from the country, Mr Poole of Crofthead, high estimation." The above recom having had occasion to call at the house, mendation was almost universally rea portion of the remaining contents of sponded to; and immediately previous the bottle was shared by him and Mr to the removal of the earthly remains of Dobbie. Mr Poole soon after left; but the deceased to their last resting-place had not proceeded far on his way home in the parish churchyard, a large con, ward, when he was attacked by violent course of mourners-including not only illness. In the meanwhile, Mr Dobbie his brethren of the presbytery, but a began to feel disagreeable effects from great number of ministers belonging to his draught; and although on the first the town and district, both Established alarming symptoms, his ordinary medi- and Dissenting-had assembled together cal attendant was called in, no suspicion in the spacious chapel where he had of any poisonous ingredient having been been long accustomed to proclaim the intermingled with the beverage, seems, message of salvation. There, after the at this stage of the patient's illness, to 90th psalm had been read, the Rev. have been seriously entertained by either. Richard Hunter of Carlisle delivered a On the contrary, Mr Dobbie is said to short but affecting address adapted to have expressed his belief that his mo- the occasion; and the Rev. Dr Thomson derate indulgence in a liquor which he of Penrith offered up a prayer, well had for many years almost systematically fitted, by its devotional fervour and soabstained from, was the sole cause of the lemnity, to deepen the impression. uneasiness under which he then suffered, On the forenoon of the following Saband his hope that its injurious operation bath, the 31st of May, the funeral sermon would speedily subside. These fond an- was, in compliance with the united wishes ticipations, however, were in the over- of Mr Dobbie's family and of the presruling providence of God, not destined bytery, preached by Mr Hunter. To to be realized; for in less than four hours quote the language of the Dumfries from the commencement of the attack, Courier, with whose report we have been the system was so completely prostrated favoured :-"The audience was one of as to render every remedy which medical the largest that ever filled a church in skill could suggest, unavailing; and in Annandale. All, as may be supposed, little more than another hour, his bodily hung on the preacher's words with sor agonies, which appear to have been of rowful interest, mingled with emotions excruciating severity, were relieved by that sprung from the heart, and hallowed death. The event awakened feelings of by the ennobling associations by which deep regret, not only among those with the gospel links time with eternity. The whom he was more immediately connect- text was chosen from Psalm cii. 23. ed by the ties of nature and of grace, but“ He weakened my strength in the way; among all classes and denominations of he shortened my days." Throughout, the community by whom his worth was the discourse was more than appropriate, known. The funeral having been appointed to take place on Wednesday the 27th, the chief magistrate of the burgh, Provost Sawyer, issued a circular, in which "he recommended that the shops should be shut, and all business suspended on that day, from 2 till 3 o'clock P.M., as a mark of respect for the memory of a man who has been long and deservedly held in We understand that Professor Christison of Edinburgh has subjected the residue found in the bottle to a careful analysis, aud detected therein a certain proportion of whale oil, and about a dessert spoonful of arsenic! By some unaccountable oversight, the above noxious intermixture, but in a far larger quantity, must have been left deposited in the fatal bottle at the time the porter was introduced into it. It may be added, that from the stomach of the deceased an amount of arsenic sufficient to cause death has been extracted. The contents analysed by Dr Christison, and found to be altogether free from any poisonous ingredient. It will gratify our readers to learn, that Mrs Dobbie and Mr Poole are, after a severe and protracted illness, at length convalescent.

of the five untouched bottles have been also

and made not only a deep, but it is to be hoped a lasting and profitable impression.* We quote the substance of Mr Hunter's sketch of his friend:→→

"These remarks may not be deemed unsuitable to the solemn and affecting occasion upon which we have this day met. In the mysterious providence of God, an unexplained and unapprehended agency has been permitted to terminate in the sudden removal of one, in reference to whom many years of active usefulness might-by short-sighted mor, tals have been predicted, but whose strength' has been unexpectedly 'weakened in the way, and his days abruptly shortened.' The sad event, which now fills this place with mourning, has led my co-presbyters to select me as the oldest ministerial friend of the deceased, to pay to his fondly cherished memory, a passing tribute of respect; and although • Dumfries Courier of Monday, June 1, 1846.

