a library, on certain stipulated condi- | of May next, they would meet as sepations for its maintenance and increase. rate bodies for the last time, and be The Synod approved of the diligence of formed into one, very soon to forget that the committee, and re-committed the they had ever existed in any other capamatter to their care. city.

TUESDAY EVENING.

Mr WELSH had long considered union inevitable. They had reason to be grateful to God, that the only point on which there was a chance of division had been satisfactorily adjusted, and that, simply by being brought rightly to understand each other. For, to make free communion a term of communion, would, in his view, be one of the worst forms of strict communion.

The memorial to the Presbyterian Churches in the United States of America, on the subject of slavery, was revised and abridged, was again read and adopted, ordered to be signed by the moderator and clerk, and its transmission remitted to the committee-Mr Hay, Arbroath, dissenting, for reasons to be given in. Mr M'NAUGHTON was happy to see The deputation from the Synod of this day. For thirty years, ministers of Relief, consisting of Rev. Messrs M'Dou- the Secession Church had occasionally gall, Kilmarnock; Welsh, Falkirk; occupied his pulpit; and he was disposed Macnaughton, Milngavie ; Beckett, to trace the position into which the two Rutherglen; with Mr Hart, elder, were churches have now been brought, to the now announced, and business being sus-leadings of divine Providence, and to pended, they were introduced imme- regard it as a token of the divine gooddiately, and heard. ness, and an earnest of many future blessings to the united church.

Mr M'DOUGALL began by reading an extract from the minutes of the Relief Synod, stating that the basis of union, as amended, had been adopted, that they found it to be their duty to agree to the union of the two churches on that basis, and that should it suit the convenience of this Synod, theirs would meet again in Edinburgh, on the 10th of May next, to consummate the union;-and farther, that they had re-appointed the former committee, with the addition of their moderator, Rev. Mr Pettigrew, Dysart, to co-operate with a similar committee of this Synod, in making all the preliminary arrangements necessary to the completion of the union.

Mr BECKETT said that this was, most probably, the last of the system of deputations; and that the appointment of a stripling, such as he was, to visit this Synod, after their venerable fathers and learned doctors and professors had been here, was, according to his own understanding at least, to intimate that all of their members, from the most aged and experienced, to the most youthful and inconsiderable, were alike hearty in their felicitations on this auspicious occasion.

Dr YOUNG, Perth, participated in the satisfaction which their brethren of the Relief Church had expressed, in contemplating the stage at which this business had arrived, and trusted that it was the beginning of a new impulse to the per

energetic operations in disseminating the gospel to other lands. He would like to know, whether, in the preliminary arrangements to be made by the committees, there is contemplated the consulting of proper legal authority in regard to church property, on their part and on ours; as the very fact of doing so, might protect us against expensive and troublesome litigation afterwards.

Having laid this paper on the table, he proceeded to say, that in reflecting on the negotiations that were now draw-sonal piety of both churches, and to their ing near their close, two things struck his mind, which it could not be improper or imprudent to mention. The first is, that there has been sincerity on both sides. This has been evinced by mutual concessions. The Synod of Relief has conceded the recognition of the Catechisms, and the Secession has conceded that free communion, about which we, as a church, have said so much, and I may add, of which we have seen so little, shall be made a matter of forbearance. Again, both Synods have shown the utmost caution and prudence in the steps taken to advance this union. Here he referred, in a humorous strain, to the courtship that had taken place for eleven years past, between the two, and expressed his hope that in the month

Mr THOMAS said that a large discretion must be given to the committees ; that they would require to look at the name, for example, and other things, as well as the rights of property; and that these important matters could not be committed to a committee better qualified to attend to them than that which had all along conducted the negotiations

connected with this union, in so satis- present moment, for the re-adjustment factory and successful a manner. of their bursaries, on the principle of competition. The Free Church, too, had seen reason to alter the plan with which they had set out, and to adopt that with which it was proposed that we should commence. To this evidence, he added that of his own experience and observation, and he had had not a little to do with obtaining bursaries for poor students.

The same committee, accordingly, was reappointed, with the following additions: -The moderator, Rev. John Newlands, Dr Thomson, Coldstream; A. G. Ellis, Esq., and J. Mitchell, Esq., elders. Mr Cameron, elder, was also added at a subsequent sederunt.

The suggestion to meet in Edinburgh, on the 10th of May next, simultaneously with the Synod of Relief, was also adopted; and at the instance of Dr Beattie, a recommendation, similar to what had been given in the case of the former union, was recorded, viz. :-that to render the union as hearty and happy as possible, a very general intercourse should be maintained between the ministers and congregations of the two bodies, in the interval that was to elapse before its consummation.

