YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY KECOMMENDATIONS OF BE. M'KEKEOWS HISTOEY OF THE SECESSION CHUECH. NEW AND CHEAP EDITION. The History of the Secession Church, by the Rev. John M'Kerrow (of which a new Edition is now called for), has, we are aware, been the fruit of much research, as well as of the study of several years ; — is greatly approved of by those who are best acquainted vrith the facts of which it treats ; — and we have full freedom in recommending it to the attention of the Public, and the perusal of Members of our Chiirch, as an able, im partial, and interesting account of the affairp vfhich it professes to nar rate. James Peddie, D.D. John Brown, D.D. John Mitchell, D.D. , Donald Pbasee, D.D. I cordially concur with others in recommending Dr. M'Kerrow's His tory of the Secession Church as a very instructive and interesting Work. The cheap form in whieh it is now to appear will have the effect I trust of greatly extending its usefulness. David Kino, LL.D., Cflasffow. I very cordiaUy recommend the cheap Edition of Dr. M'Kerrow's ex cellent History of the SeoessioB. a. Heugh, D.D., Cflascfow. Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession is too well known to re quire any recommendation from me. Its general acceptability is plainly indicated by the fact, that it has so soon reached a third edition. That Edition contains the latest improvements and additions by its respected author, and is of course to be preferred to those which have preceded it. John Robson, D.D., Glascfom. I have much pleasure in subjoining my testimony to the exedlencea of Dr. M'Kerrow's " History of the Secession Church" as a work replete with valuable information, prepared with much care, and written in a commendable spirit of candour and impartiality. James SAS.p:En, D.D. I have great pleasure in recommending Dr. M'KeiTow's Hiatory of the Secession, as a book containing a great amount of information, interest ing to all who take pleasure in tracing the progress of evangelical senti ment, and especially to those connected with the United Secession Church. William Johnston, Miniater, Limekilns.. I have much pleasure in bearing my humble testimony to the merita of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church ; a Work of much re search, great accuracy and impartiality, and written in a correct and pleasing style. This new and third Edition (of which a specimen will be presented) appears superior to the two former in the fulness of its supple mentary matter, consisting of biographical notices of Secession authors, with a list of their various productions, in its pictorial embellishments, and in cheapness of price. It should have, aa it deserves, a place in the library of every member ofthe Secession Church. G. Robson, Mimster, Lauder. I have read M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, and cer tainly entertain a very favourable opinion of it, both as to the general fidelity of the narrative and its literary merits. George Lawson, Minister, Selkirk. Entertaining a very high opinion of the value of Dr. M'Kerrow's His tory of the Secession Church, I cordially recommend the third Edition, now in course of publication, as the fullest and by much the cheapest which has' appeared, and as well worthy of a place in the family library of Secession families. Henet Renton, Secession Manse, Kelso. The History of the Secession Church,- by the Rev. Dr. M'Kerrow, is justly and highly esteemed for the accuracy, extent, and value of the in formation which it contains, for the catholic spirit which it breathea ; and the cheap Edition which is now offered confers a favour on the mem bers of the Secession Church and the publio at large. Arch. Baird, D.D., Paislei/. The Rev. Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church is, in my opinion, a work of great merit ; as a literary performance, but especially as a truthful narrative, it is justly entitled to the highest praise, and it will afford me much pleasure to hear of its being purchased by many of the families of my congregation. Alex. Jack, Minister, Dunbar. I have much pleasure in recommending Dr. M'Kerrow's History of.the Secession Church as a work of great merit. It ought to be in the handa of every one who desires to have an impartial and faithful record of the origin and progress of this interesting part of the Church of Christ. From the specimen I have seen of this (third) Edition, I have no doubt that the Work will be still more interesting, and hope therefore that its BiieoesB here and elsewhere may be complete. J. M. Dteb, Minister, North Berwick. I give my hearty concurrence to the republication of Dr. M'Kerrow'a History of the Secession. William Nisbet, Minister, Paisley. On the whole, I approve of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Churoh, as containing much useful information that ought to be possessed by all the members of the Secession Church. John Clapperton, Minister, Johnstone. The History above referred to is, in my opinion, well worthy of publia regard. R. D. WiisoN, Minister, Greenock. It gives me much pleasure to recommend Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession, which I have perused with much profit and delight myself, and which I consider well calculated to impart sound information regard ing one of the most interesting portions of God's vineyard in Scotland. William Lauder, Minister, Port-Glasgow. Most cordially do I recommend Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church. It would be well did every member of our church possess a copy. John Durr, Minister, Dairy. This new Edition (PuUarton & Co.'s,) of Dr. M'Kerrow's excellent His tory of the Secession, I have great pleasure in recommending. Im provement has been made upon the former editions by the addition of plates, and by a very considerable reduction in the price. W. B. Robertson, Minister, Irvine. I am glad to see a third Edition of Dr. M'Kerrow's most interesting and useful History of the Secession Church, with new illustrations, and yet greatly reduced in price. David Ronald, Minister, Saltcoats. It gives me much pleasure to see a new Edition (Fullarton & Co.'s,) o. Dr. M'Kerrow's History'of the Secession Churcb. This third Edition contains improvements and additions by the author, and is on this ac count, as well as on the ground of a considerable reduction in price, pre ferable to former editions. The members of the Secession Church who have not copies of this interesting History would do well to purchase it, David T. Jamieson, Minister, Kilmarnock. I have much pleasure in thus giving my publio testimony to the worth and usefulness of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Churcb. It is gratifying that, in so short a time, it has reached a third edition ; and, it is confidentlyhoped, that the present, with the author's numerous amend ments and improvements, will render the Work more acceptable still, and more useful in extending the knowledge of the Secession Church in Scot land. Matthew M'Gavin, Minister, Airdrie. I have great pleasure in thus giving my recommendation to Dr. M'Ker row's History of the Secession Church. The fact, that it has already reached a third Edition, is itself a high recommendation, and it would b» well if every member of our church possessed it. John Inglis, Minister, Hamilton. It affords me very sincere pleasure to give my testimony to the excel lence of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, and to recom mend the present greatly improved Edition of the Work to general patronage. Thos. Struthers, Minister, Hamilton. I have much pleasure in recommending Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession. Its excellence may be inferred from the fact, that it has so soon reached a third Edition ; and it is no small recommendation of this Edition tliat it is both cheaper in price and improved by the addition of plates. H. A. Paterson, Minister, Stonehouse. Dr. M'Kerrow's History ofthe Secession Church is so well known, and has acquired sucb a reputation, that it needs no recommendation from me or from any one. I rejoice, however, that a new and cheap Edition of BO useful a Work is about to be published. And. Marshall, D.D., LL.D., Kirki'ntilloch. Having had occasion to follow Dr. M'Kerrow in his researches into the History of the Secession: Church, with the view of furnishing a supple ment to his Work, I can bear testimony to the fulness and fiddity of his narrative ; and am glad to learn that so much success has attended lhe publication of the Book, as to induce Messrs. EuUarton & Co. to fur nish the public witb another Edition, which I hope will also meet with a ready sale. W. Mackelvie, Minister, Balgedie Manse. I consider Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church to be a most valuable Work, and have much pleasure in recommending another Edi tion of it, which I understand will be a good deal cheaper. James Hay, D.D., K'i'nross. I have much pleasure in bearing my humble testimony to the excel lence of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, and beg to ex press my hope that the new Edition of the Work may have such a cir culation as will remunerate the Publishers. W. M. Halley, Minister, Markinch. I concur most cordially in the recommendations given by many others to Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church ; and it affords me much pleasure to hear that a new Edition of this valuable Work is about to be published. D. G. Crawford, Minister, Burntisland. I have examined the People's Edition of M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, whioh is publishing by Fullarton & Co. I can recom mend it to the public in general, and to the members of the Secession Church in particular. The manner in which it is got up, and the reduced price at whioh it is now offered, should secure for it a very extensive cir culation. A. Gardener, Minister, Kincardine Manse. I concur with Mr. Gardener in commending Fullarton & Co.'s Edition of M'Kerrow's History, and in recommending it to the publio at large, and to members of the Secession Church in particular. George Hutton, Minister, Lirdithgow. I heartily concur in recommending Fullarton & Co.'s Edition of M'Ker row's History of the Secession Church. William S. Smart, Minister, Linlithgow. I most cordially unite in recommending Fullarton & Co.'s new and cheap Edition of M'Kerrow's History of the Secession to the favour of the publio. David Connel, Minister, Bo'ness. I have read M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, and would cordially recommend it to the public. Every family in the Secession Church ought to possess themselves of a copy of this valuable Work. John Steadman, Minister, Stirling. I have much pleasure in recommending M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church. The present Edition, publishing by Fullarton & Co., is both elegant and cheap. Members of the Secession Church ought to be familiar with such a Work. Peter M'Dowall, Minister, AUoa. In the above recommendations of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Seces sion I concur. John Law, Minister, Dunfermline. I am happy to see another Edition of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church. The Work is very valuable. The present Edition is a great improvement on those which preceded it, and I shall be glad to find that it meets with an extensive sale in the country, and especially among the members ofthe Secession Church. James Young, Minister, Queen Anne Street Manse, Dunfermline I am glad to find that a new Edition of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church is called for, and I hereby heartily recommend it to those who have the power to possess themselves of a copy. The History should be in every family connected with the Secession Church. George Deans, Minister, Portobello. I have much pleasure in being able to bear my sincere testimony to the merits of the Rev. Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession. I read it when it was flrst published with high satisfaction, and am glad that another Edition seems now to be called for. The specimen of it which' I have seen is a good proof of the superior style in which the publishera intend to execute it, and I have no hesitation in recommending it heartily as a Book which ought to be in the hands of every member of the Seces sion Church. William C. Brodib, Minister, Lasswade. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church is a very interesting and useful Work, and the present Edition, by PuUarton & Co., is very beauti ful, and far cheaper than the former. Alex. Laurie, Minister, East Calder. Dr. M'Kerrow's Work is a faithful and interesting History of the Seces sion Church, well worthy of being procured and perused by every member of that Church. It gives me much pleasure to find that a new and cheap . Edition is in process of pubUcation, and I gladly avail myself of this opportunity of recommending it. Andrew Duncan, Minister, Mid-Calder. I beg leave in this manner to recommend Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Churoh, as a Work containing valuable information as to the history of that Church in Scotland during the period to which it re fers. I have seen a specimen of the third Edition, published by Messrs. Fullarton & Co., Edinburgh ; I consider it a very handsome and cheap pubUcation, which merits encouragement. William Fleming, Minister, 'West Calder, Having read Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, I can very fully recommend it to aU who would wish to have a copy of it, and the present is a very favourable opportunity, as this Edition (the third) is well got up and offered at a greatly reduced price. Geo. Paterson, Minister, East Linton Manse. I have perused, with much satisfaction. Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, and have much pleasure in giving this third Edition of it my cordial recommendation. Robert Cairns, Minister, Paisley. Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church is exceUent, and con tains much useful information respecting the rise and progress of this section of the Church of Christ. It deserves to be extensively circulated and read. James Meikle, Minister, Beith. I have great pleasure in recommending Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church. It is fuU of interesting and valuable information, and weU worthy of a place in the Ubrary of every family connected with that Church. Alex. Macgregoe, Minister, Kilwinning. I heartily concur in recommending the repubUcation of Dr. M'Kerrow's most valuable History of the Secession Church. David Forrest, Minister, Troon. I most cordiaUy recommend the third Edition of Dr. M'Kerrow's His tory of the'Secession Church as containing considerable improvements on that exceUent Work. James M'Ewan, Minister, Strathaven. I am glad to see, and I have much pleasure in recommending. Dr. M'Kerrow's very interesting and useful History of the Secession Church. David Lauohland, Minister, Newarthill. The History of the Secession, by Dr. M'Kerrow, will, in my opinion, re tain the high character it has ahready acquired ; and I am happy to re commend a new and enlarged Edition of this valuable Work. James Hartet, ' Minister, East Muchart Manse. I am glad to hear that a cheap Edition of Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church is about to be pubUshed, and most heartUy concur with others in recommending it to public notice. Thomas Wilson, Minister, Grossgates Manse. Those who wish to be acquainted with the origin and progress of the Secession Church wiU find fuU and accurate information in Dr. M'Ker row's History. I am happy to find that a new Edition, elegant yet cheap, is now offered to the pubUc ; and I have no hesitation in recommending it especially to the members of the Secession Church. They wiU do weU to embrace the opportunity of obtaining such a useful and interesting Work which is now furnished to them. David Duncan, Minister, Howgate. I have read Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession vrith great inter est, and consider it a clear, authentic, and impartial record of facts, connected with the rise and subsequent progress of that Church. I have great pleasure in recommending it, especiaUy this new and cheap Edition, to aU the members of the Secession Church. Thomas Gibdwood, Minister, Penicuiek. Having read Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, I have much pleasure in being able to bear my humble testimony to its merits. I am glad to learn that a new and cheap Edition of it is being published ; and having seen a specimen of it, I have no hesitation in most cordially recommending it. Wm. Ritchie, Minister, West Linton. I have much pleasure in recommending Dr. M'Kerrow's History of the Secession Church, as a Work containing very much interesting and im portant information, and calculated to be eminently useful. The new Edition, pubUshing by A. PuUarton & Co., is, in many respects, superior to the former, and should be added to the Ubrary of every member of the Secession Church who has not previously been suppUed with a copy. Geoege Hunter, Minister, TiUicovMry. ,^cc^^^^ ^^y~^i 1/>T-,C r.",,./,,,,,,/ /;,,/./¦„, ,„„„ />, ,/,;, „^, „/:./„.,./,/„.„ r./'/,.,/i>/:. ft. FuJlai-twi S: C" LondiJn S: Eamliurgli n g f (D 1 Y ©IP ®!E!l ;<« *j vny* ws't o^expept that these volumes will please all parties. In the present divided state of public opinion, concerning the great questions which are agitating the country, different views will be entertained by different individuals ; and according as these views coincide PREFACE. \Ul with those which are expressed in this work, will the Author be approved of, or condemned. Some will find fault with him because he hath spoken too plainly. Others will grumble, because he hath not spoken plain enough : while there may be others, who, without having any particular fault to find with the Author himself, may make use of his production as a medium, through which to assail that religious party whom, in the present instance, he represents, and whom they con sider it their duty to oppose on all occasions and by all means. In preparing this work for the press, the Author has counted the cost of these things. All that he asks is, candid and honourable treatment. To those of his brethren, who returned answers to his cir cular concerning the statistics of the Secession, the Author tenders his grateful acknowledgments. He has been much encouraged in his labours, by the kind wishes which many ot them have expressed for the success of his undertaking ; and should the work, which he now submits to their perusal, be deemed by them worthy of their approbation, he will consider himself amply repaid for the trouble which he has undergone in the preparation of it. He has only further to add, that the volumes have been composed at brief intervals of leisure, which have occurred, amid the almost incessant demands made upon his time and attention by the multifarious duties connected with the pastoral charge of a congregation scattered over an extensive district of country. He mentions this cir cumstance to account for the delay which has taken place in the publication, and also to bespeak the indulgence of his good-natured readers, should they now and then discover, in the course of the work, a repetition of the same sentiment, or a want of proper continuity in any part of the narrative. In concluding this prefatory notice, the Author expresses his earnest desire that the History of the Secession, which is now submitted to the judgment of the public, may be ren- ^'^ PREFACE. dered subservient to the extension of Christ's spiritual king dom in the world ; and that it may be instrumental in per petuating to distant ages those benefits, which the inhabi tants of our own and other lands have already derived from the existence of the Secession Church. Bridge of Teith, 9''flU/MJi<''> & C" yy ( '.¦///'// y/y J ( 'y//yO < ^ y^v:/fv/. ^^,„.„/.f.-/^.. "r"-y'^"-"7 Note to ¦ Present Edition. THE INTEREST THROWN OVER THB RELATIONS OF CHUECH AND STATE BY THE RECENT SEPARATION OF THE FREE CHUECH PROM THE NATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT, UPON GROUNDS DIFFERING LITTLE IF AT ALL IN PRINCIPLE, FROM THOSE VVHICH LED TO THE SECESSION OF LAST CENTURT, ALTHOUGH UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES OTHERWISE VERY DISSIMILAR, AND THE APPROXIMATION, ALREADY EFFECTED IN FEELING, AND EVIDENTLY PROGRESSING TOWARDS INCORPORATION, BETWIXT THESE TWO GREAT BODIES OF DISSENTERS, HAVE INDUCED THE PUBLISHERS TO PUT FORTH THE PRESENT EDITION OF THE HISTORY OF THB SECESSION CHURCH, AT A PRICE MUCH LOWER, AND IN A FORM MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN BEFORE, SO AS TO BRING IT WITHIN THE MEANS OF ALL CLASSES OF THE PEOPLE. The Church of the Secession has now existed for upwards of a hundred years, increasing gradually in extent and influ ence. The original congregations were only four. — The United Associate Church alone, at the present .time, numbers well nigh four himdred congregations; — has about eighty preachers, labouring in stations, or constantly pervading the country in all directions, to proclaim the word of life, and inculcate the duties of holiness; — and, while she aids, with funds or with agents, not a few Missionary Societies, at home or abroad, in their labours of love for the good of mankind, and is connected with various congregations or churchea, which have sprung from the Secession, in Ireland, in the United States, and in Nova Scotia, she has also Missionaries and Congregations of her own in Canada and the West Indies, founded by her exertions, and sustained by her sup plies. That such a body, — while her congregations are supported solely by the contributions of their members, profess evangeli cal sentiments, promote the principles of ecclesiastical purity. VI and exercise the rights of popular election, — must exert, upon the community at large, an influence deeply interesting, and extensively powerful, is not to be denied. Nor can it fail to be manifest, that the state, the spirit, the operations of such a large and increasing Association should present an object of enlightened curiosity to every inquisitive mind, as well as of deep interest to every lover of gospel-truth, and to every friend of religious liberty. And, we apprehend, it may be affirmed without presumption, that even the Politician and the Legislator cannot fulfil his duty to himself, or to his country, if he remains wholly ignorant of the rise, the pro gress, the constitution, and the administration of a Church (the Secession Church), whose principles and efficiency can not but enter, largely, into the elements of the national condition; whose voice will be heard, in some measure, directly or indirectly, in the senate itself; and whose bearing and biasses must go, in a considerable degree, to modify the laws of our country, and the character of its society. Yet, for the last fifty years, no common or connected aopount of the affairs of the Secession has been presented to the general public; — her statistics and transactions having been, for that long period, either shut up in the minutes of her courts, which are accessible to comparatively few ; or are to be gleaned from the perusal of scattered and fugitive Pamphlets and Magazines, which are not easily collected; or to be learnt by correspon dence with those, who have been conversant with her past affairs, and whose number is of course incessantly diminishing. A full, accurate, and impartial view of her history was there fore, on many accounts, to be greatly desired. This desideratum the Rev. John M'Kerrow, an intelligent, talented, and very respectable minister of the Body, has sup plied. With laborious assiduity, he has searched the records of the Secession,.— perused those historical documents, which have been put forth by herself, from time to time, in her different branches; — availed himself of such publications, on various subjects, controversial, doctrinal, or hortatory, as fall into the hands of few, but are necessary to give a complete and satisfactory view of her spirit and transactions; — sought information from every person, and every quarter, whence it might be obtained, — and has now formed all into a continuous and interesting narrative, which has secured the approbation of those who are best acquainted with her annals, and which, it is hoped, will be felt to be an object of curiosity, if not of partial favour, to every liberal mind. To the republication of the former account, he has added, (to complete the higher statistics of this religious community,) a new chapter con nected with the literature of the Secession, which, it may be presumed, must augment the interest of the work ; may perhaps surprise some ; but will not fail to gratify the candid and philosophic of all ranks, by showing, that learning is not confined to any one class of society, or to any one section of the Christian Church. HISTORY OF THE SECESSION CHURCH. INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. Proceedmgs of the Scottish Parliament — First General Assembly after the Eevolution — Imposition of oaths — Cameronians — Mr. John Hepburn- First process against Professor Simson — Condemnation of the Auchterarder Creed — The Marrow Controversy — Second process against Professor Simson — Law of Patronage — Discussions concerning it — Refusal of the Assembly to record dissents — Ecclesiastical Despotism. To trace the rise and progress, to describe the present state, and to dwell upon the fiiture prospects of the Secession Church, are the objects which I propose in the present work. Since the memorable era of the Reformation, no event has taken place in our country which has been productive of such important consequences, in a religious point of view, as that which forms the subject of the present narrative. The effects, which have followed from it, have been far more extensive, and in every respect more important, than could possibly have been anticipated by the venerable men with whom the Seces sion originated, or by that church from which they felt thera selves under the necessity of withdrawing. Before proceeding to detail the particulars of this memorable event, and the con sequences that have resulted from it, I shall carry my readers backward to the beginning of the eighteenth century, and shall present them with a rapid glance of some of those circum stances connected with the state of the Scottish Church, im mediately after the Revolution, which tended to alienate the minds of a large portion of the people from the ecclesiastical establishment of the country; and which, operating as so many predisposing causes, paved the way for a rapid, as well as an extensive revolt, so soon as the banner of the Secession was unfurled. 2 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. The first Scottish Parliament that met after the Revolution, declared prelacy to be " a great and insupportable grievance to this nation, and contrary to the inclination of the generality of the people ever since the Reformation ;" and they forthwith abolished the same. In the second session of the same parlia ment, which met in 1690, the presbyterian form of church gov ernment was re-established, according to the ratification and establishment which had been given to it in 1592. This first act of the Scottish Parliament, in reference to the national church, was very unpalatable to many, and was condemned by them on the following grounds : — that it did not recognise what God had done for the Scottish Church during one of the brightest periods of her history, viz. that which elapsed from 1638 to 1650, — that it did not formally condemn and disannul the Act Recissory passed (1661) during the first parliament of Charles II., — and that it did not in express terms declare prelacy to be contrary to the word of God, and abjured by the national covenants. That the act should adopt as its basis, for the re-establishment of the presbyterian government, what had been done in 1592, rather than what had been accom plished in 1638 and subsequent years, was considered as a de cidedly retrograde movement in the work of reformation. Anotner unpopular act passed by this parliament was that which enjoined the oath of allegiance to be sworn " in place of any other oaths imposed by laws and acts of preceding par liaments." Though this act appeared to be framed with a view to the abolition of those oaths, which had been imposed during the period of the persecution, yet it was so worded as to include amongst the number ofthe oaths that were abolished, the oath of the covenant — and was obviously designed to open the door of admission :to all classes of his majesty's subjects, into places of trust and power, whether they were favourers of the covenant or not. The passing of such an act could not but give grievous offence to all those (and the number was not small) who considered the covenant as the grand palladium of the liberties of their country. The disappointment, occasioned by the adopting of this measure, was the more severely felt, that the same parliament which sanctioned it, laid aside the draught of an act, after it had been twice read, which had been introduced avowedly for the purpose of excluding from places of public trust all who had taken any share in the oppressive measures of the bygone period. The proceedings of the first General Assembly, held after the Revolution, appear in some respects not to have been more satisfactory than those of the parliament, to a considerable portion of the presbyterians. This Assembly, after a suspen sion of its meetings for more than thirty years, sat down upon' FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 3 the 16th of October 1690. Of the old presbyterian ministers who had been ejected at the Restoration, not more than sixty were now alive;* and these men — who had themselves suffered so much for conscience' sake — rejoicing that their favourite form of church government was again restored, and influenced by an amiable and forgiving spirit, showed a much greater disposition to conciliate the episcopal clergy than to retaliate upon them the wrongs which they had received. The following declaration, made by their moderator, (Mr. Hugh Kennedy,) they adopted, and entered upon their record, " That it was not the mind of the Assembly to depose any incumbent simply for his judgment anent the government of the church, or to urge re-ordination upon any incumbent whatsomever." And in accordance with this declaration were the instructions which they gave to thefr Commission, " That they be very cautious of receiving informations against the late conformists ; and that they proceed in the matter of censure very deUberately, so as none may have just cause to complain of their rigidity ; and that they shall not proceed to censure but upon relevant libels and sufficient probation." Three ministers, viz. Messrs. Shields, Linning, and Boyd — who had previously belonged to the Society-men, or Cameronians, but who at this meeting had been received into the bosom of the church — gave in a paper enumerating certain grievances connected with the de fections of the past and present times, which they wished the Assembly to redress. The consideration of this paper was referred to the committee of overtures, who, when they gave in their report, characterised it as containing " unseasonable and impracticable proposals, uncharitable and injurious reflec tions, tending rather to kindle contentions than to compose divisions." f This spirit of lenity, which influenced the members of the present Assembly, and which disposed them in a great measure to overlook, if not altogether to bury in oblivion, the delin quencies with which many of the conforming clergy had been chargeable, displayed itself no less in the proceedings of some of the subsequent Assemblies: For in 1694, among other charges which the eommission received from the Assembly, they were enjoined "to receive into ministerial communion such of the late conform ministers, as, having qualified them selves according to law, shall subscribe the Formula :" And that no violence might be done to their consciences by sub scribing a presbyterian formula, it was so framed that it did not require them to acknowledge that presbyterian government is founded on the word of God, but only, " That the church • Appendix to Sir Henry Moncrieff Welwood's Life of Erskine, p. 420. t Act 5th Assembly, 1690. 4 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. government, as now settled by law, is the only government of this church." By such measures as these, a wide door of ad mission into the national church was opened to men who had hitherto thrown all their infiuence irito the scale of arbitrary power, and who, by the active part which they had taken in the persecutions carried on during the preceding reigns, had rendered themselves exceedingly odious in the eyes of the people. Not a few availed themselves of the opportunity which was thus presented, of keeping possession, upon such easy terms, of their livings : they abjured prelacy, at least in form, and became the avowed adherents of a system of church polity, which it had been the unremitting object of their past lives to extirpate. That the number of ministers received into the Establishment, in consequence of these measures, was not small, we learn from the following passage in an address pre sented by the commission to Queen Anne : " We cannot but lay before your Majesty this pregnant instance of our modera tion, that, since our late happy establishment, there have been taken in, and continued, hundreds of dissenting (i. e. episcopal) ministers upon the easiest terms." * By the too easy admis sion of such men j into the Church of Scotland, immediately after the Revolution, an injury was done to her character at the very outset, from which she did not speedily recover ; and the groundwork was thus laid of that system of coercion and of mal-administration which drove, at no distant period, from her communion, multitudes of the best of her members. By such proceedings, the Assembly subjected themselves to the charge of being too compliant with the wishes of those who were in power — of being favourers of erastianism — of re nouncing their covenant engagements — and of causing the work of reformation, so auspiciously begun by their forefathers, to retrograde instead of advance. What was expected of them was, that they would have taken as their model, the Assembly which met in 1638 — that, like the nobles and ministers of that reforraing period, they would have asserted their independence as a spiritual court, and protested in decided terms against every attempt on the part of those in power to interfere with or control their proceedings — that they would have sisted at their bar, and deposed and excommunicated the bishops and • Act 10th Assembly, 1712. • } K'"' ", ''^^<="Ption of the characters of the men who were thus received into the church on such easy terms, I refar the reader to Burnet's History of his own times. That prelate says of them, " They were generally very mean aild despicable in all respects. They were the worst preachers 1 ever heard. 1 hey were i^orant to a reproach. Many of them were openly vicious. J Z.'^^'a ^ '^SS™*^* to their orders, and the sacred functions; and were in deed the dregs and refuse ofthe northern f aets."— Burnet, vol. i. p. 158, folio edition. '^ ' FIRST G.ENERAL ASSEMBLY AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 5 Others who had been the ringleaders in the past defections and that they would at least have made the attempt to restore to their former ascendency throughout the country, the cove nants, which for some time past had been kept very much in the back ground. The reason assigned by their apologists, why such a course was not pursued by them, was, that they did not wish to run the risk, by taking too high ground, of in volving the country in fresh troubles, and of weakening the hands of the new government to which they felt themselves so deeply indebted. Others, again, considered their not adopting such measures as a sure evidence of their indifference to the cause of God. Another source of division, both amongst ministers and people, was the imposition of certain oaths by the government. The imposition of such oaths, as a qualification to sit in church courts, was considered by many as an unwarrantable encroach ment upon the freedom of the Christian church, and as at va riance with their Confession of Faith. Influenced by such con scientious scruples, not a few of the ministers refused to take the oaths. The ferment upon this subject rose to its greatest height toward the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, when the oath of abjuration, which had previously been imposed on persons occupying places of civil trust, was enjoined to be taken by all ministers, whether belonging to the establishment or to dissenters. This oath was peculiarly offensive to the presbyterian clergy, on account of its reduplicating upon an act passed for settling the succession to the crown ; which act required, that the person succeeding to the crown shall be of the communion of the Church of England ; and shall maintain the English hierarchy as established by law. The oath of abjuration required the persons swearing it to maintain the succession as limited by this act ; which clause was interpreted by the presbyterians as extending not only to the persons and families that were to succeed to the crown, but also to the conditions upon which the crown was to be held by them : and they considered it hard to be obliged to take an oath which, as to the spirit of it, was completely opposed to the oath of their covenants ; the one oath requiring them to sanc tion a clause which expressly provided that the person occupy ing the throne shall be an episcopalian, and the other oath as expressly binding them to recognise no form of church govern ment, either in king or subjects, except that of presbytery. Another objection to the oath was, that it contained in it cer tain equivocal expressions, which were interpreted by some as iraplying in them a recognition of the queen's supreraacy in matters of religion: and in addition to all 'this, the person taking the oath was obliged to swear that he took it heartily G INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. ^ and cheerfully. Entertaining such views of the oath, and considering that it required from them an abandonment of principles which they had hitherto held sacred, many of the ministers positively refused to take it, and were prepared to surrender their livings rather than act in opposition to the dictates of their conscience. All, however, were not animated by the same spirit. A considerable class, consisting chiefly of those who for the sake of their livings had renounced episcopacy and connected theraselves with the Established Church, were not so scrupulous about taking the oath. After some explanation of the doubtful clauses, by way of salvo to their conscience (and sorae of them did not even require this) they consented to take it. This diversity of sentiment amongst the ministers, produced a corresponding division among the people. The popular current ran in favour of those ministers who had shown their independence by re fusing to take the oath. Many serious persons refused to hear, or to give any countenance to the rainistrations of those who had yielded what they deeraed a sinful compliance in this raatter ; and so high did the party feeling, engendered by this question, run, that the people would scarcely attend any sacramental occasion where such ininisters were employed. This popular feeling was to a certain extent cherished by the ministers of the one class refusing, in many instances, to hold communion with those of the other.* It ought to be recorded to the praise of Queen Anne's government, that they respect ed the conscientious scruples of the non-jurants, inasmuch as no molestation of any kind was given to those who refused to take the oath ; and the Assembly, when they met, did all in their power to prevent the injurious effects which such a divi sion threatened to produce within the church : they enjoined the ministers to exercise mutual forbearance, and to cultivate love and charity toward one another.! Besides this division amongst both ministers and people, occasioned by the swearing of the abjuration oath, there existed at this time, — chiefly in the west and southern parts of Scotland, — a class of dissenters, known by the name of Society-men, or Cameronians. These were tne descendants of that party of Covenanters, who carried their principles to their utmost length. They refused to join the comraunion of the Established Church, on account of its erastianism; and they professed to withdraw their subjection from the State,. on account of its recognising a king and parliament who had • Brown's MS. + The oath was afterwards modified in such a manner that the greater part of those who at first refused were brought to take it, though some stUl con tinued to hold out against it. MR. JOHN HEPBURN. 7 not subscribed the covenants. At the head of this party was Mr. John Macmillan, minister of the gospel at Balmaghie. The Assembly commenced a process against him in 1704, and at length deposed hira, on account of his anti-government principles, and on account of, what they deemed, certain irregularities connected with the exercise of his ministry. He submitted for some time to this sentence; but finding that he was not likely soon to be restored, he resuraed his office, ot his own accord, and continued preaching for a number of years ; and though the principles which he and his party pro fessed to hold, were such as, when carried to their utmost ex tent, could not be acted upon in the present state of society, yet there is reason to believe that his labours were usefiil to many in those wild and uncultivated districts where he chiefly itinerated. There was another party who, as to religious opinion, oc cupied a middle station betwixt the Establishment and • the followers of Mr. Macmillan. Conscientious scruples kept them frora adhering to the forraer ; and they were not suffi ciently rigid in their sentiments to be admitted to the com munion of the latter. The national church, according as it had been re-established at the Revolution, they considered as too erastian in its constitution. What they wanted was, that it should be altogether independent of any interference on the part of the State ; that, in the holding of its assem blies, and in the manageraent of its affairs, it should recog nise no authority but that of the King of Zion. They ob jected to it on the ground of its being too much secularized, and of its not having carried the work of reformation to a sufficient length. At the same time, they did not (Hke the Societj'-men) carry thefr views so far as to disown, in civil matters, the authority of the ruling powers, on the ground that they had not covenanted. Mr. John Hepburn, minis ter of Urr, was for many years the head of this party. Any brief notices that have been transmitted to us of the history of this person, lead us to believe that he was a good man, full of zeal for his Master's service, and animated by the spirit of an apostle. The treatment which he received from the General Assembly, tended to spread the spirit of disaffec tion araong the people. He was first suspended, and then deposed from the office of the ministry ; and though the breach was at one time in a fafr way of being healed, by the Commission, that met in 1707, agreeing to restore him, yet the Assembly of the following year refused to sanction this deed of thefr Commission. Mr. Hepburn continued to preach after this for a number of years ; and the party that adhered to him was considerable, amongst whom were some of the 8 INTRODUCTOxlY NARRATIVE. most serious persons in that part of the country where he laboured. A train of events, which followed one another in rapid succession, excited a great ferment among the friends of the Scottish Church, and fairly marshalled upon opposite sides the leading men of her communion. The issue of some im portant causes, brought under the review of her judicatories, raade it but too manifest that a spirit of error, or at least, of indifference to the truth, had pervaded her high places. Arminian and Pelagian sentiments met with defenders among her ministers, and the propagators of these tenets were most leniently dealt with ; they were all but applauded, while the severest lash of ecclesiastical discipline was applied to those good raen, who had the honesty and the courage to stand boldly forward and defend the insulted doctrines of free grace. Mr. James Webster, one of the ministers of Edinburgh,- having, in 1714, called the attention ofthe Assembly to cer tain reports, which were circulated concerning the teaching of error by Mr. John Simson, Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow, and considering that it was the duty of the Assembly to take cognizance of such matters, request ed that they would institute an inquiry into the truth of these reports. 'This they declined doing ; but appointed Mr. Web ster, and all who might join along with him, to present a coraplaint against Mr. Sirason, before the Presbytery of Glas gow, upon thefr own responsibility ; at the same time inti mating that all who did so would be held as libellers. Mr. Webster, accordingly, did libel Mr. Simson before the Pres bytery ; and Mr. Sirason having, in his answers which he returned to the libel, stated propositions of a most erroneous kind, the whole matter was brought before the Assembly in 1716. A committee was appointed by them to take cogni zance of the case, although the weight and responsibility of the prosecution were still continued upon Mr. Webster, as the accusing party. The process was not finished till the Assembly of 1717, when it was clearly established, from Mr. Simson's own answers, that, among other unscriptural opi nions, he maintained the following : — " That, by the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, God has given an obscure objective revelation of the gospel ; and that it is probable none are excluded from the benefit of the remedy for sin provided by God, and published twice to the whole world, except those who, by their actual sin, exclude themselves, and slight and reject the clearer light of the gospel revealed to the church, or that obscure discovery and offer of grace made to all without the church ; and that il FIRST PROCESS AGAINST PROFESSOR SIMSON. 9 the heathen would, in sincerity and truth, and in the dili gent use of means that providence lays to their hand, seek from God the knowledge of the way of reconciliation, neces sary for their acceptable serving of him, and being saved by him, he would discover it to them :" " That there are means appointed of God for obtaining saving grace, which means, when diligently used with seriousness, sincerity, and faith oi being heard, God has promised to bless with success ; and the going about these means in the foresaid manner, is not above the reach of our natural ability and power :" " That it is inconsistent with the justice and goodness of God, to create a soul without any original righteousness, or any dis position to good ; and that the souls of infants since the fall, as they came from the hands of their Creator, are as pure and holy as the souls of infants would have been created, supposing man had not fallen ; and that they are created as pure and holy as Adam's was, except as to those qualifica tions and habits which he received, as being created in an adult state."* Notwithstanding that such sentiraents as these — which are alike opposed to scripture and to the doctrine taught in the Confession of Faith — were openly avowed by Mr. Sira son in his answers, yet the Assembly neither removed him from his important situation, as professor of divinity, nor inflicted any censure on him for having taught these opinions to the students ; but they terrainated the process, by giving the following deliverance on the subject, couched in as gentle terins as they could. By their act they find, " That he had vented some opinions not necessary to be taught in divinity, and that had given more occasion to strife than to the pro raoting of edification ; and that he had used some expres sions that bear, and are used by adversaries in, an unsound sense ; and that he had adopted some hypotheses, different from what are commonly used among orthodox divines, that are not evidently founded on scripture, and tend to attribute too much to natural reason, and the power of corrupt nature ; which undue advancement of reason and nature is always to the disparagement of revelation, and efficacious free grace : therefore, they prohibit and discharge the said Mr. Sirason to use such expressions, or to teach, preach, or otherwise vent such opinions, propositions, or hypotheses, as aforesaid." This sarae Asserably, which used such gentle language in expressing their disapprobation of the heresies of Mr. Sirason, manifested a different spirit in the case of the Auchterarder Presbytery. This presbytery, with the view of checking * Answers to Mr. Webster's Libel. 10 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. the progress of Arminian sentiments, had drawn up certain propositions, to which they required an assent to, be' given by candidates for licence. One of these propositions was,— " I believe that it is not sound and orthodox to teach that we must forsake sin, in order to our coming to_ Christ, and instating us in covenant with God." A Mr. Craig, being re fused an extract of his licence by the presbytery, because he v/ould not subscribe this proposition, brought the matter, by appeal, before the Asserably. This court expressed their abhorrence of the proposition as unsound ; they further or dered the presbytery to give Mr. Craig an extract of his licence, and prohibited them from using all such expressions for the future. By this condemnation of the Auchterarder Creed, (as it was scoffingly termed,) the Assembly was con sidered as sanctioning the following doctrine, — that persons must save themselves from the love and power of sin, before thejr come to Christ ; which is much the same as teaching that a person must cure himself of his disease, before he apply to the physician : whereas the Saviour says, ' They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.' These proceedings of the Assembly were viewed with grief and alarra by a large portion of the population throughout the country. They were regarded as fiirnishing indications, on the part of the leading raen in the church, that they had declined from the purity of the faith, and that they had be come, if not the avowed champions of error, at least indiffer ent to the cause of truth. Corruption seemed to be making rapid strides within the limits of the national church ; and, should nothing be done to arrest its progress, the most fatal results might ere long be anticipated. At this crisis, several ministers, who were revered by the people for their piety, and who were, at the same time, distinguished among their brethren for their talents and learning, united their efforts to check the progress of error, and to diffuse more exten sively ainong the people the influence of sound and scriptu ral doctrine. This gave rise to a controversy in the Church of Scotland, which, on account of the important topics in volved in it, and on account ofthe most eminent ofher minis ters being engaged either on the- one side or on the other, excited an extraordinary degree of interest at the time, and the effects of it continued long to be felt. The result of the controversy was, in some respects, highly beneficial to the interests of religion, inasmuch as the excellent publications which it called forth from the press — relating to the vital doctrines of Christianity — tended to diffuse widely among the people correct views of the gospel, and to lead not a few of them to a more diligent cultivation of practical godliness. THE MARROW CONTROVERSY. H I shall lay before my readers, in a condensed forra, the par ticulars of this controversy ; seeing that the spirit which it excited and fostered, had a powerful, and not a very remote, influence in bringing about the Secession. This controversy originated in the republication of a book entitledthe Marrow of Modern Divinify. Mr. Boston, hav ing accidentally met with a copy of this book, while visiting one of his parishioners in Simprin, and having strongly re comraended it to some of his brethren, as setting the differ-- ence between the law and the gospel in a clear point of view, Mr. Jaraes Hog, minister of Carnock, was so highly pleased with the sentiments which it contained, that he republished, in 1718, the first part of it, with a recommendatory preface. The Marrow, which consists chiefly of quotations from the writings of sorae of the raost distinguished protestant divines, was originaUy written, about 1644, by one Edward Fisher,* and at his first appearance was highly recommended by Strong, Caryle, Burroughs, and other erainent non-conform ing ministers, merabers of the Westrainster Assembly. Such was the popularity which it acquired, that it went through ten successive editions, and was of great service to not a few, in giving them correct views of the docfrines of the gospel. The republication of it by Mr. Hog excited a great ferraent araong the rainisters of the Church of Scotland, especially in the Synod of Fife ; for whUe there were some who highly approved of the sentiments contained in the book, there were others who considered them as of a dangerous tendency, — as tending to relax the obligations to holiness, and to cherish a spirit of antinoraianisra. Among those who took the lead in conderaning the Mar row, Principal Haddow, of St. Andrews, occupied a promi nent place. A serraon, containing some severe strictures upon it, which he preached at the opening of the Synod of Fife, in April 1719, was published by him, at the request of his brethren, under the title of The Record of God, and Dufy of faith therein required. The publication of this sermon called forth some smart replies from those of the opposite side ; the consequence of which was, that a complaint was made to the Assembly, which met that same year, concefning the Marrow of Modern Divinity, as a book containing unscrip tural and dangerous sentiments. The Asserably referred the matter to their coraraission. and enjoined them to take care, * According to some, Fisher originaUy followed the humble occupation of a barber in London, and afterwards became mimster of an Independent con gregation. According to others, he was the son of a knight, educated at Ox ford, where he took the degree of A. M., and became an excellent Oriental scholar. 12 INTRODUCTORY NARR.ATIVE. *' that the purity of doctrine be preserved, and to call before them any authors or recommenders of books or pamphlets containing any doctrine not agreeable to the Confession of Faith." The Commission appointed a comraittee to take the subject under their consideration, and to prepare an overture concerning it, to be submitted to the next General Assem bly. The committee divided themselves into two sections, — the one to meet at St. Andrews, and the other at Edin burgh. That section of the committee which met at St. Andrews, prepared extracts frora the obnoxious publication, and forwarded thera, with their remarks, to the brethren who met in Edinburgh. This latter portion of the commit tee, in fulfilraent of the injunction of the Asserably, sura raoned before them the following ministers, to account for their conduct ; viz. Messrs. Jaraes Hog, Carnock; Alexander Harailton, Airth ;* James Brisbane, Stirling ; John War den, Gargunnock, — all of whora were distinguished for their zeal and their orthodoxy. They were examined severally and apart by the committee. When Mr. Hog was called in, he was asked, whether he avowed hiraself the author of the preface to the last edition of the Marrow of Modern Divinity ? He answered in the affirmative ; and, in vindica tion of himself, he stated, that the book had come most un expectedly into his hands ; that the idea of reprinting it did not originate with himself, but had been suggested to him by others ; and that it was in corapliance with the earnest request of these persons he had written the recom mendatory preface. He further added, that the reading of the book had been blessed to many excellent persons ; and that, as for hiraself, " he had received raore light about some important concerns of the glorious gospel, by perusing that book, than by any other huraan writings which providence had brought into his hands."t When the Asserably met in 1720, the committee laid be fore them a report, containing a variety of extracts from the Marrow, which were considered by them as inculcating un scriptural sentiments. These extracts were classed undei the following heads : — Universal atonement and pardon ; holiness not necessary to salvation ; fear of punishment, ana hope of reiuard, not allowed to be motives of a believer's obe dience ; the believer is not under the law as a rule of life. To these were added the six following antinomian paradoxes. 1. A believer is not under the law, but is altogether deUvered from it. 2. A believer doth not commit sin.^ 3. The Lord can see no sin in a believer. 4. The Lord is not angry • Afterwards removed to Stirhng. f Boston's Memoirs. THE MARROW CONTROVERSY. 13 with a beUever for his sins. 6. The Lord doth not chasten a beUever for his sins. 6. A believer hath no cause either to confess his sins, or to crave pardon at the hand of God for thera, either to fast or raourn, or humble himself before the Lord for them. These, with certain exceptionable expres sions, selected here and there frora the pages of the Marrow, were laid before the Asserably ; and along with them were exhibited those texts of Scripture, and those articles of the Confession of Faith and of the Catechisms, to which these positions were said to be opposed. That the raatter might be fully considered, a diet was appointed, at which not only the members but others were perraitted freely to state what they had to advance in defence of the Marrow, or against the report of the committee.* The result of the discussion was, that the Asserably gave their sanction to an act, by which " all the ministers of the church were strictly prohibited and discharged, either by printing, writing, or preaching, to recommend the Marrow, or in discourse to say any thing in favour of it ; but, on the contrary, they were enjoined and required to warn and exhort their people, in whose hand the said book is, or raay come, not to read or use the sarae."t The passing of this act by the Assembly occasioned both alarm and distress to many excellent ministers ; and the people also were thrown into agitation on account of it. Ac cording to the language of the Marrow-men, (as they were termed,) the Assembly conderaned by it " a bundle of sweet and pleasant gospel truths." They were viewed by a large class of both rainisters and people, as having fixed, ' under the false charge of antinomianism, the stamp of their reproba tion upon sorae of the raost iraportant doctrines of the Chris tian reUgion. Measures were accordingly adopted, by some of the leading men of the popular party, to bring the subject again under the review of the Assembly, that they might get the obnoxious act repealed. A preparatory meeting for this purpose was held in the house of Mr. William Ward- rop, apothecary in Edinburgh, at which the foUowing minis ters attended, — Messrs. Jaraes Kidd, Queensferry ; Ebenezer Erskine, Portraoak;t his brother Ralph, and Jaraes Ward- law, Dunfermline ; WilUam Wilson, Perth ; James Bath gate, OrweU; Gabriel Wilson, Maxton ; Henry Davidson, Galashiels; and Thomas Boston, Etterick. At this meet ing it was agreed, after sorae time spent in prayer, that a representation should be drawn up, with the view of being laid before the Assembly ; and the preparing of it was com- * Antinomianism ofthe Marrow Detected. f Act Sth, Assem. 1720. i Afterwards removed to Stirling o 14 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. mitted to Mr. Ebenezer Erskine,* with whom was lodged a draught which had previously been prepared by Mr. Boston ; and the revising of the whole was intrusted to the brethren in Fife. After several raeetings, and after a careful consideration of the different propositions condemned by the act of As sembly, a representation was at length agreed upon, in which the representers express their grief, that the Assembly, by their conderanatory act, had given a severe wound to gospel truth, inasmuch as, in said act, they had pronounced the fol lowing Scriptural positions to be unsound and dangerous, viz. : That, in the Gospel, the Father hath made a free, un limited offer of Christ and of salvation to all men, by virtue of which every individual who hears the gospel has a war rant to take hold of said offer, and to apply salvation to his own soul ; that an assured persuasion of tne truth of God's f)romise in the gospel, with respect to one's self in particu- ar, is included in the very nature of saving faith ; that the believer's holiness is in no way the price nor condition of his salvation ; that believers, in yielding obedience to the law as a rule of Ufe, ought not to be influenced, either by mercenary hopes of heaven, or by slavish fears of hell ; that the believer is not, in any respect, under the law as a covenant of works; and that itis a just and Scriptural distinction which is made betwixt the law as a covenant of works, and the law as a rule of life in the hand of Christ.f When the General Assembly met in 1721, this represen tation was laid before the Comraittee of Bills, and the re- presenters expected that the subject would be brought im mediately under the review of the supreme court. But the King's Comraissioner having become suddenly indisposed during the sitting of the Assembly, the court was unexpect edly dissolved ; and the representation was referred to the Commission, with powers to call the subscribers before them, and to have all matters concerning doctrine prepared for the consideration of the Asserably at the next meeting ; but they themselves were not to give a final decision in the busi ness. After the representers had been repeatedly before the Commission, and after an overture had been prepared on the subject of their representation, they were told that they would be required to answer certain queries which would be given * Boston's Memoirs. ¦f The representation was subscribed by twelve ministers, viz. Messrs James Hog, Carnock ; Thomas Boston, Etterick ; John Bonar, Torphichen ; John Williamson, Inveresk ; James Kidd, Queensferry ; Gabriel Wilson, Maxton ; Ebenezer Erskine, Portmoak ; Ralph Erskine, and James Wardlaw, Dunfermline ; Henry Davidson, Galashiels ; James Bathgate, Orwell ; and William Hunter, Lilliesleaf. THE MARROW CONTROVERSY. 15 them. The questions, which were delivered to them in writ ing, were twelve in nuraber, and referred to the different topics alluded to in the representation. Thoy were the fol lowing : — 1. Whether are there any precepts in the gospel that were not actually given before the gospel was revealed ? 2. Is not the believer now bound, by the authority of the Creator, to personal obedience to the moral law, though not in order to justification ? 3. Doth the annexing of a promise of life, and a threatening of death, to a precept, raake it a covenant of works ? 4. If the moral law, antecedent to its receiving the form of a covenant of works, had a threatening of hell annexed to it ? 5. If it be peculiar to beUevers to be free of the command ing power of the law as a covenant of works ? 6. If a sinner, being justified, has all things at once that are necessary for salvation ? And if personal holiness, and progress in holy obedience, is not necessary to a justified person's pos session of glory, in case of his continuing in life after his jus tification ? 7. Is preaching the necessity of a holy life in order to the obtaining of eternal happiness of dangerous consequence to the doctrine of free grace ? 8. Is knowledge, belief, and persuasion, that Christ died for rae, and that he is mine, and that whatever he did and suffered he suffered for me, the direct act of faith, whereby a sinner is united to Christ, interested in him, instated in God's covenant of grace ? Or, is that knowledge or persuasion included in the very essence of that justifying act of faith ? 9. What is that act of faith by which a sinner appropriates Christ and his saving benefits to himself ? 10. Whether the revelation of the divine will in the word, affording a warrant to offer Christ unto all, and a warrant to all to receive him, can be said to be the Father's making a deed of gift and grant unto all raankind? Is this grant made to all mankind by sovereign grace ? And whether is it absolute or conditional ? 11. Is the division of the law, as explained and applied in the Marrow, to bejustified? and can it not be rejected with out burying several gospel truths ? 12. Is the hope of heaven, and fear of hell, to be excluded from the motives of believers' obedience ? And if not, how can the Marrow be defended, that expressly excludes them, though it should allow other motives ? Some of the brethren demurred to the answering of these questions, as they thought that the proposing of them, in the circumstances of the case, was an undue mode of procedure, 16 INTRODUCTORY^ NARRATIVE. and calculated to ensnare ; others, however, were clear that, whatever should be the consequences, the questions ought to be answered, as it would afford them an opportunity of vindi^ eating the truth. It was, therefore, agreed by them, after some consultation, that the questions should be received and an swered under a protest, that " their condescension herein shaU not be constructed as an approbation of this method of pro ceeding, nor be improven as a precedent." The answers were prepared by Mr. Ebenezer Erskine and Mr. Wilson of Maxton, and were given in to the commission in March 1722, but they do not appear ever to have been laid before the Assembly, which gave occasion to their being printed and pubUshed very soon after. They are long and elaborate, and somewhat tedious withal ; but they discover a profound knowledge of the system of revealed truth, as well as an intimate acquaintance with the theological controversies of the day ; and the person who shall not think it too great a tax upon his time and his patience to peruse them, will find him self amply repaid by the clear exposition, and the excellent de fence, which he shall therein find of the doctrine of free grace. A termination was put to this business by the Assembly, which met in May 1722, passing an act explaining and mo difying their former one, though retaining the most obnoxious parts of it. They strictly prohibited all ministers, under pain of the censures of the church, from teaching, either publicly or privately, by writfng, printing, preaching, catechising, or in any other way, the positions condemned ; and they cnarged the several presbyteries and synods, and the coraraission, to take particular care that this injunction be punctually observed by all ministers and members of the church, and raore espe cially the presbyteries and synods within whose bounds any of the brethren, who signed the representation, might reside. They farther ordained, that these brethren be rebuked and ad monished by the moderator, on account of injurious reflections contained in their representation ; and, at the sarae time, it was declared that their conduct deserved a higher censure, but that the Assembly forbore to inflict it, in the hope that lenity exercised toward thera would excite them to a more dutiful be haviour in time to corae. The brethren appeared at the bar of the Assembly, and were rebuked and adraonished by the Moderator ; but foresee ing what would take place, they had previously prepared and subscribed a protest,* which one of their number was appointed to present. Accordingly, no sooner were the admonition and * Mr. Bonar being prevented by indisposition frora attending, his name is not appended either to the protest, or to the answers to the queries. EFFECTS OF THE MARROW CONTROVERSY. 17 rebuke administered, than Mr. Kidd presented the protest in the name of hiraself and his brethren. But the Asserably would neither read it nor allow it to lie on the table, but quickly ter minated the sederunt.* In this document, the representers, after enumerating the different steps which had been taken in this business, and briefly stating their objections to the proceed ings of the Assembly, protests. That they dare not, in any manner of way, no, not by silence, consent unto, nor approve of, the acts relative unto this matter ; and that it shall be law ful for them, agreeably to the word of God, and the standards of doctrine aforesaid in this church, to profess, preach, and stUl bear testimony unto, the truths condemned, or otherwise injur ed by the said acts of Assembly, notwithstanding the said acts, or whatsoever shall follow thereupon. On the afternoon, when the Assembly were to meet to give a final decision in the matter, a dreadful tempest of thunder and hail took place, by which the raeeting of the Assembly was delayed for a consid erable time. This was considered by raany as a visible raani festation of the displeasure of heaven against the " black work" in which they were to be engaged. One of the supporters of the Marrow, speaking of this storm, says, " I weU reraeraber, with what serenity of raind, and comfort of heart, I heard the thunder of that day, the most terrible thunder-clap being just about three o'clock.! It made impression on raany as heaven's testiraony against their deed they were then appointed to do, though in this (he wisely adds) it is not for me to deterraine." The controversy concerning the Marrow excited a great ferment among the people ; and the effects which it produced did not pass away when the controversy ceased. Indeed, few controversies have been carried on within the Church of Scot land which l»ave been productive of raore important or raore last ing consequences. One of the more direct results of it was, that the attention of the ministers throughout the Church was raore immediately turned to those grand and leading doctrines which formed the chief topics of discussion ; and a line of separation, which gradually became broader and broader, began at this tirae to be drawn betwixt the ministers themselves, according to the sentiments which they entertained on these controverted points, and according to the side which they espoused in the ecclesias tical courts. Many of the ministers acquired clearer and raore enlarged views ofthe system of revealed truth; the doctrine of free grace was better understood, and more faithfully preached by them ; and their ministrations araong the people were attend ed with a greater degree of success : while there were others among them who, that they might be as far removed as pos- * Boston's Memoirs. t This was the hour at which the Assembly was appointed to meet. B 18 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. sible from the obnoxious sentiments of the Marrow-naen, be came more decidedly, as weU as more avowedly, Arminian in thefr style of preaching. The gospel of Christ was exchanged by them for rationalism ; and more of their time was spent in the pulpit in declaiming against what they called the antino mianism of the Marrow, than in preaching salvation through the blood of Christ. This empty declamatory mode of preach ing prevailed chiefly among the younger divines, who, being . newly sent forth frora the universities, and being afraid that their Uterary attainments, and their intellectual acumen, might be called in question, should they be found ranking on the same side with such men as Boston, Hog, and the Erskines, thought that the best raethod of displaying thefr zeal and their learning, and of introducing theraselves to the notice of their superiors, would be to declaim against antinomianism, and to make their discourses as rational and philosophical as possible. The party spirit which the Marrow controversy kindled, was not confined to one district of the church. It pervaded, less or more, almost all the synods and presbyteries, though it raged more furiously in some than in others. From the zeal which sorae of the ministers displayed in suppressing the Marrow doctrines, it seemed as if they considered that the existence of thefr church, and even of religion itself, depended on the sup pression of them. In sorae quarters, the zeal which was dis played in calling to account the abettors of these doctrines. Was as great as that which was displayed against the supporters even of popery and of infidelity. The following statement is made by one who took an active part in the proceedings of that period : — " 'Tis the manner of some of your synods, I'm also told, to ask at presbyteries, when to be removed for privy censures, if any in their bounds commends or rec(Jmmends the Marrow. I don't mind to have read, that ever your church or dered so narrow a scrutiny about any book, besides the acts of the Council of Trent on the back of your Reformation from po pery. ^ We have been much diverted with the story of a zeal ous divine with you, who, when this matter came first to be spoken of in his synod, rose up and asked once and again, Moderator, are we fo preach against if 9 And, though one of his brethren puUed hira by the sleeve, desiring him to sit down, for there was no need of such questions ; he still insisted, and at length said. Moderator, I have done it already, and I would know if Ihave done well. Yea, or No.' " * It would be an act of injustice, however, to the memory of many good men, to affirm that all who united together in condemnmg the Marrow, were influenced by hostility to the 'Letter to a gentleman at Edinburgh, a ruling elder ofthe Church of Scot" limd, &c P. 32, o . 5 EFFECT^ OF TIIE MARROW CONTROVERSY. 19 truth. This was far from being the case. There were amongst them many excellent persons, whose piety and orthodoxy were unquestionable, and who, frora conscien tious motives, opposed the sentiments maintained by the Marrow-men, because they considered them unscriptural, and calculated to injure the interests of sound raoraUty. Though it must be admitted, that the book which gave rise to this controversy, contains in it startUng positions, and unguarded expressions, yet it contains in it also (what the title of it imports) the very marrow of gospel truth ; and those persons who atterapted to fasten upon it, and upon its defenders, the charge of antinoraianisra, certainly acted under mistaken views, and carried their opposition to an unreasonable length. Another of the direct consequences which resulted from the agitation of this question, was the more extensive diffu sion, among the people, of sound views of scripture doctrine. The condemning of the Marrow, by the Assembly, and the alarm sounded against it from many pulpits, had quite an opposite effect from what was intended.* The conderan ed book was eagerly sought after by the multitude, who perused it with avidity; and, in the greater nuraber of in stances, became converts to the opinions which it inculcated. The press also teeraed with controversial pamphlets, written, some of thera, by the ablest ministers of the church, in which the peculiar doctrines of the gospel were brought prominently forward into notice. These had an extensive circulation among the people ; and while they imparted to them clearer and more enlarged Ariews of the gospel systera, they tended, at the same time, to produce in thera a relish for evangelical preaching. The current of popular opinion ran strongly in favour of those rainisters who espoused the Marrow doctrines. Their sacramental occasions were attended by crowds,t many of whora came from a considerable dis- • " I'm told (says the writer of the Letter already quoted), a worthy divine, who spent some of his time at one of our universities, bestowed several Sabbaths on the Marrow, holding forth the many damnable errors in the book, and beseeching his dear people, as they tendered the safety of their souls, to be aware of it. Now, this happening ere his people had either seen or heard of the Marrow, they were mightily alarmed, and had much discourse among themselves on that subject, but could not agree upon the true name. Some alleged it was the Marrow of MoraUty ; but they were corrected by others, who told them it was the Mother of Divinity : and many names, less proper than either of these, were offered, scarce two of them agreeing on the same title. However, they were all of them very desirous to eee the book." t The writer of the Antinomianism of the Marrow Detected, complains that " there are not a few who turn their backs upon communions in Edinburgh, or the suburbs thereof, and choose, at the very same precise time, to attend them, perhaps at the distance of a day's journey, as if the efficacy of ordi nances were to proceed from ministers who distinguish themselves by some singular opinions." 20 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. tance ; and, in certain instances, so great was the zeal of the people, that they left their own communions, and traveUed a day's journey, that they might be present at the communions of those ministers whora they regarded as the charapions of the truth.* The conduct of the Assembly, in this matter, was viewed with a jealous eye by a considerable proportion of the people. The keenness which they had displayed in condemning a book which had been so highly recoramended, and the severity which they had exercised towards the representers in censur ing them at their bar, were contrasted with the raarked lenity which they had previously shown in the case of Professor Simson ; and fears were entertained lest the majority of them were more inclined to countenance error than to defend the truth. Nor did the subsequent proceedings of the Assembly, which took place iraraediately after the settleraent of this con troversy, tend to dirainish these fears; on the contrary, they were such as increased the growing jealousy of the people, and tended to aUenate their affections raore and more from the ruling party in the church. Certain rumours having spread abroad that Professor Sim son had not only disobeyed the injunctions given him by the Assembly of 1717, but that, in his lectures to the students, he had been guilty of teaching errors still raore dangerous than those with which he had forraeriy been charged, the Presbytery of Glasgow ordered an inquiry to be made con cerning the truth of these reports. They appointed a com mittee to wait upon the Professor, to raake hira acquainted with the nature of the reports that were in circulation con- , * Carnock, Dunfermline, Orwell, Portmoak, Maxton, and Etterick, were places peculiarly distinguished by the attendance of the people on these occa sions. The entertainment, for several successive days, of the strangers who came from all parts of the country to attend these solemnities, was no light tax upon the hospitality of the people, who resided in the neighbourhood of the church. It is but justice, however, to state that it was, in general, ex ercised in the true spirit of Christian love, and "not grudgingly." Mr. Boston mentions in his Memoirs, the following particulars concerning a sacramental occasion at Etterick, where great crowds of people usually attended, and where, as the district was entirely a pastoral one, the houses of the principal parishioners were, during the sacramental season, converted into a kind of caravansaries for the entertainment of strangers. " The tokens distributed to communicants," says he, " were about 777 ; the collection on the three days, ±'77: 13: 4 Scots. There were about nine score strangers in Midgehop; four score of them, William Black, husband of Isabel Biggar aforesaid, enter tained, having before baken for thera half a boll of meal for bread, bought 4s. lOd. sterling worth of wheat-bread, and killed three lambs, &c., and made thirty beds ; and I believe their neighbour's, Robert Biggar, Isabel's brother, would be rauch the same. This I record once for all, for a swatch of the hospitality ofthe parish : for God hath given this people a largeness of heart to communicate of their substance, on these and other occasions also. Those within a mile of the church still had the far greater weight on solemn occa sions." SECOND PROCESS AGAINST PROFESSOR SIMSON. 21 cerning him, and to ask whether or not there was any foun dation for them. The Professor declined raeeting with the coramittee, assigning as his reason for doing so, the bad state of his health, which would not permit hira to hold a con ference with thera. He said that if the presbytery had any thing to lay to his charge, they raight proceed according to the rules of the church, and he would endeavour to answer them. At the sarae time, he sent a letter extrajudicially to the presbytery, stating to them what were his views of the doctrine of the Trinity, concerning which he was said to be heretical. The letter not being deemed satisfactory on cer tain points, a committee of presbytery was appointed to con sider it more fully, and to bring in a report upon the subject. In the mean tirae, the Assembly met in 1726. At this meeting, the commissioners from several presbyteries stated, that they were enjoined by their constituents to demand that an inquiry be immediately instituted into the reports which were in cfrculation concerning Mr. Simson's teaching unsound doctrine. The Assembly having learned from the commissioners of the Glasgow Presbytery, that they had already taken up the matter, enjoined them to proceed with all diligence in their inquiry into Mr. Simson's opinions con cerning the doctrine of the Holy Trinity ; and they showed a laudable zeal for maintaining the purity of doctrine, by ap pointing a comraittee of their most influential merabers, to co-operate with the presbytery in conducting this iraportant inquiry. Neither the presbytery nor committee were, jointly or separately, to pronounce a final judgment, but to report to the next General Asserably the result of their investigation. The charges preferred against Mr. Sirason were, that he had denied the necessary existence of our Lord Jesus Christ ; and that, in his lectures, he had taught the students. That the necessary existence of the Son is a thing fhat we knoio nof ; thaf the phrase Necessary Existence was impertinent, and not to be used when speaking of fhe Trinity ; fhat the three persons of fhe adorable Trinity are not said to be numerically one in substance or essence ; and fhat fhe terms Necessary Existence, Supreme Deity, and the titles of the only frue God, may he taken, and are taken, by some authors, in a sense that includes the personal property of fhe Father, and so not belonging to tke Son. He was further charged with having disobeyed the injunction of the Asserably of 1717, whereby he was prohi bited from using all expressions and hypotheses that were not consistent with the forra of sound words contained in Scripture and the Confession of Faith. Two different Ubels, founded upon these charges, were put into the Professor's hands, and the depositions of a great number of the students 22 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. who attended his lectures, were taken. The Assembly's Committee and the Glasgow Presbytery travaUed in the business with a coraraendable zeal and dUigence; and the task which they had to execute was by no means an easy one. The Professor, in conducting his defence, displayed both learn ing and ingenuity. He stoutly disputed every inch of ground, and endeavoured to bewilder his opponents, by leading them into labyrinths of metaphysics, and of scholastic theology. His defence was evasive in a high degree. At one time he rested it on a legal quibble, and at another on sorae nice raetapfaysical distinction. When driven from one subterfuge, he took sfaelter in anotfaer ; and by availing faimself of every possible plea, which his own ingenuity, or that of his legal advisers, could suggest, fae was enabled to protract tfae process to a considerable lengtfa. When tfae Assembly met in 1728, the whole of the above charges respecting Mr. Simson's views of the Trinity, after a tedious investigation, and after many keen discussions, which faad occupied nearly the whole of tfae tirae of this and of the preceding Assembly, were found fully substantiated. A con siderable number of tfae merabers were for inflicting the high est censure — deposition. But tfae heretical Professor had a powerful party of friends, wfao fougfat side by side witfa himj and wfao endeavoured to put the most favourable construe^ tion on every tfaing fae had eitfaer said or done. These strug gled hard to obtain tfae appointment of a committee, who sfaould bring in an overture founded on tbe wfaole of tfae pre vious proceedings, witfa the view of guiding tfae Assembly as to the sentence they should pronounce. 'This motion they had sufficient influenee to carry. A committee was appoint ed to prepare an overture, wfaich should reconcile all parties. Previous to the appointment of this committee, tfae Professor had given in to the Assembly a paper, disowning the error with which he faad been cfaarged, and expressing fais belief in the Necessary Existence of tfae Lord Jesus Cfarist ; and when the comraittee met, fae presented to them anotfaer paper, avowing fais belief in tfae doctrine of the Trinity. This paper was to the following eflect : " The Professor is of opinion, and believes, that there is one only God ; that, in tfae unity of tfae Godfaead, tfaere are three persons, God the Father, ^c. and that tfae tfaree persons in tfae Godhead are one substance or essence in number ; and is sorry that, in fais teaching, he should have said any thing whicfa faas given ground to any to think tfaat he taugfat any thing contrary to tfais proposition. Jo. Simson." When the committee gave in their report, they presented this paper along with it ; and, after rauch reasoning, and vari- SECOND PROCESS AG.UNST PROFESSOR SIMSON. 23 ous amendments, the overture, whicfa tfae Assembly adopted, was in substance as follows: — They found that Mr. Simson, in tfae papers given in by him to tfae Assembly, asserted tfae necessary existence, and tfae supreme Deity of Christ ; and that he affirmed fais belief in tfae existence of tfaree persons in ona divine essence ; and tfaey declared that his sentiments upon tfaese articles, as expressed in the foresaid papers, were "sound and orthodox;" but, as it had been found proved against hira, by tfais and tfae preceding Assembly, tfaat he had taught things subversive of tfaese blessed trutfas, and tfaat fae had expressed himself in such terms, as tended to infuse ill- f rounded doubts and scruples into the rainds of raen ; and, as e faad neglected so many opportunities of giving satisfaction to tbe judicatories of tfae cfaurcfa, concernmg fais soundness in tfae faitfa, with regard to tfaese important articles, tfaey found themselves obUged, for the honour of trutfa, and in order to prevent tfae spreading of error, to testify their higfa dissatisfac tion witfa fais conduct: " And many merabers declaring, that they tfaougfat tfae said Mr. John Simson deserved deposition, the Assembly, after mature deUberation, considering that tfae process is not entfrely finisfaed, and tfae otfaer cfrcumstances of the case, as it now stands, did agree to suspend Mr. John Sim son from preacfaing and teacfaing, and all exercise of any ecclesiastical power or function, until another General As sembly sfaall think fit to take off tfais sentence." Tfaey fiir tfaer ordered tfaeir proceedings to be printed, and to be trans mitted, along with the state of the process, to the several pres byteries, that tfaey raigfat give instructions to their Corarais sioners to the next Asserably, wfaat tfaey wished farther to be done in this matter. At tfae next meeting of the Assembly, in 1729, this busi ness underwent anotfaer long discussion. The debates upon it continued for eight days ; and, during the whole of that time, the Assembly was crowded witfa spectators, all of whom took the deepest interest in tfae proceedings. Thougfa several of those wfao delivered tfaeir sentiments, were for inflicting tfae sentence of deposition,* yet it was ultimately carried, by Mr. Sirason's friends, tfaat a committee sfaould be appointed to pre pare an overture, witfa a view to tfae final settlement of the question. When the overture was brought in, it was found to be notfaing more tfaan an echo of the one whicfa faad been adopted by tfae preceding Asserably. It simply affirraed tfae sentence of suspension, previously pronounced, witfa tfais addi tion, tfaat the comraittee gave it as tfaeir judgment, that it was not fit nor safe that Mr. Simson be furtfaer employed in teach- * Mr. Boston says that the major part of the Assembly were decidedly of this opinion Memoirs, p. 437. 24 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. ing divinity, and instructing youth designed for tfae holy min istry in tfais cfaurcfa ; and, that the judicatories of tfae cfaurch might have no raore trouble about this process, it was declared that, for peace-sake, the wfaole of tfais matter should rest here. Mr. Simson's friends carefully avoided bringing this over ture to a vote. They urged the importance of the Assembly being unaiumous in their decision upon this subject, and were exceedingly importunate that tfae overture sfaould be acquiesced in, witfaout any fartfaer discussion. Tfaougfa several had, only a little before, been loud in tfaeir cry for deposition, yet all now seeraed inclined quietly to acquiesce, for the sake of peace. One individual alone faad tfae courage to stand up, and avow his dissent. Tfais was Mr. Tfaoraas Boston. Wfaen the over ture was read, and when the Moderator asked, if the Assembly acquiesced in it, there was a breathless silence over tfae faouse for a rainute or so. Mr. Boston tfaen rose, and spoke to the following effect i — " Moderator, I find myself laid under a ne cessity of declaring my dissent from tfais decision of tfae As sembly, as I tfaink the censure inflicted by it on Professor Sim son, is not adequate to tfae offence he has given, as to the points of doctrine tfaat faave been proved fae taugfat the students under his care, and have been found relevant to infer censure. I cannot help thinking. Sir, tfaat tfae cause of Jesus Cfarist, as to tfae great and essential point of fais supreme Deity, has been at the bar of this Assembly requiring justice ; and, as I am shortly to answer at His bar for all I do or say, I dare not give my assent to tfae decision of tfais act. On the contrary, I find rayself obliged, on tfais occasion, to offer a protest against it ; and, therefore, in ray own narae, and in the name of all that shall adfaere to rae, and if none here will," — here he paused for an instant, and looked round him with an air of gravity and iraportance, and then added, " For myself alone, I crave leave to enter my protest against the decision of this act."* The Moderator (Mr. James Alston of Dirleton) interposed, and endeavoured to dissuade him from taking sucfa a step, as it would interrupt tfae faarraony of tfae decision. But Mr. Boston was firra to his purpose. Having previously prepared a paper, containing his reasons of dissent,lie read it aloud, as follows : — " I dissent, as judging it (inasrauch as it dotfa not bear a deposition of Mr. Sirason frora tfae office of tfae rainistry, of teacfaing and preaching the gospel of the blessed God) to be no just testiraony of tfais church's indignation against the dishonour done by tne said Mr. Sirason to our glorious Re deemer, the great God and our Saviour, and wfaat faath been found both relevant and proved against him by the two imme- * Letter from a dissenting minister, in the Appendix to Boston's Memoirs, p. 50. See also MemoirSj p. 438. SECOND PROCESS AGAINST PROFESSOR SIMSON. 25 diately preceding General Assemblies ; and judging tfae same also not to be agreeable to tfae rules of God's word in such cases, nor to tfae form of process established in tfais church ; to be saddening to the faearts of tfae generaUty of the ministers and godly tfarougfa the land, and not sufficient to dash the hopes of the proud contemners of revealed reUgion, and the awful and incoraprefaensible raysteries of tfae sarae, both at horae and abroad ; nor a fit raeans to bring tfae said Mr. Sira son faimself to repentance, wfaereof as yet fae hatfa given no evidence. All wfaicfa shall be fully raanifested to the world if need be." Wfaen he faad finisfaed, tfae Moderator again addressed hira, and with much emotion said : — " Brotfaer, I faope, in tfais matter, where you see such an appearance of unanimity, you will not do anytfaing tfaat raay faave a tendency to rend and divide tfais cfaurcfa, and tear out tfae bowels of your raotfaer." To wfaicfa Mr. Boston, still standing, repUed, — " Rather, Sir, than wfaat I am now offering sfaould faave that effect, I would wisfa tfaat I and my protest should be buried under a mountain. There are many in this Assembly whora I never saw in the face before, nor know ; but such of thera as I know, and differ frora rae in this raatter, I not only faave tfae utmost charity for tfaem notwithstanding, but I could willingly sit at their feet and learn Christ. However, I cannot see there should be any danger of a breacfa in tfais cfaurcfa on tfais occasion to perrait one raeraber, wfao is grieved and gravelled by this decision, to enter his protest against it." Tfae Moderator, faowever, con tinued to urge Mr. Boston, — and at lengtfa prevailed upon faim not to insist, at present, upon tfae marking of fais dissent, but to take the matter into consideration, and to consult some of his bretfaren, as to tfae course whicfa fae sfaould pursue. Tfaougfa many of Mr. Boston's friends were of the sarae opinion with himself, as to the merits of tfae cause, yet, for peace-sake, they thought it would be better not to enter a dissent upon the As sembly's record, as doing so might weaken the effect of the decision. Mr. Boston, tfaougfa his sentiments remained un changed, yielded to tfaeir wishes on tfais point ; and wfaen the Assembly met on the following day, he requested permission to address the house, wfaich being granted, fae produced a paper, containing his final resolution, and read aloud as fol lows : — "Moderator, I have, according to your desire, considered again my dissenting from tfae sentence and decision of tfais Venerable Asserably in the affair of Mr. Simson : and as it was with no design to break in upon tfae peace of tfais cfaurch, but for the necessary exoneration of my own conscience, that I did formally declare my dissent in that matter, so I can see n 2 26 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. 110 ground to retract it, and therefore am far from retracting the same. Yet, forasmuch as the marking of it in your records, whicfa is tfae only thing that now remains in that matter, is judged by my very reverend fathers and brethren of this As serably to be of dangerous consequences to tfae peace of this cfaurcfa, wfaich I think rayself obliged in conscience to be very tender of, I do not insist fbr the raarking of it in your records : but having the dissent, as I declared it, by rae, in writ, from wfaich I read it before tfais Venerable Assembly, and having also in writing wfaat I faave now delivered, I am resolved, tfarougfa grace, to make sucfa use of tfae same afterward, as pressing necessity, in any undesirable event, may be judged to require." Tfaus terminated, in a manner not the most credible to the General Assembly, one of tfae raost important processes that was ever brougfat before tfaat Court. The honour of the Saviour and the interests of reUgion were deeply involved in it ; and tfae eyes of tfae Scottish Churcfa were turned toward tfaeir spiritual rulers, to see wfaat would be tfae decision which they should pronounce. That Mr. Simson faad been guilty of publicly teacfaing the erroneous opinions, respecting the doc trine of tfae Trinity, which were laid to his cfaarge, was estab lished, in tfae clearest manner, by tfae witnesses tfaat were ex amined in support of tfae libel,; tfaat fae faad been guilty also of disobeying tfae injunction of the Asserably of 1717, and tfaat fae faad, notwithstanding such injunction, inculcated upon the students tfae sentiraents which he had been forbidden to teach — was establisfaed, in a manner no less satisfactory, by the evidence laid before the Glasgow Presbytery and the As- serably's comraittee. He faad kept tfae whole of the church courts, in a ferment, for the space of three years, and faad en deavoured by every species of subterfuge and legal quibbling, to extricate himself from tfae charges tfaat were brought agamst him ; and at length, when tfae principal cfaarges were fully establisfaed, and when he found that there was some danger of a sentence of deposition going forth against him, he made a public and explicit disavowal of the obnoxious sentiments im puted to faira — witfa tfae view of averting tfae storm, and sav ing at least his salary, if not his situation. Yet, in these cir cumstances, did the Assembly think, that they sufficiently discfaarged their duty to their God, and to tfae cfaurch, when they raerely suspended the guilty individual frora the exercise of his ecclesiastical functions, and declared faim unfit to be any longer intrusted witfa tfae training of youtfa for tfae faoly minis try. Tfaat tfae Asserably, with the exception of one solitary individual, should be unanimous in pronouncing such a deci sion, excites our surprise ; and after raaking every allowance SECOND PROCESS AGAINST PROFESSOR SIMSON. 27 for a feeUng of sympathy operating in favour of the accused, and also for a laudable desire to preserve peace in the churcfa, which influenced the minds of a certain portion of the mem- bers,_ — stUl we cannot fail to recognise, in such a decision, a considerable indifference raanifested to the interests of truth. Wfaen we contrast tfae leniency of tfae sentence pronounced against Mr. Simson, after being a second time convicted of heresy, witfa the fiery zeal whicfa had, only a short wfaile be fore, burned so faotly against tfae good men who defended the doctrines of the Marrow, and with the anatfaemas which had been thundered forth against all wfao should preach, or any way countenance these doctrines — we do not wonder, that an unfavourable irapression should have been produced upon tfae rainds of tfae people, by tfae issue of Mr. Simson's process ; and that the Assembly sfaould faave been accused, not raerely of lukewarmness, but of giving tfaeir indirect sanction to tfae grossest errors. Lest sorae of my readers may suppose it strange tfaat tfae Marrow-men, wfao on former occasions faad been so bold in defence of the truth, should have been silent on the present occasion, it raay be proper to raention that, with tlie exception of Mr. Boston, none of tfaem were raembers of this Assembly. Mr. Gabriel Wilson was present, thougfa not a raeraber ; and after that the Assembly had declared thefr ac quiescence in the overture proposed to them by tfae committee, he requested leave to speak, whicfa being granted, fae addressed tfae Moderator as follows : — " In regard, I am persuaded tfais sentence does not duly serve to glorify God our Saviour, nor to preserve this cfaurcfa upon faim as tfae foundation ; and in regard it is no wise agreeable to the mind of the Church of Scotland, made known to this Assembly ; and tfaat it will, I ara afraid, (or I ara confident,) faasten bringing wrath upon this church, — I therefore declare my testimony against it." In consequence of the proceedings, to wfaich I have adverted in, the preceding pages, the rainds of tfae people were consider ably fretted, and a growing spirit of dissatisfaction began to raanifest itself. Other causes than those I faave now raen tioned, in wfaich tfae interests of tfae people were more deeply involved, now carae into operation, — and the spirit of discon tent spread wider and wider, until it fairly burst forth into a flame. The discussions that were carried on concerning tfae law of patronage, — tfae faigfa tone wfaicfa the Asserably began to assume in enforcing the settleraent of ministers in opposi tion to the avowed wisfaes of tfae people, — and tfae supercilious treatment given to some of tfae popular ministers, because they would not silently submit to arbitrary enactraents, in opposi tion to the dictates of tfaeir own conscience, and to tfae laws of 28 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. God— these were the iraraediate causes which led to the Seces sion ; and with a concise detaU of these I shall close this intro ductory part, and enter upon my raain narrative. That those eminent men, who were instruments in the hand of God for achieving the Reforraation in Scotland, considered patronage a great evU in the church, — tfaat tfaey pronounced it to be contrary to tfae word of God, and contended for the complete abolition of it, — must be sufficiently obvious to any person wfao peruses tfae First and Second Books of Discipline. Tfaey tfaere declare, tfaat tfae liberty of the election of persons called to tfae ecclesiastical functions, was observed witfaout in terruption, " so long as tfae kirk was not corrupted by anti christ ;" and they desire that it "be restored and retained within this realm." They furtfaer " desire all tfaera that truly fear God, earnestly to consider, that forasraucfa as the names of patronages and benefices, together witli tfae effect tfaereof, faave flowed from tfae Pope, and corruption of the canon law only, in so far as thereby any person was intruded or placed over kirks, faaving curam animarum (tfae care of souls) ; and forasraucfa as tfaat raanner of proceeding hatfa no ground in tfae word of God, but is contrary to the same, and to the said liberty of election, tfaey ougfat not now to have place in this light of reformation."