the shortness of the time within which I have been restricted, and above all, the precarious state of my health, prevent me from doing full justice to his character, yet I have no hesitation in trusting to your indulgence, if my well-intentioned effort be less worthy of its lamented subject, than could have been wished.

now placed, to give any thing like a complete representation of his echarac ter, would be an effort, for which I feel and confess myself to be incompetent. But my inability to speak of him, as my heart would fondly wish, I regret the less, as his character, in all its leading aspects, must be so strongly and disOur departed friend was born at tinctly impressed upon your minds, as Calton, Glasgow, on the 5th of January to require from me little illustration to 1796. His venerable father, who still make you either perceive or understand survives, having at an early age dis it. In his general bearing towards all covered that his inclinations led him to with whom he came in contact, he was prefer the christian ministry as the em- open and unreserved; and wherever he ployment of his future life, was careful went-whether he unbent himself, as he to give him such a preliminary education often delighted to do, amid the circle of as should qualify him for admission to his intimate acquaintance, or whether he the university of Glasgow, which he appeared as the champion of some great entered in November 1811. There, he public principle, of whose importance to passed through the various classes re- the welfare of society he was thoroughly quired by the statutes of the college to convinced he carried along with him justify students in appearing as candi- the impress of sterling honesty of purdates for graduation; and having under-pose, and manly independence. gone the usual examinations with credit "In him were happily united excellent to himself, and there is reason to be- natural abilities with a well cultivated lieve to the entire satisfaction of the mind. There were few subjects within professors, he was by them, at the end of the range of persons belonging to what his university career, distinguished by a are called the educated professions, with mastership in arts. In the year 1814, he which he had not cultivated more or less commenced his theological studies at acquaintance; and the ample stores of Selkirk, under the superintendence of a vigorous and well-informed intellect the late Rev. Dr Lawson, who long held he could, whenever circumstances rethe important office of Divinity Pro-quired it, pour forth with a rare facility to the

at then Associate Synod. It of expression, in language clear, simple, interesting period of our and appropriate. friend's life, that I had the happiness of "His acquaintance with scriptural being first introduced to his acquaint- truth was accurate and extensive. To ance; and during the many years which the great doctrines of grace, as embodied have since intervened, our intercourse in the Westminster Standards, and to and attachment have remained unbroken. which, at his ordination, he had solemnly "At the close of his divinity course assented as expressive of the sense in in the autumn of 1818, he was taken on which he understood the Scriptures, he trials for license by the associate presby- was deeply and conscientiously attached. tery of Falkirk and Stirling, and by them On some questions relating to external unanimously recognised as a preacher of ecclesiastical arrangements his senti the gospel, in the spring of 1819. Dur-ments may have undergone a partial, or ing his career as a probationer, he was even an essential change; but not so his appointed to supply for a few Sabbaths the vacant congregation in this place, where, his services having given universal satisfaction, he was eventually called to labour among them in word and doc trine. The call was sustained by the presbytery of the district; and having gone through the several trials assigned him, with the high approval of his judges, he was by them publicly ordained in the adjacent established church kindly lent for the occasion to the holy office of the ministry, and the pastoral charge of the associate congregation of Annan, on the 16th day of August 1820,

"In the trying position in which I am

theological opinions. The longer he lived, he was more and more convinced of their supreme importance; and he would have been prepared to make any sacrifice, however costly, rather than surrender to a love of unprofitable speculation one essential element of what he believed to be gospel truth. noch ge

"Those who now hear me, know well that with him Christianity was not a system of mere abstract orthodox opinion, but was inseparably identified with the regeneration of the heart, and with holiness of life. The doctrines to which he clung with unwavering tenacity, he faithfully proclaimed in their practical bear

ings. He was indefatigable in his exer- not the day, neither know ye the hour, tions to show that they who have believed when the Son of Man cometh.' 'Whatin Christ should be careful to maintain soever thine hand findeth to do, do it good works; and those who knew him with thy might; for in the grave,' which intimately, can tell how deeply his sen- shall sooner or later receive all of you sitive heart was affected, if in any instance to its cold, and benumbing, and comforthis message was contemned, and if, by less embrace, there is neither work, reason of the pernicious cavillings or nor wisdom, nor counsel, nor device."". conduct of religious professors, 'the way of truth was evil spoken of.'

