tained respecting us. I am here to offer this Synod a heart just as full of admiration of your talents and piety, as all your self-love can possibly desire-only making this remark, let your love, and the absence of every suspicion of us, just go forward, till the ice of every Relief man's heart has been removed. We are full of admiration of you-just let your love be manifested with the same firmness and freeness that it has lately been, and then we will see that it is God's work that is about to be accomplished, in making, out of these two bodies, one very strong for going forth in our Master's cause.

After a few words by Mr Thomas, elder, Dr Harper, on the call of the moderator, replied to the addresses of the deputation.

The 133d Psalm was now sung, and prayer was offered up by the Rev. Dr Struthers, on the part of the deputation; and on the part of Synod, by Rev. Dr Young, Perth; after which the deputa tion was briefly addressed by the moderator, and withdrew. Thus terminated the proceedings of this interesting occasion. They will not soon be forgotten by any who had the happiness of taking part in them. Beautifully illustrative of the spirit of union generally; their influence, we doubt not, will be at once extensive and beneficial, in expediting the union of the Relief and Secession Churches in particular.

educated in a Relief manse; trained | principle, to apologize for the suspicions, under a patriotic Relief man; and not if such exist, which may still be enter only that, but that the manse was frequented by some of the greatest ornaments of the denomination, and especially by the celebrated Hutchison. And here I give my honest declaration, that in that manse, by that father, and by these brethren of Hutchison, I never heard a word pronounced that had a tendency to cause my infant and boyish mind to have any thing but the highest respect for the Secession. When I designed to go forward and make a confession of Jesus Christ, my father put into my hand a book, written by one of your own living ministers, as the very best that he knew. I give this as the first part of my testimony. But here is the next,-I was taught, from the beginning, to look upon the Secession as men that scorned me and my father-that scorned my denomination, that suspected the integrity of our principles, and forbade their people to hear my father preach. There was a wonderful contrast, in my youthful mind, between the admiration produced by the praise of the Secession ministers, and the terror with which, from their feelings towards us, I was taught to regard them. In this state of mind I came to college, being about twelve years of age. My father put me under the care of a good lady who, though belonging to the chapel of ease, was somewhat Relief, and allowed me considerable latitude. So round the churches I went; but where did I stop? Dr Mitchell of Anderston was the choice of my youthful mind. There I was most frequently to be found. I continued, till I was a minister myself, to hold the whole Secession Synod in high admiration. But still there lurked a suspicion that, whatever admiration I might have of them, they had no admiration of my father, nor of me. It was a considerable time after I was a minister, before that suspicion began to subside. It was subdued under the kind and courteous treatment of Dr Marshall and Dr Heugh,—of my much venerated friends, Dr Kidston and Dr Beattie. It has been gradually disappearing, and there is now very little of it left. And I am most willing to allow that, if, amid all the kindness and respect that has been poured out personally on myself, and generally on my Synod, any feeling of coldness still remains, the fault lies entirely with myself; and I am to be apologised for a little on that educational principle of which I have been speaking, just as I am ready, on the same

Late as the hour now was, the Synod resolved to hear the Rev. Mr M'Intyre, deputy from the Associate Presbytery of Ireland, as he was under the necessity of leaving town in the morning. The reverend gentleman, who was evidently labouring under indisposition, expressed the high gratification which he had ex perienced in attending the meetings of this Synod. One circumstance alone, to which he wished to give prominence, would have amply compensated him for coming, viz.: that he would have it in his power to contradict the reports that were most industriously circulated on the other side of the channel, against the orthodoxy of the United Secession Church. Much as was said in Ireland about the alleged Arminianism of this church, it was his full conviction, from all that he had heard, and especially from the universal and cordial manner in which the 2d Article of the Basis had been adopted (and that conviction he would not be slow to proclaim), that she was as Calvinistic as she had ever been in

FRIDAY, 9TH OCTOBER.

