enclosing a letter of credit for L.1400 to leaven among the meal it leavened the be appropriated as follows:- -29 Synod, To the fund for establish- To the Theological Hall - for Bursaries, Circulation of Dr Glen's Persian Bible, Synod House and Mission premises, J L.1000 0 100 0 100 100 0 0 50 0 50 0 L.1400 0 0 whole lump. It matters not whether a congregation consist of 100 members comparatively poor, or of 1000 members the third of whom are comparatively rich; the results may differ in magnitude, but the obligation of the duty lies on the one as distinctly as on the other, and none of our congregations, however small, can in duty feel itself at liberty to plead its poverty, as a reason why it should do nothing in the cause of Christ. The sum may be small, but the question is, is it what the congregation can give? and if it be the expression of a sincere and deep interest in the cause of Christ, the reaction will be salutaryit will give them heart, it will make them take infeftment, so to speak, in the general work, and to feel themselves, by action, a part of it, besides encouraging the minister in his labours, and exciting an interest in the gospel preached, which cannot but tend to the prosperity of the congregation at large. Now, I am quite aware, that there is a strong disposition manifested to say, "We have so much to do for ourselves, that we cannot be expected to do anything for others;" and it may sometimes be imagined, that the Mr PEDDIE said it would be in the efforts made by small congregations, for recollection of the Synod, that a gentle- the extension of the gospel, may tell man had at last meeting offered to sub-injuriously, in some form or another, on scribe the sum of L.1000 towards the their own interests. I have one answer fund for weak congregations, if the to all such objections, and that is, it matSynod agreed to raise the minimum stipend of its ministers to L.100. He (Mr Peddie) was glad to inform them that that gentleman had agreed to give the L.1000 in aid of the scheme which was to be laid before the Synod to Mr Peddie further mentioned that the same generous individual had also sent two letters of credit, each to the extent of L.25, to the Anti-Slavery Society and the Evangelical Society of France. It was likewise stated that the same individual had distributed within the last few weeks the sum of L.3000 for benevolent purposes. On the motion of Dr ROBSON, the grateful acknowledgments of the Synod were ordered to be conveyed to the liberal donor. morrow. Dr YOUNG of Perth addressed the Court on the necessity of vigorous missionary activity in weak congregations themselves. He spoke as follows:-It is exceedingly pleasing to see the wealthier congregations performing the important duty incumbent upon them, and that their contributions correspond with the ability God has given them. This is all very well-very pleasing-it corresponds very impressively with many portions of scripture. But it is well to bear in mind, that the missionary printiple is embodied in the very constitution of a church. We cannot have a fuller illustration of that, than in looking back to primitive times. Did the apostles <and evangelists collect a number of belevers? they became immediately so many missionaries. Their influence on the society around them, was like the ters not in the sight of Christ, what a man believes, if his practice does not correspond with his requirements. It is the heart that is demanded, and Jesus Christ has never got our hearts, till he has our actions. When we give our hearts we act for him-it may be feebly enough, and with small success, but still we act. "If ye love me, keep my commandments," applies to all of his people, and in all the variety of circumstances in which they can be placed. There was a time in our church, when vastly little attention was paid to the dissemination of the gospel, compared with what ought to have been a time when those persons who loved the Saviour, and exemplified their love in practice, had almost forgotten missionary exertion, and felt as if it were not enjoined. This time has now passed over in our land. This is now seen to have been a great and a dangerous mistake; and it is now felt, that a christian church is not what she ought to be that she is not true to Christ, except she is in all her congregations, small as well as large, acting for the cause of Jesus Christ, as she is able; and I am perfectly sure, that congregations, for a period of one to if we look over the history of other three years; it being understood that christian churches, we shall find that the the condition of each congregation shall internal prosperity of almost all the evan- undergo a special revision at the tergelical ones, has advanced according as mination of every three years at farthest, they have preserved this one idea prac- with the view of ascertaining the grounds tically before their minds, -"We are on which a new arrangement, if deemed planted here, not only to be separated necessary, should be entered into. from the assembly of the ungodly, but also that by our means the ungodly may be instructed, and reclaimed, and brought home to Christ." THURSDAY, 7TH MAY. The Synod, after having transacted various matters of no public interest, resolved itself into a committee, to take into consideration the following proposals of the Board of Missions : "1. That it is most desirable that the stipends of the ministers of weak congregations be raised to at least L.100, and that as many shall be supplemented to this extent as the circumstances of the congregations, and the funds placed at our disposal, shall warrant. 