States, which creates the office and defines its powers and duties. It may be true in Ireland that "if the civil law, as laid down by the judge, is immoral, the juror's oath binds him to decide against that immoral law, and not according to it;" but it is not true in this country. The oath, in the sense administered by the court, and, of course, the sense in which it must be taken, if taken at all, requires the juror to say whether, under the evidence, the law, as laid down by the court, has been violated, and where, as here, the written constitution of the country is SUPREME, the law under which a given case is tried may or may not be immoral, just as it happens. True, the juror may refuse to convict, and defy the court, for no penalty attaches in the case of a recalcitrant juror; but the question is: Can he do so consistently with his oath as a juryman? This question is answered with satisfactory plainness by the following report of the proceedings in one of our courts only a few days ago (September 27, 1876). We premise that Judge Ludlow is regarded as one of our calmest and most intelligent jurists. The case is this: William Logan vs. J. H. Cassell. An action on promissory notes, deposited by an indorser of the notes with plaintiff, as collateral security. The defence alleged that a tender of payment was made by the indorser to the plaintiff. The judge charged that this was no defence as against a holder of collaterals, unless they were held for an antecedent debt, which was not the fact here, the debt being an existing one, and he instructed them to render a verdict for the plaintiff. Mr. Thomas Galvin, one of the jurors, refused to obey the instruction of the court.

After some deliberation, this juror still held out, and Judge Ludlow said to him that to disregard the instruction of the court upon a question of law was to violate the oath of a juror. Mr. Galvin replied that he did not know that fact.

Judge Ludlow-I do, sir. I again tell you that the law does not constitute you a judge of the law; but I am commissioned here to give instruction upon all questions of law arising before me. If I make a mistake it can be corrected by myself, my colleagues, or the Supreme Court. If you persist in committing an error the plaintiff here may never find a remedy for the wrong done him. I once more charge you that the defence set up in this case is not a good one in law. Now what do you intend to do? Mr. Galvin (who was inclined to hold the matter under advisement)—I cannot give my opinion to-day.

Judge Ludlow-Then I discharge the jury from further consideration of the case, and you, sir, from further attendance upon this court, as a man unfit to serve as a juror. I would keep the jury together all night, but that would be to punish all for the act of one man.

This is the ruling of an American court, and it is incontestably based on the true theory of the juror's function, for if he is not bound by his oath to apply the evidence to the statute on which the charge, civil or criminal, as it may be, is based, he is simply an arbitrator, and nothing more. The writer speaks not for himself only, but for many others in the Covenanting Church in America, when he says that the action of the Synod in Ireland in regard to the jury question is deeply regretted. Whether it is or is not an index to the tendencies of the hour, we dread the result. We do not desire to be a prophet of evil, but we shall be agreeably disappointed if history does not repeat itself, and show, as was shown in the American Covenanting Church forty-three years ago, that a short bridge is that which spans the chasm between the jury box and the election poll.-Covenanter (Ireland). S. O. WYLIE.

PHILADELPHIA, October 20, 1876.

MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

FOREIGN.

THE intelligence from the mission in Latakiyeh up to October 9th, is of a strongly encouraging kind. Dr. Metheny writes: "All eyes are looking in earnest expectation for the downfall of this stupendous farce of a government. We have never had such ample opportunity for mission work in all the history of the mission; nor have we ever had such a competent force of teachers." The whole church will be gratified and strengthened to read the following: "Emma (Mrs. Metheny), ate at the table with us to-day for the first time in twelve weeks. She seems to be slowly improving." We regret to say that the Doctor's health has not been satisfactory for some time, but was improved somewhat at the date of writing. Other members of the mission were in usual health.

Later news from the mission is much more unfavorable. Mrs. Metheny was, at last accounts, very weak. Miss Dodds writes, under date of November 7, in regard to her condition, and what she says will bring sorrow to many hearts. Let the church remember the afflicted husband and children.