The doctor then proceeded to combat some of the more formidable and prevalent objections to the scheme, commencing with one against the principle of competition on which it was founded, viz. that being awarded on this principle bursaries were most likely to be obtained by those who had the least need of them. There are few of our students, comparatively, who do not need them, or would not be greatly the better for them. But, The next business brought before the besides, two considerations led him to Synod, was an overture relative to the the formation of an entirely opposite instituting of bursaries or scholarships, opinion on this point; first, that the for students connected with the United more indigent students are generally the Secession Church. It is proposed that older students, and would come to the these bursaries be of two classes, one for competition with maturer powers; and, students attending college, and whose secondly, they had a larger stake in the intention it is to become ministers of competition, and were likely to make the gospel, in connexion with the United greater exertions. Again, this scheme, Secession Church; the other, for students it was said, would be the mean of introattending the Divinity Hall; that they ducing invidious distinctions among the be of different grades, say, L.20, L.15, students. The same thing might be said and L.10, for university students; and of prizes, and of every kind of encourageL.25, L.20, and L.10, for students in ment to excellence. But, besides being Theology; that there be four sets in the competed for annually, the bursaries one case, and five in the other, corre- might go into many hands, and the pressponding to the terms of study, respec- tige connected with them be very genetively; that all the scholarships be rally diffused. But was not the church awarded on the principle of competition; multiplying schemes unduly ? And that the competition for them be annual; would it not be better to complete some that the examiners be a committee of of them, before commencing so many ? Synod, elected for three years, and re- There would be force in this objection eligible at the expiry of that period; were the church at large to be drawn that the same board of examiners, or a upon for the support of this scheme; but subdivision of it, try all students, whether it fell to the ground when it was recolthey are attending the college or the lected that the funds were to be prohall; and that the examination be vided by individuals who had already principally written, but partly oral. The signified their willingness to contribute overture specifies other details relating for this purpose, and who would not, on to the times and places of the examina- that account, lessen by one mite, their tion, &c., which need not be inserted contributions to the other schemes of here. usefulness in which the church had embarked.

In defence of the principle of competition, on which it was proposed to award the bursaries, Dr King stated, that those in the Glasgow College were awarded on a different principle, on the eleemosynary principle, and that their influence was worse than questionable; while in the Edinburgh University, arrangements were being made at this

Mr BOYD, Convener of the Synod House Commitee, reported, that the works were going on satisfactorily, and that he was not without hopes of the Synod House being ready for the reception of the Synod, at their next meeting. He also said, that it was necessary to extend the powers of the Finance committee, to pay outstanding balances, and carry on the buildings. These powers were granted; and the recommendation was renewed to all the congregations, which had not collected for this purpose, to do so with all convenient speed, and to Presbyteries, to take care that attention be paid to this recommendation.

it only supplemented the labours of these | Committee, - Professors of Theology, courts. It may be apprehended in some Drs Young, King, (Convener), Robson, quarters, that the examiners will become John Taylor, James Taylor, M'Kelvie, patrons in the church, and their favour M'Farlane, Messrs W. Pringle, W. Johna passport into the best vacancies. But ston, Renton, A. Thomson, J. Cairns, who needs to be told that popular gifts D. Thomas; H. M'Gill, with Bailie, are what regulate congregations in the Duncan, D. Anderson, Esq, J. Young, choice of a pastor ?-that no certificate Esq., Elders. of scholarship can stand before the good voice, a fluent oratory, and a prepossessing appearance. The last objection that he would notice was, that the seheme encouraged attainment to the exclusion of piety. This is a mistake, as none but such as furnish satisfactory evidence of a religious character will be allowed to compete for any of the bursaries. Should the overture be adopted by the Synod, he was prepared to go into details before a committee, with which he would not now trouble the court. And should it be rejected, he rejoiced to think that it would be impossible to trace the failure of the scheme to the apathy of the people. Judging from the sum already contributed, he felt warranted in saying, that if it were heartily gone into, scholarships to the amount of 'from L.900 to L.1000 annually would be instituted in connexion with our church. Dr K. called, in conclusion, on the students, to justify the scheme, should it be adopted, by the exhibition of its fruits; and met with an emphatic denial the assertion that the Secession Church had fulfilled her mission. His firm persuasion was, that much as she had done, her great work was yet before her.

WEDNESDAY, 14th Oct. 1846.