* These were tfae sentiraents of tfae first reforraers of tfae Scot- tisfa Cfaurcfa, in reference to patronage ; and tfaey endeavoured, so far as tfaeir influence extended, to reduce them to practice. For, in tfae form of church governraent which they sketched out, as most agreeable to the word of God, they declared the power of cfaoosing a minister, and otfaer office-bearers, to be vested in tfae elders and people of the respective congregations. In the First Book of DiscipUne, it is expressly declared, that " No raan sfaould enter in the rainistry, without a lawful voca tion. The lawful vocation standetfa in tfae election of the people, examination of tfae ministry, and admission by tfaera botfa." And again, " No minister sfaould be intruded upon any particular kirk, without tfaeir consent."! " It ap pertaineth to the people, and to every several congregation, to elect their own ministers. It is to be altogetfaer avoided, tfaat any man be violently intruded or tfarust in upon a congre gation; but this Uberty, witfa all care, raust be reserved to every several cfaurcfa, to faave tfaefr votes and suffrages in the election of tfaeir ministers.''^ In tfae Second Book of Discipline tfae same doctrine is taugfat, _ tfaougfa it is limited to a certain extent; — tfae rule there laid down gives the power of election to tfae eldership, • Second Book of Discipline, chap. xii. -f- Sect. iv. of the First Book. % First Book of Discipline, chap. iv. paragraphs 2 and 4. LAW OF PATRONAGE. 59 but at the sarae tirae requires the consent of the congregation, to render tfae election by tfae eldership valid ; and unless this consent were obtained, no ordination could take place. " Elec tion," says the Second Book, " is tfae choosing out of a person or persons raost able, to tfae office that vakes, by the judg ment of the eldership, and consent of tfae congregation, to wfaich tfae person or persons shall be appointed." " In the order of election, it is to be eschewed, tfaat any person be intruded in any offices of tfae kirk, contrary to tfae will of tfae congregation to wfaicfa tfaey are appoiuted, or without the voice of the eldership."* The difference betwixt the First and the Second Books of Discipline, with regard to tfae elec tion of rainisters is, tfaat tfae First Book allowed tfae people a positive vote ; wfaereas, by the Second Book, they were allowed only a negative voice ; tfaat is, tfae election or norai nation of tfae candidate lay, in tfae first place, witfa the elder ship (or session) ; tfae person on wfaora the session fixed, as the object of their choice, was tfaen proposed to tfae congregation for their consent : if the consent was given, tfae ordination fortfawltfa proceeded; if tfae candidate was rejected, tfae election by the eldership was null and void. This was the law of the election of office-bearers in the cfaurch, according to the Second Book of Discipline. Though this law did not give to the people all the power in the election of their office-bearers, to whicfa, according to tfae Scriptures, they were entitled, — and wfaicfa had been previously conceded to them by the First Book of DiscipUne, — yet it distinctly recognised their right to accept of or to reject any candidate tfaat migfat be proposed to tfaem ; and it did so on the avowed principle, tfaat to faave intruded on tfaera any person, or persons, witfaout tfaeir con sent, would faave been contrary to tfae word of God ; in otfaer words — even taking the lowest view of the question — tfae consent of tfae people, in tfae appointment of tfaeir ministers and elders, is here admitted to be a divine right, of wfaich tfaey could not be deprived without trampling upon tfae autfaority of God.t * Chap. iii. ofthe Second Book. f A late -writer (Sir Henry Moncrieff WeUwood) has afSrmed, that it was never recognised as a law ofthe Scottish church, that the people had a divine right to choose their own pastors. This is disingenuous. This right is most distinctly implied in the extracts quoted above, from the First and Second Books of Discipline. Why was patronage pronounced to be contrary to the word of God ? Why was the election of the minister declared to be by " the judgment of the eldership, and consent of the congregation ?" Why was it to be " eschewed, that any person be intruded into any office of the kirk, contrary to the wiU of the congregation?" It is scarcely possible that the ¦principle of popular election could be stated in broader terms. It might not, indeed, on account of circumstances, be acted upon to its fuU extent ; but the principle was recognised, as one that was sanctioned by divine authority : 30 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. Notwithstanding, however, the enactments contained in the First and Second Books of Discipline, it does not appear that the people were permitted, for a considerable period, to exer cise tfae privUeges tfaerein conceded to tfaem. So far down as tfae year 1649, patronage, witfa all its grievances, stUl. con tinued in force ; thougfa, in certain instances, it was somewhat modified. But in that year the Scottish parliaraent declared, " tfaat patronages and presentations of kirks is an evil and bondage under which the Lord's people and ministers of this land have long groaned ; and that it hath no warrant in God's word, but is founded only on the coramon law, and is a custom popish, and brought into the kirk in time of ignorance and superstition ; and that the sarae is contrary to the Second Book of Discipline, in which, upon solid and good ground, it is reckoned among abuses tfaat are desired to be reformed, and unto several acts of General Assemblies ; and that it is prejudicial to the liberty of the people and planting of kirks, and unto tfae free calUng and entry of rainisters into their charges."* On these grounds, this grievance, so long com plained of by the church, was abolished. It was further recoramended, by tfae same parliament, to the next General Assembly, to deterraine " the just and proper interest of congregations and presbyteries, in providing of kirks with ministers," and to ascertain " what is to be accounted the con gregation having tfaat interest ;" and they were required " to condescend upon a certain standing way for being a settled rule therein for all tiraes coraing." Agreeably to this recommen dation of parliament, tfae Assembly, wfaen tfaey met in July tfaat same year, took up the business ; and, before they separ ated, sanctioned a Directory for Election of Ministers, which was substantially the sarae with tfaat contained in tfae Second Book of Discipline. According to tfais Directory, the session were invested with tfae power of electing tfae ministers ; and to the congregation was given the power eitfaer of acquiescing in tfae session's cfaoice, or of dissenting from it. If a majority of tfae congregation dissented, and if it was found by tfae pres bytery tfaat the dissent was not grounded " on causeless pre judices," a new election was appointed to take place, f This rule continued to be observed till the restoration of tfae Second Cfaarles, when patronages were again revived, and all ministers who had been inducted into charges, with out having received a presentation (tfaat is, since tfae year 1649) were required to accept of presentations from the legal patrons, or tfaey were to leave their churcfaes. A great a.nd patronage, which is the opposite of popular election, was declared to be contrary to the word of God. • Act 39. t Directory for Election of Ministers, J 649. LAW OF PATRONAGE. 31 numberof faithful ministers preferred tfae latter part of tlu- alternative ; tfaey refused to comply witfa the tyrannical mandate, and were, in consequence, ejected from their cfaarges. Episcopacy was speedily restored, and confusion prevailed tfaroughout the Scottish Church. In the year 1690, immediately after tfae meraorable Revolution, patron ages were again, in a certain sense, aboUshed ; and a new enactment was made with regard to tfae election of ministers. The power of election was vested in tfae faands of the session and protestant heritorrs, in country parisfaes ; and of magis trates and town-council and session in burghs; and to the congregation was given tfae power of approving or disapprov ing of tfae cfaoice thus made. Should any opposition be made by the congregation, or by any portion of it, to the candidate proposed, their reasons for doing so were to be laid before the cfaurcfa courts, wfao Mere to judge of tfaeir vaUdity, and their judgraent in tfae matter was declared to be final. Tfae sarae act furtfaer appointed tfae sura of six faundred merks to be paid, by every congregation, to tfae patron, as a reraunera- -tion-for fais being deprived of the right of presentation ; and it also declared, that sfaould no election of a rainister take place, in tfae raanner now raentioned, within six months after tfae congregations faad becorae vacant, tfae presbytery sfaould be empowered to plant tfae same.* Tfais act was rescinded, in 1711, on tfae ground tfaat it " faad proved inconvenient, and had occasioned great faeats and divisions ;" and tfae yoke of patronage was again wreatfa- ed around tfae necks of tfae people. For some time, faowever, after tfae revival of the law of patronage, the practical evils of it were not experienced to any great extent, on account of a general disinclination, on the part of ministers, to accept of presentations, and on account of the great nuraber of in stances in whicfa presbyteries were permitted to settle vacant congregations, eitfaer by virtue of the jus devolutum, or by the tacit consent of patrons. The feeling against presenta tions was decidedly general, araongst both rainisters and people ; and repeated instances occur, during the transactions of tfais period, in wfaicfa presentations were set aside by tfae presbyteries, on tfae ground of the opposition that was raade to the presentee by the people, and rainisters were inducted that were more agreeable to the wisfaes of tfae congregation. This state of things did not long continue. The laudable squeamishness, wfaicfa at first prevailed among ministers, with regard to accepting of presentations, graduaUy dimin ished. The resistance, of course, on the part of the people, * Pari. 1690. Act 23. 32 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. became botfa more frequent and more obstinate. A spint was roused, wfaich the leaders of the church courts, with all their talents and address, found it difficult to manage. Be twixt the law of patronage, on the one hand, enforcing its clairas, and the voice of the people, on the other, remonstrate ing against ecclesiastical tyranny, they felt themselves placed in difficult circumstances. The records of the General As sembly, during the years tfaat imraediately preceded the coraraenceraent of tfae Secession, furnisfa us witfa numerous instances of appeals, on tfae part of tfae people, against the decisions of the inferior courts, in regard to the settlement of rainisters. Tfae issue of tfaese appeals was almost uni forraly unfavourable. Indeed, when no specific charge was brought against tfae life or doctrine of tfae presentees, what else could the Assembly do, according to tfae constitution of their churcfa, tfaan order tfaem to be inducted ? The law of patronage was iraperative ; and wfaen botfa patron and pre sentee were firm in deraanding tfaat tfae law sfaould be carried into effect, it Is easy to perceive that the murraurs of the people — loud and deep tfaougfa tfaey migfat be — would be of no avail. Wfaat tended to faasten the approaching crisis still more, and added greatly to the difficulty of the suprerae court in effecting a settlement in opposition to the wishes of tfae people, was, that in all contested questions a considerable party of tfae ministers tfaemselves espoused tfae popular side. Tfaey not only spoke and voted against tfae violent intrusion of ministers into parisfaes, but tfaey actually refused to carry into effect tfae decisions of tfae Assembly, by absenting them selves from ordinations, even witfain tfae bounds of their own presbytery, in those cases wfaere a presentee was ordered to be inducted in opposition to the wishes of tfae people. In consequence of tfais unbending spirit displayed by the more popular ministers, the Assembly felt themselves placed in circurastances of peculiar difficulty. Tfaese -rainisters, re garding it as a raatter of conscience, would neither be com pelled nor cajoUed to countenance, by tfaeir presence, those violent settleraents, which were now becoraing so frequent throughout the country. Besides, tfaey faad tfae great majo rity of the people on their side ; and if the Assembly had per- eraptorily coraraanded them to carry into effect tfaefr decisions upon pain of suspension or deprivation, it would have occa sioned a breach in their church, raucfa more serious tfaan that which afterwards took place. In these circurastances, being unwilling to risk tfaeir authority against the refractory ministers on the one faand, or to succurab before tfae opposition of the people on the otfaer, tfaey had recourse to a poor expedient, in DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING PATRONAGE. 33 order to carry into effect their own arbitrary decisions. The expedient which they adopted was at once unscriptural, un constitutional,, and at variance with sound poUcy. In those cases, where a 'violent settlement was appointed to take place, instead^ of rendering it imperative on the presbyteries to pro ceed with the ordination in the usual way, the Assembly or Commission appointed a committee of their own number, or members from sorae of tfae neigfabouring synods or presbyter ies, to meet and ordain tfae obnoxious presentee, leaving it optional to the ministers of the presbytery within whose bounds the ordination took place, either to attend or not, as tfaey migfat tfaink proper. Such a mode of procedure was cal culated to bring the autfaority of tfae suprerae court into con tempt, and tended to foster, ratfaer tfaan repress, a spirit of re sistance on tfae part of the people. This expedient was first adopted in 1729, in tfae case of New-Machar, and continued to be resorted to, in cases of difficulty, for a period of twenty years, when it was abandoned; and presbyteries were per emptorily enjoined to proceed witfa the settlement of pre sentees according to the usual mode, whetfaer tfae settlement was agreeable to tfaeir wisfaes or not.* The state of affairs in the national church at this period, even its greatest admfrers must admit, was deplorably bad. The people groaned under the yoke of patronage, and in vain did they apply for relief to tfae ecclesiastical rulers. Tfaese, so far from listening to tfaeir complaints, or sympatfaizing with them, seemed resolved to carry matters witfa a high hand. The violent intrusion of ministers upon reclaiming congrega tions prevailed in every part of the country. At every meet ing of the Assembly, for several successive years, no small portion of their business consisted in considering cases of ap peal, that were occasioned by tfae atterapt to impose rainisters upon parisfaes in opposition to the wishes of the people. In the journal ofthe Assembly's proceedings for 1730, there are recorded no fewer than twelve cases of tfais description .f Tfae mentioning of tfais fact may serve to give ray readers sorae idea of tfae agitated state of the eountry at the tirae irame diately preceding the coraraencement of the Secession. Some of these cases were protracted from one Assembly to another ; and during the time tfaat they were thus kept in dependence, the minds of the people were kept in a state of the greatest excitement. In certain instances, the presbyteries and synods * Appendix to Moncrieff s Life of Erskine, p. 442. t The parishes mentioned are the following : — Renfrew, Crimond, New- Machar, Old-Machar, Towie, Hutton, Kinross, Dunblane, Balfrone, Eccles, Kiltearn, Marykirk. Some of these cases were continued from one Assembly to another. C 34 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. were inclined to support the claims of the people ; but when thefr cause carae to be discussed at the bar of the Assembly, or wfaen it was referred by tfae Assembly to tfae Commission, their appeal was almost uniformly unsuccessful. The policy pursued by those who took tfae lead in the church courts at this period, obviously tended to estabUsh a species of ecclesiastical despotism, in the exercise of which they might give effect to the law of patronage, and crush the doctrine of popular election, so keenly contended for by the people, and by a considerable poption of the ministers. Com plaints were made, tfaat the Commission, in certain instances, sustained calls which had been attested merely by a notary public, without any moderation having taken place by ap pointment of presbytery. The powers exercised by the Com mission were of an arbitrary and odious kind ; they reversed the sentences of synods, even though thefr number migfat be inferior to tfaat of tfae synod wfaose sentence was reversed ; and they censured presbyteries and synods for testifying thefr dis pleasure against tfaose ministers wfao accepted of presentations. The Asserably occasionally found fault with the Coramission for having exceeded tfae powers intrusted to tfaem ; but it was remarked, tfaat tfaough they censured them, they seldom, if ever, reversed their objectionable proceedings. In certain cases, where the people proved refractory, and where the pres bytery was resolved to grant induction to an unpopular candi date, an armed force was employed to carry into effect the decisions of the cfaurch courts; and the unseemly spectacle was now and tfaen exfaibited of tfae ministers of reUgion being guarded to cfaurch upon a Sabbath by files of dragoons, amid the noise of drums, and the flashing of swords, that they might serve the edict of an hireling, to whose ministry the people were resolved not to submit. A writer of that day gives the foUowing account of a scene of this kind wfaich took place at Bathgate, at the serving of the edict of Mr. Thomas Laurie, by appointment of the presbytery of Linlithgow :— *' These and such like tfaings were done to terrify the people ; and yet for all that, tfaese gentlemen and tfae two ministers that were to serve the edict, being conscious to themselves of tfae badness of tfaeir cause, and what an evil part they were acting, thought not fit to do it untU they got a troop of dra goons to be a guard to thera; and accordingly, November 17, 1717, being the Sabbath-day, tfaey came to Batfagate, and wfaen approaching the town, they caused beat their drum, and draw their swords, and in tfais posture came tfarough the town, guarding the ministers into tfae cfaurch, riding and striking, with their naked swords, at the woraen and others standing gazing upon the way side, which was a melancholy Sabbath REFUSAL OF THE ASSEMBLY TO RECEIVE DISSENTS. 35 in Bathgate, tfae Sabbatfa-day being much profaned, not only by the people of the place, but by many coming from other parisfaes, to see a new way of propagating the Gospel by red coat booted apostles officiating as elders."* In 1730, the Assembly, having affirmed the sentence of the Coraraission, enjoined the presbytery of Chirnside to proceed with a violent settleraent in the parish of Hutton. Several merabers craved that tfaeir dissent from tfais decision migfat be recorded. Tfais was refused, on tfae ground, that the granting of it would " tend to disturb tfae peace of tfae church !" And before the Asserably disraissed, it was solemnly enacted, that henceforward no reasons of dissent " against the deterraination of church judicatures" shall be entered on the record. By such arbitrary proceedings as these, the minds of tfae people, and of not a few of the rainisters, were much irritated ; and that a revolt should ere long take place against the rais governraent of rulers, who showed such a total disregard of the feeUngs of those wfaose spiritual interests they were bound to proraote, was nothing raore than might have been expect ed. In looking back to the transactions of that period, instead of wondering that so raany excellent raen left the pale of tfae EstabUshment when the Secession commenced, our only surprise is, that tfaey continued so long to abide in her cora munion. No measures could have been adopted that were better fitted for secularizing the Scottish Churcfa, tfaan tfaose which the dorainant party, m her ecclesiastical courts, actu aUy pursued. That this was the object which they had in view in adopting these raeasures, I sfaall not take upon me to affirm, but that this was the decided tendency of the course wfaich they pursued, is sufficiently obvious. In con ducting their administration, tfaey were guided raore by tfae dictates of worldly poUcy, tfaan by tfae maxims of scripture ; when argument failed in silencing objections, they employed force, and when men could not be induced by persuasion to submit to tfaeir arbitrary enactraents, tfaey faad recourse to terror. Arraed witfa tfae authority of the state, as well as of the cfaurcfa, tfaey aimed at bearing down aU opposition, by occasionally caUing in to tfaeir aid the strong arm of the law. Tfaat men sfaould tamely submit, for any lengtfa of time, to have their feelings outraged, tfaeir rigfats trampled upon, and their complaints disregarded, without raaking any effort to emancipate tfaemselves from the tyranny wfaich subjects them to such wrongs, is what we have no reason to expect from human nature. Those wfao are oppressed, will take the • Letter to a minister of the gospel, concerning the parish of Bathgate, 1720, p. la 36 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. first opportunity that presents itself of breaking the yoke from thefr necks, and, having burst asunder their fetters, will dash thera in the face of their oppressors. My readers, after perusing the preceding statements, will not be surprised to be told, that the minds of a considerable portion of the people in Scotland were alienated, by the transactions referred to, from their ecclesiastical rulers ; and that no sooner was a way of escape opened up to them from the grievous trammels to which they were subjected, than multitudes eagerly availed tfaemselves of it. This way of escape was opened up by the Secession whicfa took place frora the National Church,— an event which, though greatly deplored at first, has been produc tive of essential benefit to the country, and is every day spread ing its blessings wider and wider. I cannot but regard it as a merciful interposition of Providence, on behalf of our land, that the Secession Churcfa sprung into existence at the time it did, seeing tfaat it faas been honoured of God as an instru ment for maintaining, in an erainent degree, sound doctrine, purity of discipline, and religious Uberty, in tfais northern part of the island; seeing that, from first to last, many thou sands of pious Christians have found a quiet retreat in its bosom from the evils of patronage, and from tfae otfaer griev ances complained of in tfae EstabUsfaraent ; and seeing, tfaat, by means of tfae reflex influence wfaicfa it has exercised upon the national churcfa, it faas considerably checked it in its progress of deterioration, and rendered it, in some respects, more efficient. Having thus taken a review of the leading events connected with the ecclesiastical history of our country, from the period of the Revolution till the upUfting of the standard of the Secession ; and having pointed out the causes wfaich prepared tfae minds of men for an extensive revolt from the judicatories of the EstabUshed Cfaurch of Scotland, I shall now detail, as faithfuUy and as minutely as I can, the various particulars connected with tfae rise, progress, and present attitude of that portion of tfae Cfaristian community whose history it is the object of the present narrative to record. PART I. FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SECESSION, TILL THE DIVISION OCCASIONED BY THE CONTROVERSY ABOUT THE BURGESS OATH. CHAPTER I. Overture concerning the Jus Devolutum — Passed into a law — Mr. Ebenezer Erskine and other brethren protest against it — Their protest refused Representation of ministers and elders — Representation of 1,700 persons Representations rejected — Violent settlement at Kinross — Mr. Ebenezer Erskine's Sermon at Perth — Complaint made concerning it — Committee of Synod appointed to investigate — Objectionable passages adduced by the committee — Charges founded on them — Mr. Erskine's answers — Debate in Synod — Mr. Erskine found censurable — Refuses to submit to censure — Twelve ministers and two elders protest against the decision of Synod — Mr. Erskine and Mi-. Fisher protest and appeal to the General Assembly — Sen tence of Synod affirmed — Mr. Erskine rebuked and admonished — Protesta tion by Messrs. Erskine, Wilson, MoncrieflF, and Fisher — Assembly in an uproar — The four brethren appointed to appear before the Commission — Proceedings of the Commission — The four brethren suspended from the exercise of their ministry — Their pastoral relation loosed — Declared no longer ministers of the Church of Scotland — Mr. Gabriel Wilson and six other ministers protest against this decision — Protestation of the four brethren — Vindication of the Fathers of the Secession. By the law of patronage, it was provided, that if a patron did not exercise his right of presenting an individual to a parish, within six months after it becarae vacant, the pres bytery should Q'ure devolufo) take measures for inducting a minister into the parish. As the cases wfaich occurred of( this description were numerous, and as the presbyteries, whenj tfae rigfat devolved upon tfaera, sometimes gave the people the liberty of choosing their ministers, and at other times exercis ed a species of patronage tfaemselves, so it was deemed desir able that a uniform method of procedure sfaould be adopted by presbyteries, in the appointment of nUnisters to vacant par ishes. Tfae doctrine of tfae divine right of tfae people to choose tfaeir own pastors, was openly insisted upon in tfae cfaurch courts ; and in those presbyteries, where tfae party preponder ated tfaat faeld this doctrine, it was reduced to practice, to the great satisfaction of the people. It was witfa tfae view of crush ing this doctrine, and of preventing it from being acted upon in 38 OVERTURE CONCERNING THE JUS DEVOLUTUM. any part of the cfaurcfa, that an overture was brought before the Assembly of 1731, and by tfaem ordered to be transmitted to tfae different presbyteries; tfaat, according to tfae barrier act, tfaey migfat consider it, and report at next meeting whe tfaer or not it sfaould be passed into a law. The avowed object of the overture was to produce a uniformity in the metfaod of settling vacant parisfaes, in tfaose cases wfaere tfae right of appointment devolved upon the presbyteries ; and, at tfae same tirae, to do this in such a way as to give no countenance to the doctrine of popular election ; inasmuch as this doctrine was exceedingly unpalatable to tfae ruling party in tfae church, and could not be acted upon, consistently witfa tfae law of pat ronage, wfaich they were resolved, at all nazards, to enforce. By tfais overture, itwas proposed, tfaat the election of a minister for a vacant parish should belong only to elders, and to pro testant heritors; and, in royal burghs, to the magistrates, town council, and elders ; and, if any part of the burgh was landward, the heritors, being protestant, were to vote along with them. After tfae election, tfae person elected was to be proposed to the congregation, to be by tfaem " eitfaer approven or disapproven." If tfae congregation disapproved of the choice by the elders and heritors, they were to lay their rea sons before the presbytery, " by whose determination the call ing and entry of tfae rainister sfaould be concluded according to tfae rules of tfae church." * It is true, as has been affirmed, that tfais overture imposed no greater restrictions upon the freedom of the people, in tfae choice of their rainisters, than had formerly been imposed by the act of parUament in 1690 ; but there was this great difference, that, in the one case, it was the ministers of religion, tfae spiritual guides of tfae peo ple, that were infringing upon tfae Cfaristian privUeges of the people ; and, in the other, it was tfae rulers of tfae state who, for political purposes, restricted the freedom of election. For inerly, notwitfastanding tfae existence of acts of parliament, tfae presbyteries, in cases wfaere tfae rigfat of planting vacant parisfaes devolved upon tfaem, frequently granted to tfae people all the Uberty that tfaey could wisfa for, in cfaoosing tfaeir own ministers. Now, it was resolved, by the ruling party, to ren der it iraperative on all presbyteries to pursue the sarae restric tive rule, in every case ; that is, in no one instance to grant to tfae people tfae liberty of election, but to restrict tfae privi lege to elders and protestant heritors. Heritors, whether resident or nonresident, were perraitted to choose hy proxy. It was not even required of them that tfaey be members of the church. They might be grossly ignorant, or immoral, or * Act Sth Assembly 1732. OVERTURE CONCERNING THE JUS DEVOLUTUM. 39 profane ; they might be episcopalian, or infidel, or any thmg, provided they only bore the general name of protestant ; the mere circurastance of their being heritors was considered as pecuUarly quaUfying them, above aU otfaer men, for choosing office-bearers for the house of God. That statesmen, who regard the church as a mere engine of government, and who look upon her office-bearers as so many tools ready made for the accomplishment of political purposes, should have sanc tioned such an idea, does not at all surprise us ; but that ministers of the gospel should have introduced, and urged tfae adopting of such a raeasure as tfae one now mentioned, and sfaould have extolled it as the best possible that could be adopted, does excite astonisfament. No otfaer proof is neces sary to convince us that, in their adrainistration of church affairs, they were under the influence of a secular spirit. Wfaile tfaey took away from tfae bulk of the Cfaristian people a privUege which scripture allows thera, they vested it in a class of men wfaom neitfaer reason nor scripture recognises as having any particular claim to it, and wfao, of all classes of men in a parish, are frequently the worst quaUfied for tfae proper exercise of it. Such was the nature of the overture that was transmitted to presbyteries for their sanction ; and, in the meantime, they were enjoined to make it the rule of their procedure, until the Assembly should meet.* When the Supreme Court met, in 1732, reports were given in from forty-nine presbyteries ; and the following was the state of opinion expressed by them : — Thirty-one presbyteries decidedly rejected the overture ; six approved of its being passed into a law, without any alter ations ; and twelve gave their sanction to it, on condition that certain material amendments, which they suggested, should be adopted. From eighteen presbyteries no reports were received, t It requires no particular skill in arithraetic to be able to say that, in so far as the opinion of the presbyteries was expressed, the decided majority was against tfae overture ; and the Asserably, according to the constitution of their own church, ought immediately to have thrown it aside. The' ninth act of the General Asserably, 1697, requires, " Thatj * Sir Henry Moncrieff Wellwood, in the Appendix to his Life of Erskine, ', (p. 443,) states that the Assembly of 1732 passed this overture into n law, - by their own authority, without transmission to presbyteries. Such an inatance of ignorance with regard to the history of his own church, on the part of one who was for many years looked up to as one of the leaders of the popula. party, excites our surprise, and makes us receive, with considerable distrust, other statements which he makes concerning the state of parties at the com mencement of the Secession. I would have been inclined to regard it as an ¦ oversight, were it not that the Reverend Baronet repeats the statement, and mak€s it the ground- work of some of his reasonings. t Gib's Display, vol. i. p. 26. 40 OVERTURE PASSED INTO A LAW. before any General Assembly of this church shall pass any acts which are to be standing rules and constitutions to the church, they be remitted as overtures to the consideration of the several presbyteries, and their opinion and consent be reported by their coraraissioners to the next Assembly, that they may pass the same into acts, if tfae more general opinion of the church agree hereto." Admitting the raatter to have been doubtful, men of wisdom would have paused before they enacted into a law that which tfairty-one presbyteries entirely disapproved of, and which other twelve declared stood in need of material amendment. Wfaatever portion of wisdora the As sembly of 1 732 possessed, it did not appear to be that which " cometh from above ;" neither could it be said of it, that it was " peaceable," or " without partiality," or " full of good fruits." The Assembly, by a logic very convenient for those who are resolved on carrying a point, took it for granted, tfaat all tfae presbyteries wfao faad sent up no reports, were for the overture, according to the maxira tfaat silence gives consent. It was, moreover, urged by the high churchmen of that period, that thougfa tfaey were required, by the barrier act, to submit to presbyteries any proposed measure, before passing it into a law, yet they were not bound to be guided implicitly by tfaeir advice. By such reasonings, the supporters of tfae overture obtained a majority of tfae Asserably in its favour, notwith standing tfae opposition that was raade to it ; and it was declared, that henceforward, in all cases when the settlement of vacant parisfaes devolved upon tfae presbyteries, tfais should be the rule that should regulate their procedure. So intent were the prevailing party on carrying their favourite measure, without any amendment, tfaat they would not even agree to restrict the vote of heritors to sucfa as faad residence within the parisfa, or to sucfa as were of tfae coraraunion of the Church of Scotland. Against tfae decision of the Assembly adopting the overture, several rainisters and elders, amongst whom were Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, and the other brethren with whom the Secession originated, protested ; but the Assembly refused to receive their protest, or to enter it upon their record ; in consequence of which refusal, the reasons of protest were afterwards extended, and published in tfae form of a pampfalet, entitled, " Defections of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland, from faer Reformation principles, considered."* So great was the alarm excited tfarougfaout the country by the headstrong and tyrannical conduct of tfaose who, at this period, bore sway in tfae cfaurch courts, tfaat no fewer tfaan forty-rtwo ministers and three elders gave in a representation * Brown's MS. BEPRESENTATIONS REJECTED. 41 and petition to tfae Assembly of 1732, in wfaich they enumer ated a variety of grievances, and craved redress ; but so far were tfaey from obtaining satisfaction, tfaat tfaeir representation was not allowed even to be read, wfaereupon fifteen of tfae subscribers protested ; * and, as tfae Asserably would not receive tfaeir protest, it was publisfaed along witfa tfaeir repre sentation. At tfae same meeting, a paper, containing similar complaints, and craving sirailar redress, was presented, signed by upwards of 1,700 persons, who acted without any previous concert with tfae ministers, t Tfae comraittee, to whora tfae paper was presented, faaving refused to transmit it, tfae com missioners of tfae people complained at tfae bar of tfae Assem bly, when they received the sarae contemptuous treatraent that the ministers had met witfa : tfaeir representation was refused a hearing, against whicfa treatraent tfaey protested in the name of their constituents, and took instruments in tfae hands of a pubUc notary. Such things as these were suffi ciently provoking ; and we need not wonder that a spirit of indignation sfaould have been roused both amongst rainisters and people, when their complaints were disregarded, tfaeir petitions rejected, and wfaen tfaose raerabers of Assembly wfao felt tfaeir consciences aggrieved by the unrighteous proceed ings of the majority, were denied the privUege of having their dissent or protest recorded. - Amongst tfae many violent settlements wfaicfa took place at this period, that of Kinross deserves to be noticed, on account of the outrageous conterapt of popular feeling wfaicfa it dis played, as well as on account of tfae pecuUar severity with wfaich those ministers were treated wfao refused to concur in the settlement. The parishioners faad given a call to a Mr. Francis Craig, but anotfaer person (Mr. Stark) had received the presentation. As this latter gentleman had scarcely a single vote, the presbytery of DunferraUne refused to ordain hira. The Commission, in the exercise of tfaeir omnipotence, appointed a sub-committee to proceed to Kinross and effect the settlement, in spite of the opposition of both the presby tery and people. Against tfais arbitrary and unconstitutional proceeding of tfae Commission, complaints and petitions were presented both by the parisfaioners and by tfae presbytery to the Assembly; these were, as usual, rejected, and tfae presbytery were enjoined, " in tfae faigfa tone of church author ity," to enrol and acknowledge Mr. Stark as one of tfaeir • Amongst this number were the Rev. Messrs. Ebenezer Erskine, Stirling ; Alexander Moncrieff, Abernethy ; William Wilson, Perth ; James Fisher, Kinclaven ; Ralph Erskine, Dunfermline ; Thomas Mair, Orwell , Thomas Naii-n, Abbotshall, &c. &c. ^ t Gib's Display, vol. i. p. 26. 42 ARBITRARY CONDUCT OF THS CHURCH COURTS. number ; and when Mr. Ralph Erskine and others tendered a protest against this decision, the clerk was prohibited from entering it on the records of the Assembly. The matter did not rest here, for a complaint being made at next meeting of Assembly,* that the presbytery had refused to enrol Mr. Stark, the recusant brethren were forthwith summoned to the bar of the court, and sharply rebuked for their disobedience ; and a coraraittee was appointed to meet with such of the brethren of the Dunfermline presbytery as were in town, and to get Mr. Stark judicially enrolled. The presbytery were, moreover, commanded to encourage and strengthen the hands of Mr. Stark in tfae work of tfae ministry, — they were forbidden to offer or receive any protest against his sitting and acting as a member of tfaeir court, — tfaey were not to administer seaUng ordinances to any of fais parisfaioners with out his consent, — and, finally, tfaey were coraraanded to appear before tfae Commission, at their meeting in August, to report concerning their own obedience ; and the Commission were empowered to inflict tfae higfaest censure of tfae churcfa upon such as should be guilty of disobedience. Upon the princi ples of strict presbyterian government, the members of the DunferraUne presbytery cannot, in tfais instance, be vindicated from tfae cfaarge of contumacy, in refusing compliance with tfae decision of the Supreme Court ; either they ought formally to have declined its authority, as some of them afterwards did, when they joined the Secession, or while they continued to profess subjection, they ougfat to have obeyed. At the same time, the conduct of tfae Assembly and of tfaeir Commission was arbitrary in a high degree, and peculiarly calculated to excite opposition. The situation of the faithful ministers of the Church of Scotland was at this time sufficiently distressing. They had the mortification to behold measures, which tney considered unscriptural and oppressive, carried by triumphant majorities. Against these measures in vain did they remonstrate and petition : their remonstrances were not Ustened to, and their petitions were disregarded. They were even denied the comraon privilege of having their dissent or protest marked, in cases where they felt their consciences materially aggrieved ; nay, so high did the predorainant party stretch tfaeir authority, and so imperious the tone whicfa they assumed, that, in certain instances, the Commission were enjoined to summon before them, and to rebuke, those persons who sfaould offer a protest, and the presbytery who should receive it.f Beyond this, * The Assembly of 1733. t An instance of this occurs in the proceedings of the Assembly, with regard to the Dunfermline presbytery, and the violent settlement of Mr, Stark at TESTIFYING FROM THE PULPIT. 43 ecclesiastical despotism faad but one step fartfaer to advance, and that was to impose restraint upon ministerial faithfulness in tfae pulpit. Here also it endeavoured to carry its terrors, and it was tfae foolish attempt to do so, that led directly to the Secession. Those ministers who belonged to the popular party, con sidered it their duty to testify from the pulpit against tfaose measures, whicfa tfaey deeraed injurious to tfae interests of reli gion, but wfaicfa tfaey had not sufficient influence to prevent from being carried in tfae church courts. This was a privilege which the ministers of Scotland had long claimed and enjoyed ; and thougfa, certainly, like every other privilege, it is liable to be abused, and requires rauch delicacy and judgraent to use it aright ; yet there can be no doubt, that, in some of tfae past periods of our faistory, tfae exercise of it by faitfaful ministers has been productive of rauch benefit both to the churcfa and to the country : And if any period can be mentioned, in which ministerial freedom, in tfais respect, was more allowable than at anotfaer, tfaat period was the one to which tfais part of my nar rative refers. Tfae ruling party in tfae cfaurcfa courts tfaougfat otherwise ; and as they had previously declared, by an arbi trary enactment, that no protest should be received or recorded against any measure tfaey might be pleased to adopt, however unconstitutional in itself, or Tiurtful in its tendency ; so they were resolved to stretch forth tfae rod of their autfaority, with the view of preventing their opponents from exposing their unscriptural proceedings, in tfae ministrations of the pulpit. Such a practice as this could not but be galling to them, and it was natural for tfaem to endeavour to suppress it. For this purpose, it was necessary that an example sfaould be made of one of tfae most influential, as well as most obnoxious, of tfaeir opponents ; so that, by tfae censure inflicted, otfaers might be deterred frora pursuing a sirailar course. The individual whom tfaey fixed upon for tfae purpose of making tfais experiment, was Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, one of the ministers of Stirling. This person ranked faigh as a*faithful, laborious, and successful preacfaer of tfae gospel. The talents which he possessed were of the most popular description ; his influence was great, and fae was not more distinguisfaed for tfae Kinross, already mentioned. The Assembly, with the view of effectually silencing all opposition, passed an act, in which they strictly discharged "the offering, admitting, or receiving any protest or dissent by any member of said , presbytery, or other person whatsomever, against the said Mr. Stark's sitting and acting in the presbytery of Dunfermline, as a member thereof, and rainister of Kinross." And they empowered the Commission " to summon before them any person or persons, who shall offer any such protest or dissent ; and also the said presbytery, if they shall receive or admit the same, and censure the said persons or presbytery, as they shall see cause."— ^c« bth Assembly 1 733. 44 MR. EBENEZER ERSKINE'S SERMON AT PERTH. clear evangelical views whicfa he had of the truth, than^for the fearless raanner in whicfa fae avowed them, and for his intrepi dity in defending thera. He was beloved and revered by the people, and he was looked up to witfa respect by an extensive circle of friends in tfae ministry. In all tfae questions which had been brought before the Assembly, involving in them the interests of the truth, and the scriptural rigfats of tfae people, he had, from his first entrance into the ministry, uniformly espoused the popular side, and had ever shown himself a keen opponent of tfae secularizing and arbitrary raeasures pursued by tfae court party. He faad taken an active part in the Mar row controversy ; and, in the process carried on against Pro fessor Simson, fae had done what he could to strengthen the hands of those who were contending for the truth. Repeated ly had the shafts of calumny been directed against him, with the view of injuring his character, and destroying his useful ness. Already faad fae, wfaen a minister in Fife, been accused, first before tfae Synod, and next before tfae Coraraission of the General Asserably, of teacfaing doctrines inconsistent witfa the Confession of Faith ; by which his accusers meant tfae obnox ious doctrines of tfae Marrow. That a person of Mr. Erskine's character and influence sfaould be obnoxious to those who could not brook opposition to tfaeir measures, and that they should be desirous of an op portunity to check fais boldness, was natural. Sucfa an oppor tunity was furnisfaed by a sermon wfaicfa he preached at Perth, at the opening of the Synod of Pertfa and Stirling, on the 10th of October, 1732. The subject of fais discourse was Psalm cxvin. 22, " Tfae Stone wfaicfa tfae builders refused is becorae the head of tfae corner." In this discourse, Mr. Erskine, when describing the wicked conduct of the Jewish priests and rulers during tfae period of Cfarist's personal minis try, made some pointed allusions to the late transactions of the General Assembly, and to the state of affairs in genera. througfaout tfae Scottish Church ; at the same time, his state ments w^re so carefully guarded, that there was notfaing per sonal in them ; but each individual of fais hearers was left to make an application of tfaem to his own conscience. The ser mon, wfaich faas long been before tfae public, contains in it no uncoramon display of talent ; but is chiefly distinguished as being a clear, faithful, and practical exposition of the text, and by its peculiar appropriateness to tfae circumstances in which it was preacfaed. Several members of Synod were faigfaly offended with thfe freedom which Mr. Erskine had used in his discourse ; and after the court was constituted, and a new Moderator chosen, a formal complaint was made upon tfae subject. Mr. Adam COMPLAINT AGAINST MR. ERSKINE. 45 Ferguson, minister at Logierait, who took the lead in the business, moved for investigation. He was iraraediately sup ported in his proposal by Mr. James Mercer, miniscer at Aberdalgie ; Mr. James Mackie, minister at Forteviot (after wards at St. Ninians); and the Laird of Glendoig, ruling elder.* After a long discussion, the synod agreed to take the matter under consideration ; and a coramittee was appointed to collect the passages wfaich had given offence, and to lay them before the court at tfaeir next sederunt. The coramittee, be fore preparing a report, appointed four of their number (viz. Messrs. WiUiara Moncrieff, Williara Stewart, Alexander M' Lagan, rainisters, and the Laird of Glendoig) to wait upon Mr. Erskine, and to tell faira, " Tfaat sorae expressions in his sermon gave offence, and to condescend upon some particu lars uttered by him in his said sermon tfaat did so ; and to deal witfa faim, to see if he will acknowledge he was in the wrong in emitting such expressions, and will promise, before the synod, that fae will not express fairaself, on pubUc occasions, in time coming, after tfaat manner." Mr. Erskine gave a de cided negative to tfae proposal of the coraraittee, stating tfaat his mind was completely made up on these points. On the following day, the committee presented tfaeir report to tfae synod, and along witfa it tfaey laid on tfae table a paper containing the objectionable passages of Mr. Erskine's dis course, with tfaeir own reraarks upon tfaera. In laying tfaese passages before my readers, it is unnecessary to preraise tfaat, being noted down from recollection by individual raerabers of tfae coramittee, tfae words employed by the comraittee are not exactly tfae same as tfaose which Mr. Erskine eraployed in delivering the serraon. Tfaey were tfae following : — 1. That in raentioning the corruptions and degeneracies of the Jewish priests, Mr. Erskine said, " tfaat fae left it to the consciences of every one to judge wfaat of tfaese corruptions were to be found among ourselves at this day." 2. That, speaking of the corrupt notions of the Messiah's kingdom entertained by the Jewisfa teachers, he subjoined, " tfaat he might be allowed to say, that mistaken notions oi the kingdom of Jesus Christ, was tfae ground of many things which were wrong amongst us at this day." * Ferrier's Memoirs of the Rev. William Wilson, p. 196. The following extract shows what was the opinion which Mr. Wilson entertained of these men who took the lead in this business. Of Mr. Mercer he says, that he was " a hot, violent man, — a plague on the Presbytery of Perth, and most active always in a bad cause." Mr. Mackie he characterizes as " a man more smooth and subtUe than his brother, but his hand still as deep in a course of defec tion." The Laird of Glendoig, he says, " is a man that follows the fashion of the piesent time; his principles and conduct in the judicatories appear to be ofa piece." 46 committee; present objectionable passages. 3. That, in characterizing the Jewisfa teacfaers, he said, " that they, being connected witfa the great, trampled upon the people as an unhallowed mob." 4. " That it was a great crime to intrude into that office (of a minister) without a mission ; tfaat in order to one's being accounted a builder, tfaere were two tfaings necessary — the call of God and the call of the churcfa ; tfaat tfaey who had not the caU of the cfaurcfa should be looked on as thieves and robbers ; and that this call ought not to be by the heritors, or any other set of men, but by the whole church." 5. " That this was a natural right that every society had, to choose servants for tfaemselves ; and tfaat it would be count ed a great bondage and servitude upon any famUy, if foreign ers were to cfaoose servants for tfaem ; and that certainly the church had the power of choosing her own ministers, seeing tfaat tfaey were tfae freest society upon earth." 6. After mentioning the encroachments that had been made on Christ's kingly office in tfae times of popery and prelacy, he said, " That after tfae late wonderful Revolution, by which our church was delivered, it might have been expected tfaat this churcfa would have given some testimony of these en croachments; but tfaat fae did not remember ever they had made an act asserting the headship of our Lord Jesus Christ since the Revolution." 7. Speaking of tfae encroacfaments which had been made on Christ's kingly office, and the rights of the people since the Re volution, he said, " That a cry had gone up to heaven about these things in the words of the Spouse, ' That the watchmen that went about the city faad found faer, and taken away her vaU from her, and smote her :' that tfais cry carae before tfae bar of the last General Assembly ; but that, instead of redressing this and other grievances, tfaey increased tfaem, by lodging the power of election in the faands of heritors and elders, exclud ing the people, wfaereby Cfarist was deeply wounded in his merabers." He further added, " that whatever cfaurcfa author ity there was in that act, there was nothing of tfae author ity of the Head of the church ; that he was sure tfaat it had no foundation in Scripture, wfaere tfaere is no distinction, in spiritual raatters, made betwixt tfae ricfa man with the gold ring and the gay clotfaing, and tfae poor man." And he con cluded with this, " That if Cfarist were personally present, (and I being here by the appointment of tfae Synod, am in his stead,) I say, were Christ personally present, he would say to you, ' J'orasmuch as you have done it to one of these Uttle ones, you have done it to me.'" 8. In the end of his discourse, he gave this advice to minis ters, " Not to be as dumb dogs, when their fellow-buUders go CHARGES ADVANCED BY THE COMMITTEE. 47 wrong ; and tfaough tfais wUl offend, yet he said, he behoved to speak." These were the whole of the objectionable passages which the committee laid before tfae Synod ; and by the remarks which accompanied tfaem, tfaey attempted to found upon them the following charges against Mr. Erskine : — 1. " That the strain of a great part of the sermon appears to compare the ministers of this church with tfae most corrupt teachers under the Old Testament." 2. " He refuses that any minister had God's call, who had only a caU from the heritors, or any other set of men : by which he excludes tfae wfaole ministers of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scot land, and fairaself among them, from having tfae call of God, the body of Christians naving never been allowed to vote in the election of a minister." 3. " He charges our forefatfaers witfa a sinful silence or negligence." 4. " That he spoke disrespectfully of the act of Assembly, lodging the power of election in heritors and elders."* Mr. Erskine requested that he might be favoured with a copy of the committee's report, as he intended to prepare a written defence. This was denied faira. It was with diffi culty, and after a vote of tfae Synod, that he was permitted to obtain even a sight of it in the clerk's hands. When the Synod entered upon the consideration of tfae committee's report, Mr. Erskine read a paper containing answers to tfae above charges. In answer to the first cfaarge, he said, " This charge is not, and cannot be proven by any passages in my discourse ; for I know there is a great body of faithftil ministers in the Churcfa of Scotland, witfa wfaom I do not reckon myself worthy to be compared. As for the particulars alleged to support this charge, I shall only say, that I reckon it the duty of every faithful minister, when he is dispensing the pure trutfas of God, to exfaort his hearers to make application of what is said to themselves ; and I do not think, tfaat ministers tfaemselves, wfaen faearers of tfae word of God, are beyond sucfa an exhortation. As for what I ad vanced witfa relation to tfae mistaken notions of tfae kingdom • These extracts have been taken from " A Narrative of the procedure of the Judicatories of the Church of Scotland, with relation to Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, and other ministers who have seceded from the said church ;" pub lished by order of the General Assembly in 1 739. The charges foimded on these passages, and Mr. Erskine's answers to the charges, have been taken irom the same official document. Of course, such an authority will be deem ed sufficiently valid by all the friends of the Establishment, and in quoting it as one of my chief authorities, in giving an account of the origin of the Sect«- sion, I ghall not be accused of undue partiality to Mr. Erskme and his asso ciates. 48 MR. erskine's answers. of Christ, 'wfaich is not of this world,' lying at the bottom of tfae evils and corruptions of tfae day : This I own as a truth, but do not think it proves the charge; neither was it ever expressed by me with such a view." In answering the second cfaarge, he stated, that the words, on wfaich tfais cfaarge was founded, were not given by the comraittee as they had been uttered by him in the pulpit, when delivering the discourse. Tfae passage was to the following effect : — " There is a twofold call necessary for a minister meddling as a builder in tfae cfaurch of God ; there is the caU of God, and of fais cfaurcfa. God's call consists in his qualifying a man for tfae work, and in fais inspiring him with a faoly zeal and desire to employ these qualifications for the glory of God and the good of his churcfa. Tfae call of tfae church lies in the free call and election of the Cfaristian people. Tfae proraise of conduct and counsel in tfae choice of raen that are to build, is not made to patrons, heritors, or any other set of men, but to the churcfa, the body of Cfarist, to whom apostles, propfaets, evangeUsts, pastors, and teacfaers are given. As it is a natural privilege of every faouse or society of men to faave tfae cfaoice of their own servants or officers, so it is the privilege of tfae faouse of God in a particu lar manner. Wfaat a miserable bondage would it be reckoned for any family to faave stewards or servants iraposed upon them by strangers, who migfat give tfae cfaildren a stone for bread, or a scorpion instead of a fisfa, poison instead of medi cine ? And sfaall we suppose tfaat ever God granted a power to any set of men, patrons, heritors, or whatever they be, — a power to irapose servants on his family, without his own con sent, they being the freest society in the world ?" In repel ling the charge founded upon this passage, he said, " I adhere to my notes on this head as the truths of God ; but deny they infer the cfaarge of my looking upon all the ministers of this cfaurch as thieves and robbers ; for I know tfaat a vast many of tfaem faave both God's call and the church's call : But as for these violent settleraents that have taken place since the patronage act, I cannot think upon them as warranted by the word of God." " With regard to tfae reraark, ' That the caU of a minister ought not to be by tfae faeritors or any otfaer set of men ; and refused, that any minister had God's caU, wfao had only a call from the heritors, by wfaich he evidently excludes the whole ministers of the Churcfa of Scotland, and faimself among tfaem, from faaving the call of God, the body of Chris tians having never been allowed to vote in the election of a minister,' I answer, I own that tfae caU of a minister ought not to be by heritors as such ; in regard that no such titles or distinctions of men are known in the kingdora of Christ ; the MR. ERSKINE S ANSWERS. 49 only heritors that are there are tfaey tfaat are ricli in faith, tfaey being heirs of the kingdora; tfaese are they that are precious in tfae sigfat of God, and honourable ; and I ara of opinion, that, in dispensing tfae privileges of Cfarist's kingdora, we ougfat to put faonour and value upon men, not upon the account of their worldly heritages, but as they are valuable in the sight of God, and as his image is to be found upon them." He further added, on tfais point, " I tfaink that I have good reason to refuse, tfaat any minister has God's call, wfao faas only a call fi-ora the heritors, renitente et contradicente ecclesia ¦(with a reclaiming and an opposing congregation) ; yet, not withstanding, I do not faereby exclude the wfaole rainisters of the Cfaurcfa of Scotland, nor myself among tfaem, from faaving tfae call of God, in regard, that from tfae Revolution till tfae act of patronage came to be in force, I know of no settleraents but where tfae body of tfae Cfaristian people concurred in tfae election of tfaeir rainister, and in tfae practice of the churcfa, till of late, tfaey were allowed to vote ; yea, to ray certain knowledge, in tfae soutfa of Scotland, presbyteries and otfaer judicatories, with the Cfaristian people, wrestled jointly for the settleraent of congregations, in opposition to raalignant and disaffected heritors." In reference to the third charge preferred against faira, viz. having charged the forefathers of tfae Scottisfa Cfaurcfa with a sinful silence or negligence, he said, " Altfaougfa I faave a very great regard for the instruments of our deliverance at tfae Revolution, particularly tfae godly ministers wfao survived tfae flood of persecuting tyranny, and my own fatfaer araong tfae rest, yet I faope the reverend synod will excuse rae, tfaough I do not look upon these earthly ministers, or these tfaat faave succeeded tfaera to tfais day, as infallible. But if tfae reverend synod can any wfaere sfaow this headship and sovereignty of his (of Cfarist), being asserted by any particular act of Assembly since tfae Revolution, in opposition to tfaese encroacfaments, I sfaaU very willingly own my raistake ; but if not, I faumbly move, that tfae reverend synod may address tfae ensuing As serably for supplying tfaat defect." In noticing the fourth cfaarge above mentioned, concerning tfae remarks wfaicfa he faad made on the act of Assembly. 1732, lodging the power of election in heritors and elders, he said, — " I cannot, and dare not, retract ray testimony against it, eitfaer before tfae Asserably, tfae day after it was passed into an act, or by wfaat I said in my sermon before this reverend synod, in regard I cannot see tfae authority of the King of Zion giving warrant to confer the power of voting in the election of ministers, upon faeritors, beyond otfaer Cfaris tians, especially when, in the said act, heritors disaffected to D 50 MR. ERSKINE FOUND CENSUR-\BLE. church and state were put upon a level with those of our own communion, and I shall be sorry if tfais act of our Assembly be made a term of our ministerial comraunion." ^ After the coraraittee had presented tfaeir report, and Mr. Erskine faad been faeard in reply to tfae stateraentS wfaicfa it contained, a keen and protracted debate ensued, whicfa ter minated in tfae synod finding (by a majority of six votes) Mr. Erskine censurable for tfae expressions wfaicfa fae faad uttered in his sermon. Against tfais sentence, Mr. Alexander Mon crieff, minister at Abernetfay, and Mr. Williara Wilson, minister at Perth, with ten other ministers, and two ruling elders, protested. Mr. Erskine, and his son-in-law, Mr. James Fisher, minister at Kinclaven (who, on account of his rela tionship to Mr. Erskine, was not permitted' to vote), also pro tested, and appealed to tfae General Assembly.! Tfae synod followed up tfais decision by another, viz " Rebuke Mr. Erskine, and admonish him to befaave orderly for tfae future ; and appoint tfae presbytery of Stirling to in quire anent his after-behaviour at their privy censures, and report to tfae next synod." Mr. Erskine having retired from the house imraediately after fae faad given in his protest, the rebuke could not be administered. The synod resolved to call him on tfae following day, and Mr. Erskine not then appearing, they agreed to call him at their raeeting in April, to be rebuked and adraonisfaed.| Wfaen tfae synod met at Stirling, on tfae 12tfa of April, 1733, tfais business was resumed. Of tfae twelve ministers who had protested at tfae former meeting, only seven were present ; and these gave in their reasons of dissent, in which they stated tfaat, wfaile tfaey did not raean to vindicate every expression that Mr. Erskine had uged in his discourse, yet they tfaought tfaat a distinction ougfat to be made betwixt the matter and the mode of fais expressions. Tfaey further declared, that tfae ground of tfaeir not acquiescing in the de cision of the synod was, that it appeared to tfaem, that the chief reason why tfae synod faad pronounced a sentence of condemnation upon Mr. Erskine, was his testifying against the act of 1732, wfaicfa tfaey considered to be equivalent to imposing a new term of ministerial communion, viz. tfaat no minister shall be permitted, even in a discourse deUvered be fore his brethren, to testify against any act, of the sinfulness of which he may be convinced. Notwithstanding tfae efforts made by Mr. Erskine's friends to get. tfae raatter amicably adjusted, the synod insisted on tfae rebuke being adminis- • Narrative ofthe Procedure &c. p. 8—12. + Gib's Display, vol. i. p. 27 t Narrative, p. 12. PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL ASSE.MBLY. 51 tered unless Mr. Erskine should make some acknowledg ment of the impropriety of the expressions whicfa he had used. Mr. Erskine, on the otfaer hand, would not retract a single statement which he had made ; and when called upon by the moderator, to receive tfae rebuke, he read a paper stating that fae stUl adfaered to fais forraer protest, and that he was not convinced of having eitfaer said or done any tfaing that constituted a just ground of censure.* At this meeting, a petition was presented frora several of tfae elders of Stir ling, in favour of tfaeir minister ; but tfae committee of bills would not transmit it, and the synod refused to give it even a hearing. At tfae meeting of the Assembly, in the month of May, only three of tfae protesters against tfae deed of synod ap peared, viz. Messrs. WiUiam Wilson, Alexander Moncrieff, and James Fisfaer. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Moncrieff pled tfaat they might be heard at tfae bar of tfae Asserably, in support of tfaeir reasons of protest ; but, upon wfaat grounds I ara at a loss to conceive, this request was not granted. Mr. Fisfaer also requested that he might be faeard, but fae too was refused a hearing by the Assembly .f He faad protested against tfae sentence of the synod, on the ground that it was not only prejudicial to Mr. Erskine, but injurious to the truths of God's word; but tfae committee of bills refused to transmit fais reasons of appeal, arbitrarily pronouncing concerning fais conduct, tfaat he faad intruded himself into the process, not so mucfa for tfae sake of vindicat ing tfae trutfa, as on account of fais connexion witfa Mr. Erskine. On tfae 14tfa of May, tfae Assembly entered on tfae con sideration of Mr. Erskine's protest. Mr. Erskine appeared at the bar, attended by two advocates. Several raerabers of Synod appeared in support of tfae Synod's sentence. . After a variety of papers connected witfa tfae process faad been read, and parties heard, the Asserably pronounced the following decision : — " The Assembly find the expressions vented by Mr. Erskine,. and contained in tfae minutes of tfae Synod's' proceedings, witfa tfae answers tfaereto, made by faim, to be offensive, and to tend to disturb tfae peace and good order of this church : therefore, tfaey approve of tfae proceedings of tfae Synod, and appoint him to be rebuked and admonished by the moderator, at their own bar, in order to terminate the pro- cess."J After tfais sentence was pronounced, the moderator, at the desire of tfae Assembly, gave tfaanks to the members of synod " for thefr care and dUigence in this matter ;" and, in *Gib's Display, vol. i. p. 404. f Ibid. vol. i. p. 27. % Act 7th Assembly J 733. 52 MR. ERSKINE PROTESTS. terms of the sentence, he rebuked and adraonished Mr. Erskine from the chair.* Mr. Erskine declared tfaat he could not submit, in silence, to the rebuke and admonition whicfa had been tendered to him, as he was not convinced of having done any thing that deserved censure. Pie also presented a written protest against the sentence, to which the three brethren already mentioned subscribed an adherence, and he craved that the paper might be read, and recorded in the minutes of the Assembly. "This paper was to the following effect : — " Although I faave a very great and dutiful regard to the judicatories of this church, to wfaora I own my subjection in tfae Lord ; yet, in respect tfae Assembly faave found me cen surable, and faave tendered a rebuke and admonition to me, for tfaings I conceive agreeable unto, and founded upon, the word of God, and our approven standards, I find myself obliged to protest against the said censure, as importing that I faave, in my doctrine at tfae opening of tfae synod at Perth, October last, departed from tfae word of God, and tfae foresaid standards ; and tfaat I shall be at Uberty to preach the same trutfas of God, and to testify against tfae sarae or Uke defections of tfais cfaurcfa, upon all proper occasions. And I do faereby adfaere unto tfae testimonies I have formerly emitted against tfae act of Asserably 1732, wfaetfaer in tfae protest entered against it in open Asserably, or yet in my synodical sermon, craving tfais my protest and declaration to be insert in the records of tfae Assembly, and tfaat I may be aUowed extracts tfaereof. '¦'¦May 14, 1733. ebenezer erskine." " We, under-subscribing ministers, dissenters from the sen tence of the Synod of Perth and Stirling, do hereby adhere to the above protestation and declaration, containing a testimony against the act of Assembly 1732, and asserting our privilege and duty to testify publicly against the same or Uke defections, upon all proper occasions. " WILLIAM WILSON, ALEX. MONCRIEFF." "_ I, Mr. Jaraes Fisher, minister at Kinclaven, appeUarit against the sentence of tfae Synod of Perth', in this question, although the committee of bills did not tfaink fit to transmit my reasons of appeal, find myself obUged to adhere unto the foresaid protestation and declaration. " JAMES FISHER." * Narrative, &c. p. 43. PROTEST REFUSED. 53 Wfaen Mr. Erskine presented tfais paper, the Assembly would not permit it to be read. They urged upon him the irregularity and the danger of such a practice ; and tfaey insisted on his withdrawing the protest. This he refused to do ; and, having left the paper lying on the table, he and the three dissenting brethren left the Assembly.* Here the business would, in all probabiUty, have terminated, as it does not appear tfaat, at tfais period, Mr. Erskine, and the brethren who acted along with hira, faad any intention of leaving tfae comraunion of the national churcfa. Notwithstanding the corruptions which prevailed in faer, tfaey still cherished toward her a filial affection. Connected with her, there was rauch whicfa tfaey regarded with veneration. Having been brought up witfain faer pale, and having long enjoyed ministerial and Christian intercourse with the raen of worth and piety tfaat were to be found in her bosora, their earliest and most pleas ing associations must faave pled powerfully with them on faer behalf; and provided tfaey were permitted to protest, wfaen they saw cause, against the unconstitutional and unscriptural proceedings of the prevailing party ; provided also they were perraitted to testify in public against tfae corruptions tfaat marred tfae beauty of their Zion, they were still willing to continue in her fellowship. But an overruling Providence had ordered it otherwise. These good raen were driven violently onward, step by step, by the tyrannical raeasures of those who were opposed to thera, until at length they were corapelled formally to declare a secession from a church, whicfa, witfa all its faults,' tfaey loved. The paper wfaich Mr. Erskine threw down, before leaving the Asserably, was accidentally tossed over tfae table, and there it lay unfaeeded for sorae time, until a rainister,! wfao was sitting beside tfae table, picked it up, and, perusing the con tents of it, his indignation was roused to its faigfaest pitcfa. He iraraediately rose witfa a countenance flusfaed with anger, and insisted that tfae Asserably should stop tfaefr proceedings, and consider the insult which had been offered to thera by such a paper faaving been laid upon tfaeir table. Tfais appeal to their dignity had the effect which Mr. Erskine's appeal to their justice had failed to produce, viz. causing tfae paper to be read. Upon hearing the contents of it, tfae whole Assem bly was in an uproar. A paper containing high treason against tfae sovereign, or Llaspfaemy against tfae Majesty of * Display, vol. i. p. 27. t Mr. Gib, in a manuscript note written by himself on a copy of the Dis. play, says, that the person who picked up Mr. Erskine's protest, and called the., attention of the Assembly to it, was Mr. James Nasmith, minister at Dalmeny, " a fiery man (he adds) in the corrupt measures of that time." 54 PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY. heaven, could not have called forth a greater burst of indigna tion. The officer was ordered to go in quest of the four" brethren whose joint production had excited such an uproar, and to suraraon them to appear at the bar of the court next forenoon, to answer for such audacious conduct ; * and in the mean time, a committee was appointed to consider the protests, and to report to tfae Asserably what was most befitting to be done in this extraordinary case. Next forenoon, the ministers, in compliance with the sum mons, appeared in the court, and before any fartfaer measures were adopted, a coraraittee was appointed to retire witfa the offending brethren, and to endeavour to persuade tfaem to witfa draw their paper, but without effect ; the ministers declared that tfaeir minds were fully made up, and tfaat tfaey were firm ly resolved to adhere. The committee having given in their report, tfae Assembly, by a great majority, adopted the follow ing overture, wfaich their committee faad prepared : — " The ¦General Asserably ordains, tfaat tfae four brethren appear be fore the Coraraission in August next, and tfaen show their sorrow for their conduct and raisbeliaviour, in offering to pro test, and in giving in to tfais Asserably the paper by them subscribed, and that they tfaen retract tfae sarae. And in case tfaey do not appear before tfae said Coraraission in August, and tfaen sfaow tfaeir sorrow, and retract, as said is, the Coin- raission is faereby empowered and appointed to suspend the said brethren, or sucfa of tfaem as shaU not obey, from the ex ercise of tfaeir ministry. And, further, in case the said breth ren sfaall be suspended by tfae said Commission, and that they shall act contrary to the said sentence of suspension, the Commission is hereby erapowered and appointed, at their meeting in November, or any subsequent raeeting, to proceed to a higfaer censure against the said four brethren, or such of tfaem as shall continue to offend by transgressing this act. And tfae General Assembly do appoint the several presbyter ies, of which the said brethren are members, to report to the Gomraission in August, and subsequent meetings of it, tfaeir conduct and befaaviour with respect to this act." t After tfais sentence was pronounced, tfae bretfaren attempt ed to read a short paper wfaicfa tfaey faad prepared as a decla ration of their joint sentiments ; but wfaen tfaey commenced * Such is the account given by one who was an eye-witness of the whole transaction, viz. Mr. Adam Gib. He was then a student at the University of Edinburgh, and for some years was a regular attendant upon the raeetings .of the General Assembly ; and it was the disgust which he received from con templating their proceedings previously to this period," that led him, inthe wmter of 1732, to renounce his connexion with the Established Church, even before the Secession commenced Display, vol. i. p. 29. t Minutes of Assembly, 1733. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION. 55 reading it, tfae Assembly ordered tfaefr officer to reraove them. The substance of their declaration was as SdUows : — " In re gard the venerable Assembly have corae to a positive sentence, without hearing our defences, and faave appointed tfae Cora mission to execute their sentence in August, in case we do not rfetract what we have done ; we cannot but coraplain of J;his uncommon procedure, and declare that we are not at Hberty to take tfais affair to an avisandum." Not being per mitted to read tfais paper, they left it on the table, under a protest, and withdrew.* It may well be supposed, that such proceedings as these could not take place without exciting a great ferment through out the country. Tfae imperious conduct of tfae Assembly, tfae high popularity of the ministers who had been censured, and the firraness wfaich tfaey displayed in vindicating tfaeir own privi leges, as well as in asserting tfae scriptural rigfats of tfae people, drew toward them the good wishes of a large portion of the most pious part of the community. All eyes were now turned toward the meeting of the Commission in August, as upon its proceedings depended, in a great measure, the future in tegrity or disruption of the Scottish Churcfa. When the Commission met, the four brethren appeared before tfaem, having previously prepared written defences. Upon their appearance at the bar, the Commission intimated to them, that tfaey faad resolved not to read any papers tfaat migfat be presented by tfaem, eitfaer severally or conjunctly, and tfaat tfaey raust answer such questions as were proposed to thera separately and viva voce. In reply to this intimation, the brethren stated, that they were all included in the con deranatory sentence of the Assembly, that their cause was one and tfae sarae, and that tfaey insisted upon tfaeir rigfat of cfaoosing wfaetfaer they should make their defence by word or by ¦writ. They tfaen presented, under forra of instruraent, two representations, one by Mr. Erskine and Mr. Fisher, as appel lants from the sentence of tfae synod of Pertfa and Stfrling, and anotfaer by Mr. WUson and Mr. Moncrieff, as protesters against tfaat sentence. Tfae Commission, disregarding these representations, and adhering to their resolution, commanded all the brethren to retire, except Mr. Erskine ; and tfaey fortfawltfa proceeded to interrogate faim. He was asked, wfaetfaer fae was sorry for protesting against tfae autfaority of tfae last Asserably, and if fae now retracted fais protests ? To wfaich fae replied, " He was indeed sorry tfaat what he had done should be interpreted by any as a conterapt of tfae authority of the judicatories of this churcfa, no such thing * A Testimony to the Doctrine, Worship, &c., p. 12. 66 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION. being intended by his protest, but only a solemn adherence to the truths of God deUvered in fais synodical serraon, for the eraitting of which he had been rebuked and admonished solemnly at the Assembly's bar, as though he had vented sorae notorious error or heresy. And with respect to the question now proposed, wfaetfaer he retracted his protestation, he and his three brethren had had that raatter under their serious consideration ever since tfae last Asserably, and accord ingly had drawn up tfaeir deliberate answers in writ, which were now lying upon tfae table, and therefore craved they might be read." Tfae Moderator told faim, tfaat tfag Commis sion faad resolved to read none of tfaefr papers, but tfaat they must answer the above question viva voce. Mr. Erskine replied, " That fae judged it tfae privilege of any man sisted before a court, civil or ecclesiastical, to cfaoose whicfa of the ways he tfaougfat proper for fais own defence, wfaetfaer by word or writ ; and that they being a body of men joined together in the sarae cause, had agreed upon their joint written and subscribed answers ; and, for fais own part, he did not incline to give up this privilege, and tfaerefore again referred to his written answer." He was then asked, whetfaer fais paper was a retractation ofhis protest or not ; his reply was, " That the court was abundantly capable to judge upon their reading his answer."* After sorae time had been spent to no purpose, in urging Mr. Erskine to retract his protest, and to acknowledge fais sorrow for fais conduct, he was removed ; and a debate then ensued whetfaer or not the representation, which had been given in by him and Mr. Fisher, should be read. In this instance, the Coramission showed that tfaeir decrees were not, like tfaose of tfae Medes and Persians, unalterable, for it was decided, by a great majority, tfaat tfae paper should be read. Mr. Erskine was again called in, and perraitted to read his representation ; and after having done so, he laid it upon the table. Tfae Coramission desired him to take it with faim, but he refused, stating, that as he had presented it under a protest, it was necessary tfaat it sfaould be engrossed in tfae process, for the vindication of fairaself and of fais bretfaren. The foUowing is the account which Mr. Gib gives of this scene : — " I saw," says he, " Mr. Ebenezer Erskine then standing at the bar in a most easy and undaunted, yea, ma jestic appearance, amidst warra and brow-beating reasonings against tfae refusal wfaicfa fae tfaen made, particularly by the Earl of Isla. Before the Commission found themselves obliged to reverse their forenoon's resolution against receiving any • Preface to the Representations of Eben. Erskine, &c., p. iv. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION. 57 written answers to their question, and before what is narrated in the preface to the representations, a proposal was agreed in for allowing faim to read sucfa parts of his representation as contained a direct answer to tfaeir question. The paper being then faanded over to hira, he entered upon tfae reading of it, beginning with the address and title. The Moderator irame diately stopped faim, telling faim that he was to read only such parts as contained a direct answer to the question. Mr. Erskine replied, that these would corae in due order. This produced new reasonings, whicfa issued in fais being allowed to read the whole paper ; and he did so in a very deliberate manner, and with a very audible voice : Mr. Archibald Ren- nie, wfao was next year intruded into tfae parisfa of Muckhart, holding tfae candle to faim, as it was then late."* Mr. Fisher was then called to tfae bar, and tfae question was proposed to faim. If fae was sorry for fais conduct in adfaering to tfae protest given in by Mr. Ebenezer Erskine to tfae last General Asserably, and if fae would now retract tfae sarae ? To wfaich he repUed, " Altfaougfa I sincerely declare tfaat I do not design, by tfae protestation given in against the decision of tfae last Asserably, to impugn tfae power and autfaority of the General Asserably to censure any of tfae rainisters and members of tfais cfaurch, upon just and relevant grounds, or the exercise of that power and authority according to the word of God, and the known principles of this church ; yet I am not sensible of any just ground of offence I have given by ray conduct before the last Assembly, and tfaerefore cannot declare my sorrow for it, nor retract tfae said protestation ; but find it my duty to adfaere tfaereunto, and to the papers given in tfais day under forra of instrument."! Mr. Wilson and Mr. Moncrieff were next interrogated, as to tfaeir willingness to withdraw tfaeir protest, and express their sorrow ; when tfaey referred to thefr signed representa tion, as containing their answer, and craved tfaat it migfat be read. Instead of granting this request, the Coraraission appointed a coramittee to meet with Mr. Erskine and fais friends, with the view of bringing them, if possible, to a more submissive state of raind.J After a conference of two or tfaree hours, the coramittee reported, tfaat the bretfaren refused to retract their protest, or to declare their sorrow for tfae same ; — and tfae Moderator faaving inquired at Mr. Wilson and * MS. note written by Mr. Gib on a copy of the Display. f Minutes of the Commission. j This Committee consisted of the following persons : — The Mooerator, Principal CampbeU, Principal Smith, Principal Haddow, Mr. John Matheson, Mr. Matthew Connel, Mr. James Nasmith, and Mr. John Orr, ministers ; the Lord Advocate, Lord Grange, Lord Dunmore, Mr. Solicitor Erskine, and Mr. James Boswell of Auchenleck, ruling elders. 58 THE FOUR BRETHREN SUSPENDED Mr. Moncrieff, if they agreed to the truth of said report, they answered in the affirmative. The Comnussion, considering this a sufficient answer to the question which they at first proposed, refused to faear these two brethren read their repre sentation ; but allowed tfaem to state, viva voce, any reasons they might have for refusing to witfadraw their protest. Hav ing made tfaeir statement, tfaey coiicluded witfa the following declaration, in whicfa tfaey were joined by Mr. Erskine and Mr. Fisfaer ; — " Tfaat any sentence of suspension, or of a higher nature, that sfaould be inflicted upon tfaem, should be held and repute as null and void in itself; and that it should be lawful and warrantable for them to exercise their ministry as •faitfaerto tfaey faad done, and as if no sucfa censure had been inflicted upon tfaera, in regard tfaey were not convicted of departing from any of tfae received principles of this church, or of counteracting their ordinary vows and engagements; but, on the contrary, were sentenced to censure by tfae late General Assembly, for protesting against a decision whereby injury was done to sorae truths of God, whicfa tfaey were obliged to own and confess ; and wfaereby tfaey were brought under new and unwarrantable terms of ministerial communion, inconsistent witfa tfae word of God, and tfaeir ordination vows and engageraents."* Petitions were presented to tfae Commission from tfae pres byteries of Stirling, Dunblane, and EUon; also frora the Magistrates, Town-councils, and Kirk-sessions of Pertfa and Stirling, craving a delay of tfae execution of tfae Assembly's sentence against Mr. Erskine and fais friends : but tfae Com mission refused to hear these petitions, because they did not consider tfaat tfae parties presenting them had any proper interest in the question. A considerable number of the Gomraission were for delay, but the majority insisted that tfae sentence of tfae Asserably was peremptory, and tfaat they had no option left tfaem, in the circurastances of the case, but to carry it into effect. After sorae discussion, a vote was stated, Suspend fhe four protesting brethren from fhe exer cise of fhe ministerial- functions, and all fhe parts thereof, or. Delay this afpair ? It carried. Suspend. From this decision several merabers of Commission, botfa ministers and elders, dissented.! Tfae four bretfaren were tfaen called to tfae bar, and tfae sentence of Su.ipension was intimated to tfaera, wfaen tfaey gave in the * A Testimony to the Doctrine, &c. p. 15.' f The names of those who dissented were, Mr. Henry Lindsay, Mr. Alex ander W/irdrop, and Mr. James M'Garroch, ministers ; Colonel John Erskine of Carnock, Mr. Alexander Bruce of Kennet, and Mr. Albert Monro of Coull, ruling elders. THE FOUR BRETHREN SUSPENDED. 59 following protestation : — " We hereby adhere to the protesta tions taken by us before this court, for ourselves, and in the name of all the ministers, elders, and members of the Church of Scotland, and of all and every one in our respective con gregations, adhering to us ; bearing, that this sentence is in itself null and void ; and that it shall be lawful and warrant able for us to exercise our ministry, as hitherto we have done, and as if no such censure had been inflicted : And tfaat, if, in consequence of tfais sentence, any minister or probationer sfaall exercise any part of our pastoral work, tfae sarae sfaall be held and repute as a violent intrusion upon our rainisterial labours. And we do hereby protest for extracts of tfae papers given in by us, and of the whole of the Commission's procedure against us ; and hereupon we take instruraents. "ebenezer ERSKINE. WILLIAM WILSON. ALEXR. MONCRIEFF. JAMES FISHER." The faarsfa and iraperious treatment, which these good raen received, first from the Assembly and next from the Cora raission, excited a strong feeling of sympatfay in tfaeir favour. If tfaey were popular before, the usage wfaich tfaey faad re ceived made them still more so. Not only their sessions and flocks clung to them with a most affectionate attacfament, but several synods and presbyteries lifted up tfaeir voice on tfaeir behalf. The Assembly faad ordered, that, if they did not obey the sentence of the Coraraission, suspending them from tfae exercise of tfaeir office, tfae Commission sfaould, at tfaeir next meeting in November, inflict upon thera a higher cen sure. This raeeting, therefore, was looked forward to with great anxiety, as the suspended brethren faad, by virtue of tfaeir protest, contiuued to exercise tfaeir ministry as formerly. On the 14tfa of November, tfae Coraraission again raet. So great was the interest excited among the inhabitants of Edin burgh, tfaat long before tfae faour of raeeting, -tfae doors leading to the Assembly aisle were beset by crowds of people anxious to obtain admission ; and it was not tUl tfae raagistrates inter fered, that the raembers could find an entrance. Mr. Erskine and his three friends, in compUance with the suraraons which they had received, presented themselves at the bar of the Commission, and were about to read a paper, when they were interrupted. The paper was tfaen laid on the table, and was to the following effect : — "Edinburgh, November 14tfa, 1733 — We do faereby pro test, tfaat our present appearance before tfae Coramission shall not be construed a falUng from the declarations vve emitted, 60 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION. and the protestations entered, both before and after tfae exe cuting of the sentence of suspension against us by tfae Com mission, at tfaeir raeeting in August last. To whicfa protesta tions and representations, given in by us to tfae said Commis sion, we still adhere ; and hereupon take instruraents. " EBENEZER ERSKINE. WILLIAM WILSON. ALEXANDER MONCRIEFF. JAMES FISHER." A comraittee was appointed to converse with the brethren, and to induce thera to retract their protest.* In the after noon the coramittee reported that tfaey had been unsuccess ful in their endeavours, and that tfae bretfaren were still re solved to adfaere. The protesting rainisters were then asked. If they had obeyed fhe sentence of the Commission in August last suspending them from the exercise of fheir ministry ? They all replied. That they had not. That as tfaey faad protested, botfa before and after the said sentence of suspen sion was executed upon them, tfaat it should be held and repute null and void, for tfae reasons contained in tfaeir seve ral representations ; so tfaey faad exercised all the parts of their ministerial office, as if they had been under no such censure. At this raeeting of the Commission, no fewer tfaan seven synods sent up coraraunications in favour of the suspended ministers.! Six of them craved that the Coraraission would delay proceeding to a higher censure, and one of them pled, that the rainisters raight be treated with tenderness and lenity. Petitions to a similar effect were presented from the presbyteries of Dornoch and Aberdeen. "The latter of these presbyteries did not hesitate to tell tfae Coraraission, " That they judged the sentence of suspension, inflicted upon the foresaid rainisters, was too faigfa, and tfaat it was a stretching of church authority." These representations and petitions were supported by a considerable number of the members of Commission, wfao insisted strongly for delay, and argued that tfae sentence of tfae Assembly did not make it iraperative on * This committee consisted of the follovidng persons : — The Moderator, Principal Smith, Principal Chalmers, Professor Crawford, Mr. John Methven, Mr. James Mackie, Mr. James Mercer, Mr. James Robertson, Mr. Robert Bell, and Mr. James Walker, ministers ; the Lord Advocate, Mr. Solicitor Erskine, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Conservator, and Mr. Robert Craigie, ruling elders. t These synods were the foUowing :— Dumfries, Moray, Ross, Angus and Mearns, Perth and Stirhng, GaUoway and Fife. The number of synods con nected with the Church of Scotland, is fifteen j and it shows us in what light the sentence ofthe Commission, suspending the four brethren from the exer cise of their ministry, was viewed by their own church, when nearly one-half of the synods presented petitions in their favour. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION. 61 them to proceed to a higfaer censure at tfais meeting. With the view of deterraining tfais point, a vote was stated, Pro ceed immediately to inflict a higher censure upon the four sus pended ministers ; or. Delay the same till March ? When the roll was called, the votes were found to be equal ; and Mr. John Gowdie, one of the ministers of Edinburgfa, being mo derator, turned tfae scale against Mr. Erskine and fais friends, by giving tfae casting vote in favour of those who were for proceeding to inflict a higher censure. This decision fixed the fate of tfae four brethren ; for their friends in the Com mission, finding that their efforts on tfaeir befaalf were un ¦ avaiUng, did not urge the matter further ; several of them, by raarking their dissent, declared tfaat tfaey were free from the evil consequences tfaat migfat result from sucfa a decision.* Mr. Ralpfa Erskine, minister at Dunfermline, and Mr. ^faomas Mair, niinister at OrweU, presented a paper, witfa their names affixed to it, declaring that they adhered to the representations whicfa were forraeriy given in by tfae four ministers, condemn ing the faarsfa measures wfaicfa were pursued toward tfaem, and protesting tfaat it would be competent for them to hold rainisterial and Christian comraunion with them, notwitfa standing any censure tfaat raigfat be inflicted on tfaem by tfae Coraraission. Before tfae Coramission proceeded to inflict tfae tfareatened censure, it was moved, on tfae second day of tfaeir raeeting, that another comraittee be appointed to converse with the pro testing brethren. This was readily enough agreed to by both parties ; and, accordingly, a long conference took place, wfaich lasted frora 6 till 10 o'clock in the evening. At this meeting, tfae foUowing proposal was raade by the comraittee to the rain isters, as the basis of an araicable adjustment of the question at issue betwixt them : — " If tfae next General Asserably sfaall declare, tfaat it was not raeant by the act of the last Asserably, to deny or take away the privilege and duty of ministers to testify against defections, then we sfaall be at liberty, and wilUng to witfadraw our protest against tfae send act of Asserably, and particularly, we reserve to ourselves tfae liberty of testifying against tfae act of Assembly 1732, on all proper occasions." This proposal being new to the brethren, they requested that they inight be allowed to retire for a little, to consider it before they gave tfaeir answer ; but tfae coramit tee desfred them to take it into their consideration till tfae next morning, wfaich they consented to do, witfa tfae express declar- * The members of the Commission who dissented were Mr. Hendry Lind say, Mr Lawson, Mr. Hector M'Kenzie, Mr. Peter Philmore, and Mr. Alexander Wardrop, ministers ; the Lord Grange, and Colonel Erskine, rul ing elders. 62 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION. ation that thefr reason for doing so was, tfaat it was late, and that they did not at tfae time fully understand the import of it. On the foUowing morning, they gave in tfaeir answer to tne committee, in writing, whicfa was as follows : — " As to the proposal made by the committee to us, tfaat we sfaould with draw our protestation, in case a subsequent Assembly should declare tfaat it was not meant by tfae act and sentence of the last Assembly, in Mr. Erskine's affair, to deny or take away the privilege and duty of ministers to testify against defections. After serious and mature deliberation, we have no freedom to go into the said proposal, and tfaat because tfae obvious sense and raeaning of the said act and sentence appears to us to lay a restraint on ministerial freedora and faitfafulness, in testifying against tfae act of Assembly 1732, and the Uke defections in this cfaurch, upon proper occasions ; and, as this was tfae ground of our protestation, so any declaration tfaat a subsequent Assembly can make, cannot remove tfae ground upon wfaich we protested against tfaat decision, in regard tfaat an act and declaration of tfae following Assembly, tfaougfa agreeable to the word of God, can never take away tfae ground of protesting against a wrong decision of a preceding Assembly." Tfae committee having reported tfaat tfaey faad not been able to make any irapression up'on tfae four bretfaren; tfaat tfaey continued as obstinate as ever ; the Coraraission proceeded, agreeably to tfaeir former decisions, to inflict upon them a higher censure. It was agreed that tfae following sfaould be the state of the question :— " Loose the relation of fhe said four ministers fo their several charges, and declare tkem no longer ministers of fhis churck, and prohibit all ministers of this churck fo employ them in any ministerial function ; or. Depose them simpliciter?" And the votes being, taken, it carried Loose by a great majority.* " And therefore the Commission of the General Assembly did, and hereby do, loose the relation of Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, rainister at Stir ling ; Mr, WiUiam Wilson, minister at Perth ; Mr. Alexander Moncrieff, minister at Abernethy; and Mr. James Fisfaer, minister at Kinclaven, to tfaeir said respective cfaarges ; and do declare tliera no longer ministers of tfais cfaurcfa ; and do hereby prohibit aU ministers of this church to employ tfaem, or any of tfaem, in any rainisterial function. And the Com mission do declare the cfaurcfaes of tfae said Mr. Erskine, Mr. WUson, Mr. Moncrieff, and Mr. Fisfaer, vacant from and after the date of this sentence ; and appoint that letters from the moderator, and extracts of this sentence, be sent to the several • The greatness of the majority was owing to Mr. Erskine's friends not be ing at liberty to vote either Loose or Depose, on account of their havmg pre viously voted against proceeding to inflict a higher censure. PROTEST BY MR. G. WILSON AND OTHERS. 63 presbyteries within whose bounds the said ministers faave faad their charges, appointing tfaem, as they are hereby appointed, to cause intimate this sentence in tfae foresaid several churcfaes, now declared vacant, any time betwixt and the 1st of January next ; and also that notice of this sentence be sent, by letters from the moderator of this Commission, to tfae raagistrates of Pertfa and StirUng, to tfae sfaeriff-principal of Pertfa, and baillie of tfae regaUty of Abernethy."* And the Coramission fur ther agreed to declare that, " in case the said Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Moncrieff, and Mr. Fisher, shall behave tfaeraselves dutifully and submissively to this sentence, and shall raake application to the raeeting of the Commission, in March next, and give satisfaction to them, the Commission will tfaen recoraraend tfaem for favour to tfae next General As sembly." Such was the sentence wfaicfa tfae Commission recorded in their journal, — a sentence whicfa would not have disgraced the Star Cfaamber, or tfae Higfa Court of Coraraission, wfaen in • the zenith of tfaeir power. Against tfais sentence, Mr. Gabriel Wilson, rainister at Maxton, entered tfae following protest: — "Edinburgh, November 16, 1733 — I, Mr. Gabriel Wilson, minister at Maxton, in mine own name, and in name of all those that shall adhere to me, protest against tfais sen tence of tfae Commission, in tfae case of tfae four bretfaren ; and that it may be lawful for me to complain of the said sentence, and of the several acts of Asserably that have occasioned tfae same, to any subsequent Assembly of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland. As also, that it may be lawful for rae, in a becoming manner, on all proper occasions, to bear testimony against the sarae, witfa all otfaer defections and severities of this churcfa in faer sentences : and finally, that I may, in tfae raean time, as in providence I shall find opportunity, faold ministerial corarau nion witfa my said dear bretfaren, as if no such sentence had been passed against them. Upon all whicfa, I take instru ments in tfae clerk's hands. " GABRIEL WILSON." To this protest the following ministers adhered: — Mr. Ralph Erskine, minister at DunferraUne ; Mr. Thomas Mair, minister at Orwell; Mr. Jofan M'Laren, minister at Edin burgfa ; Mr. Jofan Currie, minister at Kinglassie ; Mr. James Wardlaw, minister at Dunfermline ; and Mr. Tfaoraas Nairn, minister at Abbotsfaall. When Mr. Erskine, and the other three bretfaren were caUed in, and faad tfae sentence intimated to them by the mo- • Minutes of the Commission. 64 PROTEST BY THE FOUR BRETHREN derator, tfaey read tfae following paper ; and, after reading it,. tfaey left it in tfae hands of the clerk, under a protest tfaat it might be engrossed in tfae minutes.* " Edinburgfa, Noveraber 16, 1733 — We do hereby adfaere to tfae protestations forraeriy entered before this court, both at tfaeir last meeting in August, and when we appeared first before this raeeting. And further, we do protest, in our own name, and in the name of all and every one in our respective congre gations adhering to us, tfaat, notwitfastanding of this sentence passed against us, our pastoral relation shall be held and repute firra and valid. And likewise we do protest, that, not withstanding of our being cast out frora rainisterial commu nion with the EstabUsfaed Church of Scotland, we still faold coraraunion with all and every one wfao desire, with us, to adhere to the principles of the true presbyterian, covenanted Cfaurcfa of Scotland, in faer doctrine, worsfaip, governraent, and discipline ; and particularly witfa every one wfao is groan- ' ing under the evils, and who are afflicted witfa the grievances we have been coraplaining of; who are, in tfaeir several spfaeres, wrestling against tfae sarae. But in regard tfae pre- vaiUng party in this Established Cfaurcfa, wfao faave now cast us out from ministerial coramunion witfa tfaem, are carrying on a course of defection from our reforraed and covenanted principles ; and, particularly, are suppressing ministerial free dom and faitfafulness in testifying against the present backsUd ings of tfae cfaurch, and inflicting censures upon rainisters for witnessing, by protestations, and otfaerwise, against the same. Therefore we do, for these and raany other weighty reasons to be laid open in due tirae, protest, that we are obliged to make a SECESSION from them, and tfaat we can have no ministerial coramunion with them, till tfaey see tfaeir sins and mistakes, and amend tfaem. And, in like raanner, we do protest, that it sfaall be lawful and warrantable for us to exercise the Keys of Doctrine, Discipline, and Government, according to the word of God, and Confession of Faith, and the principles and constitutions of the Cfaurch of Scotland, as if no such censure had been passed upon us : Upon all which we take instru ments. And we hereby appeal unto tfae first free, faithful, and reforraing General Assembly of tfae Churcfa of Scotland. " EBENEZER ERSKINE. WILLIAM WILSON. ALEXANDER MONCRIEFF. JAMES FISHER." Here is a formal declaration made of a Secession, not from the Church of Scotland, as such, but from the prevailing * It was not engrossed. VINDICATION OF THE FIRST SECEDERS. 