RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-DOMESTIC.

UNITED SECESSION CHURCH.

PROCEEDINGS OF SYNOD.

THE United Associate Synod met in Broughton Place Church on the evening of May 4th, and was opened with a sermon by the Rev. Joseph Hay, moderator, on Isaiah, xxviii. 5, 6. "In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate."

TUESDAY, MAY 5./

REPORT ON SYNODICAL BUSINESS. After devotional exercises, which were conducted by Rev. James Pringle, and Alex. Sorley, the Synod entered on the consideration of the report, which had been given in at the meeting of Synod in May 1845, on the improvements which may be made on the order of business, and rules of procedure, at meetings of Synod. The report, after some alterations, was adopted.

REPORT ON THE ELDERSHIP.

Dr KING, convener of the committee on the eldership, gave in the report.

The Synod tendered its thanks to the committee, for the diligent attention which they had given to this business; adopted their recommendations, and reappointed the committee to carry them into effect, as far as possible, throughout the church.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6.

The following changes in the roll of the Synod since last meeting were reported: Deaths-Rev. John Munro, Nigg; Rev. James Brown, Balbiggie; Rev. Dr Smart, Stirling; Rev. David Ure, Ayton; Rev. Wm. Fleming, West Calder; Rev. Dr Peddie, Edinburgh; and Rev. James Renwick, Muirtown. Demissions-Rev. A. Somerville, Dum barton; Rev. Jas. R. Dalrymple, Thornliebank; Rev. Walter Dunlop, Dumfries; Rev. J. K. Millar, Catrine; Rev. John Robertson, Wallsend; Rev. John M'Lellan, Braehead; Rev. R. Buchanan, Dalkeith; Rev. W. Ritchie, West Linton; Rev. Matthew Frazer, Dundee. The presbytery of Glasgow reported Rev. Jas. Boyd, Brechin had demitted the demission of the Rev. Andw. Smith his charge, and had been declared no of the charge of the congregation of Camlonger a minister or member of the Se-buslang, on account of divisions in the cession Church, he having withdrawn congregation, of which he was ignorant from the communion of the Secession when he accepted the call of that conChurch to join the Free Church. Rev. gregation. R. Pollock, Buckhaven, had demitted his A letter was read from A. Gib Ellis, charge, and had subsequently been de- Esq., expressing his cordial acceptance of clared no longer a minister or member the office of legal adviser to the Synod. of the United Secession Church. Rev. Jas. Mitchell, Esq., Glasgow, was also reJohn Graham, Glasgow, had been de-quested to undertake the duties of legal clared no longer a minister or member adviser to the Synod in the west of Scotof the United Secession Church, he hav-land, an office long and honourably fuling declined the presbytery's authority filled by his esteemed relation, the late during a process against him by libel, Andw. Mitchell, Esq.preferring several charges against his moral character.

ORDINATIONS. - Mr J. B. Ritchie, Aberdeen; Mr R. Reid, Firth; Rev. J. Robb, Ramsey, Isle of Man; Mr Alex. M'Ewan, Helensburgh; Mr Alex. Wallace, Alexandria; Mr William Graham, Liverpool; Mr John B. Johnstone, Newcastle; Mr Ebenezer Dall, Bedlington; Mr Peter Bannatyne, Hexham; Mr Erskine Frazer, North Shields; Mr Alex. Anderson, Montrose.

Rev. Mr Lamb, Errol, was elected moderator by a majority of votes.

UNION WITH THE RELIEF CHURCH.

Several petitions from presbyteries and congregations, in favour of this union, having been read,

Rev. W. M KELVIE gave in the report of the committee appointed to correspond with the committee of the Relief Synod.

Mr M KELVIE then spoke as follows:As convener of the committee on union with the Relief Church, I have to state to the Court, that the report now read is the joint report of the committees of both Synods-that the attendance upon

