sion. The voluntary dissenters at large similar kind, are contented to remain in are involved in the contumely; and it a state of neutrality. It is therefore the would serve no good purpose, to conceal | more gratifying to see a clergyman every that a few more such ebullitions of party virulence, would effectually quench the cordial sympathies which the Free Church movement awakened, and render the name of Free Church a symbol of offence to every voluntary church in the land. way so respectable as we understand Mr Stewart to be, coming manfully forward and expressing his sentiments on this important question. We have read his pamphlet with great satisfaction. It is highly creditable to his candour and good sense, and from the soundness of its reasonings, as well as its calmness and moderation, cannot fail to produce PORTRAIT of the REV. HUGH HEUGH, a powerful effect on the minds of his D.D. Glasgow: James M'Lure. A LETTER to the Rev. Dr Paull, Moderator Glasgow: David Robertson. brethren. At the outset, Mr Stewart comments WHETHER as a piece of art, or as a like-affirm, that any modification of the law on the gross inconsistency of those who ness we love to look upon, we prize this must be held as a violation of a solemn work as truly a finished performance. national compact, while it is well known that avowed Episcopalians have with the sanction, nay, at the earnest solicitations of these very individuals, occupied and are at this moment occupying some of the most important chairs in our universities. "If then," says he, "we admit into our universities, under the present law, Episcopalians, the very persons of whom, at the time the law was passed, and to guard against the admission of whom into our universities many think it was chiefly enacted, the people of Scotland were most jealous, why not consent to such a modification of the law, as will allow us to do legally, what we are now doing illegally.; as will allow us to admit into our universities, not only Episcopalians, but professing Christians of other denominations, who are just as sound in the faith, and as eminent in science and literature as they, but who have scruples about signing the Confession of Faith; why not, in short, consent to such a modification of the law, as shall bring the law and the practice into harmony, and that there shall no longer be exhibited to the young persons who attend our universities, about whose religious principles, whatever differences of opinion may exist amongst us, we are all most anxious, the unseemly sight of their teachers holding their offices, in direct violation of an express and positive statute?" A report has for some time been current that if the pressure of other affairs had permitted Mr Rutherfurd to renew his motion for the abolition of the tests in the universities of Scotland, the late ministry were prepared to give him their support. This rumour we have reason to believe is substantially correct. At all events, it is generally believed by the supporters of these tests, who are in a state of great alarm, both at this prospect, and especially at the apprehension of defections from their own ranks, for it is now understood that a considerable number of the most respectable of the established clergy have expressed their anxiety that these obnoxious restrictions should be removed. We are happy to learn from Mr Stewart that this apprehension is well founded. He informs us that in the Presbytery of Edinburgh alone, there are at least six or seven ministers, as well as several lay members, who are favourable to the modification of the present law. And when the ranks of its supporters are thus wavering and broken, and the number of its opponents rapidly increasing, we cannot doubt that its days are numbered. We are all well aware that both among the ministers and members of the Established Church, there are not a few who would very gladly see this bone of contention taken out of the way, but who, from timidity, indolence, the fear of incurring odium, or other motives of a After noticing the fact that the church has no power to enforce the law, as was clearly proved by the abortive attempt to eject Sir David Brewster from his office in the university of St Andrews, and affirming, that it is only by timely concession, in this case, that the connexion between the parish church and the parish school can be maintained, Mr Stewart proceeds to notice the assertion, that if the present law be set aside, we can have no security against the admission, into our universities, of persons of unsound views. In answer to this objection, he asks the pertinent question, what has the present law done for the moral and religious instruction of the young? and refers to the notorious fact, that it has proved utterly inefficient in excluding from the professorial chair, persons holding and even teaching opinions at variance with the standards of the church. He then goes on to comment, with just severity, on the strange conduct of those who advocate an adherence to the present law, in regard to the admission of lay professors into our universities, on the ground that we are thereby to be provided with an antidote against error, and who yet, without hesitation, send their children to the High School and New Academy in Edinburgh, and other institutions of a similar kind, where more religious instruction is communicated than in all the classes taught by lay professors in all the universities in Scotland, and where yet no tests whatever are required of the teachers where they may be, nay where they actually are, of almost every denomination of professing Christians in the land. "The fact is," says he, "that the cry of the religious interests of the young being endangered by any modification of the present