FREE CHURCH MAGAZINE FOR JUNE.

In this number we observe some notices | Synod; Mr William Durie, Mr William Nelson, of last meeting of the General Assembly. They possess more the character of a commentary than a report; in the course of which the writer steps aside to favour the friends of Voluntaryism with a few of his strictures.

he, also, about to join? Is this a feeler to prepare his people? It would certainly be singular to see both him, his father, Dr Marshall of Kirkintilloch, and even Dr John Ritchie, end their days in the Establishment. If they should think of applying, we think we can promise them a pretty cordial reception; for, after all that has taken place to fill the minds of consistent men with disgust, we need wonder at nothing in the way of change."

We shall state, in a few words, our reasons for regarding these animadversions as both hasty and unjust.

being held answerable for the sayings or the doings of fugitives from her dis cipline. It really seems very hard mea sure our brother would deal out to us, that we must be both called to account for our voluntary principles, and accused of readiness to abandon them. And all for what? because those have gone out From the statement here given, which from us who were not of us, and who have we presume to be correct, it appears shown a preference, very natural to such that at last meeting of Assembly, there men, we doubt not, for the establishment were reported, as acceding to the Esta-principle with a parish, to the establishe blishment, three ministers of the United ment principle without one. Secession Church, and four of the Relief The charge, indeed, is so preposterous Church; it farther appears, that Mr that no man can give the accuser credit Marshall of Leith, lately excluded from for candour in assigning the grounds of the Secession Church, in a recent publi- his allegation. We feel that it is almost cation, has contrasted the state of the ridiculous to " render a reason" in reply. Secession, in point of orthodoxy, not with There must be some inward canker to the Free Church the proper standard, account for such an effusion of spleen. of course but with her Erastian step- Is our cotemporary unknowing of the dame, the Church of Scotland. Upon fact that some time since there was a these facts is founded the charge, that similar "rush" of three or four to the "Voluntaryism seems to a great extent Free Church, as now to the National? to be purely political, and a very hollow Where then were his sinister inferences and hypocritical thing." regarding the voluntary principle? Does he need to be told that there was as really a dereliction of volun tary principle in the one secession A charge of political motives, of hol- as in the other? No doubt the "rush" lowness, and of hypocrisy, is brought was then in the direction of the Free against the abettors of the voluntary Church, and now in the direction of the principle, because the persons above Establishment. The Free Churchman named have forsaken their principles, sees a difference in this. We see one and lapsed into the Establishment. That too. a fractional number have proved unsound is no proof of unsoundness among those who abide by their profession? If there be others who are at heart attached to the Establishment, what should hinder their desertion tomorrow, especially as our Free Church brother assures us they would meet with a "cordial reception?" Does not the fact that they stand to their principles entitle them to the credit of sincerity? Who gave our cotemporary authority judge the hearts of other men, and without evidence, nay, against evidence, denounce them as pretenders for this is what his language means. He is at liberty to say of all men who leave the voluntary churches for the Esta blishment, that they have deserted their principles; but till others have given signs of following their example, he cer tainly has no right to place them in the same condemnation, by speaking of their This unmannerly railing we meet with an profession as a “hollow and hypocritical unqualified denial. We challenge our thing" When others shall be found accuser to name a single instance of speaking as Mr Marshall has done, let fawning on the Establishment a single them fall under our cotemporary's re-instance of a voluntary minister craving buke; but we protest against our church admission to its pulpits. The truth we

to

Our cotemporary's pique at the Relief Church is particularly unhappy quite on a level with his taste in finding terms to express it. How can a non-intrusionist wantonly venture on such ground without seeing himself confronted with the upbraiding ghost of the Campbelton. case, to bring the blush to his cheek, if not to smite him with the paleness of remorse and humiliation?

Another charge brought forward by our cotemporary is one of sycophancy to the Establishment.

