LETTER FROM REV. JOHN M'DERMID.

To the Editor of the Reformed Presbyterian Magazine.

SIR, I am not, and have never been, and never can become, a keen controversialist, especially in regard to matters that belong to the region of human opinion rather than of divine faith.

For controversial warfare I have neither the taste nor the talent; nor have I ever been led to form a high estimate of it as a means, either of eliciting truth or of advancing the moral purposes for which the truth has been given us. Ι have never, accordingly, felt any desire to take part in that species of work. Nor have I any such desire now; and, indeed, even though I tried, I am quite conscious that it would be vain for me to hope, however diligently I might exercise myself, to acquire that peculiar scent, and that keenness of vision, and that detective power that would seem to be so essentially necessary for successfully prosecuting this department of literature.

It is possible I may have suffered loss by not sufficiently estimating the value of this talent, and that I may have been at fault in not cultivating it more; but I find some consolation in the discovery that persons whom I have always regarded as, on the whole, model controversialists, and whose controversies generally have involved weighty Biblical questions, have, nevertheless, been glad, whenever they could do so, to escape from this troubled atmosphere so perilous to their spiritual health, and pass into a serener and more congenial element.

"To controversy," says Dr David Brown in a late work, "with the servants of Christ and beloved friends in the gospel I am growing more and more averse the longer I live. While retaining all that I believe to be divine truth, the air which I love to breathe, and the fellowship I delight to cherish, are those of a catholic Christianity."

Participating deeply in these sentiments, partly perhaps from constitutional temperament, but partly also, I humbly think, from Christian sentiment and feeling, my most earnest desires are for peace-for the “ peace of Jerusalemfor my brethren and companions' sake I would now say concerning our Jerusalem, Peace be within its walls, and prosperity within its palaces."

ButI quite admit that, even for the sake of obtaining or preserving peace, war, or something that looks very like war, may occasionally be necessary. And I also allow, however reluctant I may be to do so, that, unfortunately, a necessity of this kind has at present arisen in our Church. It may be at once conceded that a state of matters has sprung up among us that seems rather to summon some one to step forth on the controversial arena. Whether any among us be feeling as if called upon to obey such a summons, I cannot say. For anything I know some one may be girding on his armour, or may be already clad and attired for battle. But for myself, I am auxious to say, that it is not to obey such a summons I now take up my pen. My object is not to engage in controversy with any man, but simply, and with becoming deference, to unfold a little of my own mind on the points that are at present matters of some discussion in the Church; at the same time, of course, while developing my own mind, freely animadverting on any opinion contrary to my own that may happen to come in my way.

There are, perhaps, a few reasons, not requiring however to be mentioned, why I in particular, while declining personal controversy, and disclaiming the attitude of an opponent, should yet speak out my mind without any reserve in the ears of the Church, through the medium of your Magazine, to the pages of which you have kindly given me access, especially as, 1 am thankful to say, my conviction in regard to the position that our Church should seek to occupy in the circumstances in which she is placed, are becoming more and more clear and distinct.

Whatever may be the mode of doing so, it is evident that truth when assailed must, in some way or other, be defended; error must be exposed; the false must be detected and separated from the true; misunderstanding must be cleared up; ings that differ must be as carefully as possible distinguished. But I am of

opinion that there is a way of doing all this, which, though not assuming a polemical form, will answer the same, or, it may be, a better purpose, while it will not expose to the same risk of being drawn into personalities, or getting involved in the misapprehensions and misconstructions that are incident to, if not inseparable from, sharp and keen individual controversy.

The way I allude to, is that of an exchange of thought on any given subject. I like, for my own part, to hear a man expressing his candid thoughts on the one side and on the other, on any point that is acknowledged to be one of difficulty, and that may be giving rise to a diversity of view. I like this better than to hear a debate on the question, in which the logical faculty is almost alone brought into play, one party saying all that can be said on the one side, and another doing the same on the other, while neither may be thinking of such a thing as being convinced by the acute reasoning of his antagonist; but, on the contrary, while both may be considering only the best method of replying to the arguments advanced, and exercising their ingenuity as to how they are to be most successfully met.

When two intelligent and honest men differ on a matter, it is seldom indeed that there is absolute truth on the one side, and absolute error on the other. If each, therefore, at once takes his position, and does his best to defend it, there is a danger of the issue being determined more by combative skill than by strength of position. And thus it has often happened, that truth has been arrested in its progress, and made, for a time at least, to retire into obscurity, through high and haughty polemical ability; in some instances, perhaps, through the force of polemical pertinacity.