The attention of the Synod was occupied to-day, with two very important subjects, viz. Theological Education, and Sabbath Schools. Each of them had, at last meeting, been remitted for consideration, to a separate committee, to report to the present meeting. These reports were now read by the conveners of the committees, respectively. Our limits will allow of nothing more than the merest outlines of these valuable and interesting documents, a circumstance which is the less to be regretted, that both are to be printed, and will, doubtless, secure for themselves, a wide circulation.

2.

The report on Theological Education, was read by Rev. William Thomson, Slateford, and contained specific recommendations in reference-1. To the superintendence of university students; To the examination of students, for admission into the Hall; 3. To the Presbyterial superintendence of theological students; 4. To the management of the students' library, and 5. To the appointment of a standing committee on theological education, whose duties were enumerated.

The subject received a full discussion, Drs M'Kelvie, Young, James Taylor, Robson, Ritchie, Beattie, and Messrs Renton, Elles, A. Thomson, George Jeffrey, taking part in it. Many suggestions were offered, and the necessity of caution and mature consideration, to meet the acknowledged difficulties and delicacies of the scheme, was, on all sides, insisted on. Yet the overture met with a very general and a very cordial support, as the unanimous finding of the Synod will show; in which they express their deep sense of the importance of this overture, their high appreciation of its design, and their cordial thanks to the benevolent individuals who have prof- After reading the report, Mr Thomson ferred such liberal contributions in its added some remarks in explanation and support, and to Dr King, for his great enforcement of its several provisions, and attention to the subject; adopt the concluded thus,—We recognise the great principle of the overture, and appoint a principle, that it is the sacred duty of committee to take the scheme into early, the church, to guard well the sacred and profound consideration, and report office, to uprear a race of faithful men, to on the best mode of carrying it into whom shall be committed the things effect, with the least possible delay. that we ourselves have learned-to give

all due encouragement to young men of to the presbyteries of the church for talents and piety, to direct their atten- consideration, with directions to send in tion to the ministry, and after they have their reports to the convener of the comdone so, to elevate their qualifications to mittee, before the 15th of March next. the utmost. Whenever we have failed, as The Report on Sabbath Schools, was a church, in acquitting ourselves of this read by Rev A. Thomson, Edinburgh; high responsibility, there is one depart- and the following may be taken as a ment in which we must own, with delight specimen of its facts and figures.-In 262 and gratitude, that the hand of our God congregations which have sent returns, has been upon us. We can point to the there are 340 Sabbath schools, 3025 list of those who have been the tutors of teachers, and 27920 scholars. Connected our rising ministry with honest pride, or with these same congregations, there are rather, I should say, with devout gratitude 240 senior classes, conducted chiefly by to Him, who has blessed us with such the minister. Some of the Sabbath men. Nor does the present state of our schools, date as far back as 1793; one Theological Hall, in this respect, leave fourth of them have missionary societies any thing to be wished for, privileged as or boxes connected with them; the we are with the labours of men, whose Juvenile Missionary Magazine is largely eminent abilities, distinguished attain- circulated among them; in a few, Juvements, and devoted zeal, shed a lustre nile Libraries exist; and, although the on the body, as they would in any church teachers speak with great and becoming in Christendom. But let us strengthen caution on this point, not a few instances the hands of our professors, by improving of conversion to God have been menour plans of presbyterial superintendence. Who is there that can fail to see the connexion that there is between this work and the efficiency of our church? If we would elevate its condition, let us look well, not merely to the maintenance of our ministry (as we have at length resolved, though somewhat tardily, to do), but also to the rich furnishing of our ministry, and their due preparation, in respect of literary attainments, and personal devotedness. Not more truly does the mirror reflect the object that is placed before it, than the character of a church reflects the qualifications of those who minister at her altars.

But one opinion prevailed in the court, as to the importance of this subject, and the value of the recommendations contained in the Report. Mr Renton was not prepared to admit that it was a better plan to examine students by presbyteries, superintended by a board, than simply by a board appointed for that express purpose. Dr Brown expressed his entire acquiescence in the principles of the Report, and his conviction that the labours of the Professors would be rendered both more pleasant and more efficient, if its recommendations were attended to; and the conversation terminated in the unanimous adoption of the following resolution -that the thanks of the Synod be tendered to the committee; that the Report be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes; that the recommendations relative to the superintendence of university students, and the library, be adopted; and that the other parts of the Report be remitted

tioned. The report concludes with a number of important recommendations to students in theology to devote themselves to the work of Sabbath school tuition-to sessions, to raise by every means, the standard of qualification among the teachers of Sabbath schools, and occupy, so far as possible, the neglected districts around them-to presbyteries, to set apart special meetings for the consideration of this subject—and to the Synod, to appoint a standing committee or board, to superintend the whole operations of the church in this department; and report from time to time.