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these committees was very large, most ing that, as a Synod, they have already of the members appointed on both sides recorded this judgment on the matter:being present that the conversation "That there are no sufficient reasons which took place between them on the for long deferring such a union, and subject was, as the report states, "long, very powerful reasons why it should be frank, and highly gratifying,”-nor, in- speedily consummated;" a judgment deed, could any conversation have been which must have been very deliberately more so, for it embraced every conceiv- given, since the subject on which it was able argument for and against the union, awarded had been ten years previously and the conclusion to which the com- under consideration, during which time mittees unanimously came was, that the it had been discussed by congregations, proposals submitted to their considera- by meetings for prayer, by sessions, by tion should be recommended to the adop- presbyteries, by Synods, by committees tion of the churches. After this finding, and sub-committees of Synod-these it will probably be matter of surprise that last appointed once and again for the the report should contain no recommen- special purpose, and by most of whom dation tending more to facilitate the the object was cordially approved. This union but for this two very satisfactory judgment has now been two years upon reasons can be assigned. First, your record, and cannot be resiled from, nor committee were restricted, by the terms its effects longer delayed, without good of their commission, to the mere inqui- cause shown. But we are not aware ries, "whether it might be advisable for that any one wishes to resile from it, and the Synods to appoint commissioners to we have heard no good reason assigned each other, to take part in their delibera- for longer delaying to give it effect. We tions, as corresponding members, and have, indeed, heard it objected, that the whether the scheme of union which had people have not shown sufficient enthubeen generally approved by both churches siasm on the subject; but all the enthushould be reprinted and circulated," to siasm has been shown by them, we think, which points accordingly they have been that we can warrantably expect. The careful to confine themselves in making union of churches is happily not now the their report. But the second and more rare thing it once was, and is still less cogent reason is, that our Relief brethren likely to be. Several such unions have were disinclined to allow any farther taken place of late, and more are exsteps to be taken in the matter so long pected. Novelty is the great incitement as controversy continued to agitate our of enthusiasm, and how can we expect church, and for this disinclination we a strong manifestation of the feeling could not blame them, since we also when we are unable to furnish its most must have thus felt in similar circum-powerful stimulant? Mr M'K. here restances. But the controversy being the ferred to the happy results of the union only ground of this disinclination, they between the two branches of the Seceswere earnest in assuring us, that so soon sion, in the greater stability it imparted ass this hindrance was removed, they to the Secession cause-the increased would do all in their power to bring the influence it afforded to its ministersunion speedily about. Accordingly, now the consciousness of vast moral power it that the controversy is understood to be awakened in the people-the high apfinally settled, they have recommenced probation it elicited from the public the movement of their own accord, one the powerful stimulus it communicated of their professors having taken the ini- to other denominations-but also by the tiatory step, by memorialising his Synod great number of congregations it was the "to bring the long-talked-of and much- cause of adding to the united bodies. desired union to a happy consumma- This can easily be demonstrated by a tion," in which prayer the brethren of comparison of the rates at which the his presbytery unanimously concur. Of denomination has increased at different the success of this memorial, and others stages of its existence. During the akin to it, which have since been adopted by other presbyteries, the framers and supporters entertain no doubt, provided the members of this Synod on whom, by priority of meeting, the discussion of the question first devolves show them selves hearty in the cause. And that they can show themselves otherwise than hearty in it, it is not easy to suppose, see

fourteen years that elapsed from the rise of the Secession to its lamentable breach in 1747, its congregations had increased from four to forty-six, being at the rate of three a-year, Dividing the seventythree years in which the two great branches of the Secession were in a state of separation into three parts, in order to compare each part with a corre

sponding period that has elapsed since | licate topic, and because we are so, we their re-union, we find that during beg leave to call to our aid and defence the first twenty-four years after the breach, sixty-five congregations were added to the one branch, and forty to the other, or one hundred and five to both, being at the rate of four a-year that during the second twenty-four years after the breach, thirty-three congregations were added to the one branch, and fifty-seven to the other, or ninety to both, being still at the rate of about four a-year -that during the twenty-five years which immediately preceded their re-union, which is the third portion of the divided number, nineteen congregations were added to the one branch, and fifty-five to the other, or seventy-four to both, being at the rate only of about three a year—while during the twenty-five years that have elapsed since the union in 1820, one hundred and fifteen congregations have been added to the denomination, being at the rate of about five a year, which is the highest rate at which it has ever progressed, and which aggregate affords an excess of forty-one congregations over the number added to both branches during the corresponding period that immediately preceded the union, and an excess of ten over the number added to them during that which immediately succeeded the breach, notwithstanding the great increase caused by that unhappy circumstance. Many of the congregations ascribable to the union are allowed to be weak, as might be expected from their recent origin, but many of them must also be considered as among the most prosperous in the denomination. The altered circumstances of the country do not admit of results equally great or equally numerous from the union proposed as from the union effected; nevertheless, many and valuable benefits are certain to flow from it, and among these some that ought to be highly esteemed and greatly desired by every member of both denominations in the least degree attached to his characteristic principles. Union of churches is popular, else that which has taken place would never have received so much favour from the public. Of the people's readiness to concur in the one now proposed we have no doubt, and do not consider any proof of this readiness necessary besides what they have already afforded. What we are most concerned to obtain, because we fear it is most likely to be withheld, is the hearty concurrence of the clergy. We are aware we are approaching a de