This method of a brotherly exchange of thoughts, might, I think, be advantageously adopted in regard to those matters in our Church, that at present, both by ministers and private members, are looked at from different points of light. A method like this might not give much scope for certain modes of reasoning: it might not suit the taste of those heroes who glory in having already taken their ground, and whose determination it is no longer to think but to fight; but I am mistaken if it would not accord with the feelings of all among us, who, in respect to the matters in question, desire to be led, and enabled practically to act in such a manner as the word of God will sanction and approve. Let me only say farther, that this method of a free, open, confidential, and every way brotherly exchange of thought, is not to be confounded with a hollow charity, or time-serving forbearance, that has its roots in latitudinarian indifference to the interests of truth. There is nothing on earth that we should be so earnest in having, and so determined never to sell, as truth. To be nurtured by the truth, is to be fed with divine food. To serve the truth, is the most dignifed ministration to which a creature can be called. To be neutral in the cause and interests of truth, is the most "detestable neutrality." Better to die than deny the truth. We advocate then no method that does not proceed on a true, generous, devotion to truth, and that is not associated with seeking its universal prevalence and triumph.

But when persons who recognise each other as Christian brethren, and who have confidence in each other's integrity, happen to differ in their views on some point, what method more likely for being led to see "eye to eye," than for each to look at the point, not only as seen by himself, but as seen by his brother also; and after this exchange of mental position has taken place, whereby each will be led to look at the matter in question from his brother's point of view as well as his own, then, but not till then, it will be time enough to ascertain if there really be a reason for retiring to different fortresses, not to correspond with each other as friends, but to fight as antagonists, and to enter upon a trial of strength.

The points that have been causing some discussion of late among us, involve the nature of the representative character of a town councilman, a member of Parliament in this our British empire, and also the nature of the oath of allegiance to the British crown. The latter of these is much the more important of the two, and every way the more serious. In fact, almost all the importance of the former, in the connection in which we have to do with it, is derived from the latter.

I could willingly, therefore, confine the thoughts that I venture to submit, for the consideration of the Church, to the oath of allegiance; but as the connection between a representative and those who have elected him has been a good deal brought up of late, and has originated some discussion, I will say a few things on this point also.

I must not, however, enter upon these points at present, but I reserve them for a future letter. Meantime, I am, my Dear Sir, very truly yours,

News of the Church.

JOHN M'DErmid.

PRESENTATION—On the evening of Friday, 6th ult., a meeting was held in the R. P. Church, Girvan-Dr Taylor in the chair-for the purpose of presenting the Rev. M. G. Easton with a token of respect and affection, previously to his leaving for Darvel. Mr James M Kenna, in the name of the subscribers, presented Mr Easton with a handsome gold watch and chain, together with a purse of sovereigns. The watch bears the following inscription:-" Presented to the Rev. M. G. Easton, A.M., on his leaving Girvan, by the Reformed Presbyterian congregation and friends there. Dec. 1861. Numbers vi. 24, 25, 26." Eloquent and able addresses were delivered on the occasion by Rev. Messrs Corsan (Established), Stillie (U. P.), and Easton (R. P.), Girvan.

INDUCTION OF THE REV. M. G. EASTON.-The Reformed Presbytery of Kilmarnock met at Darvel, on Thursday, 12th ult., for the purpose of inducting the Rev. M. G. Easton, M.A., to the pastoral charge of the congregation there. The introductory services were conducted by the Rev. Matthew Hutchison of New Cumnock, who preached from 1 Cor. i. 23, "We preach Christ crucified." The Rev. James Ferguson narrated the steps that had been taken by the congregation and the Presbytery, in relation to this matter, and offered up the induction prayer. Afterwards, the Rev. W. Binnie of Stirling delivered suitable charges to the pastor and people. At the close of the services, Mr Easton received a very cordial welcome from the members of the congregation. The Presbytery afterwards dined together, with a large party of the members and friends of the congregation-Thos. Binnie sen., Esq., in the chair. Brief addresses were delivered by Rev. Dr Bruce, U. P. Church, and Rev. Mr Noble, Free Church, Newmilns. In the evening, a soiree was held in the church, which was well filled on the occasion. The Rev. William M'Lachlan of Port-Glasgow occupied the chair. The meeting was addressed on various interesting and important subjects, bearing on personal and family religion, congregational prosperity, and the advancement of the kingdom of Christ, by the chairman, the Rev. Messrs Ramage, Hutchison, Taylor, Easton (Stranraer), Easton (Darvel), and Messrs Sheriff (Girvan), Macnair (Darvel), Taylor and Binnie (Glasgow). The circumstances under which our highly respected brother enters on his new sphere of labour are very auspicious, and we heartily bid him God speed. On the following Sabbath, the Rev. Mr M'Lachlan of Port-Glasgow introduced Mr Easton; Mr M'Lachlan preaching, forenoon and evening, from Acts xvi. 17, and Mr Easton, in the afternoon, from Ps. lxxxix. 15.

