pressions which he desires on others. He wishes to make himself easily understood, and he does so; and to make an impression on the mind of his reader, and he also accomplishes that object. All that this author has written is able, and has met with much approbation from the public; but, in our humble opinion, this volume goes beyond any of his former writings in excellence; and we have no doubt but it will in due time occupy a high place among our standard sermons.

A Sermon on Infidelity. By the Rev. JOHN M'LACHLAN, Minister of Wemyss.

THIS Sermon was preached at the last meeting of the Synod of Fife; and, we have reason to know, was received with every sentiment of approbation by the author's brethren. We believe that it was on account of the effect which it produced, that it was given to the world in its present shape. We wish the author all the success that he desires; for in the present age we have no doubt that he will get all that he deserves.

We rather think that sermon readers are, if any thing, prejudiced against Synod sermons. The situation of moderator to a Synod is viewed by many clergymen as one of novelty and responsibility, and it is rather expected that some exertion should be made to perform its duties. It is not every day that a country minister has to preach before a number of his brethren; and accordingly, in his anxiety to come properly prepared, he some times goes beyond the mark. There is often too great an attempt at effect-a parade of learning-or a showing off of fine writing, literature, or eccentricity. The conse,

quence not unfrequently is, that the person who, in his manner, would be both useful and respectable, becomes, from the mere desire to excel, affected, pompous, and ridiculous.

We would not be understood to apply any of these remarks to the author of the sermon under review. We know he is a preacher whose good sense would always secure him against any of these charges. He could perform the duty we have alluded to, at any time and any season, respectably; though we do not think that, without some more than ordinary excitement, he could have given us so good a sermon as the present.

Infidelity is a subject which has been much discussed of late, and there is no good reason that we know of against its being discussed still. Every one has a right to declare his sentiments upon it, without regard to those who have gone before him. We cannot say that our author has struck out any thing either very great or very original; but he has condensed the most popular objections against religion into a narrow space-brought forward his answers with considerable power of illustration-and, on the whole, conducted his discourse in a useful, practical, and popular manner.

Our author takes up three ob. jections of infidels, founded, 1st, On the mysteries of religion. 2d, On its defective proofs. 3d, On the want of practical effects on the lives and manners of those who embrace it. On the first point our author brings forward the usual answers, showing from the phenomena of nature that there is no object around us less incomprehensible than the doctrines of Christianity,' and that in fact there is nothing in revelation against which reason ought to rebel. He might have gone farther than this. He might have added that the mysteries of

our religion, instead of being an ob-. jection to its truth, may be brought as one of its proofs; because, from the analogy of nature, we find that the same mysterious character belongs to all God's works, and that, in a matter of so great importance as this, we were not to expect that he was to depart from the usual manner of his operations. Nor can we conceive that a system so great in its origin and end as the gospel is, could be brought down in all its parts to the comprehension of minds finite and weak as ours are.

On objection second, our author adduces the usual proofs from the prophecies and miracles by which our faith is established. We have there a long and able statement of the value and importance of the gospel, applied to the present state of man, with reflections upon the danger of rejecting it; but these, however good in themselves, are somewhat out of place. Our author only alludes to the evidences very briefly, and then says, " Believe in the gospel, and you will immediately see that these evidences are not defective." This is true, but it is no argument to an infidel at all. The truth is, that the evidences of our faith should have been brought forward clearly and fully, and belief challenged to them on the ground that, if they are rejected, those who do so must forfeit all claim to common sense and sound philosophy. This is the true way in which such objections should be met. We are not afraid to descend to the same ground upon which the infidel has planted himself, and even, with human reason for our judge, to assail him with his own weapons. This has already been done by more than one of the most able divines of our church, and why should not our author have arrayed himself after their fashion, and gone a little further into the conflict?

VOL. XXIII. NO. II.

In answer to the last objection, our author endeavours to show that the imperfections in the lives of Christians form no argument against the purity of Christianity, in as much as the crimes of the subjects. in a state argue nothing against the goodness of the laws. This is the sum and substance of his reply; and he has left the strongest part of the ground untouched. He might at once have shown the falsehood of the very assertion upon which this objection is founded. For we can appeal to fact, and say, that in every land in which Christianity is received and believed, the tone of morality is much higher than in those countries in which it is not known, or in which it is imperfectly understood. Compare our own country, for instance, with any country in ancient or modern times, in which the blessings of the gospel are not, or but partially known. Compare it with Greece or Rome during the highest period of their refinement; compare it with countries in the present day in which idolatry or Mahometan superstition prevails; compare it with modern France during the dark period in which religion was abolished,—and in which of these does morality assume its highest tone? The an swer need not be stated. The gos pel does produce good practical effects upon its followers. Look at the lives of its earliest propagators. They were so much distinguished for their blameless conduct that even infidels have quoted their pu rity (thus answering their own objection) as a reason for the reception of Christianity among the nations. But none of these things are mentioned by our author.

Nevertheless we are inclined to speak with much favour of this sermon, and we are confident that it has been read by many, and may be read by all, with interest and advantage.