65 party in that church, who for some tirae past faad been pur suing raeasures tfaat were equally opposed to tfae dictates of scripture and of sound policy. Whatever the intentions of tfae leaders of tfais party might be, tfaere can be no doubt that the tendency of the measures which they pursued was to secularize tfae cfaurcfa, to convert it into a raere engine of state, to banish vital godUness from its precincts, and to ex tinguish every tfaing Uke independence of tfaought as well as freedom of action, amongst both ministers and people. The despotic nature of their decrees, and tfae determined spirit wfaicfa they manifested in carrying them into effect, however violent and just tfae opposition tfaat migfat be raade to tfaem, had excited, tfarougfaout a wide circle, indignation and disgust ; and raatters were now come to that crisis, that eitfaer a resolute stand raust be made for tfae trutfa, on scriptural grounds, whatever might be the consequences ; or conscience and free dom of judgment must be surrendered, by tamely subnUtting, on all occasions, to tyrannical and unjust enactments. It was tfae former of tfaese alternatives wfaich the Fatfaers of the Se cession adopted. They faad calmly and deUberately surveyed tfae ground wfaich they meant to occupy. They had, before putting on tfae faarness, counted tfae cost : and, faowever fondly attached they raight be to the national church, and however raucfa tfaey migfat love and revere many of faer members, witfa wfaora they were still desirous to hold communion, yet they were resolved that they would not, on any account, passively acquiesce in raeasures which their soul abhorred, as dishonour ing to God and destructive of reUgion, and against whicfa tfaey were forbidden, by stern autfaority, to lift a condemnatory voice. The cause of their Master was dearer to them tfaan any worldly consideration. In tfae maintenance of it, they were prepared to give up their Uvings and to renounce tfaeir dearest connexions ; by it they were resolved, Uke faithful servants, to stand or fall. It will be proper, at this stage of tfae narrative, to pause, and take a review of tfae proceedings of tfae Assembly and Commission toward tfaese intrepid men ; tfaat we may see how harsh and unjust was the treatraent wfaicfa tfaey received, and what good grounds they had for witfadrawing from the comraunion of a cfaurcfa, wfaere tfaey faad imposed upon tfaem tfae painfiil alternative, eitfaer of sUently submitting to tfae trossest abuses, or of being subjected, on account of tfaeir delity, to tfae severest censures. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, and tfae otfaer Fatfaers of the Se cession who acted along witfa faim, faave been frequently re presented as factious demagogues, as violent schismatics, as turbulent, discontented men, whose ruling passion was a 66 VINDICATION OF THE FIRST SECEDERS. love of popularity, and who abandoned the national church, that they migfat gratify their ambition by being at the head of a new sect. Nothing can be fartfaer from the truth than the view that faas been thus given of the cfaaracter and motives of these excellent men. Such a cfaarge could_ originate only in ignorance of their history, or in a wilful misrepresentation of the cfrcumstances in which the Secession commenced. Mr. Erskine and fais friends did not at first voluntarily leave the Church of Scotland : they were driven out of her communion. A sentence was pronounced against thera, declaring that their relation with the national church was dissolved. On what ground? Because they entered tfaeir protest against wfaat tfaey deemed an unrighteous sentence of the General Assembly ; and because they refused to witfadraw their pro test when the Assembly desired them to do so. On this single ground were they expelled from a church, to whose principles and constitution they were conscientiously at tacfaed, and on wfaich tfaey reflected faonour, botfa by their talents and by their piety. Tfaat the sentence whicfa tfae synod of Perth pronounced against Mr. Erskine, when they found him censurable on account of certain expressions used by him in his synod serraon, was unjust, few will now be in cUned to question. Neither the synod nor tfae Asserably who afterwards affirraed the sentence, ventured to hint that the sentiraents contained in tfae obnoxious passages were un scriptural, or opposed to the standards of thefr churcfa. AU tfaat they affirmed concerning them was, tfaat they impugned several acts of Assembly, and tended to disturb the peace and good order of tfae cfaurcfa ; and even this was an arbi trary construction which they put upon tfae passages, — a con struction wfaich Mr. Erskine faimself disclaimed, and which would not faave suggested itself to any individual wfao was not listening to the discourse under the influence of party- feeUng. "That tfaere were pointed allusions in tfae sermon to tfae practice, wfaicfa had become so prevalent, of violently intruding ministers upon reclaiming congregations, and to the infringement of the rights of the people by the act of 1732, wfaich had been so unconstitutionally passed, Mr. Erskine did not deny. In bearing testimony against these and similar abuses, he considered that he was doing nothing more tfaan his duty ; and no occasion could be more fitting for expressing his sentiraents upon these points, than when his brethren were assembled in tfaefr synod to deliberate con cerning tfae affairs of the cfaurch. Besides, if any apology were necessary for the ministerial freedom which he exer cised on this occasion, it ought to be remembered, that the supreme court had refiised to receive any representations on VINDICATION OF THE FIRST SECEDERS. 67 the subject of the prevaiUrig corruptions, and had prohibited the entering of dissents and protests upon their record against their own proceedings, however unscriptural and un constitutional these might be ; so that faithful rainisters were reduced to the alternative, eitfaer of appearing to sanction, by tfaeir sUence, tfae grossest abuses, or of letting tfaefr voice be heard against them in the pulpit. This, tfaen, constituted tfae wfaole amount ot Mr. Erskine's alleged offence, tfaat he ventured to hint at certain abuses which had crept into the church ; and, in a particular manner, that he presumed to pronounce miscriptural tfae mode of elect ing ministers wfaich the General Assembly had sanctioned. For being thus honest and courageous in the expression of his sentiments was he declared to be deserving of public censure. Mr. Erskine showed fais respect for tfae autfaority of tfae supreme court so far, that he received the rebuke and adraonition when tfaey were tendered to faim ; but immediately after, fae laid a protest upon the table in which he declared, tfaat notwith standing sueh a sentence having been pronounced, he was at liberty to preach the same truths of God, that he had already preached, and to testify against the same or similar defections of the church, on all proper occasions. In this protest he was joined by fais three friends, who considered the sentence pro nounced against him as unjust in itself, and as imposing a re straint upon rainisterial faithfulness. So averse were these men to leave tfae church, and so great was thefr dread of being accounted schismatics, that notwithstanding the treatment which Mr. Erskine had received, and the many corruptions which prevaUed, they were quite wilUng to faave remained in her comraunion, and to faave acted under tfaefr protest, pro vided they had been permitted to do so. But the Assembly peremptorily ordered them to withdraw thefr protest, and to express thefr sorrow for faaving offered it, under penalty of being dealt with as obstinate offenders. To this mandate they could not conscientiously subrait : and because they would not make a surrender of tfaeir consciences, nor consent to have their raouths gagged, were tfaey first suspended from tfae exercise of tfaeir office, and finally driven from their charges altogetfaer. Wfao would not have felt themselves aggrieved, had they been subjected to such treatment ? Who, possessed of the common feelings of men, would not have entered their solemn protest against such proceedings, as oppressive and unjust? It was in sucfa cfrcumstances as tfaese, tfaat the Fathers of the Secession declared that they could no longer hold cora munion with men, who, for a series of years, had trampled upon the rights of their feUow Christians, by imposing minis- 68 VINDICATION OF THE FIRST SECEDERS. ters on congregations in the face of the most determined oppo sition ; who had shown tfaemselves tfae patrons of corruptions and abuse ; who had spread the sfaield of their protection over an individual who had been twice convicted of the grossest heresy,* and who had stretcfaed ecclesiastical authority to its utmost pitch, that by means of it they migfat crush those who had the honesty and tfae courage to oppose tfaeir measures. In reference to tfais party in tfae Church of Scotland, who at that time bore the ascendency, their language was, " We are obliged to make a Secession from fhem, and we can faave no ministerial coraraunion witfa tfaem, till tfaey see tfaeir sins and mistakes, and amend tfaem." While they pubUcly announced a Secession from fke prevailing parfy in the churcfa, they declared their adfaerence to the principles of the Presbyterian Churcfa of Scotland, to tfae doctrine, governraent, discipline, and worsfaip recognised in faer standards ; tfaey professed, at the same time, a warra attachment to tfaose good raen who remained within faer pale, and wfao, like tfaemselves, were StruggUng to vindicate faer Uberty, and to promote faer purity; and they declared tfaat tfaey were willing to hold with all such both ministerial and Christian communion. As it is important for my readers to know the exact ground whicfa tfae founders of tfae Secession occupied, wfaen tfaey witfadrew from the national cfaurcfa, and tfae views and feeUngs with which they took this important step, I shall permit them to state these in thefr own language. The following extract is frora a docu raent pubUshed by tfaera, iramediately after tfae Secession coraraenced, and entitled, " A Testimony to tfae doctrine, worship, government, and discipUne of the Church of Scot land," &c. " We own (say they) tfaat Secession from ministerial com munion with such as bear the character and office of min isters of the gospel, ougfat to proceed upon weigfaty and im portant grounds ; yet, as it cannot be refused tfaat a Secession from ministerial communion witfa such has been foijnd in some cases both necessary and justifiable, so we hope it will be evi dent to sucfa as consider tfae matter without partiality and pre judice, that our present Secession is both warrantable and necessary: Our protestation dotfa limit and circumscribe the same ; and it plainly characterisetfa tfaera from wfaom it is made. Our Secession is not from the Church of Scotland ; we own her doctrine contained in her Confession of Faith ; we adhere to her covenanted presbyterian cfaurcfa government, disoipUne, and -yvorsfaip: Neitfaer is our Secession from tfaose who are cleaving unto our covenanted principles, and who are affected ¦" Professor Simson. VINDICATION OF THE FIRST SECEDERS. 69 with the grievances we complain of, and are in their several spheres wrestling against the sarae ; but it is from a party who have got the management in their faands, and wfao faave got the majority on their side in the judicatories, particularly in our Assemblies and Commissions, and who are carrying on a course ofdefection frora our reforraed and covenanted principles, and wfao are suppressing ministerial freedom and faithfulness in testifying against their present backslidings, by inflicting censures upon ministers for witnessing by protestation and otfaerwise against tfae same." * From tfae preceding statements it raust appear obvious to every unprejudiced reader, that the Secession did not originate in a factious spirit, and tfaat tfae cfaarge of schism can by no raeans apply to tfae venerable raen with wfaora it coraraenced. Tfaey were thrust out of the churcfa, at a time wfaen tfaey had no intention of leaving it; and being thus tfarust out, tfaey were placed, in tfae providence of God, in sucfa circumstances tfaat, as tfaey themselves express it, they were obliged fo make a Secession from the men wfao faad treated tfaem with such harshness and injustice, and wfao were pursuing a systera of raeasures tfaat tended to tfae overtfarew of vital godliness.! Thefr chief guilt, in tfae estiraation of tfaose wfao displayed sucfa violence against thera, was their faithfulness. They considered it their duty to lift tfaeir warning voice against existing evils, tfaat tfaey migfat stem, if possible, tfae torrent of corruption : and because tfaey would not forego this privilege, and keep silence at tfae bidding of the hireUngs of tfae State, tfaey were, by an unjust sentence, declared to be no longer ministers of the Church of Scotland. The Asserably, as we shall afterwards see, raade an attempt to repair the injury wfaich their Commission faad done, by virtue of their autho rity. But it was too late. The Seceders had taken tfaeir ground, and tfaey were resolved to raaintain it, until they should have some better security given than any that was * Testimony, &c., p. 45. f Mr. Wilson, in his excellent Defence, says, p. 40, " It was not violent intrusions, it was not the Act 1732, neither was it any other particular step of defection, considered abstractly and by themselves, upon which the Seces sion was stated ; but a complex course of defection, both in doctrine, govern ment, and discipUne, carried on vrith a high hand by the present judicatories of this church, justifying themselves in their procedure, and reftising to be reclaimed." Again, observes the same writer, (p. 34 of the Continuation of his Defence,) " The case stands thus wdth the Seceding ministers ; they were formerly in ecclesiastical communion with the present judicatories, and they tried aU raeans that lay in their power, and which they thought proper, for stopping the current of defection ; they joined in presbyterial instructions to the several AssembUes; they tried petitions, representations, and doctrinal testimonies ; they tried dissents and protestations for their exoneration ; they continued testifying after this manner, tiU the judicatories thrust some of them out from their communion." 70 VINDICATION OF THE FIRST SECEDERS. offered to them, that the ruling party would retrace their steps, and pursue, for the fiiture, such measures as should tend to promote the glory of God, and advance the interests of religion. CHAPTER n. The four brethren meet at Gairney Bridge— The Associate Presbytery formed — Reasons assigned for its formation — First Testimony pubUshed — Sum mary of its contents — Articles of belief pubUshed by the presbytery — Popularity of the Seceding ministers — Proceedings of the General Assembly in 1734 — Act authorizing the restoration of the four brethren to their charges — Remarks on this act of Assembly — Meeting of the synod of Perth and StirUng in July 1734 — The sentence pronounced by the Commission against the four brethren reversed — The brethren refuse to return to the national church — Reasons for their refusal — Their conduct vindicated — Meeting of the General Assembly in 1 735 — The Associate Presbytery agree to proceed to acts of jurisdiction — Applications for sermon made to the presbytery from the parishes of Muckhart and Kinross — Confession of sin made by the brethren of the Presbytery to one another — General Assembly of 1736 — Professor CampbeU of St. Andrews — Convicted of error — No censure inflicted — Messrs. Wilson and Fisher visit the west of Scotland — Introduction of the Secession into Ireland — Mr. Wilson elected Professor of Divinity by the Associate Presbytery — PubUcation of the Judicial Testi mony — Attacked by Mr. Currie of Kinglassie — Defended by Mr. WUson — Porteous riot — Captain Porteous hanged by the populace — Seceding minis ters accused by the Duke of Argyle of being concerned in this business — • Porteous act — Condemned by the Seceding ministers. After the sentence of the Commission had been pronounced against Mr. Erskine and his three friends, loosing tfae relation betwixt tfaem and their respective congregations, and declaring them no longer ministers of tfae national churcfa, tfaese brethren agreed, before they left Edinburgfa, to faold a meeting for tfae purpose of deUberating what course they would pursue in the circumstances in which they were now placed. Agreeably to this appointment, tfaey met at Gairney Bridge, in tfae neigfa bourfaood of Kinross, on tfae 5th Deceraber, 1733. Two other brethren, Messrs. Ralph Erskine and Tfaomas Mair, met along witfa tfaem. This was a most solemn and important meeting ; and tfae raeraorable consequences wfaich have resulted from it, entitle it to hold a higfa place in tfae reverential regard of every fnend of tfae Secession. The good raen who assera bled on this occasion felt tfae delicacy of tfae situation in which they were placed ; they were also deeply sensible of the im portance of the trust reposed in them as ministers of the gospel. Tfae proceedings of tfae Assembly and of tfae Com mission, in reference to them, had excited an extraordinary interest in the country ; and they were well aware, that the eyes of a considerable portion of the pious were directed toward them, to see how they would act in the present emergency. In these circumstances, they avoided every thing that might 72 THE ASSOCIATE PRESBYTERY FORMED. have the appearance of rasfaness or precipitancy. They con sidered it due to themselves, and to the cause in whicfa tfaey were embarked, to observe the utraost caution. Before taking a single step, they pondered well the necessity of it, and the probable consequences that would result frora it. Accordingly, when they raet at Gairney Bridge, they did not hastily come to a determination what course they would adopt. They continued in prayer and in serious deUberation for two days ; and having tfaus frequently implored tfae divine direction, and having maturely weighed all tfae circumstances of tfae case, they finally resolved to form themselves into a presbytery, under tfae designation of The Associate Presbytery. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine was requested to constitute them with prayer, when fae was afterwards cfaosen Moderator. Mr. James Fisfaer, minister at Kinclaven, was appointed clerk, and took tfae oath de fideli.* The reasons wfaich influenced them in taking tfais decisive step, were tfae following : Tfaey considered tfaat, by forming theraselves into a presbytery, tfaey were following up the design of their protestation before the Commission, in which they declared, tfaat, notwitfastanding tfae sentence wfaicfa had been pronounced, tfaey were at liberty to exercise tfae key of discipline and government, and all the functions of the minis terial office. By thus uniting togetfaer in collegio, tfaey were acting more in consistency with their professed principles as presbyterians, than if they should act separately, and inde pendently of one another. They farther conceived, that the state of the Established Church was such as to require prompt and efficient measures to be adopted, to give relief to those wfao, in every part of tfae country, were groaning under the yoke of patronage : and with the view of granting both effectual and perraanent reUef to all who migfat require it, did tfaey forra tfaemselves into a presbytery. "Tfaey did not con sider tfaat tfaey faad so clear a promise of tfae Great Head of the church araongst tfaera, until . tfaey were constituted in his narae. And, finally, tfaere was some danger if tfaey dismissed, on tfae present occasion, without coming to any final resolu tion, that they might become disunited araongst themselves, and might not be favoured with another opportunity, equally convenient with the present, of forming themselves into a presbytery.! * The members ofthe Associate Presbytery, at its first formation, were Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, minister of StirUng; Mr. William Wilson, minister at Perth ; Mr. Alexander Moncrieff, minister at Abernethy ; and Mr. James Fisher, minister at Kinclaven. Mr. Ralph ErsHne of Dunfermline, and Mr. Thomas Mair of Orwell, though present on this interesting occasion, did not connect themselves with the presbytery tiU some time afterward. t Minutes of the Associate Presbytery. FIRST TESTIMONY PUBLISHED. 73 Such were the reasons that influenced tfaem in associating together in a presbyterial capacity. They agreed, however, that for some time to come their meetings sfaould be faeld cfaiefly for prayer and religious conference.; and that before proceeding to any judicial acts, tfaey would wait to see wfaetfaer a spirit of reformation migfat not yet pervade tfae ecclesiastical judicatories, and thus a door be opened for their restoration to tfae bosom of tfae national cfaurch. Before separating, tfaey appointed Messrs. Wilson and Moncrieff a coraraittee to pre pare an extended statement of the reasons of tfaeir protestation before the Gomraission. These brethren executed with great cg.re, and with rauch abiUty, the task assigned them ; and having presented at a future raeeting of presbytery a long and an elaborate statement of the reasons of their secession from the national church, the whole was carefully revised by aU the bretfaren, and was soon after publisfaed under tfae sanction of tfae Presbytery. It was entitled, " A Testimony to tfae doctrine, government, and discipUne, of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland ; or. Reasons by Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, &c. for their protestation before the Coraraission of the General Assembly, November 1733." It does not consist witfa the plan whicfa the writer of tfais narrative faas prescribed to faimself La tfae prosecution of tfais history, to introduce into its pages the various official pubUca tions emitted from tirae to time by the Secession Churcfa. To do so, would be to load the narrative with a mass of raatter, which, however excellent it raight be in itself, could not be supposed interesting to the greater part of fais readers, and would be apt to deter tfaem from tfae perusal of tfais work. To tfais rule, faowever, wfaich I faave laid down for my guid ance, occasional exceptions raust occur, otfaerwise tfae interests of truth would suffer, and an injury would be inflicted on the memories of the good. The notice which I am now about to take of the first Testimony pubUshed by the Fatfaers of the Secession, forms one of tfaese exceptions. Let none of my readers close tfais book in disgust at tfae raentioning of the word Testimony. I ara aware that the terra is, in the estiraa tion of many, sufficiently vulgar and commonplace, and that there is a danger of tfaeir being seized with nausea at tfae very sigfat of it ; but I know also, that a publication having an unpromising title, may yet be distinguished for the excellence of its contents, and tfaat we are to judge of the value of it from the latter of these, and not from the former. Had tfae Fathers of the Secession, instead of adopting tfae plain and famUiar word Testimony, dignified tfaeir official productions with some high-sounding title, the probability is, that the men of the present day, enUghtened and intelligent though 74 FIRST TESTIMONY PUBLISHED. they be, would not have deemed tfaem unworthy of their notice. The province of the historian, however, is not to invent new names for works tfaat faave been long in existence ; his business is to give a faithful narrative of the past, as weU as of present events, caUing every tfaing by its proper name ; and seeing tfaat tfae venerable men, with v^hom the Secession originated, after faaving forraed tfaemselves into a presbytery, considered it due to themselves, and to tfae cause in which they were engaged, to publisfa a defence of their conduct and of their principles, and gave to their defence, wfaen pubUsfaed, tfae title of " A Testimony to tfae doctrine, government, and discipline of tfae Church of Scotland," &c., it certainly becomes the men of the present generation to give to these intrepid worthies a patient and attentive faearing. Tfae language in which their sentiments are clotfaed, is occasionally faomely and uncoutfa ; but the sentiments theraselves are dignified, manly, and scriptural in a higfa degree ; they breathe a spirit of the most ardent devotedness to the cause of God, and to the best interests of tfae human race. The writer of tfais work, then, craves no indulgence from his readers, while he presents them with a brief exposition of the statements contained in the first Testimony pubUsfaed by the Associate Presbytery in vindica tion of their conduct. In giving this exposition, he is influ enced cfaiefly by tfae following reasons : — 1. Tfae conduct of Mr. Erskine, and of those who acted along with him, has been frequently arraigned and condemned, in the strongest terms, by writers who have espoused the opposite side of the question. They have been stigmatized as " popular demagogues," and have been charged with "unreasonable intemperance and pertinacity,"* in opposing the violent measures of the ruUng party in tfae cfaurch ; and it is notfaing more than an act of common justice to give these men an opportunity of being heard in vindication of themselves, so tfaat tfae world may judge on wfaat side truth and justice Ue. 2. Many have grown up witfain tfae Secession, wfao are, in a great measure, ignorant of tfae exact grounds wfaicfa tfae founders of the Secession occupied, when they withdrew from the national churcfa, and of tfae principles wfaicfa they maintained ; and it is of importance that these should faave stated to thera, in the language of the first Seceders themselves, what were tfae views wfaicfa^ they held, and what were the reasons that influenced tfaem in forraing tfaeraselves into a distinct religious society. 3. I conceive tfaat a faistory of the Secession Churcfa would be very inconiplete, did it not furnish those connected witfa othei denominations, with the means of knowing exactly wfaat were * Moncrieff's Life of Dr. Erskine, Appendix, Ko. I. pp. 444, 446. SUMMARY OF ITS CONTENTS. 75 the charges preferred by the Seceders against the Established judicatories, and which constituted the original grounds of the Secession ; also, what were tfae sentiments which they held, in reference to Cfaristian doctrine and cfaurcfa poUty. That Christians of otfaer denominations may be furnished with tfae means of obtaining tfais information, I faave attempted to give a condensed view of the facts and reasonings contained in the document above-mentioned. In tfae introduction, tfae presbytery give a narrative of tfae ecclesiasticed proceedings carried on against Mr. Erskine, and the other brethren, and wfaicfa terminated in tfae Commission dissolving tfae relation betwixt tfaem and tfaefr respective con gregations. Tfaey tfaen take a review of wfaat God faad done for tfae Church of Scotland, during the past periods of her history, and detail the steps by wfaich she faad gradually de clined in purity. They avow their attachment to the con stitution ahd standards of tfae cfaurcfa, and declare tfaat tfaey did not secede from tfae cfaurch itself, but from a ruling party within the cfaurcfa, who had got tfae management of affairs into their hands, and who were pursuing a course of defec tion, disregarding the laws of Christ, and trampling upon tfae privileges of tfae people. Against tfais party, tfaey state five distinct cfaarges, as tfae reasons of tfaeir Secession from tfaera ; and each of the charges they substantiate, by adducing a variety of facts, whicfa were both too recent and too notori ous to be denied. The first charge whicfa they advance is, that the prevail ing party were pursuing measures subversive of the presby terian constitution of the churcfa. In support of tfais cfaarge, tfaey refer to repeated instances in which the Assembly faad violated tfaefr own constitution, and enacted laws, either with out' previously sending them down, agreeably to the barrier act, to presbyteries, to be considered by them, or in oppo sition to the declared wisfaes of the presbyteries. The act of 1730, for instance, whicfa prohibited the recording of reasons of dissent against the decisions of cfaurch courts, and wfaich was a grievous infringement of the rigfats of both ministers and elders, was passed by the Assembly, without being trans mitted to the presbyteries at all; and the obnoxious act of 1732, concerning tfae settlement of vacant congregations, was passed by the mere authority of tfae Assembly, even tfaough the majority of the presbyteries had declared against it. In reference to these and similar proceedings, tfaey coraplain tfaat " the prevaUing party faave usurped a legislative power and au thority over the house of God, in raaking laws and constitutions, that not only have no manner of warrant from tfae Word, but are contrary unto it ; and they exercise a lordly and magisterial 76 FIRST TESTIMONY. power over the flock and heritage of God, in binding their decrees upon tfae consciences of the members of the church, by threatening and actually infUcting tfae highest censures ofthe church upon them, if they do not submit to their arbitrary impositions ; and this we judge to be a thrust at our constitu tion, and that in a most sensible manner." They fiirther refer, in support of the sarae cfaarge, to tfae unconstitutional power assumed by tfae Coraraission, in determining the causes referred to them. This delegated court engrossed almost the wfaole autfaority of tfae cfaurcfa, and matters of tfae faigfaest iraportance were settled by tfaem in a raanner tfae most arbi trary and absolute. By pleading that tfaefr decisions, faowever unjust they might be, were irreversible, tfaey made tfaefr own will and pleasure tfae rule of tfaeir conduct. The wishes of the people, and the reraonstrances of presbyteries, were alike disregarded by tfaera. Contrary to tfae coraraon maxim, delegatus non potest delegari, tfaey assumed to tfaeihselves the power of erecting sub-comraissions, and invested them with powers whicfa were not intrusted to tfaemselves, and wfaich it was not in the power even of the Asserably to give, viz. to invade tfae rights of presbyteries, which are radical judicatories. These sub-coraraittees, appointed by the Commission, travelled over the country, received tfae trials of young men, and or dained tfaem, in opposition to tfae declared mind botfa of the presbyteries in which, and of tfae parisfaes over wfaich, they were settled ; and tfais tfaey did, without waiting tfae judgment of tfae ensuing Assembly, tfaougfa protestations for leave to complain to tfae Assembly faad been entered in due time and form.* * Instead of appointing the presbyteries themselves, as the constitution re quired, to execute the sentences of the supreme court, the Assembly or Com mission appointed individual ministers of their ovra number, or members of synods, or presbyteries in the vicinity of the parishes, to execute their sen tences, by giving collation to the presentees, in the same forms which, in or dinary caaes, would have been competent to the presbyteries themselves, leav ing it to such members of the presbyteries as were vviUing to join with them, to take part in the transaction. " This expedient was adopted in 1729, in the settlement of New Machar ; and continued to be resorted to in cases of similar difficulty, for twenty years after that time. It was certainly a great deviation from constitutional law. But the times were difficult. The scruples of many of the most popular clergy were as sincere as they were obstinate. The agitation of the people on the subject was every day becoming more visible and violent. The opposition to many of the presentees, who were inducted by the committees appointed by the supreme court, was as inveterate after their induction as before, and their churches were in danger of being alraost entirely deserted. The leaders in the AssembUes were not wiUing to add to the struggle occa sioned by the opposition ofthe people, a controversy with the scruples of the clergy ; and this was the origin of what was then denominated among the populace, ' The Riding Committees.' "—Moncrieff's Life of Dr. Erskine, Ap pendix, p. 442. The attempt which the reverend baronet here raakes to apologize for what SUMMARY or ITS CONTENTS. 77 *' Tfae above conduct of the Commission," say they, " ap pears to us to strike at the very root of our presbyterian con stitution, and to be a piece of tyranny equal to any tfaing exercised by tfae diocesan prelates, wfaen tfaey were in power and authority in tfae land. It is a presbyterian principle, founded upon the word of God, tfaat the authoritative missions of men unto the work and office of tfae faoly ministry, by tfae trial of tfaeir gifts and quaUfications, and tfae setting of them apart to that sacred office, by prayer and imposition of faands, belongs unto a constitute presbytery. It is also a received principle amongst us, that the power of superior courts over a presbytery, is not a primitive, but a cumulative power and authority ; that is, neither synods, nor assemblies, nor their commissions, can deprive presbyteries of tfaese infaerent rigfats and privUeges tfaat belong unto tfaera, or of tfaat power and autfaority that tfaey have received from tfae Lord Jesus, tfae only Head and King of the church, bnt tfaat tfaey ougfat to pro tect and support tfaem in tfae exercise of tfae sarae. But tfae present raanagement of tfae commissions of our several General Assemblies in appointing comraittees witfa a power of trial and ordination, is a taking of tfaat power out of the hands of presbyteries, whicfa properly belongs unto them ; and, at the same time, an erecting of a court, with a power of mission, unto the work and office of the ministry, that has no manner of foundation in the word of God." Tfae second cfaarge wfaicfa tfae Seceding bretfaren advance against tfae ruUng party in tfae cfaurcfa is, " that tfaey are pur suing sucfa raeasures as do actually corrupt, or faave tfae raost direct tendency to corrupt, tfae doctrine contained in our ex cellent Confession of Faith." In support of this cfaarge, they refer to the lenity tfaat had been sfaown by tfae Asserably to Professor Simson, after fae faad been convicted, on tfae clearest evidence, of teaching tfae most dangerous errors ; also to tfae manner in wfaicfa certain publications of Professor Campbell of St. Andrews faad been received, containing in tfaem senti ments that were opposed both to tfae word of God, and tfae standards oftfae churcfa. "Instead of commencing any pro cess," say they, " against the author, fae is caressed and coun tenanced in our assemblies, as being a fit man for the purpose of our ruling side, who are carrying on the present course of defection !" They appeal, further, to the refusal of the eccle siastical rulers to Usten to the representations of synods and presbyteries, urging them to publisfa an act confirmatory of he caUs " a great deviation from constitutional law," is certainly a very sorry one. What a miserable contrast do his statements present to the firm and dignified language which the Seceders employ, when reprobating this same " deviation !" 78 FIRST TESTIMONY. the trutfas tfaat faad been attacked, and warning tfae people against tfae dangerous errors tfaat had been propagated. After showing tfaat a new and fasfaionable raode of preacfaing faad found its way into tfae cfaurcfa, which consisted in a " sapless and Ufeless descanting upon the raoral virtues," and in whiqh tfae peculiar doctrmes of tfae gospel were seldora if ever allud ed to, tfaey proceed tfaus : — " Seeing tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland is in such circurastances at present, tfarougfa tfae influence and management of the prevailing party, there is too much ground to fear, that in a little tirae (if God do not prevent) tfais Es tablisfaed Cfaurcfa shall only be orthodox, in tfae sarae sense tfaat tfae Cfaurcfa of England is so, by subscribing tfae articles wfaicfa are truly Calvinist in the doctrinal parts, while yet Arrainian doctrine is everywfaere taught by her clergy.* Upon which account, we judge this generation, and our poor poster ity, in tfae utraost danger of losing tfae gospel in its power and purity, through the prevalency of a corrupt and unsound min istry." Tfae third cfaarge wfaicfa tfaey prefer against tfae prevaihng party is, " Tfaat sinful and unwarrantable terms of ministerial communion are iraposed, by restraining ministerial freedom and faitfafulness in testifying against the present course of de fection and backsliding." In support of tfais cfaarge, they appeal to the decision in the case of Mr. Erskine, who veas found censurable for presuming, in fais public ndnistrations, to find fault with certain ecclesiastical proceedings, which he con sidered unconstitutional and unwarrantable. Such a decision they consider as equivalent to a declaration, on tfae part of the Assembly, that faencefortfa no rainister, unless he resolves to become obnoxious to censure, shall testify from the pulpit against any act of Assembly, or against any proceedings of the churcfa courts, however sinful they may be. They regard this restraining of rainisterial freedom as unreasonable in its own nature, and inconsistent with the faithful discharge of the duties ofthe ministry; for tfaey say, "there is nothing more plain, than that every minister is bound to declare the whole counsel of God. As he is to teach the observance of all things contained in the word, so he is to show Israel his trans gression, and tfae faouse of Jacob tfaeir sin ; and if the sin be committed by the officers of tfae church, it is so much the more dangerous to the wfaole body, and therefore ought to be testified against, because that, when tfae leaders of the people do Cause them fo err, they fhat are led of tkem are desfroyed." * At the period here referred to, Arminianism was almost universally pre valent throughout the Church of England ; but it must gratify every friend of reUgion to know, that the number of evangeUcal and faithful ministers in that church has, of late years, been greatly on the increase. SUMMARY OF ITS CONTENTS. 79 The fourth charge is, " That these corrupt courses are carried on with a faigfa hand, notwitfastanding that the ordi nary means have been used to reclaim tfaera, and to stop tfae current of tfae present defection." Under tfais faead, they complain that the Asserably has obstinately refused to listen to the petitions, representations, complaints, and remonstrances sent to them from presbyteries and synods. These were oft- times not permitted to be read in the Assembly, but were generally handed over to a coraraittee, wfaere tfaey were for tfae most part consigned to oblivion. Wfaen the Commissioners from presbyteries urged upon the suprerae court the necessity of attending to the coraplaints of their constituents, tfae an swer returned was, the Assembly's time is over, or, the Assem bly has no time to enter upon the consideration of these things. "Tfae last Assembly," say tfae Seceding brethren, "found time to intrude ministers into tfae parishes of Stow and Kingoldrum, and to pass severe and unjust sentences against some ministers in tfae presbytery of Dunfermline and tfae four protesting brethren, but had no time to con sider the weighty grievances tfaat tfae flock of Cfarist are groaning under ; we must say it witfa regret, they found time to oppress them raore and more, but not to help or relieve them." 'The fifth article of their charge is, " that they are excluded from keeping up a proper testimony against tfae defections and backslidings of the prevailing party, in a way of ministerial communion with tfaem." "If we express our sentiments in tfae forms of petitions and representations, tfaese were disre garded. If we lift up our voice in tfae pulpit against proceed ings which we consider to be sinful, we are summoned to tfae bar of the churcfa courts and rebuked. If we protest against sucfa censure, as interfering witfa tfae free and faithful exercise of our ministry, we are suspended frora tfae sacred office ; and if we cannot yield obedience to a sentence of suspension pro nounced in sucfa an arbitrary raanner, we are cast out of the coraraunion of the church, and declared to be no longer ministers of tfae Establisfaed Cfaurcfa." Frora this deduction of particulars they draw tfae following conclusion : — " From aU which it is plain, tfaat tfae prevailing party will not allow us to maintain a proper testimony, in a way of ministerial communion witfa them, against their present steps of defec tion and backsUding ; and tfaerefore it is not only warrantable for us, but we are laid under a necessity, to lift up a testimony in a way of secession from tfaem, against the present current of defection, whereby our constitution is subverted, our doc trine is corrupted, and tfae heritage and flock of Christ are wounded, scattered, and broken, tfaat we may not partake witk tkem in their sins, and may do what in us lies to transmit 80 ARTICLES OF BELIEF PUBLISHED BY THE PRESBYTERY unto succeeding generations these valuable trutfas that have been handed down to us by tfae contendings and wrestUngs of a great cloud of witnesses in Scotland since the dawning of Reformation-light amongst us." Such were the charges which the Seceding brethren pre ferred against the ruling party in the churcfa ; and on these grounds did tfaey witfadraw from all connexion witfa men who were pursuing measures so unscriptural, unconstitutional, and oppressive. Never were charges contained in any endictment substantiated by evidence so full, so clear, and convincing. Never were reasons more valid stated by any individuals for witfadrawing from tfae communion of a cfaurch, and forming themselves into a distinct religious society. Every unpreju diced person who peruses the brief statement that is nere given of them, must be convinced tfaat the Seceders acted the part of honest, conscientious men, and that there was no other course, consistent with a good conscience, left tfaem to pursue, tfaan tfaat wfaicfa tfaey actually adopted. Afraid lest tfaeir eneraies raigfat attempt to bring odium upon tfaera by faolding tfaem up to tfae world as men of unsound principles, they subjoined to their reasons of seces sion a statement of their belief. And that posterity may know wfaat were the principles held by these exceUent men, the following outline is given of the declaration which they publisfaed : — 1 . Tfaey own tfae Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the word of God, and the only rule of faith and manners. 2. They declare tfaeir sincere and faearty adfaerence to the form of worsfaip received and practised in tfae Cfaurcfa of Scot land. 3. Tfaey believe with their faearts, and confess with their mouths, that tfae Lord Jesus Christ, as he is the alone Head and King of his cfaurcfa, so fae hath appointed a particular form of government, therein to continue to the end of tfae world unal(:ea:able ; and tfaey receive and erabrace presbyterian church government, by kirk-sessions, presbyteries, synods, and assem bUes, as that form of governraent wfaicfa tfaey judge to be agreeable to, and founded upon, tfae Word of God. 4. Tfaey believe that the visible churcfa, whicfa is also catho Uc and universal under tfae gospel, consists of all tfaose through out tfae world that profess the true religion, and of tfaeir chil dren, and is tfae kingdora of ou.r Lord Jesus Cfarist, and house and family of God, unto wfaicfa Cfarist faatfa. given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfect ing the saints in tfais life to tfae end of the world. _ 5. They acknowledge the perpetual obUgation of the Na tional Covenant, frequently sworn by all ranks of persons in ARTICLES OF BELIEF PUBLISHED BY THE PRESBYTERY. 81 Scotland ; also of the Solemn League and Covenant sworn by aU ranks bpth in England and Scotland in the year 1643. 6. Tfaey believe, tfaat Cfarist faatfa appointed cfaurcfa-officers under him, distinct from tfae civil magistrate; and tfaat to these are committed the keys of doctrine, discipUne, and government. 7. Tfaey believe that tfae decrees and determinations of all councils, made up of falUble men, are no furtfaer to be received ot submitted to by tfae cfaurch, than in so far as they are con sonant unto the word of God. 8. They believe, that, when tfae pluraUty of officers in any particular church under the New Testament, do make defec tion from tfae purity of doctrine, worsfaip, or government, it is lawful for tfae lesser part of cfaurcfa-officers, who are holding tfae faead, and keeping the foundation of governraent, to manage the keys of tfae kingdom of heaven, in an agreeableness to the laws of Christ. 9. Tfaey beUeve, tfaat it appertains unto every several congregation to elect their own ministers and officers ; and that altogetfaer it is to be avoided, that any man be violently intruded or thrust upon any congregation ; and that tfais liberty sfaould with aU care be reserved to every several con gregation, to have the ministers settled araong them with their own call and aonsent. 10. They believe, tfaat it is tfae duty of faitfaful ministers, when defections prevail in a churcfa, and. wfaen iniquity is established by law, to give faithful warning against the pre vailing evils of the time ; and when censured for it, though at the bar of an Assembly, it is their duty to protest for the cause of truth, that it raay not fall in the streets ; and, when suspended or otherwise censured, tfaat it is tfaeir duty to con tinue in tfae exercise of their ministry, necessity being laid upon tfaem by their dedication to tfaat office, and the command of God to preach the gospel, and so to obey God ratfaer tfaan man ; especially when it is considered that submission to arbitrary autfaority, in a case wfaerein tfae public cause is coii cerned, is a plain giving up witfa tfaeir testimony. Though the Coraraission faad passed a sentence, dissolving tfae relation betwixt tfae four bretfaren and tfaeir respective congregations, and declaring thera to be no longer ministers of the Established Church, yet such was the agitated state of popular feeling, tfaat tfae sentence could not be carried into effect. The treatment which the brethren had received, was considered by not a few to be faarsfa and oppressive in a high degree. They enjoyed the sympathy and the prayers of a large portion of the people ; and many of the ministers re garded their struggles with feelings of the deepest interest. 82 POPULARITY OF THE SECEDING MINISTERS In an especial manner, thefr congregations clung around them witfa affectionate fondness, and declared tfaeir resolution, to abide by them "tfarougfa good report and tfarough bad report." Mr. WilUam Ferguson of KUUn, who had been appointed to intiraate the sentence against Mr. Wilsoh, from the pulpit of the Old Churcfa of Perth, coraplained in a letter to the Coramission, that fae faad been met at a distance from the town by a tumultuous multitude, who forcibly prevented his entrance.* Professor Carapbell of St. Andrews, havirig applied to the Sheriff-substitute of Pertfa to support faim, in intimating tfae sentence against Mr. Moncrieff from tfae pulpit of tfae cfaurcfa of Abernethy, and the Sheriff having refused to do so,! protested against his conduct. This protest was transmitted, tfarough tfae Commission, to tfae next General Assembly ; and by tfaem was referred to tfae committee of overtures, wfaere, amongst otfaer papers of greater importance, it was consigned to oblivion. At tfae sacraraental occasion at Abernetfay, in April 1734, there was assembled, from all parts of the country, such a concourse of people as had never before been witnessed on any similar occasion. The Seceding breth ren were looked upon as martyrs in the cause of truth, they were regarded as the unflinching advocates of popular rights ; and on these, as well as other accounts, their ministrations were sougfat after witfa tfae greatest eagerness. Mr. Currie of Kinglassie, wfao afterwards became one of the bitterest enemies of the Secession, and made some violent attacks upon it from tfae press, at first approved so highly of the conduct of these faithful ministers, tfaat wfaen preaching in the Tolbooth Church of Edinburgh on a fast day before tfae celebration of tfae Lord's Supper, he expressed himself concerning them in the following terras : " Thougfa tfaey should suffer suspension, deposition, imprisonraent, banishment, heading or hanging, I ara convinced in my conscience they suffer for a good cause, and the Lord will own and honour tfaem for it."J On tfae second day of May, 1734, tfae General Assembly * Struthers' History of Scotland, vol. u. p. 3. f In the act of toleration passed in the reign of Queen Anne, there is a clause inserted, which prohibits aU magistrates from carrying into effect the sentences of ecclesiastical courts. And the Sheriff of Perth, when he refused to interfere in the case of Mr. Moncrieff, acted in strict accordance with the letter of the law, as weU as with the spirit of it. The foUowdng is the clause referred to : — " And be it fai-ther declared and enacted by the authority afore said, that no civil pain or forfeiture, or disabiUty whatsoever, shall be in any ways incurred by any person or persons, by reason of any excommunication, or prosecution in order to excommunication by the church judicatories, in that part of Great Britain caUed Scotland ; and aU civil magistrates are hereby ex pressly prohibited and discharged to force or corapel any person or persons to appear when summoned, or tcigive obedience to any such sentence when pro nounced, any law or custom to the contrary notwithstanding." i Wilson's Defence, p. 110. PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN 1734. 83 met, and the attention of the country was fixed upon its pro ceedings. Considerable exertions had been made to send up to this meeting men of a right spirit, and hopes were enter tained that a conciliatory course would be adopted toward tfae ejected bretfaren. Wfaen tfae Assembly raet, it was found tfaat their friends raustered strong ; and even tfae leaders of the opposite party seera to have been ashamed of the violence of their own proceedings. The great ferment tfaat prevailed among the people, and a fear lest the spirit of disaffection should spread wider and wider, raade tfaem act witfa greater caution. The proceedings of the Assembly were of a more popular kind, and discovered raore of a spirit of reformation than any that had characterized the meetings of Assembly for some time past. Tfae act of 1730, discfaarging tfae entering, upon tfae record, of dissents against tfae decisions of cfaurch courts, and tfae act of 1732, concerning the planting of vacant parishes, were repealed. A complaint of the parish of Auch- termucfaty, and of tfae presbytery of Cupar, against a violent settlement, wfaicfa tfae Coraraission faad appointed to take place in tfaat parish, was sustained. It was found, in this instance, that the Commission faad exceeded thefr powers, and the settlement was annulled. When the Commission book, also, was exarained, and the proceedings approved of, it was done " with a reservation as to their conduct and sentence passed against Ebenezer Erskine, William Wilson, Alexander Mon crieff, and James Fisher, excepting also from the approbation of their book, the settlement of the parish of Troquire, and the judgment given by thera relative to the planting of the parish of Portmoak, which are reserved till tfae complaints concerning these be heard, reserving also the consideration of the remarks made on their method of proceeding to, or executing, other settlements." This Assembly appointed thefr Commission to petition his majesty and parliament for the repeal of tfae patronage act.* With the view also of satisfy ing the minds of those, wfao considered that ministerial free dom was restrained by tfae late proceedings of tfae judicatories toward Mr. Erskine and fais bretfaren, an act was sanctioned by the Assembly, in wfaicfa it is declared, " for tfae satisfac tion of aU," — " That due and regular ministerial freedom is * The Commission, during the course of the summer, sent a deputation to London, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Gordon of Alford, Willison of Dun dee, and M'intosh of Errol, with the view of obtaining the removal of this grievance. It is needless to add that their exertions were unsuccessful. The Assembly, that met the foUowing year, sent another embassy to the metro pohs, on the same errand. The deputation consisted of the Bev. Messrs. Anderson of St. Andrews, and Gordon of Alfor^ together with Colonel John Erskine of Carnock. After making every effort to obtain their object, they were not more successful than their predecessors. •84 ACT RESTORING THE FOUR BRETHREN. StiU left to aU ministers ; and that the same was not, nor shall be held nor understood to be anywise impaired or rest-rained by tfae late Assembly's decision in that particular process." But by far the most iraportant act of this Assembly was the following, which they passed concerning their Seceding brethren : — " The General Assembly, considering tfae great hurt and prejudice that hath at all times arisen, and raust yet arise, to the church, from divisions and aniraosities creeping in and taking root among the raerabers tfaereof, notwithstand ing their unanimity in sentiments upon material and funda mental points, which more nearly concern the proraoting the interests of our blessed Lord and Saviour, tfae establisfaing the peace of the church, and the advancement of practical godli ness and true reUgion witfain tfae bounds of it, and particularly the lamentable consequences that have followed, and may yet follow upon tfae separation of Messrs. Ebenezer Erskine, Wil Uam Wilson, Alexander Moncrieff, and James Fisfaer, from this church and judicatories thereof, and judging it their duty to endeavour, by all just and proper means consistent witn the honour and glory of God, and the maintaining the peace and authority of the church, to restore harmony and brotherly love araong all the raerabers of it: Tfaerefore, tfae General Assembly, witfaout further inquiring into the occasions or steps of proceeding, either on the part of the said brethien, or by the several judicatories under whose consideration their case hath been, which may faave produced tfaat unhappy separation, but resolving that all questions on tfaese heads shall for here after be comfortably removed, have empowered, and hereby do empower, tfae Synod of Perth and Stirling, before whom the exceptions to some part of tfae conduct of two of these four reverend bretfaren were first taken and tried, upon such application made to them, as tfaey shall judge proper, to take the case of the said four brethren, as it now stands, under ¦their consideration, with full power to the said synod to pro ceed and do therein, as they sfaall find most justifiable and expedient for restoring tfae peace and preserving tfae authority of tfais cfaurch, and restoring tfaem to their respective charges. But with this express direction, that the synod sfaall not take upon them to judge of the legality or formaUty of the former proceedings of the church j\idicatories, in relation to this affafr, either to approve of, or censure the sarae; but shaU only, in virtue of the power and authority now delegated to them by the Assembly, proceed to take sucfa steps for attain ing the above ends for the future, as tfaey shall find just, and tending to edification. And the Assembly do hereby appoint the foresaid synod to meet at Stirling upon the first Tuesday of July next, and from time to time to name and appoint the REMARKS ON THIS ACT. 85 place and diets of tfaeir after meetings, on the said affair, as they shall see cause, untU the matter sfaall be ripened for a final conclusion ; and recoraraend to them to use their utraost endeavours to bring tfae matter, as soon as reasonably can be, to a final and happy issue."* It is not difficult to perceive what were the motives whicfa dictated such an act as this. Many of the members of tfae present Assembly, both ministers and elders, were convinced tfaat tfae Commission, in loosing tfae protesting bretfaren frora their congregations, and declaring them no longer ministers of tfae Establisfaed Churcfa, had acted precipitately and un justly ; and they were truly desirous to see them restored to thefr charges. Tfaese of course gladly acquiesced in any measure that afforded the prospect of such a desirable event. Another portion of the Assembly were not so favourably disposed toward tfae ejected ministers ; but they were afraid of what would be tfae consequences, sfaould they persist in carrying into effect tfae sentence wfaich had already been pro nounced against them. They perceived that the current of popular opinion ran strongly in thefr favour. The number of petitions, sent up from presbyteries and synods, showed that the church was agitated from the one end to the other ; and unless some heaUng measures should be adopted, the probability was, that the breach already occasioned would become wider and wider. Hence proceeded tfae act above quoted, in wfaich the Assembly declare that all former pro ceedings and decisions sfaall stand as tfaey are, while at the same tirae they autfaorize tfae synod of Pertfa and Stfrling to take raeasures for restoring the Seceding ministers to their charges ! If the Asserably, or Commission, of the preceding year had done wrong in ejecting these ministers from the churcfa, wfay not declare so, and disannul their proceedings ? This was nothing more than an act of justice to these men, who faad been so faarshly treated, and wfaom tfaey were now anxious to restore. If tfae Assembly, or Commission, had done right in ejecting them, then certainly the grounds of their ejection remained as vaUd as ever ; and if so, how sfaall tfae present Assembly be vindicated, in agreeing to receive back into tfaeir fellowship men who had previously been pronounced unworthy of their communion, witfaout either requfring or obtaining from them any evidence of thefr penitence ? Who ever were tfae framers of tfais act, the whole tenor of it sfaows that it was dictated, not by a sense of justice, but by fear. On the one hand, pride forbade the acknowledgment of any tfaing like error or rashness in the past proceedings. So sensitive * Acts of Assembly, 1 734. 86 ACT OF SYNOD RESTORING THE BRETHREN. were tfae Assembly on tfais point, tfaat tfaey prohibited the synod, when tfae matter should come before them, from utter ing a single whisper with regard to tfae past. On tfae other hand, the dread of giving further offence to those who had shown tfaemselves friendly to tfae Seceders, and of driving tfaem also from the communion of the church, made them agree to an act of amnesty in favour of those who faad been ejected. Sfaould tfaey not tfaus succeed in bringing back tfaose wfao faad already renounced their authority, they thought that, by this appearance of clemency, tfaey would at least secure those who raigfat be wavering in tfaeir allegiance. The synod of Perth and Stirling raet on the second day of July, agreeably to the appointment of the Assembly ; and having taken the case of tfae four brethren under tfaeir con sideration, tfaey unaniraously agreed, after a long and serious deliberation, to the following decision : — " This synod, by virtue of the foresaid delegated power and authority^ and in narae of our Lord Jesus Cfarist, did and hereby do with one voice and consent, take off tfae sentences pronounced by the Coraraission of the General Assembly, 1 733, against the fore said four brethren, Messrs. Ebenezer Erskine, William Wil son, Alexander Moncrieff, and James Fisher, declaring the same of no force or effect for the future, unite and restore tfaem to ministerial coramunion with this church, to theur several charges, and to the exercise of all parts of the minis terial function therein, as fully and freely as there never had been act, sentence, obstacle, or impediment whatsoever in ' tfae way tfaereof in time past, all wfaich are hereby declared sopite, and set aside for tfae fiiture. And tfae synod do re commend to tfaese four reverend bretfaren, to carry towards tfae Lord's servants, tfaefr bretfaren, ministers of tfais church, and their respective flocks and cfaarges, as ministers of Christ and his gospel ought to do, in all time coming. And they do, in tfae like manner, recommend it to the respective presbyteries of Perth, StirUng, and Dunkeld, to receive them as raembers of their respective presbyteries, and behave to thera as ministers of Cfarist in this church: and do enjoin not only the rainisters of the said presbyteries, but also of all other presbyteries witfain tfaeir bounds, and tfae said four brethren, so to deraean tfaemselves towards eacfa otfaer, as may answer tfae obligations they came under by their ordi nation vows in the Lord. And tfae synod take this oppor tunity to warn all tfae people in tfais province, to beware of every thing tfaat raay faave a tendency to obstruct the good ends of this act, and what tfae General Assembly faad so much at faeart, viz. tfae peace and union of this church, by doing what may encourage division, or weaken tfae faands of THE BRETHREN REFUSE TO ACCEDE. 87 the Lord's servants set over tfaem. And further, the synod appoint the names of the said four bretfaren to be immediately enrolled in tfae records of tfais synod, and tfaat Mr. Harailton read this act from the pulpit of StirUng, Mr Black from the pulpit of Pertfa, Mr. Meek from the pulpit of Abernethy, and Mr. Gow from the pulpit of Kinclaven, on some Lord's day betwixt and the first of August. And tfae synod recom mend it to Mr. Hamilton to acquaint Mr. Erskine, Mr. M'in tosh to acquaint Mr. Wilson, Mr. Palmer to acquaint Mr. Mon crieff, and Mr. Gow to acquaint Mr. Fisher, of this act and sentence with tfaeir first conveniency. And finally, they ap point this act to be insert in all tfae presbytery books within this province, and they leave it to every minister to intimate the same to tfaeir congregations, as tfaey see cause." It was expected by tfae friends of tfae Seceders, tfaat now, when tfae sentence of tfae Commission was reraoved, tfae bre thren would immediately return to tfae bosom of tfae cfaurch, and tfaat all past differences would be buried in oblivion. So con fidently was tfais expectation entertained by them, ithat the presbytery of StirUng, soon after the meeting of synod, elected Mr. Erskine moderator, and appouited a deputation of their nuraber to wait upon faim, and request faira to take tfae cfaair. The intended honour Mr. Erskine raodestly, but firmly, declined. The presbytery, however, kept the chair vacant for some time, in the expectation that he would comply. With the view of putting an end to this state of suspense, Mr. Erskine wrote tfaem a letter, in which he gave a candid statement of his reasons for not returning to tfae communion of the national church. The following extract wUl show what were the sentiments he entertained concerning tfae late pro ceedings of tfae supreme court. WhUe he was not insensible to the exertions wfaich had been made by the friends of truth, to promote the cause of. reformation, yet he was convinced that the majority were actuated by the same spirit as formerly. " I know," says he, " it is strenuously pleaded, that what is done by the last Assembly, lays a sufficient ground for our acces sion, notwithstanding of all tfaat is past. I cannot help differing with tfaose that are of this opinion. I humbly con ceive there is a great difference between a positive reformation, and a stop or sist given to a deformation. I ara far from de rogating from the stand made by the worthy raerabers of the last Assembly against the career of the corrupt party. But allow me to say, that any tfaing done appears' ratfaer a check or restraint upon those men for a tirae, than any reail cleanly reformation. Tfae party are as nuraerous in judicatories, and actuated by tfae sarae spirit of defection as ever 5 and, for the most part, carry the affairs of Christ's kingdom, in inferior 88 REFUSAL OF THE BRETHREN courts, in the same channel, since the Assembly 1734, as before. " Some brethren call us to come in and help them against the current of defection : but now tfaat tfae hand of Providence has taken us out of the current against which we were swim ming, and set us upon the reforraation ground, by a solemn testiraony and constitution, it would be vain for us to endanger ourselves by running into the current again, unless our rever end bretfaren, who call for our help, can persuade us tfaat our so doing will turn tfae current, and save both them and our selves, and so preserve tfae Lord's work and testimony. In my opinion, it would be by far much wiser for these reverend bretfaren to come out of the dangerous current to us, than for us to come back to tfaem, Jer. xv. 19 — 21. No doubt worldly motives give a strong bias against tfais notion ; but if it is our duty, we are bound to forsake all, and follow tfae Lord." * Tfae only one of tfae Seceding bretfaren on wfaose mind the proceedings of the Assembly appear to faave produced a fa vourable impression, was Mr. Wilson of Pertfa. He was for some time considerably perplexed as to wfaat was the path of duty — whetfaer fae ougfat to return, or continue stUl in a state of secession. Immediately after tfae Asserably, fae wrote a letter to Mr. Erskine, expressing a faope of a reunion witfa the churcfa;! and tfais faope he did not altogether renounce, until tfae proceedings of two or tfaree subsequent Assemblies sfaowed how vain it was to cherish it. "I own," says he, " that, after the raeeting of Asserably 1734, I was in much perplexity about our continuing in a state of secession. It occasioned many thoughts of heart unto me, to understand what was duty in the present case. But as I had no hesitation about my duty, wfaen I did, togetfaer witfa my otfaer three brethren, de clare a secession frora tfae judicatories of tfais cfaurcfa, in our protestation before tfae Commission, November, 1733; so wfaen I have observed the conduct of the said judicatories, since the year 1 734, I have been gradually cleared, and more and more confirmed, that it is our duty to continue in a state of secession." J These are not the sentiments of a restless agita tor, or of a factious demagogue, anxious to foment troubles, or to perpetuate strife ; tfaey are the sentiments of a person acting under the influence of an enUgfatened judgment, and of a ten der conscience, and wfao is truly desirous to know wfaat is the patfa of duty, tfaat fae may pursue it. Such were the men with whom tfae Secession originated. Mr. WUson, afterward * This letter is inserted at fuU length in the Christian Repository, vol. iv. p. 461. t Ferrier's Memoirs of Mr. Wilson, p. 278. j Wilson's Defence (Continuation), p. 30. TO RETURN TO THE NATIONAL CHURCH. 89 referring to this critical period of his ministerial course, nnd to the perplexity of mind wfaich he experienced, says, " I desire to bless the Lord, who cleared my way, and led rae, by his good hand upon rae, to join ray brethren, though the un wortbiest among them, in the testimony that is now lifted up for tfae truths of our Lord Jesus, in opposition to the manifold injuries tfaat are done, botfa to fais truths and members, by tfae present judicatories of tfais Establisfaed Cfaurcfa."* The Presbytery, after having weigfaed impartially all the circurastances of the case, were unanimously of opinion that, notwitfastanding wfaat both the Assembly and tfae synod had done to clear the way for tfaeir return, tfae grounds of tfaefr secession, witfa one or two exceptions, remained as valid as ever. Tfaey, therefore, resolved still to continue in a state of separation, until they should see syraptoras of a more ex tensive reformation taking place within the national church. Having prepared a statement of the reasons wfaicfa influenced tfaem in coming to tfais deterraination, tfaey publisfaed tfaem in a paraphlet, immediately before the meeting of Asserably 1735.! In this stateraent, they pay a just tribute to the exertions of tfae raany excellent raen who were inembers of the preceding Assembly ; and tfaey admit that if more was not accompUshed by tfais Assembly, it was not owing to any lukewarmness on tfae part of tfaese faitfaful rainisters, but to the preponderating influence of a still stronger party, who were animated by a different spirit. They give the Assem bly of 1734 credit for not giving any direct countenance to violent settlements, and also for iraposing a check upon the arbitrary proceedings of the Commission. They further ad mit that, by the rescinding of the acts 1730 and 1732, above referred to, one original ground of complaint was reraoved. But, except in these particular points, the grounds of their secession, wfaich they had stated at full length in thefr Testi mony, reraained exactly as tfaey were. No warning had been emitted against the gross doctrinal errors that pre vailed, and no adequate censure inflicted on those who were guilty of teaching tfaese errors. Congregations who had had ministers violently intruded on thera, were required to sub rait to thefr ministrations, on pain of being deprived of seal ing ordinances altogether, as no otfaer minister was perraitted to administer them, without being subjected to tfae faigfaest censure oftfae churcfa. Tfae act, also, respecting Mr. Erskine, censuring faim for tfae freedom wfaich fae had used in his ser mon, still stood unrepealed. Against this act the brethren • Wilsoffs Defence (Continuation), p. 30, + This pamphlet was entitled, " Reasons by Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, &c why they have not acceded to the Judicatories ofthe EstabUshed Church." 90 RE-^iSONS FOR THEIR REFUSAL. had protested, as imposing a restraint upon ministerial free dom ; and, as the synod had been prohibited from judging eitfaer of the legality or forraaUty of tfais act, or of any of tfae proceedings tfaat faad taken place, it is obvious that the case stood exactly as it was when the ministers first protested. If ministerial freedom was restrained by the act when it was first passed, it was restrained by it still. It is true the Asserably had declared tfaat due and regular rainisterial freedom " was nof, nor sfaall be held or under stood to be anywise impaired or restrained by the decision against Mr. Erskine, and fais brethren." The Presbytery s'now that this declaration of the Asserably, concerning rainis terial freedom, is altogether unsatisfactory ; tfaat it is little else than a play upon words. The reraarks whicfa tfaey raake upon it display great acuteness and ingenuity. Tfae sub stance of tfaera is as follows : — What the Asserably raean by due and regular ministerial freedom, they faave not told us ; but two facts are sufficiently obvious. First, tfaat Mr. Erskine was rebuked at tfae bar of the Assembly, for having testified in public against certain acts and proceedings of the church courts whicfa fae considered to be sinful ; and, secondly, that the four brethren were first suspended from their office, and afterwards declared to be no longer ministers of the national church, merely because they offered to pro test against a sentence whicfa tfaey conceived to be unjust. Wfaen these two facts are viewed in connexion with the above declaration, the inference is fair, either that the As sembly do not consider it to be due and regular ministerial freedom for a minister to testify publicly against any eccle siastical proceedings, however sinful and unwarrantable they raay be, or for those who have been aggrieved by an unjust sentence, to enter their protest against it. Or, if tfae As serably doconsider tfaat such conduct is consistent with due and regular ministerial freedom, then it is obvious tfaat such freedom was restrained by the treatment which the brethren received ; inasmuch as tfais was exactly tfae freedom for which Mr. Erskine and his friends were visited with the heaviest censures of tfae cfaurch, botfa as a punishment to themselves, ' and as a warning to all otfaers wfao should be guUty of similar conduct. 1 It was certainly making too large a demand upon the cre dulity of the Seceders, first to censure, next suspend, and, finally, eject them from their cfaarges, for exercising privi leges wfaicfa had been claimed and exercised by ministers of the Churcfa of Scotland ever since it faad existed as a cfaurch, and then, after having done all this, gravely to t'ell these very men, that ministerial freedora " was not impaired or REASONS FOR THEIR REFUSAL. 91 restrained" by sucfa usage. Such a declaration could not irapose upon the most simple, much less upon those acute and ingenuous-minded men for whom it was chiefly intended. The Presbytery give a just interpretation of this act, when they declare its meaning to be shortly tfais : — " Tfaat ministers of tfais cfaurch are allowed ministerial freedom, providing tfaey do not from the pulpit testify against the unwarrantableness of any act of Assembly, or proceedings of church judicatories, and providing they do not protest against an Assembly, even tfaough they should proceed to inflict censures on tfaeir bre tfaren for sucfa a testimony." The Presbytery, having stated fully and candidly the rea sons why tfaey could not in present circumstances accede to tfae judicatories of the national church, notwitfastanding tfaat tfae sentence of tfae Coraraission faad been reraoved, conclude by making tfae following proposals, wfaich, if carried into effect by the Assembly, would remove tfaeir difficulties, and pave tfae way for tfaeir return. 1. " Tfaat a seasonable warning be emitted against the in fidelity and gross prevailing errors of tfae day. 2. " Tfaat tfae sentence of Assembly, censuring Mr. Erskine for tfae freedora which he used in his synod sermon, also that which appointed the highest censures of the church to be inflicted on the four bretfaren for protesting against said decision, be rescinded, and all that followed thereupon be declared null and void : Fartfaer, tfaat all the ministers of the church be enjoined to give faithful warning against tfae pre- vaiUng corruptions of the times. 3. " That tfae decision of the same Assembly, 1733, con cerning some brethren in the presbytery of Dunfermline, be also rescinded ; and tfaat it be declared lawful for any minis ter of the church to dispense sealing ordinances to those who have had ministers intruded on tfaem, contrary to tfae word of God, and tfae rules of the church founded tfaereupon. 4. " That should the patronage act not be repealed, the acceptance of presentations be declared contrary to tfae prin ciples of tfais churcfa ; that all preachers accepting of tfaem be deprived of tfaeir Ucense ; and tfaat all ministers guilty of a similar transgression be suspended, or, should they perti naciously adhere, be deposed. Fartfaer, tfaat it be enacted, Tfaat in all time coraing no rainister sfaall be settled in any congregation without tfae call and consent of tfae raajority of that congregation who are in full coraraunion. 5. " Tfaat presbyteries, in Ucensing and ordaining men to tfae office of tfae ministry, be strictly enjoined to inquire not only into tfaeir literature, but also into their acquaintance with the power of godUness, and the work of the Spirit 92 REASONS FOR THEIR REFUSAL. upon their souls : and that they admit none to trials in order to preacfaing, except such as are known to be of sound prin ciples, of a good report, of a sober, grave, prudent, and_ pious befaaviour, and wfao have the other qualifications required in scripture. 6. " That there be an acknowledgment of the great guilt of tfais larid, in pursuing a course of backsUding contrary to the word of God, and the obligations under which its inha bitants lie to promote reformation." If such things as these were done, " we might," say the Presbytery, " have tfae comfortable prospect of a pleasant and desirable unity and faarmony with our brethren, in concurring with them, according to our weak measure, in all other ne cessary steps towards a further reformation."* The resolution of the Seceders not to return to the national church, occasioned no small disappointment and regret to many of their friends in tfae ministry. They were considered by thera as obstinate and pertinacious, and instead of support ing tfaem as formerly, tfaey gradually cooled in their attach ment to them. In sorae instances, thefr attacfament was converted into a spirit of the keenest opposition. There are two classes of persons by whom tfae part wfaicfa the brethren acted on the present occasion will be condemned. There is one class whose vision is of sucfa a kind, tfaat it can discern Uttle or no excellence out of tfae pale of an EstabUsh ment ; no matter what may be the abuses tfaat have crept in during the lapse of generations, still it is the Establishment, and this is to them a sufficient reason for tolerating existing corruptions and errors, even where they are as glaring as the light of the sun. For any to forsake the coraraunion of their favourite Establisfament, merely because corruptions and errors prevail within her, is wfaat tfaey by no means approve of; and sucfa a sectarian spirit tfaey tfaink it tfae duty of every good subject to discountenance. To persons of tfais description, the conduct of the Fatfaers of tlie Secession wUl appear to be highly criminal, who preferred maintaining a separate com munion to returning within the pale of tfae EstabUshment, after they had the honour of being formally invited back. There is anotfaer class of persons, wfaose consciences are so accommodating as to permit tfaem to adfaere wherever the loaves and fishes are to be found in greatest abundance. They have a particular regard for national churcfaes, though they are not very squeamish as to the kind of Establisfament to which they adhere, seeing that their devotion is kept aUve, not so much by the thought of a pure creed, or an orthodox • * Reasons for not acceding, &c. VINDICATION OF THEIR REFUSAL. 93 confession, as of a well-filled granary. Tfais class must, of course, regard tfae conduct of the Seceders as a species of madness, in refusing to return to the verdant pastures of the church, after that the door was thrown open to them, and in preferring to trust to tfae kind providence of God, ratfaer tfaan to acts of parUament, for their future support. Such persons will never be able to forgive them for voluntarily renouncing well secured stipends, with all tfaeir cfaances of future " aug mentations," and casting tfaeraselves entirely upon the affec tions of their people for their own raaintenance and that of their families. * With the exception of these two classes, there are few, who, when they take a calm and dispassionate view of all tfae circurastances of tfae case, will not be ready to admit, tfaat the four brethren, in refusing to accept the proffered boon, acted a conscientious and disinterested, as well as a wise, part. They showed tfaeraselves to be raen of a sound understanding, and of enUgfatened views, in not again thrust ing their necks into the yoke, after that tfaey faad once escaped frora their former tramraels. If they faad returned to tfae Establisfament witfaout having obtained tfae redress of tfae grievances on account of wfaich they faad seceded, tfaeir minds must faave been incessantly fretted by tfae oppressive measures of tfae church courts ; and tfaey must either faave been fre quently entering protests against measures of wfaich tfaey did not approve, or, by silently submitting, tfaey raust have had tfae appearance of acquiescing in tfaem. By returning within the pale of tfae cfaurch, they raust have laid tfaeir account witfa being carried along with tfae current of defection, wfaich they would have found themselves unable successfully to resist. Whereas by reraaining without, and forraing them selves into a separate coraraunion, altogether independent of political influence, tfaey would tfaus be able to give full effect to the laws which Christ has laid down for tfae government of his church ; and at tfae same time, tfaey would faave it in tfaeir power to afford reUef to multitudes of tfaeir countrymen, who had long been groaning under evils inflicted on tnem by the mal-administration of the ruling party. The proceedings of the Assembly, whicfa met in 1735, were of a mixed kind. Wfaetfaer it was tfaat tfae ecclesias tical rulers faad already begun to act with the fear of the Secession before their eyes ; or wfaetfaer they were desirous to concUiate, more than they had yet done, the popular party in the chureh ; so it was, that tfae spirit of reformation which had begun to make its appearance in tfae last Assembly, characterized, to a certain extent, the proceedings of this. With the exception of one or two unpopular settlements 94 THE ASSOCIATE PRESBYTERY PROCEED which this Assembly sanctioned, their proceedings, upon the whole, deserve praise rather than censure. Persons belong ing to parishes wfaere ministers had been intruded by violence, were permitted to have the ordinances administered to them by neighbouring ministers, so far as the synod or presbytery to which they belonged raight see it to be for edification. An act for preserving unity, and for pre ven ting- error within the cfaurcfa, was agreed to. An excellent over ture, recommending and pointing out tfae necessity of a more evangelical raode of preacfaing tfaan generally prevailed, was introduced, and sent down to the different presbyteries, to be approved of by tfaem, before it sfaould be finally adopted. Tfae Commission was enjoined to consider some offensive passages in certain publications of Mr. Archibald Campbell, Professor of Divinity and Church History at St. Andrews, and tfaey were to be prepared to report at next meeting of Assembly. A deputation was appointed to proceed to Lon don, to present petitions to tfae king and parliament for tfae repeal of tfae patronage act. Such proceedings as tfaese, on the part of the Assembly, whatever might be the motives in whicfa they originated, indicated at least a desire to conciliate those whom tfaeir past conduct had tended to aUenate. These proceedings, however, effected no change in the sentiments of tfae Seceders. So far from being satisfied with them, they considered tfae work of reformation as retrograd ing, ratfaer than advancing. Accordingly, wfaen tfae Asso ciate Presbytery met in tfae montfa of August 1735, after long and serious deliberation, and after frequent and earnest prayer to God for the Divine direction, the vote was put from tfae cfaair, " Proceed to acts of jurisdiction, or not ?" wfaen it carried unanimously in tfae affirmative, to " Proceed." Only Mr. Wilson, who cherisfaed much longer tfaan any of his brethren tfae faope of being reunited to tfae church, ex pressed -hunself on this occasion as not altogether clear about tfae matter. In consequence of tfais vote, Messrs. Moncrieff, Wilson, and Fisfaer were appointed to prepare a draugfat of an assertory act, or to extend tfae Testimony formerly pub lished, and to erabody in it a judicial conderanation of the various steps of defection which had been pursued by the Church of Scotland from the year 1650 downward tiU that period. In many parts of the country, tfae people, not choosing to countenance the rainistrations of intruders, had abandoned the parish cfaurches, and had formed theraselves into asso ciations for prayer ; waiting to see whether any favourable change should take place in affairs, wfaereby a prospect might be opened up to them of obtaining deliverance from their TO ACTS OF JURISDICTION. 95 grievances. Their eyes were naturally turned toward tfae As sociate Presbytery ; and so soon as it was known tfaat the Se ceders had resolved to continue in a state of separation from the national churcfa, applications were raade to tfae Presbytery, from various quarterns, craving tfaat they would adopt raeasures, as speedily as possible, for giving relief to those wfao were groaning under the evils of patronage. At a meeting of the Presbytery, which was held at Kinross in the montfa of Decern- ¦ ber, commissioners appeared from the parish of Muckhart, and. laid on the Presbytery's table a paper subscribed by one faun dred heads of families, declaring their secession from tfae Estab Ushed Church, and craving that the Presbytery would send tfaem supply of sermon, and would take the necessary steps for licensing young men to preach tfae gospel. At tfae same meeting, a siraUar appUcation was raade from the parish of Kinross. The Presbytery, who sfaowed the greatest caution througfaout all thefr proceedings, delayed tfae consideration of both these petitions till a future meeting. In tfae montfa of February, in tfae following year (1736), tfais business was again resumed, wfaen the Presbytery granted tfae prayer of the petitions so far, that they appointed Mr. Erskine to preach to the people of Muckhart, and to baptize the children of such of the parents as should be certified by the elders of the parish ; also to hold one or more diets of catechising, as he should see proper. - Mr. Moncrieff was appointed to grant the sarae pri vileges to the people of Kinross; but with regard to tfae licensing of young raen, tfae Presbytery were not yet prepared to give a definite answer. At this raeeting, comraissioners appeared from several of tfae parisfaioners of Portmoak, also from tfae united societies in and about Edinburgh, craving that the Presbytery would send some of their nuraber to dis pense religious ordinances araongst thera. The answer whicfa tfae Presbytery returned was, that they would take tfaeir case into consideration. Soon after tfais period, tfae bretfaren faeld a meeting for tfae Eurpose of confessing to one anotfaer tfae sinful part whicfa tfaey ad acted, in not bearing proper testimony against tfae deci sion of the Asserably 1729, in tfae case of Professor Simson, whereby he was disraissed frora the bar witfaout any adequate censure being inflicted on him. Each of tfae brethren rose up in his place, and expressed the deep sense which fae faad of fais sinful silence in that business ; and it was agreed that tfae con fession of each should be recorded in their minutes. Mr. Mon crieff acknowledged that fae was guilty of a sinful omission, in that, being a meraber of said Asserably, he did not protest against tfaeir decision, wfaen tfaey continued Mr. Simson in the coinmunion of the church, and recognised him both as a minister 96 MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY FOB CONFESSION, and as a professor of divinity, after he had been convicted of blaspfaeming tfae Son of God by impugning his supreme Deity. Mr. Moncrieff having made this acknowledgment, submitted hiraself to wfaatever censure tfae Presbytery might be pleased to inflict. Mr. Erskine expressed his sorrow, in that, wfaile he had joined in the protest which was taken by Mr. Thomas Bos ton against the decision, he did not insist on having it marked in the rainutes, after that it faad been faUen from. Mr. Fisher stated, that though he was not a member of the Assembly, yet, being present, he considered that it was a sinful weakness in him not to offer his protest, nor to bear any kind of testi mony wfaatever against a proceeding so derogatory to tfae faon our of tfae Saviour. Tfaese tfaree bretfaren, having made tfaeir acknowledgments, were adraonisfaed one by one at tfae bar of the Presbytery, and thej'^ were individually exhorted to greater dependence upon the Lord, and io greater steadfastness in his cause for the future. With regard to Mr. Wilson, he craved that it raight be marked, that though he was not a member of the Assembly 1729, neitfaer faad been present at it, yet he took blarae to himself in that, when the aforesaid de cision was reported to the presbytery of Perth, of which he was a raeraber, he did not adopt any method of testifying his disapprobation of it, until he joined along with a number of otfaer ministers in the Representation of 1732. The Presby tery, after considering the circumstances of Mr. Wilson's case, did not deem it necessary that any admonition should be ten dered to hira. While I respect the motives wfaich influenced tfae conduct of these good men, on the present occasion, and wfaile I give tfaem full credit for sincerity in the confessions and acknow- ledgraents which they made to one another, yet I am inclined to think that tfaey displayed an excess of zeal in making their past conduct tfae subject of judicial inquiry. The proceeding also was at least novel, if not altogether irregular, for persons who, according to their own adnussion, were involved in the sarae guilt, with tfae exception of Mr. Wilson, tfae moderates of tfae Presbytery, alternately to act tfae part of reprovers and reproved ; to be one while standing at the bar receiving the censure of their brethren, and to be anotfaer wfaile engaged in inflicting censure for the very sarae sin of whicfa tfaey them selves had been guilty. Persons chargeable with the same trespass may confess to one another ; but we do not see what , authority they have, the one to rebuke the other. In the mean time, tfae General Assembly met on the 13th of May, 1736, and as there was stUl an expectation cherished by many, that the Seceders migfat yet return to the church, much anxiety was felt as to the course they might pursue. GENERAL .ASSEMBLY OF 1736. 97 Some of the proceedings of this Asserably were such as to indicate an appearance of reformation, wfaile otfaers of them were of an opposite description. The overture concerning preaching, which had been remitted to presbyteries by last Assembly, was now finally adopted. By this excellent act, it was earnestly recommended to all rainisters and preachers to insist frequently, in thefr serraons, " upon the trutfa, neces sity, and excellency of supernatural revelation, tfae supreme Deity of the Son and Holy Gfaost, as well as of the Father, togetfaer witfa the oneness of the Godhead, our sinful and lost estate by nature, tfae necessity of supernatural grace, and of faitfa in the righteousness of Christ, without which the best works cannot please God." It was further recommended to them, " wfaen they handle the doctrines of God's redeeming love and of fais free grace in tfae justification and salvation of sinners, tfae blessings of tfae Redeemer's purcfaase, and privileges of tfae new and better covenant, to study to man age these subjects, so as to lead their faearers unto an abfaor rence of sin, tfae love of God and our neighbours, and the practice of universal holiness, seeing it is one great end of tfae gospel to destroy the works of tfae devil, and to teach raen to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." Tfaey were to forbear delivering any thing in public tfaat might tend more to amusement than edification ; and they were exhorted to beware of bringing into their serraons and public discourses raatters of doubtful disputation, whicfa tend to gender strife, ratfaer tfaan to promote tfae edification of Cfaristians.* Another exceUent act, which received the sanction of tfais Assembly, was one against tfae intrusion of rainisters into vacant congregations. Tfae Asserably declared, tfaat it is, and faas been since the Reformation, the principle of this church, that no minister shall be intruded into any parish contrary to tfae will of tfae congregation ; and tfaey, therefore, recommended to all judicatories of the cfaurcfa, " to faave a due regard to the said principle in planting vacant congregations, and tfaat all presbyteries be at pains to bring about harmony and unanimity in congregations, and to avoid every tfaing tfaat may excite or encourage unreason able exceptions in people against a wortfay person tfaat may be proposed to be their minister, in the present situation and circumstances of tfae church, so as none he intruded into sucfa parisfaes, as they regard the glory of God and edification of the body of Christ." Had the Assembly, instead of permitting such acts as these * Acts of Assembly 1736. G 98 PROFESSOR CAMPBELL OF ST. ANDREWS. to remain a dead letter in tfaeir minute-book, taken proper measures to enforce compliance witfa them upon all who were subject to their authority, it would faave had a beneficial effect in checking tfae progress of discontent, and in restoring peace to the churcfa ; but tfaey completely nulUfied the good effects, which the passing of such acts was fitted to produce, by sfaowing a disregard of tfaem in practice. One or two glaring instances of tfais occur in tfae proceedings of tfais same Assembly. While they declared, that it was, and always had been since the Reformation, a principle of tfaeir church, that no minister sfaould be intruded into any parisfa contrary to the will of the congregation, yet with singular inconsist ency did these very men, who emitted this declaration, dis miss a complaint of the parisfaioners of Denny against a sentence of tfae Commission, ordering tfae settlement of Mr. Jaraes Stirling in tfaat parisfa, tfaougfa the congregation were alraost unanimous in opposing him. Tfaey further showed how sincere tfaey were in raaking tfae above declara tion, by ordering the presbytery and synod of Durafries to enrol, as a raeraber of tfaeir judicatories, Mr. James Pursel who had been intruded into the parisfa of Troqueer, in the face of a violent oppositon ; tfaey were enjoined to support him in his ministry, and to endeavour to bring tfae people to subnut to it. Again, of what use was it to publish acts recommending to all tfaeir ministers and preachers to pay strict attention in their discourses to sound doctrine, while they took no pains to enforce complicance with tfaese acts ; but on tfae contrary, showed a disposition on every occasion to treat with tfae great est lenity tfaose who taught sentiraents tfaat were opposed to their own standards, and to tfae word of God ? A notable in stance of tfais occurred during tfae present Asserably. A com mittee faaving been appointed by tfae Coramission of last As sembly to examine certain publications * of Professor Camp bell of St. Andrews, tfae following objectionable passages were found to occupy a prominent place in tfaera. First, that men are unable, by their natural powers, to find out the being of a God. Secondly, that tfae laws of nature are in tfaemselves a sufficient rule to guide rational minds to happiness. Thirdly, that self-love is the sole principle and motive of aU virtuous and religious actions. Fourtfaly, that our Lord's disciples, during his lifetime, only expected a temporal deUverance and worldly kingdora ; that between his death and resurrection • The titles of these publications are, " Oratio de vanitate luminis nalura." " The Apostles no Enthusiasts ;" and "An Inquiry into the Original of Moral Virtue." PROFESSOR CAMPBELL OF ST. ANDREWS. 99 they concluded him to be a cheat and an impostor ; and that before his resurrection they had no. notion of his divinity. By the first of these positions, tfae Professor was considered as striking at tfae root of natural religion. By tfae second, he was considered as teaching that a supernatural revelation of a Saviour, and faith in him, are not necessary to tfae happi ness of fallen man. By the tfaird fae was apprehended to make the glory of God only a subordinate end, and a regard to it only a subordinate motive to tfae desire of our own happiness. And in the fourth, he was considered as using language highly disrespectful to our Lord's disciples, and not consistent with gospel history on that subject. When the committee presented their report to the Asserably, they gave at the same time Professor Campbell's explanation of his own language. The substance of the Professor's defence was, that his meaning was quite different from wfaat fais words expressed ; that tfaougfa fae had certainly raade use of the lan guage iraputed to faira, yet fae did not faold tfae sentiraents wfaich were attempted to be drawn from it. Tfae Assembly, notwitfastanding tfae great profession of zeal wfaicfa tfaey faad made about orthodoxy, did not deem it necessary to give any formal judgment in the matter. Tfaey conceived that wfaat tfae committee had done would be a sufficient warning against the supposed errors (these are their own gentle terms) of Mr. Campbell ; and, as in the case of Professor Sirason, they appointed the matter to rest here. This mild deliverance they followed up with a recoramendation to Professor Campbell, and to all ministers and teachers of divinity whatsoever, within the national churcfa, "to be cautious in tfaeir preaching and teaching, or writing, not to use doubtful expressions or pro positions, which may be constructed in an erroneous sense, or lead the hearers or readers into error, however sound such words or propositions may be in theraselves, or faowever well ' intended, but to faold fast tfae form of sound words." * Whatever hopes of a reunion might linger in the bosoms of any of the Seceding bretfaren, previous to tfae meeting of tfae Assembly in 1736, these appear to have been completely dissipated by the proceedings of that Assembly. Even Mr. Wilson was now quite prepared to go along with his brethren in performing acts of ecclesiastical jurisdiction. After waiting for nearly three years, and seeing little or no prospect of a reformation taking place within the national churcfa, tfae path of duty now seemed to be clear to him, which was, to preach the gospel wherever an opening should be presented to him in providence, and to adopt, in connexion with his brethren, such • Acts of Assembly 1736. 100 THE SECESSION IN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND. Other raeasures as might be necessary for giving relief to those who were anxiously soUciting the benefits of a gospel rainistry from tfae Secession. During this suramer, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Fisfaer took a journey into the West of Scotland, where a considerable in terest had already been excited by the events whicfa faad taken place. In tfae course of tfaeir excursion, tfaey paid a visit to Dairy. Mr. Wilson, faaving in early life received a call to labour in tfais parish, the people felt a strong attachment to . him, and earnestly requested hira to preacfa to tfaem on the present occasion. With tfais request Mr. Wilson cheerfully complied. " A tent was erected, and a vast multitude assem bled to faear faira preacfa. Towards the conclusion of the ser mon, tfae patron of the parish, riding home in tfaat direction from fais usual place of worsfaip, came to tfae spot, and on see ing the crowd, inquired what it meant. Being informed that the people were listening to the ministers of tfae Secession, wfao had corae there to preacfa, fae joined tfae assembly, and faeard tfae remaining part of tfae sermon. Wfaen tfae worsfaip was concluded, he introduced himself to the two rainisters, and engaged them to breakfast with him next morning. This gentleman had a preacher of the established cfaurch residing in his family as tutor or chaplain. On returning horae, he told him that he had been faearing tfae Seceder ministers, and had been vastly pleased witfa tfaera, and tfaat they were coraing next raorning to breakfast, wfaen fae wisfaed to faave all the points of diflerence between tfaem and fais cfaurch fully dis cussed. Tfae cfaaplain, faowever, left tfae house in tfae morn ing, before Messrs. Wilson and Fisfaer arrived, and did not return till tfaey were gone. Tfae patron afterward upbraided faira for his cowardice, saying, that tfae Assembly had cast out these able and excellent men, and tfaat he, convinced of tfaeir innocence, durst not venture to face tfaera."* Applications to tfae Associate Presbytery, for sermon, now rapidly increased. Some of tfaese were from reraote districts of tfae country. At tfaeir meeting in Noveraber 1736, a letter was sent to thera frora several societies in connexion with the old dissenters in tfae soutfa-west districts bf Scotland, stating their destitute condition since tfae deatfa of Mr. Jofan Hepburn, and requesting tfaat tfae Presbytery would do soraetfaing for their reUef. A sirailar appUcation was received at this meet ing, from no fewer tfaan 280 families in Lisbourne, in Ireland. The petitioners coraplained that the presbytery witfain whose bounds they resided, had intruded upon them a minister con trary to their choice, and they requested that they might be ' Ferrier's Memoirs of the Rev. W. WUson, p. 306. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSOCIATE PRESBYTERY. 101 received into the communion of the Secession, and tfaat a properly quaUfied person sfaould be sent to break amongst tfaem the bread of life.