ORDINATION SERVICES AT AYR.-The Presbytery of Kilmarnock met on Wednesday, 18th ult., for the purpose of ordaining Mr Thomas H. Lang to the pastoral oversight of the congregation of Ayr. Rev. M. G. Easton of Darvel having preached an excellent discourse from Isa. xlvi. 13, “ Israel my glory," put the questions of the formula, and offered up the ordination prayer. Rev. John Kay of Castle Douglas, at the request of the Presbytery, delivered the charges to the pastor and people. At the conclusion of the public services, the members of Presbytery and other friends dined together in Smith's Temperance Hotel. In the evening, a soiree was held in the church, for the purpose of welcoming the young pastor-Rev. J. Kay in the chair. The church was crowded in every part, the platform being occupied by ministers of various denominations. Rev. Mr Rowand (Free Church) opened the meeting with prayer, when interesting and able addresses were delivered by Rev. Mr Easton, Darvel; Mr Edgar,

student of theology, R. P. Church; Rev. Mr Lawson, Rev. John M'Leod (Established); Rev. T. H. Lang; Rev. D. Taylor, Greenock (R. P.); Rev. Mr M Innes (U P.); and Rev. Mr Grant (Free Church). The meeting was closed with prayer and the benediction, by Rev. Mr Dykes (Established). It was excecdingly pleasant to mark the spirit of Christian fraternity pervading the addresses of these gentlemen, and the kindly welcome which each, in his turn, gave to the newly-ordained pastor. On the following Sabbath, Rev. John Kay introduced Mr Lang to the people, preaching forenoon and evening. Mr Lang preached in the afternoon a very suitable and able discourse from John i. 36. This settlement has been most harmonious in all respects; and our young brother enters upon the work of the ministry with the best wishes of the Church, and with very many encouraging prospects.

OPENING OF THE NEW REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GREENOCK.— On Sabbath, 15th ult., the New Reformed Presbyterian Church, situated in West Shaw Street, Greenock, was opened for public worship. It had been arranged that the Rev. Professor Symington, D.D., should preach in the forenoon, and up to four P.M. on Saturday circumstances appeared favourable to this arrangement; but soon after that, and just as Dr Symington was preparing to leave for Greenock, Mrs Symington was taken seriously ill, so much so that the rev. doctor could not, in the circumstances of the case, possibly leave home. Intelligence reached Greenock about eight o'clock; and as it was not advisable at that advanced period to enter into any new arrangement (although such could easily have been done with some of the ministers in town), the Rev. David Taylor, pastor of the congregation, at once prepared to occupy the pulpit both foreBoon and afternoon. Accordingly, on Sabbath, after the preliminary devotional evercises, he delivered a very instructive and appropriate lecture on Mark ix. 2-10. In the afternoon he again preached on Ps. Ixxxvii. 3. In the evening the Rev. John Nelson, of Free West Church, Greenock, delivered a very impressive discourse, from Ps. cxviii. 22, to a very crowded and attentive audience. The collection realised at all the diets amounted to £100:11:93, a large sum considering the size of the congregation, who have, besides, in the course. of the past twelve months, subscribed and paid up £320, making altogether a sum of £420: 11s.: 92 actually raised to aid their building fund, over and above the ordinary income and expenditure of the congregation, which, at the annual meeting, held on the 26th October (dating from the time of constitution), appeared thus:-Income, £210; expenditure, £200; leaving a balance of £10 to be carried forward to the credit of this current half-year. Thus, in the space of fourteen months, the congregation have raised altogether fully £630, a result alike creditable to themselves and the denomination with which they are connected. The church is a neat, substantial building, commodiously seated for 536 persons, with vestry and class-room attached. It stands in a quiet, pleasant situation, at the corner of Nicholson Street, facing West Shaw Street, from which it enters. In the lobby of the church there is a neat memorial stone, bearing an inscripfion recording the ordination and also the decease of the Rev. Andrew Gilmour, first minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Greenock. The erection of this new church, which has cost in all £1500, is in a high degree creditable to the spirit and energy of the congregation. We understand there are none of the members who can be called wealthy, but their previous exertions, and above all, the collection of Sabbath the 15th ult., when the highest single sum deposited in the plate was only £5, speaks volumes for their liberality. As, with all ther exertions, a considerable amount of debt still rests upon the new building, t'e wealthier members throughout the church ought, we think, to lend some little assistance to those who have so nobly "helped themselves." On Monday evening a soiree was held in the church, the Rev. David Taylor presiding. The Rev. James Hutcheson, of the East Parish Church, opened the proceedings with prayer; after which addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs Taylor, M'Lachlan of Port-Glasgow, Sinclair, Stark, and Kennedy of Greenock, all bearing on Christian duty and usefulness, with special reference to the duty of combined hearty action by all evangelical denominations in seeking to advance the interests of Christ's kingdom. Mr Binnie, senior, of Glasgow also delivered

