questing that criticism should be disarmed by the fact, that his present work is a first literary attempt, executed during leisure hours, and often after a harassing day's work, Mr Hunter deserves much credit for painstaking research, and for the industry and skill manifested in the compilation. In the case of this volume, and of the "Pastor's Legacy," noticed above, the publishers have been successful in issuing two books which, in regard to handsome appearance and beauty of type, will bear comparison with the best specimens from the publishing houses of the present day. Prelary Tried by the Word of God. By the Rev. JAMES N. MILLER, Edinburgh. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. 1864. Pp. 80.

In argument upon questions such as those of which Mr Miller treats, we always rejoice to find the matter brought to the test of the Word of God. As David said of another sword, so say we of the sword of the Spirit,"There is none like it; give it me." The publication of this "Trial of Prelacy" is eminently seasonable. With a portion of the Scottish Establishment coquetting with Episcopacy, endeavouring (tell it not in Gath) to bring about a union between Prelacy and Presbyterianism, it was surely full time that a note of warning such as this should be sounded. The form of church government had come gradually to occupy a very subordinate position in the thoughts of many in Presbyterian Scotland; it was deemed one of the non-essentials. Congregationalism, Episcopacy, Presbyterianism, --what mattered it? There were good Christians nurtured under all three forms; and Episcopacy was, after all, rather a dignified sort of thing. Many of the younger clergy, who deemed themselves possessed of ability and status enough to be bishops themselves, since that dignity was clearly unattainable under "Presbytery," to which they were bound by ordination vows, did the next best thing-wore coats of portentous length in the skirts, and ran the risk of strangulation by M. B. shirt collars. To all such candidates for Episcopal dignity, we would suggest the propriety of reading Mr Miller's clear and forcible pamphlet, and taking a course of New Testament in Greek. As we are prescribing, we may add the formula (though we fear the Latinity is barbarous), Terties in die capiantur. Besides the study of the book on the part of the gentlemen above referred to, we would recommend its circulation, in large numbers, through all the Presbyterian congregations in the country. To every unprejudiced mind it will carry the conviction, that "every elder or presbyter is a bishop; that a bishop is not a prelate; that the term bishop is never in the New Testament applied to a prelate; that Prelacy is not the primitive form of ecclesiastical government instituted by Divine and apostolic authority-that it is, in a word, unscriptural and antiscriptural."

Books for the Young. Wee Willie's Wish: or, Holidays at Primrose Bank. Edinburgh: John M'Laren-Mary Mansfield: or, No Time to be a Christian. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co.-Witless Willie, the Idiot Boy. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co.

The first of these books is penned by one who is possessed of a keen perception of child nature, and who knows, accordingly, what will interest the class for whom he writes. "Wee Willie's Wish is a book which we could put with the utmost confidence into the hands of our children. In every part it enforces upon the young respect for whatever is "lovely and honest, and of good report," and commends to their acceptance in earnest, affectionate language, the Christ who, while he sojourned on earth, took little children in His arms and blessed them.

By the two interesting tales which stand next on the list, the publishers have not only kept up, but extended the reputation acquired by the "Story

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of a Red Velvet Bible," "Mary M'Neill," &c., &c. Throughout the series, now numbering seven volumes, at a Shilling each, there runs a more than ordinary earnestness of purpose, and a desire to do more than amuse-to interest and instruct. At this season, when Sabbath-school teachers and others are purchasing reward books for their scholars, there are none that we can more heartily commend than those comprised in this series. Attractive to the eye in binding and illustration, cheap in price, and full of interesting matter, we are not surprised to learn that the circulation of some of them has already risen to the fifth thousand.

A Dying Ministry, but a Living Christ. By Rev. JAMES GOOLD, NewtonStewart. Glasgow: G. Gallie. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. 1863. Pp. 34.

The circumstances out of which this able discourse took its rise are known to many of our readers. For the information of some who reside at a distance from the south of Scotland, we may state, that within little more than four months three ministers of the gospel were removed by death from the town in which the author labours. Of these, two died within four days, the one of the other. It was natural that Mr Goold should seek to improve for himself and for his fellow-townsmen these striking dispensations of God's providence. But inasmuch as the voice that speaks to one, speaks to all, we think he has done right in repreaching it, through the press, to a larger audience than that before which it was originally delivered. The discourse is eminently textual, full of important matter, forcibly and eloquently expressed, and the interest is sustained from the first sentence to the last. We hope it will find its way into the hands of all the ministers and members of the Church, and fulfil the end designed by its worthy author.