"But our greatest anxiety is the rapid decline of the most precious member of our little circle. Mrs. Metheny, who has long been mother and sister to us all, is apparently past all hope. Her disease is consumption, and she grows weaker every day. Sometimes we feel that the fewness of our numbers is not an unmixed evil, for it leaves Beckie and me more leisure for the sad task that occupies us now. From the time we went to Lebanon, she has been more or less helpless, and in all that time has only taken one or two meals at the table. Of course, when we had no school, our course was plain enough, but what to do when school began we did not know. First we thought that one of us would board there, and in school hours get some one to take care of her. But we saw soon that some one was needed all the time to take care not only of her, but the children and the household affairs. So, after considering it carefully, and asking direction in the matter, we dropped our Arabic lessons, and gave Muselim the extra time. In this way he teaches for Beckie and me on alternate days, which we spend at the Doctor's. We could not feel it to be right that she, who had been the stay of us all, should lose any comfort which we may be able to give her. Our long stay in the family has made us familiar with the ways of the household, with her tastes, and with the management of the children. Ever since we came home, she has been obliged to lie in bed until after breakfast, but of late her rising has been later. She has to be dressed and undressed like a child. About two weeks ago she had to begin taking morphia to give her rest from her cough at night; then she had to take it in the afternoon, and now she has to take it three times. It is a great blessing to the Doctor that he has the building on his hands now, to give him something to take his mind, in a measure, off his trouble. Beckie and I never see each other now, except a little while at night, for one is busy in school all day, while the other is at the Doctor's. It is the darkest hour we have seen since I came here, and we can only trust that God will bring light out of it all. Mrs. Metheny said to-day to give you her love, and tell you she was just waiting, it was all she could do. It is a privilege to be allowed to wait on her, she is so unselfish and patient.

We heard lately that two of our girls, church members, have gone back

to the Fellahin. One of these was one of Beckie's first girls, and another of them, Hassam, who taught for us last winter, is reported to be married to a Fellah. It must needs be that we, too, pass through Samaria. I suppose these times come in all missions, and really, the wonder is, that any hold out, rather than that some go back."

DOMESTIC.

THREE new stations have been taken under the care of the Central Board since the publication of our last report. One of these is at Sterling, Rice county, Kansas. From the application we make the following extract:

A few families of Covenanters having settled in this portion of Kansas, are very desirous of enjoying the ordinances, and would respectfully ask you to take into consideration the claims of this place as a missionary station; and we would endeavor as briefly as possible to present for your consideration some of the advantages which this locality affords. And first, we are fully satisfied that we have here a climate that is unexcelled for healthfulness, abundance of pure water very easily obtained, and very productive soil, and while we have most of the advantages and facilities of older settlements in the way of railroads, schools, &c., yet land is comparatively cheap; these offering inducements to families with very limited means to locate here. A large and steady stream of emigration is now pouring into the Arkansas valley, attracted by the many advantages which it affords; and we feel the importance of making the effort now, while the opportunity for obtaining cheap land, and a choice of location, &c., exists.

We have at present five families here, eleven members in full communion, twentyfour others who are baptized members, eight or ten of whom have arrived at the age of maturity, and would, we hope, make a public profession of their faith if we had an organization. Some families are expected from other parts of the church. And in view of these facts we have petitioned Kansas Presbytery for an organization as soon as it may be thought advisable.

The community in which we reside is exceptionally moral and religious in its character, a very large proportion being professors of religion. So that none need be afraid to bring their families here on account of exposing them to the evil influences of society which exists in many localities. A society and Sabbath school have been organized, which are well attended.

Rev. J. M. Armour has been appointed to labor in this and other promising stations near by. He expects to enter on the work early in the spring.

The second station is in Virginia. Rev. J. Lynd visited it by appointment of Philadelphia Presbytery, and sends us the following account:

At a meeting of the Philadelphia Presbytery held November 6th, a petition was presented from some families who have lately settled in the neighborhood of Suffolk, Va., asking to be taken under the care of Presbytery, as a mission station. The petition was granted, and means devised to have the mission supplied as well as possible with preaching. The writer having visited there during the summer, was requested to say something through the magazines of the church in reference to the place, and the prospects for Covenanters there.

