speak of God's love as if it were partial and capricious, a blind favouritism -a feeling more intense towards the elect than towards the non-elect. Such sentiments are most disparaging. To the one class as well as to the other God's love, like his other excellencies, must surely be infinite, being regulated (otherwise it would not be infinite,) by the highest wisdom and unbending rectitude. If a man perish, it is not because God loves him less intensely than he loves others, but because God cannot, consistently with wisdom and rectitude, and therefore benevolence-do more for his salvation than he has done. If this be correct then (except as metonimically used, save for actual blessings) special love,' must, strictly speaking, be resolved into complacence, having for its objects those only who are already in Christ."-Pages 13 and 14.

3. In reference to the third error condemned by the Synod,-viz., “that though the atonement of Christ has a general reference, and opens a door of mercy to all, yet it secures salvation to none," Mr G. wishes it to be understood, that the salvation of the people of God did not enter into the original purpose of God in appointing the atonement of His Son, and consistently with this view, maintains that "the atonement, according to the original purpose which gave existence to it, secures the salvation of none, but merely opens a door of mercy to all. "The end," says he, “to be effected by the atonement, was to open a door of mercy to all, in consistency with the principles of rectitude, so that God might be just in justifying the ungodly." Again, he says, "by the atonement, in itself considered-this end (the salvation of God's people) was not infallibly secured."-Page 10.

4. In reference to the fifth error condemned by the Synod, viz., " that saving faith is nothing more than an individual's belief that Christ died for him as he died for all other men, and that his belief is always accompanied with the assurance of salvation"-Mr G., as it would appear, wishes it to be understood, that he holds, in exact terms, the errors which the Synod have condemned.--"Surely this is reason enough," says he, (page 29,) "for maintaining that the truth-the FACT of the atonement, is the gospel." "So," adds he," in the gospel, God declares himself satisfied for Christ's righteousness sake, in reference to all the sins of every sinner in every region under heaven." Again, page 36, "the atonement of Christ," says he, as the grand object of faith, declares God's love to the sinner, and his abhorrence of his sin. As made for all, it declares to all, that God is perfectly satisfied in reference to their sins; and as addressed to all to be received freely, in the way of simply believing God's testimony about it (it is by faith that it might be by grace) every man who believes it, at one and the same time, opens his eyes to the truth, and to his own safety, as conscious of believing that truth. He sees that independently of his works -independently of his very faith-God is already satisfied as to his sins on the ground of Christ's finished work." And again, (page 38,) “we have endeavoured to show, that the belief in its true meaning, of the statement, Christ died for me as he died for all other men, is saving faith." Although, in page 11, Mr G. asserts, that "it is not true that I shall be saved merely because Christ has atoned for my sins," on the ground that the atonement, considered in itself, secured the salvation of none, in the above statements he affirms, that when a sinner sees the fact to be true, "that Christ died for him as he died for all other men," he is possessed of "saving faith," which brings immediately along with it, as he elsewhere explains, the assurance of salvation. If this doctrine were true, the Committee submit, that one of two things must hold goodeither that the mere seeing that the door of mercy is open saves a man; or that the seeing, on the part of any sinner, that "God is already satisfied” with him as to his sins, as Mr G. declares, is the seeing of his being freed already from all the penal obligations of the law of God, or in other words, seeing his justified state-merely because God has sustained the work of the Saviour as a perfect atonement.

5. In reference to the eighth error condemned-viz, that the enlightening and renewing influence of the Divine Spirit is not necessary to a sinner's believing to the saving of the soul, Mr G., while professing to hold the necessity f the Spirit's influence, seems, at the same time, to contend for a species of

natural ability in man, viewed as a sinner, inconsistent with this doctrine. In page 69, he says, "will any man say that it is absolutely impossible for the sinner to attend to, and believe God's testimony, as to a fact-as to a work that is finished?—where is the conscience that could bear out such an assertion ?"

Without noticing other statements, the Committee submit, whether the above doctrines are not doctrines opposed to the views held by this Church?

The same Committee were appointed to meet immediately with Mr Guthrie, and converse with him respecting their findings, and report at 6 o'clock.