Dr KING reported, on behalf of the

the days of the Erskines, the Moncrieffs, and King a committee to answer their the Fishers, &c. He stated, farther, that communication, just laid on the table, the church which had deputed him to and recorded their determination to attend this meeting, was most anxious for take the subject matter of it into their a union with this church,-that its mem- early and earnest consideration. bers as well as its ministers were looking forward to such a union, with the most earnest expectation-and were fully persuaded that, in the present important committee on the eldership, that they crisis, when the college of Maynooth had been endowed, and the endowment of the Roman Catholic priesthood was contemplated, not to speak of the clamorous demands that were being made on the national purse by their protestant and presbyterian brethren, a union with this church would tend materially to the dissemination of an unfettered Christianity in Ireland.

Mr M'Intyre then laid on the table a paper, which he had been commissioned by the small but faithful band whom he represented, to communicate to the Synod-expressing their feelings of cordial christian brotherhood-their desire for a union with the United Secession Church-and their readiness, till they are united, to draw as closely as possible the ties of christian fellowship, as independent sister Churches.

After some observations by the Rev. J. Boyd, Belfast,

Dr YOUNG, Perth, said that he was very favourable to a union with the Associate Presbytery of Ireland, for two reasons;-first, because they were worthy; and, secondly, because of the peculiar circumstances in which that body was placed, as just described by Mr M'Intyre. For that purpose, however, he could not agree to make the voluntary principle a term of communion, as that body did; but he should have no objection to allow them to make as strong a declaration on that point as they chose, and to act upon it, provided they allowed him in return, to hold his own opinions, and to carry out his conscientious convictions in reference to the same point. For his own part, he had a great deal more forbearance about him, than he would require to exercise in such a case. The difficulties, he apprehended, on our part, will be very small, to unite with them; if only they can see their way clear to unite with us.

had prepared a compendium of the duties of elders, but have refrained from issuing it, till the pending negotiations between this and the Relief Church are completed, that it may be sanctioned and emitted by the United Church. The report was received, and the conduct of the committee approved.

Rev. A. THOMSON, Edinburgh, called attention to the afflictive event with which our own and other lands have been visited, in the extensive failure of the potato crop ;-and the Synod, deeply impressed with the duty of the church to humble itself before God under this trying dispensation, agreed that an early day be set apart for this purpose, and appointed a committee to correspond with other churches on the subject, so as to secure, as far as practicable, the otservance of the same day. Committee to consist of Mr Thomson, with Drs Robson and King.

The Synod proceeded to the consideration of the 9th Article of the Basis, and while so engaged, a request was presented by the Synod of Relief, through the Rev. Mr Jarvie, Kelso, that the deliverance on this Article should be transmitted as soon as practicable, that they might have the opportunity of considering it. Agreed to comply with this request, and appointed the Rev. Drs Brown and Baird, with J. Peddie, Esq., to be the bearers of the deliverance, whenever it should be arrived at. Resumed discussion of the Article, when it was, after long reasoning, and the submission of various proposals, carried, that what is contained in this 9th Article, with the exception of a single clause that seemed to sanction free communion, should be added to the concluding paragraph, and that there should be inserted in its room, as Article IX. another, asserting the validity of the reasons of separation from the judicaDrs Hay and King, and Rev. Messrs tories of the Established Church, toRonald and Renton followed in a similar gether with the lawfulness and obligation strain; whereupon the Synod expressed of such separation, in the circumstances the warm esteem and interest with in which the founders of both churches which they regard the Associate Pres- were placed, at the time that they bytery of Ireland-appointed Drs Young seceded.

NO. XI. VOL. III.