* To both of these applications the Presbytery gave encouraging answers. Thougfa the brethren had been in the faabit of occasionally preacfaing in places where the people invited them, yet, frora motives of delicacy, and with a view to sfaow tfaat they were not rash in their proceedings, they had faitfaerto refrained from licensing young men to preacfa the gospel, even though they had been frequently iraportuned by the people to do so. Now, however, they began to turn tfaeir attention seriously to this subject. Having renounced all hopes of a reunion witfa tfae cfaurcfa, they considered it a duty imperative on thera, to adopt measures for extending and perpetuating tfae benefits of the Secession. Accordingly, on the 4tfa of November, the Pres bytery took this subject under their serious consideration, and a raotion was made that one of the brethren be appointed to take the inspection of youth to be trained up for the holy min istry. Messrs. Erskine and Moncrieff were appointed a com mittee to prepare an overture, wfaicfa sfaould regulate tfae Presbytery's procedure in this important raatter. On the fol lowing day, these bretfaren gave in tfaeir report, and submitted to the consideration of the Presbytery the following overture : — " Considering the lamentable and desolate condition of many parishes in Scotland, by reason of the violent intrusions tfaat have been made upon them, and likewise considering the fre quent and repeated applications to tfais Presbytery, from sev eral quarters of tfae land, for sending fortfa labourers into tfae Lord's vineyard, that so they might have the benefit of the gospel, and the ordinances thereof, therefore tfae committee are of opinion that this Presbytery sfaould make some step towards the reUef of tfae Lord's oppressed faeritage, especiaUy consider- * In a note to Ferrier's Memoir of the Rev. W. Wilson (p. 381), we have the foUowing account of the manner in which the Secession was first intro duced into Ireland. It illustrates the wisdom of Divine Providence, in making the most common-place events productive of great and lasting good. " The father of the late Rev. W. Jamieson, of Kilwinning, was a sea-faring man ; and, in the course of his business, had occasion to touch at one of the sea-ports in the north of Ireland. From the well-known sympathies of similar minds, the religious sailor soon found himself in intercourse with some of the reUgious people in the town. At that time, Arminianism seemed to be mak ing similar progress among the presbyterians in Ireland, as it was making in Scotland. He reported to his friends in that country, the determined stand which had been made in the General Assembly in Scotland, and the Seces sion which had, in consequence, taken place. "The result of their intercourse, and of his communications, was an agreement on the part of the Irish, imme diately to apply to the Associate Presbytery to come over and help them, _ It was by this apparently fortuitous occurrence, from this small and precious seed, borne by the vdnds, that the Secession in Ireland has sprung up, and branched out into its present magnitude." 102 MR. WILSON APPOINTED PROFESSOR. ing the loud call in Providence thereto, by nominatuig anti appointing one of their number to take the inspection of the youth that sfaould offer theraselves to be trained up for the holy ministry, and also that every one of tfae bretfaren should care fully look out for faithful men, to whom the ministry should be committed." * After some discussion as to whether the question sfaould now be finally determined, or the furtfaer consideration of it be delayed till next meeting, tfais overture was unanimously adopt ed : And tfae presbytery faaving proceeded to the cfaoice of a Professor, Mr. Wilson was witfa one voice appointed to the important cfaarge. Tfae choice could not have fallen on an individual better qualified, in every respect, for training up young raen for the office of tfae ministry. Mr. Wilson had re ceived the best education which the Scottish Universities could furnisfa. His natural talents were excellent ; and tfaey faad been thoroughly improved by a course of intense study in the early period of his life. He was possessed of tfae most amiable dis positions ; and his character stood high in tfae country for integrity and disinterestedness. And to crown tfae whole, he was a person of the raost ardent piety, and tfaorougfaly versed in tfae knowledge of tfae Scriptures. Such was the person to wfaom tfae Presbytery intrusted tfae training up of candidates for tfae ministry. At a subsequent meeting, Mr. Wilson announced, tfaat he would comraence his course of theological tuition in the ensu ing spring ; that tfae montfas of Marcfa, April, and May, would be devoted by him to that purpose ; and, in tfae meantime, the brethren gave notice to tfaeir correspondents in the different societies throughout tfae kingdom, tfaat they would receive into their serainary students who were properly recommended. To show that tfae first ministers of the Secession were not the illiterate raen whora sorae have supposed tfaem to be, it may be proper faere to state, tfaat an intimate knowledge of the Latin language was necessary on the part of those who attended Mr. Wilson's prelections, as fae not only read his lectures, but con ducted the whole business of his class in tfaat language. In the month of December, the Presbytery gave tfaeir final sanction to a document, tfae preparation and revising of which had occupied no small portion oftheir time during several meet ings. This was " An Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the doctrine, worsfaip, discipline, and governraent of tfae church of Scotland." To distinguish it from tfae first Testimony which the Presbytery publisfaed, tfais production faas generally been known by tfae name of the Judicial Testimony. The Presby- • Minutes of thc Assueiiite Presbytery. PUBLICATION OF THE JUDICIAL TESTIMONY. 103 tery did not intend, by this publication, to exfaibit anew the grounds of the Secession ; this they had already clearly and fully done in their former publications. Neither was it de signed by them as a new standard of church communion ; nor was it ever placed by them on a level with tfae Confession of Faith, and those other subordinate standards which tfaey already possessed. Tfaougfa a general approbation of it was required of those who acceded to tfaem, yet it was no bar in the way of persons being admitted to thefr comraunion, if they declared that they could not assent to the truth of all the falstorical state raentS wnich it contained. A much raore extensive course of reading than most of the people possessed, would have been necessary to have enabled them to form an accurate and enlight ened judgraent ofthe historical stateraentS which the Testimony contained ; and it would have been foolish in the Presbytery to have required tfae people to give an assent to tfae trutfa of such statements, as a terra of their adraission to the privileges of the churcfa. With tfais folly, faowever, the Presbytery were not chargeable. Multitudes were admitted by thera who declared that they could not give any such assent ; and ministers were ordained by them who made tfae same declaration. Tfae object of the Presbytery in pubUshing thefr Judicial Testimony, was to declare to the world what God had done for the Church of Scotland during former periods of her his tory ; to condemn tfae raanifold defections with which she faad been latterly chargeable ; to vindicate and establish the truth, in opposition to prevailing errors ; and to stfr up, among all classes, a greater zeal for the purity of religion, and for the raaintenance of the cause of Christ. In the in troduction, tfaey express tfaemselves in tfae following terms on this subject. They say, that " they judge a testimony of this kind necessary for the information of the present genera tion, who faave generally lost the knowledge both of wfaat God had done for Scotland, and of the grounds and causes of his rigfateous quarrel and controversy against us ; necessary for the conviction and humiliation of all ranks of persons ; neces sary to preserve and maintain tfae truths of God, and an use ful mean to transmit them to following generations in tfaeir purity." Mr. Wilson, on whom had devolved the greatest share of the labour in preparing tfae second , Testimony, when defend ing it against the attacks of Mr. Currie, gives tfae following account of the place which this document was designed to hold amongst tfae official publications of the Presbytery, and of the uses wfaicfa it was intended to serve : — " In tfae Act and Testimony of tfae Associate Presbytery, our received standards of doctrine, worship, government, and discipUne, are parti- 104 PUBLICATION OF THE JUDICIAL TESTIMONY. cularly applied and laid against the errors that faave sprung up in tfais cfaurch, and against such corruptions and defec tions as faave taken place therein, by which our subordinate standards have been either obscured or perverted as to tfaefr genuine sense and meaning, and by wfaicfa also palpable devia tions have been made from them. Hence, in the assertory part of the Act and Testimony, the truths asserted are viewed as agreeable to tfae Word of God, the supreme standard, and also as agreeable to our subordinate standards. Again, in tfae condemnatory part of tfae Act and Testiraony, the errors, corruptions, or defections condemned, are viewed as contrary to the word of God, and our subordinate standards, received and adopted by tfais cfaurcfa in her reforraing times; there fore the Act and Testimony of tfae Associate Presbytery is not a new standard of church comraunion, far less is it to be equaUed with our received standards ; but it is an application and declaration of tfaeir genuine sense and meaning, in opposi tion to the errors, defections, and corruptions that faave pre vailed both in former and present times."* Wfaatever difference of opinion tfaere may be as to the merits of this production, few will be inclined to question, that the object wfaicfa tfae Presbytery faad in view, in pub- iisfaing it, was good ; and, from tfae interest which was ex cited, by the publication of it, amongst a large portion of the people, there is reason to believe that most beneficial effects were produced by it. By raeans of it, men's eyes were opened to see the errors and defections tfaat prevailed ; they were led to faurable tfaeraselves on account of their iniquities, by whicfa the wrath of God faad been provoked ; they were stirred up to contend earnestly for tfae truth, as it is in Cfarist Jesus ; tfae progress of corruption was cfaecked, error was exposed, and practical godliness was revived to a con siderable extent among tfae people. Whilst, faowever, the Judicial Testiraony deserves to be spoken of in laudatory terms, on account of tfae general tenor of its statements ; and wfaile it was calculated to be useful, on account of its direct ing public attention to tfae prevailing evils of the day ; tvhile at the same tirae it gave a faithful and lurainous exfaibition of the truth, there are several tfaings in it unwortfay of the ex cellent raen who penned it. Araongst the number of those evils, for instance, which tfaey deplore and condemn, they niention tfae union betwixt England and Scotland, tfae tolera tion granted in the reign of Queen Anne, and the repeal of the penal statutes against witcfaes. Let not my readers smile at tfae simplicity of the Seceders in testifying against • Wilson's Defence (Continuation), p. 148. TESTIMONY ATTACKED BY MR. CURRIE. 105 these things, as national evils; for the sentiments whicfa they entertained on these points were not peculiar to them ; tfaey were held by them in comraon witfa a considerable por tion of the Church of Scotland. The Commission of the General Assembly remonstrated against certain clauses in the treaty of union, on the ground that, if the Scottisfa nation agreed to tfaem, they would thereby be guilty of homologating the Englisfa faierarchy and its ceremonies : and when address ing Queen Anne on the subject of tfae toleration, tfaey raake use of tfae most lugubrious language. Tfaey say " it is such as gives a large Ucence almost to all error and blasphemy ; throws up all good discipUne, to the dishonour of God, and the scandal and ruin of the Christian reUgion." The publication of tfae Testimony tended considerably to widen the breach betwixt the Seceders and the popular party in the national churcfa. Hitherto tfaey faad been in tfae habit of assisting one another at sacraraental occasions ; but after this period, tfais friendly intercourse appears for tfae raost part to faave been given up. With the exception of Mr. Ward- law of Dunfermline, and Mr. HaraUton of StirUng, and pro bably one or two more, the Seceding brethren and the bretfa ren of the Establishraent were so far alienated frora one another, that they had now little or no ministerial intercourse. The Judicial Testimony of the Presbytery was keenly attacked by one who had formerly been in habits of friendship with them. This assailant was Mr. John Currie, minister of King lassie, who stood forth as tfae great champion of the national church, and exerted all the ability of- which he was raaster, to demolish the infant cause of the Secession. Mr. Currie's at tack produced one good effect ; it called fortfa frora the pen of Mr. Wilson a most able, learned, and Christian defence of tfae Presbytery. If all controversial writings had been conducted with the same candour, and the same good teraper, as this excellent defence, it would have been well for tfae cfaurcfa and the world. With sucfa an antagonist as Mr. Wilson opposed to hira, we need not wonder that Mr. Currie's efforts to arrest the progress of tfae Secession sfaould faave been ineffectual. Tfae Secession prospered in spite of all his atterapts to write it down. His labours, however, were not altogetfaer profitless to himself; for the Asserably, in consideration of his good ser vices, in attempting to demolish the Secession by means of his controversial pamphlets, granted faim the sum of £61 sterling. Thus, if he did not acquire much farae by his writ ings, they procured for him something still more substantial. About this period, an event took place which, tfaough pro perly belonging to civil history, yet, on account of tfae in fluence which it had upon the progress of tfae Secession, de- 106 PORTEOUS RIOT. serves to be recorded. One Wilson, a native of Kirkaldy, in Fife, faaving been extensively engaged in smuggling transac- ti6ns, was at length caught in one of fais iUegal adventures, and goods to a considerable amount were seized by the revenue officers. Resolved to recover, if not the property which had been taken from him, at least a remuneration for it, he, along with an associate of the name of Robertson, watcfaed the collector on his return from one of his rounds, and breaking into the room where he slept, robbed him of money to an equal araount with the goods whicfa he had lost. Both Wil son and his companion were apprehended that same evening ; and being soon after tried, they were sentenced to be executed. SmuggUng, at that period, was scarcely regarded as a crime, and a strong feeling of syrapathy was excited on account of the fate of the condemned individuals. Before the day of execution arrived, an occurrence took place whicfa rendered Wilson a great favourite with the popu lace. It was then customary for tfaose under sentence of death to be conducted to the Tolbooth churcfa, to faear sermon upon Sabbatfa. Wilson, intent upon saving tfae Ufe of his feUow- prisoner, wfao faad been brought into his present unhappy situation cfaiefly tfarougfa Wilson's instrumentaUty, availed hiraself of one of these occasions, for the purpose of accom plishing fais rescue. Tfaey were guarded by three soldiers. Wilson, watching his opportunity, caught faold of a soldier with eacfa hand, and, after having called upon fais companion to run, fae seized upon the third with his teeth, and being a person of great muscular power, he faeld the whole fast until Robertson raade his escape ; wfaen, witfaout making any further effort, he calraly resigned himself to his fate. The audience, struck with admfration at such an uncommon display of courage, so far from making any attempt to impede Robertson's flight, rather opened a way for him to escape. WUson's exploit be carae the therae of universal discourse, and the feeUngs of the people were so strongly excited on his behalf, that serious apprefaensions were entertained by the magistrates, lest an attempt would be made to rescue him on the day of execution. To prevent this the city-guard, under the command of Cap tain John Porteous, was mustered in all its force : three rounds of shot were given to each man ; and regular troops were ad mitted into the city, that they might be ready to act, should there be any occasion for their co-operation. No disturbance ensued during the time of execution ; but when the dead body was about to be cut down, a shower of stones from the popu lace exasperated the guard. Porteous ordered them to tire upon the crowd ; tfae result of wfaich was, that several Uves were lost and a number of persons wounded. Popular indig- PORTEOUS RIOT. 107 nation was roused to a high pitcfa against Captain Porteous, on account of this rash act ; he was accused of the murder of his fellow-citizens, and, a precognition being taken, he was that evening committed to tfae Tolbootfa to await fais trial. Tfae cfaarge was afterwards substantiated against him, and he was condemned to be executed. A number of gentlemen, however, pitying his fate, and looking upon him as faaving been harshly dealt with, drew up a statement of his case, and presented a petition to the crown for mercy. The Queen, wfao then acted as regent in the absence of her husband George II., granted a reprieve of six weeks, to allow time for proper inquiry to be made. This act of royal clemency roused tfae fury of tfae populace beyond all bounds, and rather than that the unhappy Porteous should escape, tfaey resolved to take the execution of the law into tfaeir own faands. On the evening, previous to the day on whicfa fais sentence was to have been carried into effect, a tumultuous raob asserabled ; and having secured tfae city gates, cut off tfae coraraunication from tfae castle, and mastered tfae town-guard, tfaey set fire to tfae door of tfae prison : and faav ing dragged Porteous from fais cell, tfaey conducted him to the usual place of execution and hanged him over a dyer's pole, regardless of his cries for raercy. After having performed this bloody deed, the mob dispersed, and left the streets as quiet as if nothing had taken place. Such a daring outrage, coraraitted in defiance of all law, and alraost in the face of the raagistrates, excited universal astonishraent. Wfaen the governraent received intelligence of it, they were filled with the higfaest indignation, and the raost prompt and vigorous raeasures were adopted to discover tfae perpetrators, and to bring tfaem to punisfament. A re ward of two hundred pounds was offered for tfae discovery of any of tfae individuals concerned in tfae business. It was more tfaan insinuated that the magistrates had connived at the matter ; the Lord Provost was declared incapable of ever after faolding any office, and it was witfa tfae utmost difficulty tfaat sorae of tfae raost influential Scottisfa noblemen in parliaraent could prevent a bill from passing, depriving tfae city of Edin burgfa of its cfaarter, destroying her gates, and taking away her town-guard. "Tfae Duke of Argyle, in a speech which he made on the occasion, witfa the view of saving the credit of the magistrates, wickedly atterapted to fasten suspicion upon the Seceding ministers, as if they faad been instruraental in stirring up a spirit of disaffection araong tfae people : — " Great insinuations, my lords," observed tfae noble Duke, " have been made, tfaat tfais and many otfaer turaults tfaat have frequently happened in the United Kingdom, have been owing to the 1 08 PORTEOUS ACT oppression of the magistrate. For my part, my lords, I have heard of no particular acts of oppression, and I beUeve I may venture to say, neither have any of your lordships, as we raust all faave done, if any such had been. But, my lords, can riots proceed from no other cause, but from oppression in tfae ma gistrate ? Have people no other motives but the suggestions of despafr ? I believe, ray lords, we raay find from the history of past times, that tfaey have always faad, and from tfae experi ence of tfae present, tfaat tfaey still continue to have, other mo tives. " Tfais riotous and rebellious spirit of theirs does not pro ceed from any oppression of the governors, or civil magistrates of that country, as has been strongly insinuated, but from a tew fanatical preachers lately started up in tfaat country, who, by their serraons and otfaer ways, instil into tfae minds of the vulgar and ignorant such entfausiastical notions as are incon sistent witfa all governraent, by raaking sedition and rebeUion a principle of tfaeir religion. From this cause, I am incUned to think, the turault at Edinburgfa proceeded, and to tfais is owing that ill-judged fidelity of the guilty toward one another, by which the secret before the execution was raade irapenetra- ble, and by wfaich tfae discovery of tfae persons concerned faas since been rendered irapossible. But of tfae infaabitants of Edinburgfa, I am convinced, tfaere are very few tainted with tfaese principles, because tfaey seldom or never hear such doc trine."* Never were insinuations more vile or unfounded tfarown out against any class of men, than these which his Grace of Argyle threw out against the Seceders ; they were unsupport ed by even tfae sfaadow of evidence, and if fais Grace had no other way of accounting for the Porteous riot, except by in juring tfae characters of innocent men, it would have been raucfa better for faim to faave reraained silent. Tfaere is no reason to believe, that any of the Scottish clergy were connect ed, eitfaer directly or indirectly, with such brutal proceedings; and as for tfaose belonging to tfae Secession, they were men of acknowledged worth and piety ; their moral conduct was in tfae faighest degree exemplary, so that even their worst ene mies were not able to fix a stain upon it ; they were conscien tiously attacfaed to the constitution of their country ; and, as we sfaall have occasion to notice in the course of tfais narrative, both in their ecclesiastical and in tfaeir individual capacity, tfaey sfaowed a uniform willingness to strengthen the hands of government. With the view of discovering the persons concerned in the • Struthers' History of Scotland, Vol. II. p. 39. CONDEMNED BY THE SECEDING MINISTERS. 109 murder of Captain Porteous, an act M'as passed which excited great dissatisfaction in the country, amongst both ministers and people. This act required, tfaat all wfao faad fled, tfarougfa fear of beiiig suspected, should deliver themselves up, upon pain of sufiering death if they sfaould afterward be appre hended. Persons concealing any of these fugitives were also, upon conviction, to suffer death : offenders, who sfaould give evidence against any of tfaeir accoraplices, were to be pardoned ; and any person giving inforraation tfaat sfaould lead to tfae conviction of any of tfae crirainals, was to receive the sum of two hundred pounds. But tfae most obnoxious part of tfae act, so far as tfae clergy were concerned, was, tfaat all tfae ministers of Scotland were required to read tfais act from tfae pulpit, during tfae time of divine service, on tfae first Sabbath of every month, during a whole year; and any minister, refus ing to do so, was, for the first offence, to be declared incapable of sitting or voting in any cfaurch judicatory ; and, for the second, to be declared incapable of " taking, holding, or en joying any ecclesiastical benefice in Scotland." A great nuraber of the ministers refused to read this act, chiefly on tfae following grounds :— Tfaat some parts of tfae act were inconsistent witfa the principles of justice ; tfaat it did not form any part of tfaeir ministerial work, as heralds of tfae gospel of peace, to proclaim tfae sanguinary laws of men ; tfaat they did not recognise any right, whicfa the king and parlia ment had, to dictate to them what duty they were to perform during the time of divine service ; and above all, that it would have been surrendering the liberties and privileges of the churcfa, to have acknowledged the principle obviously implied in the penalty annexed to the act, viz. that the king and parUament had the power of suspending and deposing ministers, or in other words, of administering ecclesiastical discipUne. To have admitted tfais principle would faave been an faoraologating of erastianisra in its raost offensive forra ; it would faave been surrendering tfae power of inflicting cfaurcfa censure into tfae faands of those who had no rigfat, by tfae laws of Christ, to exercise it. On these grounds did many of the ministers of Scotland refuse to read the Porteous act. Tfae greater part of the ministers, however, read it either in one form or anotfaer. Some made no scruple about reading tfae wfaole of it ; otfaers endeavoured to compromise tfae matter with their conscience, by reading only a part. Sorae read it during tfae whole year, and otfaers during only a part of tfae year. In some instances, they read it to empty benches ; for in certain districts the people were so faigfaly indignant, tfaey would not remain in the church during the time that the minister was em- 110 PORTEOUS ACT CONDEMNED, &C. ployed in reading the act. So displeased were they with those ministers that complied, tfaat they would not even hear them preacfa, but attended the ministry of tfaose wfao refused to read ; or, as not unfrequently happened, connected tfaem selves witfa tfae Secession.* It does not appear tfaat any atterapt was raade to carry into effect the penalty of the law against such of tfae ministers as were contumacious : none were deprived of their office for refusing to read. In this re spect, governraent gave a proof of its wisdom, as any attempt to enforce compUance with such an unpopular act, would faave roused tfae country into a flame, and been productive of the most disastrous effects. The applications made to the Asso ciate Presbytery, during tfae period of these commotions, were numerous. Their conduct, in reference to tfae act whicfa agitated tfae country, was firra and dignified. They not only refused compliance with it, but boldly condemned it as an unwarrantable encroachment upon the headship of Cfarist, — as a thrust aimed at tfae freedora and independence of fais spiritual kingdom. The General Asserably afterwards un generously attempted to fasten upon them tfae cfaarge of dis affection, in consequence of tfaeir raaking sucfa a manly avowal of their sentiments ; but tfais charge the brethren successfully repelled ; and, both in tfaeir publications, and also by tfaeir loyal peaceable befaaviour, they gave the most satisfactory evidence of their being warraly attacfaed to tfae constitution of their country, and to the famUy that sat upon the throne. * It is reported of a minister in the south ot Scotland, who had more of the wag than the martyr in him, that, being desirous to maintain himself in the good graces both of the government and of the people, he endeavoured to compromise the matter betwixt them, in the foUowing manner. He gave the people a hint to leave the church, before he commenced reading the act, by teUing them that, though the law made it imperative on him to read the act, yet there was no clause in it making it imperative on them to sit and bear it read. CH.'^PTER III. Accession of Messrs. Thomas Mair and Ralph Erskine to the Associate Presbytery — Declaration of these brethren — Adherents of the Secession form themselves into societies for prayer and religious conference — Questions proposed to the Presbytery concerning terms of communion — Lesly and his adherents excomraunicated — Proceedings of the General Assembly in 1737 — Contendings of the people at Denny — Violent settlement at Muckhart^— Act of the Associate Presbytery asserting the right of popular election — Numerous petitions presented for a supply of sermon — The Presbytery resolve to license young men — Formula of questions adopted — Messrs. Hunter and Clarkson entered on trials for licence — Their declaration con cerning the civil magistrate — Mr. Hunter Ucensed — The General Assembly alarmed at the rapid progress of the Secession — A Ubel put into the hands of the Seceding brethren — ^The Presbytery pubUsh the libel, with answers — Resolve to appear at the bar of the Assembly — An act of decUnature pre pared — Outline of this act — Proceedings of the General Assembly in 1739 — The act of decUnature read at the bar of the Assembly, by the moderator of the Presbytery — Overture concerning the Seceding brethren — Adopted by the Asserably — Remaiks on the overture — Sentence of deposition pro nounced — Remarks on the sentence — Conduct of the magistrates towards the Seceding ministers, after their deposition — The church doors closed against Mr. E. Erskine and Mr. WUson — These brethren preach in the open air- Interesting scenes. When tfae Associate Presbytery met in the raonth of February 1737, their hands were strengtfaened by tfae acces sion of two new members. Tfaese were the Rev. Thoraas Mair, of Orwell, and the Rev. Ralph Erskine, of Dunfermline. These two bretfaren, as has been mentioned in a preceding part of the narrative, were present at tfae formation of tfae Presbyt;ery, and faad all along taken a deep interest in its proceedings ; and, if tfaey faad remained longer in tfae na tional cfaurch than tfaeir brethren, this was owing to their cherishing the hope tfaat, tfarough tfae exertions of tfae faitfa ful party, sucfa a reformation raigfat be accomplished in tfae judicatories of tfaat cfaurcfa, as would remove all grounds of the Secession. After waiting for sorae years, and finding that there was Uttle prospect of this hope being realized, they now deeraed it their duty to take a more decisive step, and to cast in thefr lot with the brethren who had already seceded. When the Presbytery met, the moderator stated to tfaem, tfaat tfais meeting faad been called at tfae special request of Mr. Mair, who had something of importance to communicate; and Mr. Mair being called upon, presented a paper, entitled, "Declaration of Secession from the present judicatories of the Church of Scotland," &c. This paper contained an account 112 accession OF MEgSRS MAIR AND ERSKINE. of Mr. Mair's reasons for withdrawing from the National Church, and connecting himself witfa the Presbytery. These reasons were substantially tfae sarae as those wfaich had been already pubUshed by the Presbytery. After Mr. Mair had read his paper, Mr. Ralph Erskine signified fais adfaerence to tfae statements wliicfa it contained ; and presented, at tfae same tirae, a written declaration, con taining some additional reasons. In this declaration Mr. Erskine stated (and Mr. Mair acquiesced in the sarae senti ments), tfaat tfaough fae witfadrew, for the present, from the National Cfaurch, and joined his brethren of tfae Secession, yet fae did not by tfais intend witfadrawing from ministerial comraunion witfa tfaose pious ministers of tfae Establisfament, wfao were "groaning under, or wrestling against, tfae defections of the tiraes." " Neither," said he, " do I faereby intend to preclude myself frora tfae liberty of returning and joining with tfae judicatories of tfais cfaurcfa, upon tfaeir returning to tfaeir duty; and, so far as my joining with tfae foresaid, or anyother ministers, in their lifting up the said testimony, and promot ing tfae end and design tfaereof, and tfae said return can con sist togetfaer ; seeing if tfae judicatories, wfao at present eitfaei unjustly refuse, or unduly delay to receive that testiraony, were acting a contrary part, and putting faand to reformation, the same reasons that induce to tfais witfadrawing, would necessarily induce to a returning, which I cordially wish 1 may quickly see good reason for." Sucfa sentiments as these, which Mr. Erskine expressed, were quite in unison with tfaose entertained by all tfae members of the Presbytery, and which they had publicly avowed in their reasons of secession. Having received tfae declarations of the two bretfaren, tfaey gave tfaem a cordial welcome into tfaeir little band. Almost all the adherents of the Secession, tfarougfaout the country, had formed theraselves into associations for prayer and religious conference ; and the correspondence of the Presbytery was cfaiefly carried on witfa these societies. Not having yet licensed any young raen to preach the gospel, it was coraparatively few of tfae applications for serraon tfaat they were able to answer. The consequence of whicfa was, that those who were connected with tfaese societies were under the necessity either of meeting by tfaemselves for reUgious exercise on the Sabbath, or of attending tfae rainistrations of such evan gelical ministers, belonging to the EstabUsfaraent, as migfat be in tfaeir neigfabourfaood. The Presbytery did not disapprove of the conduct of tfaose who did so, as they themselves faad de clared tfaeir wiUingness to hold communion with these faithftil ministers ; it was not from such tfaat they had made a seces sion. Some of the members of these societies, however, began QUESTIONS RESPECTING TERMS OF COMMUNION. 113 to take higher ground, and to question the lawfulness of Se ceders giving any countenance to ministers connected with the Established Cfaurcfa, however pious and eminent they might be. One of tfae district societies in Edinburgh withdrew from the correspondence of the rest on this ground ; and, after some altercation, tfae matter was referred to tfae Presbytery. Af paper, containing a variety of questions witfa regard to tfae terms of ministerial and Cfaristian coraraunion, was presented to thera. Of these questions the following is a speciraen : — " Whether one can raake secession from the Established Church, and yet hold coraraunion witfa tfaose wfao are her members, whetfaer tfaey be ministers or private Christians ?" " Whether the circumstance of these ministers or Christians being gracious persons did in the least remove the offence taken from their joining witfa tfae corrupt EstabUsfaed Cfaurch?" " Whether refusing to join in tfae testimony, if it be a term of communion, is not a reason of secession from sucfa persons ?" The Presbytery, resolving tfaemselves into a committee, took tfais paper into consideration, but avoided giving definite answers to tfae questions wfaich it contained. They exfaorted the societies in Edinburgh to endeavour to live at peace with one another, and not to attempt fixing the terras of ministerial or Cfaristian communion ; and they added, that the Presbytery would turn tfaefr attention to this subject as soon as convenient. This society occasioned the Presbytery some farther trouble, for soon after this period, one of its leaders, a person of the name of Lesly, presented a paper, in whicfa fae disowned tfae civU government of the country, and intimated that it would be his duty, should an occasion present, to rise in arms against it. The Presbytery endeavoured to induce him to retract these sentiments ; but finding that he pertinaciously adhered to them, they laid him under tfae sentence of tfae lesser excomraunication, and warned all tfae other merabers of the society to withdraw frora him- Several of these, having imbibed similar sentiments, refused to coraply, upon which they were suspended from their privileges as members of the church ; and, after having harassed the Presbytery, for some time, with representations and petitions, tfaey at length renounced their autfaority altogetfaer, and formed a party or their own. The General Assembly, in 1736, had declared it to be a principle of the Scottish churcfa, tfaat no minister sfaall be intruded into any parish contrary to the wUl of the congrega tion, and they had enjoined all presbyteries to have a regard to this principle in planting vacant congregations, " as they regarded the glory of God, and the edification of the body of 114 PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN. 1737. Christ." After such a declaration as tfais, emitted by the supreme court, consistency required that every encouragement sfaould be given by tfae General Asserably to presbyteries wfaen endeavouring to carry tfais principle into effect, by pre venting tfae settlement of ministers in opposition to the wishes ••of the congregation. If any proof were wanting to show, that, notwithstanding the declaration which had been thus made, for the purpose of soothing the irritated feelings of the people, there was no serious intention on the part of those who bore sway in the church to permit such an excellent principle to regulate the conduct of presbyteries; tfais proof wUl be found in the proceedings of the Assembly which met in 1737.* This Assembly had under its review no fewer than four cases of contested settlements, and in all of them did they give decisions that were opposed to the principle of non-intrusion. Tfae first case was tfaat of Pertfa, wfaere the magistrates and a portion of the inhabitants had given a call to Mr. David Black, on the footing of the unpopular act of 1732, wfaich had now been disannuUed. Mr. Black's settle ment was opposed by the session and a majority of the heads * I am not singular in the opinion, which I have expressed, that the As serably of 1736 were not sincere in the enactraent which they made "against the intrusion of ministers;" and that when they enjoined presbyteries to have regard to it in the planting of vacant congregations, they intended by this nothing more than merely to calm the irritation of the people. A writer of high respectabihty, whom none wiU accuse of being influenced either by hos- tiUty or prejudice against the national church, expresses the same opinion. The remarks which he makes (I beUeve unwittingly), upon the conduct of the Asserably at this time, do not give us a favourable view of its honesty. It tends greatly to strengthen the original grounds of the Secession, when we find such writers, under pretence of apologizing for their church courts, repre senting fhem to be so dishonest as to make popular enactments for the purpose of obtaining the good opinion of the people, whUe they never seriously intended carrying such enactments into effect. The writer, to whom I refer, is the late Sir Henry Moncrieff WeUwood, who, in his Life of Dr. Erskine, mentions the act of 1736 as a highly favourable instance of thc wi'sh of the Assembly " to conciUate the spirit of the times." But most unfortunately for thc credit ofthe Asserably who passed this act, the Reverend Baronet, in the comments which he makes, represents it as far from the intention of that venerable body to follow it up by a train of authoritative decisions : he further states, that an influential portion of the Asserably never regarded it in any other Ught, than as a concession to the prejudices ofthe people, and had not the most remote idea that it should influence their decisions in particular cases. " It is scarcely conceivable," he says, "that this act could have done more, than soothe the discontent of the people by concUiatory language ; unless more could have been attempted than perhaps was practicable ; and unless it had been foUowed up by a train of authoritative decisions, which was far from being intended." " At the same time, it is equaUy evident^ that the members of the church who had been most determined, in disregarding the opposition made to the induction of presentees, if they concurred in this enactment, as they seem to have done, could have intended it as nothing more, than a concession in terminis, to the prejudices of the people, without any view to its influence on their decisions in particular cases, or to such a change of system as could have had any practical effects." — Appendix to Moncrieff s Life of Dr. Erskine. n. 449. CASE OF THE PARISH OF DENNY. 115 of families, who had given a call to Mr. Henry Lindsay of Botfakennar. Tfae Assembly rejected tfae call to Mr. Lindsay, and ordered tfae presbytery of Pertfa to proceed witfa Mr. Black's settlement. The second case was tfaat of tfae parisfa of Duffus, wfaere one person having received a presentation from the patron, and another person having received a call from a number of the parisfaioners, the Assembly, forgetting the principle, " that no minister sfaall be intruded into any parish contrary to the will of the congregation," decided against the people, and in favour of the patron. They, more over, ordered their moderator to write a letter to her Grace, the Duchess of Gordon, intimating to her this sentence, and expressing their faigfa respect for faerself and faer noble family. The third case was tfaat of the parish of Monikie, wfaere the presbytery of Dundee refused to execute a sentence of ,the Commission, ordering them to proceed witfa the ordination of Mr. George Johnston as minister of that parish. A complaint being made to the Assembly, tfaey ordered tfae presbytery fortfawltfa to carry tfae sentence into effect. But tfae case of Denny affords a better illustration tfaan any of the preceding ones, of the total disregard of popular right and popular feeling, whicfa cfaaracterized tfae proceedings of the Assembly at that period. I shall here give, from an authentic source, a detailed account of this case, not so mucfa on account of tfaere being any tfaing extraordinary connected with it, as because it furnishes a fair specimen of tfae treatment wfaicfa tfae people received from tfaeir ecclesiastical rulers in a g^eat variety of instances, and also sfaows us wfaat necessity tfaere was for tfae Secession taking place at tfae time it did, tfaat relief migfat be afforded to tfaose wfao were groaning under such oppressive treatment. The parish of Denny having becorae vacant by tfae deatfa of tfaeir pastor, a presentation was given to Mr. Jaraes Stirling; and tfae Laird of Herbertsfaire, wfao appears to faave acted as patron on befaalf of the crown, caused intiraation to be raade to tfae moderator of the presbytery of Stirling, that a presenta tion had been given and accepted, and requested tfaat tfae presbytery would take tfae presentee on trials for ordination. The parisfaioners opposed tfais suramary raode of proceeding, and petitioned tfaat a moderation might be granted for the people at large, without any reference to tfae presentation given. From tfae presbytery tfae matter was carried to tfae synod of Pertfa and Stirling, who found tfaat tfae presentation was null and void, on account of its not faaving been presented to any judicatory in due time, by any person faaving a com mission from his Majesty for that purpose ; and it was finally agreed, among aU the parties concerned, that, the presentation 116 CASE OF THE PARISH OF DENNY. being laid aside, a call should be moderated in the kirk of Denny, On tfae day of moderation, the former presentee was proposed on the part of the patron, and another candidate was proposed on the part of the people ; and the roll of voters being called, few or none of the heads of families voted for the patron's candidate. Of tfae heritors, fifty-two gave him their support, and of tfaese tfae greater part were either non- residenters, or not in tfae comraunion of tfae churcfa ; while for the popular candidate, there were seventy-four heritors, the whole of the session, and one hundred and thirty-eigfat heads '" of families. Though the voice of the parisfa was tfaus most unequivocally expressed against tfae presentee, and tfaough the call given to tfae nominee of tfae people was, with the exception of the heritors mentioned, almost unanimous, yet the two ministers who conducted the moderation, refused to attest the call; tfaey referred it to tfae presbytery; and tfae presbytery, witfaout judging in it, referred it to the synod. The synod, after hearing all the parties, gave a decision, by a large majority, in favour of tfae parisfaioners, and ordered tfae presbytery to proceed witfa the settlement of the person whom they had caUed. Against tfais decision, tfae friends of the presentee protested, and carried the cause by appeal before the supreme court. Tfae Assembly, either finding the business to be a troublesome one, or not having sufficient leisure to attend to it, remitted the settlement of it to their Commission. The Commission, always having on hand a superabundant supply of questions of this kuid to occupy their attention, delayed the consideration of the Denny case till the next meeting of Assembly, during which time the eople were obliged to exercise their patience. Tfae Assem- ly at lengtfa gave tfae case a faearing ; but instead of giving judgment, tfaey again remitted it to the Commission. The Ccmmission, after making several unsuccessful attempts to effect a reconciliation betwixt the parties, thought proper, at the close of one of their meetings, wfaen tfae greater part of their members had gone away, and when there was scarcely a quorum of thefr number present, to reverse the sentence of tfae synod, and order the settlement of the presentee to take place. Against tfais sentence, the people, of course, reclaimed, and once niore appeared at the bar of the Assembly, complainjiug of tfae injustice tfaat had been done them. Their complaint was disregarded. The sentence of the Commission was affirm ed, and the presbytery of StirUng was enjoined to take the necessary steps for ordaining the intruder. Yet, with singu lar inconsistency, the same Assembly, on the following day, agreed to an act, in which they declared, as if in mockery of I CASE OF THE PARISH OF DENNY. 117 their own proceedings, " that it is, and has been since the Re formation, the principle of this churcfa, tfaat no minister shall be intruded into any parish contrary to the wUl of the congre gation." The business, however, did not stop here. The presbytery, as well as tfae people, proved refractory ; and, Uke conscien tious men, they refused to execute a sentence which was opposed both to Scripture and to an avowed principle of their own churcfa. Tfais refusal, on tfae part of tfae presbytery, oc casioned anotfaer complaint to be made to tfae Assembly by tfae presentee's friends. Tfais venerable court, mucfa more anxious to support tfaeir own dignity, tfaan to do wfaat tfaey themselves had declared was " for the glory of God, and the edification of tfae body of Christ," were indignant that any inferior judicatory should presume to dispute their authority, even in a matter wfaere conscience was concerned. They ap pointed a comraittee of twenty-one members to prepare an overture on tfais wfaole affair. At a subsequent sederunt, an overture, coucfaed in strong language, was brougfat in, and ap proved of by a vote. It declared the dissatisfaction of the As sembly with tfae conduct of tfae presbytery, in neglecting or refusing to fulfil the appointment of tfae Assembly 1736; it enjoined the presbytery to proceed immediately with the trials of Mr. Stirling, and to have tfae wfaole finisfaed brfore tfae 1st of September next, as tfaey sfaould be answerable to tfae next Assembly; and, lest tfae presbytery sfaould stUl prove con tumacious, the synod of Perth and Stirling were ordered to take faim upon trials, and to proceed, so as to faave tfae settle ment completed before tfae 1st of Marcfa ; and it was declared not to be lawful for them to put any question whether they would obey tfae appointment or not, but any ten or more of them might proceed to ordain Mr. Stirling, even tfaougfa all the rest of their bretfaren sfaould be opposed to tfae execution of the act. It was fiirther provided by the overture, that " in case the synod, or such nuraber of them as above-mentioned, shall not, before tfae 1st of November next, enter upon trials tfae said Mr. Stirling, or before tfae 1st of Marcfa next finish the same, tfae Assembly empower a special Commission of tfais General Asserably, to convene at Edinburgfa, in tfae Old Kirk Aisle, on the tfaird Wednesday of Noveraber or March respectively, with power to adjourn themselves as they sfaall think fit, in order to take trials, and ordain Mr. Stirling as minister of Denny." * Such was the overture which the venerable Assembly adopt ed for maintaining the authority of the supreme court, and * Acta of Assembly 1737. 118 CASE OF THE PARISH OF DENNY. with a view also to proraote tfae peace and edification of the church. It is possible that the former of these objects might be gained by it ; but faow it could be accompUshed, consistent ly with tfae latter, it is difficult to conceive. In the meantime, Mr. Stirling, the presentee, died before his trials for ordination could be completed ; and the people of Denny, in contending anew for tfae exercise of tfaeir Cfaristian privileges, were sub jected to worse treatment tfaan even that which they had al ready received. Upon an application made to the presbytery, a moderation was appointed to take place among tfaem ; one candidate was proposed on befaalf of the few who had hitherto supported the claims of tfae patron, and anotfaer on behalf of the congregation; and wfaen tfae votes were about to betaken, — such was the manageraent of the day, by means of an ad vocate hired from Edinburgh for tfae purpose, — none of the elders were permitted to vote, on the ground tfaat tfaey were not qualified to tfae present civil governraent ; tfae faeads of farailies were denied tfae sarae privilege, inasraucfa as it was alleged tfaat tfaey had no right to it, by the laws either of the church or of the state ; and the votes also of heritors were refused, unless they were infefted in tfaeir possessions, and un less they paid cess. Notwithstanding tfaese arbitrary raeasures, a call to tfae popular candidate was subscribed by a large ma jority of tfae congregation, and presented to the presbytery, at tfaeir first meeting, by whom it was rejected, while tfae call of tfaeir opponents was sustained, and tfaeir candidate ordered to be taken on trials for ordination. Against tfais decision the people protested, but did not think proper to appeal to any higher court, as their past experience had taugfat tfaem what treatment they might expect from tfae Assembly and their Coraraission. The parisfaioners, however, were resolved that they would not tamely submit to tfae intruder. On tfae day set apart for tfae ordination, one faundred and seventeen heritors, elders, and heads of families, went publicly to tfae kirk of Denny, and after sermon, iraraediately before the iraposition of hands, en tered a soleran protest against the proceedings of tfae presby tery, declaring tfaat tfae person wfaora tfaey were now pretend ing to set apart to the office of the rainistry, being intruded upon the parish contrary to tfae laws of Cfarist, was not, nor could be, regarded as lawful rainister of tfae congregation, to wfaom they could submit in tfae Lord. Having made this declaration, and having taken instruraents in the hand of a notary-public, tfaey witfadrew amid tfareats of being subject ed to fine and iraprisonment. Finding it impossible, consist ently with a good conscience, to remain longer in a cfaurcfa wfaere tfae feeUngs and privileges of the people were thus CASE OF THE PARISH OF MUCKHART. 119 trampled upon, they followed tfae example of many thousands of their countrymen, by renouncing the EstabUshment, and connecting tfaemselves with the Secession, into the communion of which they were soon after this received.* In a preceding part of tfae narrative, mention faas been made of the people of Muckhart parish being the first who petitioned the Associate Presbytery for a supply of Sermon. The case of this people was still more hard than even that of Denny ; and the particulars of it are worthy of being put on record, in a history of tfae Secession, as presenting us with another glaring instance of the total disregard of popular right and popular feeUng, which cfaaracterized tfae ecclesias tical proceedings of tfae Establishment at that period. Tfais case was before tfae Asserably a few years prior to tfae pre sent date of ray narrative ; but I faave purposely reserved tfae account of it, to be given along witfa that of Denny, as there is a considerable similarity betwixt tfae two, and as by being viewed in juxtaposition, tfaey convey to tfae mind of tfae reader a more forcible impression of the deplorable condition, in a spiritual point of view, to wfaich many of the parishes in Scotland were reduced by the tyrannical conduct of their ecclesiastical rulers. Tfae parisfa of Muckhart having become vacant by the re moval of the Rev. Mr. Wardrop to Whitburn, Mr. Archibald Rennie received a presentation from tfae crown to tfae vacant cfaarge; and a call was appointed by tfae presbytery to be moderated in the usual form. On the day of moderation, only two individuals residing witfain tfae parisfa, and a non resident heritor, subscribed the call : all the rest of the parish ioners united in opposing tfae settleraent. Tfae presbytery of Auchterarder hesitated to proceed with the ordination, in the face of such a formidable opposition. The business was, of course, carried from tfae presbytery to tfae synod, and from tfae synod to tfae Assembly, wfaere, after a litigation of two years, tfae usual deliverance was given — tfaat the settlement of the intruder should take place ; and a committee of ministers ' For the greater part of the particulars contained in this part of the narra tive concerning Denny, I have been indebted to a curious historical account, drawn up, not many years after these transactions took place, by some of the individuals concemed in them. The paper now referred to, was subscribed in "the new kirk of Denny" (now Denny-Loanhead), by a nuraber of the paidshioners, some time after they had been formed into a congregation, in connexion with the Secession. It gives a minute account of their past " contendings" and " wrestUngs," and was prepared with a view to its being presented to the Associate Synod at Edmburgh, in 1749, to enforce the claims of the^subscribers in the case of a competing caU. It is preserved by the session of Denny-Loanhead, as an interesting reUc of " the olden time ;" ajid to the Rev. Dr. Stark I hereby acknowledge my obUgation, for having bo politely favoured me with the use of it. 120 CASK OF THE PARISH OF MUCKHART. from the neighbouring presbyteries was appointed to co- operate along with the presbytery of Aucfaterarder, in carry ing tfais decision into effect. On the day appointed for the ordination, a strong body of the parishioners waylaid their intended minister and tfae deputation that accompanied hira, on the confines of the parish, and, without offering any per sonal violence, conducted tfaera back to the village of Dollar, where tfaey kept them in safe custody till tfae day was so far advanced, tfaat tfae settlement could not take place; when . they permitted them to depart. Another day was appointed for the ordination, wfaen more effectual nieasures were adopted to carry it into effect. A band of soldiers guarded tfae minis ters to tfae place of worsfaip,* and tfaough the people were equally determined, as on the former occasion, to make oppo sition, they were overawed by tfae presence of the miUtary, from proceeding to acts of violence. The church-door having been previously well secured, the ministers and those that accompanied them were obliged to make their entry by one of tfae windows ; and there, in the presence of empty pews, did they go tfarough the forms of an ordination,^not a single individual connected with the parish being present, .except two heritors and an episcopaUan non-resident. To finish the solemnities of the day, several of the parishioners were taken prisoners, and were ordered to be confined in Castle Campbell, an ancient seat of the Argyle family, in ruins ; but, ^ter a short while, they were permitted to return to their homes, on giving bail. ' The Rev. Archibald Rennie, who was tfaus inducted into the pastoral charge of the parish of Muckhart, continued for upwards of half a century to possess the manse, to farm the glebe, and to pocket the stipend ; and, during the whole of that long period; he never had either an elder or a kirk-ses sion, never made a single collection for the poor, never dis pensed the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and never, it is said, except on one occasion, entered the pulpit. The Seces sion having commenced soon after fais settlement, the great body of the people joined it, and tfae few parishioners wfao at tended his ministry, — seldom amounting to more tfaan seven, — assembled for worsfaip, upon Sabbath, in the manse.t * The numerous contested settlements that took place at that period, ren dered the attendance of a guard of soldiers frequently necessary at ordinations. On an occasion of this kind, where a party of EngUsh soldiers was on duty, one of them requesting instructions from the commanding oificer, said he was afraid they should be obUged to fije. " WeU/' repUed the officer, " if it must be so, the shortest way of settUng. the business, will be to make sure, in the first place, of the clergyman who occasions the disturbance. "-vC/irist. Bep. vol. iv. p. 10. t This statement concerning Muckhart is given on the authority of an in dividual well ac(luainted with the ecclesiastical history of that parish. ACT RESPECTING POPULAR ELECTION 121 I have given somewhat minutely tfae particulars of the cases of Denny and Muckhart, for the purpose of showing how mat ters were managed in the Church of Scotland, at the time the Secession commenced. If these two cases had been insulat ed ones, they would scarcely have been worth mentioning, but they are to be regarded as affording a fair specimen of the treatment wfaicfa not a few of tfae parishes received from tfae ecclesiastical courts, at that period. Any one who peruses the records of the General Assembly, will see how nuraerous were the instances of disputed settlements, tfaat occupied the at tention of that court, during the greater part of tfae eigfateenth century. Some of the contests betwixt tfae patrons and the people were carried on for years, during whicfa time the par ishioners were kept in a constant tumult, and their spfritual interests in a great measure neglected; and, even after a struggle of years, how rarely did it faappen tfaat tfaey succeed ed in obtaining tfaeir object ! It need excite no surprise, tfaat the Secession, commencing in sucfa circumstances, sfaould faave been bailed by a large portion of tfae people as a blessing ; and tfaat raultitudes, sfaaking tfaemselves free frora the trammels of the EstEtblishment, should have flocked with eagerness to her altars. In consequence of tfae practice wfaich prevailed to such a great extent within the national church, of imposing ministers upon congregations contrary to tfae wishes of the people, the Associate Presbytery, at tfaeir meeting in January 1737, agreed to the following overture, in wfaicfa they condemn said prae tice, and declare that tfae only principle recognised by tfaem, in the appointraent of office-bearers in the churcfa, is tfaat of popular election. " Likewise, they acknowledge, assert, and decli^re, that ministers, and otfaer office-bearers in tfae cfaurcb, ougfat to be set over congregations by the call and consent of ths majority of such in these congregations, who are admitted to full communion with the cfaurcfa in all faer sealing ordinan ces, and tfaat there should be no preference of voices in this matter, upon tfae account of secular consideration, accord ing to Acts i. 16, to tfae close of the cfaapter. Acts vi. 2 — 6, &c. with many otfaer scriptures, and according to our books of discipUne, and acts of Asserably, agreeable tfaereto ; and tfaey reject and conderan all contrary principles, tenets, and prac tices, whereby the scripture rule and pattern in this important matter, is denied and rejected, and ministers are imposed upon dissenting and reclairaing congregations."* Nuraerous appUcations for sermon were made to tfae Pres bytery from all parts of tfae country. During the years 1 737-8 • Minutes of Presbytery. 122 PETITIONS TO ASSOCIATE PRESBYTERY. upwards of seventy petitions were laid upon their table,* and some of them were from remote districts; they were alraost aU sent from what were termed " corresponding socie ties," or associations formed among tfae people for prayer and religious conference. Tfae general purport of these petitions was, expressing the dissatisfaction of the petitioners with the abuses that prevailed in the national church ; their ac quiescence in the Testimony which had been pubUsfaed ; tfaefr desire to be taken under the superintendence of the Presby tery ; and a request that some of tfae bretfaren sfaould come and hold a fast, and preach in those neigfabourhoods where the petitioners resided, and also that the Presbytery sfaould, as speedily as possible, Ucense young men to preach the gospel, that thus the numerous stations which had joined tfae Seces sion might be suppUed with gospel ordinances. Besides these applications that were raade to tfaera for serraon, tfae Presby tery received an accession of two new members ; tfaese were tfae Rev. Thomas Nairn of Abbotshall, who joined the Presby tery, October 12, 1737, and tfae Rev. James Tfaomson of Burntisland, who acceded June 7, 1738. Notwithstanding tfae additional merabers which the Pres bytery had received, it was impossible tfaat tfaey could answer one-half of the appUcations raade to them, without being al most constantly absent from tfaeir own cfaarges. Tfae distances to wfaich they faad to travel were great ; tfae places which they faad to visit were numerous; and the demands of the people were urgent. Tfaey, therefore, resolved to license sorae young men who inight take part with them in their laborious work. Previous to tfaeir taking this important step, they appointed a committee to consider what questions ought to be put to tfae young men, before tfaey sfaould be taken on trials for licence. Tfais coramittee having given in their re port, the following forraula of questions was unanimously ' It may gratify some of my readers, to present them with the foUowing list of places, from whence petitions were sent to the Presbytery, during the first years of the Secession, by societies desirous to be received into its com munion. During the year 1737, petitions were received from Newbattle, East Lo thian, West Linton and neighbouring parishes, Carluke, Carstairs, Cumbus- nethan, YoulUeside near Sanquhar, Morebattle, Balfron, StitcheU, Larbert, Dunipace, Cumbernauld, KUsyth, Slamanan, Falkii-k, East Monkland, Te- viotdale, Northumberland, Torryburn, LesUe, Fenwick, St. Andrews ; and, during the year 1738, petitions were received from Gargunnock, St. Ninians, Amgask, Greenock, Strathmiglo, Ross, societies in the bounds of Dunblane presbytery. Yarrow, Markinch, Annandale, Mearns, Monimail, Leven, Auch- termuchty, Pathhead, Fossoway, Kilmacolra, Dundee, Aberdour, Kilmaurs, Stow, Dunning, Falkland, Kettle, Logic, Fisherrow, FUsk, AUoa, Ayr, Niths- dale, Knockrife, Airth, Tippermuir, Rhind, Kinnoul, Aberdalgie, Kinglassie, Fettercairn, Dalreoch, Glasgow, Denny, SkirUng, Bridge of Allan, Drip, Dal keith, KU winning, Avondale, Muthil, and Monzie Minutes of Presbytery. FORMULA OF QUESTIONS. 123 adopted ; and it was further agreed that the answers given to the questions, by candidates for the ministry, sfaould be re corded. 1. Do you beUeve tfae Scriptures of tfae Old and New Tes taments to be tfae word of God, and tfae only rule of faith and manners ? 2. Do you believe tfae whole doctrine contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith, as received by tfae General Assembly of tfae Churcfa of Scotland, in 1647, and in tfae Larger and Shorter Catechisms; and will you maintain and defend the sarae against aU contrary errors, and particularly against the errors of Professor Sirason and Campbell ? 3. Do you believe that Christ has appointed a particular form of government in his churcfa, and tfaat tfais form of gov ernment is not prelatic or congregational, but presbyterial, consisting in a subordination of sessions to presbyteries, of pres byteries to synods, of synods to general assembUes ; and will you maintain and defend tfae same, togetfaer with the purity of worship received and practised in this cfaurcfa, against aU pre latic, erastian, and sectarian errors ? 4. Do you own the binding obUgation of the national covenant of Scotland, particularly as explained in 1638, to abjure prelacy, and tfae five articles of Perth ; and of tfae solemn league of tfae three kingdoms, particularly as renewed in Scotland in 1648, with an acknowledgment of sins; and will you study to prosecute the ends tfaereof? 5. Do you approve of tfae Act and Testimony emitted by tfae Associate Presbytery, as a testimony for truth, and against defections therefrom in former and present tiraes ; and do you, in your judgment, condemn the several steps of defection con deraned therein ? 6. Do you promise, in the spirit of meekness, to be subject to the admonitions of your brethren in tfae Lord, and to the associate presbyteries, and to follow the peace of the churcfa, together with your bretfaren, and to follow no divisive course from the Covenanted Church of Scotland ; and that you wUl not give yourself up to detestable neutrality with respect thereto, whatever danger or suffering you may be exposed to on tfaat account ? 7. Are love to Cfarist, and a desire to be useful in edifying tfae souls of men, your cfaief motives in entering on the work of the holy ministry, and no worldly motive whatever ? The three foUowing questions were afterwards added to the formula, with a view to tfaefr being put to ministers at thefr ordination : — 8. Have you used any undue methods for procuring the call from this congregation? 124 MESSRS. HUNTER AND CLARKSON ENTERED ON TRIALS, 9. Do you engage to rule your own famUy well, and to live an exemplary life before the flock of Cfarist ? 10. Do you accept of, and close witfa, tfae caU from this Associate congregation, and engage to perform the duties of a faithful pastor among them, in preaching the gospel, not with the enticing words of men's wisdom, in catechizing, and in visiting the same from house to house ?* Mr. John Hunter and Mr. Andrew Clarkson, two young men who faad been for sorae time engaged in studying divinity under Mr. Wilson, were required to appear before tfae Presby tery in December 1737, that they might undergo examination, preparatory to their being admitted to trials for Ucence. A committee having been appointed to converse with them for this purpose, tfaey were required to state first wfaat were their views respecting the civil raagistrate and the constituted au tfaorities of tfae country. The Moderator, addressing them, said, " That as the sentiments and practice of the several merabers of the Presbytery anent the civil magistrate, parti cularly tfae present king, and otfaer inferior magistrates under him, were very well known, they tfaougfat it needful, before they took the ordinary steps towards Ucensing young men, as probationers for tfae holy ministry, to know their sentiraents anent the civU magistrate ; in regard several through the land, who profess to adfaere to our covenanted reformation, judge tfaemselves obliged to disown tfae authority of the civU magis trate since the Revolution." Mr. Hunter, being caUed upon to state his sentiments on this point, declared, " That he did not approve of tfae act of parliament wfaicfa imposed upon min isters of the gospel a form of prayer for the King and his fam ily ; — this he considered to be an erastian encroachment ; but tfaat fae judged it to be his duty to pray for the King, and for all in authority, agreeably to the commandment of the Lord, by the apostle, ITim. ii. 1 — 4 ; fae considered it to be his duty, also, to submit and be subject to tfae authority of the present magistrates, supreme and subordinate, because of the Lord's commandment. Submit yourselves fo every ordinance of man, for fhe Lord!s sake. The present king," he said, " had, jus humanum to rule and govern, which should be avowed so long as he did not tyrannically persecute and oppress fais subjects. ' And fae furtfaer added, " tfaat he had no difficulty about pray ing for the king nominatim, having Scripture example for it in the people praying. Bless King David." Mr. Clarkson stated, tfaat his sentiraents on these points were much tfae same as those whicfa faad now been expressed. They were then examined as to their knowledge in divinity, and * Brown's MS. MR, HUNTER LICENSED. 125 their acquaintance with the controversies of tfae day; and lastiy, with regard to tfaeir personal experience of the power of reli gion : and the Presbytery being satisfied with tfaera in all tfaese particulars, the questions of the above forraula were proposed to them, after which they were admitted to trials for licence.* Mr. Clarkson faaving formerly belonged to the followers of Mr. M'Millan, or Societymen, a charge was brought against him, soon after tfais, by certain individuals, tfaat notwitfastand ing tfae declaration wfaicfa fae faad made to tfae Presbytery, his sentiments respecting the aUegiance whicfa fae owed to tfae civU government were the same as those wfaicfa fae held before he joined the Secession. The Presbytery appointed an in quiry to be made into this charge. Both Mr. Clarkson and his accusers were required to appear before them. The latter did not appear to substantiate their charge, and the former was required to state explicitly, in writing, wfaat were fais senti ments on the point referred to. With Mr. Clarkson's state ment the Presbytery were not altogetfaer satisfied, and they agreed that tfaey would not proceed any furtfaer with his trials at present. At a future period, faowever, fae was permitted to resume them, in consequence of his making a renunciation of the obnoxious sentiments which he had faeld respecting tfae civil magistrate.t Mr. Hunter, the other student, after hav ing finished his trials, to the satisfaction of the Presbytery, became tfae first licentiate of tfae Secession Churcfa, and appears to have been both an acceptable and a useful preacher. The popularity of tfae Seceding ministers, and tfae nuraerous adherents which they were gaining to their cause, in every * The present practice of presbyteries in the Secession, in proposing the questions ofthe formula to young men, at the time of their receiving Ucence, dif fers somewhat fromthe practice ofthe Fathers ofthe Secession. They proposed the formula to the young men before admitting them to trials for Ucence. Now, the practice universally foUowed is, to propose the questions of the formula, after all the trials are completed. Would it not be better to revert to the old pracdce, and to propose the questions to candidates for the minis try, before admitting them to trials ? Because, on the supposition that they are not wilUngto assent to the formula, it must surely be better to know this before the trial cttscou'-ses have been received, than after, inasmuch as a good deal of unnecessary trouble would thereby be saved both to the young men, and also to the Presbytery. t The anxiety of the Presbytery to ascertain that the persons whom they Ucensed to preach the gospel, entertained proper views of the allegiance which they owed to their king, and to aU who were invested with authority over them, shows how unfounded was the slander which their enemies attempted to raise against them,, when they endeavoured to hold them up as objects of jealousy to the civil rulers, by representing them as disaffected to the govern ment M their country. Nothing could be more wicked than such an attempt ; for, if these good men had any fault at all on this point, it appears rather to have inclined to an opposite extreme. Their conduct, both in public and in private, so far from furnishing any ground for the charge of disloyalty, seeras rather to have been tinctured with what, according tothe vocabulary of the present day, would have been called ultra loyalism. 126 ASSEMBLY OF 1738. part of tfae country, excited botfa jealousy and alarm on the part ofthe ecclesiastical rulers in the Establishment; and it was resolved, that, if they did not renounce then " disorderly practices," in preaching the gospel to their fellow-sinners, wher ever an opportunity of doing so was presented to thtm, stronger measures would be adopted to silence them. ^ Accordingly, whenthe General Asserably raet in May, 1738, in consequence of a representation sent up from the synod of Perth and Stir ling, and instructions from the synod of Fife, respecting the conduct of the Seceding bretfaren, it was agreed that this sub ject sfaould be fully considered in a committee of the whole house. The result of tfais deliberation was, tfaat tfae Assembly found tfaat tfaese brethren had seceded from the churcfa without any justifiable grounds, and continued in a state of secession, notwithstanding the clemency shown thera in 1734 ; that they had erected themselves into a presbytery, and exercised a ju dicial presbyterial power, not only over tfaeir own congrega tions, but over tfae wfaole cfaurch ; that tfaey faad " framed and published to the world a printed paper, called tfaeir Act, De claration, and Testimony," and faad eraitted, besides, other papers of an improper kind ; that they had not confined tfaeir ministerial labours to tfaeir own congregations, but faad dis pensed religious ordinances to persons of otfaer congregations witfaout tfae knowledge and consent of tfae ministers to wfaich they belonged ; tfaat, witfa tfae view of proraoting their " dan gerous schism," they received at their presbyterial meetings all persons who chose to accede to them from other congrega tions, and for tfae same purpose appointed fasts to be faeld in different parts of tfae country, " at which several thousands of persons of both sexes resorted ; " and, finally, that they had appointed one of their number to teach divinity, and had taken some persons under probationary trials for the ministry. On all tfaese grounds, tfae Assembly did " unanimously re solve, declare, and enact, Tfaat altfaougfa, upon tfaese and otfaer sucfa accounts, this churcfa might now proceed, in the due exercise of discipline, to appoint tfaese seceding and separating bretfaren, and tfaeir followers, to be proceeded against and cen sured according to the demerit of their faults ; yet thisAssem- bly, choosing rather still to treat them in the spirit of meek ness, brotherly love, and forbearance, did, and hereby do, enjoin a 11 the ministers of this national cfaurcfa, as tfaey shall have ac cess, and especially the ministers of the synods and presbyteries within whicfa these seceding brethren reside, to be at all pains, by conference and other gentle means of persuasion, to reclaim and reduce them to their duty, and the communion of this churcfa ; and all presbyteries and synods to report their diU gence and success, and what they can learn or observe concern- LIBEL SERVED AGAINST THE BRETHREN. 127 ing the future behaviour of these brethren, to tfae Commission to be appointed by tfae Assembly, at any of the diets thereof; wfaicfa Commission is hereby authorized and appointed to take such reports or representations, with those already made to tfais Assembly, under their consideration, and if they shall see cause, to take all proper steps and methods for duly sisting the separating brethren above named, before the next Assera bly, to answer for tfaeir irregular conduct, and aU tfae parts tfaereof. And tfae said Commission is also empowered to do what they sfaall tfaink proper, to prepare and ripen the case for the decision of tfaat Assembly." In addition to tfae above, tfae General Asserably earnestly recommended it to all the rainisters, elders, and raembers of the church, to endeavour, in tfaeir respective stations, and by all proper means, to reclaim " these poor deluded people," who had been carried away by tfais division, and to prevent tfae in crease of a scfaism, " so dangerous to the peace of tfais cfaurch, so contrary to the spirit of tfae gospel, so very hurtful to re Ugion and serious godliness, to Christian charity and brotfaerly love,"* Tfae efforts that were made, in compUance with tfaese ad monitions of tfae supreme court, " to reduce to their duty" the Seceding ministers, and to reclaim "the poor deluded people," who had been carried away by them, proved unsuc cessful : And the Assembly's Commission, at their meeting in November, resolved that a libel should be drawn up, and served on each of the bretfaren. Tfae Presbytery having received inteUigence of wfaat was intended, made preparations for tfae approaching storm. They appointed a general fast to be faeld, by all tfae praying societies connected witfa them, " on account of the designs of the EstabUsfaed Cfaurch against the bretfaren, and the testiraony in tfaeir faand." In tfae montfa of March, 1739, each of tfae members of tfae Presbytery faad a copy of the libel served upon him ; and they were all summoned to appear at the bar of the ensuing General Assembly, to an swer for their conduct. The libel charged tfaem witfa making an unwarrantable Secession from tfae cfaurcfa; with forming themselves into a presbytery, and exercising judicial presby terial power ; witfa eraitting an Act, Declaration, and Testi mony, condemning the churcfa and tfae judicatories tfaere of; with leaving their own parishes, and dispensing ordinances to persons of otfaer congregations ; with ordaining elders in other parishes than their own ; with appointing fasts in differ ent parts of tfae country ; with taking several persons under probationary trials, and Ucensing one or more of them to • Acts of Assembly 1738. 128 LIBEL PUBLISHED. preach the gospel ; and with particular acts of offence under these general heads. This libel the Presbytery pubUshed, with answers to aU the particular charges which it contained ; and at a meeting, held at Culfargie on the 13th of AprU, it was agreed that they would appear at tfae bar of the Assembly, and give in a formal de- cluiature of the authority of that court. Messrs. Wilson, Moncrieff, and Fisher were appointed to prepare a draught of the declinature, which they were to have in readiness to sub mit to the next meeting. When the Presbytery met at Edin burgfa, in the following month, tfais draugfat was laid upon the table in tfae form of an act " finding and declaring that the present judicatories of tfae national churcfa are not lawful nor rigfat constituted courts of Cfarist, and declining all power, autfaority, and jurisdiction tfaat the said judicatories may claim to themselves over tfae said Presbytery, or any of the members tfaereof, or over any tfaat are under tfaeir inspection." After long and serious deliberation, and after solemn prayer to God, tfais act was unaniraously adopted by tfae Presbytery ; and, at the same time, they resolved that wfaen tfaey sfaould be called upon by the Asserably's officer to appear before that court, they would go in a constituted capacity, with their Moder ator at their head ; tfaat he should read this decUnature in the presence of the Asserably, and if he should be interrupted in the reading of it, he was either to put it into the hands of the Moderator of the Assembly, or leave it on the table, when the whole should retire. In the Act of Declinature, the Presbytery state, that it is with deep regret that tfaey find themselves obliged in duty to take sueh a step ; that it vvould have afforded tfaem g^eat satisfaction if tfaey had not faad sucfa weighty grounds and reasons for declining all authority and jurisdiction on tfae part of tfae judicatories of tfae national church ; but tfaat tfaey find tfaemselves iraperiously called upon, by tfae pecuUar circum stances in wfaicfa tfaey are placed, publicly to declare tfaat said judicatories are not lawful nor rigfatly constituted courts of Christ. This declaration tfaey make on the following grounds : — First, these judicatories not only receive into tfaeir number, but continue to support intruders, and such as are known to be guilty of such scandalous practices as render tfaem obnoxious to the censures of the church, and wfao, therefore, have no warrant from the Head of the Cfaurch to sit in his courts. Secondly, they have been active in carrying on a course of defection and backsUding from the Lord, by tolerating thc erroneous, by supporting and countenancing error, and by enacting laws and constitutions contrary to the laws of the King of Zion, whereby ministerial freedom is suppressed, and ACT OF DECLINATURB^. 129 new and unwarrantable terms of ministerial and Cfaristian communion are imposed, and wfaereby the heritage of God is oppressed and broken. Tfairdly, thougfa tfae office-bearers of the house of God, in all their spiritual ftinctions and adminis trations, ougfat to walk only by the laws and statutes of tfae Lord Jesus Cfarist, and tfaough thefr ecclesiastical courts are held in his name, who is King in Zion, and are subordinate to him alone, yet the present judicatories of the national churcfa faave subordinated tfaeraselves to tfae civil powers, in their ecclesiastical functions and adrainistrations, and, there fore, they ought not to be recognised as free and lawful courts of Cfarist. These grounds of decUnature the Presbytery illustrate at considerable length ; and _ they declare, " that any act, sentence, or deed, that may be done, or passed against all, or any one of tfaem, by any. of tfae present judicatories, whereby their ministerial office, or the exercise thereof, or their pastoral office to their respective congregations, may be affected or prejudged, shall be held and repute as null and void in itself ; and that it shall be lawful and warrantable for tfaem, notwitfastanding of any such act, sentence, or deed, to exercise tfaeir ministry, in as full and araple a manner as faitfaerto tfaey faave done; and as if no sucfa aet, sentence, or deed had been done or passed against them." And tfaey conclude by stating, " As for tius Presbytery, wfaatever tfae conduct ofthe judicatories toward thera may be; and however they may be borne down, reproached, and despised, they are persuaded tfae cause is the Lord's; and faowever weak and unworthy tfaey are wfaom he has singled out in his adorable Erovidence to put faand to a testiraony for faim ; and whatever e may see meet to do with them, they desire to rest in faith and hope that the Lord will build up his Jerusalem in Scot land, and gather his dispersed Israel into one." On the 10th of May, the General Asserably met. After the preliminary business had been gone through, Mr. Jaraes Ramsay of Kelso, the last Moderator, raoved that they sfaould take under their consideration the act of tfae preceding Assem bly with regard to the rainisters who had seceded, and tfae proceedings of the Commission in reference to said act: It was agreed that this afi'afr, and all the papers connected with it, should be considered in a coraraittee of the whole house. The report of tfae comraittee, at next raeeting, was, " Tfaat tfaey faad met, and deliberated upon the case of tfae Seceding ministers, but had no particular opinion to offer." They were tfaen appointed to meet, on tfae foUowing day, for fartfaer consideration of the matter. On the 16th, they reported it to be their opinion, " That this General Assembly should poceed upon tfae Ubel transmitted from the Commission of 130 OVERTURE APPOINTED BY THE ASSEMBLY the late General Assembly against the Seceding rainisters." This report was approved of, and the Assembly resolved to proceed accordingly. From tfais resolution, Mr. John WUli- son of Dundee dissented, and to his dissent four ministers and two elders adhered ; their reasons of dissent were ordered to Ue in refentis. On tfae 17 tfa, the Seceding Brethren, being called by the officer, appeared at tfae bar of tfae Assembly in a constituted capacity, witfa Mr. Thomas Mair at their head as Moderator. After tfae bustle, occasioned by tfaeir entry, had subsided, tfae Moderator of tfae Assembly addressed tfaem in soothing language, and said, " That thougfa tfaey were called here to answer to a libel, the Assembly were very loath to be obliged to proceed upon it ; and that if the said defend ers would now show a disposition to return to tfae duty and obedience they owe to tfais .cfaurcfa, tfae Assembly was ready to forgive all that was past, and to receive tfaem witfa open arms." Mr. Mair replied, on behalf of the Presbytery, that they appeared there as a court constituted in tfae name of Cfarist ; and was about to read the Act of DecUnature, when he was interrupted by the Moderator of tfae Assembly, who caused tfae libel first to be read, after wfaicfa Mr. Mair was permitted to proceed witfa tfae reading of the act. Having . finished tfae reading of it, fae delivered it into the hands of the Moderator of the Asserably ; and all the brethren having signified their adherence to it, they withdrevv from the court to their own place of raeeting. The Assembly, witfaout paying any regard to the Decli nature, appointed a committee " to consider the process as it now stands, and to prepare an overture as to tfae Asserably's fartfaer procedure tfaerein." On the following day, the Seced ing rainisters were again called, but did not appear. The committee tfaen presented their report, and the draught of an overture whicfa tfaey had prepared, when a long discus sion took place. Some were for proceeding to tfae deposition of tfae refractory ministers instantly ; otfaers were for delay. A division took place upon tfae question, " Whether they should proceed at present to pass a final sentence or not ?" when it carried in the negative. Tfae Assembly next day resumed the consideration of this business ; and tfae com mittee's overture, after some amendments, was unanimously adopted. Tfais overture, after commenting in strong terms upon the appearance whicfa the Seceding brethren made at tfae bar of the Assembly, and upon "tfae unparalleled boldness" wfaich they had displayed in presuming to decline the authority of the higfaest judicatory of tfae churcfa, found the libel relevant to infer deposition ; found " the same also proven in its AGAINST THE SECEDING BRETHREN. 131 most material articles, by the said paper produced by them as aforesaid." It then proceeds in tfae following strain : — " But in respect, tfaat in tfais Assembly, before tfaey pro ceeded to call said defenders, an inclination had been express ed by several members not to proceed to a final sentence against them at this tirae, but to forbear tfae sarae yet an other year, in order to give them a further time to return to their duty, and to render them still more inexcusable if tfaey sfaould persist in tfaeir unwarrantable separation ; and tfaougfa, from their behaviour at their appearance, and tfae paper given in by tfaem, tfaere is Uttle hope left of tfaeir being re claimed to tfaeir duty, but tfaey seem determined to con tinue in their most unwarrantable and schismatical courses, and so far as in tfaera lies, to ruin and destroy tfae interests of religion in this churcfa, — tfais Assembly faave tfaougfat fit to forbear inflicting tfae just censure upon them at this time, and to refer the sarae to the next General Asserably, to which this Asserably do earnestly recoraraend to inflict tfae censure of deposition, witfaout furtfaer delay, upon such of tfae said defenders as shall not betwixt and tfaat tirae, eitfaer in presence of the Coramission to be named by this Assem bly, or of tfae ensuing General Assembly, retract tfae said pretended Act and Declinature, and return to their duty and submission to this church. And the Assembly fartfaer re commend to all tfae members of tfais Asserably, and particu larly such of them as sfaall be members of tfae next Assem bly, tfaere to urge and insist for tfaeir compliance witfa tfais recoraraendation, whicfa this Asserably cannot allow thera selves to doubt will be granted, as it will tfaen be absolutely necessary for the interests and credit of this churcfa, tfaat tfae foresaid censure be pronounced and inflicted against sueh of tfae said defenders as shall tfaen be persisting in their separa tion. And in respect the said defenders have not appear ed, tfaough called tfais diet, tfae Asserably order tfaeir Com mission to cause cite tfaera again to appear before tfae next Assembly, to abide tfae judgraent tfaereof, upon tfae said libel, and tfae said paper given in by tfae defenders, instead of an answer to wfaich Assembly the said libel and process is hereby continued and referred as above ; and as to one of the drfenders, Mr. Jaraes Thorason, minister at Burntisland, who was not contained in tfae act of tfae last Asserably, tfae General Asserably, witfaout determining on tfae objection offered by his parish in tfae citation of faim, did agree and resolve, that their Gomraission do cite faim, de novo to an swer to tfae next Assembly for tfae matters contained in the said Ubel and paper, given in by faim and tfae other defend ers. And to tfae end, tfae like schismatical and divisive 132 OVERTURE AGAINST THK BRETHREN. courses, wfaicfa have so much disturbed tfae peace and quiet of tfae cfaurcfa and of tfae country, and are so very contrary to serious religion and godliness, may be for hereafter effec tually discouraged and prevented, tfae General Assembly^ or dains all presbyteries and synods strictly to observe tfae sixtfa act of the Assembly 1708, intituled. Act for^ siippressing schisms and disorders in the churck, by which ' it is strictly enjoined, and pereraptorily appointed, that all the presby teries and synods take particular notice of all their members, preachers, or others, under their inspection ; and if they find any ministers or others to fall into irregularities of schismatical courses, tfaat tfaey duly call them to an account, and censure them according to the raerits of their fault, even to deposition of rainisters and elders, and to apply to the Commission for their advice, as tfaey shall see cause.' And without derogating from tfae generaUty tfaereof, tfae Assembly ordains all presbyteries, to wfaom any rainisters sfaall pre sume to give in a secession or separation from tfais churchj forthwith to give notice tfaereof to the Moderator of the Com mission of the Assembly for the time, and to instruct the members of their presbytery, who sfaall be members of such Commission, to ask the opinion and direction of that Com mission, at their first diet, after offering such secessions ; to the end, that if such presbyteries cannot, in the mean time, prevail with the brethren who shall so presume to secede, to retract tfaeir secession, such brethren may be forthwith proceeded against, according to the above act of Assembly; and what opinions and directions of the Coramission for the time, as presbyteries shall receive agreeably thereto, these presbyteries are hereby strictly enjoined to follow the same. And in case any presbytery, to wfaom such secession or sepa ration shall be given in, sfaall fail in their duty in the premises, the Assembly ordains the synods witfain whose bounds they may lie, without delay, to do tfaerein as tfaey shall think fit, agreeable to said act of Assembly. And in case such synod shall fail in their duty, tfae Assembly ordains tfae Commission to be appointed by this Assembly, to take such raatters into thefr own cognizance ; and in all such cases, tfae presbyteries, synods, or Commission to be appointed by tfais Assembly respectively, if tfaey cannot quickly reclaim such seceding brethren, are hereby ordained to proceed against them, by way of libel, to the sentence of deposition. And the Assem bly appoints, that a sfaort state of the proceedings of the judi catories of this churcfa, with relation to the foresaid ministers, setting forth tfae gentle metfaods used for reclaiming tfaem, and their undutiful befaaviour to this church, be drawn up by a committee to be named for that effect, and printed, and REMARKS THEREON. 133 copies thereof to be transmitted to each presbytery ; and that aU the ministers of this church shall be carefiil to exhort the people, both pubUcly and privately, to guard against divisive courses, and to keep the unity of tke Spirit in tke bond of peace, as they would consult tfae true interests of serious religion, and the quiet of thefr country."* Such was the overture which the Assembly adopted, — an overture in wfaicfa tfaere is a great profession of kindness and of leniency towards tfae misguided Seceders, but wfaicfa, in reality, breatfaes a spirit of the keenest hostility. The truth is, that the leaders of this Assembly were anxious to proceed fortfawltfa to the deposition of the Seceding rainisters ; and their delaying to do so did not proceed from any kindly feel ing whicfa tfaey cfaerisfaed toward tfae brethren, nor from any particular desire whicfa tfaey faad to see tfaem restored to the communion of the churcfa. But tfaey were guided by mo tives of policy. Tfaey did not wisfa to give offence to tfaat party in the Assembly who were well-affected toward tfae Seceders, and wfao pled on their befaalf for a still farther delay. This Assembly, whicfa professed sucfa a regard for the maintenance of the discipline of the church, and which left on record such a strong recommendation to their succes sors to depose from the office of the ministry men of acknow ledged worth and piety, gave a proof that they were in fluenced in this business more by personal feeUng than by even-handed justice, inasmuch as they passed an act, restor ing to the sacred office a person whose principles they declared to be inconsistent with the principles of thefr churcfa. This person was Mr. John Glass of Tealing, against whom tfae Coraraission of 1730 faad pronounced a sentence of deposi tion, on account of fais having adopted Independent princi ples. The conduct whicfa fae had pursued since tfaat time, had been at least equaUy sectarian with that of the Seceders ; the principles which he still continued to hold, were more at variance with tfaose of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland, tfaan were the principles of the Seceding brethren ; and, notwithstand ing all this, him they restored, in the plenitude of their power, to tfae " character of a rainister of the gospel of Christ," while the bretfaren were denounced as altogetfaer unwortfay of tfae sacred office. It may be proper, however, to add, that though the Asserably re-invested Mr. Glass with the character of a minister, of which they had formerly deprived him, they at the same time declared him incapable of being called or settled in any congregation in connexion with the Established Church of Scotland, until he should renounce his pecuUar principles. • Acts of Assembly 1739. 134 SENTENCE OF DEPOSITION. The process against tfae Seceding rainisters was brought to a final termination, by tfae Asserably wfaicfa raet in May 1740. Tfae bretfaren being tfarice publicly caUed at the doors of tfae Assembly-faouse, and none of tfaem appearing, nor any person for them, the libel was again read over pro forma on the 12tfa, and on the 15 th sentence of deposi tion was pronounced against them in tfae following terms: — " Tfae General Asserably, pursuant to tfaeir resolution of the 12th instant, resuraed the consideration of tfae process against the eigfat Seceding ministers, and having caused them to be again called, and none of thera corapearing, nor any person for thera, the Asserably caused to be read the rainute of their proceeding in this affair on Monday last, and also tfaat of the last Assembly of May 19, 1739, and tfaen proceeded to con sider, wfaetfaer, upon the libel found relevant to infer deposi tion, and proven as to its most material articles by the last General Assembly, against the wfaole ministers tfaerein named, and again found relevant and proven by tfais Assembly, in so far as concerns Mr. James Tfaorason, upon tfae new libel executed against faira, in pursuance of tfae said act of tfae last Asserably, this Asserably sfaould proceed to inflict tfae said sentence of deposition ; and after full reasoning upon the expediency tfaereof, and prayer to God for direction faow to judge in tfais weighty affair, and for his blessing on such decision as the Assembly should corae to, it was agreed to put tfae question. Depose or Not .? And rolls being called, and votes marked, it carried by a very great majority. Depose. And, tfaerefore, tfae General Assembly, in respect of the arti cles found relevant and proven against the persons therein and hereafter naraed by the last and this Assembly, as aforesaid, DID, and hereby do, in tfae name of tfae Lord Jesus Christ, tfae sole King and Head of the churcfa, and by virtue of the power and autfaority committed by Hira to thera, actuaUy DEPOSE Messrs. Ebenezer Erskine at Stirling, William Wilson at Pertfa, Alexander Moncrieff at Abernethy, James Fisher at Kinclaven, Ralph Erskine at Dunfermline, Tfaomas Mair at Orwell, Tfaomas Nairn at Abbotsfaall, and Jaraes Thomson at Burntisland, rainisters, from tfae office of tfae faoly ministry, profaibiting and discfaarging tfaem, and every one of them, to exercise the sarae, or any part thereof, witfain tfais cfaurch in all tirae coraing; and tfae Asserably did, and faereby no DECLARE all tfae parishes or cfaarges of the persons above named, vacant, from and after the day and date of this sen tence, .and ordains copies hereof to be sent to the several presbyteries of Stirling, Pertfa, Dunkeld, DunferraUne, and Kirkaldy ; and tfae said respective presbyteries are hereby ordered to send copies hereof; to the kirk sessions of Perth REMARKS ON THIS SENTENCE. 135 and DunferraUne, and session clerks of the other respective parishes hereby declared vacant, to be comraunicated to the elders. And the Assembly appoints that letters be wrote by tfaeir Moderator (o the magistrates of the respective burghs concerned, with copies of this sentence ; and the Assembly recommends to the presbyteries within whose bounds the parishes or charges declared vacant do lie, to be careful in using their best endeavours for supplying the same during the vacancy, and for proraoting tfae speedy and comfortable settleraent thereof."* Fifteen ministers and four ruling elders dissented from this sentence ; and, at a subsequent raeeting, the Asserably em powered tfaeir Coraraission to decide in any process tfaat migfat come before tfaem from any presbytery or synod, with a view to the speedy settlement of the parishes thus declared vacant. It will be difficult to find in the records of any ecclesiastical court a sentence more unjust and tyrannical, tfaan that wfaicfa tfae Asserably at tfais tirae pronounced agednst the Fathers of the Secession. The reader will naturally ask, for wfaat was it, tfaat tfaese good raen were deposed frora tfae office of tfae 'faoly rainistry ? Was it because they were chargeable with error in doctrine? Was it because they were immoral in practice ? Was it because they held prindples at variance with the constitution of the Cfaurch of Scotland ? No ; they were eminently distinguished for their soundness in tfae faitfa, for the purity of their Uves, and for tfaeir warm attacfament to the constitution of that cfaurcfa frora wfaicfa tfaey were expelled. In tfaese respects, even tfaeir worst enemies could not affix tfae sUgfatest stain upon their character. The people revered tfaem for their piety, and by not a few of their brethren in the rainistry were they held in high esteem, as good and conscientious raen. Why, tfaen, were tfaey subjected to tfae highest ecclesiastical censure that can be inflicted on a rainister of the gospel ? The siraple answer to this question is, that they were deposed because tfaey faad forraed theraselves into a presbytery, for tfae purpose of giving to tfaeir countryraen a pure dispensation of gospel ordinances, unfettered by the laws of patronage, and otfaer acts of parliaraent. They were deposed because tfaey refused any longer to co-operate with the estabUsfaed judicatories, in carrying on tfaat system of ecclesiastical tyranny, wfaich had been pursued by them for such a nuraber of years. Tfaey had complained, petitioned, and remonstrated ; but all to no purpose. Their remon strances, as well as tfae complaints of tfae people, were dis regarded, and tfae only course left tfaera to pursue, consistently * Acts of Assembly 1740. 136 REMARKS ON SENTENCE OF DEPOSITION. with a good conscience, was to withdraw from the communion of a churcfa, which, if it did not openly tolerate, at least winked at error, and which, by the decisions of its courts, had sanctioned, for a series of years, the most oppressive raeasures. And because tfaey would not return to tfae coramunion of tfais churcfa when invited, but preferred acting by tfaemselves, as a separate presbytery, tfaey were forsooth deposed, as being no longer worthy of the office of the ministry ! That this was tfae head and front of their offending is obvious from tfae language wfaicfa tfae Moderator addressed to tfaem, when they appeared at tfae bar of the Assembly in 1739 ; they were then told, that if they " would return to tfae obedience wfaich they owed to tfae cfaurcfa ;" in otfaer words, if they would cease to make any fartfaer opposition to tfae course of mal-administra tion wfaicfa the churcfa was pursuing, all tfaeir past conduct would be forgotten, the libel would be thrown aside, and they " would be received with open arms." To allow them time to consider wfaether tfaey would refuse or accept of this kind invitation, a year of respite was granted them. Tfae Seceders preferring to make a sacrifice of their worldly interests, rather tfaan a coraproraise of duty, continued firm to their purpose ; and the year of grace having expired, they were, in 1740, deposed accordingly. What an idea are we to form, from this transaction, of the morality and justice of tfae General Assem blies of the Church of Scotland at. that period I Tfae sen tence of deposition wfaicfa, in the frenzy of party-spirit, they pronounced against tfae founders of the Secession, men of acknowledged wortfa and piety, and tfae grounds upon which this sentence was pronounced by thera, wUl stand to future generations as a blot upon their annals, which no sophistry will ever be able to vvipe out. Whetfaer tfae Seceding ministers raigfat faave kept possession both of thefr churches and their stipends, notwithstanding the sentence of deposition pronounced against them by the Asserably, is a question which some faave been inclined to answer in tfae affirmative; and tfais opinion tfaey rest upon an act, passed in tfae reign of Queen Anne, wfaicfa profaibits raagistrates from giving effect to any sentence pronounced by an ecclesiastical court.