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Edinburgh we believe is admirably conducted, and affords the security of the British Exchequer. There are many others, however, both on the same and on a different principle throughout the country, and perfectly entitled, we have no doubt, to the confidence of depositors. No district containing a considerable population should be without one, and no person acquiring a little more than he needs, should fail to avail himself of it. We cordially adopt the following language of the Edinburgh Directors:—

look back, and say he is the better of all the shillings and pounds he has misspent. On the contrary, he has been the worse of that money; and it would have been better for him had all such money been flung into the sea. But how much better in character and in habits, and how much more independent, and comfortable, and respectable, would such a man have been, had he saved all these sums, to spend them afterwards in improving the comfort of himself and family. It is a disgrace to any working man now, not to have a good stock on hand before he marries. There are many "The Savings Bank is well known to more female than male depositors; and a great number of people; but still there this to the young men is also not at all are thousands and tens of thousands who creditable. It is those improvident men know or think little about it, and it is who live from hand to mouth, and are al- most desirable that it should be pressed ways in want, who are obliged to accept of upon the attention of all. Those who any wages that are offered to them, and have already joined the Savings Bank so they keep down the wages of others. are entreated to explain it to all persons It is they, too, who encourage whiskey-in whom they feel interested. Never shops, and then truck-shops and pawn-mind how small the sum is that any one shops. By having a little stock in hand, has to begin with at the Savings Bank. a working man can meet employers on equal terms, keep free of truck-shops and of pawn-shops, and be free of all debt. He can also live a great deal cheaper, and a great deal better too, by getting the best articles at the lowest price for ready money. Those who have begun to lay by little sums soon have as much as would serve to keep them in comfort and independence for weeks, or In our last we adverted to a rumour then months, or years, even if they were un-in existence, that the Irish presbyterians able to work, or could get no work. A man may learn to be an expert workman, and work hard too, but he will never be in comfort, if his habits are not steady and economical."

Small beginners are made as welcome there as large. The money will gather by degrees, and faster than is believed; and the depositors will, at the same time, acquire a habit and character of steadiness that is beyond all price."

NATIONAL EDUCATION.

The

had a deputation in London, soliciting an endowment for the new theological college they are now about to erect, and expressed a hope that government would take care not to commit itself in this To all this we beg to add, and we are case, before the whole question of nasure we shall have the concurrence of all tional education should be regularly subthose whose experience enables them to mitted to parliament, especially as the judge, that it is by no means merely grant solicited was peculiarly questionphysical and temporal advantages which able, being for an object at once directly result from economy, and the habits with religious and denominational. which it is naturally associated. The rumour, however, has proved correct, moral and religious welfare thereby and the hope fallacious. A special meetpromoted, bulks far most in our esti-ing of the Irish General Assembly has mation. What an arduous, almost been held at Belfast, for receiving the hopeless task, does he undertake who report of the deputation. The following aims at ameliorating the character of was read as part of the Moderator's leta wretched, reckless, hand-to-mouth po- ter to Lord John Russell:-"That, after pulation! The preaching of the gospel and every other wisely contrived, and even divinely instituted means for their improvement, necessarily operates at the most fearful disadvantage. Earnestly, therefore, do we recommend Savings Banks. Honour to the memory of Dr Duncan of Ruthwell, for originating so excellent an institution! The one at

the experience of a long and painful connexion with the Belfast Academical Institution, the General Assembly had formed a resolution, from which a sense of duty would not allow them to depart, that it was absolutely necessary the students should be instructed under their own care, and by professors chosen and governed by themselves."

tempted to suspect that the claim is by a ruse put forward as something to fight about, in order that the Regium Donum may not become the object of attack.

The deputation reported that they had | facility to give ear to it. The measure, met with a courteous and favourable we trust, will still be strenuously and reception that the justice of their claim, successfully resisted. One is almost to a certain extent, had been recognised -and that they had been encouraged to expect an endowment. A number of extravagant and exorbitant resolutions were then proposed for the adoption of the Assembly; but the following more moderate, though we must say, utterly unreasonable series, was carried by a majority of 87 to 32:

It may be recollected, that somewhat less than a year ago, the Irish Catholic Bishops having passed some resolutions unfavourable to the new colleges, as "dangerous to faith and morals," agreed to "Resolved-1. That this Assembly lay these before the Pope, that they might are truly grateful for the kind and cour-" receive the decision of his Holiness, and teous manner in which their deputation recognise the voice of Peter in the person was received by her Majesty's govern- of his successor." Intelligence, it appears, ment, and for the encouragement given has now arrived from Rome, that the in the letter of the Right Hon. Lord" College of Cardinals having all the John Russell, to expect endowment for documents before them, have unhesitatas many additional classes as they can ingly, unanimously, and decisively proshow to be necessary for the peculiar nounced their condemnation of the goeducation of young men intended for vernment measure;" and no doubts are the presbyterian ministry. 2. That this entertained that the sovereign Pontiff Assembly will, for the present, thank- will duly add his authoritative sanction. fully accept endowment for such classes, These colleges, thus rejected both by the professors so endowed being com- presbyterians and papists, must for a time pletely under the control of this church; at least, be almost absolutely useless. and that a committee be now appointed Meantime, Maynooth, now become a nato ascertain how many, and what they tional college, is said to be making appliare, and to report to this Assembly. cation to government for the power of 3. That a respectful memorial be for- conferring degrees. "At present the warded to the government, requesting Dunboyne, and other students who have that the right to the endowment of said distinguished themselves during their colclasses be secured by an act of parlia-legiate course, and who are anxious for ment. 4. That the Assembly further degrees, must go to Rome, and undergo respectfully request from the govern- a second course of reading, and a public ment the establishment of a number of bursaries to excite proper emulation and diligence among the students of this church. 5. That, in the meantime, this Assembly will receive elementary literary education for the students from any seminary at which they may see right to permit their attendance; and they hope that Queen's College may be furnished with such professors and teachers as will justify them in receiving there this education. 6. That this Assembly resolve to proceed forthwith in the erection of buildings for the classes so endowed."

Considering the accommodation already afforded to the Assembly by the Belfast Institution, together with the fact, that one of the three colleges provided for by the late government, is to be erected in Belfast, and is to have the Rev. Dr Henry, a member of Assembly, for its Principal, it seems to us, that apart from general principles altogether, the demand for this new endowment is absolutely shameless, and we sincerely regret that Lord J. Russell has had the

examination, before they can obtain the degree of B.D. or D.D., which entails upon them great trouble and expense. There are at present 512 students, being an increase of ninety-four beyond the number that was in it last year, amongst whom 346 rooms are divided as their sleeping apartments. At the last entrance examination, of 268 candidates 131 were rejected."

REFORMED PRESBYTERIANS.

THE Synod of this body met at Glasgow, on Monday, 6th July, when after a sermon by the Rev. John M'Kinlay, of Renton, the Rev. Thomas Macindoe, of Whithorn, was elected moderator. There were present 27 ministers, and the same number of elders. Two absent ministers were excused, the one on account of personal, the other of domestic affliction. The entire number of congregations is 38, of which 9 are vacant. Three members were appointed to conduct devotional exercises, one on each successive day. The Committee on the Education

of Young Men for the Gospel Ministry, recommended that measures be adopted for raising a fund to aid young men in prosecuting their studies, and that a plan be matured for administering that fund. The committee was reappointed for carrying these objects into effect. The Rev. Dr Bates stated that he had received L.100 from a member of the church, to assist in educating one or more persons desirous of qualifying themselves to preach the gospel among the heathen or the Jews. The Synod then renewed its protestation against American slavery, and appointed a committee to transmit an earnest ex postulation and remonstrance to professing Christians and churches in America, still contracting sin by connexion with slavery. The Committee of Correspondence with the Original Seceders, reported that they had had two meetings with a committee of that body that the conversation had related chiefly to the statistics of the two churches; to the Mediatorial Dominion; to the Revolution Settlement; and to the ordinance of civil government, with special reference to the British constitution; that the two parties were materially agreed respecting the Settlement, holding it to be" decidedly Erastian, and quite inadequate as a civil basis for a free and independent church, in alliance with the state." With respect to the Mediatorial Dominion, there was some diversity of opinion. "On the subject of civil government, the difference became more palpable and distinct, and the sentiments of the brethren of the Original Secession indicated no advance upon the recognised and authenticated views of that body in regard to the British Constitution." The Committee reported also, that the intercourse had been characterized by the utmost friendliness and good feeling. The thanks of the Synod were returned to the committee, which was reappointed. After some business of less public interest, the Synod received, on Wednesday evening, the report of its Committee on Foreign Missions, from which it appeared that the Synod has two ordained missionaries labouring among the aborigines of New Zealand, and one in Canada. It appeared also that a Committee on Jewish Missions had sent Mr Cunningham to labour among the Jews in London. The committee appointed some time ago for endeavouring to liquidate the debt on churches, gave in a cheering report, and stated that debt to a considerable extent