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an interesting and encouraging address to the congregation. The addresses were plentifully interspersed with singing of psalms, and with services of fruit, &c. The meeting was a most agreeable one, and altogether calculated to cheer and strengthen Mr Taylor's hands in entering on his pastoral and relative duties as a minister of the town, no longer in a hired room, but in a handsome little church, which he and his people can call their own, and in which, in a little time, they hope to sit free of debt.

Missionary Intelligence.

MISSION BOXES.

LETTER FROM MRS. INGLIS TO THE LADIES OF THE CHURCH.

To the Editor of the Reformed Presbyterian Magazine.

NEWTON STEWART, December 16, 1861. DEAR SIR,-In several of the congregations of our Church, ladies who take a deep interest in our mission, and who are desirous of getting up mission boxes to help us with our work, have been asking me, what are the most useful articles for such purposes? and I have reason to believe that there are others besides these, who are wishing for information on the same subject. In these circumstances, I have thought that the easiest way to meet the wishes of these kind friends would be to draw up a short statement, which, I hope, you will oblige me by inserting.

Although there is scarcely anything in the shape of clothing that cannot be turned to use, yet there are some things much more useful to us than others. For men's clothing, the most useful articles are shirts and trousers, of small and middle size, a small proportion only of large size. In our climate, with a shirt and a pair of trousers, a man is decently and comfortably clothed. The shirts may be made of cotton stripe, of any quality. Serge shirts are much esteemed, but the price is a serious drawback. The trousers may be made of strong cotton stripe, or blue tweeled cotton, or any similar material. One or two dozen pairs of trousers, made from some woollen fabric, for the natives who go in the John Knox as sailors, would be a great boon. In our climate, all clothes require to be somewhat soft and pliable; strong, stiff cloth is very uncomfortable to the wearer. Braces for trousers, cloth caps, and straw hats will be very acceptable. Light waistcoats and light, loose coats can also be turned to good account. Of unmade cloth for men, cheap narrow calico, or blue dungaree, are among the most useful.

For the women and girls, all kinds of prints (especially navy blue), ginghams, muslins, and something, also, of heavier material, as winceys, druggets, de-laines, and coarse merinoes, will be very useful. It does not matter in the least about their being out of fashion. Woollen or cotton blankets will be highly prized. Cotton handkerchiefs, remnants, too, of all kinds, especially red fents, can be worked up to advantage. Scissors, needles, thimbles, pins, buttons, thread, tapes, &c., are always needed. The most useful size of needles are from No. 4 to No. 7, and of thread, from No. 14 to No. 20; also, linen thread. Formerly, I preferred women's clothing unmade, as I could cut it out to more advantage on the spot; but a number of my best sewers are dead, and the women will be very much occupied, for a long time to come, in preparing thatch for their own houses, for the churches, school-houses, and other mission buildings; and they will have much labour of various kinds, in repairing the desolations of the island. I will, therefore, be very thankful if the ladies connected with Dorcas societies, or others willing to help the mission, will make clothing for women and children, as well as for men. The dresses of the women and children are very simple. In our warm climate, with a short-gown and a petticoat, a woman is fully dressed; and as they make a very good petticoat of native materials, and which is still the staple article of female dress, even a short-gown goes far to render them decent. The most useful and comfortable short-gowns, for full-grown women of the average size, are made of two breadths of yard-wide print, three