* Whetfaer tfais be a just interpreta tion of tfae act referred to or not, I shall not take upon me to determine. At all events, the Seceding ministers showed no disposition to have the validity of this opinion ascertained by an appeal to the courts of law. Tfaey knew that they were secure in tfae possession of tfaeir fiocks. From tfae faearts and affections of tfaeir devoted people no sentence of deposition * Struthers' Hisiory of Scotland, Yl^L II. p. 2. CONDUCT OF THE MAGISTRATES TO THE SECEDERS. 137 could drive them ; and whUe they felt themselves securely intrencfaed in these strongholds, tfaey renounced, without a struggle, the places of worship and the stipends which tfae law nad provided for them. It is but justice, faowever, to tfae civil authorities connected with the districts to wfaich tfae deposed ministers belonged, to state tfaat, witfa two exceptions, no immediate attempt was made to exclude tfaem by force from tfaeir usual places of worship. Mr. Ralph Erskine at DunferraUne, and Mr. Thomson at Burntisland, continued to occupy their pulpits for at least two years after sentence of deposition was pronounced against tfaera. Tfae conduct of tfae magistrates in permitting tfaera to do so, was made a subject of complaint to tfae Assembly wfaich met in 1742; and tfae Moderator was appointed to write to tfae magistrates of these burghs, " exfaorting them to give no longer countenance to such disorders, but to perform tfaeir duty, by debarring tfae deposed persons frora access to officiate in tfae parisfa cfaurcfaes."* No atterapt was made to exclude by violence Mr. Moncrieff of Abernethy frora his cfaurch ; but, witfa a becoming dignity of cfaaracter, fae refused to enter it, and preferred preacfaing, even during winter, in the open air. Mr. Nairn of Abbotshall was permitted quietly to occupy his church tiU the month of Octo ber, when the heritors, of their own accord, locked the doors of the church, and of tfae churchyard, and nailed plates of iron upon the key-faoles, to prevent either minister or people from getting access, t If we may judge from wfaat took place, tfae strongest ebulli tion of party feeling, on tfae part of tfae magistrates, toward tfae Seceding brethren, was manifested at StirUng and Pertfa. At both of these towns, tfae venerable men of God, along with their congregations, were forcibly excluded from tfaeir usual places of worsfaip the very first Sabbath after sentence of deposition faad been pronounced by the Assembly. At Stir Ung, the magistrates profaibited tfae ringing of tfae cfaurcfa-bells to convene tfae people to worship ; and Mr. Erskine, having gone up at the usual hour, found the church doors locked, and the congregation assembled around the sanctuary. Some proposed, in the heat of tfaefr indignation, that a forcible entry sfaould be made, by breaking open tfae doors. This, however, Mr. Erskine would not perrait; but Ufting up tfae pulpit Bible, wfaich it was customary for hira to carry to cfaurcfa, he protested, in a soleran manner, tfaat he was pursuing the path of duty, and tfaat not he, but his opposers were answerable fbr the events of that day. He tfaen withdrew, attended by his congregation, to a convenient place in the neigfabourfaood, wfaere * Unprinted Acts of Assembly, 1742. f Continuation of Wilson's Deffiice, p. 91. 138 MR. ERSKINE PREACHES IN THE OPEN AIR. tfae services of tfae day were conducted in tfae open air. The spot selected for this purpose, was a green eminence on the nortfa side of the town, iramediately beneath the frowning battlements of the castle, comraanding a view of the Gram pians in the distance, and looking down upon tfae smiling plains of tfae Forth. Iraagination can scarcely conceive a finer scene than a congregation of worshippers asserabled on sucfa an occasion, and in sucfa a spot. Mr. Erskine coraraenced tfae services ofthe day by .giving out tfae first portion of the sixtieth Psalm. Tfae verses selected bv him were peculiarly appropriate to the cfrcumstances in which the congregation were placed : — " O Lord, thou hast rejected us. And scattered us abroad ; Thou justly hast displeased been ; Return to us, O God. The earth to tremble thou hast made ; Therein didst breaches make : Do thou thereof the breaches heal. Because the land doth shake," &c. itc. After a solemn prayer offered up to God, he read out for fais text. Matt. viii. 27, ' But tfae men marvelled, saying, Wfaat manner ofraan is tfais, tfaat even tfae winds and the sea obey him !' Many have been heard to speak of the occur rences of that day with raingled eraotions of vexation and deligfat, — vexation at tfae unjust treatraent wfaich their rainis ter received, in being driven frora fais cfaurcfa ; and delight at the recollection of tfae soleran trutfas wfaicfa, on that occasion, were uttered by hira with more tfaan fais ordinary earnestness. Tfae sentence of deposition was carried into effect against Mr. Wilson at Pertfa, in a manner equally suraraary and rigorous. On tfae Sabbatfa raorning, tfae magistrates received tfae Moderator's letter, informing thera of the sentence which the Assembly faad pronounced, and tfaey took immediate measures for giving it effect. Wfaen Mr. Wilson, accom panied by a friend, went to the house of God at the usual hour, fae found an iraraense concourse of people assembled in tfae streets, and the magistrates, with tfaeir guards, drawn up in front of tfae building, prepared to oppose fais entrance. Tfae following account, given by fais biograpfaer, of what took place at this raeraorable crisis, is so graphically sketched, and so interesting in itself, tfaat I consider no apology neces sary for extracting it at full lengtfa. It will give my readers a vivid idea of tfae spirit wfaich animated tfae Fatfaers of the Secession: — • " Mr. Wilson, undaunted, advanced to the main entrance, and addressing those authorities wfao guarded it, demanded adraission by an authority higher tfaan tlieirs. ' In tfae name MR. WILSON DEBARRED HIS PULPIT. 139 of ray Divine Master,' said tfae venerable pastor, ' I deraand admission into fais temple.' Tfae demand was tfarice made in tfae same manner, and tfarice raet witfa a deterrained and stern refusal. On tfais tfaere was a simultaneous stir in tfae crowd ; and those wfao faad seen or faeard tfae repeated demands and refusals of entrance, becarae indignant and irapatient, and were about to stone tfae civil authorities of the city, and to force an entrance for tfae rainisters tfaey loved.. But, perceiv ing their designs, Mr. Wilson, witfa affectionate and cora^ manding dignity, turned to the crowd, and firraly forbade tfae execution of their purpose. ' No violence,' said he, ' ray friends ; the Master whom I serve is the Prince of Peace.' " Mr. Ferrier,* in the mean time, having endeavoured in vain to procure admission for his minister, soleranly protested against tfae conduct of tfae raagistrates ; and, on remarking that tfaey could justify theraselves neitfaer before God nor men for tfaeir proceedings tfaat day, was told, in reply, ' tfaey would take men in tfaeir own faands, and would answer to God wfaen tfaey were called.' " At this interesting juncture, the deacon of the glovers' corporation stepped forward, and said to Mr. Wilson, tfaat if he would accept of the glovers' yard for the services of the day, fae was raost welcome to it. Tfae kind and seasonable offer was raost readily and thankfully accepted. Tfaitfaer fae iramediately retired, followed by an immense concourse of people. An erection was soon obtained, wfaere fae raigfat conveniently conduct tfae pubUc worsfaip of God. " In tfae mean time,. ' Mr. Jofan Hally, then a probationer, eraployed by Mr. David Black to preach that day, being attended by the said Mr. Black, was, with tfae assistance of the magistrates, thrust into the pulpit.' " During these procedures, Mr. Wilson was quite com posed. Tfae trying scene faad not unfitted hira for the dis charge of those duties in wfaicfa fae delighted ; and his spfaere of usefulness was, by tfaese events, mucfa extended. Many more tfaan tfae cfaurch could have contained, flocked to faear faim. A considerable projjortion of tfaose were doubtless prompted by curiosity alone ; but by far the greater number were deeply interested in tfae occurrences of tfae times, and were determined to adfaere to their godly rainister. i " There was soraething highly appropriate, and pecuUarly expressive of the feelings of tfais excellent Fatfaer of the Seces sion, in tfae psalm witfa wfaich fae comraenced, in tfae open air, the public soleranities of the Sabbatfa : — • Mr. Ferrier was the friend who accorapanied Mr. Wilson on this occasion. He was a writer in Perth, and a gentleman of high respectabiUty. 140 MR. WILSON PREACHES IN THE OPEN AIH. " He was no foe that me reproached. Then that endure I could; Nor hater that did 'gainst me boast, Frora him me hide I would. But thou, raan, whom mine equal, guide. And mine acquaintance wast : We joined sweet counsels, to God's house In company we pass'd." — Ps. lv. 12 — 14. " Tfae prayer, we doubt not, accorded witfa tfae peculiar circumstances in wfaicfa he and his fellow-worshippers were placed, breathing tfae devout feelings of fais heart, showing how resigned he was to tfae disposing will of the God of providence, and how anxious he was that the events of the day in particular, and of tfae tiraes in general, migfat be ren dered subservient to tfae divine glory, and to tfae prosperity of tfae church. " Wfaen fae opened tfae sacred volurae, tfae text he read pro duced a thrill in every faeart, and especially araong tfae raore tfaougfatful part of the audience : ' Let us go forfk, fkerefore, unto Him, without the camp, bearing his reproack' " The devotional exercises of tfais eventful Sabbath were througfaout solemn and interesting, and mucfa calculated to make a deep and lasting irapression on tfaose who witnessed thera. When the work of the day was over, Mr. Wilson, on returning faorae, went directly to fais study, tired and worn out with his anxieties and exertions. Isabella, his eldest daugfater, then but twelve years of age, but who, attended by one of the servants, had witnessed tfae wfaole extraordinary scene, — a scene wfaich sfae distinctly remembered as long as she lived, and often mentioned to her family with the deepest interest, felt very curious to understand from faer fatfaer tfae meaning of what had taken place, but not Uking to ask him, sfae hung about the door of fais apartment tUl fae observed faer, and perceived wfaat were faer feelings and wishes. He then called her, and said, ' Bell, this has been a day of trial, but we faave reason to be tfaankful tfaat it has not been a day of sfaame. If any one ask you. Bell, wfay your fatfaer lost his kirk, you raay just say, as good Mr. Guthrie, before his death, directed my mother to say of faim, if sfae was asked wfay he lost his faead, — tfaat it was in a good cause.'"* • Ferrier's Memoirs of the Rev. W. Wilson, pp. 339—343. CHAPTER IV. The breach between the Secession and the Establishment rendered irreparable — Riotous opposition made to the Secession— Seceding tenants persecuted by their landlords — Pamphlets written against the Secession — Mr. Wilson oi Perth writes a "Defence " — Anecdote — Mr. Gavin Beugo and Mr. James Mair, probationers, join the Associate Presbytery — Paper of accession by Mr. Beugo — Ordination of Mr. John Hunter — His death — Anecdote of Principal Robertson — Reply of a Seceder to a member of the EstabUshment . — Licentiates of the Presbytery — Recommendation by the Presbytery to their adherents — Act passed by the Presbytery concerning pubUc fasts — Difference of opinion among the members on this subject — Appearance of Mr. George Whitefield — His great labours — His popularity— Invited by the Seceders to come to Scotland — Their object in giving the invitation- Correspondence between Mr. Whitefield and the Messrs. Erskine — Mr. Whitefield arrives at Leith — Preaches in Mr. R. Erskine's pulpit in Dun ferraUne — His conference with the Associate Presbytery — Unsatisfactory issue of the conference — Remarks upon the conference — Unhappy Results — Death of the Rev. Mr. WUson — His character — Mr. Moncrieff appointed Professor of Divinity — Mr. Whitefield's second visit to Scotland — Extraor dinary work at Cambuslang — Controversy concerning it — A fast appointed on account of it, by the Associate Presbytery — The Presbytery's conduct condemned — Opinion concermng the " Cambuslang work." The pronouncing of tfae sentence of deposition against tfae eigfat bretfaren, made tfae separation betwixt the Secession and the Establishraent final. Tfae breach was now so completely widened by the strong measures tfaat faad been adopted, tfaat, frora that period, it raay be considered as irreparable. That the cause of the Seceders was decidedly popular, araongst a large class of the coraraunity, is sufficiently apparent frora the number of petitions tfaat were poured in upon tfae Associate Presbytery's table, from all parts of tfae country. So nurae rous and so urgent were the demands raade upon them for sermon, that, without being constantly from home, they could not answer one-half of the appUcations tfaat were raade to them. At that period, the principles of religious freedora were not so weU understood as they are at present, and tfae most mean and unbecoming attempts were made to check the progress of the Secession. Those in the higfaer ranks professed to regard the Seceders as turbulent, disaffected persons ; while the vul gar, catching the infection from thefr superiors, entertained the most illiberal prejudices against all those who joined the standard of the Secession. In various districts of tfae country, tfais spirit of hostility displayed itself in petty acts of aggression. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine having engaged to preach at Blairlogie, 142 OPPOSITION MADE TO THE SECESSION. in the neighbourhood of Stirling, a tent was el'ected for him by his friends in that quarter ; but, on the morning of the day on wfaich tfae religious services were to take place, tfae tent was broken to fragments by some ill-disposed persons. Mr. Erskine, faowever, was not to be tfaus deterred from doing fais Master's work. At his suggestion, the people prepared for him a temporary erection ; and, faaving covered it with their tartan plaids, to sfaelter tfae preacfaer from tfae weatfaer, Mr. Erskine, after a soleran address to tfae infaabitants of the dis trict, concerning the wickedness tfaat faad been done amongst tfaem, conducted tfae exercises of tfae day as if nothing unusual had taken place. A large congregation having asserabled at Braidscraig, in tfae neigfabourfaood of Edinburgfa, where Messrs. R. Erskine and WilUara Wilson were engaged in conducting the services of a fast, repeated atterapts were made, during tfae time of worship, to tfarow tfae people into a state of alarm, and to drive tfaera frora tfae ground wfaich tfaey occupied. Some mischievous persons, by shooting at garae in the imraediate vicinity of tfae spot where tfae people were asserabled, and by setting fire to tfae furze and sfarubs, with wfaicfa tfae ground was covered, endeavoured to disperse the congregation. The tent in whicfa tfae rainisters were officiating, had to be guarded by a band of raen, to prevent it from being overturned. " At St. Andrews, such of tfae infaabitants as faad connected themselves with the congregation of Abernethy, were regularly, on tfaeir way faome frora public worsfaip, attacked by a mob, and pelted witfa stones, or otfaer wise abused. One of tfaera was accustomed to say, ' Could our neigfabours be convinced that they confer an faonour in thus accounting us worthy to suffer an injury for tfae sake of tfae gospel, tfaey would soon desist frora tfaeir present prac tices.' "* In certain instances, landlords tfareatened to turn tfaeir tenants out of tfaeir farras, if tfaey permitted tfae Seceders to assemble, for worsfaip, on tfaeir ground, or gave them any countenance. The Earl of Belhaven, in East Lothian, having threatened to deprive a respectable tenant of fais lease, because fae cfaose to attend a Secession place of worsfaip, re ceived from faim tfae foUowing dignified reply : — "My Lord, my grandfatfaer, fatfaer, and myself, hav^ all been comfortable as tenants on your Lordsfaip's estate ; but we never surrendered our consciences to you ; and, if your Lordsfaip is resolved to be tfae first persecutor in East Lotfaian, for conscience' sake, I am determined to be tfae first in submitting to persecution." The press also teeraed with angry pampfalets against tfae * Christian Repository, vol. iv. p. 8. OPPOSITION MADE TO THE SECESSION. 143 Secession. Messrs. John Currie of Kinglassie, and John Williamson of Inveresk, took the lead in this species of war fare ; ' and, by tfaeir raode of conducting it, acquired to tfaem selves an inglorious notoriety. Tfaougfa tfaere is reason to beUeve tfaat faotfa of them were good men, yet, in carrying on tfais controversy, they displayed a bitterness of spfrit that was unbecoming tfaeir cfaaracter as ministers of tfae gospel of peace. They adraitted tfaat tfaere were corruptions in tfae Churcfa of Scotland, but denied that tfaese corruptions were such as to render a separation frora her necessary. The sura and sub stance of the cfaarges wfaicfa tfaey reiterated, in a variety of forras, against tfae Seceders was, tfaat in witfadrawing from tfae communion of a true cfaurcfa, sucfa as tfae Cliurch of Scot land was acknowledged to be, they acted in opposition to tfae autfaority of scripture, to tfae confessions of all tfae reforraed cfaurcfaes, to tfae constitution and standards of tfaeir own cfaurch, and to tfae practice of raany eminent raen of former tiraes, who, while tfaey adraitted and deplored tfae corruptions and defec tions tfaat prevailed in tfae national cfaurcfa, still continued in her communion. To these cfaarges tfae Seceders replied, tfaat while they readily adraitted, that separation from a churcfa was not to be Ugfatly or hastily made, even thougfa corruptions did prevail in it, yet wfaen a cfaurcfa, in faer judicative capacity, carries on a course of defection, in an obstinate way, and suppresses all attempts at testifying against faer defections, by preacfaing, by petitions, and protestations, then it is the duty of all who wish to maintain the purity of the faith and the interests of religion, to withdraw from her comraunion. They further maintained, that they did not pretend to be a distinct cfaurch from the Church of Scotland, but to be a separate party in that church, who had withdrawn from the corrupt majority, until they should effect a reformation of tfae abuses and cor ruptions that prevailed. Tfae reasoning of tfaeir opponents against tfaem, tfaey alleged, if it proved any tfaing, in reference to the question. at issue between tfaem, proved too mucfa; for tfae same arguments raigfat be employed to show that separa tion from the Churcfa of Rome, or from any otfaer churcfa, faowever corrupt, was sinful and unwarrantable. The person who stood forward as tfae cfaief defender of tfae Secession against tfae attacks tfaat were made upon it tfarougfa tfae medium of the press, was tfae Rev. Mr. Wilson of Pertfa. His "Defence," and tfae " Continuation" of it, in reply to Mr. Currie, faave long been justly admired as excellent speci mens of controversial reasoning. Many of tfae good ministers of tfae Cfaurch of Scotland re gretted the separation that had taken place, and continued 144 ACCESSION 0F,JIES5RS. BEUGO AND MAIR. to cherish toward the Seceding bretfaren sentiments of sin cere respect. A wortfay minister from tfae country, meeting accidentally witfa Mr. Ralph Erskine, in one of the narrow thoroughfares of Edinburgh, soon after sentence of deposition had been pronounced by the Assembly, was so overcome by recollections of tfaeir former friendsfaip, that fae burst into tears and exclairaed, " O ! Mr. Erskine, I am wae* that they faave cast you out." He tfaen fell upon his neck, and kissed hira. Mr. Erskine, after receiving his salutation, smUingly replied, " I wonder Mr. G. tfaat you can venture to kiss a de posed minister." Tfae deposition of tfae Seceding ministers by tfae Assembly faad no influence in cfaecking the progress of tfae Secession. New accessions were made to thera frora all quarters. Tfae cry amongst tfae people was botfa loud and general for preachers to be sent to them by tfae Presbytery-; and it was so far for tunate, witfa a view to tfae answering of tfaese demands, tfaat tfae hands of tfae Presbytery were at tfais tirae strengtfaened by some of tfae probationers of tfae EstabUsfaed Church placing themselves under their superintendence. Two of these proba tioners, Mr. Gavin Beugo, and Mr. James Mair, gave in their adherence to tfae Presbytery, at a meeting faeld in Stirling, in the month of July 1739. As the paper of accession laid on the Presbytery's table, by Mr. Beugo, contains in it a brief statement of tfae grounds of tfae Secession, and may be re garded as a specimen of tfae general tenor in wfaich similar applications were made to tfae Presbytery, I sfaall here quote it at ftill length : — " Unto tfae Reverend the Moderator and remanent members ofthe Associate Presbytery, met at Stirling, tfae 17tfa day of July 1739 years, " Having considered tfaat tfais National Church, as repre sented in her judicatories, has in several instances made defection from our reforraation principles, particularly in the matter of the settlement of gospel ministers, by intending ministers into parisfaes, in opposition to the declared incUna^ tion of the Christian people, whereby they are deprived of that rigfat which is allowed tfaem by tfae word of God, and tfae laudable constitutions and acts of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scot^ land, to tfae oppressing, scattering, and dividing of the flock of Cfarist ; and further considering tfaat several very danger ous errors, destructive of Cfaristianity, faave been brought to the bar of cfaurch judicatories, and have eitfaer been passed witfaout any censure at all, or with a censure very dispro- portional to the demerit of the fault, which is contrary to the 'Sorry. PAPER OF ACCESSION BY MR. BEUGO. 145 character of the church of the living God, mentioned by the apostle Paul, 1 Timothy ui. 15, where it is called tfae pillar and ground of trutfa, signifying to us tfaat it ougfat to be tfae business of tfae cfaurcfa to faold fortfa and confess tfae truth publicly and openly, and to maintain and defend the same against the attempts of adversaries to overturn the sarae ; as also, that the greatest part of the ministers of the Established Cfaurch have submitted to an erastian encroachment upon the headship of Christ, by reading an aet of parliament lately emitted concerning Captain Porteous, contrary to Gala tians i. 10, where the apostle says, * If I yet please men, I sfaould not be the servant of Christ ;' and that tfae rest of tfae ministers have joined in churcfa judicatories witfa them, with out signifying theii* displeasure tfaereanent. Upon tfaese and other accounts, raore fully set forth in a Judicial Act and Testimony emitted by the Associate Presbytery, I cannot with freedom submit myself to these judicatories thus carrying on a course of defection. On the otfaer hand, having con sidered that several bretfaren in the ministry have made a Seces sion frora the judicatories of tfae Establisfaed Chureh, and have constituted themselves into a Presbytery in the name of our Lord Jesus Cfarist, the great and glorious Head of tfae cfaurcfa, and in tfaat capacity have lifted up a testimony for tfae truth against the abounding errors and backslidings of the day, and having seen and considered several papers set fortfa by them, and particularly a paper entitled, A Judicial Aet and Testimony, formerly mentioned, I cannot but in ray judgraent approve of the same as a suitable and a seasonable testiraony for the truth, and against several errors and corruptions of the day, and I resolve, through the Lord's assistance, to do what is incumbent upon me in ray station to proraote the' design of tfae sam& And I faereby declare my accession to the said Presbytery, and promise due subjection to them in the Lord, and this I reckon raysdf obliged to do by virtue of tfae engagements I came under, when I was Ucensed to preach the gospel, at wfaich time I was bound to maintain the doc trine, worsfaip, discipline and government of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland founded on tfae word of God, and her standards agreeable thereunto. May Zion's King give success to the labours of the Associate Presbytery in the Lord's work among their hands. " Subscribed by me day and date above, " GA. BEUGO.' Mr. John Hunter, the first licentiate of the Secession' Church, having received a call from the united congregations of Morebattle and StitcheU, the Presbytery met at Gateshaw 146 ORDINATION AND DEATH OF MR. HUNTER. on the 17th of October, 1739, for the purpose of ordaining him. This, being the first ordination at which the brethren had been called upon to assist, since their separation from the national churcfa, the occasion was regarded as peculiarly so lemn. The day was appointed to be observed as a day of fasting ; and the public services commenced by Mr. Thomson offering up suppUcation for the divine presence and blessing. Mr. Ralph Erskine preached from Luke xiv. 23, " Compel them to corae in that my faouse may be filled." Tfae formula of questions, previously prepared by tfae Presbytery, was tfaen proposed to Mr. Hunter, and satisfactory answers being return ed, he was solemnly set apart to the office of tfae holy ministry by prayer and imposition of hands. The ministerial career of this promising young man was but of sfaort duration. It pleased tfae all-wise Disposer of events to remove him from the scene of his earthly labours in the montfa of January in the following year, scarcely three montfas after he was ordained. His early death was lamented botfa by his congregation and by the Presbytery. His talents and popularity were such as to give promise of great usefiilness in tfae churcfa. The following anecdote of the late Principal Robertson, shows that Mr. Hunter's talents for producing an impression upon his auditors were of a superior order : — During tfae first years of the Secession, it was customary for fasts to be held in the different districts of the country, by appointraent of the Presbytery. On these occasions, one or two ministers preacfaed to large assemblages of people who were collected from the surrounding neighbourhood. One of tfaese fasts being held in the vicinity of Gladsmuir, for the benefit of the East Lothian Seceders, the Principal, who was then a boy, and on a visit to his grandfatfaer, tfae parisfa rainister of Gladsmuir, attended along with the rest of the people. Mr. Hunter was the person who officiated. Young Robertson's attention was quite arrested by the earnestness and seriousness of the Ereacher, and by the solemn and impressive manner in which e made an offer of Christ to tfae audience. Many years afterwards, when tfae Principal had raised himself, by his talents, to the highest eminence, both as a leader in the church, and as a meraber of the republic of letters, in a conversation which he had witfa one of the ministers of the Secession, he stated to him the circumstance bf his having faeard, in early life, Mr. Hunter preach, and the strong impression which had been produced upon him by Mr. Hunter's pointed appeals; and added, " Even yet, when I retire to my studies, the re collection of what I then heard thriUs through my mind," The untimely death of Mr. Hunter gave occasion to a member of the cfaurch of Scotland to remark to a Seceder, that RECOMMENDATION TO ADHERENTS OF THE SECESSION. 147 God was apparently frowning on tfaeir cause, wfaen he had re moved, at such an early period, their first licentiate, a man of such eminent talents : — " No," replied the otfaer, " it is not a frown. You know, that God under the Jewish dispensation claimed the first-fruits, which secured a good faarvest ; and 1 expect tfaat there will be raised up in tfae Secession Cfaurcfa a good harvest of gospel ministers." Tfais remark, uttered at a venture, about a century ago, faas been abundantly verified. Tfaough the number of merabers belonging to tfae Presby tery was now increased, and tfaough they had several Ucen- tiates under their inspection,'* who were constantly eraployed in preaching to tfae vacant congregations, yet tfaey still found tfaemselves unable to answer tfae numerous applications tfaat were made to tfaem from tfae different districts of tfae country. At a meeting faeld at Dunfermline in tfae month of August, 1740, there were petitions laid upon their table from no fewer than nine congregations, all of them requesting that modera tions might be appointed to take place amongst them, witfa a view to their obtaining a settled ministry. At this meeting a recommendation was issued to all who were under their in spection, to form themselves into societies for prayer and reli gious conference ; and the members of these societies were earnestly exhorted to avoid questions that raight tend to strife rather than to edifying. They were enjoined to give them selves to the diUgent perusal of tfae Scriptures ; to make tfaera selves well acquainted with the Confession of Faith, and with the other subordinate standards of the church ; and they were to compare the statements therein contained with the texts of Scripture adduced in support of them, so that their faith in these matters might not rest upon fauman but upon a divine testimony. It was further recommended to them, tfaat they should study the principles of the Reformation, and interest themselves in the public cause of Christ ; and heads of families were exfaorted diligently to instruct thefr children and their servants in these things. A question, relating to the appointment of pubUc fasts, occupied at this time the attention of the Presbytery, and pro duced among tfae members tfaereof a collision of sentiment. The king, having in compliance with a petition from the Commis sion of the Assembly, appointed a general fast to be observed on the first day of February, 1740, the Associate Presbytery agreed that the same day should be set apart by the Secession congregations to a similar exercise. 'They considered that * The foUowing are the names of the probationers, who at this period were under the superintendence of the Presbytery ; — Messrs. Adam Gib, Andrew Clarkson, WilUam Hutton, David Smyton, James Mair, Gavin Beugo, and WiUiam Toung. 148 ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC FASTS. the cfrcumstances, in which the nation was placed, were such as loudly called for fasting and humiliation ; and while they refused to acknowledge the right of the king to appoint fasts, regarding this as an invasion of the prerogative of Jesus Christ, as Head of the church, yet they did not tfaink the day which had been appointed less suitable on that account : and justly conceiving that the people under thefr inspection would be able to engage in tfais solemn exercise, on such a day, with less inconvenience to themselves, tfaey therefore appointed it to be observed as a day of fasting, for reasons of thefr own whicfa they specified. This appointment gave offence to some of the people ; and at next meeting a representation was sent up from certain societies in Ross-shire and Teviotdale, complaining tfaat the Presbytery had so far komolo.gafed the invasion of the head ship of Christ as to appoint a fast to be observed on a dayj whicfa had previously been appointed by the king. Tne Presbytery received tfae reraonstrance in good part, and pro mised to take the subject into serious consideration, so as to prevent all ground of complaint for the future. It was not,; however, till nearly a year had elapsed, when upon an appli cation from the Commission, another day of fasting was appointed by tfae king, tfaat tfae consideration of this subject was resumed. Messrs. Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine, Mr. Moncrieff, and Mr. Thomas Mafr were appointed a committee to prepare an act relative to this matter, and to submit it to the Presbytery at a future meeting. The sentiments of the committee being divided upon this subject, it was not without considerable struggling that tfae draught of an act was pre pared. This draught being submitted to the consideration of the Presbytery at tfaeir next meeting, it was, after some dis cussion, adopted by a majority of one ; four of tfae members. having voted for, and three against it. The majority con sisted of Mr. Nafrn, Mr. Moncrieff, Mr. Thomas Mair, and Mr. William Hutton (wfao was now a member of Presbytery) ; and tfae minority consistied of Messrs. Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine, and Mr. James Wardlaw, ruling elder from Dun fermline. The minority felt keenly on the subject, and Mr. Ebenezer Erskine was prevented from entering his dissent solely by prudential considerations. He easily perceived how discouraging it would be to their friends, and what a triumph, it would afford to their enemies, should they behold the mem bers of Presbytery at variance among themselves,, after having. been deposed only a few months previously by the Assembly. In this act, which was passed at Dun&rmline on the 9tb * Brown's MS. ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC FASTS. 149 day of January, 1741, the Presbytery condemned the conduct of the Commission, in petitioning the king to appoint a fast, which they pronounced to be a voluntary giving up of the intrinsic power of the church ; tfaey also bore testimony against the usurpation, on the part of the civil raagistrate, of the headship of Jesus Christ ; and they further expressed their sorrow at their own conduct, in appearing to countenance such usurpation, when, in tfae preceding year, tfaey appointed a fast to be observed on the day which had previously been set apart for this purpose by the authority of tfae state. After enumerating and bewaiUng tfae sins tfaat abounded in tfae land, on account of whicfa tfaey were called upon to humble them selves in the sigfat of God, tfaey express their sentiments, ort the subject referred to, in tfae following terras : — " Wfaereas," say they, " the Coraraission of tfae last pre tended Assembly nave given up to tfae civil magistrate the power belonging to tfae church of Christ to appoint days of fasting and liurailiation, and to name tfae day ; and tfaat we are informed frora tfae pubUc prints, tfaat tfae civil magistrate hath assumed tfaat power, unlawfuUy resigned to faim by tfae Established Church, by appointing a fast, in consequence of the Commission's application, to be observed in Scotland the fourth of February next ; and thougfa tfae Presbytery observed a fast last year on the same day appointed for that end by the magistrate, after declaring tfaey could not observe tfae said day upon his authority, in the proclamation for tfaat effect, but for the reasons mentioned in the act, for appointing the sarae day ; yet however plausible these reasons at that time appeared unto us, we cannot now but apprehend^ upon more mature consider ation, and desire, in the first place, as the Lord shall assist, to own and acknowledge, tfaat upon a mistake, we ourselves went too far in symbolizing witfa tfae above unwarrantable practice of the churcfa's giving up, and tfae magistrates assum ing, tfae power of naming tfae day, by observing tfae sarae day appointed by tfae civU magistrate ; and we desire through grace to lie low in the dust before the Lordj saying, ' What we see not, teach thou us, and if we have done iniquity, we will do so no more.' And tfaough it was controverted, last year, that tfae intrinsic power of the church was both given up and assuraed, in regard there were so few days between the meeting of tfae Commission and tfae date of tfae proclaraation, yet now tfaat the Coraraission have repeated tfaeir deed of a formal and voluntary giving up to tfae civil magistrate tfae in trinsic power of the church, by applying to tfae king for nara ing tfae day for fasting and faumiUation, and that he hath appointed the day accordingly ; it appears evident, that there is a sinful combination between church and state to make an 150 ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC FASTS. invasion upon the headship and sovereignty of our Lord Jesvis Christ over his cfaurcfa as his free and independent kingdom ; and we cannot but look upon it as a cause of humiliation before the Lord, that such manifest dishonour hath been done unto him whom God hatfa appointed King in his holy hUl of Zion. The Lord our God, who name is jealous, is a jealous God. He is jealous of fais worship and honour, and wiU not give his glory to another. And though it is the duty of all ranks to humble themselves before the Lord, and for each to stir up one another to this exercise ; and particularly for the civU magistrate to excite those under him to this duty ; yet as it is tfae duty of tfae office-bearers in the Lord's house to search out and discover tfae causes of the Lord's contending with a church and land, and to set apart times of solemn humiliation before the Lord on account of these, and even to say to kings and to queens, humble yourselves ; so when a church does deUver up to the powers of the earth that trust and right which the Lord hatfa lodged in tfaeir faand, and when the civil magistrate adventures either to deprive the churcfa of her right, or accept of and exercise that trust which she hath sinfully alienated, it is consenting to the alienation, and so in curring the guUt in conjunction with tfae church, of dethron ing the Prince of tfae kings of the earth, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords." This act gave offence to many even of the best friends of the Secession ; they could not see eitfaer the reasonableness or propriety of it. Mr. Currie exclaimed against it, as an un warrantable stretch of authority on the part of the Presbytery; and no person attempted to reply to him. The question. Whether it be lawful and right to appoint a fast to be observed on a day, wfaicfa tfae civil magistrate has previously set apart for this purpose ? is not one of much practical importance. It is difficult to perceive the force of tfae objection, which was urged against the adopting of such a day, viz. that it was a homologating of tfae invasion of tfae prerogative of Jesus Christ as Head of the cfaurcfa. It would probably faave been as well, if the Presbytery' had given no deliverance upon the subject, but left their congregations to act, in this matter, according to their own particular views. At all events, tfae question was assuredly not of such importance, as that tfae determin ing of it, whether in the affirmative or the negative, ought to have excited any feeling of bitterness eitfaer amongst the min isters or people. The uncommon popularity of the Rev. George Whitefield, and the great success of his labours, drew toward him, at this time, the attention of the religious world. Educated in the Church of England, he had connected himself, while attend- POPULARITY OF WHITEFIELD. 151 ing the University of Oxford, with tfae newly formed Society of Methodists, of which the two Wesleys, Hervey, and a few other pious young men, were the founders. Having received episcopal ordination from Benson, Bisfaop of Gloucester, at tfae early age of twenty-one, fae visited Georgia twice, in tfae course of a few years, wfaere he acquired for faimself no small reputation by his indefatigable labours, and by the fervour and eloquence of his preaching. Adrairing crowds attended his ministry, wherever he appeared ; and tfaere can be little doubt that, during his stay in America, fae was tfae honoured instrument of producing serious impressions upon tfae hearts of not a few. One of his transatlantic bretfaren bearing testi- , mony to the great success which attended his labour sin that quarter, says : — " He appears to be full of the love of God, and fired with an extraordinary zeal for tfae cause of Christ, and appUes himself with the most indefatigable diUgence tfaat ever was seen amongst us, for promoting tfae good of souls. His head, his faeart, fais hands, seera to be full of his Mas ter's business. His discourses, especially when fae goes into the expository way, are very entertaining ; every eye is fixed upon him, and every ear chained to his lips ; most are very much affected ; many awakened and convinced ; and a general seriousness excited. His address, raore especially to the pas sions, is wonderful, and beyond wfaat I have ever seen. I think I can truly say, that his preaching has quickened me, and I believe it has raany others besides, as well as the peo ple. Several of ray flock, especially tfae younger sort, have been brougfat imder convictions by his preaching ; and there is tfais remarkable amongst them, of tfae good effect of his preaching, that the word preacfaed now by us, seems more precious to them, and comes with raore power upon tfaem. My prayer for him is, that his precious life raay be lengtbened out, and tfaat fae raay be an instrument of reviving dying religion in all places whithersoever he comes, who seems to be won derfully fitted for, as well as spirited to, it."* Wfaen he returned to England, in the beginning of the year 1741, for the purpose of procuring collections forthe Orphan- house which he faad founded in Georgia, his labours were no less abundant and no less successful than tfaey had been in America. , Scarcely a day passed in whicfa he did not preach several discourses, mostly in tfae open air. In many of tfae districts, which he visited, awakenings were produced ; and such was the effect of his eloquence, tfaat wfaen he preached for charitable objects, hundreds of pounds were frequently col lected at a single discourse. • GilUes' Life of Whitefield, p. 69. 152 REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD ; The favourable accounts circulated concerning this distin- gttished preacher had induced the Messrs. Erskine to enter into an epistolary correspondence with him. He and they appear, at first, to have entertained for one another sentiments of mu tual esteem. The honourable stand, which these men, in con nexion with the other Seceding brethren, had made for tfae purity of tfae faitfa, and for the Christian Uberties of the people ; the harsh treatment whicfa tfaey faad received from the prevaU ing party hi the EstabUsfaed Church ; and the signal success which had attended their labours in the ministry, drew toward them his favourable regards. They, on tfae other hand, were favourably impressed toward him, on account of the zeal, energy, and boldness wfaicfa he displayed in preaching the gos pel to his feUow-men ; and they, in aU probabiUty, conceived that between faim and them there was a considerable simUarity,, as to the relative position in which they stood toward their re spective churcfaes. Influenced by sucfa considerations as these, the Seceders were desirous that Mr. Wfaitefield sfaould pay a visit to Scotland ; and fais correspondence shows, that he was no less wilUng to come, than they were to receive him. Whatever opinion raay be entertained of the conduct whieh the merabers of the Associate Presbytery afterwards pursued toward Mr. Whitefield, there is no reason to question that the motives by which they were influenced, in inviting him to come and labour for a season in Scotland, were of the most laudable kind. It has been said that they were desirous, by means of his popularity, to procure attention and influence to thefr infant sect.* "This is a mere gratuitous assumption, altogether unwarranted by any thing that appears in the cor respondence carried on between tfaem. To impute wrong mo tives to any class of individuals, when right ones may be found, is altogether unworthy of an faonourable mind ; and it is hu miliating to find writers, whose general character entitles them to respect, eagerly seizing upon actions tfaat are at least faarm less, if not laudable, in themselves, and holding them up in the most unfavourable Ught, that they may the more easily draw down upon an opponent the scorn and contempt of otfaers. The " infant sect " of the Secession did not need the popular ity of Mr. Wfaitefield, or of any otfaer stranger, to procure for it attention and influence : it had afready procured, by the in trinsic merits of its cause, a much larger share of these than its raost sanguine friends either expected, or could have anti cipated. The Messrs. Erskine, who corresponded with Mr. White- field, in reference to fais intended visit to Scotland, appear to * Sir H. Moncrieff's Lifo of Dr. Erski;io, p 93. CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE MESSRS. ERSKINE. 153 have had two objects in view, in wishing him to come amongst them : The one was, that he might be instrumental, by the uncommon gifts wfaicfa he possessed, in promoting a revival of rehgion in their native land, as he had done in many parts of England and America ; and the other was, the probability of a closer union being formed betwixt him and tfae Presbytery, so tfaat tfaey migfat co-operate together in carrying onthe sarae food work. That they were not raistaken with regard to tfae rst of tfaese objects, the result sufficiently proved ; and cer tain expressions, wfaicfa Mr. Wfaitefield had used in his cor respondence with thera, gave tfaem some ground to hope that the second might also be accomplisfaed. Mr. Ralph Erskine, in some of fais letters to Mr. White- field, had given faim an account of tfae Scottisfa covenants ; had detaUed to him the proceedings of the Assembly, witfa regard to the deposition of the Seceding ministers ; had stated to nim what were the principles which the Presbytery held concern ing cfaurcfa governraent ; and had also mentioned, in a friendly way, what were his own views concerning churcfa communion ; with all whicfa Mr. Wfaitefield faad expressed faimself so far satisfied. In his answers to these coramunications, he stated, " that he was wUUng to sit down at tfae feet of the Associate Presbytery, and learn the way of Christ more fully ; " and " that he was perfaaps more of tfaeir mind, as to many tfaings, tfaan they were aware of ;" with otfaer expressions of similar import. * Sucfa statements as tfaese were certainly calculated to inspire faope, on tfae part of tfae Seceding bretfaren, that, shoiUd he and they be permitted to meet, such explanations might be given as would remove existing prejudices, and bring tfaem to a mutual understanding upon points, witfa re gard to wfaich they now differed. It is not, however, to be disguised, tfaat wfaen Mr. Wfaitefield wrote to Mr. Ralph Erskine, stating to him his inclination to visit Scotland, Mr. Erskine, in fais reply, expressed in strong terms, fais desfre tfaat Mr. Whitefield, during his stay in Scotland, would, if not wholly, at least in a great measure, identify faimself in his ministrations with the Associate Presbytery. In cherishing and expressing such a desire, Mr. Erskine was not influenced by tfae paltry motive of procuring attention and influence to tfae " infant sect " to which he belonged : he was influenced by motives of a much faigfaer order. He conceived tfaat he, and those who were connected with him in the Presbytery, were engaged in carrying foriVard a great public cause, — a cause which, in their estimation, deeply involved in it the glory of God, and the best interests of the human race. In giving * Brown's MS. 154 REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD : their support to this cause, they had, by an unrighteous sen tence, been deprived of their Uvings ; had been branded as troublers of the peace of Zion ; and had encountered no small reproacfa. They were engaged in a struggle, which had for its object the advanceraent of the work of reformation in Scot land. Such being the circumstances in which they were placed, tfaey naturaUy concluded, tfaat if Mr. Wfaitefield, after professing sucfa a faigfa regard for tfae Associate Presbytery, should make no distinction betwixt them and their persecutors, but give as much countenance in his ministrations to the latter as to the former, this would afford a just ground of triumph to their opponents, and migfat raaterially affect tfae success of the cause in which they were embarked. It was upon this public ground, and on this ground alone, that they expressed a de sire that fae would make a coramon cause witfa tfaem, so far as fae consistently could, wfaile fae continued in Scotland. Tfaat sucfa were tfae views wfaicfa tfaey entertained, the following extracts from their letters abundantly prove. Mr. Ralph Erskine, in a letter dated Dunfermline, 10th April, 1741, and sent to Mr. Whitefield only a few months before he arrived in Scotland, says, " There is no face on eartfa I would de sire more earnestly to see than yours, and there is none would be more welcome than you, with whom tfaere is so much, I think, of our glorious Master's spirit. Yet I would desire it only in a way that I think would tend raost to tfae advancing of our Lord's kingdom, and the reformation work among our hands. Sucfa is trie situation of affairs among us, tfaat, unless you' came with a design to meet and abide with us, particular ly of tfae Associate Presbytery, and to make your public ap pearances in the places, especially of their concern, or by their counsel, direction, or advice, I would dread tfae consequences of your coraing, lest it should seem equally to countenance our persecutors, and those that are opposing tfae work of re formation among our hands. You know upon what grounds we have made a secession ; and, as you have seen good ground to separate from the Wesleys, so we have separated from tfae establisfaed judicatories, and tfaey have separated us from them, by a sentence of deposition, passed in the General As serably ; and inferior judicatories are generally homologating, and some of them where we reside, executing tfae sentence as far as tfaey can, and would do raore, were it not that they fear the people, who generally flock to us, while we, in the mean time, are, tfarough grace, going on in our work, and sometimes have tfae Lord sensibly witfa usi I would, tfaerefore, wisfa for sucfa a coming as migfat more and more unite the friends of truth and reformation to one another, strengthen our hands, still our adversaries, and fill tfaeir faces witfa shame, that they CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE MESSRS. ERSKINE. 155 may seek His name : they want to pour all the conterapt upon us, and our way, they can, though still it has redounded to their disadvantage. Your fame would occasion a flocking to you, to what ever side you would turn ; and if it should be in their pulpits (as no doubt some of tfaem would urge), we know how it would be improven against us ; we have been sometimes already upbraided with your having more of the Lord's presence tfaan we, and yet never separating from the Cfaurch of England, notwitfastanding of tfaeir corruptions, though it is iU argued when cases differ so raucfa."* After receiving this letter, Mr. Whitefield wrote to Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, raentioning the proposal whicfa had been made to faim by fais brotfaer Ralph, and stating tfaat fae " could not altogetfaer come into it." He stated further, tfaat, instead of connecting hiraself with any particular party, he meant to come to Scotland " only as an occasional preacfaer, to preach the simple gospel to all who were wilUng to hear him, of what ever denomination ; " " that it would be wrong in faim to join in a reformation as to churcfa governraent, any further than he had light given faira frora above ;" and he begged that the Presbytery " would not be offended, if, in aU things, he could not imraediately fall in with thera." To this letter Mr. Ebenezer Erskine sent an affectionate and candid reply, in wfaich he pointedly disclaimed, on the part of tfae Presbytery, any party views. After giving a brief account of tfae treatment whicfa they had received frora the Assembly, in being deposed from the ministry, and ejected from tfaeir churches, fae adds, — " From tfais short glimpse of the state of matters among us, you will easily see what reason the Asso- k)w- ing effect : — " Be it known to all tfaose to whom these presen tSr raay corae, that we, the elders in the town and country parish of Jedburgh, do unanimously agree and resolve, through the strengtfa of divine grace, to stand and fall together in the election or voice of a minister, for tfais parish, against aU soUcitations, threats, or bribes whatsoever, or from whomsoever, and against all intrusion that may be attempted on said parish by any minister whatsoever, and that we shall cleave and adhere firmly to the majority of this parish in the choice, as afore said, and tfais we do certify," &c. A paper was at the same time circulated among the parishioners, to obtain signatures in favour of Mr. Thomas Boston,,* minister at Oxnam, to be minister of Jedburgh^ But the crown, to wfaom the patron age belonged, without taking any notice of these proceedings, gave the presentation to Mr. John Bonar, nunister at Cock- pen. As Mr. Bonar had always been opposed to violent settlements, and as fae had in the meantirae received a call to Perth, an arrangeraent was raade, with his consent, betwixt the General Assembly and the crown agent, wfaereby the pre sentation, which he had received to Jedburgh, was laid aside. And thougfa tfae wisfaes of tfae parish had been loudly expressed in favour of Mr. Boston, yet the object of their choice was passed over; and anotfaer minister, Mr. Jofan Douglas, minis ter of Kenmure, was presented to tfae vacant cfaarge. This appointraent was still more unpopular than the preceding one, and the opposition to it still more keen. When the call was moderated tor Mr. Douglas, no more than five signatures could be obtained to it out of a considerable population. The presbytery refused to proceed with it, and the matter came be fore the Asserably .^ The suprerae court referred the cause back to the presbytery; and the presbytery continuing obstinate, the business was brought before the Asserably a second time, who asserted their autfiiority, and epjoined tfae presbytery to pro ceed with Mr. Douglas's adraission without delay. In the raeantime, tfae people of Jedburgh having renounced all hope of obtaining the object of tfaeir cfaoice, tfarough the ordinary channels, proceeded to buUd a place of worship for * This person was son of Mr. Boston of Ettrick, whose wiitiugs have been held in such high estimation by the pious in this countrv. DECLARATION BV SIR. BOSTON. 281 Mr. Boston, tfaat tfaey raigfat obtain his ministrations inde pendent of tfae Assembly. Wfaen tfae building was finisfaed, and all things were ready for fais being inducted into his new charge, Mr. Boston appeared before tfae presbytery of Jed- burgli, in tfae raontfa of December, 1 759, and laid upon tfaeir table his demission, the tenor wfaereof follows : * — " Tfae de mission of me, Mr. Tfaomas Boston, rainister of Oxnara, faumbly showeth, albeit there are several tfaings in tfae nation al cfaurcfa wfaich have been all along disagreeable to me, yet the present mode of settling vacant cfaurcfaes, by tfae raere force of presentations, wfaicfa faas been so long persisted in, and is almost every year prosecuted more vigorously, is so diametri cally opposite to all tfae laws of Jesus Christ about that matter, has such a manifest tendency to fill the churcfa with naughty raerabers, to mar tfae edification of tfae body of Christ, and, in fine, utterly to destroy the dying remains of reUgion in the nation, that I can no longer sit a meraber of the present judica tories of this cfaurcfa, but raust leave ray place tfaere, tfaat I may take my part witfa tfae oppressed faeritage of God. Wfaen I en tered on ray rainistry in tfae national cfaurcfa, more than twenty years ago, even tfaen I befaeld with concern violent settle raents autfaorized by tfae General Asserablies thereof. But in these days tfaere was a very considerable number of members wfao opposed sucfa violence, and tfaey were, by their nature anti influence, a pretty good balance against those wfao favoured them. Hence, when tfae General Assembly, or tfaeir cora mission, faad autfaorized a violent settleraent, tfae next As sembly was readUy composed of sucfa raerabers as were dis posed to cfaeck and control these tyrannical raeasures. But, alas ! the tiraes are visibly altered to the worse. The bulk of tfaese wortfay raen wfao opposed tfae encroacfaments com plained of, are, it is likely, retired to tfaeir rest and reward. The evidence hereof is, tfiat, for a course of years past, we find one Assembly after another changing their raembers, but never changing tfaeir tyrannical measures in settling vacant churches. Tfaose wfao adhere to tfie ancient principles and practice of tfie Cfiurcfi of Scotland in tfiis raatter, are now reduced to such a sraall and inconsiderable handful, tfaat they are quite run down by tfaeir numerous opponents, and have it not in their power to reform these crying abuses, nor to do justice to tfae oppressed, wfaile tfaey continue in tfae comraunion of the , churcfa. Upon tfaese and otfaer considerations, wfaicfa after wards may fie made raanifest, I judge it my duty to give up • I have introduced this document at full length into the narrative, because it furnishes unexceptionable evidence, that the state of matters, instead of im proving, was growing worse and worse in the Scottish Church ; and shows us what urgent necessity there was for the existence of the Secession. 282 FORMATION OF THE the place whicfa I hold as a rainister of the national church, and at the sarae time to continue in the full exercise of that ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, as God in his providence shall give rae opportunity. Tfaerefore wit ye me, tfae said Mr. Thomas Boston, to have demitted and laid down, like as I hereby simpliciter demit and lay down, my pastoral cfaarge of tfae parish of Oxnam, and deUver over the said parish into tfae faands of tfae reverend Presbytery of Jed burgh, witfain wfaose bounds it lies; craving tfaat the said reverend presbytery may, upon tfais my demission being lodged in tfae clerk's faands, and read in tfaeir presence, find the said parish vacant, and cause tfae same be declared in due form, and proceed to tfae settlement of a gospel rainister there in, with all convenient speed ; upon all which I take instru ments, and crave extracts. " T. Boston." Mr. Boston having tfaus renounced, by his own voluntary demission, the communion of the National Cfaurch, took pos session on the following Sabbath of tfae new place of wor ship which had been prepared for faim in tfae town of Jed burgfa, and immediately formed a connexion witfa Mr. GiUespie. It was some time, however, before they proceeded to acts of govemment. Tfaey did not meet togetfier, in a presbyterial capacity, till the month of October, 1761. A violent settle ment having taken place in the parish of Kilconquhar, in Fife, tfae people, following the example which was now so generally set, immediately built a place of worship for them selves, in the village of Colinsburgh, and gave a call to a Mr. Collier, who had laboured for some tirae among the EngUsh Dissenters in Northumberland. Messrs. GiUespie and Boston, with an elder frora each of their congregations, met at CoUns- burgh on the 22d of the above montfa, to admit tfais person to his charge. Tfae services of tfae day commenced by Mr. Boston preacfaing tfae admission serraon; after which, as a presbytery, they " required of Mr. Collier a soleran declaration of his faith in God ; in the scriptures as tfae word of God ; fais adfaerence to tfae constitution of tfae presbyterian Church of Scotland ; his acquiescence with the principles of the said constitution, as exhifiited in tfae creeds of the* Church of Scot land, her Confession of Faitfa, form of worship, and her manner of church government, according to reformation prmciples; aU wfaicfa Mr. Collier declared he believed to be sound and or thodox, and proraised to abide by the same, and in all dutiful subjection to his brethren." On tfae same day, these three ministers met again in th6 PRESBYTERY OF RELIEF. 28.'J afternoon ; and, after prayer by Mr. Gillespie, they " unani mously agreed to call themselves tfae Presbytery of Relief, for thefoUowing reasons : — " Whereas Mr. Thomas Gillespie, rainister of the gospel at Carnock, was deposed by tfae Ge neral Assembly, 1752, merely on account that he would not settle Mr. Andrew Ricfaardson, tfaen minister of the gospel at Broughton, as rainister of tfae gospel at Inverkeitfaing, contrary to tfae will of the congregation ; and thus, in con tradiction to scripture, in opposition to the constitution and standing laws of tfae Churcfa of Scotland, wfaicfa faad Mr. Gillespie done, would faave been a raanifest violation of the solemn oaths and engageraents he came under, when adrait ted minister of Carnock, and therefore a presumptuous sin, and faigfaly aggravated transgression of tfae law oi tfae g^eat God and our Saviour. " Likewise Mr. Thomas Boston, then minister of tfae gos pel at Oxnara, received a scriptural call frora tfae parisfa and congregation at Jedburgfa, to rainister araong tfaera in holy. things, wfaicfa call fae regularly accepted, according to Christ's appointraent ; and as the presbytery reftised to loose tfae rela tion betwixt hira and the parish of Oxnara, though required to estabUsh a relation betwixt him and the congregation and parish of Jedburgh, he tfaought, though they refused to do their duty, he was bound to do fais by the divine authority ; therefore, peaceably and orderly, gave into tfae presbytery a demission of his charge at Oxnara, and took charge of the congregation at Jedburgh. " Also Mr. Thoraas Collier, late minister of the gospel at Ravenstondale, being adraitted rainister this day to the con- fregation of Colinsburgh, to fulfil araong them that ministry e hath received of the Lord. " These three rainisters tfaink tfaemselves indispensably bound, by tfae autfaority of tfae Lord Redeemer, King and Head of the cfaurcfa, to fulfil every part of the ministry they have received from him ; and for that end, in concurrence with ruling elders, to constitute a presbytery, as scripture directs, for committing that ministry Christ faas intrusted tfaem with to faithful men, who sfaall be able to teacfa otfaers, and to act for tfae relief of tfae oppressed Cfaristian congrega tions, when called in providence. And herein they act tfae same part precisely tfaey did wfaen ministers, members of tfae EstabUshed Churcfa of Scotland. Tfaerefore the presbytery did, and hereby do, form tfaemselves into a Presbytery of Relief, for tfae relief of Cfaristians oppressed in tfaeir Chris tian privileges. "Tfae presbytery, tfaus constituted, cfaose the Rev. Mr. Boston for their Moderator; and the presbytery appointed 284 RELIEF CHURCH. Thursday, the 7 tfa of December next, to be observed Ui the congregations under their inspection as a day of solemn tfaanks giving unto God for fais goodness in the late harvest. The presbytery also agreed that their next meeting should be when Providence calls."* Sucfa were tfae circurastances in wfaich the Relief Church originated. It owed its origin to causes similar to those wfaicfa gave rise to tfae Secession, viz. the oppressive measures that were pursued by the ecclesiastical rulers in tfae National Cfaurcfa. As tfae founders of it were men of acknowledged piety and wortfa, and as it was founded on tfae broad principle of giving relief to all who were " oppressed in tfaeir Cfaristian privileges," it speedily mcreased. Soon after its forraation, tfae presbytery received an accession of strengtfa, by tfae Rev. Mr. Bain of tfae High Church of Paisley seceding from the National Cfaurch, and joining thefr communion ; and only a few years elapsed, wfaen tfae number of its congregations was .so greatly increased, tfaat instead of one presbytery, tfaey were subdivided into two, and tfaereafter constituted tfaeraselves into a synod. For a considerable period, the Relief Church had no theological seminary of tfaeir own. Tfaeir young men were trained up for the sacred office of the ministry in tfae theological halls of the Establisfaed Cfaurcfa. They were also considered by many as being too indiscriminate in their adraission to coraraunion. Both of these causes operated to their prejudice. The first, however, no longer exists, as tfaey faave now a respectable Tfaeological Professor appointed by tfaeir own synod ; and tfaeir candidates for tfae holy minis try are thus trained up under tfaeir own imraediate super intendence. Tfae second, also, is to a considerable extent corrected, as it is generally admitted, that they are not now so free in their admissions to coraraunion as tfaey were in the earlier periods of their history. Tfaey are a numerous and respectable society, widely extended over the country ; and they cheerfully co-operate witfa otfaer religious coramunities in doing good. It does not appear tfaat tfae formation of tfae Relief Pres bytery faad any influence in impeding tfae progress of the Secession in eitfaer of its brancfaes. By opening a wider door of separation tfaan tfaat wfaicfa tfae Secession faad previously opened, raany were tfaereby induced to leave tfae mother churcfa, wfao migfat otherwise have remained in her com munion ; and by tfaus increasing tfae number of separatists, it tended to weaken tfae power of tfae Establisfament. But, at this early period, the Secession and the Relief seldom, if ever, * Struthers' History of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 593, &c. CONTINUED PROSPERITY OF THE SECESSION. 285 crossed one anotfaer's patfas, as betvyixt the ground wfaicfa each occupied, there was a strong line of deraarcation drawn. As the toleration of error in the National Cfaurcfa was one >of tfae chief reasons of the Secession, so it was peculiarly in curabent on tfaa Seceders to guard against tfae introduction of tfais pestilence into tfaeir own cfaurcfa. Having borne tes tiraony against the defections of others in this respect, they were under more than ordinary obligations to maintain purity of doctrine among theraselves. Tfais is a point witfa regard to wfaicfa tfae ecclesiastical judicatories of tfae Secession have ever shown tfaeraselves exceedingly watcfaful ; and it is satisfactory to know, tfaat wfaatever evils have afflicted fier dur ing the course of faer history, she faas ever been enabled to iiold fast tfae forra of sound words, and faas contended success fully, as well as earnestly, for tfae faitfa once deUvered to tfae saints. The proceedings of the General Associate Synod, in reference to Mr. Tfaomas Mair, recorded in tfae preceding fifaapter, sfaow tfae fixed deterraination of tfais portion of the Secession Church not to tolerate any views wfaicfa tfaey ¦considered inconsistent witfa sound doctrine. Otfaer cases soon occurred, in wfaicfa tfae synod showed, by tfaeir prorapt and vigorous interference, that they would not sanction, in eitfaer rainisters, or preacfaers, or students, any deviation from tfaat system of doctrine and government, wfaicfa, as a cfaurch, tfaey professed to faold, and wfaich was distinctly laid down in their acknowledged standards. At tfae meeting of synod in April 1762, a representation from the Presbytery of Perth and Dunfermline brougfat be fore tfaera tfae case of Mr. Robert Carraicfaael, rainister at Cupar of Angus. In tfae raontfa of Noveraber of tfae pre ceding year, tfae presbytery faad suspended tfais individual frora tfae exercise of fais ministry, on account of fais faaving ^' relinqulsfaed tfae Secession testimony," and adopted " tfae wildest sectarian and independent principles."* Mr. Car- micfaael, after- sentence of suspension faad been pronounced upon faim, left" Cupar, and went to reside in Dundee; and the presbytery referred the case to tfae suprerae court, tfaat tfaey might determine wfaat fartfaer censure ougfat to be in flicted on him. The synod ordered Mr. Cai-michael to be suramoned to attend their next meeting, which fae accordingly did. He appeared at tfaeir bar in the month of Septeraber ; and being interrogated, he admitted that the representation given of his sentiments by the presbytery was correct, being defective only in the article about faith. When asked, if he was wiUing to renounce his opposition to the doctrines received • This is the phraseology eraployed in the presbytery's representation. 286 MR. QARMICHAEL ACCUSED OF HERESY. by the Secession Church, he read a paper, entitled. The deelaration and confession of Robert Carmichael, containing. an adherence unto, and explication of kis new principles. In this paper, Mr. Carraicfaael maintained, among other particulars, the following propositions : — " Tfiat faith is not tfae instrument, but a fruit and evidence, of justification ; tfaat faith is nothing else but a beUef of the truth, and not of a thing that has no existence untU it be believed ; that there is no foundation in scripture for tfae universal call and offer of the gospel so rauch contended for ; tfaat God makes no offer of Christ, his righteousness and salvation, to any sinner, upon condition of his receiving and accepting thereof ; tfaat he (Mr. Carmichael) was not satisfied with the coramon descriptions of faith, and the mighty tfaings ascribed to it, making it the means of instating sinners in the covenant of grace, tfae bond of union with Christ, the instruraent of justification, &c. ; that he saw the vanity and absurdity of all those directions and exhortations given to unbelievers in serraons and practical writings what tfaey are to do to escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, as not belonging to the gospel, but tending to lead men off from Christ and fits righteousness, to work some kind of righteousness of their own to recoraraend them to the favour of God, or at least some sort pf righteous ness to give them an interest in Christ's righteousness," &c. He further maintained the following articles: — " 1. That Christ's kingdom is altogether spiritual, and quite distinct from all earthly kingdoras, which cannot be maintained nor promoted by the authority of eartfaly kings, civil laws, and acts of parliament, giving sanction to tne decrees of synods and councils. 2. That there can be no such tfaing as a National Church under the New Testament, and yet be a cfaurch of Christ. 3. Tfaat confessions of faith and catechisms are npt the standards of doctrine, nor a test of orthodoxy, but the word of God alone. 4. That there is no warrant for national covenanting under the New Testament. 5. That the govern ment of the churcfa by classical presbyteries, in tfae subordina tion of judicatories, faowever fit for a kingdom of tfais world, is not instituted by Cfarist, and never had a being until Calvin. 6. That there is no visible church of Christ, but a society of Christ's disciples, caUed together by the gospel, to observe all the ordinances he hath coraraanded, ruled by its ow^n overseers, and depending upon Christ alone."* Thfe synod declared that this paper contained in it gross and dangerous errors ; and they characterized it as " amount ing to a very deep and general attack upon the whole system • Scots Magazine, vol. xxv. p. 523. DEPOSITION OF MR. CARMICHAEL. 287 of our received principles, yea, the received principles of all the Protestant cfaurches respecting the constitution of tfae Christian cfaurcfa, and tfae wfaole doctrine of salvation, through the Lord Jesus Cfarist. After sorae discussion, the follow ing motion was adopted : — " That though tfae said attack on our received principles, with the very gross and danger ous errors wfaich Mr. Carraicfaael faas vented in opposition tfaereto, be evidently a most relevant ground for proceeding to faigh censure against faim, yet, considering tfaat tfae synod can have no tirae at present for entering into a particular discussion of this raatter, and tfaat Mr. Carraichael's befaa viour at tfaeir bar has been witfa all appearance of ingenuity and sobriety as to tfae manner of it, tfae synod, tfaerefore, appoint a comraittee to take tfais paper under consideration, and to draw up reraarks upon it, containing a detection of tfae g^oss errors wfaicfa it contains ; witfa an overture concerning the whole, to be laid before next meeting of synod ; and that Mr. Carmichael sfaall faave access, in tfae meantirae, for con versing witfa the said comraittee, upon his intimating a desire to tfae raembers of it, tfaat they may faold a raeeting witfa faim for that purpose." Mr. Carmichael did not attend next meeting of synod (April 1763), and was declared to be contumacious. The committee appointed to converse with him, and to prepare remarks upon his paper, reported, that no meeting with him had taken place, and that no formal reraarks had been pre pared by them ; but they were of opinion, that what the sy nod had formerly found, with regard to tfae erroneous senti ments contained in Mr. Carraichael's paper, furnished a suf ficient ground for proceeding against fiira ; and they further recoramended, that tfae coraraittee be autfaorized to prepare and publish, without delay, a statement of tfae gross errors con tained in said paper. Tfais recoraraendation was adopted, and tfae synod entered upon tfae consideration of tfae wfaole ques tion. Tfae paper containing Mr. Carmicfaael's sentiments was read ; and members faaving deUvered tfaeir opinions con cerning it, Mr. Carraicfaael was found guilty of entertaining fross and dangerous errors : And the synod soleranly deposed im from the office of the holy rainistry; and pronounced upon faim tfae sentence of the lesser excomraunication, de barring him from all communion with the cfaurch of Cfarist in her sealing ordinances, witfa certification, tfaat if fae did not appear before the synod at their next raeeting, and give satis faction with regard to tfae gross and dangerous errors con tained in his paper, they would proceed against hira by the faighest censure of the church. It does not appear, faowever, that any thing farther was done in the raatter. 2S8 CASE OF MR. WOTHERSPOON. After pronouncing sentence of deposition upon Mr. Car michael, the synod proceeded to consider tfae case of Mr. Lau rence Wotfaerspoon, one of tfaeir students, wfao was cfaarged witfa faaving pubUshed an essay containing grossly heretical sentiments. Tfais essay raade its appearance in tfae Royal Magazme, and was entitled, " Reflections on the advantages of a liberal and polite education." Amongst other things, the writer affirmed, tfaat tfae man of a liberal and polite educa tion " stands tfae fairest way for gaining tfae applause of his indulgent Autfaor, wfao forraed faim in the womb, and infused into his tender frame the principles of wisdora and humanity, of justice and benevolence :" that thence a man " will reckon it fiis highest faonour to divest faimself of all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil-speaking, and malice ; and to dress faim self in tfae lovely garraents of cfaarity and universal benevo lence :" and tfaat by tfais kind of education, " our faappiness will be proportional to our acquisitions."* When Mr. Wotfaerspoon was dealt with, by the presby tery of Perth and Dunfermline, to acknowledge the sinfulness of fais conduct, in faaving publisfaed sucfa a paper, fae refused to give them any satisfaction ; and they deemed the raatter of such iraportance as to bring it before the synod. The paper, after being read and considered by the synod, was declared to contain in it "a dangerous and detestable scfaeme of doc trine ;" and Mr. Wotherspoon, faaving acknowledged faimself to be the writer of it, was called upon to state his views in reference to the sentiments whicfa it contained. He declared fais "acquiescence in tfae judgraent whicfa the synod had pro nounced concerning fais paper, and tfaat fae detested and ab horred the doctrines which were therein advanced. His confession was considered by sorae of the raerabers not to he altogetfaer free; and it was raoved, that he should be rebuked and suspended frora tfae enjoyment of the privileges of the churcfa, until he should give satisfactory evidence of his being truly sorry for the offence wfaich he faad committed. This motion was adopted. Mr. Wotfaerspoon was rebuked at the bar of tfae synod, and laid under tfae sentence of tfae lesser ex coraraunication. In tfae meantirae, he was remitted to the care of the presbytery, tfaat tfaey raight deal with him, and endeavour to bring faim to a proper sense of tfae sinfulness of his conduct. At tfae next meeting, tfae presbytery gave a favourable report of tfae spirit which Mr. Wotherspoon had •displayed in tfaeir conversations with him ; and Mr. Wother- * This specimen of philosophical jargon, which the objectionable essay con tained, is extracted from a pamphlet written by Mr. Adam Gib, entitled, " Ah Exposure of the false and abusive Ubel, entitled, TThe procedure of the Asso- ciate Synod in Mr. Pirie's case represented," &c. p. 106, CASE OF MR. ANDREW MARSHALL. 289 spoon himself having appeared before the synod, and having expressed tfae deep sorrow which fae faad felt, on account ol' his conduct, also his entire acquiescence in the course which had been pursued, in order to reclaim him, the sentence of suspension formerly pronounced was removed; and he was again restored to the communion of the cfaurch. Mr. Andrew Marshall, anotfaer student in divinity, was also subjected to discipline by the synod for an offence similar to that wfaich Mr. Wotherspoon had committed. Inspfred by tfae love of authorsfaip, he too had sent a paper to the Royal Magazine, in which he had broached opinions that were opposed to sound doctrine. Having selected as the theme of his essay tfae faackneyed topic of Ambition, he had, under tfais specious name, lauded in an offensive manner the reign^ ing corruption of human nature ; and refusing to acknow ledge that he faad been guilty of any offence, or to express any sorrow, fae was ordered to be rebuked by the Moderator at the bar of the synod, and to be debarred from the privileges of the cfaurcfa. From these instances it would appear, that the philoso phical mania, which at this .period raged extensively within the pale of the EstabUshment, and rendered vapid and taste less the discourses of her rainisters, had begun to infect the minds of the Secession students ; and tfae synod acted a wise and faithful part in checking at tfae very coraraencement tfaat affectation of pfaUosopfaical refinement, wfaich, wherever it pre vails to any extent, exercises a withering influence upon the ministrations of the pulpit. Upon inquiry, tfie synod found, that the person wfaom tfaey had employed to teach tfae Philosophical Class, in con nexion with their Theological Seminary, had been recom mending to tfae students books of a pernicious tendency, and had thereby endeavoured to infuse into their rainds objection able notions. .To this individual they also applied the rod of discipline ; but they did not find him to be a tractable sub ject. Instead of meekly subraitting to tfaefr rebukes, and ac knowledging fais fault, he threw down the gauntlet to them, and bade tfaem open defiance. The person, whom the synod took to task for fiis raisconduct in this matter, was Mr. Alex ander Pirie. He had been appointed to succeed Mr. John Mason, in teaching philosophy to the students ; and, after having taught the class for about two years, he was ordered to be taken on trials for licence, with a view to his being sent on a mission to Araerica. Mr. Pirie does not appear to have been much inclined to this work ; for at the first meet ing of synod, after fais appointraent, he sent a letter request ing to be excused from going to America, on the ground of 290 MR. PIRIE SUBJECTED TO DISCIPLINE, indisposition. The synod sustained his excuse in the mean- tune, but continued his missionary appointment upon him, and enjoined him to fulfil it so soon as he should recover from the indisposition under which he was labouring. But after this appointment was given, the synod received such information as induced them to institute an inquiry into the truth of certain reports which were circulated, unfavourable to Mr. Pirie's orthodoxy. In obedience to an intimation given to that effect, Mr. Pirie appeared before the synod at their meeting in August 1763, and being interrogated, whether he had recommended to tfae students of pfailosopfay, lately unda his charge, a book entitled, Essays, on the Principles of Moral ity and Natural Religion, as a proper model upon which they should form tfaeir sentiments about tfaese raatters, fae acknow ledged tfaat fae had done so ; but denied that there was any thing objectionable in the book wbich he had recommended. An essay on Uberty and necessity, contained in this book, had been speciaUy recommended by Mr. Pirie to the students ; and in his prelections on moral philosophy, he had adopted and inculcated the principles of the essay as his own. The synod were of opinion, that the doctrine taught in this essay was op posed to scripture, and their autfaorized standards. In the de liverance, wfaicfa they gave on the subject, they found, that the essay " evidently contains a doctrine of such necessity as necessarily excludes tfae consideration of man's fall and of ori- final sin, witfa all blameableness and punisfaableness of any uraan actions, and contradicts tfae sovereignty of God's will in fais eternal decrees and universal providence." Mr. Pirie maintained, in opposition to tfae synod, tfaat tfae doctrine taugfat in tfae essay, on tfae subject of liberty and necessity, was tfae sarae as tfaat wfaicfa is contained in tfae Secession stand ards. He declared tfaat he faad not discovered any errors in tfae essay, that he was willing to renounce wfaatever errors might be contained in it, so soon as tfae synod sfaould point them out; and tfaat if fae faad tfaought the recommending of the treatise would have given offence, he would have refrained from doing it. The opinion of Mr. Pirie, on the point at issue, being op posed to tfaat of tfae synod, and his conduct being fiirther ag gravated by his faaving spoken in a contemptuous manner of the synod's procedure, in reference to Mr. Wotherspoon, he was subjected to the censure of tfae cfaurch. The synod, by a vote, deprived hira of his licence, as a probationer, excom municated faim frora tfae privileges of tfae cfaurch, and appointed him to be soleranly rebuked at their bar. After tfae rebuke was administered, fae appealed from tfae procedure of tfae synod to the court of fieaven, wfaere, fae said, fae and tfaey raust soon ap- AND LEAVES THE SECESSION. 291 pear, and then left tfae house in a passionate manner, uttering offensive expressions against those who had sat in judgment upon him. Having soon after received a call frora a portion of the Aber nethy congregation, with whom he faad ingratiated faimself, and having got connected with tfae other branch of the Seces sion, he was not long in their coramunion, when he was libel led before the presbytery of which he was a member, on the charge of heresy, and suspended frora tfae exercise of fais rainis try. Tfaese proceedings gave faira a distaste at tfae Secession. He considered faimself a raucfa injured individual, because he was not permitted to teach tfaose sentiments tfaat were most agreeable to himself. After fais suspension, fae found that the distinguishing principles of tfae Secession Cfaurch were not " the principles of the oracles of God;" and fae gave in fais de cUnature, renouncing aU subjection to faer authority. His final departure frora her coraraunion he signalized by tfae pub Ucation of an abusive parapfalet, in wfaicfi fae accused tfae Se ceding ministers of uncfaaritable conduct, shuffling dupUcity, perjury, and alraost every tfaing tfaat is bad.* Tfaat affectation of pfailosopfaical refineraent, in which had originated the cases of ecclesiastical discipline now re corded, Tiad attracted tfae notice of tfae synod before tfais ; and, with the view of checking it, the following overture had been introduced so far back as tfae montfa of August 1761 ; and, after having been duly considered, was unani mously adopted, and ordered to be engrossed in the books of all tfae presbyteries, tfaat they might conform to it, in licens ing young men : — " Tfaat tfae synod caution those under their inspection, who may be pointing towards pubUc work in the church, against an affected pedantry of style and pro nunciation, and poUteness of expression, in deUvering the truths of tfae gospel, as being an using the enticing words of raan's wisdom, and inconsistent with that gravity tfaat tfae weight of tfae matter of tfae gospel requires, and as proceed ing from an affectation to accoraraodate tfae gospel in point * The fame which this person afterward acquired, as a polemical writer, has induced me to notice more minutely, than I inight otherwise have done, the particulars of his early connexion with the Secession Church, and the cir curastances connected with his leaving it. Should the vituperative vocabu lary of any of the controversialists of the present day, who are now writing against the Secession with such keenness, be exhausted, and should they be at a loss for a few angry and abusive expressions to give zest to their productions, I can recommend to them a pamphlet, entitled, A Review of the principles and conduct of the Seceders, &c. pubUshed by Mr. Pirie, in 1769. They will bere find a fresh supply. But, perhaps, this storehouse has already been ran sacked by the most of them, as there is a wonderful similarity betwixt the beauties of speech eraployed by the present antagonists of the Secession, and those which Mr Pirie penned, upwards of sixty years ago. 292 WATCHFULNESS OF SYNOD OVER STUDENTS. of style, which, if not prevented, may at length issue in at tempts to accommodate it also, in point of matter, to the corrupted taste of a carnal generation ; and that they recom mend to all the ministers of this synod to show a suitable pattern in this matter, in endeavouring in their public minis trations, by the manifestation of the truth, in plainness and gravity, to recoraraend themselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God ; and, at tfae same time, tfaat tfae synod give caution against all such meanness and impropriety of language, as hath a tendency to bring discredit upon the gospel ; as also against using technical, pfailosopfaical, and learned terms, tfaat are not commonly understood." After the cases above-mentioned had occurred, the synod recoramended it to aU the ministers to take special notice of the students of divinity under their charge; "particularly with regard, to any thing of modish affectation into which any of them may fall;" and upon observing "any apjpearances ofthis sort," they were immediately to deal with tfie guilty indivi duals ; and, should faithful admonition prove unavaiUng, they were to bring the matter before the presbytery or synod, as they might see proper. The synod furtfaer declared, " that they would no longer countenance those students of divinity who should be found giving themselves up i,o sucfa affectations." Some may probably be incUned to smile at tfae idea of an assembly of grave and learned men sitting in judgment upon such minute particulars as these, and making them tfae sub ject of synodical regulation. Those who profess to be ele vated above the ordinary class of mankind, by being possessed of a more polished taste, and a more highly cultivated intel lect than the rest of their species, may regard these things as indications that tfae first generation of Seceders were removed not many degrees, in point of refinement, above tfae Goths and Vandals of former times ; and tfaey may not be able to refrain from expressing their contempt at such regulations, on account of their supposed tendency to dim the light of philo sophy, and repress the aspirations of youtfaful genius. Let not such persons be too hasty in pronouncing a sentence of con demnation. Let them remember what the professed object of the synod was, in training up young men to the office of the holy ministry. Their object was not to train up a set of dry, showy, insipid preachers, whora the people could not under stand, and from whom they could derive no benefit. There was an abundant supply of tfais class already to be found within the pale of the National Church, to whom aU the lovers of metaphysics and of belles lettres might, if they WATCHFULNESS OF SYNOD OVER STUDENTS. 293 pleased, resort; and, for the synod to have increased tfae number, would have been frustrating one of the raain designs of the Secession. What they aimed at accomplishing, was to train up for the ministry men who should be distinguished for their sound scriptural views of theology, for their general acquaintance with Uterature, and for their personal piety ; and wfao, by their plain, faitfaful, and a,ffectionate mode of expound ing the sacred volume, as well as by their pointed and solemn appeals to the conscience, raight be instrumental in instruct ing tfae ignorant, arousing tfae careless, and in saving tfae souls of their fellow-men. That tfaese important ends of tfae Chris tian rainisfry might be attained, tfaey watcfaed over their young raen with a jealous care ; and they considered it a sacred duty to caution tfaem, from time to time, against deviating from the simplicity of tfae gospel, and against conforming them selves, either in style or in sentiment, to the prevailing taste of a godless age. There was no part of the administration of tfais synod more commendable, than the mingled affection and strict ness with whicfa they superintended the candidates for the rainistry, throughout every stage of the course of study marked out to them. Those of tfaem tfaat were poor, but deserving, they assisted witfa occasional donations from tfaeir fund. "They maintained, in connexion with tfaeir Divinity HaU, a class for insfructing tfaeir young men in tfae know ledge of philosophy. The curriculum prescribed to tfaose who attended tfais class, consisted at first of two sessions, but was afterwards extended (in 1767) to tfaree. Tfae teacfaer was enjoined to spend a portion of each of these sessions, in instructing tfae students in tfae knowledge of tfae languages ; and, in a particular manner, he was to spend a considerable part of the first upon the Greek and Latin. When any per son made application to be admitted to tfais class, tfae presby tery was enjoined to be strict in exaraining faim with regard to his reUgious experience, fais motives in seeking to be ad raitted as a student, and fais fitness for tfae sacred office. Re peated instances occurred of persons making application, who had not received a regular preparatory education at any other school, and of their being rejected on tfais ground. Every year, the synod appointed a committee to examine the students attending the Pfailosopfaical Class, and to report to tfae synod tfae progress wfaich each had made. According to the report thus made, tfaey were admitted to the study of divinity, under the Theological Professor ; or if found deficient, they were continued for some time longer in the Philosophical Class. The. points on which they were usually exanuned, were their 294 REPORT OF EXAMINING COMMITTEE. knowledge of philosophy, their soundness in the faith, tfaeir acquaintance witfa experimental religion, and their motives for prosecuting tfaeir studies. Tfae following report of one of these examining commit tees is here extracted from the records of synod, as a speci men of the method of procedure, and of tfae strictness with wfaicfa the duty was discharged. The examinators appointed by the synod, were Messrs. Adam Gib, William Mair, An drew Thomson, John Muckarsie, Alexander Blyth, WiUiam Moncrieff, John Walker, Jaraes Mitchell, John Heugh, John Wilson, Andrew Bunyan, John Robertson, senior, and James Alyce. Their report was to the following effect : " That tfaey faad met according to appointment, and examined the persons hereafter raentioned, concerning tfaeir knowledge fr pfailosopfay, tfaeir soundness in tfae faith, their acquaintance witfa experimental religion, and tfaeir raotives for prosecuting tfaeir studies ; "Tfaat David Morison, William Drysdale, John Burton,' John Muirhead, Jofan Proudfoot, Jofan Smitfa, and Jofan Young, may be admitted to tfae study of divinity; that Alexander Armstrong, Alexander Howieson, Jofan TurnbuU, Francis Pringle, James Rarasay, William Barlas, William Bennet, William Laing, Jofan Cuthbert, John Mackie, John Myras, Thomas Sirapson, William Mitchell, and George Cowie may be admitted, upon tfaeir joining in tfae bond foi renewing our covenants ; that Jofan Grafaam and Andrew Arrot cannot be admitted, as not faaving given evidence of tfaeir proficiency in tfae study of philosophy; that WiUiam Bucfaanan cannot be admitted, as not faaving given any sa^ isfying reason for fais leaving tfae employraent fae has been bred to and betaking hiraself to his studies ; that WiUiam M'Lellan, frora Nortfi Araerica, considering the pecuUarity of his case, and his faaving given as raucfa satisfaction as could be expected of one in his circurastances, may be admitted upon his satisfying Mr. Moncrieff*. of his having formally declared his adfaerence to tfae Testimony, before any of the judicatories of tfae Secession, under wfaose immediate inspec tion he may be." From tfais report it will be seen, that before any young man could be adraitted to tfie study of divinity, he was re quired to "join in the bond for renewing the covenants." Tfais was considered by raany to be objectionable ; and the synod was occasionally attacked on the ground of this regu lation. They were accused of throwing a snare, by raeans of it, in the way of youtfas, sorae of wfaom had scarcely passed ¦* Mr. Moncrieff was Professor of Divinity, and Mr. James Bishop was teacher, at this time, of the Philosophical Class. MR. T. MAIR APPLIES TO BE RESTORED. 295 the period of boyhood, to swear to the truth of a religion which they had not exarained. Upon tfae recoramendation of tfaeir committee for examining tfae students, tfae synod after ward dispensed witfa tfais regulation ; and, instead of requiring tfaeir young men to swear the bond of the covenants, previous to their being admitted to tfae study of divinity, tfaey made this one of tfie conditions of tfaeir being taken on trials for licence. Mr. Thomas Mair, of whose deposition from the office of tfae ministry an account faas been given in a preceding part of this narrative, presented a petition to the synod, at their raeeting in AprU 1766, craving that tfae sentence pronounced against faira raigfat be disannuUed, and declaring fais resolu tion to keep the unity of tfae Spirit in the bond of peace, and to guard against all expressions relating to the points at issue betwixt faira and the synod, tfaat raight give offence. In answer to his petition, the synod appointed the presbytery of Perth and Dunfermline to faold raeetings witfa Mr. Mair, and to converse witfa faira on tfaose points concerning wfaich fae faad formerly refused to give satisfaction ; and they were to report at next raeeting the result of these interviews, Agree ably to this appointment, a meeting of the presbytery was held at Milnatfiort, in tfie month of May, which Mr. Mair attended ; and, after a considerable time spent in conversa tion, the following proposal was raade to hira, — " tfaat fae should withdraw his dissent against the Act of tke Synod com^ cerning doctrine, on condition of fais being perraitted to raark something farther in tfae minutes, for his own exoneration." Mr. Mair agreed to take tfais proposal into consideration, and requested that he might be allowed tiU next raeeting of pres bytery, to prepare a statement that migfat be suitable to the purpose. When the presbytery met at Perth, on the 24th of June, Mr. Mair again attended; and, after stating that he had taken the above proposal into his serious consideration, he presented the foUowing statement as the result of his delibera tions on the subject : — " That tfaougfa fae was far from pre scribing to the reverend synod, yet he was of opinion tfiere are two things he is persuaded tfie reverend synod can do with honour to themselves, and to the truth, and particularly as these truths are so well guarded in our excellent standards, either that they would find tfaat tfae trutfas intended to be cleared and vindicated by tfais act (viz. the act concerning doc trine), are already weU-guarded by these standards, and that the endeavour used for any farther guarding of them, by this aet, seems not to answer tfae end of the edification of the body of Christ; that they, therefore, will not furtfaer insist upon tfaat 296 AMERICAN MISSION. act (as laid), as any term of ministerial and Christian com munion, or as a confession, or any part of a confession of fjuth, except as to the precious gospel truths therein contained, as these trutfas are expressed in the received standards of this churcfa, unto an adherence whereto we are all engaged by most sacred bonds ; or, if that cannot take place, that his dissent be allowed to stand according to the tenor of his address to last synod ; and he, with all who adhere to his ministry, be received into full communion without farther challenge on the head of the dissent." The presbytery was urgent that Mr* Mair should withdraw his dissent altogether, but Mr. Mair was immoveable. These proceedings were reported by the presbytery to the synod, when they met in the month of August : And the synod were unanimous in finding, that it was to no purpose to appoint the presbytery to have any farther intercourse with Mr. Mair upon the subject. In the month of September, of tfae following year (1 767), anotfaer application was made by Mr. Mair and his congregation to be restored to the commu nion of the synod, which was equally unsuccessful as the pre ceding one. In April, 1767, the synod recommended it to the several presbyteries under their inspection, to endeavour " tfaat co venanting work be essayed" in congregations wfaere minis ters faave been lately ordained, especially where said work has not been formerly gone about, so soon as it can be regu larly overtaken ; also, that presbyteries take special care, botfi as to young raen whom they Ucense, and probationers, whom tbey ord'ain, tfaat they be of the same raiiid with the synod, not only as to covenanting in general, but as to the pre sent seasonableness and expediency of proceeding in that duty. At the sarae meeting, the synod gave tfaeir sanction to the following overture : — That it be recommended to the several presbyteries, to take due care tfaat probationers under tfaeir inspection do not violate good order, by preacfaing in vacan cies in tfae bounds of other presbyteries, unless they have been appointed by their own presbytery, upon an application from tfiat presbytery in wfiose bounds the vacancy lies, or by advice of sorae rainisters of said presbytery when providentially in their bounds; also that it be recoramended to ministers to be cautious and prudent, as to preaching in vacancies without the bounds or their own presbytery. Notwithstanding the widening circle of tfae synod's oper ations, both in Great Britain and Ireland the transatlantic missions continued to occupy a considerable share of their at tention ; and if the zea\, which they displayed on behalf of their American brethren, had only been seconded by a proper DEATH OF MR. GELLATLY. 297 degree of missionary spirit on the part of tfae students and probationers under their cfaarge, the nuraber of their congre gations on the western side of the Atlantic would faave in creased rapidly indeed. Few raeetings of synod took place, for a nuraber of years, at wfaicfa they did not appoint one or more students to be licensed, with a view to the Pennsylvanian mission. But considerable difficulties were experienced by the synod, in carrying their benevolent intentions into effect, in consequence of the persons whom they appointed refusing to comply. Mention has already been made of the measures which the synod adopted with a view to secure corapliance with tfaeir missionary appointments. Presbyteries were pro hibited from licensing young men, unless tfaey should express their willingness to go on any missionary enterprise to which tfaey raight be appointed. Preachers were to be deprived of their licence, and were not to expect any employraent from tfae synod, if they should refuse to fulfil any missionary ap pointment wfaich they might receive, even tfiough it sfiould be to a foreign land : and tbose, wfio were under such an appointment, were declared not to be eligible to any of tfae vacant congregations in tfais country. It was scarcely pos sible for tfae synod to do more, in tfais matter, than tfaey did. Tfaat these regulations did not reraain a dead letter in tfaeir faand, tfaefr records sufficiently attest : Frequently did tfaey rebuke, and deprive of licence, those preachers who were con tumacious ; and though it appears that, in most instances, tfae licence was again restored, yet this was not done until a promise was previously obtained from the penitent preacher, that, for the future, fae would be submissive. At that period, tfae difficulty of obtaining a comfortable settlement at horae was not so great as it is at present ; and the prospect of per sonal comfort, to a labourer in the American vineyard, was not then so inviting as it now is. Sucfa considerations as tfaese, tfaough they do not vindicate, yet tend, in some measure, to account for that reluctance which many of the Secession preacfaers manifested to go and traverse, in tfae capacity of missionaries, the sylvan solitudes of the new world. Before Mr. Mason and his two associates, who were sent out by the synod in the spring of 1761,* reached the shores of Araerica, Mr. Alexander Gellatly, minister at Middle Octarara, in Pennsylvania, died.j Mr. Mason, faaving been sent out in consequence of an application made for faira, frora a congregation in New York, and faaving received ordination * See page 274. \ This individual died on the 12th of April, 1761, after having laboured eight years in Pennsylvania. Honourable mention deserves to be made of llira. as being the- first Secession missionary to America. 