2. That a separate fund be instituted for this purpose, and that the distribution of it be entrusted to a committee to be appointed by the Synod. 4. That half-yearly reports be furnished to the home committee, both as to the spiritual state of the congrega tion, and as to its financial affairs; that these reports, as well as a certificate, agreeable to a form to be prepared by ter and treasurer of the congregation, the committee, subscribed by the minisshowing that the preceding half-year's stipend had been regularly paid, shall be furnished before the half-yearly grants be given; and that the periods for bestowing those grants, be the 1st of October, and the 1st of April. 5. That every congregation receiving aid, have a missionary association, wrought according to the Synod's new scheme, the proceeds of which to be sent to the funds of our church. '6. That the ministers receiving aid, shall be understood to act the part of missionaries in their respective localities, labouring prudently, and as opportunities present themselves to extend the gospel 7. That in the working of this scheme, due care be taken by the committee, that the help given shall not check, but on the contrary, stimulate and encourage, the active and dutiful exertions of the congregations.' "3. That it shall be the business of the committee to inquire into the circum-around them. stances and the exertions of each con- 6 gregation applying for aid; and that the committee shall have full power either to grant or to reject the application; it being understood, that in cases in which aid is given, the amount shall be apportioned to the necessities of the congregations, and the claims of the ministers; and that the stipend shall, in no case, fall below L.80. 4. That this scheme be wrought out according to the following regulations: 4.1. That all applications for aid shall be addressed, in the first instance, to the Synod's Home Committee on Missions, whose duty it shall be to take charge of weak congregations, equally with the Home Missions of the Synod. 2. That it shall be a standing rule, that all applications shall be presented through presbyteries, and that the facts stated as the grounds of said applications shall be certified by presbyteries according to their own proper knowledge. 3. That the committee shall be authorised to enter into arrangements with The Synod approved of the report of the Board, expressing their sense of the diligence and discretion shown by the Board, and committed to them the working out of their plans, as soon and as far as they find practicable, earnestly rality of their congregations. recommending this cause to the libe EVENING SEDERUNT. PERMANENT CLERK OF COMMITTEE OF BILLS AND OVERTURES. The first business taken up was the appointment of a clerk for the committee of Bills and Overtures. The Rev. Dr M'Kerrow, Bridge of Teith, the Rev. Joseph Hay, Arbroath, the Rev. Mr Smart, Leith, and the Rev. Mr Thomas, Mauchline, were respectively proposed for the office. The number of candidates, according to the usual mode of procedure, were reduced by successive votes. At the last time the roll was called, it to determine contri hot action. was found that 78 had voted for Mr EL DEPUTATION TO THE CONTINENT. Under the name of "Protestant Friends," or, as they are often called, "Friends of Light," the enemies of evan gelical truth have for some years been associated for mutual encouragement, and for more efficiently maintaining the interests of their party. This school is the old neology of the Continent under a new name, and with certain modifica tions of opinion, which render their system more consistent with itself, as one of anti-scriptural error. By this party, The deputation appointed by the the authority of inspiration is entirely Foreign Mission Committee to visit the disowned as a rule of faith, or as an Continental churches, left Scotland on authoritative guide in matters of relithe 23d of February last. They pro- gious inquiry. The first protest of the ceeded through Belgium and Rhenish protestant friends was against creeds Prussia, by way of Elberfeld and Halle and confessions, to which they were led to Berlin, returning by Leipsic and by the revived zeal of many able men in Frankfort, on their route to the Swiss the Lutheran church for a bona fide Canton of Vaud, which they were ex-adherence to their symbolical books and pected to include in their inquiries. In the course of their tour they had opportunities of conversing on the objects of their mission, with parties to the religious movement which is at present agitating, to so great an extent, the public mind of Germany; with members of protestant churches, well qualified to give information on which reliance might be placed; and with persons in authority whose official position gave them access to