S

This is undoubtedly a literary age, and it is not improbable that our author may come before the public again; but it is also a critical age, and we would be wanting in friendship to him, if we did not point out certain expressions which the fastidious taste of the present day will by no means receive. Is it consistent with the author's forcible style in the pulpit to say, that the provisions of the gospel are "suited and adapted and applicable" to certain characters? This is a climax of which two of the members are like the idiot's tale, "words of sound and fury, signifying-nothing." Again," the faith that works by love, that purifieth the heart, and which overcomes the world." Why this change of the pronoun? Further, will our author give us the rule for the following sentence? "We see the effect, but we still are unacquainted how or in what way this effect is produ

ced?" Is this grammar? In short, (for we cannot notice every slip,) the expression, " hue and cry," is suited only to pot-house literature; it tampers with vulgarity, and is not consistent with the dignity and gravity of the pulpit.

These are trifles, and probably at a meeting of Synod they might pass, like other more important matters, without much notice. But they are worthy of attention when a man commissions his thoughts to the world in the ambitious form of a Synod sermon. We have mentioned them, because it is only necessary to do so to put the author on his guard for the future. When he publishes again, we have no doubt that he will avoid all such inaccuracies-will thank us for our hints; and, in the mean time, we wish all success to his present work, and shall be among the first to hail the after efforts of his pen.

DESIGNATION OF THE REV. GEORGE BLYTH.

THE designation of the Rev. George Blyth, as Missionary to Jamaica, took place in Bristo Street Chapel, on Wednesday the 31st of December. The Rev. John Brown of Whitburn, commenced with prayer; and the address, which was of a very impressive character, was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Stark of Denny. The passage of Mr. and Mrs. Blyth has been engaged by the Lune, which vessel will probably have left Leith for Montego Bay, in Jamaica, before this intimation reaches our readers. They are requested to commit these first missionaries of the Society to this part of the world, into the hands of Him whom the waves and the sea obey.

FORMATION OF THE NEW TOWN AUXILIARY SCOTTISH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The meeting for the formation of this important auxiliary was intimated by the circulation of the following address :

Proposed Auxiliary Society for the New Town, in aid of the Scottish Missionary Society.

"It is proposed to form an auxiliary Society for the New Town of Edinburgh, in aid of the Scottish Missionary Society. The reasons which have led to the recom mendation of this measure may be stated in a few words.

"The operations of the Scottish Missionary Society have, till recently, been confined to different Tartar tribes occupy

ing the frontiers of the Russian Empire, and to the Persians on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Its Missionaries in these quarters have translated the Scriptures, or portions of them, into various languages; and have circulated these translations, accompanied with suitable tracts or addresses, over a very extensive region. Their labours have excited very general attention, and their instructions are received with growing interest and respect. The virulent prejudices of Mohammedanism are in different parts gradually giving way, and several natives of character and respectability have cordially embraced the Christian faith. The present aspect of this mission is very promising; and the proceedings of the missionaries have the cordial support of the Russian Govern

ment.

66

Encouraged by the growing spirit of missionary zeal in the country, the Society has undertaken two new missions of great importance, in distinct parts of the British dominions; in the East, and in the West Indies.

"The Mission in India is established at Bancoot, in the Southern Concan, a district in the presidency of Bombay. Here, the Rev. Mr. Mitchell and Mrs. Mitchell are already stationed: and four other ordained clergymen and their wives have by his time joined them, or are on their voy age to India. The mission is under the immediate direction of a corresponding committee, established at Bombay, of which the Rev. James Clow, the senior clergyman of the Scottish church at that presidency, is Secretary. Under their direction, and with the sanction of the Governor of Bombay, the station at Bancoot was chosen; and here Mr. Mitchell has already established schools, where about 200 children are receiving education. This mission, it is thought, has been established under highly favourable circumstances, The missionaries are men of education, prudence, talent, and piety; and thus every prospect is afforded that the objects of the mission will be prosecuted, under the blessing of God, with wisdom and effect.

"The mission to Jamaica has been undertaken at the request of different Jamaica proprietors, who are desirous of placing the religious instruction of the slaves under the direction of the Society. The Rev. George Blyth has been already appointed to this mission, and will sail in a short time for his destination. It is obvious that as he, and the other missionaries whom the Society will subsequently despatch to the West Indies, will carry on their labours, not only with the permission, but under

the sanction and authority of the proprietors, this mission has also been undertaken under circumstances of a most favourable character, which give the Society a pleasing prospect of effecting, in this quarter likewise, with the divine blessing, the grand object for which it is established.

"That the Society may be enabled to maintain, and, what is desirable, to extend these various establishments, an increase of its revenues is indispensible; the income of the Society, according to the last report, little exceeded £5000; a sum altogether inadequate to the support of any extensive or efficient missionary operations. National Missionary Society of Scotland ought to be liberally supported. As we are distinguished by our national privileges, we ought to be distinguished by our national exertions,

The

"The formation of Local Auxiliary Societies has been found the most effective mode of increasing the funds of all institutions of this nature. The Scottish Missionary Society has recommended the general formation of Local Auxiliaries; and wherever the recommendation has been acted upon, it has been followed with the most beneficial results. It is hoped that the formation of such a Society, in the New Town of Edinburgh, will add considerably to the funds of the Parent Society, and will at the same time be useful as an example to other places throughout the country.