Goodwin's Works, Vol. VII. Edinburgh: James Nichol. 1863. Pp. 576. This, the last-issued volume of Goodwin's works, fully corroborates what we have previously said as to the merits of that eminent Puritan divine. The mere mention of the subjects treated of will serve to show their importance" The creatures, and the condition of their state by creation. Of gospel holiness in the heart and life. Of the blessed state of glory which the saints possess after death. Three several ages of Christians in faith and obedience. Man's restoration by grace. On repentance." The publisher deserves the best thanks and continued support of the Christian public for the noble enterprise into which he has so heartily cast himself. Notes on the Gospels, Critical and Explanatory. By M. W. Jacobus. Edinburgh: W. Oliphant & Sons.

We are glad that the publishers have reprinted these volumes—the first containing Matthew, the second Mark and Luke. The exposition somewhat resembles the volumes of Barnes, being equally clear, but more condensed. The extensive sale of 33,000 copies in America might encourage the publishers to give us them in an English dress. But they have great intrinsic value as an able, sound, and judicious commentary upon that portion of Revelation which they profess to expound. Let any reader, for instance, glance into the remarks upon the Lord's Prayer, and in the brief space to which they extend, he will find enough of valuable thinking expressed to justify all the commendation we have bestowed upon the work. Truth Frae 'mang the Heather; or, Is the Bible True? By W. M‘CAW ̧ Shepherd. Third Edition. London: S. W. Partridge. 1863. Pp. 92. The popularity of this essay is evidenced by the fact of its having now reached a third edition. Penned by a member of the Reformed Presbyterian

Church, who has enjoyed but few of the higher educational advantages which fall to the lot of authors, the purity of the language, and the compactness of the reasoning, show what may be effected by those who devote their spare hours to self-culture. As a treatise upon the "evidences of Christianity," we regard the production as eminently satisfactory, and deserving of wide circulation. It may be interesting to those who have not the privilege of a personal acquaintance with Mr M'Caw, to know that the present edition contains a very striking portrait of the author, as well as an etching of his humble but bein-like dwelling among the heather hills of Tynron. The publishers have done the essay all justice in the neatness and elegance with which they have sent it forth."

Habit: with Special Reference to the Formation of a Virtuous Character. An Address to Students. By BURNS THOMSON. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. 1864. Pp. 16.

We have perused with much pleasure this really admirable address, and consider it well worthy of a favourable reception at the hands of those for whom it is particularly designed. Knowing, as we do, how much the habits formed by youth when attending the Universities tell upon all their subsequent career, we would urge all students to procure Mr Thomson's brief but earnest lecture, and lay its impressive teachings to heart.

News of the Church.

LAURIESTON.-CALL TO MR SYMINGTON.

THE Rev. John Edgar, by appointment of the Glasgow Presbytery, dispensed the Lord's Supper to the Laurieston congregation on Sabbath, the 20th December. On the day following, the Rev. Professor Binnie preached, and thereafter, by appointment of Presbytery, moderated in a meeting of the congregation, for the purpose of calling a minister. The call came out unanimously in favour of the Rev. Andrew Symington, who has been labouring in the village with so much zeal and success for the last eighteen months. Nearly all the members of the congregation were present, and signed the call on the spot, as did also a large body of adherents. We cordially congratulate this old congregation on the remarkable revival with which they have been visited, and trust they will be blessed in the minister of their choice-beloved as he is, both for his own sake and for his father's sake.

At a meeting of Glasgow Presbytery, held on the 12th ult., the call to Laurieston was, we understand, presented to Mr Symington, and accepted by him, when trials for ordination were prescribed.

EDINBURGH PRESBYTERY.

This Court met on Wednesday, the 30th of December last. The clerk reported that he had written, as instructed, to the Rev. Wm. Anderson, Loanhead, and requested Mr Anderson, in the name of the Presbytery, to transmit to him the minutes and other records of Presbytery that still lie in his hands; and that he had that day received from Mr Anderson a letter in answer to his, in which Mr Anderson, as belonging to what he regards to be constitutionally the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, claims these documents as the legal property of the party with which he is connected; but is willing to afford to members of the Edinburgh Presbytery opportunities of examining these documents, and of making excerpts therefrom. The Presbytery instructed the clerk to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Anderson's letter.