3 т

All the articles of the basis having would now read. In substance, it was been considered, seriatim, an additional to this effect, either that there should be article was proposed, having reference to introduced into the 9th article as amendthe preparation of a summary of princi- ed, a clause recognizing free communion ples, testimony, &c.; but, after some dis- as a matter of forbearance; or, that a cussion, it was decided that the consider- new article (the terms of which were ation of these matters should be deferred submitted) embodying this principle, till the union has been consummated. should be inserted as No. VI. of the From this deed, Rev. Messrs Marshall, basis, when, of course, the 9th, as transCupar - Angus; Clapperton, Johnston; mitted by this Synod, would stand No. X. Graham, Keith; and Young, Kinclaven; dissented, for reasons to be given in. Dr Brown intimated that he, along with the other brethren appointed, had met with the Relief Synod, and been most cordially received-had laid on their table the deliverance of this Synod on the 9th article, and were instructed to say that it would be taken into immediate and careful consideration.

The concluding paragraph of the basis was adopted, with the addition formerly mentioned,

Dr Struthers, and Rev. Mr Taylor, gave a very lucid and candid explanation of what was wished by their Synod, and of the grounds on which it was required. They did not wish, nor did they expect, a recognition of the principle of free communion, but a simple, though, at the same time, a distinct declaration that it should be made a matter of forbearance. This, though not originally contemplated in the 9th article, which did not come from their side of the house, but from the committee acting on behalf of the United Associate Synod, FRIDAY EVENING. they were, from the course that the disRespecting the preliminary sections of cussion had taken, and especially from the paper entitled "Scheme of Union," the exclusion of the words which were &c., two proposals were made-the one, understood to recognize the principle of that they should be reviewed paragraph free communion, now very desirous to by paragraph, as the basis had been obtain ; as that principle had been acted the other, that having now agreed on on by their body from the very comthe basis, such consideration of the pre-mencement of its existence, and was one liminary sections of the scheme should of which they were very jealous. The be dispensed with as unnecessary. The right, besides, of following out conscienlatter proposal was adopted-several members marking their dissent, but by the most of them it was subsequently withdrawn.

tious conviction in this respect, had, on both sides, been conceded in all the deliberations and negotiations of the union committees, and it was hoped that no difficulty would be felt in admitting an explicit declaration of that right, in one of the forms submitted, and with either of them they would be satisfied.

The introductory paragraph, or preamble, of the basis still lay over for consideration; and the motion was made and ultimately carried, that the preamble should be superseded by the following The deputation then withdrew, and appendix:-That in the opinion of this the amendments as reported, were read Synod, there is nothing to warrant the again by the clerk, and taken immecontinued separation of the United Se-diately into consideration; the result of cession and Relief Churches; that union in these circumstances becomes an imperative duty; and that on the basis now adopted, it should be effected with as little delay as possible.

A deputation from the Synod of Relief, consisting of Rev. Drs Lindsay and Struthers, and Rev. Mr Taylor, was announced, and business was suspended to receive them.

which was, that the second part of the alternative offered was unanimously accepted, viz. the insertion of the new article, declaring free communion to be a matter of forbearance, in the basis of union.

Some conversation ensued as to the time when the union should be consummated. A strong desire was evinced on the part of many, that this should take Being introduced, Dr LINDSAY said, place on the Tuesday or Wednesday of that the Synod which they represented, next week. The practicability and prohad taken into their serious consideration priety of this were earnestly and powerthe amendments made by this Synod on fully urged, and it was the course, certhe 9th article of the basis, and the re-tainly, which feeling would have dictated. sult of their deliberations was stated in Eventually, however, it was deemed pruhe extract from their minutes, which he dent to defer the consummation of the

union till another meeting of the two Sy- | churches in reference to it; and meannods, and resolved nem. con. that the Rev. Drs Beattie and Robson, Rev. Mr Hay, Arbroath, and J. Peddie, Esq., should proceed to the Relief Synod, and intimate to them that, in the opinion of this Synod, a large committee from both bodies should be appointed to make arrangements for carrying the union into effect, with power to consult counsel, should that appear to be necessary,and to recommend that a meeting of both Synods, to receive the report of said large joint committee, and consummate the union, be held in the month of May next.