"The act 1799 has been again restored, and is now in full force. What do some of our voluntary friends say to this fact? They have lately been fawning the Established Church at a great rate, asking its ministers to preach for them, and humbly craving admission into their pulpits. There is something not only incon sistent in this, but very deplorably mean and base, and it is a just retribution that they should thus have the door unceremoniously slapped in their faces," p. 180.

dread, whereas formerly it was; the Free Church, on the other hand, being strong and flourishing, is an object of bitter malice and dislike to all those hollow professors of Chris tianity who feel themselves thereby thrown into

the shade."

believe to be, that among those who | gelical religion, both on the part of hypocritical possess the spirit of the Free Church professors and of open infidels. Their zeal has been inspired not, as they professed, by a love Magazine, the antipathy to their quon- of reformation, but by enmity to the truth. dam brethren of the Establishment is 2dly, The Established Church being now weak, such, that any recognition of brother-is no longer regarded as an object of envy and hood between a voluntary and a churchman is regarded with an evil eye, and any act of pulpit intercourse would be interpreted by this class of Free Church adherents as a declaration of war against them. One thing we readily admit, The Free Church Magazine is misthat voluntary churchmen are not dis- taken here in point of fact. Opposition posed to take up precisely the antago-to the Establishment has not ceased on nist position towards the Establishment the part "of many of our voluntaries.” which the Free Church brethren de- The active agitation of the controversy is sire. We will not cut off co-operation more frequently suspended now than it with ministers and members of the Esta- was in former years; this we own; and blishment in benevolent and religious we are able to give our cotemporary very societies. In this we only adhere to a intelligible, if not satisfactory reasons, principle we have acted on all along, for the change. When the brethren even in the heat of the voluntary now composing the Free Church Ascontroversy, when the Free brethren sembly were members of the Establishbroke off from dissenters then, as they ment, they proved themselves both the would have dissenters to break off from ablest and the keenest opponents of churchmen now; and because we are so voluntaryism, and were continually prouncomplying as still to abide by our jecting schemes of aggression, with the principle, we are guilty, forsooth, of apparent purpose of extinguishing dis"fawning" on the Establishment. sent, by bringing the national resources On the subject of pulpit intercourse, to bear upon this object. Their belliwe think both churchmen and Free gerent attempts were persevering, and churchmen labour under very ground- our defensive movements were equally less apprehensions. So concerned are protracted. But, on "the disruption" the venerable Assembly for the purity taking place, the voluntary controversy and honour of their pulpits, that they was viewed by its friends as having are at pains to guard them against a issued in a signal triumph, and a pause danger which, filled as those pulpits for ensued, as the natural result of victory. the most part are, we will take it upon Meanwhile, as the Establishment was us to say, the church will find to be seen to be prostrate in its moral weakvisionary. Our Free Church brethren, ness, the same cause and occasion ceased on the other hand, are equally unrea- to operate with equal force, as before, sonable in their resentments. The views to summon the friends of voluntaryism to of pulpit intercourse with other deno-active warfare. Besides-and we are minations, as at present held by dis- privy to the fact there were those senters, are the same as formerly; they among "the many" who thought that are neither tightened nor widened in the unintermitted agitation of the quesconsideration of the Free Church; they tion might interfere with the good uncertainly were not learned from the derstanding-believed to be sincere Free Church; and are not likely to be laid aside merely to do her a pleasure. In the mean time, we repel the charge of "fawning and craving," &c., as a gratuitous and spiteful calumny.

T

which, to the delight of good men, had arisen between Free Churchmen and their voluntary friends; and it was felt to be desirable, so far as could be done without compromise of principle, not "Will any one of our readers," proceeds unnecessarily to disturb this happy our cotemporary, "endeavour now to explain and harmonious state of things. We why, amidst this deep and growing degrada- acknowledge that, for our part, we tion on the part of the Establishment, all the opposition against it should have ceased on saw little force in these considerathe part of so many of our voluntaries why tions, but that they had their influence they should have been so furious whilst the we know an influence diametrically Establishment was comparatively pure--and, why, instead of continuing to assail it now, they opposed to the motive which our cotemshould still direct all their attacks against the porary, whose penetration and whose men who came out of it? It is a curious fact. charity appear to be commensurate, has The reasons of it are, we think, twofold-1st, been pleased so freely to ascribe. But The opposition, in both cases, has arisen, in a great measure, from a deadly hatred of evan- in the midst of all these admissions of