"A meeting will be held for the purpose of constituting the Society, in St. Andrew's Church, on the Evening of Thursday the 18th of December, at seven o'clock. The Rev. Dr. Thomson in the chair.

"It is earnestly requested that all who feel interested in missionary exertions will endeavour to draw the attention of their friends to an object so important, and induce as many individuals as possible, who are favourable to the cause, not only to accompany them to the meeting on the 18th instant, but likewise to afford cordial and efficient support to the Institution."

A very numerous and respectable meeting of the inhabitants of the New Town of Edinburgh accordingly assembled in St. Andrew's Church, on the 18th ultimo, the Rev. Dr. Thomson in the chair, when, after prayer by Dr. Thomson, the Society was constituted by the unanimous and cordial adoption of the following

Resolutions.

(1.) It was moved by John Campbell of Carbrook, Esq. and seconded by Colonel

Mair, that this meeting do now form itself into an auxiliary Society to the Scottish Missionary Society.

(2.) It was moved by the Rev. John Brown of Rose Street Chapel, and seconded by John Tawse, jun. Esq. advocate,, that the following be the regulations of the Society.

1. The Society shall be called The Edinburgh New Town Auxiliary to the Scottish Missionary Society.

2. There shall be a male and female branch of the Society, under the direction of a separate Committee.

3. Each regular subscriber shall be a member of the Society.

4. Subscribers of 10s. 6d. and upwards, annually, are also members of the Parent Society, and shall be regularly furnished with the annual report.

5. Persons undertaking to collect to the amount of one shilling per week, or two pounds twelve shillings per annum, are also members of the Parent Scciety, and, besides the Annual Report, shall receive a copy of the Scottish Missionary Register, and a set of Quarterly Papers for the use of their subscribers.

6. Each branch of the Society shall be managed by a Committee, consisting of twelve Directors, a Treasurer, and Secretary. Three to be a quorum.

7. The Committee shall meet quarterly, along with the Collectors, on the month of March, June, September, and December, for the purpose of collecting funds, receiv ing intelligence, and promoting the objects of the Society: one of those to be the annual meeting, when a state of the accounts (audited by two members of the Society) shall be laid before the meeting, and the office-bearers for the ensuing year elected. Extraordinary meetings may be called when thought necessary.

8. The funds (after deducting the necessary expenses) shall be paid to the Scottish Missionary Society. The Committee may direct donations to be paid from time to time; and the Treasurer's accounts shall be annually closed on the 20th of March, when the balance remaining in his hands shall be paid to the Parent Society, with a regular account for the year, to be inserted in its annual report.

9. No alteration shall be made in these regulations, unless it is approved of by a majority of two-thirds of the persons present at two quarterly meetings of the Committee and Collectors, and subsequently adopted by the annual meeting of the Society.

(3.) It was moved by the Rev. S. Langston, and seconded by Lieutenant Co

lonel Hutchison, that the following be the office-bearers of the Society.

President.-Rev. Dr. Davidson of

Muirhouse.

Committee.-Rev. Dr. Thomson; Rev. John Brown; Rev. J. Henderson; Mr. Wm. Cargill; Mr. Wm. Young; Mr. A. Hamilton; Mr. David Brown; Mr. M. Macdonald; Mr. Nicol Grant; Mr. James Bridges; Mr. James Bonar; Mr. Joseph Liddell.

Treasurer.-Mr. Wm. Bonar, Banker, Abercromby Place.

Secretary.-Mr. Wm. Stirling, Royal

Circus.

Before closing his address, Mr. Langston stated, that there was likewise a Ladies' Committee appointed, to act in union with the Committee of Gentlemen, and he trusted the meeting would fully appreciate the motive which led them to request their names might not be made public. The meeting appeared cordially to participate in the views of the Ladies' Committee in this respect.

(4.) It was moved by the Rev. D. Dickson of St. Cuthbert's Church, and seconded by P. Tennant, Esq. W. S., that this meeting rejoices in the formation of this Society, and pledges itself to advance its interests to the utmost of its power.

The Rev. James Henderson of Stockbridge Chapel, closed the meeting with prayer.

KIRKWALL AUXILIARY.

On Tuesday, the 16th December, the first annual meeting of the Kirkwall Auxiliary was held in the United Secession Meeting-house, William Traill, Esq. of Woodwick, the President of the Society, in the chair. The meeting was numerously attended, and there is every reason to believe, very favourably impressed with the details which were presented to it. The report of the Committee, which was read by the Secretary, contained a compendious view of the history of the Parent Society, and adverted particularly to the increase of its resources, the number of its missionaries and stations, and the gradually enlarging sphere of its interesting labours. Its exertions in Russian Tartary, and especially in Astrachan, where there are the most animating prospects of extensive good being ultimately realized, were surveyed with deep interest. To contémplate a printing establishment in effective operation in the Christian cause, in the very midst of the land of darkness and delusion, and to hear of the announcement in that land of the glad tidings of salvation,