Intemperance.

Ecclesiastical decisions regarding Intemperance, in May, 1848.—In the General Assembly of the Established Church, the Rev. Mr. Wilson read an overture on this subject from the presbytery of Dunkeld. “Pains had been taken to make enquiries on the subject, in particular parishes, and, taking these parishes as an average of the general population of the country, the result was, that instead of 600,000, there was at least 1,000,000 of habitual drunkards in Great Britain.” On the motion of Dr. Muir, a Committee in terms of the overture was appointed.

In the General Assembly of the Free Church, Dr. Mac Farlane of Renfrew, read a report on this subject, in which it was stated, “That Intemperance more than any other vice is a disgrace to this country,—a main cause of the ruin of families, and of the deterioration of society, and is the chief hindrance to every attempt which may be made towards its moral and religious reuovation.” Mr. Ogilvie said, “he believed the Gospel was fitted for the cure of this, as well as other sins, though he meant by this, not only Gospel preaching as some would confine us to, but Gospel practise.”—The report was unanimously adopted, and the Committee re-appointed.

In the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, a report was read in which it was stated “That drunkenness prevails even among professing Christians to an alarming extent, and in a manner on account of which we ought to be deeply humbled; that ministers are solemnly called upon to give earnest warning on this subject, and to employ all their influence, both by instruction and example, to discountenance the ensnaring customs that lead to intemperance.” The report was unanimously adopted, and the Committee re-appoinied.