facts not generally known; we may also add, with individuals of the free-thinking school, unhappily so prevalent, but of whose views of existing agitations it was thought desirable to be informed, that materials as ample as. possible, and in every variety-from the opponents and the friends of change might be obtained as the foundation of a well-considered and impartial estimate of the state of things embraced by our mission of inquiry. Though closely connected with a clear and correct apprehension of the subject, the deputation refrain from going into public formularies; but the reclamation of the free-thinkers against the fetters of an honest subscription, was soon seen to include a rejection of the claims of Holy Scripture as a revelation from God, except upon the mock principle, that "the Bible is not the word of God, though the word of God is in the Bible.” Originating, in 1841, in certain steps taken by pastor Uhlich of the city of Magde burgh, the association, which began with sixteen persons, increased to hundreds in the following year, when they assumed the above appellation-public meetings were held-loud protests for liberty of opinion were spoken and printed-the Son of God was blasphemed by men who were under vows as his ministers-a journal was started, which in the course of a twelve month reached a circulation of thousands extensive correspondence was opened up and maintained-ministers, lawyers, professors of the universities and of the gymnasia, physicians, civilians of every rank, and officers in the army, espoused the principles of the movement, and sigon the previous state of reli- nified, by subscription, their adherence sentiment in Germany, and on the to the cause, when an order from govern conflict of opinions by which society in ment suppressed their public meetings, all its departments is at present so and thus deprived them of those means deeply moved. Those acquainted in any of extending their influence which at considerable degree with the literary tract observation, and stir the masses of and religious history of the Continent a people. Still, in more private channels, for one or two generations past, need though with indications of its presence only to be reminded of the rationalistic less striking than before, the movement schools of scripture interpretation, and proceeds, and in some districts espe of a speculative, pantheistic philosophy, cially where decided measures of cen to be aware of elements of change which sure or restriction have been resorted have had a powerful influence upon to the sensation in the minds of many existing movements, and which have is deep and strong staibei SAT Tot bator bed &r jadi bayot saw An influence, not dissimilar, r, has found and break of this slumbering alienation was its way among the Jews of Germany. the renowned exhibition of the Holy Of late a schism has arisen among them, Coat of Treves, and the spirited appeal in the formation of a party who reject to the common sense and to the pride of the Talmud and tradition, and along with freedom which John Rongé, a catholic this the authority of Moses. This is the priest, addressed to the breasts of his neology of Judaism. The affinity of the countrymen, in his letter to Bishop Artwo systems was abundantly evinced by noldi. The publication of that letter a proposal recently made for the union struck, like an electric shock, the conof the new Jewish school with the "Light claves of imposture, who had dared, in Friends of Germany. their infatuated rapacity, to insult the reason of mankind, while it kindled thrill of indignation, and a purpose to be free, in the hearts s of ten t thousands of the people, il gi From Silesia to the Rhine, societies rapidly sprung up of dissidents from the papal communion. The rights of conscience and of reason were everywhere the watchword. The effects of Roman intolerance were seen in the class of persons who broke off from her pale; they were, and continue in many parts of the country to be, parties implicated in the mixed marriage question, either personally or by the matrimonial connexions of relatives and friends. ganora It was not to be supposed that the influence of these views should pervade so widely the protestant churches, and find their way into the synagogue itself, without also penetrating into the Roman Catholic pale, especially as in most parts of Germany the two communions are so much intermingled. Popery, too, has its rationalistic heresy, and the new movement under Rongé and others, although not produced by this influence, proves to be deeply imbued with it, and is seen to take a character, and to develope tendencies, which increasingly show that the German catholic reformation is, to a great extent, the rationalism of the Roman Catholic church In adverting to the circumstances from which the present agitation more immediately took its rise, it is necessary to keep in view the question of mixed marriages, which, for a course of years, has engaged a large share of public attention in most of the German States. True to their ancient spirit of bigotry and dictation, the popish ecclesiastical authorities refuse their sanction to marriages contracted between protestants and catholics, except on