law, with regard to the admission of lay professors into our universities, is just like many other cries which arise when important changes, which the altered circumstances of the country require, are about to be accomplished; it is either got up for a purpose, or it arises from that dread of change which generally leads to changes, which we would have trembled, at one time, to have thought of. Indeed, notwithstanding all that I hear about the necessity of maintaining the present law, with regard to the admission of lay professors into our universities, in order to maintain that connexion between religion and learning, which we all so much desire, I can honestly declare, that although I studied for nine years in the University of Glasgow, one of the best, if not the best, of our Scottish Universities, and under professors whose memories will ever be held in veneration by those who were privileged to receive instructions from them, I do not recollect to have received a lesson in the great truths of religion from a single lay professor in that university, during the whole of my academical curriculum." We cannot doubt that arguments so weighty in themselves, and coming from such a quarter, will produce a powerful effect on the minds of the candid and reflecting portion of the members of the Establishment, and induce them to give their support to a change which is clearly inevitable. The signs of the times unequivocally shew, that the monopoly of education must, in no long time, share the fate of the monoplies of corn and sugar. We must not imagine, however, that the mere abolition of sectarian restrictions is the only object at which we must aim. There is much more to be done before we ought to rest satisfied with our system of academical training. Other religious bodies are zealously turning their attention to this important subject, and we must be up and doing, if we would either maintain or extend our position in the country. Our students have hitherto received neither the superintendence nor the encouragement which they required, and which sound policy would have dictated, and we trust that steps will be taken, with all speed, to remedy these obvious defects in our system. We are delighted to learn, that some public-spirited individuals have just set on foot a scheme for the institution of scholarships in connexion with our church, and that it will be submitted to the Synod for its approbation at the meeting in October. The proposal is one of vast and urgent importance, and we cordially wish it the success which it deserves. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-DOMESTIC. UNITED SECESSION CHURCH. THE SECESSION CHURCH AND THE WE are gratified to observe the commencement and progress of the Sabbath school movement in the Secession Church, and anticipate from it the best results. A series of queries for the purpose of ascertaining the present character of juvenile religious instruction in our church, were some weeks since addressed to every minister in the body, and we hope have ere this time been universally answered. An address by a committee of Synod | for superintending the students reported has since been issued, embodying a num- their procedure in the business assigned ber of valuable hints; and is bound up them, stating particularly the books on with the present number of our Magazine. theology and the portions of the scripWe wish to call particular attention not tures (in Hebrew and Greek) which the only to this, but, as following out its students had read and been examined design, to the minute of Synod enjoining upon in the course of the season. The all Sessions and Presbyteries to devote a presbytery expressed their satisfaction meeting specially to this subject, and ear- with the report, and agreed that the nestly hope that in no instance it will be students be attested for attendance on overlooked. Much remains to be done, the ensuing session of the divinity hall. and most cordially do we adopt the Next meeting of presbytery is to be held sentiment in the address by the Synod's at Cairneyhill on the Tuesday after the committee, "If in practice we have first Sabbath of September, when the hitherto, for the most part, abstained reports of the sessions on the proposed from the erection of day schools for basis of union between the Secession and common education, in connexion with Relief Churches, are to be brought up, our churches, and if the general adoption and the presbytery are to take said basis of these is distant and doubtful, it is under their consideration, in order to surely all the more necessary that 'we their report on it to the ensuing meeting be not slack or slothful' in what we all of Synod. admit to be our proper calling; the extending far and wide throughout our churches and beyond them, of the blessings of christian education for the young." PRESBYTERIAL NOTICES. Glasgow.―This presbytery met at Busby, for the purpose of ordaining Mr James Dick to the pastoral inspection of that congregation, on the 1st July. The Rev. Alexander M'Ewan of Helensburgh, preached, and the Rev. Hugh Baird of Cumbernauld offered up the ordination prayer, and afterwards addressed the Dunfermline. The presbytery met at newly ordained minister and his congreDunfermline on the 21st of April, when, gation on their reciprocal duties. The inter alia, the students, Messrs Lawrence presbytery again held its ordinary meetand Morris, read critical exercises, and ing in Glasgow, on Tuesday, 11th Au Mr Swan delivered a popular sermon on gust, the Rev. Dr King, moderator pro the texts prescribed to them, which were tem. A petition for a moderation from approved, and they were encouraged to the congregation of 'Thornliebank was persevere in their studies. The presby-granted, and