Reports on the Remit of Overture for limiting the period of Preachers' probation. -The Reports of Presbyteries on the Overture sent down to them for limiting the period of the probation of Preachers, having been called for, were given in and read. It was found that the Overture was approved of generally by the Presbyteries of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Lanark, Arbroath, Cupar, Coldstream, Dundee, Newcastle; that the Presbyteries of Stewartfield, and of Stirling and Falkirk, approved of it only in reference to future licentiates: and that it was disapproved of by the Presbyteries of Wigtown, Annan and Carlisle, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Paisley and Greenock, Dunfermline and Elgin ;-the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy equally divided in their opinion.

Having heard members on the Overture, till the hour of adjournment, the consideration of it was delayed till next sederunt.

The Presbytery of Glasgow were appointed to meet at the close of this sederunt.

Adjourned, to meet in the evening at half-past 4 o'clock.
Concluded with prayer.

Same Place, Thursday, May 11th, Half-past 4, P.M. The Synod met, according to adjournment, and was constituted by the Moderator, and the Minutes of last sederunt read.

Overture respecting Probationers, resumed.-Proceeded with the Overture respecting Probationers, interrupted at the hour of adjournment.

It was moved and seconded, that the Overture be adopted. It was also moved and seconded, that the consideration of the Overture be delayed till next meeting of Synod. A third motion made and seconded was, that the Synod shall so far adopt the Overture as to fix the term of years during which future lic.ntiates shall be retained upon the list of Probationers.

A vote having been taken for each of these motions, and the Roll called and votes marked, there was found the same number for the first and third motions as for the second. There being fewest votes for the third motion, it was dropped; and on a show of hands for the first and second motions, the second was preferred by a decided majority; and the Synod delayed the consideration of the overture accordingly till next meeting.

Committee with Mr Guthrie,-Report of.-The Committee appointed to meet with Mr Guthrie and converse with him, reported that they had read from Mr Guthrie's pamphlets such extracts as had been introduced into their report, and ascertained along with him, that these had been accurately made, and that Mr Guthrie expressed himself satisfied that the Committee had endeavoured to give a just statement of his views in these extracts; and that they had handed their report to Mr Guthrie for his farther examination.

Mr Guthrie was now heard at length, in explanation of his sentiments on the subjects referred to, and in answer to questions put by the court.

The Synod proceeded to give judgment. After reasoning, it was moved and seconded" Finding, in the report of the committee, matters of charge against Mr Guthrie on the vital subjects of original sin, the atonement, the special love of God to his own people, saving faith, &c., suspend him from the office of the ministry, and appoint a committee to deal with him on the matters of charge, and to instruct them, in the event of their failing to obtain satisfaction from him, to state in distinct and definite propositions the errors he holds, and to report."

It was also moved and seconded-" That having considered Mr Guthrie's reasons of dissent from the deed of Synod respecting Mr Rutherford, and the

statements contained in his pamphlets, find, that though he has used phraseology which gives his sentiments an appearance of opposition to those of the word of God and the subordinate standards of this church, yet, his views as explained by himself and taken in connexion, are such as to make his holding them a matter of forbearance, and that he be cautioned to use circumspection in the language he employs."

A third motion was made and seconded, "That the Synod having heard the report of their committee, and heard Mr Guthrie on said report, find, that there is contained in that report, and in his statements made to the Synod, reason for charging him with holding and teaching views of doctrine which are erroneous and inconsistent with the subordinate stardards of this church: that, therefore, the Synod resolve to proceed in this case by libel, appointing Mr Guthrie to be served with a libel, according to the rules of the church, and that he be suspended from the exercise of his ministry until the proceedings are terminated."

A fourth motion was made and seconded, " That in Mr Guthrie's reasons of dissent from the sentence of the Synod suspending Mr Rutherford, and in the pamphlets lately published by Mr Guthrie, there are sentiments which seem to be inconsistent with the subordinate standards of our church: that the Synod appoint a committee to converse with him, with the view of discovering his sentiments more fully, and to deal with him regarding them; and if in their dealing with him, the apparent inconsistency is not removed, that they specify the errors with which he seems to be chargeable, and those parts of our subordinate standards to which they seem opposed."

Mr Guthrie suspended.—A show of hands having been taken for each of these motions, the first motion was carried by a decided majority of all the voters. The Synod suspended Mr Guthrie accordingly; and appointed the same committee that had been on his case to deal with Mr Guthrie, according to the terms of the motion adopted.