298 MISSIONARY APPOINTMENTS. previous to his departure from Scotland, took his seat as a meraber of the Pennsylvanian presbytery, iraraediately on his arrival. After Mr. Gellatiy's death, there were only two surviving members of presbytery, besides Mr. Mason ; tfaese were Messrs. James Proudfoot and Mattfaew Henderson. Of tfae two probationers, who accorapanied Mr. Mason, only one (Mr. William Annan) became a meraber of presbytery ; and this did not take place till about four years after his arrival. At the meeting of synod, in April 1762, several communi cations were received from Mr. Mason and his fellow-la bourers, craving tfaat tfaree additional missionaries migfat be sent out. Tfae synod were exceedingly disposed to give a favourable ear to this application. They appointed Mr. William Jamieson, one of their preachers, to go upon this mission, by the earliest opportunity ; and Mr. Alexander Stewart, minister at NewtonUmavady in Ireland, was ap pointed to accompany faim. Mr. Stewart was to remain, tUl tfae synod sfaould give directions about his being continued or recalled. Scarcely had tfaese appointraents been given, when Mr, Jamieson received a call from tfae congregation of Kilwin ning ;* and wfaen tfae synod met in auturan, coraraissioners appeared from this congregation, craving that Mr. Jaraieson, instead of being sent to America, sfaould be appointed to labour araongst thera. Both Mr. Jamieson and Mr. Stewart, being present at tfais meeting, were interrogated wfay they had not fulfilled tfaeir appointment; and tfae synod having heard their reasons, agreed, after a considerable discussion, to sustain their excuses, and to release them from thefr mis sionary engagements. Tfae call from Kilwinning to Mr. Jamieson, was reraitted to tfae Glasgow presbytery, that they might proceed in it as tfaey sfaould see cause. Before the synod separated, tfaey selected from tfae list of tfaeir students two other individuals, wfaom tfaey ordered to be Ucensed, and to be sent out to strengtfaen tfae faands of t.he brethren, who were labouring in Pennsylvania; these were Messrs. Alexander Pirie and William MarshaU. The result of tfae appointment in Mr. Pirie's case faas already beeu noticed. Mr. Marsfaall expressed his wUUngness to undertake the raission; but stipulated, tfaat, should he find tfae cUmate of Nortfa America prejudicial to his health, he should, with the concurrence of the presbytery there, be per mitted to return. After Mr. Pirie expressed a reluctance to • It was immediately after this, that the synod enacted, that no preacher, who was under an appointraent for going to Araerica, should be capable of being proposed as a candidate for any vacant congregation in this country. MISSIONARY APPOINTMENTS. 299 go to America, the synod appointed Mr. James Stewart, stu dent, to accompany Mr. Marshall, and to be licensed, after his arrival, by the Pennsylvanian presbytery. What was the scene of Mr. Stewart's future labours, I am unable to say : but a sfaort wfaile after tfais, tfae synod received intelli gence, that Mr. Marshall was ordained rainister of the Asso ciate congregation, at Deeprun and Netharaeny, on tfae Forks of tfae Delaware. In April, 1765, the synod agreed to send another mission to America ; and the persons whom tfaey selected for tfais faonourable work, were Messrs. Jofan France, Robert Cowan, and Jaraes Murdoch. Mr. France appeared at next raeeting of synod, in the raonth of September, and stated reasons why he could not fulfil tfae appointraent, and tfae synod, after faear ing fais reasons, ordered tfae presbytery of Pertfa and Dunferra Une, under whose superintendence fae was, to proceed no farther with his trials for Ucence. At tfae same raeeting, a letter was received from Mr. Cowan, stating reasons against his being sent upon the raission. The reasons, wfaich he as signed, were not deemed satisfactory ; and tfae presbytery of Earlston, who had Ucensed him witfi a view to his being sent to Araerica, were ordered to suraraon him before tfaera and , deal witfa faim on the subject ; and, unless fae sfaould give them satisfaction, as to his resolution of fulfilling tfae appoint ment of synod, tfaey were to suspend him from tfae exercise of his licence, and to suraraon faira to appear at next raeeting of synod. Tfaougfa Mr. France afterward obtained licence, and thougfa Mr. Cowan was again placed upon tfae list of preacfa ers, yet neitfaer of tfaera was eraployed in missionary labours.* It was witfa difficulty, also, tfaat the synod obtained the services of Mr. Murdoch for tfae work to wfaicfa fae was ap pointed. This difficulty was not occasioned by any aver sion, wfaicfa fae expressed, to go and preacfa tfae gospel abroad, but by tfae deraand tfaat was made for his labours at home. After being licensed, fae received a call from tfae congregation of Lisburn, in Ireland ; and though the synod were at first averse to sanction such a procedure, it being in direct opposi tion to tfaeir own enactraent on tfae subject, yet tfaey after ward permitted the presbytery to ordain fiim, on condition of fiis being sent, after his ordination, on a mission to Nova Scotia. Tfais was accordingly done. Mr. Murdocfa was ordained by tfae presbytery of NewtonUmavady, in September 1 766, and fortfawltfa proceeded on his mission, agreeably to ap pointment. * Mr. France was afterwards ordained over the congregation at Buchlyvie, where he laboured for tlflrty-eight years respected and useful. Mr. Cowan, some time after this left the Secession and connected himself with the ReUef. 300 COALITION OF AMERICAN MISSIONARIES. There was laid before tfae synod, at tfaeir autumnal meet ing, in 1767, a representation from the bretfaren in Pennsyl vania, craving tfaat more missionaries might be sent to them ; and stating that they had formed a coalescence with those ministers belonging to the Burgher Secession Synod, who were labouring in the province of New York. This coaUtion the synod refused to sanction. They considered tfaat the terras, on wfaich it was formed, were inconsistent with the " maintenance of the testimony among their hands against the course of the separating brethren :" and they appointed a committee to write to the Pennsylvanian brethren. In the mean time, they delayed farther procedure in tfae matter, tiU their next meeting. When tfaey met in April of the foUowing year, there was laid before them a petition subscribed by fifty-seven indivi duals in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, earnestly request ing that a minister migfat be sent to break amongst them the bread of life. In answer to tfais application, tfae synod ap pointed tfae Glasgow presbytery to ordain one of their licen tiates, and to send faira to labour araongst these people. At this raeeting, also, a communication was received from the presbytery of Pennsylvania, containing farther information con cerning tfie union with the Burgher missionaries in Araerica. This coraraunication was reckoned stUl raore unsatisfactory than tfae one forraeriy sent ; inasmucfa as tfae terms of coales cence wfaicfa it mentioned, were declared to be more inconsis tent tfaan tfae former, witfa tfae avowed sentiments of tfae synod, in reference to tfae breach. A letter, addressed to the Moderator, by Mr. David Telfar,* was received and read ; which was to the following effect : — " Bev. and Dear Sir, — As the presbytery of Pennsylvania lately sent a petition to your synod, which was given in to your committee of biUs, by Alexander Mowbray, merchant in Edinburgh, this morning, before I came to town, it is expected that it will raeet with an agreeable reception. As I was a member of that presbytery, I am the better able to inform you of their affairs ; and if you are disposed for peace and agreement in the Lord, I will be exceed ing fond to give you such information, by any number of members you may appoint, and prosecute the ends of agreement : And may the Lord grant us to see eye to eye, and to be perfectly united in the same mind. Please communi cate this to the synod, and favour me with your answer, as soon as conve nient, addressed to me, at Alexander Mowbray's, in Foster's Wynd. I am. Rev. and Dear Sir, yours respectfully, "David Telfar." "Edinbdrgh, 6th April, 1768." This letter met with an unfavourable reception from the synod. Mr. Telfar was informed, in a reply sent him by the • Mr. Telfar was minister of the congregation at Bridge-of-Teith, in con nexion with the Burgher Synod. He had been s%nt on a raission to PenU' sylvania, by that synod, and was now returned home. MISSIONARY APPOINTMENTS. 301 moderator, that his coramunication had been received ; but that the synod could not faold any correspondence witfa faim, except in the way of receiving satisfaction frora faira, witfa a view to the reraoval of the censure under whicfa fae was at pre sent lying ; and tfaat as to the terras of agreement, referred to in his letter, tfaey could not take tfaem into consideration. Notfaing fartfaer was done, in reference to the Pennsylvanian mission, at this meeting. In May, 1770, they appointed Messrs. John Roger, James Ramsay, and Jofan Proudfoot to be licensed and ordained, and to proceed across tfae Atlantic to strengtfaen tfae faands of the brethren, who were labouring in Pennsylvania ; tfaey ap pointed, also, Messrs. Jaraes Pierson, and Williara Carraicfaael, after receiving licence and ordination, to go to Nova Scotia. At tfae raeeting of September, in tfae sarae year, tfae presby tery of Pertfa reported, tfaat Messrs. Proudfoot and Pierson refused to fulfil the appointraent of synod. Being present, they were dealt witfa by the synod to coraply, but continued conturaacious ; wherefore, tfae synod ordered the presbytery to sist farther procedure in tfaefr trials.* Tfae presbytery of Moy rah and Lisburn, in Ireland, under whose superintendence Mr. Carmichael was, represented tfaat it would be irapracticable for him to go to Nova Scotia, but that they had appointed Mr. James Stewart to go in fais stead. After faearing a statement of the case, the synod relieved Mr. Carraicfaael from fais mis sionary appointraent. Tfaey also recalled tfae appointraent, wfaich the presbytery faad given to Mr. Stewart ; and tfaey appointed Mr. Jofan Tennant, a meraber of tfae presbytery of NewtonUraavady, to undertake a mission to Nova Scotia; and sfaould tfaere be any insuperable difficulties in his way, to prevent faim from undertaking tfais mission, it was left to tfae presbytery to appoint any officer of tfaeir number to go to that colony. With regard to Messrs. Roger and Rarasay, the presby tery of Glasgow reported, that botfa these young raen faad expressed their wUUngness to go to America, and that they had both received licence and ordination under an express engageraent that they would fulfil tfais appointraent. Wfaen inteiTogated by the synod, why tfaey faad not proceeded to tfaefr destination, Mr. Roger stated that no proper opportunity had yet presented itself, but tfaat fae meant to embrace the first that should occur. Mr. Ramsay stated some difficulties, that lay in his way ; but after some conversation with him, tfiese diffi- 'Both of these persons afterwards received licence, liaving engaged to fulfil thew missionary appointment. But the synod did not think proper to employ them as missionaries. 302 MISSIONARY APPOINTMENTS. culties were removed, and he declared his intention of pro ceeding, before next raeeting of synod, to America. As the presbytery of Pennsylvania had formed a coales cence with the Burgher bretfaren in that province, the synod considered whether it would be proper, in these circum stances, for Messrs. Roger and Rarasay to connect themselves with that presbytery. After sorae discussion, it was agreed to enjoin tfie presbytery to erase from their record every thing relating to their coalescence with tfae Burgher brethren, fi this injunction should be corapUed with, Messrs. Roger and Ramsay were to take their seats in the presbytery ; if the presbytery should prove refractory, then these two brethren, along with any others that sfaould entertain sirailar views with themselves, were empowered to c»nstitute themselves into a new presbytery. It would appear that the order of synod was complied witfa ; for at the next meeting Mr. Roger's name was inserted in their roll, as a member of the presby tery of Pennsylvania. It was intiraated, at the sarae raeetingj tfaat Mr. Jofan Sraitfa faad been ordained by tfae presbytery of Stirling, and faad proceeded to tfae same destination. He, too, was enrolled as a meraber of the Pennsylvanian pres bytery. Mr. Ramsay was taken to task for not having fulfilled his engagement. In vindication of himself, he read a long paper containing reasons for non-compliance. Tfaese tfae synod refused to sustain ; and as fae declared, in peremptory terms, that fae would not undertake tfae mission, tfaey did not deem it proper to insist any fartfaer upon fais complying , but they expressed tfaeir disapprobation of fais conduct, and suspended him from the exercise of his ministry. Mr. Ramsay pro tested against this sentence, and declared tfaat he would hold his ministry to be as valid as if no such sentence had been pronounced. But tfae synod were resolved to make tfaeir au tfaority be respected. Tfaey cited Mr. Ramsay to appear be fore tnem at tfaeir next sederunt, and obliged faira to witfadraw his protest. Not content witfa tfais, tfaey ordered a statement to be prepared, of tfae various grounds of offence wfaicfa Mr. Ramsay had given, and were proceeding to adopt ulterior mea sures, wfaich would in all probability have terrainated in his deposition, had he not, by a timely subraission, and an ample acknowledgraent, _ averted their displeasure. Iraraediately after this, fie received a call from a congregation in Glasgow, and was soon after inducted as tfaeir rainister. This may nelp to account, in some raeasure, for the strong aversion which he manifested to go to Araerica. During the period tfaat the synod were tfaus laudably en-^ gaged in providing for tfae spiritual wants of tfaeir bretfaren MB. GIBS OVERTURE. 30.'? in America, a variety of raisceUaneous matters, connected with the state of the church at home, occupied their atten tion. In the month of May 1769, Mr. Gib introduced an overture of considerable length, in which it was proposed, first, that the synod should publish an act " bearing their homologation, and constant profession of tfae wfaole state and management of the Secession Testimony,'" as tfae same was set forth in the various public acts and deeds, eraitted from time to tirae by the Associate Presbytery and synod ; secondly, That they sfaould eitfaer erabody in the sarae document, or publish in a separate act, " a vindication and justification of tfae Secession Testimony, against tfae sfaameful and wicked attempt wfaicfa was made, about fourteen years ago, for defam ing and destroying the sarae, in a large overture, by the pre tended synod of tfie separating brethren, concerning pretended errors in tfae Judicial Testiraony, and otfaer deeds wfaicfa faad been passed by the Associate JPresbytery." The acts pro posed to be consolidated by tfais overture, araounted to no fewer tfaan twenty ; and publishing them in one docuraent would certainly have been a great improvement. It would faave rendered tfaem raore accessible to tfae people, and it would have presented the grounds and proceedings of tfae Secession in a more concentrated and effective form before tfae public To induce the synod to adopt this overture, Mr. Gib pre sented a variety of reasons, which were appended to tfae same paper. Of tfaese tfae following were tfae chief: — " First, Ac cording to the course of matters, even things most raemorable, and whicfa ougfat to continue fresh in people's view, do readily become, in process of time, somehow antiquated ; and, as it is now above thirty years since the Secession Testimony was first stated, and a good many years since tfae last of tfaese acts and deeds above mentioned took place, it seems to be faigfa time tfaat the said Testimony, in the wfaole bygone state and management of it, sfaould be, upon tfae raatter, renewed or set forth in its original freshness, by such an act as is now raoved for." The second reason was, " The disraal opposition to the said. Testimony, made and managed by tfae separating bretfa ren, and tfaeir congregations." His tfaird reason was stated in the following terms : — " Some years ago, a motion arose among some, on the side of the separating brethren, for a coalescence of those called Burghers and Antiburghers, such as was to proceed upon a burial of the Secession Testimony, according to tfae wfaole state and raanageraent of it, in opposition to tfae course of tfae separating brethren ; and the said raotion did spread Uke wild ffre through different parts of the country, so as to produce 304 MR. gib's OVERTURE. numerous and disorderly meetings of people on both sides, for conversation and debate upon the subject : In reality, accord ing to the nature ofthe thing, for concerting and accoraplish- ing tfae burial of tfae Secession Testimony, wfaicfa affafr faad a manifest tendency, and it is to-be feared a good deal of success, for confounding and corrupting the minds of people under the inspection of tfae synod, witfa regard to tfaeir witnessing profession. Wfaerefore, it seeras faigh time for this synod to make a proper stand against this wfaole stratagem and defec tion, by such an act as is now moved for." Another reason mentioned by faim was the ignorance and forgetfulness of the Secession Testimony, and a spirit of neutraUty concerning it, whicfa prevailed among many of the present generation, under the inspection of the synod ; and he further added, " The generality of the ministers of this synod faave been brought into it since tfie state and management of the Secession Testimony, in raost of the acts and deeds above raentioned, took place. Wfaerefore it seems high time that tfaese ministers snould expressly serve themselves heir to their witnessing predeces sors in this synod, and tfaat an express manifestation sfaould be raade.of the Associate Synod continuing stiU really, as well as norainally, the sarae, by such an act as is now moved for." This overture the synod agreed to consider at a private sederunt ; but, after conversing on the Subject, they were found to be much divided in sentiment concerning it. Some thought that the consideration of it ought to be delayed, and that an opportunity ought to be afforded to the merabers of the different presbyteries to weigh tfae matter in tfaeir own minds, before tfaey were required to come to any decision. Otfaers were of opinion, tfaat tfaey ought to proceed without delay to take some steps with regard to the overture. A vote was put. Proceed unfo some step upon tkis overture ; or. De lay till next meeting ? wfaen it carried, by a considerable ma jority. Proceed. After tfais vote was passed, it was moved, " Tfiat tfaey sfaould agree to proceed according to tfae whole of the overture now before them." In opposition to this, another motion was made, " That the synod should appoint a coraraittee for drawing' up an overture in vindication and defence of tfae Judicial Testimony, the acts concerning the doctrine of grace, and tfae renovation of our solemn cove nants, and tfae answers to Mr. Nairn, witfa the declaration and defence thereto subjoined, in opposition to tfae various attacks which have been made upon the sarae, leaving the farther con sideration of the overture till afterwards." This latter motion was carried ;* and Mr. Gib craved that it might be marked, . * The coramittee appointed to prepare this overture, consisted of the fol lowing persons : — Messrs. WiUiam Graham (Moderator), Andrew Thomson, CONSIDERATION OF IT POSTPONED. 305 " That as he had voted on tfae first question, Proceed, so he had voted on the second question. Agree, tfiougfi with the concurrence of only one elder, because he reckoned tfaat the reverend synod ought to faave given sorae present and proper entertalnraent to tfae wfaole of the overture proposed, as it only aims at an acknowledging, sustaining, and maintaining of the whole bygone state and manageraent of the Secession Testiraony ; tfiat tfiey ougfit to faave done so, as a necessary piece of faitfafulness, in behalf of the wfaole of tfae Lord's cause among tfaeir faands." To tfais statement of Mr. Gib, tfae elder referred to, Tfaomas Beveridge from Paisley, declared his ad herence. This business was again pressed upon tfae attention of tfae synod, at thefr meeting in May of the following year. It was tfien moved, that the synod should consider what they were to do concerning the overture laid before thera at a former meeting. Inquiry was made if tfae committee formerly appointed faad prepared tfae draught of an act, according to their appointraent. The answer returned was, that the com mittee fiad not yet met, nor done anytfaing in tfae affair, It was agreed to postpone the farther consideration of tfais matter till tfaeir next meeting. Against tfais decision Mr. Gib entered tfae following protest : — " I do faereby protest, for myself, and in behalf of all the raembers of this synod, and of the Secession body, who shaU see meet to adfaere, tfaat I ara to be considered as still persisting, and as resolved (tfarougfa grace), still to persist in a full adherence to the whole state and raanagement of the Secession Testimony, wfaich is re ferred to in tfae foresaid overture, particularly as to all the synodical wrestlings and contendings for the sarae, in opposi tion to tfae course of the separating brethren, and of Mr. Mair; and that I am for faaving tfae wfaole acts and deeds referred to in tfae said overture, considered as still in force, all of the same authoritative vigour as at first. Moreover, I do hereby pro^ test, for myself, and in behalf of all tfae members of tfais synod who shall see meet to adfaere, tfaat I cannot acknowledge, nor have any concern witfa tfae business of tfae foresaid comraittee, because I conceive tfaat, as stated in connexion with tfae foresaid delay, it stands in opposition to any proper acknow ledgraent of tfae said synodical wrestUngs and contendings for about twenty-four years bygone, leaving tfae sarae to be con sidered as sorae way antiquated : Protesting also, tfaat my continuing to sit in this synod ought not to be reckoned an acknowledgment of its present condition, furtfaer tfaan as may Alexander Troup, David Wilson, senior, WilUara Moncrieff, John Goodlet, John Heugh, John Wilson, and James Morison. U 306 MR. GIB CALLED TO ACCOUNT weU enough consist witfa what is above expressed ; or further than as it really continues to be stiU the same Associate Synod; to as I may not be answerable for any thing now taking place therein to tfae contrary. And upon all this I take in struments, craving that the same may be recorded in the min utes of synod, and tfaat I raay be allowed extracts. Adam Gib." Messrs. John Robertson, James Morison, Jofan Anderson, and Alexander Oliver, desired to have it marked, that " they craved to have tfae door left open till next meeting, tfaat they might offer what tfaey thought proper for their exoneration in this matter." When the next meeting arrived, a motion was made that the synod should consider the overture, but the consideration of it was still deferred till anotfaer meeting. Messrs. Robertson and Morison then declared that they ad hered to the protest formerly taken by Mr. Gib. The coolness which the synod displayed with regard to this overture, and certain occurrences connected witfa tfae erection of a new congregation at Leitfa, aUenated tfae mind of Mr. Gib, and led fiim to discontinue, for a season, his attendance in the synod. At their spring meeting, in 1771, tfae synod finding that he had not taken his seat amongst them, and that, with the exception of the first sederunt, he had absented faim self during tfae wfaole of tfae preceding meeting, sent some oi the brethren to request him to attend, and to give reasons for his absence. Mr. Gib appeared ; and, being interrogated by tfae moderator, wfay he had withdrawn fairaself, fae gave in the following paper, craving tfaat it raigfat be recorded: — " I faave for some time been labouring under great difficulties aboat continuing to take a seat in tfais reverend synod, unto any fartfaer interfering witfa their business ; because, from the spirit which I apprehend has been working within these five years bygone, I am now rauch at a loss to see any proper door remaining open for my farther usefulness in this court ; and because several things in the conduct of this synod, during that time, about wfaicfa my pecuUar circumstances have obliged me to keep silence, and particularly some of their proceedings at last meeting, are now becorae very straitening to my con science, as to sitting silent under them ; and because several things in the conduct of some ministers of this synod during the same time, about whicfa I faave in Uke raanner been obUged to keep silence, have also become very straitening to my con science, asto acontinuedacknowledgmentof membership with them in this court, without satisfaction. " At the sarae tirae, I cannot get myself reconciled to a particular explaining, as matters presently stand, of the grie vances above referred to, in order to a particular satisfaction concerning them, unless tfae reverend synod shall oblige me PAPER IN EXPLANATION OF HIS CONDUCT 307 to it, by a prosecution upon a libel, instead of yielding to what I shall now propose, or of overlooking ray absence ; be cause I can see no probability of any good effect tfaat sucfa an explanation can now faave ; but apprehend tfae only conse quence raust be the kindUng of a new fire and contention to farther miscfaief, whicfa I cannot allow myself to be a volun tary occasion of. " But it is a matter most grievous to me, all circumstances considered, to find rayself sfaut out from tfais reverend synod ; so tfaat I am ratfaer willing to put up, in tfae mean time, with any thing that raay bear but as it were a shadow of present exoneration ; and tfae lowest raeasure of this I can think of is, that I get this present representation engrossed in the minutes of synod, as a standing evidence tfaat ray continuing to sit and act in tfais synod, silent as faitfaerto about the said grievances, shaU not be considered as precluding me from freedora to ex plain, and insist for satisfaction, about the sarae faereafter, if I sfaall live to see an opportunity for doing so, witfa any probabil ity of a good effect, when the Lord shall be witfa us, and we with him, as in former times." This paper gave rise to sorae discussion ; but the synod agreed to allow it to be -engrossed in their record. They also agreed to express tfaeir dissatisfaction witfa Mr. Gib in having so long retained in his breast the scruples referred to, witfaout stating tfaem, and in witfadrawing from tfae synod witfaout as signing any reasons tiU called for ; and tfaey found fault with the mode in which he had expressed fais difficulties in tfae pa per now given, in. After considering aU tfae circumstances of the case, they deemed it expedient to sist all fartfaer proce dure in tfae matter at present, reserving to tfaemselves tfae power of calUng upon Mr. Gib to explain faimself more parti cularly hereafter, if tfaey should see cause. They resolved, at the sarae time, that, at an early sederunt of next meeting, they would consider the overture which had been laid before them in May 1769. When the synod met in August, 1771, they entered upon tfae consideration of the overture ; and after a long discussion, the following raotion was carried by a large majority : — " "That tfae synod lay aside the overture, because, thougfa tfiey heartily approve of all our received and sworn-to principles, yet they cannot see the necessity, propriety, and expediency of bring ing them into question, and of passing such an act as the overture proposes, while all the acts and deeds, mentioned in said overture, are standing acts and deeds in as full force as when they were passed." Mr. Gib, who voted witfa tfae min ority on this question, craved to have his dissent marked in the following terras : — " I hereby adhere unto, and upon 308 widows' fund. tfae matter renew, the protestation wfaich I entered upon this subject at the meeting of synod in May last year, from this consideration, that a consistency of the latter part of the motion now gone into, in an ingenuous sense tfaereof, — tfaat a consistency of this with the laying aside of the overture, and .witfa the reasonings by wfaich the matter faas been brougfat to this issue, — is a thing absolutely beyond my comprehension." To this dissent, three ministers (Messrs. John Robertson, sen., James Morison, and Alexander Oliver) and two elders (Messrs. George Anderson and George Ford) declared tfaefr adherence. It is pleasing to record the Christian sympathy which the members of the synod displayed for the widows and orphans of those ministers wfao had been removed by death from the scene of their labours. In no part of their proceedings did they evince more of tfae spfrit of their Master, than in the laudable exertions which they made to provide for the tem poral comfort of tfaese objects of tfaeir benevolence. Notice has already been taken of the formation of a fund,* to which every congregation was required to contribute, and tfae pro ceeds of which were applied solely to the relief of ministers' widows, and their fatherless children. As tfais fund was not so productive as the exigencies of the case requfred, a sraall additional allowance was occasionally given to each widow out of the general fund of the Association. The synod were of opinion, that it is the duty of every congregation to make provision, according to their abiUty, for tfie widows and orphans of their deceased ministers, should they be left in des titute circumstances. The foUowing overture was accord ingly introduced, and received the sanction of the synod, in September, 1772 : — " That in regard the word of God, forr mer acts of tfae church, and even reason itself, require that the widows and fatherless cfaildren of ministers should be pro vided for, in a decent manner, with regard to the necessaries of life, the synod recommend it to the several congregations under tfaeir inspection, wfaere any of the Lord's servants have been, or shall be, caUed off by death, to make some pro vision, according to their respective abilities, for their widows and children : But the synod declare, that tfais recommenda tion sfaall be witfaout any prejudice to tfaeir former act, requir ing all tfaeir congregations to contribute for the provision of the widows and children of deceased ministers; and tfaat, wfaere any congregation makes provision for the widow or children of its deceased minister, it shall, in that case, be exempt from contributing in conjunction witfi other congregations, accord ing to said act." • P. 276. REGULATIONS OF PUBLIC FUND. 309 The clerk was appointed to send an extract of this act to each of the presbyteries, to be laid by them before all the con gregations. Notwitfastanding tfaese regulations, tfae fund stUl continued inadequate; and a few years afterward, an additional act was passed, whereby all the ministers connected witfa tfae synod in Britain were required to subscribe, in tfaeir respec tive presbyteries, sucfa a sum to tfae widows' funds as tfaey sfaould be able and disposed to give ; and presbyteries were to render a particular account to tfae synod of the sum which each congregation was ¦ requfred to contribute to tfae same object. At the sarae meeting at which the above overture was adopted, the synod, witfi a view to render their pubUc fimd more productive, enacted the following regulations : — First, Tfaat there be no public coUections in time coming, by the autfaority of tfais synod, but one eacfa year, in eacfa of tfieir congregations, for tfaeir public fund ; and tfaat tfais col lection be made annuaUy on tfae first Sabbatfa of April, or on tfae first opportunity afterward (wfaere tfaere is a vacancy on that day), without enjoining any otfaer extraordinary col lection. Second, Tfaat the whole of the collection raade in eacfa con gregation for tfaat purpose, be given to the synod's fund, with out any deduction by the sessions, except tfae ordinary araount of coUection for tfae poor. Third, That all tfae rainisters of tfae synod be careful to have tfaese annual collections made in tfaefr several congrega tions, so as to have the money brougfat or sent up, at one or otfaer of tfae meetings of synod eacfa year ; witfa certification otfaerwise of being specially censured- by the synod for thefr neglect. Fourth, That a particular state of deficients, as to these col lections, be laid before the synod at each meeting, together with a state of tfae money in thefr fund. Fiftfa, Tfaat tfae said fund be applied not only to the or dinary purposes of trainmg up young men for tfie ministry, but also for missions, and for the relief of particular congrega tions, so far as it can serve tfaese purposes. Tfae collections raade in Ireland were to be appUed, in tfae first place, to defray tfae expenses of such of the bretfaren from that kingdom, as should attend the several meetings of synod. At this period, the Secession congregations were but thinly scattered in the north of Scotland. One cause of this was tfae difficulty of procuring preacfaers wfao were acquainted with tfae Gaelic language. Witfa tfae exception of Mr. Patrick Buchanan, who was settled at Nigg, none of tfae ministers 310 PREACHERS SENT TO CAITHNESS. belonging to tbe synod appear to have been able to address the Highlanders in thefr native dialect. Mr. Tfaomas Darg, a Gaelic licentiate, was sent to labour in the north; and having received a call frora a congregation at Wick, in Caithness, consisting chiefly of Highlanders, he was ordained amongst thera in September, 1771. In consequence of his ordination in that remote district, the standard of the Secession was planted almost on the northernmost point of Scotland ; for an application for a supply of sermon, in tfae Gaelic language, was soon after made by a number of people in the town of Thurso; and a sirailar application was raade frora Higfalanders residing in the town and neigfabourfaood of Nafrn. The synod authorized their Professor, Mr. Moncrieff, to look out for a few students, who raight be acquainted witfa tfae native dialect of tfae Higfalanders, and to send tfaem to reside for a season in tfae Nortfa, tfaat tfaey raigfat improve tfaemselves in tfae Celtic ^ language; and tfae necessary expenses were to be defrayed out of the public fund. It was also declared, tfaat any students who should receive such an appointraent, and wfao should refuse to yield corapliance, were not to expect any fiirther encourage ment from tfae synod. In tfae sumraer of 1774, Messrs. Howieson and Laing, two licentiates, who had acquired such a knowledge of the Gaelic, - as enabled tfaem to preacfa (though iraperfectly) in that lan guage, were despatcfied to tfie Nortfi, and laboured cfiiefly araongst tfie Gaelic population, at tfie following stations, — Thurso, Nairn, and Strathdearn. The forraer of these preacfaers received a call from a congregation at Howford, in tfae neigfabourfaood of Nairn, and was ordained amongst thera, by tfae presbytery of Elgin, in April, 1778. The sarae cause whicfa prevented tfae Secession from obtaining an early entrance into the Highlands of Scotland, — viz. the want of Gaelic preacfaers, — has prevented it from ever obtain ing an extensive footing in these mountainous regions. Not withstanding tfae encouragement wfaicfa faas been repeatedly faeld out to young Higfalanders to offer tfaeraselves for this work, tfae Secession synods faave faitfaerto been baffled in their atterapts to procure a sufficient number of well-qualified per sons, to enable tfaem to carry on missionary operations to any considerable extent, among tfaeir Celtic countryraen. In August, 1778, tfae synod took into consideration a sub ject of much iraportance to the respectabiUty and efficiency of the Christian rainistry, viz., the maintenance given by the congregations to those who laboured araongst tfaem in the gospel. At that period, tfae doctrine of voluntary contribu tion for religious purposes, was coraparatively new in this country; and as the first generation of Seceders faad been MAINTENANCE OF MINISTERS. 311 frained up (at least the greater portion of them) within the pale of the EstabUshment, wfaere no pecuniary effort had been required of them, it was not, of course, to be expected that, after joining the Secession, they would immediately lay aside the habit of non-giving, to which they had been accustomed, and all at once imbibe, in its full extent, that spirit of liberality which became them, as Christians, to cherish. Besides, a considerable proportion of those who left the Establishment, and joined tfie ranks of the Secession, were persons in faumble circurastances of life, and, however wilUng they migfat be to contribute, tfaey had little to give ; and besides contributing to the maintenance of their minis ters, there were many other objects, of a benevolent and re Ugious nature, to which they 'svere required to give tfaeir sup port. It need not tfaerefore excite surprise, tfaat the stipends given by many of tfae Secession congregations to tfaefr minis ters, should be found very inadequate ; and it may reasonably be supposed, that tfae merabers of tfae synod, in calling tfae attention of tfaeir people to tfais subject, were influenced no less by a sense of duty, tfaan by a regard to tfaeir own personal comfort and respectability. An overture to tfae following effect was introduced, and the synod was required to give it their sanction : — " As it hath pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save , them that believe ; as a gospel rainistry is a standing ordi nance in the cfaurcfa, appointed by our God and Redeemer ; and as our Lord hath ordained, that they who preach tfae gospel sfaould live by tfae gospel, — it becoraes tfie duty of every church, and has been tfae practice of every pure one, to take care that this ordinance of Christ be observed, and his laws respecting it obeyed : And wfaereas it is apprehend ed, that there are various congregations under tfae inspection of this synod, which are greatly defective in supporting the gospel among tfaem, according to tfaeir nurabers, abilities, and engageraents in tfae call wfaich they have subscribed to tfaeir rainisters : " It is tfaerefore faurably overtured to tfae reverend synod, tfaat they would take this matter into their consideration, and that an act be made by them to the following purpose, or with such alterations and araendraents as sfaall be tfaought necessary: — 1. Tfaat tfae synod appoint tfae several presby teries under tfaeir inspection, to inquire into tfae state of every congregation in their bounds respectively, — also faow tfae gos pel is supported in eacfa of tfaese congregations, according to its numbers and abilities. 2. That tfae presbyteries be ap pointed also to inquire faow public charges about sacraraental solemnities are defrayed in the said congregations, and wfaat ii\2 PENAL STATUTES AGAINST ROMAN CATHOLICS : is usually done for tfaat purpose. 3. Tfaat the presbyteries be further appointed to inquire, whether, in those congregations where no glebe is provided for the rainister, any thing is done by the people toward furnisfaing faira witfa a horse, in his at tendance upon presbyteries, synods, and sacraraental occasions. 4. Tfaat the several presbyteries be enjoined to take effectual care, that the probationers under their inspection be properly supported by the congregations, where tfaey are appointed by them to preach. 5. That every presbytery be appointed to bring a minute of their proceeding in this matter to tfae first meeting of synod, after sucfa act sfaall be made." In the course of the discussion which this overture occa sioned, some proposed that it should be passed into an act : others were of opinion tfaat it would be sufficient to recom mend tfae matters contained in it to tfae attention of the several presbyteries. Tfais latter opinion preponderated; and when the question was put. Enact, or Recommend? it carried by a considerable majority, Recommend. A recoramendation to the above effect was accordingly given to the several pres byteries, by the moderator, from the cfaair. Some tirae before this, an act had been passed by the British Parliaraent, " for better regulating tfae governraent of Quebec," in which a legal establisfament had been given to the Roman CathoUc religion throughout the province of Lower Canada. And in the session of Parliament, this same year, another act was passed, repealing certain penal statutes affecting tfae papists in England ; and, in consequence of the repeal, tfae Englisfa CatfaoHcs were permitted (on taking an oath prescribed by the act) tfae free exercise of tfaeir religion, and also to open scfaools for tfae instruction of their youth. Tfaese proceedings were viewed with alarm by many tfarough out tfae country. Governraent, by the passing of these acts, was considered as giving encouragement to popery, both at faome and abroad. In this alarm the merabers of tfie synod participated, along with many of their fellow-subjects ; and a comraittee was appointed by them, at tfais meeting, to prepare a testiraony against tfae legal encouragement wfaich had been given to popery. At next sederunt, the coramittee presented a draught of this testimony, wfaicfi, after receiving several corrections and amendments, was approved of, and ordered to be immediately publisfaed. In tfais docuraent, tfae synod characterize these enactments " as inconsistent both with the principles of our holy religion, and witfa tfae safety of tfae state ; and as faaving a tendency to weaken tfae protestant interest, by reviving and strengthening a popish faction,— rthe irreconcileable eneraies of the protestant religion and liberties." They pronounce the making of such SYNOD TESTIFIES AGAINST THEIR REPEAL. 313 laws to be " inconsistent witfa tfae duty of Cfaristian and pro testant rulers, contrary to tfae laws of God, greatly dishonour ing to the Redeemer, and a further progress in the public and national apostacy frora the Reforraation." They also declare, tfaat tfaey " detest the principle of persecution for conscience' sake, or of denying the enjoyraent of natural rigfats to sucfa, whose principles or practices are not inconsistent with the peace and order of civil society. But tfaey cannot consider tfaose wfao own unUraited subjection to a foreign head, namely, the Roman Anticfarist, — wfao beUeve in tfae infallibility of a cfaurch wfaicfa faas decreed it lawful to keep no faitfa witfa tfaose wfaom they call faeretics, — wfao believe in tfae power of tfae pope to absolve tfaera frora all allegiance to princes, and in tfae doctrine of papal dispensations, or Jesuitical equivocations, — and wfaose known principles are destructive to tfae civil and religious rigfats of mankind: they can never consider such persons as entitled to sucfa public favour, or that they can be viewed as good or faitfaful subjects of any protestant state, notwithstanding any oaths they can swear to tfae contrary. On tfae account of the idolatry, blasphemy, and persecuting cruelty, inseparable from tfaat religion, do they give this testi mony against it." For the British government to give a civil establishraent to popery in Canada, was certainly a raost objectionable proceed ing, and deserved all tfae reprobation whicfa tfae synod, in comraon witfa all good protestants, pronounced upon it. But to repeal the penal statutes that pressed upon the EngUsh CathoUcs, and to permit tfais class offals Majesty's subjects to enjoy tfae free exercise of their religion, and to open seminaries for the instrnction of their youth, so long as tfaey conducted themselves in a legal and peaceable manner, was a step no less sanctioned by true religion and common equity, tfaan it was consonant to tfae dictates of sound policy. Tfaere can be no greater evU in a country, and no greater fainderance to the prosperity of the church of Cfarist, tfaan wfaen one class of reUgionists attempt, by penal enactments, to prevent anotfaer class from worsfaipping God according to tfae dictates of tfaeir conscience. Tfae synod were no doubt sincere, when they declared " tfaat they detested the principle of persecution for conscience' sake." But, like the great majority of tfae pro testants of that period, they did not account it " persecution for conscience' sake," to shut up the cfaurcfaes and scfaools of tfae Roman Catfaolics, and to prevent tfaat proscribed class from worsfaipping God in the manner whicfa tfaeir conscience dictated. Tfie entertaining of tfaese views, faowever, was tfae fault not iso raucfa of tfae raen, as of tfae age in wfaich tfaey lived. The result has shown, that the fears wfaicfa tfaey cfaer- 314 PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. ished with regard to the evU effects of such a measure, were unfounded ; and the experience of more than faalf a century has proved, that neither tfae safety of the comniunity, nor the interests of religion, are endangered by spreading the shield of toleration over the votaries of the church of Rome any more than by spreading it over the adherents of the protes tant faitfa. Intelligence reacfaed the synod, that some of the Pennsyl vanian brethren had formed tfaemselves into a presbytery dis tinct from tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania, and faad assumed to theraselves the designation of the Associate Presbytery of New York. It was understood tfaat Mr. Jofan Mason was the person witfa whora this raovement originated, tfaough no distinct information had been received who tfae bretfaren were tfaat had connected themselves with the new American pres bytery. The synod declared that they could acknowledge no other presbytery in Araerica but the one already existing ui Pennsylvania ; and they required the bretfaren tfiere to send horae a particular account of the change tfaat had taken place, tfaat tfaey raigfat judge concerning it. Tfais presbytery faad lately received an accession, by Mr. James Clarkson being added to tfaeir number.* Mr. Mason was a strenuous advocate for a coalition with tfae " separating bretfaren." Some coramunications had been received from him by persons in this country, in wfaicfa he had used strong language concerning the dispute carried on betwixt the two Secession synods. He had cfaaracterized it as " tfae dry, the fruitless, the disgracing, the pernicious contro versy about the burgess-oath ;" and the following words, pub lished by Mr. Archibald Hall, as proceeding from a member of tfae synod, were ascribed to faira : — " This controversy has done infinite injury to tfae cause of God in Scotland, and wfaerever it faas sfaed its raalignant influences. For ray own part, I cannot reflect upon it witfaout sfaarae and perplexity. Tfaough we differ only about the meaning of some burgess- oaths and some acts of parliament, our mutual opposition has been as fierce as probably it would have been had we differed about the most important points of Christianity. The infatu ation we have fallen into will amaze posterity." At a pre vious meeting, Mr. Gib had founded upon this language a cfaarge against Mr. Mason, "of fais having grievously defamed the Lord's gracious and memorable interposal for the support * This person was ordained by the Glasgow presbytery on the 14th of July, 1772, and was sent out, iramediately after his ordination, to America. Mr. Martin, a member of the presbytery of Moyrah and Lisburne, followed him, during the course of next year, to the same destination ; but his name (for what reason I know not) was not added to the presbytery's roll. DEALINGS WITH MR. GIB. 315 of the Secession interest, in the matter of the foresaid contro versy, horribly reproaching the appearance which he has enabled this synod to make, for his interest, against tfae separ ating brethren, as if it were an infatuation, and dreadfully bres^ing the bond of his ordination vows." He had also proposed, that the synod should erase Mr. Mason's name from their roll, and no longer acknowledge him to be one of their nuraber, till tfaey sfaould faave an opportunity of bringing his :;ase to a proper trial ; and that an injunction should be sent out to the presbytery of Pennsylvania, " to lay hira aside from a seat amongst them," until they sfiould receive from him proper satisfaction for his conduct. 'This motion, when first brought forward in May, 1776, the synod had refused to entertain. They did not even think proper to record it in their rainutes ; and Mr. Gib was so much dissatisfied with their conduct in this matter, as well as with their rejection of his overture brought forward in May, 1769, tfaat fae again absented faimself from tfae meetings of synod. For four years fae kept himself aloof, and gave no countenance (at least by his presence) to their proceedings. They were again obliged to deal with him, and to call upon him to give reasons for his absence. This business was taken up by tfiera at their raeeting in August, 1780. An extra judicial conference was held witfa faira ; and being required to to state why he had not attended the synod for some years past, he raentioned a variety of grievances, of botfa a personal and a public nature, which, he conceived, "had shut the door" against his farther usefulness in the synod. Messrs. Moncrieff, Morison, and Bruce, were appointed a committee, to prepare an overture, agreeable to wfiat had passed in tfae conference; and tfae result was, that the comraittee recora mended to the synod to adopt tfie overture proposed by Mr. Gib, in May, 1769, and to entertain tfie proposal made by him in May, 1776, concerning Mr. Mason; both of wfaich were done accordingly. The synod declared " their homo logation and constant profession of tfae wfaole Secession Tes timony, first araong tfie hands of the Associate Presbytery, and afterwards araong the hands of tfae Associate Synod." Tfaey also struck tfae narae of Mr. Mason out of tfaeir roll, " as no longer entitled to a seat for being an active member among tfaera, until there should be an opportunity for bringing his case to a formal trial." These things being done, Mr. Gib agreed to forget all personal grievances, and to resume his seat as formerly. At the spring meeting of tfae following year (1781), tfae synod took into consideration tfae state of tfaeir Theologi cal Seminary and complaints faaving been made by the 316 REGULATIONS ABOUT STUDENTS OF DIVINITY. examming comraittees, that the attendance _ of tfae students upon tfae prelections of tfae Professor of Divinity was neither so fuU nor so regular as it ought to be, tfae following regula tions, drawmip by the presbytery of StirUng, were adopted: — " Tfaat in ordinary cases, no students of divinity sfaaU be taken upon trials for licence, till they have attended the Divinity Class for five, or at least four, sessions after they have been adraitted : That tfae number of sessions tfaey attend sfaall be reckoned from tfae time tfaey have finished their phUo sophical studies, at least so far as their prosecution of any of tfae branches thereof, at any of tfae Universities, sfaall not interfere witfa their attendance on tfae Divinity Class above tfaree weeks : Tfaat in appointing young men to be taken on trials for licence, tfaey will {cceteris paribus^ appoint those first wfao faave been most regular in their attendance upon the Divinity Class: That, in ordinary cases, sucfa students as faave not regularly attended tfae Class, sfaall not be appointed to be taken on trials, till tfae time of tfaeir attendance, put to getfaer, sfaall amount to three complete sessions, beside what account tfae synod sfaall see cause to call tfaem to, in case their non-attendance shall be found to proceed from negligence or carelessness : And the synod recommend it to Mr. Moncrieff, . to continue to keep an exact account of the tirae that the students under his care have attended each session, and to have respect to tfaat as well as to the number of sessions they have attended, in recommending them to be taken on trials for licence : And tfae synod recommend it to tfae several minis ters, under whose inspection tfae students are, to endeavour to be acquainted witfa tfaera, to be assisting to tfaera in their studies, by tfaeir advice and otherwise, and to be ready to give an account to the synod of what application they give to their studies, as well as of their character and deportment : And the synod enjoin all the students of divinity under their in spection, to be regular and exemplary in their deportment, in the places where they reside ; to be diligent in tfae prosecu tion of their studies, both during the time of tfaeir attendance upon tfae class- and during the vacation, and to cultivate acquain tance with tfae ministers m wfaose bounds they reside." CHAPTER IX. Dr. Robertson's policy in the General Assembly — Deplorable effects of it — Scenes of strife in the church-courts — Forced induction of Mr. Thomson into the parish of St. Ninians — Singular address by a moderator — Violent settlements at Kirk of Shotts, and at Eaglesham — The Smytonite contro versy Diversity of opinion about lifting the bread at the ordinance of the Supper — Mr. Srayton insists upon uniformity — The raatter brought before the Synod — Mr. Gib protests against the Synod entertaining the question — The Synod recommend forbearance — Mr. Smyton proves contumacious — Is suspended from the exercise of his ministry — Resolutions of Synod upon the subject — Meetings held about a union between the Burgher and Anti- burger Synods — Petitions firom the Irish presbyteries on the subject^Con- duct ofthe presbyteries disapproved of by the Synod — The Irish brethren not satisfied — Send up a representation and complaint to the Synod — Desire to be regarded as a sister church — The Synod unfavourable to the proposal — PhUosophical Class removed to Edinburgh— .Union in America betwixt the Burgher and Antiburgher brethren and Reformed Presbytery — Condemned iby the Synod— Two of the American brethren refuse to coalesce — The Synod send an address to them — Recognise them as the presbytery of Penn sylvania Send out a missionary to them— Petition from the Congregation of Pictou in Nova Scotia — Mr. James D. Macgregor sent to labour among them Death of Mr. WilUam Moncrieff— Mr. Archibald Bruce elected Pro fessor of Divinity — Proposal to have a general Synod with four provincial Synods — Proposal adopted — Regulations of the General Synod — Regulations respecting provincial synod — Regulations concerning preachers. The state of affairs in the national churcfa -wai, at this period, peculiarly bad. From the year 1763 till 1781, Dr. Robertson bore tfae cfaief sway in tfae General Assembly ; and, by fais dexterous manageraent, aided by tfae support wfiicfi fie received from successive administrations, he had secured a complete triumph to the principles of the moderate party. The golden age of Moderatism was now arrived. The law of patronage was carried into effect with inexorable rigour, and the rigfats of tfae people were laid completely prostrate. During the eighteen years tfaat tfais distinguisfied individual reigned, fie exerted all his influence to establish the doctrine, " That a presentation, adhered to by the presentee, should in all cases be raade effectual, without any reservation founded on tfae raerits of tfae call, or on the nuraber of heritors, elders, or parisfaioners who concurred or dissented."* This was the doctrine in reference to the settlement of rainisters, which he pubUcly maintained, and on whicfa fae acted ; and, by means of tfae votes of tfae Assembly, witli the occasional assistance * Moncrieff's Life of Dr. Erskine, Appendix, p. 464. 318 ' MR. Robertson's policy. of his Majesty's troops, horse and foot, he finaUy succeeded in getting it establisfaed as the law and practice of the church. Yet, whUe such were tfae sentiments wfaicfa fae avowed, and which he endeavoured to make good at tfae point of tfae bay onet, tfais same person, witfa singular inconsistency, coincided witfa tfae rest of fais brethren, moderate and anti-moderate, in giving instructions, every year, to the Coramission to petition ParUament for tfae abolition of patronage. Tfae celebrated clause wbich formed part of the Asserably's instructions to their Commission, for a period of forty-eight years,* was to the following effect : — " And the Assembly do farther em power and direct tfae said Commission, to make application to the King and Parliament, for redress of tfae grievance of patronage, in case a favourable opportunity for so doing shall occur during the subsistence of tfiis Comraission."t Awriter,f to wfaora reference has repeatedly been raade in the course of this narrative, extols the prudence oi Dr. Robertson, in cajoling tfae Assembly, by agreeing to insert in tfae annual instructions to tfae Commission, a clause so mucfa at variance with the system of governraent whicfa he pursued. While this ecclesiastical ruler enforced tfae law of patronage upon reclairaing congregations, with a rigour faitfaerto unknown in tfae Scottish Churcfa, fae consented to petition annually the legislature for tfae abolition of tfais obnoxious law, not because he had any wisfa tfaat it sfaould' be aboUshed, but because he knew that, in petitioning for the abolition of it, fae was hu mouring " tfae popular prejudices."§ By tfae determined man- * From 1736 tiU 1784, when the favourite clause was expunged. t The foUovdng account of the Commission ofthe General Assembly (ex tracted from the Appendix to the Life of Dr. Erskine), is here inserted, for the information of my readers :— " The General Assembly annually appoints a committee, which usuaUy consists of all the merabers of Assembly, with fuU power to decide causes wliich the Asserably have not had time to dis cuss, and which they remit to this coramittee, which has the narae of " The Commission of the General Asserably .-," adding besides, instructions to watch over everything in which the general interest of the church appears to be con cerned. The Commission has fuU power to decide finally in the causes re mitted to thera ; and no appeal can be taken against their decisions. There is, however, a regulation which provides a remedy against any supposed in justice in the sentences of the Commission, which is equivalent, in its prac tical effects, to the power of appeaUng. There raay be a complaint at the instance either of a party, or of a member of the court, brought to the next Assembly, against any sentence of a Commission, in which it can be stated, that the Commission has exceeded its powers ; and, on such a complaint, the Assembly may reverse or alter the sentence complained of. The Commis sion has four stated meetings in the year, in May, August, November, and March. The Moderater of Asserably, on the appUcation of a certain num ber of merabers, may call an extraordinary meeting, when any unusual cir cumstance requires it. The quorura of the Commission is thirty-one, of whom twenty-one must be ministers." 1 Sir Henry Moncrieff Wellwood. § Such is the account which the reverend baronet gives of the prudent . scenes of strife in CHURCH COURTS. 319 ner in wfaicfa he wielded tfae power of tfae Assembly, in carry ing into effect the settleraent of ministers, in the face of tfie most violent opposition on tfae part of the people, he did more tfaan any otfaer leader that had preceded hira, for converting the moderation of a call into a mere mockery, and the so lemnity of an ordination into a scene of tumult and bloodshed. Matters had gone on from evil to worse in the Establishraent, until there was now an utter disregard of tfae wisfaes of the people in the appointraent of tfaeir pastors. Tfae language of tfae Assembly was, " Tfae presentation must take effect, whetfaer tfae people will or not ;" and tfae consequences of this determination were most disgraceful and distressing. The following is by no means an overcharged picture of what took place in many of the parishes, when the death or removal of a minister rendered it necessary tfaat a vacant charge should be filled up. A certain time having been per mitted to elapse, after the parisfa faad been declared to be va cant, an agent appeared at the bar of the presbytery, and laid on tfie table a presentation from tfae patron, in favour of a particular candidate. Tfae presentation being exarained, and found to be duly authenticated, was sustained. The candi date's letter of acceptance was also received along with it, and recorded. A day was appointed for tfae raoderation of a call in the vacant congregation. At the tirae and place appointed, tfae presbytery appeared, and a brother preached. After sermon, tfae object for whicfa tfae presbytery faad met was stated ; a call was produced, with the name of tfae pre sentee inserted in it, and the people were required to come forward and affix to it their signatures. In answer to the invitation tfaus given, probably the patron, or his factor, one or two heritors, and a few friends and dependents, took the pen and subscribea tfaeir naraes. The rest of the people either departed in disgust, or, as was most frequently tfae case, pro duced a protest, and laid it upon tfae presbytery's table, declar ing that the presentee was not tfae object of their choice, and that they would not submit to have an intruder ordained amongst tfaem. By tfais movement the presbytery were placed in a situation of perplexity. They were at a loss wfaether to give their suffrages in favour of the patron or tfae people. management of Dr. Robertson. He represents thij leader of the Asserably as making it the chief object of his adrainistration, throughout the whole of his pubUc life, to rivet firraly the yoke of patronage, as if it were a great boon to the nation ; and, that he raight the raore successfuUy accompUsh his object, he is described as wheedUng the minority in the church, by co-operat ing with them, in presenting an annual petition for that which he reaUy did not Vfish should be granted. It is truly grievous to find a writer of such re spectabiUty speaking in terms of apparent commendation of conduct so di». htgenuous and pitiful. 320 SCENES OF STRIFE IN CHURCH COURTS. Sometimes tfaey decided in favour of tfae one, and sometimes in favour of tfae otfaer ; but, on wfaicfaever side tfae decision was given, one or otfaer of tfie parties protested and appealed; and tfae matter, after a delay of a few months, was brought before tfae synod. A band of lawyers attended, armed with all the instruments of legal strife : and, after the same scenes had been transacted faere, wfaicfa faad previously been re- faearsed in tfae presbytery, the results were found to be equally satisfactory. If tfae synod tfarew the presentation over the table, on account of the presentee not faaving received a call from tfae people, tfaen tfae patron, or fais agent, appealed to a higher tribunal. If, on tfae other hand, tfae synod declared tfaat a call frora the people was not necessary, and that a legal presentation from tfae patron was, of itself, a sufficiently good document for authorizing the settlement of a minister, then the defeated parishioners " took instruments in the clerk's hands, and craved extracts." Either of these alternatives brougfat the parties into the Supreme Court: then came " the tug of war" before tfae Assembly, when, after an ample dis play of gladiatorship betwixt tfae appellants and respondents, tfae case of tfae people was found to be hopeless. Principal Robertson, or some otfaer leader, propounded tfae law of the cfaurch to be, tfaat " a presentation, adfaered to by tfae pre sentee, raust in all cases be raade effectual," independent of tfae wishes of the people ; that a call, though it was a becoraing enough appendage (wfaen it could be procured), was not ne cessary to constitute tfae pastoral relation, and tfaat tfae Assem bly had no alternative left thera but to order tfae settlement of tfae patron's candidate to take place, let tfae consequences to tfae reclaiming parisfa, or tfae Cfaurcfa of Cfarist, be wfaat they may. Such being declared to be fke law, and a motion hav ing been carried to this effect, an edict was issued to the pres bytery to take immediate steps for getting the presentee ordained, as minister of tfae vacant congregation. But in tfaose days it was mucfa easier issuing such decrees, tfaan get ting tfaem executed. Tfae people, tfaougfa defeated in tfae As serably, still continued to resist; and, before tfae work of ordination could be corapleted, tfae presence of tfae sfaeriff, and of a party of soldiers, was frequently not less necessary than tfae presence of tfae presbytery. When the indignant parish ioners found tfaat protests and arguraents were of no avail, tfaey had recourse to intiraidation. Sometimes when the rainisters were on tfaeir way to ordain tfae intruder, they were waylaid by the multitude, and carried off till tfae time appoint ed for the ordination was past. Soraetiraes they were assailed by sfaowers of stones, and otfaer missiles, and were obUged to make a precipitate retreat, as if fleeing before an enraged VIOLENT INDUCTIONS. 321 enemy ; and, before they could return to execute the work which the Assembly had appointed tfaem to perform, tfae civil authorities were obliged to guarantee tfaeir safety, by marcfaing along witfa them at the head of a troop of dragoons, or a com pany of foot soldiers. Notfaing could be more deplorable tfaan tfae state of the Scottisfa parishes at this period. The policy of Dr. Robert son, and of tfae party tfaat acted along witfa faim, was to sub due all opposition to the law of patronage, by showing tfaat no resistance, however long continued, or however fiercely conducted, could be of any avail. It were easy to multiply instances of tfae oppressive and disgraceful proceedings to which an inflexible adherence to this line of policy gave rise in tfae settlement of ministers. But tfae following specimen of a mock-induction, wfaicfa took place witfain the bounds of the Stirling presbytery, presents such an extraordinary scene, that, if it faad not been well-autfaenticated, we could scarcely have given it credit. It sfaows us to wfaat miserable sfaifts tfae ministers, as well as tfae people, were occasionally re duced, in yielding compUance with tfae tyrannical man dates of tfae ecclesiastical courts. I sfaall faere quote the ac count given of tfais transaction, by Strutfaers in his History of Scotland.* " A presentation by Sir J. Stuart of AUanbank, for Mr. David Thomson, minister of Gargunnock, to be minister of St. Ninians, was sustained by the Generi Assembly in 1767, and the presbytery of StfrUng ordered to proceed witfa his settleraent, according to the rules of the churcfa. Mr. Tfaom son was an old man, very infirm, and the whole parisfa of St. Ninians, not excepting heritors and elders, were violently opposed to him ; some episcopalians and a few non-residing heritors, under the influence of the patron, being all tfaat could be prevailed upon to concur in fiis call. The presby tery felt it to be a hard case, and they found means to put it off for seven long years, in the course of wfaicfa various scfaeraes were proposed for reconciling tfae parisfa, all of wfaich, througfa tfae imbecility, tfae duplicity, and tfae obstinacy of the patron and his presentee, carae to nothing ; and, in the year 1773, the presbytery were enjoined by tfae General As serably, on a certain day, to induct Mi. 'Thomson into the living of St. Ninians without fail, and every member of pres bytery to attend, or to answer for his absence at the bar of tfie next General Assembly. The presbytery of Stirling were now in a very great dUemma. There was really no call by the parish for Mr. Thomson, and in the negociations • Struthers' History of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 609, &c. X 322 VIOLENT INDUCTION AT ST. NINIANS. that faad been carried on during so many years, for reconcil* ing tfae parish to his ministry, he had, by fiis selfisfa conduct, very mucfa disgusted all tfae brethren of the presbytery, and not one of thera was willing to preacfa and preside on the oc casion. In this situation of the presbytery, Mr. Robert Findlay of Dollar, their raoderator, undertook to introduce him, at the presbytery table, which seems to have been heartily agreed to, every one being desirous of having the burden shifted from his own shoulders. Accordingly, when the presbytery arrived at St. Ninians, where an immense crowd waited to receive tfaem, tfaey attempted to take pos session of tfae manse, but found it sfaut against tfaem, and tfaey were, along witfa tfae raultitude, almost carried per force into tfae church. Mr. Findlay, probably faappy to find tfae mul titude in a condition to listen, ascended tfae pulpit and gave out a psalra, which was sung witfa all due decorura, after whicfa fie .prayed, but took no notice whatever of the purpose for which they were asserabled. He then, instead of preach ing, as was expected, called upon Mr. Thorason by narae, who stood up in fais place, and to wfaom fae made tfae foUowdng sin gular address : — " ' Sir, we are met faere tfais day by a former appointment of presbytery, in obedience to tfae same sentence of the General Asserably, to adrait you minister of St. Ninians, a sentence pronounced by tfae faigfaest faorn of ecclesiastical authority or power, tfaat Assembly faaving assuraed to tfaem selves higher power than the parliament, by some profanely styled omnipotent, that wise, that august body never exact ing any laws without consent of the people. Tfaere faas been a formidable opposition raade against you by six hundred heads of farailies, sixty heritors, and all the elders of tfae parish, I believe, except one. This opposition has continued for seven years by your own obstinacy, and if you should this day be admitted, you can have no pastoral relation to the souls of this parisfa, you will never be regarded as tfae sfaepfaerd to go before tfae sheep, they know you not, and tfaey will never follow you; and let me assure you, dear Sir, if you still persist in your obstinacy, you will do raore faarra in tfais parisfi than you could have done good in Gargunnock, tfaougfa you faad been to live tfaere for an faundred years ; and you will draw misery and contempt upon yourself, — you will be despised, — you will be hated, — you wUl be insulted and maltreated. One of the most eloquent and learned ministers of this church told me lately that he would go twenty railes to see you de posed, and I do assure you. Sir, tfaat I and twenty tfaousand more friends to our cfaurcfa would do tfae same. I raust observe to you, tfaat in the course of this opposition, your Conduct and VIOLENT INDUCTION AT ST. NINIANS. 323 befaaviour has been altogether unwortfay and unbecoming a minister of tfae gospel. In tfaat memorable letter of yours to tfae presbyterjr of Stirling, intiraating your acceptance of tfae call, notwitfastanding tfae numerous body of tfae people oppos ing, I wish it was in my power to forget it, you have tfiose irapious and blaspfaeraous expressions, " That you accepted of it in tfae fear of God ;" and at a raeeting of tfae presbytery wfaen you was exfaorted and earnestly entreated to give up tfae presentation, you said tfaat you faad engaged your faonour to tfaat faonourable and wortfay gentleraan the patron, and tfaat you would not give it up for ten tfaousand pounds. What can one of your sensibility of temper and feeling propose in this mad attempt in tfaus rushing to foreseen misery ? You was always esteeraed an orthodox and evangelical preacher, and no raan can lay anytfaing to your charge as to tfaat. You maintained a good character and reputation till your unfaappy and obstinate adherence to tfais presentation. Now bending under the weigfat of years and infirmities of old age, what happiness can you propose to yourself, in this mad, tfais des perate attempt of yours, witfaout tfae concurrence of tfae people, and witfaout tfae least prospect of usefulness in tfais parisfa? Your admission into it, tfaerefore, can only be regarded as a sinecure, and you yourself as stipend-lifter of St. Ninians ; for you can faave no fartfaer relation to tfais parisfa — * » * Now, Sfr, I conjure you by the mercies of God, give up this presentation ; I conjure you for tfae sake of tfae great number of souls of St. Ninians, wfao are Uke sfaeep going astray witfaout a sfaepfaerd to lead tfaem, and who will never hear you, wUl never submit to you, give it up ; and I conjure you by that peace of mind wfaicfa you would wisfa in a dying hour, and that awful and impartial account whicfa in a little you raust give to God of your own soul, and of the souls of this parish, at the tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ, give it up.'* " Tfais, all the circumstances of the case considered, is unquestionably one of tfae raost extraordinary speecfaes tfaat has ever been uttered, tfaougfa it certainly faad truth for its basis, and against sorae of its appeals one would suppose that no conscience illurainated by a single ray of the Bible would have been proof; and Mr. Findlay raost probably was secretly presuming, that, faaving performed tfae painful duty of re proof and admonition so very freely, fae would be saved the stUl more painful one, of admitting the object thereof under the name of pastor to be ' stipend-lifter' of St. Ninians. H so, with what astonishment must he have listened to the • Scots Magazine, vol. xxxv. pp. 614, 615, quoted by Struthers. 324 VIOLENT SETTLEMENT AT KIRK OF SHOTTS. laconic reply of the orthodox and evangelical Mr. Thomsbn, ' I forgive you. Sir, for what you have now said ; may God forgive you ; proceed to obey the orders of your superiors." Mr. Findlay, feeUng, no doubt, that to put the questions in the formula to sucfi a candidate would be only adding to the farce, and thougfa fae was requested to do so by some of tfae merabers, proceeded to say, ' I, as raoderator of the pres bytery of Stirling, admit you, Mr. David Tfaomson, to .be minister of the parish of St. Ninians, in the true sense and spirit of tfae late sentence of tfae General Assembly, and you are hereby admitted accordingly.' He then prayed, but in doing so neitfaer noticed patron, presentee, nor presbytery, and, after singing a few lines of a psalra, dismissed the con gregation." Such is a specimen of the treatment to wfaich the people of Scotland were subjected, in consequence of the cruel policy pursued by tfae General Asserably, at tfais period, in rigorously carrying into effect tfae law of patronage, regardless of the wisfaes and remonstrances of those wfaose spiritual interests ougfat to faave been consulted. A short time previous to tfae above transaction, scenes not less disgraceful had taken place, at the settlement of unpopular ministers at Kirk of Shotts and Eaglesham. On the day appointed for ordination at the forraer of these places, no sooner did the presentee (Mr. Wells) raake his appearance, tfaan tfae people flew upon him, before tfae rest of the rainisters assembled, and carrying him off, compelled faira to sign a paper, proraising tfaat fae would never trouble thera again. When tfie presbytery raet, they could get no access to either tfae cfaurch or tfae churchyard ; and finding it impossible to constitute, on account of tfie tu mult tfiat prevailed, tfiey were obliged to separate without getting their object accomplisfaed. A statement of tfae mat ter being laid before tfae Assembly, wfao were sitting at the time, tfaey renewed thefr appointraent on the presbytery to proceed with tfae ordination, on tfae following Tfiursday ; and application being raade to the Lord Advocate, fae "was pleased to undertake tfaat tfaey sfaould faave tfae aid of the civil power to protect them in tfae execution of tfais appointment." When the day arrived, the sheriff and a justice of tfae peace attended, witfa a troop of dragoons and a corapany of infantry, to protect tfae presbytery while engaged in the solemn work of ordination. But the ministers were never permitted to reach the spot ; they were waylaid by the parishioners and carried off ; and the sheriff and his miUtary attendants, after having cooled theraselves and exhausted tfaefr patience by waiting on the moor, marched horae without ever having got a sight either of the people or of the presbytery. The ordina- VIOLENT SETTLEMENT AT EAGLESHAM. 325 tion took place, some months afterward, in the session-house of Hamilton. In the case of Eaglesham, after the usual preliminary con^- flicts had taken place betwixt the parties, in due form, before the church courts, the presbytery, attended by a numerous retinue of country gentlemen, and of clergymen from otfaer presbyteries, went forth in solemn procession frora Glasgow, with Principal Leechman at tfaeir head, to ordain the obnoxi ous presentee, Mr. Clerk. When tfaey drew near to the scene of action, they found tfae people waiting at tfae entry to tfae vil lage, prepared witfa offensive weapons to give them a hostile reception ; and when the company, leaving their carriages, at terapted to force their way into tfae cfaurcfa, a furious cfaarge was made upon tfaem by tfie indignant raultitude, witfa clubs and stones, so that ininisters and layraen were obliged to raake a precipitate retreat to tfaeir vefaicles, and to drive off with all possible speed ; nor were they safe frora the fury of tfaeir pursuers, till tfaey faad got beyond the confines of tfae parish. After some delay faad taken place, tfae General Assembly ordered tfae presbytery to proceed, witfa tfae ordination ; and and having obtained the assistance of a corapany of soldiers, they were enabled the next tirae they returned, to accorapUsh their object.* Such was the working of the law of patronage in this coun try, and such were the tender raercies of the dorainant party in tfae Asserably toward tfae people. Araid scenes sirailar to tfaose now described did tfae cause of tfae Secession acquire daUy strengtfa ; and fully to appreciate tfae value of tfae Seces sion to tfae country, it is proper to bear in raind, tfaat sucfa scenes were by no mean« of rare occurrence in tfae Scottisfa Church. That tfae country does not still continue to be distracted by tfaera, faas been owing in a great raeasure to the existence of the Secession. It opened up a quiet asylura for tfae people to enter, where the ordinances of religion were dispensed to tfaem by ministers of tfaeir own cfaoice, and wfaere tfaey could enjoy the solemnity of an ordination without being sabred into submission, or overawed by tfae terrors of the bayonet. While tfae Secession Cfaurcfa had to contend witfa opposi tion from witfaout, its faarraony was occasionally disturbed by feuds within. These latter, however, were, for the raost part, but of sfaort continuance, and tfae effects of tfaera passed speedily away. An instance of tfais kind occurred at tfae pre sent period of my narrative. A controversy, occasioned by a diversity in the mode of dispensing tfae ordinance of the Lord's • Struthers' History of Scotland, vol. U. p. 608. 326 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING LIFTING THE BREAD Supper, arose in the west of Scotiand ; and though the point in dispute was really a matter of indifference, as not involving, either one way or anotfaer, any essential article of the Christian faith, yet those with whom the controversy originated, attach ed so mucfa importance to it, that nothing less would satisfy tfaem tfaan bringing tfaeir brethren to a complete uniformity of sentiraent with tfaemselves ; and by tfae obstinacy witfa wfaich they persevered in urging the adopting of their views, they kept raany of tfae congregations in a state of agitation for sev eral years. Sorae of tfae rainisters, in administering tfae sacrament of the Lord's Supper, did not take the bread and tfae cup into tfaeir faand previous to the consecration prayer, but lifted them only when tfaey were about to put tfaem into the hands of the communicants. Others, constituting by far the largest portion of tfae synod, before engaging in prayer, Ufted a por tion of tfae bread and tfae cup ; and tfaen, after prayer, and an address to tfae communicants, took tfaera into tfaeir faand a sec ond tirae, and distributed tfaera in the usual manner. Mr. David Smyton, minister at Kilmaurs, was one of those who adopted this latter mode ; and he considered tfae " lifting" of tfae sacred elements hefore tfae consecration prayer as consti tuting an essential part of tfae ordinance. He was de.sirous tfaat a uniformity sfaould be observed in this matter, and that those bretfaren, whose practice differed from his own, should be authoritatively enjoined to adopt tfae same metfaod whicfa he pursued. A petition frora Mr. Srayton and his session, brought the business before the Glasgow presbytery, and the presby tery referred tfae matter for advice to the synod. The advice given by the synod, at tfaeir spring meeting in 1782, was, that tfais was a question witfa regard to wfaicfi tfaose, who enter tained different views, ougfat to exercise mutual forbearance. On tfae 21st of May, the same year, the session of KUmaurs presented a petition to tfae presbytery, urging tfaem to give an iraraediate decision in their cause ; and when tfae presbytery had expressed their judgraent, concerning the advice given by tfae synod, as most proper to be adopted in present circum stances, and were about to converse witfa the petitioners, con formably to said advice, Mr. Srayton protested, in his own name, and in the narae of tfaose wfao should adhere to him, against tfais- procedure of tfae presbytery ; declaring, tfaat it " gave a wound to tfae testimony among their hands ;" tfaat it " settled a boundless toleration contrary to tfae above testi mony ;" that it " laid aside the command, injunction, and ex ample of our Lord, in the way of appointing and administer ing the solemn ordinance of tfae Supper ;" and tfaat it " brought jn the Confession of Faith as opposite to the plain scriptural AND CUP AT THE ORDINANCE OF THE SUPPER. 327 rule above mentioned :" and he appealed to the next meeting of synod. At meetings of presbytery, held on tfae 31st of July and on the 26th of August, petitions and remonstrances on the same subiect were presented from a number of people belonging to the congregations of Kilmaurs, Kilwinning, Paisley, Greenock, and Beith, all of wfaicfa were transmitted, along with Mr. Smyton's protest, to the synod. In tfae raontfa of September tfae synod raet, and when they were about to enter upon tfae consideration of this cause, Mr Gib laid the following protest upon the table : — " Whereas several rainisters of this synod, of whom I ara one, when dis pensing tfae Sacraraent of tfae Lord's Supper in our congrega/- tions, do not practise the taking or the lifting up of a part of tfae bread and wine, with a laying or setting of the sarae down again, before consecration, or before setting tfaera apart by prayer from a common to a faoly use, only taking up tfaese elements, wfaen so consecrated, for breaking and distributing tfae same ; in wfaicfa metfaod of procedure we apprefaend ourselves to be warranted, yea, to wfaicfa we reckon ourselves to be obli gated, by Scripture and reason, and our subordinate standards* And whereas we faave never atterapted, as we never faad any freedora, to disturb tfae peace oftfae cfaurch, by stating and pro secuting any quarrel witfa our bretfaren of a different practice, leaving tfaera to tfaeir own freedom, as to the said first taking or lifting up, wfaile not grafting any doctrines upon tfaat prac tice, unto a making any addition to tfae raystical significations which our Lord faatfa put upon tfaings and actions oftfae Sac ramental Supper : But wfaereas a brother of Glasgow presby tery has been labouring very industriously and effectually in begetting a ferment among tfae people, and raising many of thera up into a seditious clamour against our said method of procedure in dispensing that sacraraent, as if the sarae were sinful and scandalous : And wfaereas the said brother and his partisans, who are attempting to get tfaat affair pusfaed into a general discussion by tfais synod, cannot pretend that they are seeking relief from any imposition upon themselves, or a redress of any evil supposed to take place under the synod's autfaority ; but it is raost unquestionable, that their wfaole at tempt, in tfais raatter, is only raeant as a raaterial and under hand or secret attack upon us, as to our said raetfaod of pro cedure ; " I do tfaerefore, faereby protest for rayself, and for all otfaers upon whora this covert attack is raade, that the said brother and his partisans cannot fairly and faonestly bring this affair before tfie synod, except in the way of a forraal and particular complaint upon us, exfaibiting special articles against us ; with a specification of tfae passages of tfae Holy Scriptures, 328 FORBEARANCE RECOMMENDED. and of our subordinate standards," and of our ordination vows, which we are supposed to contravene, or trample upon by our said method of procedure : And tfaat tfais synod cannot regu larly give them a hearing upon this affair in any other man ner ; and that any proposal by them for a hearing upon it in any other manner, or in the manner now attempted, ought to be simpliciter rejected, in common justice to us ; that we may not be struck at underhand, in a deceitful and injurious man ner, but in the way of a fair and open trial, upon which we are ready to answer for our conduct. And upon all this I take in&tniments. Adam Gib." Upon this protest tfae synod pronounced no judgment, but entered upon tfae consideration of tfae general question. After considerable discussion, they dismissed Mr. Smy ton's protest and appeal ; and in reference to the remonstran ces and petitions from tfae different congregations, above mentioned, they renewed their advice forraeriy given to the Glasgow presbytery, viz. That the brethren exercise forbear ance with one another in this matter ; that they inform the people, that the synod reckon it very unjustifiable for tfaera to endeavour to impose tfaeir judgment upon otfaers in this affair ; and that tfaey deal witfa thera to guard against reflections upon tfaose wfao observe a practice different from wfaat tfaey tfaink best ; and that if they find it difficult to deal with the people, tfaey call in tfae assistance of members of otfaer presbyteries, as tfaey find it necessary. It was furtfaer recommended to the members of presbytery to hold meetings among tfaeraselves for prayer and conference on tfae subject. A recoraraendation was also given to the people to converse with their own or other ministers, with a view to get tfaeir difficulties removed : and to peruse tfae Holy Scriptures, tfae Confession of Faith, the Catecfaisms and Directory for public worsfaip, with fervent supplication to God for Ught in the matter. When this decision was intimated to the parties, Mr. Smyton offered to protest : but a promise being given him, tfaat he would afterwards have an opportunity afforded him of marking wfaat he raigfat tfaink necessary for fais exoneration, he was in duced, in the meantime, to forbear. At a subsequent seder unt, fie presented the following paper, and craved that it migfat be recorded in tfae minutes : — " I, Mr. David Smyton, minister of tfae gospel at Kilmaurs, crave to express my dis satisfaction witfa tfae judgment of synod, with reference to our protestation and appeal : At the same tirae, I crave leave that this expression of my dissatisfaction be recorded in the rain utes of synod, for my exoneration, and that the door be left open to me at next meeting of synod to act therein as the Lord sfaall direct." MR. SMYTON LEAVES THE SYNOD. 329 At next meeting, held in May 1783, Mr. Smyton again made his appearance, and insisted tfaat, according to tfae Uberty formerly granted, fae might be allowed to state his sentiraents. As he was now labouring under the infirraities of age, and had been long in tfae ministry, and was generally respected, tfae synod were averse to push raatters -to an extreraity witfa faim. Tfaey appointed a committee to converse witfa faim on tfae sub ject, and to report at next sederunt. On tfae following fore noon, tfae comraittee reported, " tfaat tfaey had raet and con versed witfa Mr. Srayton, but found him resolute." Mr. Smy ton then addressed tfie synod, and urged the reversal of tfaeir deed of Septeraber 4tfa, last year, for rautual forbearance con cerning tfae difference of practice, in tfae administration of tfae Lord's Supper. A considerable tirae was spent in endeavour ing to sfaow faira, tfaat he had mistaken tfae deed; and a motion was raade, tfaat a coramittee be appointed to explain it, witfa a view to tfae removal of Mr. Smyton's scruples. But Mr. Smyton declared, tfaat fae would not attend a coramittee, that he was now corae to a stand in tfae raatter, and was deterrained tfaat soraetfaing satisfactory should be done at this raeeting. After he faad been dealt witfa for sorae tirae, he gave in a paper, renouncing the authority of the synod, and declaring tfiat fae could no longer have connexion with tfaera, on account of tfaeir refusing to reverse tfae obnoxious deed. When fae was about to withdraw, tfae synod summoned faim, apud acta, to attend at tfaeir bar next day ; and, in the meantirae, they appointed a comraittee to prepare an overture about what was proper to be done in the circumstances of the case. When tfae synod met next forenoon, Mr. Smyton was call ed, but did not appear ; and the committee, appointed to •prepare an overture on tfae subject, reported, that however much lenity and tenderness were due to Mr. Smyton, on ac count of tfae infirmities of old age, yet his conduct in tfae pre sent instance had been so obstinate and offensive, as to render it proper that censure should be inflicted on faira, unless he sfaould appear at tfae bar of tfae synod and retract tfae paper wfaicfa fae faad given in on tfae preceding evening. As fae did not make fais appearance, tfae synod suspended faira from tfae exer cise of fais rainistry. This question, faowever, was not set at rest by Mr. Sray ton ceasing to be a raeraber of synod. Trivial tfaougfa it raay appear, it still continued to agitate sorae of the congre gations. In September, 1784, a petition frora sorae mera bers, belonging to tfae congregation in Glasgow, was brought before the synod by protest, in wfaich they craved, that tfae synod would review their act of forbearance, respecting the mode of administering the Lord's Supper. Tfiis petition 330 RESOLUTIONS OF SYNOD RESPECTING THE MANNER and protest the synod dissmissed ; but they appointed a com mittee to prepare an explanation and vmdication of their act, with a view to remove misconceptions concerning it from the minds of the people. The comraittee were inclined to let the matter sluraber, and tfaey delayed for sorae tirae giving any report. But Mr. Grafaara of Newcastle having represented, that tfae state of fais congregation was sucfa as to render an explanation necessary, the synod renewed their injunction to tfae coramittee to prepare witfaout delay an explanatory state ment. The following resolutions were presented by tfie com mittee, and being approved of, as expressive of the sentiments of the synod witfi regard to tfae question in dispute, they were Ordered to be inserted in the minutes. " First, There were various circumstances in our Lord's in stitution and adrainistration of tfae Sacramental Supper, some of whicfa always, and otfaers of tfaem for many faundreds of years bypast, faave been generally considered as occasional circum stances, not belonging to tfae standing order, in tfae dispens ing of tfaat ordinance : as it was then dispensed at night, and in an upper room, and after supper, and to all at one table, and to them in a leaning posture, and only to raale coraraunicants, thougfa our Lord had then some very distinguisfaed female disciples ; "and as Jesus blessed or gave thanks when he took tfae bread, fae likewise again blessed or gave tfaanks wfaen he took tfae cup. " Second, Tfae present difference of practice in tfae taking of tfae sacramental elements, turns wfaolly on tfais point, — that raany of tfae rainisters consider the aforesaid first taking as belonging to the standing order of the Sacramental Supper, in the proper, coraplete, decent, and soleran manner of its administration, conformable to our Lord's example ; while several others of tfaem consider tfaat first taking, as an occasional circumstance of tfae first adrainistration, not belong ing to tfae said standing order, or not recorded for imitation more tfaan tfae otfaer occasional circumstances which are above mentioned, nor warranted as such in our standards. ' Tfaird, Tfais difference of practice nowise imports or means any difference about tfae matter or substance of that holy or dinance ; wfaile no raaterial or substantial part thereof is, or can be, justly considered as lying in the one raanner or prac tice, or tfae otfaer : as it is agreed on both sides, that the mysti cal or spiritual and syrabolical significations of tfaings and actions in tfaat sacraraent, are not to be extended furtfaer than our Lord extended tfae sarae by tfae words of institution ; and tfaat tfaey are not extended furtfaer on tfae one faand, nor abridged on tfae otfaer, by the said difference of practice. " lourth, This difference of practice, as presently circum- OF OBSERVING THE LORD S SUPPER 331 stantiated, is not known to faave ever undergone any public discussion and decision in any Cfaristian cfaurcfa, so as to give a place to tfae one raanner or practice preferably to the other, among the terms of cfaurcfa order and comraunion. Tfae said difference is tfaerefore raost unquestionably a matter of doubtful disputation, about which, according to the plain rule of scripture, there ougfat to be a forbearing of one anotfaer in love — every man to be fully persuaded in fais own mind, without presuming to judge and conderan other in that difference. " Tfae synod's resolution of mutual forbearance in this mat ter, has been raost grievously and groundlessly caluraniated, as if it raeant a laying aside tfae coraraand, injunction, and example of our Lord, in tfae way of appointing and adminis tering tfae solemn ordinance of the Supper, ^c; whereas it is obvious, that the said resolution raeans notfaing raore tfaan forbearing of one anotfaer in love, about a circumstance of doubtful disputation, no way affecting tfae raatter or sub stance of that soleran ordinance ; tfaat it raeans no sort of to leration for any tfaing judged or supposed by tfaera, or kriown to faave been ever judged or supposed in any Cfaristian cfaurch, to be an evil tfaing ; and that it only cautions against strife or contention about the above-raentioned difference of prac tice, unto a raarring of peace, coramunion, and mutual edifi cation among rainisters and people ; so that wfaen any find tfaeraselves obliged, in necessary self-defence, to give an account for the one practice, they migfat do so without im pugning or inveighing against tfie otfier. Wfierefore, it is evident, tfiat a persisting in tfie heavy reproacfaes wfaicfa have been cast upon the synod about this affair, can only proceed frora ignorance or misapprehension, and the working of a scfaismatical spirit, unto an uncfaristian judging or conderaning of otfaers." The adopting of these explanatory resolutions had a favour able effect ; for immediately after tfais, the controversy was consigned to oblivion. At tfais period, meetings were faeld by ministers and people in different districts botfa of Scotland and Ireland, tfae object of wfaicfa was to promote a union betwixt tfae two bodies of tfae Secession ; and an overture to this effect was presented to the synod, at their meeting in May, 1784, from the pres bytery of Moyrah and Lisburn in Ireland ; and this overture was accompanied by a petition frora tfae presbytery of New tonlimavady, cordially concurring in tfae same object. In tfaese docuraents, tfae Irisfa bretfiren recomraended- to the synod to adopt as a "preliminary ground for a treaty of peace and union," " That botfa parties declare tfaeir adherence to 332 OVERTURE FOR A UNION. the whole of the Secession Testimony attained to, while they were united ; that is, all that was attained to, antecedent to the meeting of synod in AprU, 1747." They expressed their hope, that tfae bretfaren of tfae otfaer side would not object to this ground as tfae basis of union ; and they added,—" If this point were once settled, and a treaty set on foot on this ground, tfaat, tfarough the Lord's blessing on friendly conference, with fervent prayer, and a mutual dropping of all criminations, which respect rather tfae honour of tfie parties than tfae merits of tfae cause, and the testimony which they espouse,-;-such as the propriety of the censures on the one side, and tfae validity of the synod's constitution on the other, — botfa parties, so long and unhappily divided, might come to see eye to eye, and with one mind and one mouth glorify God : And the Seces sion Cfaurcfa, united in public testimony and mutual love, should again, as in former times, look forth fair as tfae moon, clear as tfae sun, and terrible as an array with banners." The petition from tfae presbytery of NewtonUmavady included in it a request, tfaat tfae synod would sanction the presby teries of Ireland erecting tfaemselves into a court, as a sister cfaurcfa. Tfae synod expressed tfaeir disapprobation of the overture introduced by tfae presbytery of Moyrah. Tfaey declared it to be " incompetent and irregular for rainisters or private Christians to take under review, in order to re-judge and de terraine, without the authority of tfais synod, tne matters of public difference between this synod and the separating breth ren, wfaich nearly relate to tfae common cause, and which have already been decided by the suprerae judicatory." Tfaey fur tfaer declared, " tfaat terras of coalescence cannot consistently be listened unto at any tirae, by tfae synod, or any under tfaeir inspection, with any wfao still continue to faomologate or adfaere unto any act or acts pretending to annul the con stitution, and annihilate tfae autfaority of the synod." To these declarations they subjoined, that while the door was always open to receive persons of every denomination into their coraraunion, upon the terms and in the manner wfaicfa tfaey had openly avowed to tfae world, and frora wfaicfa tfaey faad never seen any cause to recede ; " so they would in particular be raost ready to receive into connexion with them tneir separat ing brethren, or tfaose of tfaeir communion, upon due evidence of their desisting from their opposition, and returning to their duty; and wfaen any applications or proposals sfaould be made with such a view and tendency, they would be considered with that serious attention and deUberation, which the nature and importance of such a subject requires, and with all the alacrity PHILOSOPHICAL CLASS. 333 and sincere satisfaction, wfaicfa sucfa a long-wished for and desirable event might justly excite." With regard to the proposal to erect the Irish presbyteries into a synod, whicfa sfaould be regarded as a sister churcfa, it was rejected on the ground tfaat sucfa a measure was in consistent witfa tfae unity of tfae cfaurch of Cfarist, and would be prejudicial to the general interests of the Secession. These decisions were not satisfactory to the Irish bretfaren. They sent up a representation at next raeeting, coraplaining of what tfae synod had done, and craving tfaat tfaey would re view tfaeir deed. This second appUcation sfaared tfae sarae fate witfa tfae first. Tfae synod not only refused to grant tfae prayer of tfae petitioners, but tfaey expressed disapproba tion of their conduct, in not resting satisfied witfa the deci sions whicfa faad formerly been given. They agreed, faowever, to express tfaeir sympatfay witfa the brethren in Ireland, " in their present hazardous circumstances," and tfaey appointed a coramittee to correspond witfa tfaem relative to tfae matters, concerning wfaicfa appUcation faad been made to the synod. On a recoraraendation given by the comraittee for exarain ing the students, tfae Pfailosopfaical Class, wfaich for several years faad been taugfat by Mi. Smart at Kirkaldy, was at tfais time reraoved to Edinburgfa, under the superintendence of the same person, that tfae students wfao were attending his pre lections raight have an opportunity of devoting their attention to other departraents of literature. None were to be adraitted to the study of philosophy, under Mr. Sraart, who did not produce a certificate of tfieir fiaving previously studied tfie Greek language; and though it was not rendered irapera tive on any of the students to attend this class, provided they studied pfailosopfay at some of tfae universities, yet a recom mendation was given to all to attend it, wfao raigfat have in view the study of divinity, under tfae inspection oftfae synod. Intelligence reacfaed the synod concerning tfae state of affairs in America, which was by no means gratifying to thera. Alraost all tfae brethren belonging to tfae presbytery of Penn sylvania * faad, in tfae raonth of June, 1782, forraed a union with the Reformed Presbytery in tfaat country (connected witfa tfae anti-government party, as they were termed, in Scotland), * The names of these brethren who formed the union with the Reformed Presbytery, were — Messrs. James Proudfoot, Matthew Henderson, John Ma son, Robert Annan, John Smith, and William Logan ; together with Mr. John Roger, who, some time previous to this, had been deposed by the pres bytery, on the ground of error. A few years after this, Mr. Henderson made appUcation to be restored to the presbytery of Pennsylvania ; and having made acknowledgment of his guilt " in departing from his former profession," the brethren again received him into their communion. 