REV. MR. THOM, minister of Govan Parish Church, was always known as a steady and consistent opponent of the American War, with warm sympathies for the colonists. Accordingly, on the Government fasts he generally procured the serviecs of a strange preacher, to avoid committing himself in the pulpit. On the conclusion of peace, however, when a day of thanksgiving was appointed, the eccentric minister was found officiating in person, and, referring to the cause of the solemnity, it is said that he addressed the congregation in sornething like these terms:—

My friends, we have met here this day, by command of the lawful authorities, to render thanks to the Almighty in the present crisis of national affairs. In such circumstances it is needful and becoming that we should clearly understand what it is we are to be thankful for but on this point, I am sorry to say, our rulers have left us entirely in the dark. We must conjecture for ourselves. Can it be for the loss of thirteen provinces to the empire ? Surely no! Is it for so many millions of debt? It cannot be and still less for the loss of thousands of precious lives. But, my friends, there’s ae thing you and me may all be thankful for, and that is, that things are nae waur than they are." Then looking around upon his hearers, whose risibility had been excited, he addressed them thus:-

"I see, my friends, you are all laughing at me, and I am not surprised at it, for were I not standing where I am I would be laughing mvself".