Against this deed, Messrs Robert Walker, Robert Pollok, Francis Skinner, and G. B. Watson, entered their dissent.

Mr Guthrie's protest.-Mr Guthrie read and laid on the table the following protest, viz. :-"I protest against the decision of the Synod, suspending me from the office of the ministry, seeing that the doctrines, on the ground of which I am suspended, are important truths of Scripture: and I will hold myself at liberty to preach the gospel of God's love to the world, as if no such act had passed. "JOHN GUTHRIE." And separation. Mr Guthrie having thus declined the authority of this court, the Synod declared him no longer a minister or member of this church, and ministerial communion with him is prohibited.

(Signed)

Adjourned to meet to-morrow at 11 o'clock a.m. Concluded with prayer.

Same Place, Friday, May 12th, 11 o'clock p.m The Synod met, according to adjournment, and was constituted by the moderator, and the minutes of last sederunt read.

Committee for intimating the decision in Mr Guthrie's Case.—Appointed Messrs James Pringle, George Lawson, Dr Thomson, with Mr Skinner, the only member present of the Presbytery of Lancashire, to take what measures they see fit for intimating the decision, in the case of Mr Guthrie, to the congregation of Kendal, and declaring that church vacant,-Dr Thomson, convener.

Received an application from Mr James Little, for a certificate of his license and standing as a probationer in this church. Agreed to certify accordingly. Professors Supply.-Appointed to supply the pulpits of the professors next session of the hall-Dr Brown's, the Presbytery of Dunfermline;-Dr Balmer's, the Presbytery of Selkirk - Dr Harper's, the Presbytery of Cupar ;—Mr Eadie's, the Presbytery of Stirling and Falkirk.

Bicentenary of Westminster Assembly.-The attention of the Synod having been called to the subject as one deserving their attention, it was moved and agreed to, that in prospect of a meeting this summer of representatives of the various churches in Great Britain, Ireland, and America, which hold the doctrines of the Westminster Confession of Faith to celebrate the Bicentenary

the Westminster Assembly, with a view to the cultivation of harmony and union among these churches, a special committee should be appointed by this Synod, with authority to co-operate with other churches or their commissioners, for an object so interesting and desirable, and to act in the matter as they shall deem most conducive to that end, and consistent with the honour and edification of this church; and the Synod farther direct the attention of Presbyteries to this matter, that they may take such steps as they deem best. Appointed a committee for this purpose. The moderator convener.

Treasurer's Accounts-Committee to Audit.-Appointed Rev. George Johnston, Messrs John Robertson, and James Greig, a committee to audit the treasurer's accounts.

The committee on public questions were now re-appointed.

Mr Walker.-Report of committee-Case delayed.-The committee on the case of Mr Walker read the minutes of their meetings as their report. Agreed to delay the case till next meeting of Synod, and to appoint a committee to converse with Mr Walker as often as they find expedient, between and next meeting, on the subjects referred to, and report. This committee to consist of the Rev. Archibald Baird, Dr Beattie, Dr King, Dr Ritchie, Mr James Robertson, S. Sinclair, Joseph Brown, Andrew Robertson, James Elles, David Ronald, with the moderator,-Dr Beattie, convener.

Mr G. B. Watson's protest and appeal.-Transmitted a protest by the Rev. G. B. Watson, against a deed of the Presbytery of Perth, finding "That certain charges against the late managers of the congregation of Methven, are altogether groundless-that the present discord in the congregation has orginated in the session-that the moderator of the session has been chiefly to blame for it-that it is the duty of the elders to continue stedfast in the exercise of their office, and of the moderator to treat them with respect and kindness, and that every member of the congregation is very specially called upon to bury in oblivion all past grievances, and to cultivate love to one another."

Read so far Mr Watson's reason of protest, with the presbyteries answers, till the hour of adjourment arrived.

Adjourned, to meet in the evening at half-past 4 o'clock. Concluded with prayer.

Same Place, Friday, May 12th, half-past 4 o'clock p.m. The Synod met, according to adjournment, and was constituted by the moderator, and the minutes of last sederunt read.

Proceeded with the reading of Mr Watson's reasons of protest and the presbytery's answer.