334 PROCEEDINGS REGARDING and witii two ministers belonging to the Burgher Secession Synod. These brethren, tfaus united, faad constituted them selves into a synod, under tfae designation of Tke Associate Reformed Synod. Messrs. Marsfaall and Clarkson were the only ministers, belonging to tfae presbytery, wfao refused tojoin tfae coalition, and who continued firm to tfaeir old connexion. Tfaese two bretbren, along with three elders who adhered to them, clairaed the authority of tfae Associate Presbytery in Pennsylvania. Letters were sent faorae by tfaera to the synod, stating their destitute circumstances, and earnestly requesting that additional ministers migfat be sent out, as they were totally unable, on account of tfae smallness of their num ber, to answer the deraands that were made upon them for preacfaing. Tfae synod ordered Mr. Thoraas Beveridge to be ordained by the Edinburgh Presbytery, and to proceed without delay to tfaat scene of labour.* Tfaey also ap pointed a coramittee to prepare an address to tfae ministers and people in Pennsylvania, who continued in subordination to the synod, and to consider what measures it raight be proper to adopt, with regard to those wfao faad renounced tfaeir connexion. In August, 1785, tfae synod caUed for tfae report of the committee appointed to prepare an address to tfae ministers and people belonging to their comraunion in North Araerica. Mr. Gib presented the draught of an act and an address, which, after receiving sorae araendraents, was adopted, and transmitted to tfae presbytery in Pennsylvania. Tfae draught of a more volurainous address was also read, intended for general circulation araongst the Seceders in Araerica; but the synod, finding that their tirae did not permit tfaem to revise and consider it witfa tfaat care wfaicfa its importance demanded, and, also, tfaat tfae confirmed state of the breach wfaich had taken place amongst tfae American brethren, rendered some parts of it unsuitable, laid it aside, and rested satisfied with the expression of their sentiments contained in the act now mentioned. In this document tfaey expressed their disapprobation ofthe conduct of tfaose brethren who faad renounced connexion with the synod, and who faad coalesced witfa ministers of other denorainations, " on terras so loose and general, as to throw open the door to the grossest latitudinarianisra." They dis claimed all connexion with, and acknowledgraent of, " the body so constituted;" and tfaey declared tfae brethren who had joined it, " to be in a state of apostacy frora their reformation testimony and their witnessing profession." On the other * Mr. Beveridge, after receiving ordination, left Scotland in the end of 1783, and was admitted to the charge of a congregation at Carabridge, in America, on the 10th of September, 1789. AMERICAN MISSION. 335 hand, they expressed their approbation of the conduct of those ministers and elders who had continued firm in tfaeir allegi ance to tfae synod. Tfaey considered it a raatter of great thankfulness to the Lord, tfaat tfaese bretfaren faad " been en abled to proceed witfa honesty, faitfafulness, and zeal, according to their ordination vows and soleran covenant engagements, in maintaining tfae Lord's cause among their hands." Tfaey fur ther declared, that,. as tfaese brethren had entered a protest against tfae decision of tfae raajority agreeing to tfae union, and had appealed to the synod, wfaich protest and appeal had been refused a place in the rainutes ; and as tfaey had entered another protest against this refusal, and clairaed to have the powers of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania rightfully vested in tfaera, as being the only raembers adhering to its original constitution and principles ; they tfaerefore recognised and justified tfae constitution of tfae presbytery, as claimed by these protesting ministers and elders ; and tfaey acknowledged tfaem to be the only lawful and rightly constituted presbytery of Pennsylvania, in connexion witfa, and subordinate to, tfae synod in Scotland. With tfae view of strengthening tfae hands of tfae bretfaren in Pennsylvania, tfae synod resolved that tfaey would imrae diately undertake new missions to tfaat country; but they faad considerable difficulty in getting their benevolent resolution carried into effect. There was a decided aversion, on the part of the young men under tfaeir cfaarge, to undertake transatlan tic missions. By far the greater number of those wfao were appointed to this honourable work, refused to go. At this meeting they appointed Mr. Jaraes Hog to be ordained by tfae presbytery of Glasgow, and to depart for Araerica by the ear Uest opportunity; and a recoraraendation was given to the several presbyteries to raake contributions, either publicly or privately, to defray the expense of the mission. Mr. Hog proved refractory. The presbytery afterward reported, that though they had dealt with hira, at several meetings, to fulfil the appointraent of synod, they faad been unsuccessful. Tfaey further stated, that, in his conversations witfa tfaera, fae faad given offence, by uttering sentiraents subversive of tfae subor dination of ecclesiastical judicatories; particularly, tfaat fae did not consider tfaat tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania was bound to obey tfae decisions of the synod, as none of its raembers had it in their power to be present at the raeetings of synod. It was considered inexpedient to insist upon fais fulfilling the ap pointment, and a coraraittee of synod was appointed to obtain satisfaction frora faim, for tfae offensive language wfaich he faad uttered. This satisfaction the comraittee obtained, and Mr. Hog was soon afterward ordained at Kelso. 336 PETITION FROM PICTOU. In the meantime, anotfaer communication was received (May, 1786) from tfae bretfaren in Pennsylvania, stating what strong necessity tfaere was for a reinforcement of ministers being sent to tbem from tfae raotfaer country, as numerous and urgent applications were made to tfaem for sermon, which, in tfaeir present reduced state, tfaey were unable to grant. Moved by tfais representation, the synod again took tfae matter into serious consideration ; and, after prayer to God for the divine direction and blessing, tfaey appointed Mr. William PuUer to go on a raission to Araerica ; and the presbytery of Perth, under whose inspection he them resided, was enjoined eitfaer to send faim forth immediately, or to take him on trials for ordination, according as time and circumstances might permit. At tfae next meeting, tfae presbytery reported, that tfaey had been unable to prevail upon Mr. Puller to yield com pliance witfa tfais appointment ; at tfae same time tfiey stated, by way of apology for fiira, tfiat fie fiad been partly fiindered by distress. The synod refused to withdraw their appoint ment, and insisted tfaat Mr. Puller sfaould coraply. Tfaey also appointed Mr. Jofan Smitfa, anotfaer of tfaeir preacfaers, to ac corapany him. Tfae result, witfa regard to both of these in dividuals, was unsuccessful. Neither of them crossed the Atlantic. At tfae same meeting at wfaich the above communication was received from Pennsylvania, a petition was presented from a nuraber of tfae infaabitants of Pictou, in Nova Scotia, crav ing that Mr. James Druraraond Macgregor raigfat be sent to labour araongst tfaem. Mr. Macgregor had been born upon the borders of the Highlands, and was capable of preaching in Gaelic as well as in Englisfa. This circumstance was men tioned by the petitioners as a reason wfay tfae services of Mr. Macgregor would be peculiarly valuable in Pictou, seeing that raany of tfae infaabitants of tfaat town and neigfabourfaood were of Highland origin, and were desirous to obtain a minis ter who could address them in their native language. The synod readily acceded to tfae request of tfaese individuals. Mr. Macgregor also sfaowed a wUUngness to comply. He was ordained in the course of a few weeks after the meeting of synod, by the presbytery of Glasgow, and soon after erabarked for Nova Scotia. On the 4th of August, 1786, Mr. WUUam Moncrieff, Pro fessor of Divinity, died ; and, at tfaeir meeting in September, tfae synod cfaose Mr. Arcfaibald Bruce, minister of tfae gospel at Whitburn, to be his successor. Mr. Moncrieff had occu pied the Theological Chair for four and twenty years, during which period he had discharged the duties of his office with PROPOSAL FOR A GENERAL SYNOD. 337 great fidelity and acceptance. His labours also were quite dis interested. Following in-tfae footsteps of fais venerable fatfaer, he refused to receive any eraoluraent as Professor. In consider ation of fais valuable and gratuitous services, tfae synod agreed, after his death, to give £20 a-year out of their fund, for tfae benefit of fais younger cfaildren, so long as they should need it. Tfaey furtfaer agreed, tfaat Mr. Bruce, tfaeir newly elected Professor, should receive an annual salary of £50, on account of the trouble and expense connected with fais cfaarge. At this period, a proposal was made, that the synod should consider the propriety of constituting itself into a General Synod or Asserably, consisting of several subordinate synods, whose raeetings should be held in central situations, so that members residing at a distance might have it in their power more conveniently to attend. The wide extent of territory over which the congregations in connexion witfa the synod, were scattered, rendered it expedient that some alteration should be made, witfa a view to tfae accomraodation of merabers, and also to facilitate the conducting of business. During the forty years tfaat had now nearly elapsed, since the breach took place, tfais portion of tfae Secession faad been successful in planting congregations, not raerely in the central districts, but in tfae northern counties of Scotland, as well as in tfae south and west. ^ , It had also a considerable number of congregations in Ireland ; and the inconvenience of a journey to Edinburgh, to attend tfae meetings of synod, must faave been felt to be so great, by the representatives of the Irisfa congregations, tfaat tfaey could scarcely, if ever, be present. To remedy tfais evil, a petition was transmitted from tfae presbytery of Moyrah and Lisburn, craving that the presbyteries in Ireland migfat be erected into a synod not subordinate to tfae synod in Scotland, but co-ordinate witfa it ; or, should this be refused, that a General Synod sfaould be forraed, having several synods under its jurisdiction in Scotland, and one in Ireland. This pro posal was laid before the synod at its meeting in May 1786, and a committee was appointed to take the subject into consideration, and to report at next meeting. A recora mendation was also given to the several presbyteries, to con sider the proposal, that they might be prepared to give an opinion concerning it. At next meeting, nothing furtfaer was done in tfae matter ; but at the spring raeeting of the following year, tfae comraittee presented the scherae of a division into particular synods, with accompanying regulations. These were transmitted to the pres byteries, that they might consider them, and report their opin ion to tfie coraraittee. Anotfier year passed before the synod 338 GENERAL SYNOD FORMED. resumed tfae consideration of tfae subject. In the month of May 1788, the reports of the several presbyteries were receiv ed ; and, though some of them objected to particular parts of tfae proposed arrangeraent, tfaere . was a decided raajority in favour of the general design of the overture. A long discus sion ensued, and several of the bretfaren were eraployed in prayer for tfie divine direction on the subject; after whicfa the vote was taken upon tfae following question. Agree to adopt tke general design of tke overture, in erecting different synods in subordination fo one General Syrwd ? Or, Lay it aside ? wfaen it carried by a considerable majority. To adopt. Tfae different presbyteries in connexion witfa tfie associa tion, were constituted into four synods, viz. tfiree in Scotland, and one in Ireland, which were to be in subordination to one General Synod ; and the foUowing was the arrangement wfaicfa tfae synod sanctioned : — Tfae presbytery of Edinburgfa, con sisting of tfae ministers of tfae congregations of Edinburgh, Howgate, Elsrighill, Eastbarns, CraigmaiUng, Mid-Calder, Borrowstounness, Wfaitburn, Dalkeith, Ayton, Lauder, Had dington, and London, with a ruling elder from each of tfae ses sions ; tfae presbytery of Kelso, consisting of tfae ministers of the congregations of Dunse, Earlston, Midfaolra, Norham, Newcastle, Jedburgh, Hawick, Morebattle, Kelso, and Pee bles, with a ruling elder frora eacfa of tfae sessions ; and the presbytery of Durafries, consisting of the rainisters of the con gregations of Orr, Lockerby, Durafries, Stranraer, Sanquhar, Glencairn, Wigton, and Wfiitefiaven, witfi a ruling elder from eacfi of the sessions, were erected into a synod, under the de signation of the Associate Synod of Edinburgfa. They were appointed to hold their first meeting at Edinburgh, on the first Tuesday of September, and Mr. Gib was appointed to preach on tfae occasion, and to constitute tfae synod. The presbytery of Perth, consisting of tfae ministers of the congregations of Kinkell, Metfaven, Logie-Alraond, Errol, Crieff, Abernetfay, Perth, Cupar- Angus, Pathstruyfiill, and Letfaendy, witfa a ruUng elder frora each of the sessions ; the presbytery of Kirkaldy, consisting of tfae ministers of tfae con gregations of Cairneyhill, Leslie, Kirkaldy, Ceres, Auchter- rauchty, and Orwell, witfa a ruling elder frora eacfa of the sessions ; and tfae presbytery of Forfar, consisting of the ministers of the congregations of Rattray, Brechin, Johns- haven, Dunbarrow, Kirriemuir, Dundee, Forfar, and Alyth, with a ruling elder from each of the sessions, including also the vacant congregations of Montrose, Muirton, Arbroath, and Ennoch, were erected into a synod, under tfae designa tion of tfae Associate Synod of Perth. Their first meeting was to be faeld at Pertfa, on the first Tuesday of September, PROVINCIAL SYNODS. 339 and Mr. Muckersie was appointed to preacfa and constitute the synod.* The presbytery of Glasgow, consisting of tfae ministers of tfae congregations of Glasgow, Paisley, Greenock, Stratfaaven, Mearns, Harailton, Rotfasay, and Pictou in Nova Scotia, witfi a ruling elder from eacfi of the sessions ; and the presbytery of Stirling, consisting of tfae rainisters of tfae congregations of Denny, Stirling, Dunblane, Buchlyvie, Muchart, Falkirk, Balfron, and Alloa, with a ruling elder frora each of tfae ses sions ; and tfae presbytery of Kilraarnocli, consisting of the ministers of the congregations of Kilwinning, Aucfainleck, Beitfa, Newmilns, Kilmarnock, Colmonell, and Ayr, witfa a ruling elder frora eacfa of tfae sessions, were erected into a synod, under tfae designation of the Associate Synod of Glas gow. They were appointed to hold their first raeeting at Glas gow, on the same day as the others. Mr. Walker was to preach, and constitute the synod. In Ireland, tfae presbytery of Belfast, consisting of tfae ministers of tfae congregations of Gilnakirk, HUlfaall, Bally- Copeland, Belfast, and Newtonards with a ruling elder frora each of tfae sessions ; tfae presbytery of Market-hill, consist ing of the ministers of the congregations of Market-hill, Ty rone's Ditches, ^ewry, and Moyrah, witfa a ruUng elder from each of tfae sessions ; the presbytery of Derry, consisting of tiie ministers of the congregations of Newtonlimavady, Rap hoe, Ahadowie, and Londonderry, with a ruling elder from each of the sessions ; and the presbytery of Teraple-patrick and Ahoghill, consisting of the rainisters of tfae congregations of Temple-patrick, Roseyards, Ballyeston, and Lome, and Isle Magee, witfi a ruling elder from eacfa of the sessions, were erected into a synod, under the designation of the Associate Synod of Ireland. Their first meeting was appointed to be faeld at Belfast, on tfae first Tuesday of August, and Mr. D. Arrot was appointed to preacfa on tfae occasion, and to constitute tfae synod. Tfae first day of tfae meeting of each synod was to be ob served as a synodical fast ; afid all the presbyteries were to meet in one General Associate Synod, at Edinburgfa, on tfae last Wednesday of AprU in tfae following year. It was further re solved, that the first day of tfaeir meeting sfaould be spent in fasting and in devotional exercises. Tfae services of tfie fore noon were to be coraraenced with prayer, by Mr. A. Bunyan, after whicfa a discourse was to be delivered by tfae moderator; and the services of the afternoon were to be commenced with * The presbyteries of Aberdeen and Elgin were to be under the immediate inspection of the General Synod, untU another presbytery should be formed in the north, when they were to be erected into another provincial synod. 340 REGULATIONS OF GENERAL SYNOD. prayer, by Mr. M' George, after which Mr. Buist was tO preach. To prevent confusion in the conducting of business, and to mark out tfae proper order to be observed by tfae General Synod, as well as by tfae subordinate synods, in the determin ing of those causes that raight corae before them, the follow ing regulations were adopted. I. That tfae General Synod sfaall consist of all tfae ministers of tfae provincial synods and presbyteries subordinate to it, with one ruling elder to be cfaosen by their respective sessions ; that an elder, who sfaall be admitted to a seat in it, sfaall bring witfa him a written attestation, subscribed by the moderator or clerk, bearing that fae is an elder, in the full exercise of his office, and tfaat fae was chosen in a meeting of session, to whicfa members were duly called; but, if disputed, it sfaall be referred to a committee. II. Tfaat tfae quorum of tfae General Synod sfaall be six teen, of wfaom tfaere sfaall be at least twelve ministers ; wfaich number being met, they shall be competent to proceed to business. III. That the synod shall be employed in prayer, during a part of one day, at each of their meetings. IV. That tfae General Synod sfaall faav« the business that properly belongs to the supreme court ; that is, all causes brouglit by appeal or reference, for being decided by a court of the last resort ; all acts respecting the Secession in general ; acts as to the public profession and testimony made by the synod; acts appointing the questions to be put to ministers and elders, at their ordination, or to preachers at receiving licence ; terras of rainisterial and Cfaristian coramu nion ; the erection of synods or presbyteries ; tfae disjoining of presbyteries frora synods ; tfae enacting of rules for the proceedings of tfae inferior courts, and whatever is competent and proper for tfae synod, as faaving tfae inspection of the wfaole Secession Cfaurch ; but that tfae General Synod sfaaU not disjoin a presbytery from one synod, and annex it to an otfaer, at the meeting at whicfa tfais is first proposed, but shall delay it to their following meeting, unless tlie consent of both synods and presbyteries concerned be duly notified to the General Synod. V. That the General Synod sfaall (as tfae Associate Synod hitherto have done) continue to direct as to tfae admission of young men to the study of divinity ; the appointing of students of divinity for trials, in order to tfaeir preacfaing tfae gospel in tfae different presbyteries; the appointing of foreign missions; and the appointing of preachers to the several synods or presby teries ; and that they shall retain the inspection and raanage- REGULATIONS OF GENERAL SYNOD. 341 ment of their pubUc fund, and of the fund for the widows and children of ministers throughout Britain, in indigent circum stances; but that the synod of Ireland sfaall faave their widows' fund under their own inspection. The General Synod to have comraittees, as usual, in the Associate Synod, or such other committees as they shall appoint, witfa power, after any matter has been heard before a committee, to sub-commit for faciUtating business. VI. Tfiat tfae Moderator may call a meeting pro re nata, if tfae General Synod shall, on sorae supposed probable ne cessity, recommend sucfa a meeting to be called, witfa advice of sorae brethren or presbyteries ; or, if some business of any great importance occur in the intervals of the raeetings of the General Synod, he raay call one at the desire, or witfa tfae concurrence of two provincial synods, or with the advice and concurrence of one-third of tfae presbyteries, if tfae provincial synods faave not tfaeir meetings at tfae time, sucfa business sfiall be made known to faira ; tfaat the calUng of meetings pro re nata he forty days preceding the meeting, by letters subscribed by the moderator, and regularly sent to every rainister. VII. That no appeal sfaall be received from a presbytery to tfae General Synod, in tfae way of passing over tfae synod , of tfaeir bounds, unless tfae appeal faas been raade since their synod had a meeting, and at least twenty days faave elapsed from the making of their appeal to tfae meeting of the General Synod. VIII. That tfae synod books shall be regularly brought up by rotation to the General Synod, from one or two synods, as the General Synod sfaall find the revisal of them to be practicable. IX. Tfaat eacfa provincial synod sfaall be furnisfaed witfa a copy of the minutes of the General Synod, to be kept by them in retentis. Tfae following were the regulations respecting provincial synods : — I. Tfaat the business, wfaicfa cannot be determined by a pro vincial synod, by reason of another provincial synod having interest therein, shall be referred to tfae General Synod, and the other Synod duly inforraed of tfae reference. II. That provincial synods raay, if they see it necessary, disjoin congregations from one of tfaeir presbyteries and an nex tfaem to anotfaer ; but tfaat tfaey sfaall report their having done so to the first meeting of the General Synod for their review. III. It is recommended to the several provincial synods, that they appoint correspondents to eacfa other, as often as the 342 REGULATIONS OF PROVINCIAL SYNODS. distance between tfae places of tfaeir raeetings and the other work of rainisters will admit ; and especially when tfaey apply to eacfa otfaer for such correspondence. The following regulations were transmitted to presbyteries, to be observed by tfaera in the meantime, so far as might be found for general edification : But they were to have them under tfaeir serious consideration, and to report tfaeir judg ment concerning tfaem, at tfae first meeting of tfae General Synod. I. The provincial synods shall transmit witfaout delay, such preacfaers as faave a call from any congregation within tfaeir bounds to tfae presbytery that has the inspection of that con gregation. II. The provincial synods and presbyteries sfaall excfaange sucfa preacfaers as faave calls (or one of whora has a call) with in otfier synods or presbyteries, that they raay go to the pres byteries where tfae calls- are come out ; provided tfaere are no competing calls for these preacfaers. III. Tfaat it be recomraended to presbyteries, wfao raay be adjacent to one anotfaer, to excfaange, or give sorae days of preachers to eacfa otfaer ; and tfaat presbyteries wfao faave many sfaow tfais kindness to tfaose wfao faave fewer ; so tfaat tfaere raay be proper supply to vacancies and otfaer places, and tfaat preachers raay have a proper course througfa vacancies. IV. That when tfae raembers of any congregation, under tfae inspection of tfae General Synod, sfaall be declared by their presbytery able to support a settled ministry, they raay apply to their own presbytery for a faearing of any preachers, tfiat have been two raonths in the bounds of another presby tery ; and faaving obtained tfae concurrence of tfaeir own pres bytery, tfae otfaer presbytery shall, on an appUcation to tfiem, send tfie preacfier applied for, without delay, to preach at least two Sabbatfas in that congregation ; provided he has been two months in tfaeir own bounds, and not appointed on trials for ordination : And tfae presbytery that faas said congregation under their inspection, sfaaU appoint one of tfaeir preacfaers to supply tfae place of tfae one tfiat coraes on sucfi petition, if they have any preacfaer able to go on sucfa a journey ; but if tfiey fiave none able to, go, or tfie distance be great, the presbytery that sends tfae preacher shall be preferable in the next appointraents of tfae General Synod : But tfaat in case of sucfa a request being refused, though congregations may obtain hearings of preachers from their being detained by any presbytery contrary to this regulation ; yet such hearings sfaall not be reckoned lawful and regular in order to a call : Sucfa excfaange to be at tfae expense of tfae congregation that petitions. DECLARATION CONCERNING THE SLAVE-TRADE. 343 V. This is only to be applied to congregations as above described, and not to new erections unable to support a fixed ministry : Complaints of a refusal to be allowed in ordinary course of appeals to provincial synods and to the General Synod. After completing tfaese arrangeraents, tfae synod directed tfaeir attention to a variety of questions, in wfaicfa tfae pros perity of religion and tfae general interests of faumanity, were deeply involved. That great and benevolent movement had already comraenced in our country, wfaicfa terrainated in tfae final overtfarow of tfaat abominable traffic in fauman flesfa, by wfaich the annals of the civiUzed world had been so long degraded, viz. the slave-trade. Tfae cries of tfae suffering sons of Africa, faad reached the shores of Britain, and a band of philanthropists, raoved with compassion on account of the innumerable wrongs inflicted on that injured race, and burning with shame on account of tfae disfaonour wfaich the toleration of such a traffic brought upon our own country, resolved on making the generous but bold attempt, to put an end to tfais infamous coraraerce, wfaicfa was no less opposed to tfae clairas of justice, tfaan to tfae dictates of fauraanity, and wfaich, for ages, faad been the means of inflicting innumerable woes upon tfie huraan race. In this noble effort to break asunder the fetters of the slave, and to vindicate the insulted rights of humanity, the Secession Churcfa bore its sfaare. It responded to the first call given to the friends of religion on this subject; and, amid aU the alternations of tfae protracted struggle, to wfaich this humane attempt gave rise, it persevered fight ing side by side with the heroic and calumniated benefactors of the African, until the battle was ended and the victory won. On the 6th of May, 1788, a motion was made tfaat tfae synod should give a public declaration of tfaeir sentiraents on tfais sub ject. Some proposed tfaat a petition sfaould be presented to ParUament, in name of tfae synod ; otfaers were averse to tfais mode of procedure, and were of opinion, tfaat instead of petitioning, tfiey should draw up a declaration of their senti ments, and pufilisfa it in several of tfae newspapers. Tfais latter proposal was adopted; and tfae following declaration was drawn up, and ordered to be publisfaed. " The Associate Synod, taking under consideration a pro posal for petitioning ParUament on the subject of tfae slave- trade, though they do not judge it expedient, as a synod, to appear in the character of petitioners, yet they are unanimous in expressing tfaeir faearty concurrence witfa tfaeir fellow-sub jects tfaroughout tfae kingdom, wfao faave declared their abhor rence of that infamous systera, so inconsistent with reUgion and humanity, and tfaeir earnest wisfaes tfaat measures may be 544 CELEBRATION OF CENTENARY OF THE REVOLUTION. speedily adopted for the effectual abolition of it. And they feeUngly regret the wretched situation of that poor people wfao have so long suffered by it, not only on account of tfaeir being deprived of tfaeir natural liberties, but chiefly because of tfaeir being, for the most part, kept in ignorance of the sav ing doctrines and invaluable blessings of Christianity ; and they especially wish that the present attention bestowed on that subject, and the exertions used for their emancipation from outward slavery, may be accompanied witfa no less zealous and vigorous efforts tor promoting tfaefr spiritual and eternal welfare." A proposal was also made at tfais meeting to celebrate the centenary oftfae memorable Revolution, in 1688, by appoint ing a day of soleran tfaanksgiving. This proposal met witfa some opposition ; and, after tfae synod had agreed to adopt it, Messrs. Russell, Cleland, Bruce, Thomson of Sanquhar, Stew art, Taylor, and Puller, craved to have it raarked, that they were opposed to the motion. Tfae following was the resolu tion wfiicfi the synod adopted : — " The synod, taking into tfaeir serious consideration the wonderful deliverance wrought for these lands, at the Revolu tion, in the latter end of the year 1688, with the continuance tfaereupon of civil and reUgious liberty to us ever since tfaat time, notwitfastanding of different atterapts to deprive us of it, tfaey find tfaat tfais calls loudly for gratitude and tfaanksgiving; and tfaey judge it necessary to coraraeraorate in tfais raanner, tfaat, when our forefatfiers, in tfie period previous to the time referred to, were on tfae point of being swallowed up in the dreadful gulph of popery and tyranny, tfae Lord brougfat de liverance to us, in a very wonderful manner, and from a very unexpected quarter, by means of tfae Prince of Orange, after wards King Williara III. Tfaey do not judge tfaat tfae defects of tfae Revolution settlement, frequently testified against in forraer acts of this synod, should abate our thankfulness for tfae great and invaluable blessings bestowed upon us in, and resulting from, tfaat wonderful deliverance; tfaough our tfaank fulness ougfat to be accompanied witfa lamentation, because of tfae said defects, and our woful abuse of tfaat signal interposi tion of Providence ; and therefore the synod agree and appoint, that Wednesday, tfae Stfa day of November tfais year, be ob served in solemn thanksgiving and prayer, througfa all their congregations, witfa tfae vacant communities under their inspec tion ; and that tfais tfaeir act be duly intiraated in their several congregations, on tfae Lord's day immediately preceding, with suitable exfaortations." When tfais act was pubUsfaed, it gave offence to some of tfae people, as well as the ministers ; and petitions were sent CO.MPLAINT AGAINST CELEBRATION. 345 up, at next meeting, from the congregations of Mid-Calder and Wfaitburn, craving that the synod would revise and ex plain it. Tfae defects connected witfa the Revolution-settle ment were considered by the petitioners to be of such a serious nature as to require humiliation rather tfaan tfaanksgiving ; and tfae appointing of tfae Stfa day of November, to be observed in this exercise, was viewed as giving countenance to the prac tice (wfaicfa at tfaat periotl was peculiarly obnoxious), of ob serving reUgious festivals or holidays. With the view of vindicating themselves, and of removing all scruples from tfie minds of their people, as to tfae above appointment, the synod drew up the foUowing explanatory declaration, wfaicfa appears to have given satisfaction to the complainants : — " Whereas various scruples have been enter tained by sorae people and rainisters of tfiis synod, concerning the act of May last year, appointing tfae Sth of November tfaereafter, to be observed in solemn thanksgiving, the synod find tfaeraselves under a necessity, for tfaeir own vindication, and for tfae satisfaction of tfaose people and raembers of synod, to declare as follows : First, Witfa respect to tfae raatters of that act, that thougfa it bears the title of an Act for solemn thanksgiving, yet in the body of the act it is expressed that our tfaankfulness ougfat to be accorapanied with laraentation; and, though tfae grounds of fauraiUation and tfaanksgiving are not particularly enuraerated, it was not intended by tfae synod, in their passing of said act, to exclude any raatters, whetfaer of hurailiation or thanksgiving, that faad been specified as sucfa in forraer acts of synod. The synod could not at that tirae overtake such a particular enuraeration of eitfaer of those mat ters, as they could have wished. It was understood, and again and again declared to be understood and expected, that the several brethren of synod, when they read said act from their pulpits, should raake as particular and full enuraeration of both these raatters, either by reading papers prepared by them for the purpose, or by exterapore speecfaes, as tfaey cfioosed, according to all tfae extent of tfae testimony faitfaerto raaintain ed by this synod on these subjects. The synod also take this occasion to declare that, under tfae Mercies referred to in tfae act coraplained of, tfaey faad in tfaeir eye tfae peace and liberty, particularly in tfae enjoyment of their spiritual privileges, witfi wfaicfa tfaey have been favoured ever since the Revolution ; and wfaich is, in a great measure, owing to the deliverance then wrought for us by the faand of Providence ; and consider ing tfaat tfaey faave enjoyed such peace and liberty for so long a period, they judged tfiat it might not be improper to ob serve a day of thanksgiving, with a special view to the deliver ance wrougfat at tfae Revolution, and to the manifold mercies 346 EXPLANATORY ACT, which have been the fruits of it, to the great and good things of the Lord's domg, amidst aU the iU tfimgs done by us and our fatfaers. " Secondly, With reference to tfae day appointed to be ob served in tfaanksgiving by the act complained of, the synod take this occasion to assure tfaeir brethren and friends, that they fixed on tfae Sth of Noveraber for tfais purpose, without any raanner of regard to tfaat day more than to any other day of tfaat year, or of any year since tfae period referred to in the act. Tfaey do, tfaerefore, greatly mistake tfaem, wfao suppose their appointment, in this single instance, was any symboliz ing witfa tfae observation of what are called festivals or hoUdays of human invention. But people's minds being occasionally, witfaout any instrumentality of tfae synod, awakened to attend to the mercies of tfae Revolution-deliverance, they judged that it was so far a call in Providence to give them an opportunity to testify their thankfulness for these mercies, in a proper raanner ; and they were of this opinion, more especiaUy, as it faad been a complaint against the synod, that tfae appointing of days of tfaanksgiving, on special occasions, had been hither to much neglected by tfiem." CHAPTER X. American affairs — Jealousy of the brethren in Pennsylvania — DecUne sub mission to the Synod — Propose articles of co-operation — Some brethren deraur about sending any more inissionaries to them — Committee appointed to consider the present state of affairs — Committee's report sent to Pennsyl vania — American brethren required to give an opinion concerning it — Messrs. Bruce and Bunyan dissent — Reasons of dissent by Mr. Bruce — Overture transmitted from the Pennsylvanian presbytery — Declaration of the Synod concerning their connexion with the brethren in America — Dissented from by Messrs. Bruce and Bunyan — Mr. Gib's death — His character — Invitation to Mr. M'Bean from the congregation of Pictou — Appointed by the Synod to go — Refuses to comply — Decision of Synod respecting the pecuniary affairs of congregations — Petition from presbyterians in Upper Canada — Synod's answer — Additions made to the presbytery of Pennsylvania — Apphcation for a preacher to be sent to North CaroUna — A preacher ap pointed to go — DecUnes the appointment — Messrs. Brown and Ross sent to Nova Scotia — Presbytery of Nova Scotia forraed — Rev. Dr. M'GiU of Ayr — PubUshes a heretical book — Scoffs at creeds and confessions — Process instituted against him — Convicted of Socinianism — Makes an apology — No censure infected on him — People disappointed by the result — Atterapt made to revive the process — Complaint made to the presbytery of Ayr — Referred to the General Assembly — Dismissed by the Assembly — Conduct of the Secession Synods in reference to this process. After the termination of the war for independence, which the Americans had successfully waged with tfae motfaer country, the brethren belonging to the Pennsylvanian presby tery appear to have become jealous of the jurisdiction clairaed Jind exercised over tfaem by the synod in Scotland. The nature of the connexion existing betwixt tfaera and tfae synod, gave occasion to their being reproacfaed, by some of their transatlantic neighbours, with being still in subjection to a foreign power. It appears to have been insinuated, by those who were hostile to every kind of connexion with Great Britain, that the ecclesiastical court, to wfaom they professed allegiance, might interfere with their civU rights as citizens, as well as with their reUgious privileges as Christians. The idea also had taken possession of their mind, that, as the American provinces were now independent of foreign juris diction, so they too might, as a presbytery, aspire to be, if not altogether on a footing of equality with, at least less depen dant than they had hitherto beeri, upon the synod at home. Influenced by such considerations, tfaey prepared and trans mitted to tfae synod an act on this subject, which was not wellreUshed by many of the bretfaren at faome. This act was 348 PROPOSED articles of co-operation. accompanied by a letter explanatory of their reasons for pass ing it, and craving that the synod would consider what might be the most proper and effectual means for preserving the connexion betwixt the suprerae court and the brethren in Araerica ; so that tfae union might be agreeable to scripture, profitable to botfa parties, and as little Uable as possible to the cavils and exceptions of enemies. They took the Uberty, also, of suggesting the following articles, as essentiaUy necessary to the preservation of a real and a profitable union betwixt the synod and the presbytery : — " First, Tfaat we be of one heart and mind, both as to the trutfa of tfie gospel, and as to the duty of bearing witness to it, by a public and judicial testimony against tfae injuries done to it, in tfae age and place of tfae world in which our lot is cast. Second, That we act consistently with tfae profession we make, carefully avoiding every thing which might reason ably be considered as an approbation of tfiose who are in course of backsliding, and who are opposing themselves, if not directs- ly to us, yet to our brethren engaged in the same cause with us. Third, Tfaat wfaatosever is a matter of general concern, especially wfaat respects tfae profession of our faith in one churcfa, be, coraraunicated as quickly as possible to tfae other, that it raay be approved of, or objections offered against it, as tfaose to wfaom it is comraunicated may see cause. Fourth, That no person under censure by one cfaurcfa be received by . tfae otfaer, witfaout sucfa an acknowledgment of his offence, as those among wfaom the scandal happened would have judged a sufficient evidence of his repentance. Fiftk, That the strong help the weak, all having respect to the one Lord whom we serve, and bearing one anotfaer's burdens, that we thus fulfil the law of Christ." Tfaere was transraitted, at tfae same time, a copy of a for raula of questions to be put to elders at their ordination, which the presbytery had sanctioned, witfaout any acknowledgment of tfie autfaority of tfae synod. When these docuraents were received, sorae of the members expressed tfaefr disapprobation of tfae course which the American brethren were pursuing, and demurred about sending any farther supply to tfae presby tery. The syhod were desirous of preserving, on the one hand, tfaeir ecclesiastical autfaority as a supreme court, and of raaintaining, on tfae otfaer, the connexion which faad faitfaerto existed betwixt tfaem and tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania; and a nuraerous committee was appointed to take the whole affair into consideration, and to prepare an overture on the subject. It was also agreed, that, in consideration of the peculiar circumstances in whicfa the brethren in America were placed, all syrapathy sfaould be shown them ; and a recom- REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 34!) mendation was given to tfae several presbyteries to deal with ministers, preachers, and students, within tfaeir bounds, witfa a view to tfie obtaining of additional missionaries. When the committee on American affairs gave in tfaeir re port, two different overtures were presented. This gave rise to a long discussion, which terminated in tfae synod delaying to adopt either of tfae overtures, and agreeing to transmit a copy of tfae committee's report to tfae presbytery of Pennsylva nia, tfaat they might know the state of tfae question before the synod, and tfiat they migfat be faeard before any final decision was adopted ; and they were required to transrait, witfaout de lay, their opinion to the synod. From this resolution Professor Bruce and Mr. Bunyan dissented ; and the following reasons of dissent were afterwards presented by Mr. Bruce, whicfa are faere inserted at full lengtfa, on account of tfae good sense and sound constitutional doctrine whicfa tfaey contain. " First, Neitfaer of these overtures, as laid, appeared to meet with tfae approbation of the court ; and tfaere was little proba bility of any of tfaem being adopted, wfaatever return might be made from Araerica. " Second, To transmit them in that crude state, wfaen so many objections, apparently of great force, lay against seve ral things contained in tfaem, sorae of wfaicfa seera to rae to be self-inconsistent, was, in my view, to betray the honour of tfae synod, and to expose tfaeraselves, in tfae eye of tfae world and of tfaeir brethren at a distance, to such animadversions or cen sures as tfaese tfaings might justly deserve. " Tkird, It seeras, at any rate, to be altogether out of the regular line of judicative procedure, for a superior and su preme court to refer their own proper business to the cogni zance of an inferior, or to regulate or suspend tfaeir decisions, upon the event of an express approbation or disapprobation of tfiose who owe subjection to tfaem in the Lord. "Fourfk, To do so in the present case, appears to me to be so rauch the more strange and faigfaly absurd, in regard the brethren, to whose consideration the overtures faave been sub mitted, were actually in tfae state of parties to tfae cause, the propriety of their proceedings and conduct being tfae very raat ter under tfae review and judgraent of this court ; so it is- in reaUty to make them judges in tfaeir own cause. And while one or both of tfae overtures find fault with sorae part of their proceedings, can any thing be raore disorderly and ridiculous than to ask them, upon supposition of their bemg in a fault, whether they wiU be pleased to be accounted censurable or blameable by this court ? "Fiftk, Tfaough I carefully abstain here from touching tfae merits of the cause yet undecided, and desire cautiously to 350 OVERTURE RESPECTING avoid, as far as possible, iraputing blame to our brethren, for whom I feel tfae greatest respect and sympatfay ; yet, from tfae mode of procedure pursued by that presbytery, with re ference to tfais synod, they could not surely faave a claim to expect tfaat it should break through rule, and sacrifice its autfaority, in order to grant tfaem sucfa indulgence : They faaving proceeded, at tfaeir own hand, to disclaim or explain away their wonted subordination, and to state somewhat new, if not different, terms of fellowsfaip with it, than what had hitherto taken place, without consulting or waiting for the raind of the synod on tfaese interesting subjects. If they adventure to decide on the rights of synod unconsulted and unheard, and to assume to themselves some new controverted, not to say unconstitutional, privileges, in a suraraary, peremp tory, and final raanner, tfaere could be no severity nor inde licacy, after tfaat, in this synod asserting their own constitu tional privileges, and in proceeding to give judgraent in this cause, according to the light they could obtain, and as might appear for edification, without raaking any such reference. "Sixtk, As tfae acts of that presbytery respecting this cause have been transmitted in tfae form of decided and finished deeds, an adfaerence to wfaicfa is considered by tfaem as the basis of future intercourse, they seem tfaereby to faave preclud ed tfais synod from the liberty of transacting with tfaem judi cially in any other sfaape than tfaat proposed by theraselves : In which case there raay be reason to doubt wfaetfaer tfais step of transmitting and referring tfaese overtures, be not so far, ipso facto, a tacit corapliance with, and sanction to, their plan, and consequently a giving way, at least for a tirae, to the abolition oftheir own judicative authority witfa regard to our bretfaren and tfaeir people in America, and witfa regard to all missionaries that from time to time may be sent tfaitfaer." Tfaese reasons of dissent were entered on tfae synod's record, and a committee was appointed to answer tfaera ; but if any answers were returned, tfaey were not recorded. At tfaeir raeeting in May, 1788, tfae synod resumed the consideration of tfae affair from tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania. A letter was read frora tfaat presbytery, containing remarks on tfae papers wfaich had been transraitted to tfaera ; and this letter was accompanied by an enactment of tfaeir own, which tfaey faad prepared on tfae subject, and whicfa tfaey requested the synod to adopt. After considerable discussion, tfae business was again referred to a coraraittee, who were required to take all the docuraents into their serious consideration, and to report before tfae close of tfae present meeting. Tfae result of their deliberations was tfae following overture, wfaich, after being subjected to the necessary corrections and amendments, was THE PRESBYTERY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 351 finally adopted, and was ordered to be printed, and copies of it to be sent to tfae brethren in Araerica : — " The synod having taken into consideration an act of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, dated tfae 2d of June, 1786, declaring tfae nature of their connexion with tfais synod, and also sundry other papers transmitted by that presbytery, relative to the sarae subject ; And desiring to reraove or pre vent all misunderstandings which might now or afterwards mar a profitable intercourse between tfaose in tfais country who are endeavouring to bear witness to the trutfa of tfae gospel against tfae coraraon defection, and tfaose in Nortfa Araerica who are disposed to join with them in tfae sarae cause ; tfaey declare, Tfaat tfae subordination of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, to this synod faas, frora tfae beginning, been no more tfaan a scriptural union, according to the plan of pres byterial cfaurch governraent : Tfaat, being wfaolly of a spiri tual nature, it never did affect any in tfaeir civil rights or in terests ; and consequently, that there was not tfae smallest ground for tfae adversaries of that presbytery to reproach them as subordinate to, and under the control of, a foreign jurisdic tion, — as holding tfae estates, that is tfae churcfaes tfiey pos sess, at tfie will of persons beyond seas : Tfiat, in answering appUcations raade to them from tfaat part of the world, this synod has been at no small trouble in sending ministers, and in procuring charitable contributions for defraying the expen ses of such missions : That, in wfaat they have done, tfaey have studied a regard to the interests of the kingdom of Cfarist, neitfaer receiving noT expecting any benefit wfaatsoever in re turn, fartfaer than the testimonies of their own consciences bearing witness of their not being unwilling or inactive, when called to labour for promoting the knowledge of Cfarist in America, and for tfae assistance of sucfa as tfaere professed a desfre of being faithful in his cause : That tfae wavering and defection of many in tfaat country, wfao once professed to join , witfa this synod in testifying against sucfa latitudinarian scfaemes as tfaey now approve, has not discouraged tfae synod from assisting tfae remnant wfao faave endeavoured to hold fast the profession of their faitfa. " Wherefore, thougfa the above mentioned act, passed by the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, the 2d of June, 1786, as it related to matters in whicfa tfae synod was con cerned, as well as that presbytery, ought not to have been passed till the synod was consulted, and judgraent given by it ; yet considering tfae pecuUar circurastances of tfaat presby tery, tfae synod, without insisting further on any irregularity which raay have been coramitted in tfae passing of that act, agree, that the intercourse between this synod and tfae Asso- 352 OVERTURE RESPECTING ciate Presbytery of Pennsylvania shall, in time coming, be regulated according to what is expressed in the articles that follow : — " First, That as to what relates to scandals, or causes of a personal and private nature, the synod, from their inter course with the presbytery, for about thirty-five years past, h ave no reason to expect that appeals in sucfa causes will be prosecuted ; and tfaey judge tfae prosecution of sucfa appeals vvould be inexpedient and iraproper at such a very great distance. " Second, That, in the case of any difference arising in the presbytery of Pennsylvania, about tfie profession of the faith, or about any truth or duty affecting their connexion with this synod, it is necessary for this synod to know on what side truth and duty lie : The synod, therefore, judge it equitable and necessary tfaat causes of tfais kind may be brought before them, by reference or appeaL " Tkird, Tfaougfa tfae errors in doctrine, corruptions of the worsfaip of God, and defections from tfae reformation testi mony, prevailing in Britain and America, raay be materially the same ; yet, as tfaese, in several instances, assurae a differ ent appearance, and are proraoted under different pretences in tfae last of tfaese countries, tfae synod tfaerefore judge it expedir ent for tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania to state tfae profession of tfaeir faitfa, so as that it may always be a direct and proper testiraony against tfae evils by wfaicfa that part of the Lord's vineyard, in whicfa tfaey labour, is more immediately endan gered ; provided tfaat presbytery do not give up any truth testified for by tfais synod, nor enter into any connexion with sucfa as oppose tfaemselves to any part of our Cfaristian and witnessing profession. " Fourfk, Tfae formula of questions to be put to ecclesias tical office-bearers, at their ordination in said presbytery ot Pennsylvania, ought to contain an engagement to maintain the trutfa of the gospel against such as oppose it in that part of the world. But tfae questions in said formula ought to be as near to tfaose put by this synod, in Britain and Ireland, as the state of the church in America will admit ; and none of these shall contradict the testimony maintained by this synod : And furtfaer, it is requisite that tfae said formula ehould maintain an engagement to keep the unity of tfae spirit in the bond of peace, in contending for the faith and order of the church, as a part of the same witnessing body with this synod. "Fiftk, As in raaking confession of sin, the presbytery of Pennsylvania ought to take particular notice of tfiose offences, backslidings, and transgressions of the laws of God, which are THE PRESBYTERY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 353 to be found among theraselves, and among the infaabitants of the land where tfaey dwell ; and as tfaey cannot join in tfae very same confession of sins raade by tfais synod, in acts for humiliation and fasting, and also in public covenanting, by reason of sorae things in tfaese peculiar to tfais country : tfae synod, tfaerefore, judge it expedient for tfaat presbytery to pro ceed, as tfae liOrd ma,y give tfaem opportunity, to renew their solemn covenant engageraents, in a manner agreeable to their circumstances, provided stiU tfaat tfae acknowledgment of sin and engagement to duties made by tfaat presbytery, though necessarUy different in words, be tfae same as to tfae principal matter and design, witfa the confession and engagement made in soleran covenanting by this synod. " Sixtk, If the presbytery of Pennsylvania shall be found departing from tfae profession made by tfaera, and acting con trary to these articles, it cannot, in tfaat case, be expected that the synod wiU countenance thera in such a course, by send ing ministers to their assistance. The offence must be re raoved, before tfae synod can reasonably appoint any of their number to take part with that presbytery : And on sufficient evidence that tfae said presbytery faave gone into a state of apostacy from tfaeir forraer testimony and ordination vows, tfie synod claim it as competent to tfiem to pass a judicial condemnation of tfie said presbytery, as no longer a part of tfie same witnessing body. On the other hand, if the pres bytery of Pennsylvania shall find any tfaing in the proceed ings of tfais synod, which they judge contrary to truth and duty, they shaU faave the same liberty, as others connected with the synod, to remonstrate, protest, or testify against the same. " Seventk, If the synod shall be informed as to any mem ber belonging to the presbytery of Pennsylvania, that he acts contrary to his profession and to these articles, they sfaall transmit an account of this matter to that presbytery, who shall inquire into it, and satisfy the synod as to tfae accused, ' by showing either that he is not guUty, or that fae faas been , censured according to tfae nature of fais offence : And, in Uke ' raanner, if the presbytery of Pennsylvania shall find cause of complaint, as to any of tfae bretfaren in tfais country, they shall ' inform the presbytery to whicfa tfae member coraplained of belongs, wfao shaU judge of that raatter according to the or dinary rules of procedure in such cases. " Eighth, As, fay the laws of Cfarist's house, we are bound to assist one another, as the Lord gives us opportunity ; par-; ticularly in the duty of raaintaining a testimony against the general and increasing defection of tfais generation from the trutfa and cause of our Lord Jesus Christ : This synod, there- 354 DEATH OF MR. GIB. fore, resolve tfaat tfaey will endeavour, as tfaey forraeriy and of late faave done, to answer the requests of the presbytery of Pennsylvania, by appointing and sending ministers or preachers to their assistance, according as there may be need for other labourers in tfaat partof tfae Lord's vineyard; and for this end, they sfaall use all proper raeans to persuade such as may be appointed for that service to undertake it. " Ninth, As tfae synod sfaall communicate to tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania sucfa of tfaeir acts as are of general concern, particularly such as respect tfae profession of tfae faith raade by tfais synod ; so tfaat presbytery shall transmit to the synod aU acts of tfae same nature passed by thera : And no new terms of coramunion sfaall be enacted by tfaera, till tfae overtures concerning the sarae sfaall have been transmitted to this synod, for tfaeir consideration : tfaat by these means unity raay be maintained, misunderstandings arising from want of due infor mation prevented, and the raost speedy and effectual raethods taken to remove any difference which raay arise. *' Further, tfae synod declare, tfaat as, agreeably to tfais act, tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania sfaall faave all tfae aid tfais synod can afford by sending ministers to thefr assistance, when they may be wanted, and interposing tfaeir autfaority for tfais end ; so tfaey will endeavour to give speedy judgraent in matters of faith whicfa may come before them, "by reference or appeal from the above mentioned presbytery, and do every thing in their power for promoting the testimony in North America : The design of tfaose articles being in no instance to hurt thera, but help thera, and to strengtfaen tfaeir faands in tfae work of the Lord." Messrs. Bunyan and Bruce craved tfaat tfaeir dissent from tfae above overture raigfat be raarked, and reserved to them selves the liberty of bringing forward their reasons of dissent (should they see cause), at a future meeting. During the course of these proceedings, Mr. Adam Gib, minister at Edinburgh, paid the debt of nature ;* and by his death, that branch o^ the Secession Church, wfiose proceed ings are recorded in tfiis part of tfie narrative, was deprived of an active and most efficient member. While a student at the University of Edinburgh, he was in the habit of attending the meetings of the General Assembly, and was so disgusted with tfaeir arbitrary proceedings, that fae faad formed tfae resolution, even before the Secession commenced, of discl^ming aU connex iori -with tfae judicatories of tfae EstabUshed Cfiurch. Wfaen the synod of Perth and Stirling, in October 1735, ordered tfae in truder to be enrolled in tfae parish of Muckfaart, to which Mr. • Mr. Gib died on the 18th of June, 1788. PETITION FROM PICTOU FOR GAELIC MISSIONARY. 355 Gib belonged, he presented to tfae synod a forraal declaration of secession from tfae Establisfament ; and, in tfae raontfa of Deceraber the sarae year, he appeared, along with other cora raissioners frora Muckfaart, at the raeeting of the Associate Presbytery, and laid upon tfaeir table the first declaration of adherence which they fiad yet received. He becarae a raera ber of the Presbytery in April 1741, when fae was ordained minister of tfae Associate congregation of Edinburgfa. From that period till his death, fae bore a prominent part in almost all the transactions in whicfa the Secession Cfaurcfa was con cerned. Wfaen Mr., Alexander Moncrieff of Abernethy died, tfae synod were desirous tfaat fae should succeed hira as Theo logical Professor ; but fae declined accepting of tfae cfaarge. His writings furnisfa abundant evidence of his strong polemical tendencies. Not a few of tfae productions fae has left behind, owed tfaeir origin to tfae controversies in wfaicfa he was engag ed. In fais controversial parapfalets, fae displays, for the raost part, a clear and raascuUne understanding, corabined witfa con siderable warraht of teraper, and occasionally an undue asperity of language. According to tfae views wfaicfa fae entertained, fae laboured strenuously to uphold and vindicate tfae cause of his Master against all assaUants ; and if he sometimes erred in his mode of doing so, he is entitled to respect for tfae fidelity and boldness with whicfa, as a rainister of tfae gospel, fae de fended tfae faith against what fae deeraed the prevailing heresies and corruptions of tfae tiraes. His name also deserves an hon ourable place in tfais record, on account of fais early and devot ed attachraent to tfie cause of tfie Secession, and- on account of tfie unwearied efforts wfiicfi fie raade, during a long Ufe, to promote its success. Wfien tfie General Associate Synod met in May, 1789, an urgent application was addressed to tfiem, frora tfie session and congregation of Pictou in Nova Scotia, craving tfiat Mr. .Sneas M'Bean, a Gaelic preacfier, raigfit be sent out to them, to take part in the ministry along with Mr. M'Gregor; and in support of tfaeir application, they urged the destitute condition of the Highlanders, who had emigrated to tfaat part of tfae globe. Tfais coraraunication was accompanied by a letter from Mr. M'Gregor, enforcing tfae request of tfae people. The synod deeply syrapathized in tfaeir situation, and were disposed to grant tfaera all the assistance in tfaeir power ; but Mr M'Bean's services were raucfa needed araongst tfae Higfaland ers in the north of Scotland. Tfae Secession congregation in Inverness were desirous to obtain him for tfaeir minister ; and the presbytery of Elgin represented tfae great necessity there was for fais labours being continued amongst the GaeUc popu lation in that part of the country. The synod felt the force of 356 MR. m'bean appointed, but declines. these representations, and tfaey delayed, till next meeting, giving any decision in tfae matter. In the mean time, they authorized the presbytery of Elgin to ordain Mr. M'Bean at large, with a view to fais being settled either at Inverness, or sent to Nova Scotia, as they migfat afterwars decide ; and they appointed a letter to be written to Mr. M'Gregor and the people of Pictou, stating the destitute situation of tfae inhabi tants of tfae North of Scotland, as the reason of tfae delay. Tfaey also renewed tfaeir former resolution to encourage Gaelic students in tfae prosecution of tfaeir studies, by giving tfaem assistance (should it be required), out of their fund, and tfaey recommended it to tfae presbyteries and provincial synods to have particular respect to the education of such students. At their next meeting, in tfae spring of the following year (1790), the same parties again appeared before the synod, urging tfaeir respective clairas to tfae services of Mr. M'Bean ; and notwithstanding the strong case made out, on befaalf of the Higfalanders at faorae, tfae synod showed the deep interest wfaich they felt in tfae spiritual welfare of tfaeir countrymen abroad, by giving their decision in favour of the congregation of Pictou. Mr. M'Bean, faowever, stated some difficulties about undertaking the raission, and a coraraittee was appointed to converse with faim. After some time tfaey reported, that they faad been unsuccessful in reraoving fais objections ; and tfae presbytery of Glasgow, wfao acted on befaalf of tfae people of Pictou, not considering it expedient to insist on his fill- filling the synod's appointraent, fae was afterwards settled at Inverness. A dispute having arisen in tfae congregation of Edinburgh (now vacant by the death of Mr. Gib), "concerning the trust and raanageraent of the raoney arising from seat-rents, and the accountableness of the seat-letters and treasurer to the session," — a representation and petition from the session brought the matter before tfae presbytery, wfao referred it for decision to the supreme court. Tfae subject was fully dis cussed by tfae synod, and after all parties faad been heard, the foUowing judgraent was given : — " Tfaat tfaougfa tfais synod are not to be considered as entertaining any doubt, that aU the affairs of any congregation, considered as a religious so ciety, are of right under the manageraent of the session of said congregation : yet they advise the elders of tfae congregation of Edinburgfa to exercise their power in such a manner as may be most agreeable to the merabers of their congregation, so as that all afmirs may be managed to tfae satisfaction of the whole; And considering the animosities and confusions subsisting in said congregation, tfaey further advise, that the session cSl a decision respecting the powers of sessions, 357 meeting of tfae congregation of Edinburgh to choose a trea surer, and seat-letters; the treasurer and seat-letters wfao sfaall be cfaosen in said ineeting being always subject to tfae direc tion and review of the session." In tfae montfa of August, the same year (1790), the presbytery of Edinburgh gave a deci sion, " determining tfaat sucfi a standing coraraittee" (as fiad obtained for sorae time past in the congregation of Edinburgfa), " witfa pretended powers from tfae congregation to manage tfae affairs of it, independent of tfae session, is irregular and disorderly, and should frora this time be discontinued." Against this decision a protest and appeal were taken to tfae ensuing meeting of synod. Tfae synod, witfaout a vote, disraissed tfae protest as groundless and unreasonable, and affirraed the sentence of the presbytery of Edinburgh. At a subsequent meeting of synod, a remonstrance and petition were presented against tfais deed, but tfae synod adfaered to tfaeir decision.* A representation was laid before tfae synod, at tfais raeeting, on befaalf of tfae " Presbyterian infaabitants of Upper Canada, called loyalists, in tfae districts of Kingston, and New Corn wall, in tfae province of Quebec," stating that tfaey were desti tute of all raeans of religious instruction, faaving neitfaer rainis ters nor Bibles, nor catechisms ; and tfaat living in such a reraote quarter of tfae globe, they had no opportunity of pro curing books, even tfaougfa tfaey faad raoney wherewith to purcfaase tfaem ; surrounded, as tfaey were, by heatfaens and Roraan CatfaoUcs, tfaey expressed tfieir fears lest tfieir cfiil dren sfiould grow up in ignorance, and lest tfiey tfieraselves sfiould be seduced into popery, or sink into a state of hea tfaenisra ; and they craved assistance from tfae synod, to en able tfaem to procure a supply of religious books, and of cate cfaisms for tfaeir cfaildren. In answer to tfais appUcation, tfae synod appointed a coraraittee to correspond on tfae subject with Mr. Moncrieff, treasurer to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge among tfae poor; and the information thus obtained was to be transmitted to tfae provincial synods, tfaat sucfa reUef might be granted as they sfaould judge ex pedient. By tfae persevering efforts of tfae synod, in sending out bretfa ren to America, tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania had nearly recovered its forraer strengtfa. Tfae union, which had taken * Of late years several instances nave occurred, in Secession congregations, of managers requiring sessions to account to them for all the money collected at the church doors, from the voluntary offerings of the people. This is quite contrary to presbyterian order, and is at variance with the sound decision given by the General Associate Synod in the above case. The session ac cording to the presbyterian order, are the only constitutional overseers of a congregation, " considered as a religious society, and all its affairs are of right under their management." • 358 application from north Carolina. place betwixt the greater portion of its members and the breth ren of the Reforraed Presbytery, in 1782, had almost an nifailated it. We faave already seen tfaat Messrs. WilUam Mar shaU and Jaraes Clarkson were tfae only clerical members wfao remained faitfaful to tfae testiraony. Little raore tfaan a year elapsed, when tfaeir faands were strengtfaened by tfae mission of Mr. Tfaomas Beveridge ; and in tfae montfa of October, 1788, they received a fresh reinforcement, by tfae naraes of Messrs. David Goodwillie and Jofan Anderson being added to their roll. Soon after this, Mr. Mattfaew Henderson, one of tfaeir original number, made a confession of fais sin "in departing from fais former profession ;" and faaving declared himself a true penitent, was perraitted again to take fais seat amongst tfaem. Mr. David Somerville, minister at Strath aven, having resigned his cfaarge of tfaat congregation in August, 1790, set sail for America, and connected himself witfi tfae brethren of Pennsylvania ; and, in the following year, another addition was made to tfaeir nuraber by Mr. Jofan Cree, one of the preacfaers wfaom tfae synod faad sent out, be ing ordained at New York. On the day of his ordination, the presbytery engaged in the work of covenanting. Wfaile tfae synod were tfaus fostering, witfa parental fond ness, tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania, they were earnestly re quested to send out a labourer to another district of America. A number of people belonging to tfae county of Mecklenburgfa, in Nortfa Carolina, faad formerly made application for a minis ter to be sent ; and tfaey faad remitted a sura of raoney to assist in defraying tfae expense of the mission. They again renewed tfaeir call, and craved tfaat tfae raoney raigfat be eraployed on behalf of any brotfaer whora tfae synod, raight be pleased to send. An application was, at the same tirae, made for a labourer to be sent out to Amherst in Nova Scotia. Both of these petitions were favourably received ; but tfae synod found tfaeraselves raucfa fettered in answering tfaera, by the difficulty whicfa they faad of procuring persons wfao were willing to undertake tfaese missions. There was ample eraployraent for their preacfaers at home. The demands raade for their services were, indeed, raore numerous than tfaey could well supply. Still they considered it their duty to send tfae gospel to those who were destitute of it abroad, and they made every exertion for this purpose. With a view to encourage their preachers to undertake tfae transatlantic raissions, tfaey agreed, that if any who went on these missions should find, after a trial of a few^ years, that they could not remain, they should be at Uberty to return, and tfae synod pledged tfaemselves to defray the expen ses of their journey horaeward. Mr. Thomas Smitfa was appointed to go to North CaroUna^ PRESBYTERY OF NOVA SCOTIA. 359 .and the presbytery of Glasgow was autfaorized to take the ne cessary steps with a view to his ordination. But Mr. Smith positively refused td subrait to the appointraent ; so that the hopes wfiich tfie people of Mecklenburgfi county had fondly cherished, of obtaining a minister, were for a season frustrated. After some delay, two young men who were students of divinity, Messrs. John Brown and Duncan Ross, expressed their willingness to go on a mission to Nova Scotia. The synod eagerly availed tfaeraselves of their offer, araid so many disappointments, whicfa tfaey faad lately experienced, and tfaey enjoined, that after faaving corapleted tfaeir course of study, tfae provincial synod of Pertfa sfaould take tfae charge of get ting thera Ucensed and ordained, and sent off, without delay, to the place of destination. They also appointed a collection to be made, tfarougfaout the several congregations, to defray the expense of tfae mission; tfaey furtfaer ordained, tfiat so soon as one or more ministers sfiould arrive in the country, besides Mr. M' Gregor, tfaey sfaould constitute tfaeraselves into a pres bytery, under tfae designation of tfae Associate Presbytery of Nova Scotia. Sorae tirae after tfais, tfae synod were gratified by receiving intelligence, tfaat these young raen had reached tfie scene of thefr labours, and that tfiey fiad, in obedience to the injunction of the synod, constituted theraselves, along with Mr. M'Gregor, into a presbytery.* At tfais period, considerable attention was excited, espe cially in tfae West of Scotland, by a process carried on against one of tfae rainisters of the National Church, for heresy. The result of the process produced an impression exceedingly unfavourable to tfie interests of the Establishraent, because it afforded decisive proof that many of the ministers of that cfaurcfa were tfae abettors of Socinian, as well as of Arminian doctrine. It tended also to strengtfien tfae grounds of tfae Secession, and sfaowed faow necessary her existence was to the maintenance of pure and undefiled reUgion in tfae counl^ry. In tfais case tfae cfaurch courts of the Secession deeraed it ne cessary to warn tfae people against tfae dangerous errors thit were so openly propagated ; and the publications, tfaat were issued botfi by synods and by rainisters belgnging to tfie Se-i cession, were well-calculated to serve the cause of truth, by giving a faithful exposure of the unscriptural nature of the tenets that were publisfaed. Tfae person against whom this process was instituted, was Dr. WUUam M'GiU, one of the ministers of tfae EstabUshed Church in Ayr. In 1786, fae pubUshed a book, entitled a Practical Essay on tke Deatk of Jesus Ckrist, in whicfa he * The Associate Presbytery of Nova Scotia was formed on the 7th of July^ 1795. 360 HERETICAL DOCTRINES INCULCATED taugfat, in tfae raost undisguised and offensive manner, senti ments totally at variance with the scriptures, and with the standards ot his own church. He taugfat tfaat Cfarist was a person of our own order, and tfaat, altfaougfa fae was irivested with an extraordinary office, and endued with extraordinary powers, yet he was not God equal with tfae Fatfaer. He en deavoured to explain away tfae doctrine of tfae atonement, by affirming that Christ did not die as the substitute of sin ners ; that fiis priestfiood and sacrifice were merely figurative ; that his errand into tfae world was not to purcfaase salvation for men, but to make a clear and distinct revelation of the rule of our obedience, to exemplify it in his holy life, and to assure sinners of their obtaining pardon upon tfaeir repentance, and of tfaeir being accepted upon tfaeir sincere obedience. He in culcated on this point, " that next to tfae raercy of God, wfaicfa is never to be forgotten, the benefits of our redemption by Cfarist, flow cfaiefly frora tfae righteousness and holiness oi his life ; and particularly from the eminent patience, piety, subraission, and benevolence displayed at the close of it, which avail with God, in favour of sinners, in the sarae manner as do the piety and virtue of good men in general ; only tfae effects of such singular excellencies are proportionably greater and more extensive." He further affirraed, that tfae intercession of Cfarist witfa the Father is prevalent, in the same way that the prayers of tfae saints are prevalent in befaalf of otfaers. On tfais point, fae declared, " tfaat as Jesus prayed both for his friends and his enemies, while he was on eartfa, so fae is now in faeaven, a High Priest, who appears in tfae presence of God for us ; not merely, we raay believe, in the general sense oi governing his cfaurcfa, and superintending all the affairs oi our salvation, but also by employing his power and favour with tfae Almigfaty Parent of the universe, fbr the acceptance of our imperfect prayers and services, and more particularly for procuring peace and repentance, araidst our raanifold pro vocations, and tfae pardon of our sins, wfaen we truly forsake thera." " Our Lord's intercession" (he added) "may avail to procure a respite for sinners, and further means of repent ance, till all proper raethods be tried for their conversion ; and such benefits raay be granted to tfaera, partly out of respect to thc worthiness and excellence of fais character, and that heroic virtue displayed by him in his death ; and, on the same account, the pardon of thefr sins, upon repentance. But neither fais intercession nor raerits were ever intended to pro cure pardon to obstinate and final irapenitence." He was loud in his praises of fauman merit, and inculcated the popish doctrine of supererogation, declaring " tfaat sinful men have often received very valuable benefits, whicfa tfaey faad no title BY REV. DR. M'gILL OF AYR. 361 to on tfaefr account, not only througfa tfae instrumentality, but on account of tfae virtue of otfaers." He affirraed tfaat God " makes even tfae imperfect virtue wfaicfa is to be found araong men, a source of blessedness, not to its immediate owners only, but to others also, wfao are estranged frora it. Tfae faappiness of its votaries he increases, by suffering their piety to overflow, to tfae good of all with whom tfaey are connected, or for wfaora they interest themselves." " God is pleased to accept it at their hands, both on tfaeir own behalf, and in sorae sort too, as the price of benefits bestowed upon tfae undeserving." Finally, he represented tfae Holy Ghost, in several places of his book, as tfie power of God, and not as a divine person. It certainly gives an unfavourable view of the orthodoxy of tfae rainisters connected with tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland, at tfaat period, tfaat a book containing such heretical sentiments, should have been permitted to circulate extensively in various parts of the country, for at least two or tfaree years, witfaout any judicial cognizance faaving been taken of its autfaor, eitfaer by the presbytery or synod, of wfaicfa fae was a raeraber, or by tfie General Asserably of tfie National Cfiurcfi. No raove raent was raade by any of tfae church courts, in tfais matter, untU tfae reverend autfaor, emboldened by the impunity whicfa fae faad experienced, made an open attack upon creeds and confessions. Tfae attack was made by him, in an appendix to a sermon wfaicfa fae preached (in commemoration of tfae Revo lution), upon tfae 5tfa of Noveraber, 1788, and wfaicfa was soon after publisfaed. In tfais appendix, fae attacked one of fais breth ren in the presbytery; vilified the Seceders; treated with con tempt all his opponents, and declaimed against tfae bondage of not being perraitted to give fais own faeretical interpretation of tfae language of scripture, unfettered by creeds. " Tfaere was a period of tfae Cfaristian churcfa," fae said, " wfaen tfaey were thought worthy of censure, who would not consent to wfaole sorae words, even tfae words of tfae Lord Jesus Christ. But now we are liable to very severe censure, if we do not set aside these wfaolesorae divine words, and substitute in tfaeir room the coraraandraents of raen ; yea, submit to tfae dictates of every reverend upstart creed-maker, wfao faas presumption not only to impose on us fais own sense of the scripture, and of the Confession of Faith, but to set up tfaeir unscrip tural pfarases as tfae objects of our reverence and worship." " The gravest author, it is hurably conceived, raay, without irapiety, and without giving just ground of offence to any Christian, deride the vain and impotent attempts of fauman wisdora, or ratfaer of fauraan ignorance and pride, to express the articles of our faith in fitter words than the Holy Spirit has done." 362 PROCESS INSTITUTED AGAINST At tfae raeeting of synod of Glasgow and Ayr, in April 1789, a complaint was made concerning the heretical publica tions of tfiis individual ; and it was overtured that the synod would take the matter into tfaeir serious consideration; and order inquiry to be made concerning tfae grounds of tfae com plaint. Tfae synod ordered tfae presbytery of Ayr, as the radical court, to make the necessary inquiry, and to report at next meeting of synod. Against this sentence a protest was taken, and an appeal made, to the ensuing General Assem bly, on tfae ground tfaat such a sentence encroached on the independent rights of tfae presbytery of Ayr, as the radical court. Wfaen tfae General Assembly met in the month of May, tfae same year, tfae sentence of tfae synod was reversed ; but tfae reversal was coupled with a recommendation to the pres bytery of Ayr, to take such steps in tfae raatter as tfaey raight find necessary for preserving the purity of tfae doctrines of tfae cfaurcfa, and tfae autfaority of her standards. The presby tery, acting upon tfae recoraraendation of tfae Assembly, ap pointed a comraittee of inquiry, to examine and report con cerning tfae faeresies whicfa tfae doctor's writings were alleged to contain. In tfae report wfaicfa tfais comraittee presented, tfae doctor was cfaarged with faaving inculcated, in fais publi cations, erroneous notions on tfae foUowing points :¦ — Tfie ori ginal and essential dignity of tfae Son of God; tfae doctrine of atoneraent by fais sufferings and deatfa ; tfae priesthood and intercession of Christ ; the method of reconciling sinners to God ; and subscription to tfae Confession of Faith. To the cfaarges in eacfa of tfaese articles,- Dr. M'Gill was required to give answers. After a variety of dissents and protests weie taken, for tfae purpose of impeding tfae progress of the investi gation before the presbytery, the wfaole business was referred to tfae consideration of tfae synod, wfaich met at Ayr, on the 18tfa of April, 1790. The following account of the proceedings wfaich took place, in this process, before tfae synod of Glasgow and Ayr, is in teresting; it sfaows the pitiable manoeuvring tfaat was adopted to sfaield a notorious and avowed heretic frora merited censure. The account is extracted frora a document published under the sanction of tfae provincial Associate Synod of Glasgow, and wfaicfa was drawn up by a person of great honesty and integrity, wfao faad good opportunities of being correctly in forraed concerning the particulars which he describes, many of them being witnessed by fairaself. " It is confidently reported, tfaat wfaen the supposed friends of this prosecution carae to Ayr, and had some private meet ing togetfaer, some proposed one thing, some another, but REV. DR. M'GILL OF AYR. 363 could not agree in any thing. Some proposed, upon reading the first article of tfae report of tfae coraraittee, tfaey sfaould ap prove of it as founding a cfaarge of heresy, and refer Dr. M' Gill to tfae Assembly, to he censured as tfaey sfaould see proper ; or to be forraally libelled by thera, if he did not give reasonable satisfaction. Otfaers tfaougfat tfaat tfae synod sfaould approve of the coraraittee's report, after what araendraents or correc tions raight seem necessary, and refer to the Assembly to de termine wfaat degree of censure sfaould be inflicted upon faim for his errors. Another party, who faad tfaeir measures already planned more secretly, did not as yet particularly comrauni cate tfaeir sentiments to tfaeir bretfaren, but alleged tfaat tfaeir friends in tfae east country faad altered their mind, tfaougfa it is said tfaat some of tfaemselves faave since owned tfaat they were misinforraed. " When the synod met in the evening of the 13th of April, a very long time was spent in reasoning about the plan of tfaeir procedure, as wfaetfaer it was regular to transrait Dr M' Gill's publications, along witfa otfaer papers from tfae pres bytery ; and in what order tfaey sfaould begin tfae cause, whe ther with Dr. M' Gill's protest against tfae presbytery, for re ferring the cause to the synod, or witfa tfae reference from tfae presbytery. After tfae reading of Dr. M' Gill's general answers to tfae report, witfa the papers frora tfae presbytery upon tfae cause, to be under consideration, tfaere was a great deal of desultory reasoning ; but whenever any of tfae speakers came to toucfa upon tfae principal object of their consideration, or tfae merits of tfae cause, tfaey were interrupted by Dr. M'Gill, or some of fais friends. " At tfais time also, proposals were made by some merabers to appoint a comraittee to converse witfa tfae doctor, and so to bring about a settleraent of the affair, if possible ; but tfais was opposed by others, who alleged tfaat tfaey could give no pro per instructions to a committee, till all papers were first read. Nor was tfae doctor as yet giving any evidence of fais desir ing sucfa a tfaing, wfaile he asserted tfaat if he was obliged to give more particular answers, he apprehended tfaey would not be so satisfactory. It was now alleged that they had been all along out of order, and that, instead of entering on tfae re ference from the presbytery, they should first begin with Dr. M' Gill's protest and appeal, whicfa was at last agreed to. " The presbytery's answers contained, so far as we recol lect, very proper and teraperate replies to the doctor's futile and bitter reasons of appeal. But, as it was now about mid nigfat, a motion for adjourning was raade, and agreed to; so that the parties were not heard in speeches at tfae bar. We are credibly informed tfaat this was a busy time between Dr. 364 PROCESS AGAINST M' Gill's friends and the popular clergy, from about Glasgow. As the doctor's friends saw that the other party were power ful at this time, tfaey insisted witfa faira that soraething hke concessions sfaould be raade, by wfaicfa tfaey migfat either be satisfied, or broken into parties. " When some of the two parties first met together in private, by a curious manoeuvre, they looked very strange and stately togetfaer. Tfae orthodox gentlemen talked faigfa of de position if tfae doctor did not prevent it by confession of his errors, thougfa in a little tfaey carae down frora their height to more moderate terms. As tfaey had given no satisfactory account to their former friends of tfae presbytery of Ayr, about tfae plan of tfaeir intended operations, but faad even de clined it, witfa sorae raarks of Jevity and scorn, wfaen it was asked by one of tfaera, on tfae evening of the thirteenth, we raay believe that a great many members of synod had not the least apprefaension oftfae curious turn wfaicfa tfae affair took on tfae following day, till tfae scfaeme of appointing a committee to converse with the doctor was proposed. Indeed, we faave been told that one of the raerabers of the presbytery of Ayr went early, on tfae raorning of tfae fourteentfa, to tfae lodgings of one of tfae Glasgow gentleraen, and peremptorily insisted upon knowing wfaat metfaod tfaey intended to pursue in bringing the cause to an issue ; and that, after discovering some shuffling and levity, as on the preceding evening, fae told faim in general tfaeir plan of conducting the business : wfaereupon the mem ber of Ayr presbytery began to express particular indignation and dissatisfaction at sucfa unfaithful and treacherous conduct. The otfaer gentleman seemed to be little moved, and told him, tfaat if fae and his friends in Ayr presbytery saw meet to con cur with him, they raight do so ; if not, tfaey faad sufficient strengtfa to carry tfaeir raeasures witfaout tfaem. " When tfae synod raet on Wednesday raorning, before even the ordinary formality of calling parties was observed (so far as we can recollect), and what was still more material, without reading the report of tfae . coraraittee, a friend of the doctor's instantly rose up, and intimated to tfae synod that Dr. M' Gill was now disposed to raake sorae concessions or ac knowledgments for the sake of peace. Tfae substance of what was read, or moved to the synod by this gentleraan, was to tfae following purpose, so far as we can recollect : — That, tfaougfa Dr. M'GiU, in fais practical Essay, sincerely meant to proraote the ends of truth and peace, yet now, upon farther reflection, he is disposed to acknowledge, that there are in his publications ideas wfaich appear improper ; and expressions, or modes of expressions, ambiguous and unguarded. He moved that a comraittee should be appointed to converse with the DR. m'gill for heresy. 365 doctor, and to draw up wfaat migfat appear calculated to bring the affair to a desirable issue. When this gentleraan raade his overture he did not raention in what matters the doctor was disposed to own he had used ambiguous expressions, or improper ideas ; but we are almost certain, that fiis language was raore determinate tfian tfiat contained in tfie Apology, presented to, and accepted by, tfie synod ; for fie did not say tfiat the doctor was only disposed to grant tfaat tfaere were ideas which raay appear iraproper. Iramediately after this, tfae doctor signified his desire tfiat tfiis affair should be some way accoraraodated. The above-raentioned raotion was se conded by others. " At this time, the synod openly avowed themselves of two opposite parties, as directly as is done in the House of Com mons. Accordingly, they appointed three of tfae supposed friends of the doctor, and also three of the reputed orthodox from the northern boundaries of tfae synod, as a comraittee. Dr. M'Gill now witfadrew fais protest against tfae presbytery, with his paper, entitled General Answers, and retired witfa tfae coraraittee. It was now suspected by the discerning spec tators, tfaat tfais faraous prosecution was to end in sorae pitiful farce, wfaich soon carae to be fully verified. " When tfae committee returned to tfae synod, about two faours after tfaeir removal, tfae result of tfaeir deliberations was announced by two orthodox gentlemen, who were faonoured to declare tfae glad tidings of tfie doctor's coraplying disposition. A popular preacher frora Glasgow, who faas had his hand very deep in tfais disgracful business, and who has even got tfae tfaanks of one of tfae chief of Dr. M' Gill's defenders at the bar of the last General Asserably, for fais distinguisfaed and exem plary moderation in tfais cause, had the honour of reading the doctor's introduction to his faraous recantation of Socinian her esy. Tfais gentleraan was so full of fais subject, that he en tertained the synod witfa a flowing speecfa, about the doctor's good befaaviour before tfae coramittee, and fais strong faopes of the acknowledgments being faigfaly satisfactory to tfie synod. Imraediately after faim rose a doctor to read tfae succeeding part of tfae Apology. He also prefaced fais part of the busi ness with a speech of tfie sarae sort witfi tfiat wfiicfi went before, and endeavoured to raise tfie expectations of tfie court still higher, concerning the satisfactory nature of these acknowledgments. He had no sooner ended tfais task, tfaan a number of voices were raised from different corners of tfae council-faouse, crying. Agree, Agree. " Tfae business proceeded for a little in tfais raanner, till a member of tfae presbytery of Ayr moved that tfaey who faad a particular concern in tfais matter sfaould be called, or at least 366 PROCESS AGAINST DR. m'GILL : have an opportunity of declaring tfaeir sentiments on the sub ject, whereupon an old serious gentleman declared, that he did not consider tfiese acknowledgments as adequate to the offence wfiicfi fiad been given. Anotfier expressed his surprise tfaat tfae synod sfaould seem disposed to faurry over a business of sucfa vast importance to tfae cause of truth and peace ; and declared that fae faoped fae would faave tfae fortitude to enter his dissent, and give hjs reasons for it, sfaould fae not faave anotfaer to second him in tfae wfaole synod. Tfaere was not anotfaer rainister nor elder, wfao carae so far as to offer a dis sent ; and even fae was persuaded by fais bretfaren to abandon his design, we beUeve partly frora an apprehension that he was supposed to faave some personal animosity against the doctor in tfae prosecution of tfais business. But, if fae was con scious of the contrary, he lost a noble opportunity of distin guisfaing fairaself in the cause of truth. " Anotfaer gentleman, of tfae presbytery of Ayr, would not agree to tfae overture being turned into an act unless some metfaod was fallen upon to prevent tfae republication of the doctor's book, in its present state, which would create new disturbances. Sorae alleged, in case of its being republished, it should be accorapanied witfa fais concessions and acknow- ledgraents : otfaers alleged tfais would infringe upon tfae liberty of tfae press. Then it came to be asserted, tfaat tfae authoii would expose hiraself to a new prosecution, sfiould fie pubUsh his book in its present state. Upon faearing tfaese tfaings, the gentleraan said, tfaat he would not atterapt to divide the faouse; but fae coul4 not agree that tfae synod sfaould call this an unan imous decision. So tfaat fae and tfae member wfao proposed to dissent, were tfae only persons wfao prevented the synod from having a coraplete triurapfa : as the wortfay old gentle man, formerly raentioned, gave tfaem no raore opposition, than his siraple declaration, that, in his opinion, the acknowledg raent was not adequate to tfae offence given by tfae author of the pubUcations referred to." * It was agreed, that along with the doctor's apology and explanation, tfaere should be published certain passages of tfae Confession of Faith, relative to tfae person and atonement of Jesus Christ. This celebrated apology was to tfae follow ing effect :— " I ara extreraely sorry tfaat wfaat was faonestiy intended by me to serve tfae interests of piety, cfaarity, and peace, should have given ground of offence to my Christian brethren. My essay on the death of Jesus Cfarist was de signed to be wholly practical. My sole object was to pro- * Overture concerning Dr. M'GiU's errors and process, containing a warn ing against said errors, and the sinful proceedings of the courts in that pro- eess; prepared by the Rev. James Robertson, in Kilmarnock, &c. pp. 20—25, APOLOGY MADE BY HIM. 3G7 mote practical godliness, founded on the facts and circum stances of the gospel history ; and upon tfais design I was so intent, that I may, in some instances, have omitted things wfaich I hold to be true, when the great practical use of them did not occur to rae. In every work of raan, raore especially of sorae length and variety, it is not to be expected but there will be failures and bleraisfaes wfaicfa raay faave crept into it ; at wfaich, faowever, men of judgment and candour will not be offended, wfaen tfaey are convinced tfaat tfae design upon tfae wfaole is good." He tfaen went over tfae five articles cfaarged against faira as erroneous, and gave explanations of the views whicfa, fae said, fae raeant to faave inculcated. These explanations, tfaougfa differently expressed, did not vary materially, in tfaeir raeaning, from the original statements, wfaicfa tfaey were designed to explain. He concluded his apology in the following manner : — " Upon the wfaole, I as sert, as I faave forraeriy done more tfaan once, tfaat far frora being iniraical iu any respect, I ara a zealous, though weak, friend to the constitution and autfaority of tfae Churcfi of Scot land, in doctrine, discipline, and worship, and do cordially conderan whatever appears inconsistent therewith. And con sidering that every rainister of tfae Cfaurch of Scotland is bound, by very soleran engageraents, to adhere to her stand ards, as the only authoritative interpreters of tfae sacred scrip tures among us, I faereby again declare, tfaat I ara sorry tfaat my publications sfaould faave given offence to any of my breth ren, or to tfae world. And now, upon furtfaer reflection, I am sensible, tfaat tfaere are ideas, contained in these publications, which may appear iraproper, and modes of expression am biguous and unguarded ; particularly respecting the original and essential dignity of the Son of God, the doctrine of atone ment by his sufferings and death, the priesthood and interces sion of Cfarist, the raetfaod of reconciling sinners to God, and subscription to tfae Confession of Faitfa; all wkick ideas Ikere- hy disclaim, andfor all suck expressions I am keartily sorry ; and hereby declare ray belief of tfaese great articles, as tfaey are laid down in tfae standards of tfais cfaurcfa. I tfaerefore entreat tfae reverend synod to receive this ray apology, which I leave with tfaem, and subrait it to their determination, to publish tfaese my explanations and apology to tfae world, it tfaey sfaall tfaink it necessary." * Tfais apology is artfully worded. Tfaere is no acknowledg ment in it, on the part of the author, that fae faad taugfat perni cious errors; and tfaere is no explicit declaration, tfaat he had renounced tfaose erroneous notions of divine trutfa, to wfaich * A distinct and impartial account of the process for Socinian heresy against WiUiam M'GiU, D.D. p. 8, &c. 368 NO ADEQUATE CENSURE INFLICTED ON DR. m'GILL. he had given pubUcity in his writings. All that he admits, is, that fais publications contained ideas wfaicfa migkt appear iraproper, and modes of expression wfaich were ambiguous and unguarded. These ideas he disclaims; and for_ these modes of expression he is sorry. He furtfaer declares fais beUef " of tfaese great articles," — to wfaicfa fais apology refers, — as they are laid down in tfae standards of tfae cfaurch. This he had always done. But this declaration goes for notfaing, when it is reraerabered that the explanations wfaicfa fae faad given " of tfaese great articles" were not in accordance with the views held by sound divines. The synod were glad to get quit of a business, which, on account of the excited state of public feeling, they found it difficult to raanage. No one proposed to bring tfie pannel to an explicit acknowledgment of his pernicious errors. No one raoved, tfaat he should faave even the lowest degree of censure inflicted on hira, — or that fae sfaould be warned against publisfaing such doctrines, for the future, eitfaer from tfae pul pit or tfae press. On tfae contrary, tfaey recorded tfae high satisfaction whicfa fais apology faad given tfaera ; and agreed to give God tfaanks on account of it. Tfae following is the deliverance wfaicfa tfaey gave upon tfae subject : " Tfae synod faaving read and considered tfie above explanations and apo logy, did, without a vote, approve of thera, and receive the sarae as satisfactory ; ordered them to be pubUshed by tfaeir clerk, and, along witfa tfaem, the section of tfae Confession of Faitfa respecting the original and essential dignity of tfae Son of God, and also tfaat section of tfae Confession wfiicfi respects tfie atoneraent. Upon wfaicfa Dr. M'Gill declared fais acquies cence in said sentence, and took instruments in tfae clerk's faands. Tfae synod, irapressed witfa a deep sense of that har raony and concord witfa whicfa tfais raatter faas been settled, and convinced tfaat wfaat tfaey have done, will, under the bless ing of God, tend to proraote peace and trutfa in tfais cfaurch, thought proper to appoint, and did appoint, a reverend mem ber to give thanks unto God for the countenance and direc tion fae faad given tfaera in tfais matter." In accordance witfa tfae latter part of tfais decision, first one minister, and tfaen anotfaer, belonging to wfaat was supposed to be tfae ortfaodox side of tfae faouse, was requested to offer up thanksgiving, on behalf of tfae synod, for tfais memorable vin dication of the truth, whicfa tfaey had been enabled to make. But whether from a feeUng of modesty, or a sense of shame, both of tfae ministers decUned; and a suitable termination was put to this affafr, by Dr. M'GiU's colleague (Dalrymple), whose sentiments were known to be nearly akin to those of his fel- COMPLAINTS OF THE PEOPLE NEGLECTED. 369 low-labourer, acting as tfae faigh priest of tfae synod on tfais occasion.* However satisfactory tfais decision was to tfae synod, it did not give tfae same satisfaction to tfae people. Many of tfaem indeed rejoiced on account of it : but a general feeling of dis gust was produced by tfae conduct of tfae synod ; and tfae more serious portion of tfae community, belonging to the Established Churcfa, felt tfaat tfae cause of truth had been betrayed by tfaose in wfaom they had placed confidence. After recovering from tfae consternation into which tfaey faad been tfarown, by tfae unexpected decision, a correspondence was commenced amongst individuals residing in different parts of tfae country, with a view to revive the process, and, if pos sible, to bring it to a more satisfactory issue. Accordingly, in the month of January, tfae following year, a forraal coraplaint and libel against Dr. M'Gill was presented to tfae presbytery of Ayr. Tfae presbytery refused to receive it on the ground of sorae inforraality. Frora tfae presbytery it was carried by appeal to the synod. Tfae synod, witfaout giving any opi nion on tfae merits of tfae appeal, lectured tfae people on tfae necessity of prudence and caution, in instituting processes against ministers ; and sent the cause back to tfae presbytery, witfa instructions to proceed in it according to tfae rules of tfae cfaurcfa. The presbytery, " on account of tfae magnitude of tfae cause, and on account of the many difficulties attending it," would not take upon themselves tfae responsibility of giving judgraent in tfae raatter, — but reraitted tfie consideration of it simpliciter to the General Asserably. When the Asserably raet, witfaout giving themselves any trouble to investigate the merits of tfae case, tfaey declared that the complainers had no particular rigfat or interest in tfae affair, to become libellers of Dr. M'Gill, — because they were not of fais parish; tfaey de clared furtfaer, tfaat the cause had been already determined. And on these grounds, they dismissed tfae complaint as groundless and unreasonable. Tfaese proceedings of the EstabUshed Churcfa courts, in throwing the sfaield of tfaeir protection over an individual who had been guilty of propagating the most dangerous errors, were not permitted to pass without a testimony being lifted up against them by tfae Secession Cfaurcfa. Thefr conduct was severely scrutinized and indignantly exposed in pampfalets penned by Seceding ministers. Tfae Burgfaer Associate Synod (as we sfaall afterwards see) pubUshed a " Warning against Socinianism," in wfaich tfaey pointed out the unscrip- • Overture concerning Dr. M'GiU's errors and process, &c. p. 26. 2 A '610 OVERTURE CONCERNING DR. M'gILl's PROCESS. tural and dangerous nature of tfae tenets whicfa Dr. M'GiU had so boldly advanced in his " Practical Essay." An oyer* ture, having tfae same object in view, was also introduced into tfae provincial Associate Synod of Glasgow ; and after being carefully revised by a committee, it was published, by appoint ment of synod, under the title of. An overture eoneerning Dr, McGill's errors and process, containing a warning against said errors, and tke sinful proceedings of tke courts in tkat process. Tfais overture contains a falstorical detail of the pro ceedings connected with tfae process ; an exposure of the errors contained in Dr. M'GiU's pubUcations; a condemnation ofthe conduct pursued by the judicatories of the National Church; in tolerating sucfa errors ; and a solemn confession of those gospel truths wfaicfa faad been brougfat into question by the proceedings tfaat faad taken place. It is now upwards of forty years since this overture was pubUshed, under tfae sanction of tfae provincial synod of Glas gow ; and tfaere are passages to be found in it, wfaich, though they had been penned in tfae spirit of prophecy, with a view to tfae Voluntary Cfaurch question of tfae present day, could not have been more appropriate. They sfaow us tfaat the doctrine of civil estabUshments in religion was not raucfa more in repute faalf a century ago, in at least one section of tfae Secession, tfaan it is now ; and tfae cfaarge brougfat against the present race of Seceders, tfaat tfae sentiments entertained by a large portion of tfaem, unfavourable to civil establisfaments, are new, is unfounded. In tfais publication we find sucfa anti-estab- Ushment declarations as the following : — " Tfae rainisters of the National Churcfa are not only divided about ecclesiastical management, and other questions of more doubtful disputa tion, but about the most fundamental articles of the revealed reUgion. Now, our Lord Jesus Christ has declared, that a house or kingdom divided against itself cannot stand ; and, in fact, there is properly no bond of union araong them, except the civil establishment. Were tfais old rusty koop knocked off, tfaey would fly into ten or twenty pieces."