had been cancelled, and that there was the prospect of the entire debt on all their places of worship being extinguished by the end of this year. They also strongly recommended that a Building Committee should be appointed, to which every proposal for building places of worship should be submitted; also a committee for supplementing the stipends of ministers of weak congregations. The Synod adopted both recommendations, and instructed the Committee on Stipends to adopt such measures as that no minister of the church shall have a smaller income than L.100 per annum, with manse, and sacramental and travelling expenses. On Thursday, the Synod appointed a committee to frame regulations, under which every congregation in the church may be visited once a year, by deputations of presbyteries or otherwise. Professor Symington gave an interesting sketch of the past history and present condition of the Divinity Hall; and the Synod appointed a committee to review the entire course of preparatory education before the students enter the Hall; to repair to the Hall at its opening, to encourage the students; to consult with the professor, and mature a report for the guidance of the court in its endeavours to elevate the standard of theological qualifications in the rising ministry. A committee was also appointed for carrying into effect a proposal of Dr Orr, that a volume should be published annually by a member of Synod, for defending some important present truth. The committee on the Signs of the Times gave in a report relating to the energetic and wide-spread exertions of the church of Rome for the diffusion of her doctrines and influence; to the subserviency and co-operation of some European governments, particularly that of France, in counteracting civilisation and missions; to the increasing tendency in the British government to countenance popery; to the position of protestant churches, as not fully united about divine truth, nor prepared to resist the aggressions of the man of sin; to the abounding ungodliness and immorality of the age; to the position of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, as specially entrusted with the duty of defending the headship of Jesus Christ, and the covenanted work of reformation; also to the temptations likely to be presented to members of this church to incorporate with the British government, at the ensuing general election, notwithstanding the progress of the government in manifesting itself as a branch of the antichristian system. The

purpose. The Rev. B. Laing of Colmonel, one of the professors of the former denomination, drew up a paper embodying their principles, in the hope that out of it a basis of union might be formed, and proceeded to read it at the second of the conferences.† We are informed, however, that before he had advanced far, the Reformed Presbyterians declared that to such principles they could not subscribe; and negociations, we understand, were suspended, in consequence of their expressing their determination, that in the event of a junction taking place, no member of the united church should be permitted to exercise the elective franchise. It appears, however, that a committee has been reappointed on both sides.

Synod instructed ministers to call the at- the Reformed Presbyterians for a similar tention of their congregations to these subjects, on the first Sabbath of October, and agreed that a pastoral address be prepared, and measures adopted for the circulation of suitable tracts. The Synod received a memorial on Sabbath school instruction, and recommended ministers to give it their encouragment and assistance, and to cherish a missionary spirit among the young; and the professor was appointed to publish an address on the subject. An overture was also received on the alarming extent to which the sin of drunkenness prevails; and the Synod instructed all ministers to preach on the subject, on the last Sabbath of the year; and appointed a committee to take it further into consideration. It likewise renewed its injunction to preach on Sab bath-desecration on the first Sabbath of December. The Synod broke up on the Thursday evening, after a meeting which had been exceedingly harmonious and comfortable, and at which not a single

vote had been taken.

ORIGINAL SECEDERS.

Ir may be recollected that a considerable time ago we informed our readers that several meetings had been held, with a view to a union between this body and the Free Church. These have been adjourned sine die ;* and the Seceders have subsequently had' two conferences with

* It is stated in a recent number of the Witness that last assembly of the Free Church reappointed its committee of correspondence with the Seceders.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS.

A DOCUMENT has been lately printed, by order of parliament, giving an .account of the public income and expenditure of the United Kingdom, for three years, ended the 5th of January 1844, 1845, and 1846. The income was, in the three years respectively, L.56,935,022; L.58,590,217; and L.57,602,268: whilst the expenditure was L.55,501,740; L.55,103,647; and L.53,873,063.

The paper has since been published under the title "What ought the Original Seceders to do now?" It was, we understand, the spontaneous production of the learned Professor, without any appointment from his brethren, some of whom, we have heard, did not entirely concur in all his views.

ERRATUM.

In article on Liquidation of Debt, page 412, for "L.514,,000," read "L.54,000.”

MURRAY AND GIBB, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH.

THE

UNITED SECESSION MAGAZINE

FOR NOVEMBER, 1846.

MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNICATIONS.

THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.

THE "DIVIDED CHURCH" is to be made ONE. Of this we are quite sure. None who knows and believes his Bible can doubt it. The prophetic oracle points to a period, "when out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Still more particularly it foreshows a period, "when the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain ; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." If, from the prophetic announcements, we turn to New Testament declarations, we find our Lord saying to his disciples once and again, "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye love one another." And then we find the whole mind of the Saviour, in regard to the union of his people, concentrated in that petition, which has of late been so often quoted, but which cannot be too frequently repeated, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their word, that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou has sent me." Since, then, the visible union of the followers of Jesus is foretold, since the Redeemer has commanded his people to manifest it, and since he made it, and we doubt not makes it still,the subject of prayer to his Father, surely all genuine Christians will hail with gratitude and holy joy every movement in the visible church, the object, or the natural tendency of which, is to draw its members closer to one another, and to diffuse among them that fraternal love which is at once the evidence, and the fruit of their union with their living head. 3 P

NO. XI. VOL. III.

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