evident interest and pleasure he took in the exercises. Our father cherished a truly catholic spirit, while holding the principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church with unwavering firmness. He had long held the opinion that these principles, rightly understood, did not demand a total abnegation of political privilege in this country on the part of those who professed them. The late decision of Synod, therefore, regarding the oath of allegiance and the exercise of the elective franchise, of which he was informed while on his deathbed, gave him much satisfaction. He was a close observer of passing events, tracing in these the hand of divine Providence ordering and disposing of all things for his own glory and the good of his Church. He attentively noted the fulfilment of prophecy, and earnestly prayed for union among Christians, for the spread of evangelical truth, and for the advent of the time when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.

"The Session desire to cherish devout thankfulness to God for the grace vouchsafed to their deceased father, enabling him so long to maintain such a consistent Christian character; for the support and comfort granted him under trials, and in his declining years, as well as for the Christian hope and joy which filled his heart and cheered him in his last illness. While recording the sense of unfeigned respect in which they hold his memory, and their sympathy with his family in the great loss they have sustained

by his removal, the members of this Session would seek to improve the event by a more painstaking and prayerful discharge of duty, and by continual preparation for the great change."

Missionary Intelligence.

ARRIVAL OF MR INGLIS AT ANEITYUM.

[THE following brief note from Mr Inglis, announcing the safe arrival at their destination of the mission party, has reached us as we were going to press. We regret to say that the communications referred to as having been sent from New Caledonia have not as yet reached us.]

ANEITYUM, NEW HEBRIDES, July 4. 1863. MY DEAR SIR,-I am most happy and thankful to inform you that we arrived here safe and well yesterday. I wrote you once and again from New Caledonia during the twenty-five days that we were detained there. We had a fine passage of three days from Port-au-France to Aneityum. I write this brief note to catch the John Williams, which we found here on her way to Sydney. I will write you more fully next week, and send it by the Berengaria, via China. Mr Copeland is very well, looking greatly better than when we left Aneityum. The aspects of the Mission are encouraging. Nearly all Mr Paton's library has been recovered. The other members of the mission are in their usual health.

With very kind regards, in which my wife unites, I remain, my dear sir, yours very truly, JOHN INGLIS. Rev. J. Kay.

LETTERS FROM MR COPELAND.

ANEITYUM, NEW HEBRIDES, June 1. 1863. REV. AND DEAR SIR,-Several months have elapsed since the date of my last letter to you. We have had no opportunity of forwarding anything for the Post Office since the beginning of January. We have had three vessels from Sydney lately, but they have brought me nothing from you. In this letter I shall tell you shortly how we have been, and what we have been doing since I wrote you.

I am thankful to say that all the members of the mission have been enjoying a fair measure of health, adults and children. None of us has been seriously ill or laid aside from duty. Mrs Geddie is perhaps not so strong as she was before her sickness in November. The natives also have had tolerable health during these months. Since the change of the weather from warm to cold in April there has been a good deal of complaining from headaches, coughs, &c. April and May are like your spring and autumn months-trying to delicate people.

I am also thankful to say that we have had an unusually fine summer. We had no hurricanes, not even a high wind, and no floods. We had abundance of rain up till the end of April, but it was not so continuous as to cause any damage or serious inconvenience. The barometer stood, on an average, high. This last summer was meteorologically very like that of 1860, and very unlike those of 1861 and 1862.

The work of the mission has been carried on during these past months without interruption. The various schools have been in full operation, and the several meetings on Wednesday and Sabbath held with regularity, and well attended. In the end of February and beginning of March I had a

run through the village schools just to know a little more about the state of the work in the several lands. In a few days I intend beginning another visitation. It does not do to leave any department of the work to stagnate. Sameness and monotony are especially irksome to natives, such as those among whom we labour. Mrs Johnston's new school has been in full operation since December. It promises to be a great boon to the rising generation-a portion of the community sadly neglected both by parents and teachers. Since the beginning of December I have been able to attend to the work of the institution with but little interruption. I am happy to say that the attendance has greatly improved as regards numbers and regularity. We meet for two and a half hours on four days of each week. The time is occupied in writing on paper and slates, figuring reading, &c. A few have been making progress in all these departments. We dismiss an hour before sunset.

The only thing printed has been our Almanac for this year, and a few pages of our Scripture Epitome, containing the history of Jacob and Joseph. The half-yearly communion on this side of the island was observed on the 12th of April. Mr Geddie's is close at hand.

A portion of the cotton supplies came to hand in March, and the natives are about to commence digging. We fear that the second shipment of seed will be too late for this year's crop. Every native will plant the cotton on his own plot of ground-on his own paternal soil. In this way much more cotton is likely to be raised than by all the natives of a land com bining and making a common plantation. He that plants largely will reap more than his less diligent neighbour, and this will act as a powerful stimulus. The tools (axes and picks) will be equally divided among the several lands. I do hope the scheme may succeed to the utmost wishes of its devisers, to the advantage of its shareholders, and to the temporal and spiritual well-being of the Aneityumese.

We are in possession of no very definite information about our brother Mr Paton and his movements. The last letter I had from him was by the John Williams, in October. We are thus in a great measure ignorant of what he is doing as the representative of this mission.

I mentioned to you that we had got two Raratongans and one Samoan from the deputation in the John Williams last year, one for Fotuna, and the two for Eromanga. The Samoan was taken to Fotuna in the John Knox, but soon got tired of the work, and requested to be removed to Anei tyum. He and the Rarotongans all left us in January, and went to Mare, where they now are. I can hardly tell you why they left. I don't think they knew well themselves. They talked a great deal about the unhealthiness of the islands, but this they knew about only from report. We were very sorry at their leaving, as they have set an example that is likely to tell materially on the supply of castern teachers for this group. When others hear of the step they have taken, they will be slow to entertain the idea of labouring anywhere in the New Hebrides.

The John Knox has made her first trip for this year to the adjoining islands. She visited Port-Resolution, Black Beach, Niua, and Eromanga At the first mentioned of these places we found the natives in a state of hostility towards each other. Miaki, the chief, was anxious that we should remove him and some others to Niua, as he was afraid some one would take his life. The prospects of that station do not become brighter by the lapse of time. At the west side of the island we were well received. They wish to have Aneityum teachers again among them. We are about to send them two. I was well pleased with what I saw on Eromanga Joe and Mana, the two baptized natives, have done nobly in keeping the Christian party together. They have worship on Sabbath, and school in the mornings. The attendance on worship on Sabbath is over twenty. They are