Suffolk is a town of about 2,000 inhabitants, in the south-eastern part of Virginia. It is within twenty-three miles by rail of Norfolk, which is easily reached by boat from Washington or Baltimore. Two railroads the Seaboard and Roanoke, and the Atlantic. Mississippi and Ohio-pass through the town.

When the writer was there, in the early part of September, there were three Covenanter families living within a short distance of each other, and within easy reach of the town, the nearest being less than two miles from it. There was another family, of which the wife is a member of the church, living some ten miles out of town in another direction. Another family had purchased near the town at that time, and has since moved there. In these families there are quite a number of young people and children. Besides the Covenanters, there are about as many families of United Presbyterians, the heads of them intelligent God-fearing men and women, who desire above

all things the ordinances of God's house for themselves, and still more for their children. The U. Ps. and the R. Ps. meet together on Sabbath and hold prayer meeting. All came to preaching the Sabbath I was there, and all joined in defraying the preacher's expenses. A very pleasant week was spent visiting among these new settlers, and the greatest kindness experienced from all."

Between these settlers and the natives there is a very kindly feeling. As evidence of this I need but mention the fact, that the Methodists, who have the largest church in the town, lent it to us the Sabbath I was there, attended the services in larger numbers than usual; the choir of the church left their place by the organ, and sat with the R. Ps. and C. Ps., helped to sing the old psalms, and thought there was music in them 100. The minister and one of the leading members said, on the Sabbath night, that they would be happy to do our people the like favor again.

The new mission begins auspiciously. Families intending to move, particularly those thinking of farming, might do well to visit Suffolk before making a selection. The climate is agreeable, being very mild in the winter. Land is plenty and cheap, and easily cultivated, and responds readily with good crops to good cultivation.

Under date of December 7, Mr. Lynd adds the following items of in

terest:

I preached there (at Suffolk) on the Sabbath, and held a meeting on Monday, at which the people agreed to raise seventy dollars ($70) for preaching. Arrangements were made for renting a hall for a place of meeting every Sabbath day. The Sabbath school is to be organized and held there every Sabbath morning, and on days when there is no preaching the people will hold prayer meeting. It was thought that the house could be rented from the first of the coming year, and the people are desirous, if possible, to have preaching on that day. * * I understood that one of the land agents, Mr. Moore, had offered a lot of ground to the first Presbyterian congregation which would build a church upon it. I called upon him and, from inquiry, learned that he would not give the ground but for a pretty good building. The people do not feel able to put up such a building at present. They do not think it would be prudent to attempt it. But they think thit they may yet be able to accept the offer.

The Board having received an application from Philadelphia Presbytery for assistance to help supply Suffolk with preaching, appropriated $200 for six months, from January 1, 1877, to July 1, 1877.

The third station is Lochiel. It is in Ontario, Canada, about twenty miles from Lancaster, a town on the St. Lawrence river. From Revs. R. Shields and W. McFarland we have received the following facts:

The congregation of Lochiel numbers 19 members; three of these live at a distance. They put up a good frame building about 30 by 40 feet, weatherboarded, roofed and glazed it. To do this they received only a few dollars outside themselves. They made application to the Board of Church Extension for help. For some reason they got none. They were for a while much discouraged, and spoke of selling their building to the "Free Church," which wanted to buy it. But they could not bring their minds to this, and determined, at whatever cost, to keep it. In the summer of 1876 they made another "big push," and succeeded in getting it floored, plastered and well painted on the outside, the roof painted with "fire-proof" paint, so that it now has quite a respectable appearance. They intend to put in the seats and pulpit this winter. So far as known there is no debt upon it, unless they go in debt for the seating.

At the request of the Board, Revs. McFarland and Shields will preach each two Sabbaths there this winter.