the Rev. George Low of tery at this meeting, and also at the Barrhead appointed to preside at said subsequent one held at Kinross on the moderation, on the 27th inst. A petition 9th of June, had some conversation on from the members of the congregation of the subject of ministers' libraries in Inverary was also presented, earnestly congregations, were agreed as to the craving continued supply of sermon from importance and desirableness of the the presbytery. The presbytery on ac object, but delayed their final determi- count of several encouraging circumnation on the matter. The presbytery stances, stated in the petition and by the met again at Dunfermline on the 28th of commissioners, agreed to grant the prayer July, when the Rev. Mr Law read the of the petition in the meantime, and paper which, at a former meeting, he appointed a committee to visit and enhad been requested to draw up, "On the courage the people. A petition was preBest Means of Counteracting the Pre-sented from Mr Houston, formerly a valence of Infidelity and the Desecration of the Sabbath." The presbytery were much pleased with it, and cordially agreed in an expression of thanks to him for the diligence and ability he had displayed in its preparation, and in requesting him to send it (which he agreed to do) to the United Secession Magazine for publication.* The committee of presbytery preacher in connexion with the Eastern Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, craving admission into the United Secession Church, as a probationer in connexion with that church, along with various testimonials of his character. A committee was appointed to confer with Mr Houston, who was present at this meeting, and to report at next meeting of presbytery. Mr Houston being also appointed, in the event of this report being satisfactory, to deliver a discourse then before the presbytery. The Rev. out on the bents to dry, or stretching them out on stakes. And by a fortnight after, a considerable portion of the population had departed to the distant fishing stations. Dr King, having vacated the chair, read an overture to the Synod regarding the institution of scholarships or bursaries, for students attending the Universities and Divinity Hall, with a view to the ministry, in connexion with the United Newcastle. This presbytery met on the Secession Church. The presbytery, in- 7th July, when there was read a letter stead of adopting the overture in its from the Rev. J. B. Johnston, junior details, agreed to transmit it to the Synod, minister of Clavering Place, resigning and cordially to recommend its object, his collegiate charge of the congregation as one of great importance. Agreed to there, on account of severe and continued consider the scheme of union with the affliction, which was laid on the table Relief Church at next ordinary meeting. until next meeting; due notice, in the Buckhaven.-On the first Sabbath of meantime, to be given to the session and July, the usual day, the Lord's Supper congregation of Clavering Place. A call was, under the appointment of the pres- from the congregation of Wallsend to bytery, dispensed to this congregation, Mr John Campbell, preacher, was given by the Rev. John Johnston; public in and sustained. Mr Campbell had the worship being observed on the usually usual trials for ordination assigned to accompanying days. The attendance on him, and his intentions as to the call to the week days was respectable, and on be in due order ascertained. A petition the Sabbath large. For a year prior to from the new congregation of Walker, the demission of the late pastor, there for the location of the Rev. John had been no new accessions; but on this Robertson, late minister of Wallsend, occasion, the admissions to membership as a preacher among them, was granted were beyond the average of former years. for three months. On the report of the The ordinance appeared to have a hap- committee appointed to examine Mr pily tranquillizing influence, and to be an James Finlayson, student, it was agreed excellent preparation for the ordination that he be certified and recommended to on the following Monday. There sat the professors of divinity. 4th August.down at the same table with the major- The presbytery met, when the Rev J. ity of the congregation, persons who had B. Johnston's resignation was again opposed that majority, in supporting the read. Read also a paper of resolutions wayward movements of their late pastor, from the congregation of Clavering and persons who had taken offence at Place, supported by Messrs Thomas him, and at different times withdrawn Hogg, sen., James Douglas, and Joseph from the congregation. On Monday the Corbett, commissioners, expressing their presbytery met for the ordination of Mr deep sorrow and concern for Mr JohnW. Cowan. The attendance was still ston's severe and continued affliction, larger than on the Sabbath. The Rev. and their earnest desire for his restoraD. G. Crawford preached on John xxi. tion to health; but, stating at the same 17, last clause, "Feed my sheep." The time, that under all the painful circumRev. Wm. Reid, moderator pro die, hav-stances of the case, they feel it their duty ing gone through the usual formalities, to yield to the will of God, as they think Mr Cowan was then, with solemn prayer and the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, ordained to the office of the holy ministry, and the pastoral oversight of the United Associate Congregation of Buckhaven. Mr Reid then addressed the newly ordained minister, and the congregation, on their respective duties. This is an exceedingly promising settle. ment. From the evening before the fast, till after the ordination, scarcely a boat went to sea; but on Monday afternoon, and