the testimony of Mr Isaac Taylor. Mr M'Kelvie then read a long extract from that distinguished author's work on "Spiritual Despotism," to the effect, that faction, especially among the clerical body, had tended very much to enfeeble and obscure the progress of our modern and protestant Christianity. Such is the reproach which this eminent Christian and scholar finds himself constrained, by his knowledge and observation, to bring against our order, and we wish we could conscientiously say it is not deserved. If it be even in any degree merited, how much more does it concern the clergy than the laity to show them. selves hearty in this cause, seeing that the hindrances to union are considered to be with them rather than with the people? Such is the reproach which we wish our respected fathers and brethren in this Synod to wipe away, and a favourable opportunity for doing so, to some extent, is at present providentially afforded them, by the peace which has been restored to our church, and the desire for union which has begun to manifest itself in the country. A sentiment, however, at present prevails unfavourable to this expectation-we mean the sentiment "co-operation without incorporation"-a sentiment, the correctness of which may be easily disproved by a reference to the history of almost every religious institution in this country based upon the principle. It is known to all who have had much to do with these institutions, that a struggle for the sole management of their concerns is frequently going on among their supporters, according to their denominational leanings, which sooner or later ends in division. This persuasion on some minds has led to a modification of the sentiment, which has been altered thus-" Co-operation with a view to incorporation," and the amended is certainly more in accordance with the social spirit of Christianity than the original form. As a step in this direction, and one certain to be followed by many more of a similar tendency, let those sects which are indicating their affinity for each other adjust their differences and unite their interests with the least possible delay. Happily the Secession and Relief have no differences to adjust, for upon examination they have all been found fancied, not real, and hence the general preliminaries of their union have been easily settled. We have, however,

been informed, that there are demurrings | remaining hundred and ten offer them. expressed in some quarters, on the ground selves one by one, they will be as readily of the communion of the Relief church received as these ten. And what is the being considered lax. This impression difference between receiving a denomiwas stated in the joint meeting of com- nation in the aggregate and receiving it mittee, when our Relief brethren denied in detail, so long as no important prinit was warranted by their practice. The ciple is compromised? We only ask probability is, that some isolated cases you, then, to unite with the whole, since have been construed into an evidence of you are already united with a part; and prevailing conduct, which, if admitted as with a view to obtain this object without proof of general laxity, there is no reli- further delay, we submit the following gious denomination that will be able to motion, which is in substance the prayer vindicate itself from such a charge. Such of the professor's memorial, already conaccusations have been frequently brought curred in by many of the Relief brethren, against ourselves, and as often refuted, and therefore may be considered as inand candour and charity should lead us dicating the course which their Synod to believe that what has been thus reck- will most likely be disposed to take, and lessly charged against us is just as likely will, we hope, meet the approbation of to be recklessly charged against others. this Synod. The motion is :-" That But whence come these insinuations, this Synod appoint a committee to wait and those cases that sometimes seem to upon the Relief Synod, which meets justify them? Is it not from the im- next week, to request it to appoint proper rivalship existing among the sects, another committee with equal powers; which leads each of them to praise itself and that the joint committees, if their and depreciate others, and to put hind- united wisdom approve, shall call a sperances in the way of investigating cha-cial meeting of both Synods, on an early racter, and dealing faithfully with that day, for the purpose of bringing the which is faulty, by greatly exaggerating much-desired union to a happy consumthe offence of any party withdrawing from, mation." and palliating that of any one wishing to join, it? While such interests and feelings continue, there will be little co-operation without incorporation, at least in matters of order and discipline. Truth, purity, and unity, are the three great witnesses for Christ upon earth, and we confess ourselves at a loss to understand how protestant denominations have come to attach so much importance to the first two and so little to the third. Are truth and purity incompatible with unity? Then let divisions be endlessly multi- "That this Synod shall appoint a complied, and the disciple of the cross call mittee to wait upon the Relief Synod: no man brother, for if there can be no to request that Synod to appoint a comunity without injury to purity, christian mittee of their number, with equal powers: fellowship is a dream, a delusion, a crime! that these committees reconsider the And if the Secession Church is to be de- scheme of union which has been already teriorated in character, or clogged in the agreed to by joint committees of both Symaintenance of church order and dis- nods: and that the scheme of union be cipline by its junction with the Relief transmitted to presbyteries and sessions, Church, then we also say, let them re- as soon as it shall have been reconsidered; main for ever apart. But he that puts and that it be taken into consideration in this plea must find himself too late, at a meeting of Synod now appointed for it happens that ten congregations to be held on Monday, 5th of October, formerly in connexion with the Relief in Greyfriars' Church, Glasgow." Synod have already been received into connexion with the Secession Church. Were these the only pure congregations in the Relief denomination? Was there any selection made of them from among the rest? No! They were all that ever offered, and, judging from their reception, we are led to conclude, that if the