Rev. Mr. Faris, who has been appointed to missionate in Atchison Co., Mo., and in Stillwater and Platte county station in Nebraska, writes under date of December 7, from Missouri, as follows:

I arrived here about two weeks ago, and found this station in apparently a flourishing condition, two families having been added to the number since I was here last spring. One of the members is, however, rather seriously diseased. A house of worship is very much needed, there being none in all this part of the county. All denominations use the school houses, which makes it sometimes difficult to obtain a suitable place for public worship without danger of interfering with the arrangements of others. I find the people here hospitable and spirited, willing to help themselves.

I have preached two Sabbaths and Thanksgiving day, the latter being very stormy, which I the more regretted, as, having understood that there were not to be any other meetings in the neighborhood, I made preparation to discuss the subject of National Reform on that day, expecting to reach a considerable number who were heretofore ignorant of the claims of Christ on the nation. The weather was so unfavorable that less than twenty persons were present, most of them being our own people. Quite a number even of the latter did not get out. On last Sabbath, the weather being pleasant, an audience respectable both in numbers and behavior filled the school-house for the first service. A few besides our own people remained for the afternoon service. I expect to remain here four or five Sabbaths yet, and then go to Nebraska, to which station first I have not decided, not having received word yet. It is my intention to spend five or six Sabbaths here after returning from Nebraska. I want, if possible, to so divide my time as to visit the stations there only once each, so as to avoid expense.

The name of the mission station in Atchison county, Missouri, has been changed from London or Eudora to Long Branch, the name of a stream of water in the neighborhood.

The Board, in all cases, requires mission stations to pay not less than at the rate of $7.30 per member per annum. Such is the desire to obtain the regular dispensation of the ordinances that the majority average much more per member-in one congregation $30. For the benefit of those interested we give a simple rule by which may be known the least sum each Sabbath the Board supplies preaching that must be given by the station. Multiply the number of members in the society or congregation by fourteen, and the result in cents will be the amount. A station numbers twenty members, 20×14=$2.89, the amount required to be paid each Sabbath there is preaching.

SOUTHERN.

UNDER date of December 13, 1876, Mr. Elliott writes:

Our school opened on the 2d of October with 65 pupils. We now have enrolled 180, as follows: 1st Department, 46 (my room). 2d, 51 (Mr. Boxley). 3d, (Miss Boyd), 44. 4th, 36 (Miss Echols).

We open school at 9 A. M., and close about 3 P. M., giving fifteen minutes' recess at 10, and about three-quarters of an hour at 12 o'clock.

On Sabbath our exercises are as follows: 9 o'clock, Sabbath school; 11 o'clock, explanation of Psalm and lecture; 3 o'clock, Bible exercise, consisting of biography of Bible characters, study of Biblical geography, &c.; 7 o'clock, preaching. These are the exercises every Sabbath. I teach a Bible class in the morning, and also in the afternoon, beside the explanation of Psalm, lecture and sermon. Wednesday night we have prayer meeting at the school-house.

The number of our membe.sbip is 32, not including the teachers. I may say, in this number I have included those who are away at school, which make 6, leaving 26.

From a letter written by Mr. Boxley, and dated December 11, the following extract is taken:

I

I am pleased to inform the Board through you that the school is doing well, and our work here in general, as far as our knowledge goes is very favorably accepted and received by the people. Our church services are much better attended now than what they were while Mr. Miller was here. We have Sabbath school twice on Sabbath, morning and the afternoon. The regular morning Sabbath school has an average attendance of twenty-five pupils each morning, and in the afternoon about the same. conduct the morning school, and teach the International Lesson Leaves, as furnished us by the Christian Statesman. Mr. Elliott has the afternoon class, and teaches the biblical and geographical history of the Bible to a large number of the advanced young people. They seem to be much interested in it. Mr. Elliott has services twice during the day on Sabbath-lecturing in the morning, and preaching at night. We have more hearers at night than in the morning.