particularly on Tuesday morning, the shore was all bustle and animation; the fishermen in crowds, pushing with brawny shoulders their boats from the beach into the sea, to be ready for departure next morning; and the women repairing the nets, spreading them NO. VIII. VOL. III. now manifested to them, not to resist the proposed resignation. Mr Pringle, the senior minister, was also heard. Upon which the presbytery, regarding all the bearings of this distressing case, agreed now, as their mournful duty, to accept Mr Johnston's resignation, and that his name be erased from the roll. In adopting this resolution, the presbytery think it right to record the unanimous expression of their cordial affection and esteem for Mr Johnston, as a Christian, a christian minister, and their co-presbyter; their ardent desire that the great Head of the Church had been pleased (if so it had seemed good in his sight), to continue him among them; their deep regret for his removal; their tender sympathy with him and all his 3 H Dundee. This presbytery met on the 4th August-Rev. George Gilfillan, moderator. Mr John Ballantyne, student of the second year, delivered a discourse, was examined on the Socinian controversy, on the Book of Esther in Hebrew, and Luke's Gospel in Greek. These exercises were approved, and the presbytery agreed to certify Mr Ballantine to the Hall. The clerk laid on the table "The scheme of union between the United Secession and Relief churches." After some remarks, it was agreed to enter fully on the consideration of it at next meeting of presbytery, and enjoin sessions to take up this subject, and report at said meeting. It was found that some congregations had omitted to make a collection for the Synod house; instructed the clerk to remind them of the propriety of doing so, as soon as possible. Next meeting of presbytery to be held in Dundee, on Tuesday the 29th September. relatives under the severe affliction will prove a blessing to the congregation which has occasioned it; and their fer- and district of Avonbridge. vent prayers that the Lord may comfort him in time of trouble, and yet restore him to health and strength for being again employed in the great work of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. They also record their feeling of cordial and unfeigned sympathy with the senior minister, the session, and congregation of Clavering Place, under the disappointed hopes, the solicitude and suspense connected with the existing circumstances in which they are now again involved by this painful visitation. Read a letter from Mr Campbell, declining the call from Wallsend, which was accordingly laid aside. A call from the congregation of Stamfordham, to Mr A. A. Drummond, preacher, was given in and sustained. Mr Drummond's trials for ordination were appointed, and the clerk was instructed, in due course, to ascertain his intentions as to the call. The treasurer reported his having received L.15 from the Synod's fund for weak congregations. It was agreed to petition the Synod's board for missions for L.10 for the congregation of Walker. Petition for the location of Mr J. P. Millar at Stockton, and Mr David Wilson at North Middleton, were granted. Next meeting to be held at Newcastle, on Tuesday 1st September. Edinburgh. This presbytery met on the 4th of August. The committee appointed to meet with Rev. Mr Adam, Peebles, his session, and congregation, in consequence of his proposal to demit his pastoral charge, gave in their report. This report the presbytery received; and approved of the conduct of their committee as reported. Mr Adam was heard, still insisting that his demission should be received. The Stirling and Falkirk. This presbytery met at Falkirk on the 28th of July. Agreeably to the new regulation of Synod, the presbytery appointed Dr commissioners from the congregation Mackerrow, and Mr Edmond, ministers, were heard, representing their desire and Mr James Watson, elder, to be that the demission offered should be members of the Synod's Committee on accepted. After consideration, it was bills and overtures. Mr Dodds having moved and seconded, that Mr Adam's passed all his trials to the satisfaction of demission be accepted. On the other the presbytery, his ordination, as col- hand, it was moved and seconded, that league to the Rev. John Craig, Avon- in present circumstances the demission bridge, was appointed to take place on shall lie on the table; that the presbythe 18th of August. Appointed next | tery shall meet in Peebles, further to ordinary meeting to be held at Stirling inform themselves respecting the state on the 8th of September.-The presby- of matters between Mr Adam and his tery met at Avonbridge on the 18th of people. On a vote, the first motion was August for the ordination of Mr Andrew preferred. Mr Adam's demission was Dodds. The Rev. Alexander Cuthbert, thereafter accepted; and his pastoral relaafter praise and prayer, preached from tion to the congregation of Peebles declar1 Cor. xiii. 13. The Rev. John Craig | ed to be dissolved. Rev. D. Duncan was offered up the ordination prayer, and then appointed to declare the church vathe Rev. David Stewart gave the charge cant; and supply of preachers for the vato the minister and congregation. The services were solemn and interesting. It is hoped that the connexion this day formed will yield much comfort in declining life to one who has for so many years faithfully and piously discharged the functions of the ministry, and that it cancy was ordered, Rev. Messrs Johnston and Deans dissenting. Rev. Mr Deans reported his proceedings in the moderation at Aberlady, and laid on the table a unanimous call, addressed to Rev. Robert Watt. The call was sustained as a gospel call, regularly proceeded in ; |