the condition that the issue of such marriages shall be educated in the catholic faith. The consequence of this arrogant assumption has been collision with the civil power, on the one hand, and on the other a wide-spread disaffection among the people towards their spiritual op pressors. The contest on this subject, waged between the higher powers, drew the attention of Europe, at no distant date, but other apparent result for of their principles was agreed to by a the Redeemer's dignity, or if there are congregation newly formed at Leipsic. exceptions, they must be men who know About the same period, the German not the value of the truths which they catholic congregation of Elberfeld de- profess to defend. clared their adherence to the Schneidemuhl confession, and to the apostles' creed. Thus far appearances were hopeful; and it was quite natural that the high and ardent expectations, which at the beginning the movement awakened, should continue to twine themselves around it. But those anticipations are not destined as yet to be fulfilled; and, however painful, it is both wise and necessary to look steadily to the real facts of the case. It sounds well to declare that men believe in the Holy Ghost, but the Leipsic council did not intend by this an ac knowledgment of the personality and divinity of the Spirit. Without denying these truths, they neither professed nor meant that others should profess to believe them. Nothing more was designed than the use of an accustomed formula of words, implying the existence of virtuous principles and the communion of pious hearts. Thus Rongé's version The true spirit of the movement dis- of the apostolic benediction is :-" The played itself at a general meeting of salvation of Jesus Christ, the love of German catholic delegates, held in God, and the fellowship of christian senLeipsic, on March 23, 1845. Consider- timent be with you.' ." On the whole, the able variety of sentiment was found to true character of the Leipsic creed is, exist on matters of doctrine. Disunion that it avowedly omits much that is esmust have been the consequence, had any sential in Christianity; is a mere motto to very specific creed been adopted as the a movement; and, so far as it appears symbol of the new society. To enable to speak in definite terms, no better than parties, who were in some things hetero- | a blind. genous, to present to the world an aspect Division to some extent was the fruit of unity, and to keep together in visible of its adoption. Faithful men were fellowship, a basis of union was framed found, though few. On the ground that sufficiently broad to admit all shades of the articles referred to were fundamenprofession and all varieties of dogma tally defective as a statement of christian which had manifested themselves among doctrine, and a defection from earlier the followers of the new catholic reform. and sounder creeds which some of the The apostles' creed was dropped, as too churches had adopted, individuals formed precise; and three articles were agreed themselves into separate communions, at on, declaring belief in God the Creator, Berlin, Bamberg, and Thorn. These in Christ the Saviour, and in the Holy congregations, retaining the apostles' Ghost; with the forgiveness of sins, the creed, take the name of apostolical, to catholic church, and life everlasting. distinguish them from the rationalistic The circumstances in which this re- catholics. Their doctrinal confession is duced and attenuated creed was enacted founded on the Nicene creed; their gosufficiently evinced the anti-evangeli-vernment is by teaching and ruling cal spirit by which the change was dic- elders; but they avow their attachment tated, and the spirit of compromise in to a moderate episcopacy. The cerewhich it was consented to; but the same monials of popish worship they entirely conclusions are not less legitimate from reject-maintain the right of private the avowed sentiments of almost all the men who are placed at the head of the movement-in whose hands indeed the articles of faith, indefinite as they are, become still more so, being little else than arbitrary signs representing any extent and variety of creed. judgment, and the election of officebearers by the free voice of the people. From the interviews which the deputation had with various seceding members of the church of Berlin, they were led to form a very high opinion of the soundness and simplicity of their chrisIt is well known, for example, that | tian character. Though few in number, "believing in Jesus Christ our Saviour" was a formula adopted to embrace every shade of opinion from the faith of his divinity to the very lowest views of his person which pretenders to the christian name have entertained. Can it be doubted that an assembly capable of acting on a principle so utterly latitudinarian, were themselves the impugners of and standing very much alone in the testimony they have borne to the truth, they nevertheless display a most praiseworthy stedfastness in maintaining their protest against the latitudinarism of the rationalistic majority. They refuse all fellowship with those who confess not, but deny that the Son of God is come in flesh. A more complete idea will be |