MONDAY EVENING, 12TH OCT. The Synod sanctioned the grants recommended by the committee on funds. The committee appointed to prepare an answer to the communication from the Associate Presbytery of Ireland, formerly referred to, produced a draft of said answer, which was approved, and ordered to be transmitted. The draft of a memorial to the American churches on the subject of slavery, was also read by the convener of the committee appointed at last meeting of Synod to prepare it, when, after some consideration, it was agreed to express approval of the spirit of the memorial, to tender thanks to the committee for drawing it up, and to remit it to them for revision and abridgement.

TUESDAY, 13TH OCT.

while, enjoin ministers specially to direct attention to the evils of Sabbath desecration, and sessions to be faithful and zealous in enforcing the discipline of the church, on all who are found guilty of the sin of Sabbath profanation, and presbyteries to warn the congregations under their care, against the forms of this crying evil, which prevail in their respective localities; and, at the same time, direct all presbyteries to take note of the diligence of ministers and sessions in this matter, and to report on the same, and also on the practice which obtains within their several bounds, to the convener, before the 15th of March next, that a digest of the whole may be presented to the Synod at its next meeting.

The moderator having vacated the chair, which was occupied, ad interim, by Dr Kidston, gave an account of his procedure at Kirkintilloch, where he had been appointed to preach on Sabbath last, and to declare the congregation of Dr Marshall vacant, on account of his having withdrawn from the United Secession Church. It was to this effect

that he had gone on Sabbath last to Kirkintilloch for the purpose specified, taking two friends along with him, to act as witnesses-that he had been denied entrance to the church by a large body of the people-that he, thereupon read a minute, which was afterwards signed by himself and the two witnesses, setting forth A report from the committee on Sab- this as the reason why he had not fulbath profanation appointed at last meet- filled the appointment which he had reing, was read, suggesting various means ceived, together with extracts from the for the counteraction of this wide-spread Synod minutes relating to the subject; evil. An animated conversation ensued that he intimated his readiness to preach on the general subject. Rev. A. Thom- in the open air, or in any place that son, after remarking that many of the might be provided; that he did preach, recommendations of the report had been in the afternoon, in a very commodious anticipated, called attention to the accu- place, to an audience of from 90 to 100; mulation of railway labourers in particu- that after service, he invited any memlar localities, as a very fruitful source of bers of the congregation who might be Sabbath desecration, and to the import- present, and who wished to remain in ance of doing something for their in- connexion with the United Associate struction and improvement. Various Synod, to remain for conference; and other suggestions were made by members that 20 individuals remained, who, after of Court, much stress being laid on the much free conversation, resolved unanifaithful exercise of discipline; when Dr mously, without pledging themselves to Baird and Mr Renton were appointed to any future course of proceeding, to place bring in a motion that might harmonise themselves, in the meantime, under the the views which had been expressed. It cognizance of the presbytery of Glasgow, was brought in shortly afterwards, in the and request supply of sermon. He read following terms, and unanimously adopt-also a letter which he had received yesed. 66 Approve the diligence of the com- terday, addressed to him as moderator, mittee, and remit to them to watch over from those adhering to Dr Marshall, in this important subject, and avail them- which they expressed their sympathy selves of any opportunities that may be with him, their approval of his conduct, offered of corresponding with other and their adoption of his protest.

The Synod having heard the report, | him for the discharge of its functions. recorded their approval of the modera- The result accordingly was, that the tor's conduct, and referred the parties entire recommendation of the Mission connected with the congregation in Kirk- Board was unanimously adopted by the intilloch who had expressed desire for a Synod. The sum named was guaransupply of sermon, to the presbytery of teed, on conditions that were specified, Glasgow, which was appointed to meet for the support of an additional profesat the close of the sederunt. sor in Canada, with a pastoral charge. The Rev. J. Robertson was unanimously elected to that office; and it was remitted to the Board of Missions to confer with Mr Robertson, and take all necessary steps for carrying the resolution into effect.