Mr Robert Hunter, student of theology, appeared, and passed his re

maining trials for license. His examinations in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Church History, and Theology, were all sustained; and after the questions of the Formula were put to him, and satisfactory answers obtained, Dr Goold, in the name of the Presbytery, with solemn prayer, licensed him to preach the everlasting gospel. He was afterwards addressed by Dr Goold in words of wise and affectionate counsel. We cordially welcome Mr Hunter as a preacher of the gospel, and wish him every comfort and success in his Master's service.

PRESBYTERY OF PAISLEY.

This Presbytery met at Paisley on the 5th ult.-Rev. John Hamilton of Renton, moderator. Mr James Hunter, A.M., student of the third year, delivered a lecture, which was cordially sustained. Mr Hunter read an exegesis “An sit Christus verus Sacerdos," which, after favourable remarks by the Presbytery, was remitted, according to the usual practice of the Paisley Presbytery with such exercises, to the moderator to examine and report upon at next meeting. Mr Hunter was examined on the subjects discussed by the Professor of Divinity last session.

A letter, addressed to the Home Mission Committee, was read by Mr M'Caig, regarding the money sent to pay for the repairs done to the church at Lorn. This money, it seems, has been applied to other objects than those for which it was sent. It was agreed that the letter be returned to the Home Mission Committee, and that the clerk write to Rev. D. M'Lachlan, and ask for a specific statement of the debt, and how much money is still in Mr Campbell's hands.

The clerk laid on the table the title-deeds of the church and manse at Eaglesham. He was instructed to forward them to the Building Committee.

CHIRNSIDE.-PRESENTATION TO MR NAISMITH.

On the 30th ult. the Rev. Robert Naismith, Chirnside, had presented to him, by the members of his Bible Class, eight handsome volumes, consisting of various theological works, this being the fourth present from the same class within the last two and a-half years.

COLLECTION AT MR PATON'S MEETING WITH THE SABBATH SCHOOL CHILDREN

IN THE CITY HALL, GLASGOW.

We are requested to state that the sum of £10: 0: 3 has been handed over to Mr Finlay, by Mr John B. M'Indoe, as the collection made for the New Hebrides Mission on the occasion of the meeting noticed in our last.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF VICTORIA AND THE NEW HEBRIDES MISSION.

It will be recollected that at the meeting of the Supreme Court of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, held in Melbourne in 1862, our respected missionary, Rev. J. G. Paton, addressed the members on the subject of the New Hebrides Mission. A committee was appointed for the purpose of maturing some plan of aiding in the on-carrying of the Mission. At the meeting of the General Assembly in November 1863, the Rev. J. Clark presented a report, recommending that the New Hebrides Mission should be included in the general missionary undertakings of the Church, and placed under the same committee. The report was adopted.

MISSION BOXES.

All mission-boxes which are being prepared by congregations or individuals for Mr Paton, or any of the missionaries in the New Hebrides, must be forwarded, not later than the first week of March, to R. G. Finlay, Esq., 12 Renfield Street, Glasgow.

Printed by CHARLES GIBSON, at his Printing Office, 18 Thistle Street, and Published by JOHNSTONE, HUSTER, & Co., at their Warehouse, 2 Melbourne Place, Edinburgh.

In the inspired narrative of the labours of Paul, we sometimes read of him preaching the word in the places which he visited in his travels; at other times we read of him "confirming the souls of the disciples"-strengthening the disciples-teaching us that ministers have a mission to fulfil to disciples no less than unto those who are living without God and without hope in the world.

On his return to Antioch in Syria, after his second great missionary journey, during which he preached the word in Galatia, Phrygia, and, guided by the Spirit of God to Troas, from thence crossed to Europe and preached in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth, he revisited the regions of Phrygia and Galatia; and this is the brief record of this journey-" He went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples," Acts xviii. 23.

It is of this particular branch of Paul's work that we purpose now to write to the Christian brethren who may read these pages, noticing, in the first place, the persons who are the subjects of this strengthening; and, secondly, the strengthening itself. And may God bless what may be written on these points for disciple strengthening among us.

I. Whom the Apostle Paul strengthened: "All the disciples." In our context the same persons are described as brethren as those who have believed through grace; and it is both useful and instructive to look at them under these aspects. The name by which they are called here, "disciples," has its own peculiar import. Two ideas respecting them seem specially suggested by it: that they have a master, and that they are learners.

When Christians are designated disciples, it is implied that they

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