Mr Watson's case.-Committee on, appointed.-Mr Watson was heard in support of his protest. The commissioners from the congregation were also heard. The presbytery were heard in support of their decision. Some of the elders and late managers of the congregation, agreeing in the sentence of presbytery were heard. The Synod agreed to sist procedure, on account of want of time, and, without giving any decision on this protest and appeal, or any other of the protests connected with it, to appoint a committee to meet with Mr Watson and the parties in the congregation, to take the whole circumstances of the congregation into consideration, and endeavour to heal the breach which has taken place in it, and report.

Appointed as a committee for this purpose, the Rev. P. Davidson, Dr Hay, Joseph Hay, Dr Taylor, P. M'Dowall, S. Spence,-Mr Davidson, convener. Delayed all other causes. Concluded with prayer.

DAVID RONALD, Syd. Cik.

FRESBYTERY NOTICES.

Selkirk. This presbytery met at Melrose on Tuesday the 13th day o June. A petition was presented from the congregation of Lilliesleaf, requesting the presbytery to appoint one of their number to moderate in a call for one to be their fixed pastor. Messrs Robert King and John Sim appeared as commissioners, and gave the presbytery all necessary information. The petition was granted unanimously, and the moderation was appointed to take place at Liliesleaf on Wednesday the 28th of June; the Rev. John Baird to preach and preside in the moderation. Mr David Hamilton, preacher, being present, gave in all his trials for ordination, which were unanimously sustained, and his ordination was appointed to take place at Earlstoun on Tuesday the 4th day of July; the Rev. John Baird to preach, and the Rev. Thos. Williamson to preside in the ordination, and give the charges to the minister and the congregation. Mr William Rankine delivered the remaining part of his trials for license, which being sustained by the presbytery, he was, in the usual way, licensed to preach the Gospel; and suitable admonitions were addressed to him. Mr Jackson, student of divinity, delivered a popular sermon on Rom. vi. 18, which was approved of, and he was encouraged to prosecute his studies. The Rev. Thos. Williamson was appointed to dispense the Lord's Supper at Lilliesleaf on the 2d Sabbath of July, with such assistance as it was in his power to secure.

ORDINATIONS.

On Wednesday, the 7th of June, the United Associate Presbytery of Edinburgh met in Lothian Road Church, for the ordination of Mr William Reid, Preacher of the Gospel, to the pastoral charge of that congregation. The Rev. William Thomson of Slateford preached a very appropriate discourse from Colossians i. 28,-" Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." The Rev. William Bruce of the Cowgate church offered up the ordination prayer, and gave suitable addresses to minister and people. The church was filled during the day with a very attentive audience, who took a deep interest in the solemn and impressive services which they witnessed. The congregation afterwards entertained the members of the Presbytery present to dinner, and in the evening a soiree was held in the church, which was attended by upwards of 1000 persons-Rev. William Bruce in the chair; eloquent and interesting addresses were delivered by the chairman, the Rev. William Reid, the Rev. James Robertson of Portsburgh, Rev. Francis Muir of Leith, Rev. James Robertson of Musselburgh, and the Rev. John Cooper of Fala, on the various topics engrossing the mind of the christian world at the present day, which were listened to with great attention until the meeting broke up about eleven o'clock. Mr Reid was introduced to his people on the following Sabbath by his former pastor, the Rev. Dr King of Glasgow, who preached in the forenoon and evening. Mr Reid preached in the afternoon an eloquent and appropriate discourse to an overflowing audience, from 1st Corinthians iv. 2," Moreover it is required among stewards that a man be found faithful." From the unanimity and cordiality which exists in the congregation, this has been a very happy settlement; and from Mr Reid's well known character and talents, we have no doubt but he will prove an accession to the cause of evangelical truth in Edinburgh, and to the Church of Christ at large.

On Wednesday, the 7th instant, the United Associate Presbytery of Orkney met at South Ronaldshay, and ordained Mr Alexander Millar, A.M., to the pastoral inspection of the United Secession congregation in that island. The services of the day were commenced by the Rev. James Millar of Huntly, the young minister's father. The Rev. William M'Gowan of Sandwick preached and presided. The Rev. Robert Paterson of Kirkwall gave the charge to the minister, and the Rev. John Paul of Sanday addressed the people. The concluding devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Sutherland Sinclair of Greenock.