SCOTLAND.
The educational controversy has given birth to a portentous resolution, technically termed an "overture," proposed by Mr. Hislop, on the 41h instant, in the Free Presbytery of Arbroath. It was in the form of an address to the General Assembly of the Free Church, and was worded as follows- " Whereas God has visibly a controversy with this nation,—and whereas there is reason to believe that, in addition to the many other heinous sins that have provoked His displeasure, one grand reason of that controversy is the flagrant breach and long-continued neglect of covenants solemnly en- tered into both by church and nation, and still binding upon posterity,—it is humbly overtured to the venerable the General Assembly, to take the sub- ject of these solemn deeds into their earnest consideration ; that, if they shall find the principle of the permanent obligation of these covenants well founded, the great guilt both of the nation and the church may be peni- tently acknowledged, the wrath of God may be humbly deprecated, a clear and pointed testimony may be borne against all the breaches of these cove- nants, especially as regards the national countenance and supports of the
abjured Prelacy, as well as Popery and Erastianism ; and further, that such steps may be taken as to the Assembly's wisdom may seem meet for bringing all ranks and classes back again to their allegiance to the Most High, that God being nationally honoured and acknowledged, may be pleased to return to us as in the days of old, and that glory may again dwell in our land." This extraordinary "overture" was earned by ten to three !
Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton delivered his inaugural speech, as President of the Associated Societies of Edinburgh, on Wednesday. Sir Edward is. the first President : the office was created only last summer, and was offered to Mr. Disraeli, but declined by him, The ceremony on Wednes- day was performed in the Queen Street Hall, which was quite crowded by ladies and gentlemen. Lord Robertson, Lord Curriehill, Sir Archibald Alison, Mr. Stirling and Mr. Cowan, Members of Parliament, were on the platform ; and the Lord Advocate introduced Sir Edward Lytton to the meeting. The address of the President opened with a eulogy of the great men of Scotland, and closed with a high estimate of the influence of Scotch mind over the domain of human thought, freedom, and progress. "In the van of that progress no blazon can flaunt before that old Lion of Scotland," he exclaimed, pointing to the banner suspended before him. " This is the empire that you will adorn in peace ; this is the empire that, if need be, you will defend in war. It is not 'here that I would provoke one difference in political opinion ; but surely you, the sons of Scotland, who hold both fame and power upon the same tenure as that which seeures•civi- ligation from lawless force—surely you are not the men who could contem- plate with folded arms the return of the dark ages, and quietly render up the haven that commands Asia on the one side and threatens Europe on the other, to the barbaric ambition of some Alaric of the North. (Loud applause.) But, whether in reluctant war or in happier.peace, and in your various call- ings, continue to maintain for Scotland her sublime alliance with every power of mind that can defend or instruct, soothe or exalt humanity."
The new Reform Bill (for England) is now, we hear, ready and com- plete, with the cordial concurrence of the entire Government, Lord Pal- merston and Lord Lansdowne not in any sense or degree excepted. It is understood to embrace both a broad disfranchisement (perhaps between fifty and seventy small burghs), and a broad enfranchisement, but not a uniform five-pound qualification for burghs.—Scotsman.
Scotland has to raise 1500 men for the Naval Coast Guard ; and a frigate is to be provided for the protection of the shipping on the Scotch coast. The movement was begun in Scotland on Monday sennight, under the superintendence of Captain Craigie.
In the far North snow has been falling for three weeks, with alternations of thaw and frost. The mails are carried on horseback, and communication by carriages is nearly at an end. But a grand curling-match near Edin- burgh has been frustrated by a sudden and infelicitous thaw.
Mr. Laing, a schoolmaster of Stracathro, has perished in the snow, near his own house, while on his return from a Presbytery meeting at Brechin.
A slater has been killed in Glasgow by falling from the roof of a high house which he was clearing of snow : as he leaned over the edge to band a spade to another man, a stone of the parapet which he was grasping gave way.
Previous page