The motion was seconded by Dr MacFarlane, and supported by Rev. Mr Johnstone, Leslie, Dr Ritchie, Rev. J. Pringle, Newcastle, Rev. Mr Meikle, Beith, Rev. Mr Paterson of Kirkwall, Dr Kidston, Dr Baird, &c. A counter motion was made by Rev. H. Renton, Kelso, and seconded by Mr J. Robson, Lauder; but was withdrawn.

After lengthened discussion, the following motion was unanimously agreed to:

MISSIONS.

The business of missions was introduced at the evening sederunt, with praise and prayer, the Rev. Mr Paterson of Kirkwall conducting the devotions.

The Rev. Mr Somerville, secretary,

read the report of the board of missions, which was heard with the deepest interest by the court and the audience.

It first adverted to the Synod's HOME MISSIONS, embracing Scotland, England, and the Orkney Isles, where there are fifty-four missionary stations, at which are employed thirty-four ordained pastors and twenty preachers, all of whom reported favourably as to the progress made in their different localities.

'Toronto, 21st February 1846. 'MY DEAR SIR,-Before leaving Scotland you requested me to furnish you with some account of the state of reli

parts of the province have been numerous and very earnest, and our brethren tell us, that they know not what shall become of those stations which their industry has reared, should preachers continue to refuse to come to their aid. As the pastors have to supply these outstations-to divide their ministrations among so many claimants-they are not able to give sufficient attention to any one congregation, and thus the full benefit of the means of grace is not enjoyed, Under the head of FOREIGN MISSIONS and consequently that amount of good it stated, that in Canada there are at is not secured which would appear were present twenty-six labourers, twenty-two the people favoured with that complete of whom are divided into three presby- supply which the head of the church teries, in Canada West, and the other has appointed. These observations are four constitute the presbytery of Canada supported by the following extract of East. In Jamaica there are in con- a letter, just received from Mr Tornexion with the Synod eight mission-rance:aries and six catechists In Trinidad we have three missionaries, labouring respectively at Port of Spain, Arouca, and Carenage. After adverting, in glowing terms, to the interesting mission which set out in January last under the aus-gious matters in Canada, and this I propices of Mr Waddell, for Old Calabar, ceed to do according to the promise then the report detailed some very interesting given. We have a most interesting misparticulars respecting Dr Glen's transla- sionary field in this place. If the Synod tion, into the language of Modern Persia, and preachers at home had acted with of the Old Testament, which has been that energy and cheerfulness which they beautifully printed by Mr Constable of should have displayed, there can be little Edinburgh, and is now ready for being question but that this would be a Prodistributed among the millions of Persia. vince of Seceders. Our church is still the The report then adverted to the proposed most popular in almost every part where Australian mission the deputation to I have been, and although much has the continental churches the scheme been lost, yet, were there to come out for supplementing small stipends-pres- a supply of young men from the old byterial missionary committees and country, willing to labour, and imbued missionary associations in congregations. with the spirit which animated the foun We refer to the report itself, which ap- ders of the Secession at home, and prepears in the "Missionary Record" for pared to encounter some inconvenience, June, for lengthened details, and ear-for a time, much might be retrieved-lost nestly recommend the able and interest-ground would be recovered-and besides, ing document to the attentive perusal of there is abundant room for our church to our readers. We quote, however, one extend her cords, as a great extent of or two passages, to which we are desirous country remains to be settled. Few of of directing special notice. Let preachers the congregations are in circumstances and ministers whose field of usefulness to support a minister among themselves at home may be uninviting, ponder the separately, but if a sufficient number of following statements respecting the great preachers had been sent out, long before and effectual door which is opened in this they would have been off the Synod Canada to the agents of the Secession fund, and each congregation would have Church, and the loud call that there is been able to support its own pastor. in that region for an increase of la- But the Secession is still flourishing. The Rev. Mr Barrie told me a few days since, that the inquiry among the people is for Secession ministers, and scarcely a week elapses that I am not asked by members of congregations, if there is any prospect of young men coming out from the old country. I endeavour to cheer them as much as possible.

bourers.

"Our church, as will be seen from the sketch given in the Record,' is well distributed over Canada West, and has numerous points, around which stations are clustered, which, if adequately supplied with ministers, might grow into presbyteries. The calls for aid from both