Before sitting down, Mr T. said, that something must be done in this cause, were it only on the principle of selfdefence. The Free Church would soon have 800 schools, and with each of these a Sabbath school would be connected. He did not propose any sectarian measure; all that he said was, that the fair, as well as the dutiful way, was for each church to take the youth belonging to it, under its own care, and to raise as many missionary Sabbath schools as possible. He hoped that we would soon have one day of our meeting of Synod devoted to the educational movement, as we had to our missions, and matters of finance; and when this is the case, the Secession Church, or the United Church, whatever may be the name, will again strike new roots, deep and far down, into the soil of Scotland.

Mr HAY considered that this report possessed an interest peculiarly great; and regretted that it was not so complete,

as it might have been, through the began the services with praise and prayer. neglect of parties to make returns. Dr Mr Scott delivered an address on Chris BROWN said, this was one of the most im- tian Union, and was followed by Mr portant matters, that could come before Brown of Wishawtown, who gave an adthis, or any other church, and dwelt, at dress on the proposed basis of union. considerable length, on the claims which Mr Barrie closed the services with prayer children have, as members of the church and praise. Both meetings with our by baptism, on the fostering care of her Relief brethren were pleasant and harministers and people. He heard the monious, and, it is hoped, tended to report with great delight, and with great strengthen that good fee ing which now satisfaction, seconded the motion for its happily subsists between the two churches, adoption. Mr THOMAS regretted, that and prepare for a close connexion.this report had not been heard by the Lanark, September 22d-The presbytery whole Synod, by the entire church. He met again this day. Reports from the regretted also, that Dr Brown's remarks sessions of the congregations connected had not been as extensively heard. The with the presbytery, concerning the union suggestions of the report were very valu- with the Relief Church, and the proable, and it was desirable that they posed "basis" upon which the union may should be known throughout the body. be effected, were given in. All these It was then agreed unanimously, to ap-reports were unanimously in favour of prove the diligence of the committee, the union, and approved of the basis. and tender them thanks for their labours, to print the Report in the Appendix to the Synod's Minutes, to re-appoint the committee to give effect to their own recommendations, and prosecute the inquiries in which they have been engaged; enjoining, at the same time, all presbyteries and sessions to give immediate attention to the recommendations of the committee, and furnish such returns, as may be required of them, in carrying forward their labours. At the suggestion of Mr Thomson, the Rev. Messrs W. Johnston, D. Thomas, S. Sinclair, H. M'Gill, with John Boyd, and J. Cornwall, Esq. were added to the Committee. After the transaction of some routine business, the Synod engaged in devotional exercises, and was dismissed with the benediction, by the moderator.

The court then proceeded to the consi deration of the same document. Read the preliminary portion, which proposes a name for the united church. After remarks, the presbytery expressed dissatisfaction with the designation "The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland," and suggested, in preference, as less likely to disturb old and pleasing associations, cherished by members of both churches, the title The United Church of the Secession and Relief." The articles were then all read seratiam, and the following were unanimously approved of, viz. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. The following alterations were suggested on articles 5 and 9:-On the 5th, that the clause, "a credible profession of the faith of Christ" be expressed, "a credible profession of the personal faith in Christ;" and in the 9th, that the expres sion "and promote," be inserted after Lanark, August 25th.-The presbytery the word "maintain." The presbytery met this day, in accordance with pre-expressed unánimous approval of the vious arrangements, to hold a confer- proposed union, and earnest desires that ence with the Relief Presbytery of Ha- it may be speedily consummated to the milton. There was a private meeting glory of God, and the best interests of of the members of both presbyteries, at both the churches. It was agreed to which Mr Smith presided, and along with hold the next meeting on the Tuesday Mr Millar, the usual moderator, ad- after the fourth Sabbath of October. dressed our Relief brethren, expressing shortly the sentiments we entertain regarding them and the church with which they are connected, and the hope that a speedy and happy union between their church and ours will be effected. At the close of the private conference, a public meeting was held in the Second Relief Church, which, considering the hour of the day when it was held, was remarkably well attended by the people. Mr Johnston, the minister of the church,

PRESBYTERIAL NOTICES.

NO. XI. VOL. III.

Stirling and Falkirk. At a meeting of this presbytery held in Stirling on the 8th of September, among other matters, made arrangements for the visits of a deputation from the missionary board to those congregations, four in number, whose payments of stipend fall short of L.100 a year. The presbytery met at Falkirk on the 22d of September. At this meeting reports were received from sessions on the scheme of union with the Relief Church. Those from Bucklyvie 3 U