* Again ; " It is more tfaan time that the people in tfais country were falling upon raore resolute and regular metfaods of having this anti christian yoke (patronage) dasfied in pieces. Tfiey sfiould re solve to let every intruder instruct his proper audience, the Eews, walls, bells, and steeples, with fais faonourable or right onourafale patron ; and tfaey sfiould persist in an orderly and peaceable, but firm and determined, application to parliament every year, till tfiey get either this legal and oppressive ty ranny abolished, or the pubUc funds applied for the support * P. 27. WARNING AGAINST SOCINIANISM. 371 of one in each parisfa, to wfaose ministrations they can with a safe conscience subrait, in proportion to their real numbers ; or, what is perhaps the only effectual way of being quit of this cruel usurpation, let the public fund be applied to other useful purposes, and let every one pay his ovm minister, as ke does his lawyer or physician"* These statements are sufficiently plain ; and whatever opinion ray readers may be inclined to form of thera, tfaey at least establish the fact, tfaat Voluntary Cfaurcfa sentiments in the Secession are not new. The General Associate synod did not raake any public declaration of tfaeir sentiments, in reference to tfae above pro cess ; but adverted to it repeatedly in clauses introduced into tfaeir acts for public fasting ; and their language was that of deep lamentation, that tfae judicatories of tfae National Churcfa should, by tfaeir lenient measures, faave given encourageraent to tfae propagation of sucfa dangerous errors. " Our call," tfaey said, " is loud, to be faurabled for tfae sins of tfae land in wfaicfa we live. An awful flood of error faatfa broken in upon the land, and is threatening to overflow it. It is becorae fasfaionable with many, especially of the higfaer ranks, to re ject and treat witfa contempt tfae wfaole of revealed reUgion. Many who profess to believe tfae divinity of tfae Christian reli gion, openly reject its most important articles. Tfae divinity of our Saviour, fais suretisfaip for tfae elect, and tfae real and proper atoneraent made by faim ; original sin, both imputed and infaerent, tfae divinity of tfae Spirit, and tfae necessity of his power and grace for our regeneration and sanctification, are openly denied by many ; and the opposite •doctrines have of late been pubUsfaed from the pulpit and press by some, yet rainisters in the EstabUshed Churcfa. Arrainianism is becorae the too fashionable doctrine of the day. The gospel is converted into a new law, adapted to the state of faUen men, requiring repentance and sincere obedience as tfae con dition of pardon and etemal life ; while tfaat precious doctrine of tfae gospel, justification by free grace througfa imputed rigfateousness, is rejected as unreasonable and degrading to the dignity and abiUty of man." •P. 04. CHAPTER XI. Political excitement — Seceders and others subscribe a declaration of loyalty — Regarded by some as ensnaring — Complaint raade to the Synod concern ing it— Advice of Synod — -Insinuations thrown out against the loyalty of Seceders — Subject brought before the Synod — Coramittee appointed to pre pare a vindication — Political essays by Mr. Young of Hawick — Their cha racter — Popular vrith those in power — Pension offered to him — Pension refused — Complaint made to the Synod concerning Mr. Young's essays- Committee appointed to exaraine them — Mr. James Watt, probationer — Writes an objectionable pamphlet — Subject to discipUne — Dealingswith him — Renounces his connexion with Synod — Deprived of Ucence, and excom municated — Scruples concerning the power of the magistrate in reUgious matters — Case of Messrs. Thomas M'Crie and WiUiam M'Ewan — De claratory act of the Synod on this point — Mr. Bruce prepares a statement of principles respecting civil government — Statement not adopted — Missionary societies — Objected to by some — Discussions in the Synod concerning them —Overture disapproving of them — Adopted by Synod — Protest by Mr. Ferrier and others — Remarks on the overture — Remonstrances and peti tions against the act— Act reviewed — Explanatory statements concerning it ¦ — Case of casuistry from Ireland— DeUverance of Synod concerning it — Mission to Kentucky — Introduction of the Secession into Orkney — Makes rapid progress — Happy effects of it — Rev. WilUam Broadfoot ordained in KirkwaU— Affecting incident — -Representation concerning lay-preaching and Sabbath schools — Decision of the Synod concerning them — Complaint against decision — Decision reviewed — And amended — Dissent by Mr. Muc kersie and otfcers — Letters from the missionaries in Kentucky — Presbytery of Kentucky forraed. The period wfaich imraediately followed the breaking out of the French Revolution was one of strong political excite ment. That event produced a great moral convulsion amongst the nations of Europe. Like the heavings pf a raigfaty earth quake, the effects of it were felt tfarougfaout a wide extent of territory. Wfaile it levelled with the dust the ancient mon arcfay of France, it sfaook tfae tfarones of alraost all the Euro pean potentates. Freedom becarae the general watchword, on the part of the people. Kings becarae jealous of their sub jects. A feeUng of insecurity was experienced by crowned heads, and they had recourse to vigorous measures, in order to suppress tfae popular movements. Tfae rulers of Britain took alarm at tfae progress of events. Existing institutions were considered to be in danger, and tfae friends of order were required to come forward and give tfaem their support. Many responded to the caU. Being desirous to acquire a reputation for loyalty, they subscribed a declaration expressive of tfaeir approbation of the British constitution, and of their determina- POLITICAL EXCITEMENT. 373 tion to defend and maintain it against all who might atterapt its subversion. In the lists of tfaese subscribers, the naraes of Seceders were found as weU as others. Some there were who had conscientious objections against such subscriptions, as en snaring to the people, and inconsistent witfa tfie Secession testiraony ; but tfie cfiief ground of objection against tfiem was, that subscribing such declarations implied an approbation of tfie English hierarchy, as forming a part of tfae British con stitution, and an acquiescence in the ecclesiastical supremacy clairaed and exercised bythe sovereign, as an essential branch of tfae royal prerogative. Tfais subject was brought before the General Associate synod, at tfieir raeeting in May, 1795. A paper was laid upon their table, by the presbytery of Pertfa, complaining of "tfae snares and dangers" to wfaicfa the people under their charge were exposed, in consequence of the artful methods employed to induce tfaem to subscribe sucfa declarations, by representing the British constitution to be the very same with the form of civil government ; and calling upon tfae synod to take tfae matter of tfaese subscriptions into tfaeir serious con sideration, and to declare raore fully tfaan tfaey had faitfaerto done, tfae ground of tfaeir dissatisfaction witfa tfae united British constitution ; also to sfaow the consistency of tfaeir testimony against it, witfa a dutiful subjection to tfae present civil govern ment, in all its lawful coraraands ; giving, at the same time, such directions to the people as raigfat prevent tfaem from be ing entangled in sucfa snares. After long deliberation upon tfae subject of this overture, tfae synod agreed in declaring to all the people under their inspection, " that they ought to be upon their guard against aU measures tending to ensnare them into such oaths and prac tices as are contrary to their Christain and witnessing pro fession." Tfaey rerainded thera, that " all oatfas and declara tions are to be understood, not according to any secret or reserved sense wfaicfa individuals put upon tfaera in their own mind, but according to the raeaning affixed to tfaera by those persons for whose satisfaction they are sworn and subscribed; agreeably to the coraraon use of language in tfae country." And as there were no oaths to government but wfaat applied an approbation of tfae united constitution, they tfaerefore pro nounced aU declarations or subscriptions expressive of an un qualified satisfaction witfa governraent to be unwarrantable. " It is not," they said, " at all to be wondered at, though people of tender consciences sfaould faesitate to subscribe a de claration of unqualified attacfament to the British constitution, as established in King, Lords, and Commons ; while tfae ecclesiastical supremacy, according to tfaat constitution, is an 374 SECEDERS CHARGED waTH DISLOYALTY. essential brancfa of tfae royal prerogative : nay, while the maintenance of tfae EngUsfa falerarcfay is secured by it, and archbisfaops and bisfaops of tfae Cfaurch of England are an essential branch of tfae House of Lords." Tfaey added, " It faas been proved by tfae experience of nearly an faundred years, that people may faave scruples at all tfaese things, and yet be good subjects, conducting theraselves in as quiet, peaceable, and orderly a manner in society, as those wfao are tfae warm est advocates for them." In conclusion they declared, " that tfaey never expressed any scruple witfa tfae form of civil govern ment, as settled in a King, temporal Lords, and Commons ;" and tfaey gave a strong recoraraendation to their people, to behave theraselves, as tfaey had faitfaerto done, as tfae raeek and quiet in tfae land. Sessions were requfred to " sist" aU procedure against those persons who had inadvertently sub scribed sucfa unquaUfied declarations as above, on their signify ing their acquiescence in tfae judgraent of synod ; but tfaose who obstinately refused to listen to the warnings of tfaeir min isters and sessions, were to be dealt with " more particularly and closely." Insinuations unfavourable to the loyalty and tfae peaceable befaaviour of Seceders were at tfais time publicly tfarown out against tfaem. Attempts were made to injure tfaeir cfaarac ter, and to faold tfaem up as objects of suspicion to tfae civil rulers, by representing tfaera as disaffected to tfae govern ment, and anxious for tfae overthrow of existing institutions. A representation was accordingly made, at the above meet ing, by the provincial synod of Edinburgh, calUng upon the General Synod to adopt, without delay, measures for remov ing such injurious and groundless aspersions. A proposal was submitted for the appointment of a comimittee, to pre pare a stateraent of tfae principles faeld by tfae General Synod, and tfae other synods of tfae association, in reference to the civil government, and tfae dutiful subjection to it, which tfaey reckoned tfaemselves ever bound to raaintain, in con sistency witfa tfaeir solemn engagements to proraote reforma tion ; also to sfaow, tfaat neitfaer tfae synod nor tfae reUgious society connected witfa tfaem, as such, had ever said or done anytfaing, in reference to tfae political questions wfaicfa then divided tfae nation, or tfae measures whicfa faad been adopted by some for prosecuting a civil reform, that could justly ex pose them to tfae jealousy of tfae civil rulers, or to tfae obloquy of tfae well-affected portion of the coraraunity. Tfais propo sal was cordially adopted, and Messrs. Bruce and Wfiytock were appointed a committee to prepare a statement on this subject, to be afterwards submitted to tfie consideration of the synod. ESSAYS BY MR. YOUNG OF HAWICK. 37.') One of the rainisters belonging to tfae synod stepped for ward, at tfais crisis, as tfae avowed cfaampion of tfae British government. He published a poUtical pampfalet in its de fence, entitled. Essays on Govemment, Revolution, Sfc. The writer was Mr. Jofan Young, minister at Hawick. In the introduction, he gave tfae following apology for appearing in tfae cfaaracter of a political partisan : — " He (tfae autfaor) faas seen, witfa deep concern, tfaat, by tfae active part which some dissenters, bott in England and Scotland, faave taken in tfae present disputes, an odiura faas been brougfat upon the dis senting interest, in the eyes of governraent and its adherents, whicfa will not be easily wiped off. By tfais means, he is afraid, a very strong bar is placed in tfae way of tfae legisla ture's granting that indulgence to protestant dissenters, which they seem disposed to extend to every otfaer denomination of men. And fae knows, tfaat, tfaougfa tfae principles of tfae Se cession Cfaurcfa, witfa relation to tfae civil governraent in tfais nation, faave been fully laid before tfae world fifty years ago ; and tfiougfa Seceders faave always given tfae raost unequi vocal proofs of their loyalty on every proper occasion, yet there never have been wanting some wfao atterapt to fraduce tfaera as eneraies to the present governraent : And at tfais tirae tfaere are not a few wfao consider all Seceders, influenced by tfae peculiar sentiraents of. tfaeir society, as ringleaders of that party who avowedly set tfaeraselves to oppose the measures of government, to embarrass its raotions, and to overturn it, if possible, from the foundation. The publication of tfaese Essays will at least convince tfaem that sorae Seceders are of a differ ent mind."* Mr. Young's paraphlet could not fail to be peculiarly ac ceptable to those who ruled the destinies of Britain at tfais period.t It is clearly and vigorously written, and breatfaes, frora beginning to end, a spirit of high toryisra. He ira- pugns the raotives, and conderans the proceedings, of those *P. 3. •f In a series of letters, which appeared in 1819, in the London Philanthro pic Gazette, onthe subject of the proposed union betwixt the Burgher and Anti-Burgher Seceders, we find the following anecdote respecting Mr. Young's pubUcation. The writer says : — " The foUovring anecdote respecting Mr. Young's work, I had from a very reverend gentleman, still alive, and one of the brightest ornaments which adorn the National Church. Soon after its pubhcation, at a dinner given by the Lord-chancellor of England, where were present— the late Dr. Moore, Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Horsley (then Bishop of Rochester), several other dignifiied clergyraen, and the gentleman who related the circumstance to me — the conversation turned on the immense number of publications which had been produced by the French Revolution : some spoke well of one, and some of another. The Lord-chanceUor said, that the best he had seen was written by a Scotch Seceder, Mr. Young in Hawick, and strongly recommended the work to the attention ofthe Arch bishop and Bishops." 376 MR. YOUNG REFUSES A GOVERNMENT PENSION. who were styled tke Friends of tke People. He ridicules the idea of coramon mechanics intermeddling with the affairs of government, as being above their capacity, and foreign to their pursuits; declares himself hostile to reform, on tfae ground that it was unnecessary, and that the advantages resultmg from it would be more tfaan counterbalanced by the disadvan tages ; eulogizes the British constitution as the perfection of political wisdom, as a model of excellence, whicfa it would be profane to toucfa witfa any innovating faand ; inculcates sub mission to civU rulers, in language tfaat savours mucfa of the exploded doctrines of passive obedience and non-resistance; and, in fine, fae attempts a vindication of the ministry for in volving tfae country in a war witfa France, and justifies the strong raeasures wfaich they adopted for putting down sedition at home. Owing to the strong political exciteraent tfaat prevailed, tfae pampfalet was read with avidity, and went througfa several editions in tfae course of a few montfas. For tfae service wfaich tfae writer rendered tbe government, by tfae publication of it, he was offered a pension, wfaicfa fae declined. But tfaough the sentiments wfaich tfae pampfalet contains were agreeable to those in power, and to that class who looked witfa an evil eye upon all cfaanges, tfaey gave offence to raany ; tfaey ran counter, in most particulars, to tfae current opinions of tfae day. Mr. Young was accused of faaving advanced doctrines inconsistent witfa tfae testiraony of tfae cfaurch to wfaicfa he belonged, and tfae language wfiicfi fie fiad eraployed in dis cussing the various topics of his book, W2is regarded as objec tionable. On tfaese grounds, a forraal coraplaint was preferred against him at the above meeting of synod ; and a raotion was made, tfaat a comraittee be appointed to exaraine his book, to see whetfaer the coraplaint was well or ill founded, so far as relat ed to the received principles and testiraony of tfae Secession, excluding all matter tfaat was wfaolly of a political or a civil nature. Tfais motion, after sorae discussion, was adopted; and Messrs. Arcfaibald Bruce, Jaraes Robertson, and John Stewart, were appointed a coramittee for tfais purpose.* From tfais resolution Messrs. Jofan Buist and George Whytock dis sented ; and tfae following ministers craved to faave it marked, that they faad voted against tfae motion, as " altogether im proper and unseasonab^le," — Messrs. George Murray, Jaraes Ramsay, John Jamieson, Alexander Moncrieff, and James Thomson. Another pamphlet, called fortfa by tfae spirit of the times, * It does not appear that any further procedure took place in the synod in reference to this matter. PAMPHLET BY MR. WAT. 377 was made tfae subject of synodical animadversion at this meet ing. Mr. James Wat, one of the synod's preacfaers, having been appointed to go on a mission to Pennsylvania, not only refused to fulfil his appointment, but wrote a pamphlet on the disputed topic of tfae raagistrate's power in raatters of religion. This publication contained some severe strictures on the Se cession Testimony, and on tfae conduct of the ministers and people connected with tfae synod. The Testimony was charged with sanctioning intolerance and persecution, and tfae ministers and people were accused of inconsistency and pre varication. Mr. Wat refusing to make the necessary acknow- ledgraents, was suspended frora tfae exercise of fais licence, as a preacher of the gospel ; and the provincial synod of Glas gow was empowered, by the suprerae court, to deal with him, and to bring the cause to a final decision. The synod of Glasgow faeld several conferences witfa Mr. Wat, on tfae subject of fais parapfalet, in wfaicfa tfaey stated to him, that tfaey did not quarrel witfa faira on the ground of fais general principle, in favour of religious liberty, as they understood the very sarae principle to be faeld by the Seces sion Cfaurch, and to be expressly taught in the Declaration and Defence formerly pubUshed by tfae Associate Presbytery. They wished him to acknowledge that, the consequences which he had deduced frora fais general principle, were not applicable to the Secession, and tfaat the charge of inconsis tency and dishonesty, which he had advanced against the merabers of synod, and the people under their inspection, was witfaout any proper foundation ; inasmuch as those phrases in the Confession of Faith, wfaich appeared to ascribe too mucfa power to tfae magistrate in matters of religion, were to be un derstood according to the explanation given of the synod's principles in said Declaration and Defence. Moreover, it was stated to faim, that the publication of his paraphlet, in present circurastances, was the raore unseasonable, and tfae attack whicfa he had made the more unjust, wfaen an overture on the subject of tfae magistrate's power, faaving for its object tfae placing of tfais doctrine in a clearer ligfat, faad been prepared and transmitted to tfae several presbyteries and sessions, for tfaeir consideration. Mr. Wat's onfessions not being deeraed sufficiently satis factory by tfae provincial synod, fais case was again brought before the supreme court, at their meeting in May, 1796 ; and it was not till after considerable trouble, that they obtained from faim tfae necessary acknowledgments, wfaen tfaey again restored faim to the exercise of fais licence. But no sooner was tfae sentence of restoration pronounced, tfaan Mr. Wat expressed a wisfa to communicate his sentiments on some other subjects. 378 QUESTION RESPECTING THE A committee was appointed to retire and to converse with him ; and after the conference was ended, Mr. Wat read a paper, and lodged it witfa tfae clerk, in wfaicfa fae formaUy re nounced tfae doctrine of the synod concerning infant baptisra ; tfae warrantableness and use of Confessions of Faith, and tfie presbyterial form of cfiurcfa government ; and declined all future connection witfa tfae synod. On receiving this docu ment, tfae synod deprived faim of his Ucence to preach, and pronounced upon faim tfae sentence of tfae lesser excommuni cation. Tfae question concerning tfae power of tfae civil magistrate in matters of religion, now occupied a considerable sfaare of tfae public attention. It was agitated in tfae church courts of the Secession, and became the topic of almost daily discussion araongst the people. The language employed in the Confes sion of Faitfa, upon tfais subject, was considered objectionable by raany, as ascribing to tfae magistrate, in religious matters, a power wfaicfa did not belong to faim ; and conscientious scruples were entertained about giving an unliraited assent to tfaose passages wfaere sucfa language is employed. Tfae follow ing are tfae passages in tfae Confession to wfaicfa tfaese scruples were chiefly applicable : — "And because the powers wfaicfa God hath ordained, and the liberty whicfa Cfarist faath purcfaased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to upfaold and preserve one anotfaer ; tfaey who, upon pretence of Christian Uberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or tfae lawful exercise of it, whetfaer it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist tfae ordinance of God. And for tfaeir pubUsfaing of sucfa opinions, or main taining of sucfa practices, as are contrary to tfae ligfat of nature, or to tfae known principles of Christianity, whether concerning faith, worsfaip, or conversation, or to tfae power of godliness ; or sucfa erroneous opinions or practices, as are, either in their own nature, or in tfae manner of publishing or maintaining tfaem, destructive to tfae external peace and order which Christ hatfa estabUsfaed in tfae cfaurcfa ; tfaey may lawfuUy be called to account, and proceeded against by the censures of the church, and by the poWer of the civil magistrate." (Chap. XX. Sect. 4.) " The civil raagistrate may not assurae to faimself the administration of the word and sacraments, or tfae power of tfae keys of tfae kingdom of heaven ; yet he hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, tfaat unity and peace be preserved in tfae cfiurcfi, tfiat the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and faeresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worsfaip and discipline prevented or reformed, and all tfae ordinances of God duly settled, admin istered, and observed. For tfae better effecting wfaereof, he TOWER OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE. 379 hatfa power to call synods, to be present at tfaera, and to pro vide tfaat wfaatsoever is transacted in tfaera be according to the nund of God." (Chap. xxiU. Sect. 3.) In tfae forraula of questions put to probationers before receiving licence, and to ministers and elders before being ordained, the second is to tfae following effect : — " Do you sincerely own and beUeve tfae wkole doctrine contained in tfae Confession of Faitfa, compiled by tfae Asserably of Divines tfaat raet at Westrainster, witfa coraraissionets from the Cfaurcfa of Scotland ?" &c. In giving an affirmative answer to tfais question, witfaout any liraiting clause, entrants into office were considered as giving a full assent to the doctrine contained in tfae above paragraphs, concerning tfae power of tfae magistrate to suppress blaspfaemies and faeresies ; to prevent or reform all corruptions and abuses in worsfaip and discipUne ; to call to account persons publishing erroneous opinions, and to exercise a control over the deliberations of synods. This doctrine had been virtually rejected by tfae Associate Presbytery, in the " Declaration and Defence of their Prin ciples concerning the Civil Government," wfaicfa tfaey pub Usfaed witfain a few years after tfae coraraenceraent of the Secession.* In tfaat Declaration they affirmed, that " tfae public good of outward and common order, in all reasonable society, to tfae glory of God, is tfae great and only end wfaicfa tfaose invested witfa magistracy can propose, in a sole respect to tfaat office :" And tfaat, " as in prosecuting tfais end civilly, according to their office, it is only over men's good and evil works that tfaey can_ have any inspection, so it is only over tfaese whicfa they must needs take cognizance of, for the said pubUc good ; while, at the same time, tfaeir doing so must be in such a manner, and proceed so far allenarly, as is requi site for that end, witfaout assuming any lordship iraraediately over men's consciences, or making any encroachment upon tfae special privileges or business of the churcfa." Tfaougfa it was not formally expressed, yet it was under stood, tfaat preacfaers, and ministers, and elders, wfaen giving their assent to the second question of tfae formula, expressive of tfaeir beKef in tfae wfaole doctrine of the Confession of Faith, did so with tfae above quaUfying explanation concerning the power of tfae civil raagistrate in matters of reUgion. Wfaen candidates for tfae ministry expressed a wisfa to any of tfae judicatories, to know in what sense tfaey were to understand tfae two doubtful paragraphs, tfaey were uniforraly told, tfaai they were to understand them only in sucfa a sense as corre sponded witfa the explanation given in tfae presbytery's answers to Mr. Nairn. * In 1743 : See the account of the presbytery's controversy \vith Mr. Nairn. 380 CASE OF MESSRS. M'CRIB AND m'EWAN. But there were some wfaora tfais verbal declaration did not satisfy. Tfaey did not wish to have even the appearance of assenting to one tfaing and beUeving another. The assent whicfa tfiey gave to tlie whole doctrine of tfie Confession, at tfieir ordination, was given publicly in tfie presence of the people ; whereas the explanation, as to the sense in whieh they understood the doctrine taught in the Confession, con cerning tfae power of tfae magistrate in religious matters, was a transaction which took place betwixt them and the presby tery ; and even tfaougfa it migfat be known tfaat such an ex planation had been given, yet it had the appearance of incon sistency to give a formal assent to language, the meaning of wfaich they understood in a sense so different from that which tfae words literaUy expressed. A general wish prevailed that the synod would reraove all ambiguity and all appearance of inconsistency, by giving an avowed and explicit declaration of their sentiments on tfais contested point. An overture to tfais effect faad been transmitted from the Glasgow presbytery to the General Synod, at tfaeir meeting in May, 1791 ; and before any definite raeasures were adopt ed on tfae subject, the overture was sent down to tfae provin cial synods, that tfae brethren raigfat have it under considera^ tion till next raeeting. When tfae synod met in tfae montfa of May, tfae following year, a committee was appointed to pre pare an act in terras of tfae overture. But notfaing farther was done in the matter for a considerable time afterward. Before the coraraittee's report was given in, a reference from the presbytery of Edinburgh brought before tfie synod the case of two licentiates, who were about to be ordained, and who declared that their doubts, concerning the doctrine taught in tfae Confession of Faith regarding the power of tfae magistrate in matters of religion, were so strong, that they had not free dora to give an unlimited answer to tfae second question in the forraula, and could not subrait to ordination, unless the mo derator of tfae presbytery was allowed, wfaen proposing lhe questions of tfae forraula to tfaera, to intiraate tfaat they were not to be understood as giving their sentiraents on that point. This, they supposed, raigfat be done ; as an overture had al ready been introduced into tfae supreme court on the subject. Tfaese two young raen, vvfaose scruples were so strong as to render a particular application to tfae General Synod, on their befaalf, necessary, were Mr. Tfaomas M'Crie, and Mr. WUliam M'Ewan, — the one of wfaom was about to be ordained at Edin burgfa, and the other at Howgate. The presbytery, being a subordinate court, did not think themselves at liberty to make any alteration in the pubUc pro fession of tfae reUgious society to which they belonged; neither DECLARATORY ACT. 381 could tfaey grant tfae dispensation, that was claimed, without introducing a precedent, whicli if allowed in one particular, might have been followed in all, — and tfaus have frustrated the very object for which the formula of questions was pro posed to candidates for tfae sacred office. Tfae matter was accordingly brought before tfae supreme court, by reference, on tfae 2d of May, 1796 ; and a coraraittee was appointed to consider wfaat ougfat to be done for reraoving tfae difficulties of Messrs. M'Crie and M'Ewan. It was considered 41^ raore necessary tfaat soraething should be iraraediately done, as sirailar scruples were entertained by otfaer young men, con cerning the mucfa contested doctrine of tfae power of the magistrate in religious raatters. An overture on this subject had formerly been transmitted by Mr. Buist, rainister at Greenock. This overture was now read ; and tfae coramittee were required to make it the groundwork of their deliberations, and to prepare it for tfae judgment of synod. On the next day, the committee presented tfae following declaratory act, wfiicfi, after being read and receiving such amendments as the synod thought necessary, was unanimously adopted: — " The synod finding that they cannot at present enter on a particular consideration of the overture, respecting the power of the civil magistrate in matters of religon, — but convinced of the urgent necessity of doing soraething in the meantirae to obviate the scruples wfaicfa young men at licence, preacfaers and elders at ordination, private persons at tfaeir accession and baptism of tfaeir children, have offered to tfae courts about tfae doctrine or manner of expression, used on tfaat subject, in the Confession of Faith, cfapp. xxiii. sect. 3d, and chap. XX. sect. 4th. " Declare, Tfaat as the Confession of Faitfa was at first received by tfae Churcfa of Scotland witfa sorae exception, as to tfae power of the civil magistrate relative to spiritual mat ters, so the synod, for tfae satisfaction of aU wfao desire to know tfaeir mind on tfais subject, extend that exception to every thing in the Confession wfaicfa, taken by itself, seeras to allow tfie punisfaraent of good and peaceable subjects on account of their religious opinions and observances : That they approve of no other raeans of bringing men into tfae cfaurcfa, or retaining tfaem in it, than such as are spiritual, and were used by the apostles and other ministers of the word in the first ages of the Christian churcfa, persuasion not force, the power of tfae gospel not the sword of the civU magistrate, agreeably to tfaat most certain and important doctrine laid down in the Confession itself, chap. xx. sect. 2d. ' God alone is the Lord of the conscience, and has left it free from the doc trines and coraraandraents of men, whicfa are in any tfaing con- 382 DECLARATORY ACT. trary to his word, or beside it, in raatters of faitfa or worship ; so tfaat to beUeve sucfa doctrines, or obey such coraraands out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience and reason also.' " Nor do the synod mean tfae smaUest reflection on the venerable compUers of tfae Confession, whose degrees of light on these matters, and pecuUar cfrcumstances, seem to have led them to use sorae expressions that have been understood ,by raany, and raay be construed as investing civil rulers with a lordsfaip over tfae consciences of men, and inconsistent with the spirituality, freedom, and independence of the kingdom of Christ. And tfae synod faereby renew their adherence to tfae doctrine on tfais point, in tfae Declaration and Defence of the Associate Presbytery's principles concerning the pre sent civil government, under tfae fourtfa argument from Romans xiii. 1 — 7. in tfaese words : — ' Tfae pubUc good of outward and coramon order in all reasonable society, unto tfae glory of God, is the great and only end whicfa tfiose in vested witfa magistracy can propose, in a sole respect to that office ; and as in prosecuting this end civilly, according to tfaeir office, it is only over raen's good and evil works that tfaey can faave any inspection, so it is only over tfaese, wfaicfa they must needs take cognizance of, for the said pubUc good; while, at tfae sarae tirae, tfaeir doing so must be in sucfa a manner, and proceed so far allenarly, as it is requisite for that end, witfiout assuming any lordsfiip immediately over raen's consciences, or making any encroacfiment upon the special privileges and business of the churcfa ; and raoreover ^s tfae wfaole institution and end of their office are cut out by, and Ue within tfae corapass of natural principles, it were absurd to suppose, that tfaere could or ougfat to be any ex ercise thereof towards its end, in tfae foresaid circumstances, but wfaat can be urged for, and defended from, natural prin ciples.' " And tfae synod faereby agree, that in the second question of the formula, after the words, ' as the said Confession was received and approved by an act of Assembly, 1647, Session 23,' there shaU be added, * and according to the declaration of tfae General Associate synod, 1796.'" By tfais declaratory act tfae scruples of Messrs. M'Crie and M'Ewan were so far removed, tfaat they submitted to ordi nation.* * It may be proper here to state that the sentiments of Mr. (afterward Dr.) M'Crie soon after this underwent a change, with, regard to the power of the magistrate in matters of reUgion. This change he formally announced in a serraon which he preached at the opening of the General Associate Synod in 1800; and because the synod continued to adhere to the sentiments expressed STATEMENT EY MR. BRUCE. 383 Mr. Bruce having prepared, agreeably to a forraer appoint ment, a stateraent of the principles faeld by the synod, with regard to tfae civil government, and tfae duty of yielding sub mission to it, tfais statement was read to tfae synod at tfaeir present meeting. After faearing it read, tfae synod found that tfaey could not enter upon sucfa a consideration of it, as was necessary in order to give it their official sanction. The con tents of it do not appear to have been agreeable to tfae mind of tfae court ; for wfaen a vote was taken upon tfae question wfaetfaer tfaey sfaould return tfae overture to Mr. Bruce, or recorarait it, it carried by a great raajority tfaat it sfaould be intrusted to a new coraraittee. From tfais decision Mr. Bruce dissented, on the ground tfaat tfae synod were losing tfae first and fittest opportunity of vindicating the " Associate body " from very injurious aspersions ; and declared that fae should not be considered as consenting, even by longer silence and delay, tfaat tfaese aspersions sfaould remain uncontradicted. At this meeting, the attention of tfae synod was called to the subject of missionary societies, whicfa were now forraing in every part of the kingdora. Wfaile all good persons rejoiced in tfae zeal for tfae propagation of tfae gospel, wfaicfa was now rapidly diffusing itself tfarougfaout the different sections of the Christian church, — tfaere were sorae who did not approve of the principle on which these societies were forraed. Though well affected to tfae benevolent object whicfa tfaey were in tended to accompUsfa, tfaey considered thera as too latitudi narian in tfaeir constitution. They objected to them on the ground of Christians, whose profession was widely different, interraingUng together in the raost solemn acts of religious worship ; thereby nulUfying, or at least neutralizing, the tes timony which each sect was supposed to lift up against the errors of all tfae rest. Tfaey objected to tfaem, furtfier on tfae ground tfaat laymen, who had not been called, or set apart, to bear rule in tfae cfaurcfa, were united along witfa ministers in judging of tfae qualifications of the missionaries, and in sending thera fortfa to their work; and tfaat, in doing so, tfaey usurped tfae ministerial functions, — tfaereby breaking down the comely order of churcfa government, which Christ had appointed. By an overture brought before the synod, they were re quired to declare thefr opinion, how far it was consistent witfa church order, and with the testimony to wfaicfa tfaey profess edly adhered, for the ministers and people belonging to the association to connect themselves witfi sucfi societies. A con- in the above act, he ultimatelv renounced (as we shaU afterwards see) his connexion with it. 384 MOTION DISAPPROVING OF THB CONSTITUTION siderable diversity of sentiment prevailed among the members of synod on this point. After long and repeated discussions, they found tfaat tfaey were unable to corae to an faarmonious agreement upon the question. A committee was appointed to take the subject into consideration, and to prepare an act to be submitted to the synod at their next meeting. At the meeting of synod in October, the same year, this committee presented an overture, wfaicfa they had prepared ; but the sentiments of raembers were as much divided as before. In the course of tfae discussions wfaicfa ensued, tfae following raotion was proposed, as expressive of tfae judgment of the synod on tfais question : — " 'Tfae synod cannot but approve of tte great design of missionary societies for sending tfie gospel to tfie fieathen ; firmly believing that the time is speedily ap proaching, when tfae salvation of our great and coraraon Lord sfaall be known to all people ; rejoice in, and resolve to im prove, all openings of Providence to that purpose. But con sidering the constitution of tfaese societies, as forraed of people widely different in tfaeir religious profession and comraunion, not only of private Cfaristians, but of rainisters acting in their official capacity ; raeeting togetfaer for acts of public worship ; clairaing a power in common of directing all the affairs of tfie mission ; and some of them exercising the power of ordination and authoritative mission also: Tfae synod judge that neither their own members, nor the people under their inspection, can, in a consistency with tfaeir distinguisfaing profession as Seceders, and without danger of falling frora it, publicly co operate with these societies in tfaeir present state." This motion was carried in opposition to anotfaer wfaich was made, — tfaat tfae synod sfaould delay tfae wfaole affair. Several ministers entered tfaeir protest against it, on tfae ground that it was an infringement of tfaeir Christian liberty : and they declared that, while they disclaimed all approbation of pro miscuous churcfa communion, tfaey would not be precluded from giving tfaeir countenance and support to missionary societies. The adopting of tfae above motion, by tfae synod, did not arise from any indifference, on tfae part of the members, to the great cause of missions. In the course of the preceding narra tive abundant proof has been given, tfaat tfais was a cause to which, as a churcfa court, tfaey were warmly devoted. Though they had not as yet undertaken any raission to the heathen, they had "sent numerous preachers to foreign districts, where their labours were as much required as amongst the heathen. Scarcely a year passed away, during which th^ey did not send one or more labourers to a foreign station, so tfaat America • Mr. Ferrier of Paisley took the lead in this protestation. or MISSIONARY SOCIETIES- 385 could at tfais period boast of raany tfariving churches planted by the exertions of the Secession ;* and if tfae synod could have found a proper supply of young raen, who were both able and willing to engage in raissionary work, the nuraber of tfaese foreign cfaurcfaes would ere this time have been doubled or quadrupled. The expense of these raissions, too, was defrayed, not by contributions gathered proraiscuously frora the reli gious public, but solely by collections raade througfaout tfae congregations belonging to tfae Association ; — all of wfaora, be it remembered, had to build their own churches, and to support their own ministers at horae. Wfaatever opinion, then, raay be entertained of tfae deliverance wfaich the synod gave conceming raissionary societies, it cannot be iraputed to any feeling of lukewarmness which tfaey faad with regard to the extension of the Redeeraer's kingdom. Tfaey faad given frequent and substantial proof of the deep interest whicfa tfaey took in tfae diffusion of the gospeL But they had high ideas of church order ; and it was because they conceived that this order was infringed by the constitution and proceedings of tfaese societies, tfaat tfiey carae to tfae above deterraination. Wfae tfaer tfaey were rigfat or wrong in tfae opinion which they formed, must be left to each to judge for himself. Tfae synod ordered this act to be. printed, and two copies of it to be sent to each session. Wfaen circulated araong tfae congregations, it excited a considerable feeling of disapproba tion. Tfais feeling manifested itself in petitions and remon strances presented against it at tfae raeeting of synod faeld in tfae spring of the foUowing year. Two rainisters,t wfao faad been absent at tfae preceding meeting, when the resolution was adopted, craved tfaat their protest against it should be re corded, — wfaicfa was granted. A remonstrance was presented against it by Messrs. Alexander Pringle of Pertfa, and John Macara of Pathstruie HUl, in whicfa tfaey coraplained that the synod faad given an unjust representation, in said deed, of raissionary societies, — tfiat tfie obnoxious resolution was ambiguously worded, glaringly deficient, and fiad been rasfily adopted; — and they craved, that the synod would review tfaeir act, and deUberately consider what steps God in his provi dence was calling upon them to take, " in a consistency with trutfa and present duty." * A vniter in the first volume of the Christian Magazine, pubUshed in 1797, bears the foUowing testimony to the zeal and liberaUty which the General Associate Synod had displayed in support of foreign missions : — " The General Synod have expended large sums of money in missions in America already. Frora first to last, I do not know 'but fifty ministers and more have gone out to that country under the patronage, and the most of these at the expense, of the synod." P. 119. + Messrs. Thomson of Mearns, and Macewan of Dundee. 2 B 386 REMONSTRANCES AGAINST THB ACT. Remonstrances, to a simUar effect, were presented from the session and congregation of Huntiy, from several elders and otfaer raerabers of tfae congregation of Keitfa, frora the minister and some of tfae members of tfae congregation of London; and a verbal communication was made from tfae presbytery of Elgin, stating, tfaat tfaey disapproved of tfae act, and were of opinion tfaat it ought not to faave been passed. An overture was also transmitted on tfae sarae subject from tfae presbytery of Pertfa, in wfaich, for reasons therein assigned, they craved : — " Tfaat tfae synod express more fully, tfaan in tfaeir late act, tfaeir faearty approbation of the great object of raissionary so cieties for spreading the gospel, and oftheir zealous exertions, so far as it is consistent witfa tfae word of God, in befaalf of our heatfaen bretfaren perisfaing in gross ignorance : Tfaat they warmly recoraraend to all under tfieir inspection, both minis ters and people, tfae important duty of fervent and frequent prayer for tfae revival of religion in all tfae cfaurcfaes of Cfirist, and for tfie extension of his kingdom to tfae ends of the earth ; and that meetings for social prayer and conference be regu larly observed with tfais view : Tfaat as tfae synod judge a full co-operation with tfae raissionary societies, as presently consti tuted and conducted, inconsistent with our professed principles, they sfaould now give such particular directions as raay be neces sary for regulating the conduct of tfaose under tfaeir inspection : Tfaat tfae synod declare their thankfulness to God, and their unfeigned satisfaction on account of tfae evident increase of gospel ligfat, especially in England : Tfaat they encourage the friends of evangelical truth to hold fast what tfiey have attain ed, and to proceed in the investigation of trutfa and in the work of tfae Lord : Tfaat tfaey express a faope, tfaat tfae time is fast approacfaing wfaen tfae watcfaraen of Zion's walls shaU see eye to eye, sfiall sing together with tfae voice, and shall call upon tfae narae of the Lord to serve faim witfa one consent : And, finally, that they take sorae steps towards opening a correspondence witfa tfae friends of truth and godliness in other denorainations." On the other hand, two representations were sent up, ap proving of wfaat tfae synod faad done in reference to missionary societies. One of tfaese was from sorae of tfae elders and other raerabers of tfae congregation of Dundee ; and tfae other was from the session of Kirriemuir. The session desired to be thankful, tfaat tfae Lord had enabled the synod to make a stand for fais cause, and they heartily approved of tfae synod's judgment, as far as it went ; but they apprehended, that there was a loud call given to tfae synod to explain tfaeraselves agree ably to tfaeir professed principles more fully upon the su'oject. Tfaey tfaerefore entreated tfae synod to take tfae missionary EXPLANATORY STATEMENT. 387 scheme again unaer tfaeir serious consideration, " to display their testimony raore largely against it, in its coraplex state ;" and .particularly to declare, "tfaat all co-operation witfa the missionary societies, while on tfaeir present footing, is incon sistent witfa a steadfast faolding of tfae testiraony which the Lord faatfa put into our faands." Tfaese various papers being read, the subject to whioh tfaey referred underwent a long discussion, wfaicfa terminated in tfae synod's adopting a raotion explanatory of tfaeir forraer act. Tfaey declared, that by "publicly co-operating vnth tke mission^ ary societies," in their act of last raeeting, they raeant " sucfa co-operation, and sucfa only, as includes a joining in public acts of worsfaip, or in the exercise of cfaurcfa authority witfi people of otfier denorainations, and especially with rainisters acting in their official capacity." At the same tirae, tfaey appointed a coramittee to state more fully tfae views of the synod respecting raissionary societies. " Several rainisters craved, that it might be marked, that they had voted against this decision. On tfae otfaer faand, Mr. Ferrier withdrew his protest. A reference from one of tfae presbyteries in Ireland brought before tfae synod, at this meeting, a case of casuistry, whicfa they were required to determine. Tfae question, which the case involved, was, Wfaether Seceders in Ireland could, consistently witfa tfaeir professed principles, take the oatfa of allegiance to tfaeir civil rulers, in the present circumstances of that king dom ? Tfae oatfa, wfaich they were required to take, was to the following effect : — " I, A. B. sincerely promise, and swear, and affirra, that I will be faitfaful, and bear true aUegiance to his Majesty, King George the 'Third ; and tfaat I will faitfa fuUy maintain and support the laws and constitution of tfais kingdom, and his succession to the throne in his Majesty's iUustrious house. So faelp me God." Mr. Biggar, a member of the presbytery of Belfast, faad taken tfais oatfa ; but in taking it, fae stated to tfae administra tor, tfaat he took it with tfae following limitation, viz. tfaat he swore to raaintain the constitution of tfae kingdora of Ireland only in raatters civil, excluding all approbation of tfae king's ecclesiastical supreraacy, and tfae fiierarcfay of tfae Churcfa of Ireland. A written attestation was given to Mr. Biggar, by the person who adrainistered the oatfa, tfaat it faad been given and taken witfa the above limitation. The pres bytery craved the synod to declare, whetfaer it was consistent with the Secession testimony to swear sucfa 'an oatfa, even though qualified in the manner now raentioned. This ques tion the synod answered in tfae negative. Tfaey were decided va. declaring, tfaat it was inconsistent witfa the testimony, 388 MISSION TO KENTUCKY wfaich Seceders professed to maintain, to take an oath conta,in- ing in it an unliraited approbation of the united constitution of church and state, even though the person swearing it sfaould declare tfaat he took it with the limitation already specified : And wfaile tfaey expressed tfaeir sympathy with Mr. Biggar as placed in circumstances peculiarly trying, they at tfae same tirae expressed tfaeir disapprobation of his conduct in this in stance ; and they recoraraended it to aU the ministers and people in Ireland, under tfaeir superintendence, to be upon tfaeir guard against being insnared for tfae future. They added, " yet tfie synod do not find fault with offering profes sions or declarations of dutiful subjection to tfae civil powers on any proper occasion." Tfais year an application was made to the synod, by some of the inhabitants of the state of Kentucky, to send out mis sionaries to that part of America. The application was favourably entertained by tfae synod ; and two of tfaeir preach ers, Messrs. Andrew Fulton and Robert. Armstrong, having expressed a wUUngness to undertake tfae mission, tfaey were appointed to be ordained, and to proceed to the place of their destination with all convenient speed. Instructions were given to them, tfaat so soon as tfaey sfaould arrive in Kentuck)'-, tfaey sfaould constitute tfaemselves into a presbytery, in imme diate subordination to tfae synod, under tfae designation of " Tfae Associate Presbytery of Kentucky." Tfae presbytery of Kelso was instructed to write a letter to tfae bretfaren of the presbytery of Pennsylvania, accounting for these two brethren being missioned not in a state of subordination to that pres bytery ; and the presbytery of Pertfa, tfarougfa wfaom tfae ap plication faad been made to tfae synod, was appointed -to write a suitable address to the 'inhabitants of Kentucky. To defray the expense of the mission, a collection was appointed to be made in the several congregations under the inspection of tfae synod in Britain, " so as tfaat these young men may be conveyed to the scene of their labour in such a raanner as raay be for tfae credit of religion and of tfae synod." These bretfaren set sail for America in the end of summer, 1797. During the course of the foUowing year, intelUgence was re- ceived from Pennsylvania, expressive of tfae faigh gratification whicfa tfae bretfaren belonging to tfaat presbytery felt in the mission to Kentucky, and declaring tfaeir readiness to co-oper ate with their bretfaren in Kentucky, so far as cfrcumstances might permit. _ 'The Pennsylvanian brethren also intimated, that they had it in conteraplation to disjoin themselves into several presbyteries, and to erect a transatlantic synod, raain taining the sarae connexion with tfae General Synod, in Scot land, as tfaey now did in tfaeir presbyterial capacity. INTRODUCTION OF THE SECESSION INTO ORKNEY. 389 A new field of labour for tfae ministers of tfae Secession was, at tfais period, opened up in tfae Orkney Islands. It will be difficult to point to a district in tfae Britisfa islands, wfaere a faitfaful gospel rainistry was raore required ; and tfaere is none where the labourers of the Secession ministers faave been crowned witfa more distinguisfaed success, than in these islands of tfae nortfa. Previous to the introduction of tfae Secession into tfaem, tfae spiritual destitution of tfae infaabitants was great. On account of their insular situation, and on account of two or three parisfaes being united under tfae cfaarge of one minister, and tfaese parisfaes separated from one anotfaer by dangerous fritfas, tfae people, Ui raany instances, were deprived of a regular dispensation of gospel ordinances. It was not uncoraraon for sorae of the insular parisfaes to be without ser mon for montfas togetfaer, especially during tfae winter season. An Orcadian, in a coraraunication inserted in one of tfae religious periodicals of tfaat day,* gives tfae following account of tfae religious state of tfaese islands : — " While m sorae parts of Orkney there is very little of a gospel dispensation, in other parts of it tfaere is no gospel dispensation at all. 'The parisfa churcfaes faave been in a ruinous state for raany years ; and as rainisters do not reckon theraselves obUged to preach unless tfaey are furnisfaed with a cfaurcfa to preach in, the con sequence is, tfaat many of our poor Orcadians hear as Uttle about Christ and fais salvation, in tfae preaching of the gospel, as tfae infaabitants of Otaheite or Japan. I have heard tfaat it has been pled by sorae of our clergy, and all wfao esteem and revere tfae sacred cfaaracter as I do, will be cfaaritably disposed to put the best construction upon it, that it is tfae raost likely way to bring tfae heritors to a sense of tfaeir duty, to preach none in tfaose parishes where the churches are in ruins till they are properly repaired. I am disposed faowever, to tfaink, tfaat if our good clergy would collect tfaeir scattered flock, and now and tfaen give tfiem a sermon, tfiough delivered in the fields, or frora a fisfaing boat, as our blessed Lord frequently did, tfais, I presume, would be a raore likely way to put faeri tors in raind of tfaeir duty, tfaan for rainisters to neglect tfaeirs. At any rate, wfaat a pity is it tfaat our poor islanders, through the fault of others, sfaould be deprived of a gospel dispensa tion ! If ministers and faeritors, througfa tfaeir omission, sfaould suffer our souls to perisfa, wiU all tfae produce of tfae valuable kelp sfaores of Orkney refund tfae loss ? But ruinous as many of our churches are, they are not all on a level with tfae dust. Tfae incumbent of two parisfaes has generally one cfaurch in repair. Now, if field preaching is reckoned improper by our ?Christian Magazine for 1797, p. 80. 390 FIRST SECESSION CHUBCH IN ORKNEY : clergy, or if in our cliraate it is really impracticable in the winter season, migfat not tfae Sabbatfa be spent in public wor sfaip in tfae otfaer parish, where tfae cfaurch is in repair? But the common practice in Orkney is, tfaat tfae minister preacfaes one Sabbath in the parish where the churcfa is in repair, and, strange to tell ! Ues perfectly idle on tfae next, and so leaves botfa fais parisfaes totally destitute of gospel ordinances. Is tfais a spending or being spent for Cfarist ? Or, is this an imitation of the example of their great Master, who went about continually doing good? I never was disposed to bring a railing accusation against any one, far less against the min isters of Jesus ; but I know that not a few will be applying to our Orkney clergy the saying of the propfaet, ' His watchmen are dumb dogs, they cannot bark ; sleepuig, lying down, loving sluraber ; yea, tfaey are greedy dogs, which can never have enough.' " A few individuals in the town of Kirkwall, with the view of providing for tfaeir own spiritual wants, as weU as for the wants of tfaeir neigfabours, forraed the design, about the year 1795, of erecting a place of worsfaip, and making application to tfae Secession for a supply of sermon. Tfae undertaking, wfaen first proposed, was regarded by alraost all who faeard of it as Quixotic. The persons witfa wfaom it originated were few in number ; and they occupied a hurable station in life. At a recent raeeting of tfae General Asserably, tfae funds of the national cfaurcfa had been found so embarrassed, tfiat little or no assistance could be given for erecting parisfi cfiurches in Orkney ; and fiow could it be expected that a few rae- cfaanics sfaould succeed in an enterprise of tfiis nature ? The attempt, however, was raade, and succeeded beyond expecta tion. Those who engaged in it received the raost liberal sup port ; and by tfae successful issue of tfae undertaking, a grati fying illustration was afforded of tfae sentiment, that when men cordially embark in any cause, it is difficult to say to what extent they will carry it, or with wfaat success their labours shall finally be crowned. A place of worship was erected, and an application being made to the General As sociate synod, a regular supply of serraon was sent. The preaching of the Secession ministers excited a deep interest not only in Kirkwall, but in the neigfabouring islands. Such was tfae eagerness of tfae people to hear, tfaat every seat in the cfiurcfi was imraediately let. About a year after tfie cfiurch was opened, tfie sacraraent of tfie Lord's Supper was dispensed in tfie Associate congregation, for tfie first time, by Messrs. Stuart and Bunyan, wfio fiad been sent by tfie synod for this purpose. Upwards of two faundred communicants sat down at the table of the Lord ; and a considerable nuraber more PROGRESS OF THE SECESSION TIIERE. 391 were exarained, who could not at the tirae be adraitted. The ordinary place of worsfaip could not contain a tfaird part of the persons wfao were present, so tfaat tfaey were under tfae necessity of dispensing tfaat soleran ordinance in tfae field. Tfaere were many present frora islands wfaicfa lie at a great distance frera Kirkwall. Some of tfaese persons, thougfa up wards of tfafrty years of age, faad never before witnessed tfie celebration of tfie ordinance of tfie Supper. During tfie visit of Messrs. Stuart and Bunyan, one of tfiese bretfiren preacfi ed in Birza, and tfie otfier in tfie island of Sfiapinsfiay, where they had nuraerous and attentive audiences. The raission of Messrs. Stuart and Bunyan to Orkney was followed by an affecting incident. These two bretfaren, on tfaefr way horae, were captured by a Frencfi privateer. Tfie Frencfiraen treated tfiera with respect, gave tfiem every tfiing tfiat tfiey claimed as tfieir own, and having conveyed tfaem within a mile of the sfaore, tfaey put tfaem and tfae sfaip's crew into tfae long-boat and left tfaera. Mr. Stuart, wfao faad been, for sorae time, in a deUcate state of health, sustained a severe sfaock, by tfae fatigues to whicfa, in consequence of fais capture, he^ was subjected. Soon after fais return home to Falkirk (the scene of fais rainisterial labour), he went to Edinburgh to procure a consultation of the medical faculty. He returned home in the course of a day or two ; and faad reacfaed his own dwelUng, wfaen, as tfaey were in tfae act of assisting faira out of tfae carriage, he expired. His death was rauch lamented by his people ; and he left behind him the character of being a faithful and affectionate minister. Tfae introduction of tfae Secession into Orkney was produc tive of tfae faappiest, effects. A new irapulse was given to re ligion amongst the infaabitants of these interesting isles. A strong desire was excited to hear tfae gospel preacfaed, and serious impressions 'were produced in tfae minds of not a few. Tfae word of tfae Lord faad free course, and was glorified amongst them. The writer quoted above, speaking of tfae beneficial cfaange wliicfa faad been effected, witfain a short period, by tfae labours of tfae Secession preachers in tfaat hitfaerto neglected region, says, " Since tfais cfaurcfa was opened, tfae worsfaip of God faas been set up in different fami lies ; tfae voice of joy and melody is faeard in different faabita- tions wfaere it never was faeard before. Meetings for prayer and religious conversation have likewise been instituted, and are uncommonly well attended. But there is not raerely tfae form ; I faave every reason to believe, tfaat tfaere is more of tfae power of godliness displayed now, tfaan has been for many years. Tfaere afe several persons under tfae deepest convictions. Tfaey seem to experience all tfae pangs of tfae 392 SETTLEMENT OF MR. BROADFOOT IN KIRKWALL. new birth. Tfaey are adopting from the heart the language of tfae jailer, and are saying, ' Sirs, what rausti do to be saved ?' Others have a joy and a peace in beUeving. After having been in the deepest soul distress, they experience something like a heaven upon earth. There are many wfao are saying, tfaat tfaey never saw it so in Israel. May this cloud of tfie Spirit's influences, wfaicfa is beginning to drop down upon us, wax greater and greater, tiU it cover tfae whole heavens."* In the spring of 1798, the Associate congregation of Kirk wall gave an unanimous call to Mr. William Broadfoot, who was ordained amongst them on the tfaird of August, the same year. The ordination took place in tfae open air ; as the cfaurcfa, wfaicfa had been so lately erected, having already been found too small for the accomraodation of the hearers, had been taken down for the purpose of being enlarged. So rapid faad been tfae increase of the congregation, that at tfae period of Mr. BroadfoOt's ordination, tfae number of raerabers araounted to five faundred. As tfaere were many, tfarougfaout tfae Orkney islands, wfao had not been taugfat to read, nor instructed in tfae principles of the oracles of God, it was considered expedient to employ a catechist, who sfaould read tfae scriptures, and corarauni cate religious instruction, in a familiar manner, to tfaese illiter ate persons. Mr. Magnus Anderson, a member of tfae Kirk wall congregation, who had for some tirae been travelling, of his own accord, araong the islands, reading and catecfaising, came to Edinburgh, and expressed a desire to the Associate Eresbytery (under wfaose superintendence the congregation ad been placed by the General Associate synod), to be em ployed by them as a catechist, if tfaey should find him quali fied. The presbytery, having examined him as to his acquaint ance with the principles and power of religion, agreed tfaat he sfaould act as a catechist under their inspection; and gave hira instructions as to his plan of operation. Tfaey also agreed to give him, for the first year, a salary of twenty pounds ; and afterwards to increase it, if it sfaould be thought necessary. In no part of tfae Britisfa dominions faas the Secession pros pered more than in Orkney. It faas planted congregations in almost all the islands ; and exercised an influence pecuUarly favourable to the moral and religious iraproveraent of the islanders. Sabbatfa scfaools, prayer-meetings, and associations for religious purposes, faave been instituted ; and tfae people are enjoying tfae benefits of a gospel ministry in many dis tricts, where the benefits of such an institution were not pre- • Christian Rlagazino for 1797, p. 82. REPRESENTATION CONCERNING LAY-PREACHING. 393 viously enjoyed. Tfae zeal and activity displayed by the Or cadian Seceders, both rainisters and people, faave been faigfaly praiseworthy. In spite of the opposing influence exerted by tfaose wfao were unfriendly to tfae progress of dissent, and in spite of tfae disadvantages connected witfa a tfainly scattered, and for the raost part poor, population, tfaey have succeeded in establishing, by tfaeir own voluntary efforts, aided by tfae fostering care of tfae cfaurcfa courts, a regularly organized con gregation, or a preacfaing-station, in alraost every accessible spot. Tfae parent stock, planted in KirkwaU, in tfae circum stances above described, has increased and ramified to such an extent, that instead of one congregation in connexion with the Secession, tfaere is now a respectable presbytery in Ork ney, consisting of ten congregations, besides some missionary stations. In May, 1798, a representation was laid before tfae General Associate synod, by tfae presbytery of Aberdeen, concerning lay-preacfaing, and Sabbath evening scfaools. It was stated, tfaat a great ferment prevailed among tfae congregations witfa in tfaeir bounds, on tfaese subjects ; tfaat some of the people faigfaly aproved of tfaera, wfaile otfaers were keenly opposed to tfaera. Tfaose wfao attended upon tfae rainistrations of tfae lay- preacfaers, tfaat occasionally itinerated araongst tfaera, were considered as acting inconsistently witfa tfaeir professed prin ciples ; and connected witfa tfae conducting of Sabbath evening schools, there were certain irregularities wfaicfa gave offence ; sucfa as tfae singing of fayrans, proraiscuous coramunion, and permitting crowds of full grown persons to be present, to listen to tfae addresses ; wfaicfa was regarded as a species of lay- preacfaing. Tfae presbytery craved tfaat tfae synod would give autfaoritative directions to tfae people on these controverted points. A comraittee having been appointed to take the raat ter into consideration, an overture was prepared by tfaera, and sanctioned by tfae synod, to tfae following effect : — Tfae synod unaniraously declared, tfaat as lay-preacfaing has no warrant from the word of God, and as tfaey faad always considered it tfaeir duty to testify against promiscuous communion, no person under tfae inspection of tfae synod could consistently witfa tfaeir principles attend upon, or give any countenance to public preacfaing by any wfao were not of tfaeir communion ; and should tfaey do so, tfaey ougfat to be subjected to tfae discipUne of tfae Cfaurcfa. Witfa regard to Sabbatfa evening scfaools, wfaile tfae synod did not absolutely conderan tfaem, but adraitted that they raigfat be tfae means of doing good to the young, if tfaey were under proper regulations, yet tfiey judged tfaat no person under tfaeir inspection could, consistently witfa tfaeir principles, send tfaeir cfaildren to sucfa schools, or other- 394 PRESBYTERY OF KENTUCKY. wise give thera any countenance, if discourses were deliver ed in tfaera tending to encroacfa upon the work of the ministry; if otfaer persons were permitted to be present, besides the cfaildren to be instructed ; if fayrans of fauraan composure were sung in tfaera ; if any tfaing was done or taught in thera, inconsistent with tfae duties of tfae Sabbatfa-day ; if at tendance upon these scfaools sfaould interfere with the duty of parental instruction at faorae ; or if tfae minister and session under wfaose inspection tfaey were, sfaould not be satisfied with the cfaaracter and principles of the persons who taugfat in the scfaools. Tfais declaration of tfae synod did not give satisfaction to aU tfae parties concerned. At tfae meeting of tfae synod, in May tfae following year, tfae subject was again brougfat before them, in tfae sfaape of a representation frora some of tfae sessions in tfae nortfa, complaining of tfae convulsed state of their con gregations. A petition also was presented from the congrega tion of Keitfa, and from several individuals connected with the te aching of Sabbath evening scfaools : and tfae synod were obliged to review and amend tfaeir former act. Tfae araend raents, faowever, were cfaiefly verbal ; the spirit of the act reraained tfae sarae. Instead of declaring tfaat no person could consistently witfa tfaeir principles attend upon the rainistrations of any one who did not belong to their comraunion, it was declared that no person could consistently give countenance to tfae public ministrations of any one bearing office in a cfaurch, against wfaicfa tfae synod lifted up a testiraony. Sorae mem bers proposed, that the declaration sfaould be qualified by in troducing the phrase, " in ordinary circurastances." This was rejected, and Messrs. Muckersie, Ferrier, Culbertson, and Jofan MitcheU, entered tfaeir dissent, on tfae ground of this clause being rejected, and for otfaer reasons afterwards to be assigned. During this suramer (1799), intelligence of a gratifying kind was received frora the two missionaries, Messrs. Arm strong and Fulton, who had been sent to Kentucky, in 1797. Tfaey arrived in tfaat province in tfae montfa of Marcfa 1798 ; and, thougfa tfaey had considerable difficulties to encounter at first, and appear to have been discouraged by the general state of tfae country, yet a great and an effectual door was speedily opened unto tfaera. More applications were raade to tfiem for sermon tfaan tfaey were able to answer. As soon as circurastances perraitted, after tfaeir arrival, tfaey con stituted tfaeraselves into a presbytery. Tfais took place at Canerun, on tfae 28tfa of November, 1798. Tfae following ac count of the early difficulties and prospects of tfais mission, LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES. 395 extracted from tfae letters of tfaese individuals, cannot fail to be interesting : — " We set sail (says Mr. Armstrong, in a letter dated 5th December, 1798) frora Pittsburgh for Kentucky, on the 21st February, 1798; and, after a passage of nine days, arrived at Limestone, on the first of March. Liraestone is 500 railes form Pittsburgh. The weather was for tfae most part cold and storray, and our accoramodation in the boat very indU- ferent. It was so mucfa crowded witfa faorses, baggage, and mercfaant goods, that tfaere was scarcely any place in it where we could stretcfa ourselves to sleep ; and, except a part of two nights, when we stopped the boat, and went ashore to a house, I slept little, and never pulled off ray clothes. On one occasion, the darkness of tfae night rendering it dangerous to continue sailing, we fastened our boat to tfae bank of the river, and Mr. Fulton and I went in search of a house to lodge in. After traversing tfae woods of wfaat is called tfae Indian sfaore, on tfae rigfat faand side of tfae Ofaio river, going down for a considerable time, we found that our searcfa was in vain ; fbr no faabitation could be seen. There was a good deal of snow on tfae ground : we could not sleep on board, and we wanted rest somewhere. Tfae only sfaift wfaicfa now remain ed was to cut up logs for a fire. Tfaree of us, Mr. Fulton, anotfaer young man, and myself, went to work, and kindled a fire as well as we could. I tfaen chose a place to Ue upon ; and after scraping away the snow, and cutting up a piece of log for a pillow, I wrapped myself in a blanket, and lay down to sleep. Wfaen we fiad rested thus for about two faours, a great fall of wet snow obliged us to decamp, and again remove to the boat. " When we set sail at first, the river was low, and our vessel grounded, soraetiraes on shallows, sometiraes on rocks ; tfaen all faands (rayself only excepted), were obliged to assist, and jumping into tfae river, while the water reacfaed to tfaeir loins, to force faer off witfa long poles. Sucfa a situation was not, in a cold frosty nigfat, you raay judge, very tolerable. Tfaere were only six raen on board, whicfa made it necessary for Mr. Fulton and rae to take our full share of watching and rowing ; tfais, as we generally sailed night and day, was labour sufficient. " A severe cold, contracted very suddenly at Pittsburgh, tfarew me into a slight fever, from whicfa I faad not fully recovered when we set sail down the river ; and tfais cir cumstance, through the kindness of the owner of the boat, procured for me the indulgence mentioned above ; yet I got perfectly well during the passage, and landed at Limestone, 396 LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES. free frora any bodily complaint wfaatever, except that I felt wearied and sleepy. " We staid ten days near Limestone, in the house of Alexander Hamilton, an old Scotcfa Seceder, from Hadding ton. We were yet seventy miles frora tfae place of our des tination, and wanted faorses to carry us along. Tfaere is scarcely any sucfa tfaing as faorses to hire in this country; and, owing to tfae deepness of tfae roads, in sorae seasons, it is alraost irapossible to travel on foot. But faere, as in every tfaing else, we experienced tfae kindness of Providence, and were agreeably extricated frora tfais difficulty; for Mr. Hamil ton gave us one faorse, and a Roman Catholic, to wfaom we were introduced, gave us anotfaer for upwards of fifty mUes ; and, at tfae same time, a letter of introduction to a gentleman of the Baptist persuasion, with whom fae was connected. From tfais gentleman's faouse we sent back our faorses ; and he sfaowed his kindness by detaining us with him as long as he could, and then gave us horses to Canerun, where Mr. Good- let resides. " We had now finished our journey ; but our difficulties seemed only to begin : for besides otfaer discouraging cir curastances, wfaich it is not necessary to rehearse at present, as we faope they are in a great measure at an end, we scarcely knew of any in all tfais western part of the world, to take us by the hand or submit to our ministry. At first I regretted tfiat one of us had not remained in Pennsylvania, where there was great need for him. But God, wfao often, for tfae accompUshraent of his own gracious designs, works by such means, and in sucfa a raanner, as sfaort-sigfated mortals cannot understand, disappointed our fears ; and we were soon convinced tfaat tfae General Associate synod has been directed to the most proper measure in sending out two ministers. The hand of God in tfais matter was seen and acknowledged in different parts of tfae country : for, though our beginnings were small, a great door has been opened here for tfae preacfaing of the gospel ; and there are petitions for sermon, which it is impossible for us to answer, to the satis faction of the people ; and though the people tfiat submitted to our rainistry at first, if tfiey had all resided in our settle ment, would fiave made but a small congregation, there is now every reason to tfaink tfaat those under our inspection would afford sufficient work for four ministers ; two in Ken tucky, and two in tfae state of Tennessee, wfaich lies on the south-west of Kentucky. But it is necessary- for me, in some raeasure, to account for tfais rauch unexpected change in our situation. " With respect to Kentucky, our connexions were scat- LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES. 397 tered at a considerable distance from one another, in different parts of the state ; of consequence, tfaey were anxious to faave serraon, at least occasionally, as near tfaemselves as possible. Our preacfaing among tfaem excited tfae attention of tfaeir neighbours in the different places, and raany of tfaera having heard, joined themselves unto us , and people faave expressed tfaeir desire of being taken under our inspection, wfiere at first neitfaer our friend nor we had the sraallest tfaougfat of such an event. One of our congregations is on the south side ofthe Kentucky river, in Shelby, and the adjacent country, near the falls of Ohio. The otfaer is near Lexington. Eacfi of these will form a charge sufficiently extensive for the labours of one pastor, and able to support hira, so as to enable faim to give fairaself wfaolly to tfae work of the rainistry ; and faowever negligent tfae merabers of sorae otfaer societies may often be, in supporting their ministers, the people connected witfa us, I believe, wUl not be deficient, in this respect, accord ing to tfaeir ability. " Witfa respect to tfae state of Tennessee, wfaat was said above is likewise applicable to it. A person was sent to us by sorae people in Cumberland county, in tfaat state, desir ing tfaat one of us sfaould visit them. Accordingly Mr. Ful ton set out for tfaat place in tfae raontfa of June last ; and, after remaining six or seven weeks, left tfaem in as favourable a situation as could have been expected. During his stay, several expressed their desire of being adraitted to comraunion with us, and fae conversed witfa tfaem, witfa tfais view, mucfa to fais satisfaction. Tfais place is distant about two hundred railes frora Lexington. " Several people in Blount county, in another part of the state of Tennessee, faad for a long time been petitioning the presbytery of Pennsylvania for supply of sermon, but with out success. As soon as our arrival in Kentucky was known araong tfaera, they sent off a commissioner with a petition, entreating that one of us sfaould visit tfaera also. As tfae cir curastances were claraant, after detaining the man for a week or ten days, in order to raake the necessary arrangeraents be fore ray journey, I set out witfa him to Blount county. Tfae distance is about 230 miles frora Canerun, wfaere I now write, and about 200 railes frora Curaberland county, raentioned above. During tfae tirae of my residence among tfaem, wfaich was seven weeks, after conversing witfa a considerable nura ber, they were constituted into a congregation, and five elders ordained among them. I there baptized thirty-two children in one day. About fifty families are either ui full commu nion, or are considered as steady adfaerents, and are anxious for a minister. Tfaere can be no doubt of a rainister's being 398 LETTERS FROJI MISSIONARIES. comfortable there; and I believe he would not be long settied, ere he faad occasion for an assistant in some of tfae neighbour ing counties."* In a letter written by Mr. Armstrong (dated Stfa June, 1799), giving an account of tfae prospects tfaat were be ginning to open upon tfie mission, after they faad time to examine the state of the country, and coraplete tfaeir arrange ments, he says, — " Mr. Fulton and I have got tfae bounds of our habitation fixed. Tfais was an extremely delicate business, but it faas been effected apparently to tfae satisfac tion of all parties. The nearest boundary of Mr. Fulton's congregation is forty, and the most distant at least seventy miles from tfae place of my residence, wfaicfa is eight miles from Lexington. My congregation is near the centre of the country, in one of the most fertile, thickest settled, and best cultivated parts of Kentucky, and wfaere society is most im proved. I faave tfaree places for public worship, each of which, by contract, is entitled to one-third of my public labours. Two of the three places where I preacfa, are eight miles apart, and tfae third is fifteen railes distant frora each of the others. Two of tfaese are sufficiently able to raaintain rae ; the third could neither support a minister, nor obtain one if they could support faira. * * ? « * " Considering the very discouraging prospect which, a little raore than a year ago, presented itself to us in this country, we have abundant reason for gratitude and thanks giving to God, who has so rauch disappointed our fears, and to such a degree made our way prosperous. Taking into account tfae infant state of tfais congregation, with "which I ara connected, the number of members belonging to it is considerable : several of thera are men respectable for their situation in the world, as well as for tfaeir talents and piety. Several merabers of session are sucfa as would fill that ofiice witfa credit in any congregation in Britain, — a circumstance whicfa gives me particular satisfaction ; yet, till now, I never knew so well the labours, the disquietude, the vexation, and tfae grief attending tfae work of tfie ministry. For, though there are several sensible and religious people in ray congre gation, tfae stupid ignorance of some wfao put themselves under ray inspection, and tfie careless indifference, or fiardened insensibiUty of otfiers, render it necessary for me to be instant ' in season and out of season.' Wfiile, on sucfi occasions, I fiave endeavoured to impress tfie minds of individuals or families with a sense of the necessity and importance of religion, and of a due attention to the duties which belong to * Christian Magazine tor 1799. Pp. 187, 188. LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES. 399 the Christian character, I faave been left to weep over the insensibility of some who seeraed to be callous against all convictions, and hardened in tfaeir disregard to tfae tfaings of God, though they attend tfae public ordinances of tfae gos pel ; upon others, it is thought, sorae apparent irapression faas been raade. » « « * * " The planting of cfaurcfaes is difficult and laborious work. The exercise of the rainisterial office faere would require, at tfae sarae tirae, invincible resolution, yet prudence, unwearied industry, and zealous activity in the service of Christ, witfa a disposition to becorae all things to all raen, and a calmness of teraper whicfa can scarcely be ruffled. But wfao is suf ficient for tfaese things ? For my own part, I am far, very far, from faaving great pretensions to these qualities. I faave been soraetiraes obliged to put on a brow of brass, in my pubUc ministrations, ' to rebuke and exhort witfa all autfaor ity,' and faave succeeded so far, tfaat tfae openly profane, wfao despise religion, are eitfaer driven away frora our asserablies, or forced to befaave in thera with tolerable decency. It is a disagreeable situation for a rainister to be under the necessity of addressing fairaself to an assembly, tfae greater part of wfaicfi consists of declared infidels. In tfiis situation, fiowever, I fiave sometimes found myself placed. On sucfi occasions, ray fortitude fias never forsaken rae in so great a degree as I feared. What we have already been enabled to go through, and tfae countenance we have already received, affords us great reason to ' tfaank God, and take courage.' But notwithstanding oi all that I faave said, I sincerely declare to you that I do not repent my acceptance of a mission to Kentucky. I entertain no fears with regard to teraporal support, and I faave tfae pros pect of being raucfa raore useful in proraoting the general in terests of tfae kingdom of Cfarist faere, than I could have been in Scotland. " We faave two vacancies in tfae state of Tennessee. One of tfaem I faave not seen : the otfaer, on several accounts, pro- raises to be a charge perhaps raore eligible tfaan any under our inspection. Indeed Mr. Fulton and I have taken tfaose stations which appear to be the most difficult, the most pre carious, and tfae most Uable to be injured by the want of min isters ; leaving the rest, as better establisfaed, to depend upon our supplies, and to wait tfae arrival of otfier ministers. I raentioned ray journey to Tennessee, in the letter already re ferred to ; and, that you may understand my mode of journey ing through the wilderness between this place and Tennessee, take tfae following account of it. Besides the ordinary necessaries for travelling with you, I first take care to provide me in a large wallet, one end of whicfa contains provision for 400 LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES. myself, the other for ray horse : tfaen I get wfaat is here called an Indian blanket, tfae use of which I shall describe by and by : botfa of tfaese are fixed on tfae horse along with tfae saddle bags. Sorae of your nice faigh-rainded Scotch rainisters wUi now be ready to exclaim, ' Wnat ! travel in tfais mean pUght ! expose tfae gospel to contempt I' But stay a little. This is done by all classes of raen in such a situation ; and what is common, does not detract from any man's dignity. Well, but to proceed on my journey. You raust now suppose me equipped as above, and raoving along till I find a spring or a brook, when it is necessary to rest a Uttle. Here, after my horse has begun feeding, I sit down under a tree, and finish my repast out of tfae wallet. Tfaen I fix every tfaing, and reraove. Having thus refreshed myself, at proper intervals, I come to a mean log cabin in tfae evening, wfaere again I eat my supper out of the wallet. But there is no bed which I choose to occupy. I therefore tfarow my saddle-bags on the floor for a pillow ; and, wrapping myseif in the Indian blanket, I Ue down to sleep witfi ray feet to a great fire (if it is cold). Sometimes I get a bear's skin under me, and sometiraes not. In this raanner, I raove on from Monday morning tUl Saturday nigfat, for upwards of 200 miles, wfaen I come to tfae end of my joumey ; all tfae wfaile, tfaougfa out, sometimes in snow, and soraetiraes in rain, I feel myself as hearty and well as ever I did in my life, and exposed to less danger of catching cold, tfaan if I had reposed every night upon a bed of down. " Three members of tfae congregation, about eigfateen or twenty railes distant frora Knoxville, the seat of government in Tennessee, who, at midnigfat, faeard of my arrival there, on the evening of tfae preceding day, carae to meet rae in the morning ; and I was not a little affected when the honest men told me, with tears, that, for more tfaan ten years, they had been waiting and praying for such a day. A reception of this sort was surely the best encouragement I could nave met witfa. In Blount county, tfae profession of religion is general. I heard no account of any open infidels. Here, there was no occasion to reprove my audience for their inat tention or improper befaaviour in tfae tirae of public worship. Here, too, I found several persons wfao faad never before seen or heard a rainister of our coraraunion, whose reUgious prin ciples were the same with raine. Tfiey fiad separated from the Presbyterian congregation in tfais place, because they could approve neitfaer of tfae doctrine taught, nor of the mode of worship in tfaat congregation. They joined themselves in praying societies, with some wfao faad forraeriy been acquaint ed with the principles of tfae Secession ; and, along witfa them, LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES. 401 waited for a minister, frora wfaom they could receive the or dinances of tfae gospel. An extensive field for the propaga tion of the gospel presents itself in this country ; and I feel anxious, extremely anxious, that, if possible, a minister could be got for Tennessee."* * Christian Magazine for 1799. Pp. 559—562. 2 c CHAPTER XII. Mr. WilUam Hume sent to Kentucky—Great reUgious excitement in Ken . tucky — Different opinions concerning it — Presbytery of the CaroUnas form ed — Communications from Nova Scotia — Urgent request for more mission aries — Messrs. Francis Pringle, Alexander Dick, and Thomas M'CuUoch. missioned — Energy and zeal of Mr. M'CuUoch — Pictou CoUege founded— Mr. M'CuUoch appointed president — Regulations of Synod respecting stu dents of divinity — Regulations respecting the benevolent fund — Regulations respecting the support of a gospel ministry — Regulations respecting the appointments of preachers — Renewing of the covenants in 1805 by minis ters and others — Engagement to duties — Proposal for a union betwixt tbe Burgher and Antiburgher parties in Ireland — Letter from the Burgher Synod in Ireland to their Antiburgher brethren — Terms of coalescence — Discussed in the Irish Provincial Synod — Not approved of— Union post poned. ' With the view of reinforcing tfae mission in Kentucky, the synod appointed Mr. Jaraes Sinclair and Mr. Williara Hume to proceed to tfaat destination. It was deemed proper after ward to release Mr. Sinclair from tfais appointment, in con sequence of a call wfaicfa he received from a congregation in Stronsay. As the claims of the Orkney Islands, in a reli gious point of view, were urgent, the synod yielded to the prayer of the people of Stronsay, and Mr. Sinclair was settied amongst them. Mr. Hurae received ordination from the presbytery of Kirkcaldy, on the Stfa of February, 1800, and arrived in Kentucky in the beginning of the following year. His arrival occasioned great joy to the bretfaren in that re mote quarter, and to tfaeir people. After being employed, for a sfaort period, preacfaing witfain the bounds of their con gregations, he was sent to the state of Tennessee, to preach at Nashville, in Cumberland county, wfaere he laboured for two months ; and then to Blount county, about two hundred miles distant from NashviUe, where he continued other two raonths- In the montfa of August, 1801, a call was present ed to him from each of these places. Mr. Hume, being urged by the presbytery to make a choice, reluctantly gave the pre ference to NashviUe ; expressing, at the same time, his will- f ingness to go to eitfaer of the places, or to labour at them by turns, till both could be provided with a minister. The pres bytery thought that it would be hurtfiil to botfa congregations to keep tfaem in suspense ; and Messrs. Armstrong and Fulton met him at Nashville, and admitted him pastor of that con gregation, on the 2d of December, 1801. RELIGIOUS EXCITEMENT IN KENTUCKY. 403 At the period of Mr Hurae's arrival in Kentucky, tfaat country was tfae scene of a singular religious raoveraent, simUar to wfaat faad taken place at Carabuslang, and in otfaer parts of tfae west of Scotland, as described in a forraer part of tfais work; and good men in America were no less divided in opinion concerning tfae nature of it, tfaan tfaose in Scotland had formerly been concerning the " Cambuslang work." Some regarded it as an extraordinary work of the Spirit ; others regarded it as a work of the devil, intended to delude the souls of raen. The effects produced were certainly uncora mon, and tfaougfa tfaere migfat be (as there is in almost all cases of the kind) raucfa false exciteraent, yet tfaere is reason to believe that raucfa spiritual good was done. Tfae following ac count, extracted frora a letter sent faorae by one of tfae synod's missionaries in Kentucky, will convey sorae idea of the nature of the work.- It raay be proraised, tfaat botfa friends and foes agreed in giving, the sarae statement of facts, tfaougfa the conclusions whicfa tfaey deduced from tfaem were widely different. Sucfa ex traordinary raoveraents as tfae one faere described, faave generally been regarded witfa suspicion by tfae Seceders, from the period of tfae " Cambuslang work " downward ; and it would appear, from tfae extract faere inserted, tfaat the merabers of the presby tery of Kentucky did not form an exception to the general rule. The letter is dated 5tfa Marcfa, 1802, and tfae writer says : — " Last suraraer tfaere appeared among tfae presbyterians a worii still raore astonishing, which drew away the attention frora tfae Baptists, except their own connexions. This work seeras to be of the sarae complexion witfa tfaat wfaich took place long ago at Carabuslang, in the west of Scotland, al though differing, perfaaps, in sorae particulars. It first raade its appearance in tfie lower parts of tfiis state, towards Cum berland, one fiundred and fifty railes frora tfiis, about a year and a half ago. The news of an extraordinary revival of re ligion were spread over all tfais part of tfae country. It was raucfa extolled by sorae, and a general expectation was forraed, that tfae sarae would take place faere ; which accordingly was the case. It began, as I have been informed, in the congrega tion of a Mr. Stone, in the county of Bourbon, among some of his people, raet in a praying society. Afterwards, at pubUc worship, a kind of weakness and faulting carae upon a nuraber • of them, and sorae of thera feU down, whicfa raised a consider able agitation araong fais people. "Tfais happened some sfaort time before fais sacrament. He sent word to some of the neighbouring ministers to corae and see, and judge of a work he could not fuUy understand. A number of ministers went to assist at tfae sacrament. Tfae report of it spread witfa ra pidity ; a great number of people collected, and a good many 404 RELIGIOUS EXCITEMENT IN KENTUCKY: of them were taken witfa tfaese fainting fits. Tfais waSj if I re collect right, in tfae month of May last. Some of the minis ters were said at first to be opposed to it, and wanted to dis courage it; but after a little some of tfaemselves were affected, and all of them, as far as I know, came by degrees to view it as a divine work. " Other sacraments, in a few weeks, succeeded. The nuraber of people tfaat attended on tfaese occasions increased, and the sarae ferment and fainting continued, till tfae months of July and August, wfaen tfae collection of people at these sacraments was prodigious. At one of them, sorae supposed there were ten, otfaers fifteen tfaousand. Such a number of people could not get lodging within any reasonable distance. Many, tfaerefore, brougfat waggons and provisions alongst with tfaem, and continued on tfie ground till all was over. These meetings began on the Friday, and sometimes they were not all disraissed till the Tuesday after. Some fell upon the fast-day (Friday), and on Saturday ; but on the afternoon of Sabbath and Monday, the stir was greatest. It is said, that once or twice, upon the Monday, the people were in such an agitation, that tfie minister did not preach. Some were struck all at once, and fell down ; others felt a weakness coraing. on, and sat down ; otfaers, wfaen tfaey felt tfaemselves affected, attempted to leave tfae meeting, but had not gone far tUl they were obliged to yield. When one fell in the meeting, they carried him a little way off ; a crowd collected around ; one was employed in prayer, — a minister, if at hand, if not, any that pleased. If none were engaged in prayer or exhortation, the people that surrounded tfae one tfaat was down, were sing ing faymns. Wfaen tfaese exercises were going on, particularly in time of singing, otfaers were struck down, wfaicfa occasioned the formation of. new parties. It is said tfaat upwards of one hundred have been down at once. All kinds of persons have been affected, men, woraen, and children, professors of reUgion, and many wfao made no profession ; even some deists, who went for tfaeir amusement, were struck down. One in par ticular, after fae was recovered, acknowledged tfae wickedness of fais former Ufe, and exfaorted otfaers to repent of their sins, and to regard religion. Many others exfaorted, in like man ner, witfa uncommon eloquence. Children of ten or twelve years of age have fainted, and afterwards harangued about ireligion in a surprising manner. I suppose it is generaUy the case, that when the mind is much agitated, from whatever cause, words flow more copiously than usual, but often very incoherently. " I am of opinion, that such an frregular, and so far as I OPINIONS CONCERNING IT. 405 can judge, unscriptural raanner of worsfaipping God, In pub lic ordinances, ought neither to be encouraged nor counte nanced. It has indeed been said, tfaat tfais certainly is a work of the Spirit of God ; for a visible reformation faas taken place witfa many that faave fallen. Tfaat sorae external reformation has taken place with many of tfaera, I raake no doubt, and perhaps sorae may be internally renewed. God may have taken occasion, frora tfais great stir about religion, to make sorae careless sinners tfaink seriously about their iramortal souls, and may faave, in a sovereign raanner, coraraunicated fais grace. But it appears to rae, tfaat tfae tendency of this work upon tfae wfaole, is to entangle poor souls in delusion about tfieir eternal concerns, and to lead tfiera away frora the scriptures, to make thera sligfat a regular dispensation of ordinances, and look for extraordinary irapulses of the Spirit without the word." In reference to the congregations belonging to tfae presby tery of Kentucky, in connexion witfa tfae General Associate synod, the writer adds : — " Nothing of tfais kind faas taken place araongst our people. We had tfae sacraraent of tfae Supper dispensed last suraraer at Baregrass. On tfae fast-day before, a young man in the neighbourhood, wfao soraetiraes before attended our raeeting, fainted in tirae of sermon, which occasioned sorae Uttle disturbance ; but the people carried him out of tfae raeeting-faouse. He reraained till serraon was over, and Mr. Arrastrong conversed witfa faira as to the cause of his trouble, but received no satisfaction. We are told fae had frequently before tfais fallen down at the presbyterian raeetings above raentioned; but he has never attended our serraons since."* Anotfaer writer, not connected with the presbytery of Ken tucky, givhig an account of these scenes, speaks more decid edly and in raore favourable terms, concerning the spiritual effects produced by them. Having been present at several of the meetings, he states the result of his own observations : — " In October," he says, " I attended three sacraraents : at eacfa tfaere were supposed to be four or five tfaousand people, and every tfaing was conducted witfa strict propriety. Wfaen persons fell, tfaose wfao were near took care of tfaem, and every tfaing continued quiet until tfae worsfaip was concluded. " At Cane Ridge sacraraent, it is generaUy supposed tfaat not less than one thousand persons fell prostrate to tfie ground, araong wfiora were many infidels. At one sacraraent wfiich I attended, the nuraber that fell was thought to be raore than * Letter from Kentucky, in Christian Magazine, vol. vii. pp. 38, 39. 406 RELIGIOUS EXCITEMENT IN KENTUCKY. three faundred. Persons wfao fall are generally sueh as had manifested symptoms of the deepest impressions for some time previous to that event. It is comraon to see tfaem shed tears plentifully for about an hour. " Immediately before tfaey became totally powerless, tfaey are seized with a general tremor, and sometimes, tfaough not often, they utter one or two piercing shrieks in the raoment of falling. Persons in this situation are affected in different degrees ; sometimes, wfaen unable to stand or sit, tfaey faave tfae use of their hands, and can converse with perfect com posure. In other cases they are unable to speak, tfae pulse becomes weak, and tfaey draw a difficult breath about once in a minute; in some instances, tfaeir extremities become cold, and pulsation, breatfaing, and all tfae signs of life, forsake them for nearly an hour. Persons who faave been in this situation, have uniforraly avowed that they felt no bodily pain ; that they faad tfae entire use of tfaeir reason and reflection ; and, wfaen recovered, tfaey could relate every tfaing that had been said or done near them, or whicfa could possibly fall within tfaeir observation. From tfais it appears that their falling is neither comraon fainting, nor a nervous affection. Indeed, this strange pfaenomenon appears to faave taken every possible turn to baffle tfae conjectures of tfaose wfao are not wilUng to consider it as a supernatural work. Persons have soraetiraes fallen on their way frora public worship, and soraetiraes after they faad arrived at faorae, and, in sorae cases, wfaen they were pursuing their common business on their farras, or wfaen tfaey retired for secret devotion. It was before observed, that per sons are seriously affected, for some tirae previous to their fall ing ; in raany cases, however, it is otfaerwise. Numbers of tfaougfatless siimers faave fallen as suddenly as if struck with lightning. Many professed infidels, and otfier vicious ffiarac- ters, fiave been arrested in tfiis way, and sometiraes at tfie very raoment when tfaey were uttering blaspfaemies against the work. " At tfae beginning of tfae revival in Sfaelby county, the appearances, as related to me by eye-witnesses, were very surprising indeed. The revival had, before tfais, spread with irresistible power througfa tfae adjacent counties ; and many of tfae pious faad attended distant sacraraents witfa great benefit. Tfaese were mucfa engaged, and felt unusual freedora in their addresses at tfae throne of grace, for tfae outpouring of the divine Spirit at tfae approacfaing sacraraent in Sfaelby. The sacraraent carae on in Septeraber. Tfae people, as usual, met on Friday ; but aU were languid, and the exercises went on heavily. On Saturday and Sunday morning, it was no better : at lengtfa tfae coraraunion service commenced; every thing was still lifeless. Whilst tfae rainister of the place was speaking PRESBYTERY OF THE CAROLINAS FORMEB. 407 at one of the tables, without any unusual aniraation, suddenly there were several shrieks from different parts of the asserably ; instantly persons fell in every direction ; tfae feelings of the pious were suddenly revived, and tfie work progressed witfi ex traordinary power, till tfae conclusion of the solemnity. Tfais phenomenon of falUng is comraon to all ages, sexes, and characters; and wfaen they fall, tfaey are differently exercised. Sorae pious people have fallen, under a sense of ingratitude and faardness of faeart ; and otfaers, under affecting raanifesta tions of tfae love and goodness of God. Many tfaougfatless persons, under legal convictions, faave obtained comfort before they arose. But perhaps the most numerous class consists of tfaose who fall under distressing views of their guilt, wfao arise witfa the same fearful apprehensions, and continue in tfiat state for some days, perfiaps weeks, before tfiey receive comfort."* It will be seen, from one of the letters quoted above, that the brethren in Kentucky did not approve of sucfa proceedings as tfaose now narrated; instead of encouraging tfaem, tfaey ratfaer cfaecked any tendency to tfaera in tfaeir congregations. Tfaey considered tfaera as originating in a false exciteraent, and as fitted to bring discredit upon religion, by the extra vagances connected with tfaera. Thougfa, faowever, no such scenes took place araong their flocks, tfaey were raost laborious and faitfaful in preacfaing the gospel, througfaout a wide extent of territory. Under tfaeir rainisterial labours, their people grew in intelligence and piety ; and if tfae synod could only have found a sufficient nuraber of fellow-labourers, who were able and wilUng to undertake tfae work, soon would these western wildernesses faave been raade to blossora as the rose. During the winter of 1802, Mr. Arrastrong crossed to tfae western side of the Ohio, and preached for sorae tirae in wfaat was caUed tfae Nortfa- Western territory, now the state of Ohio. The gospel thus penetrated far into the west, in connexion with tfae Secession. Two ministers in Carolina, belonging to tfae Associate Reformed synod, along witfa tfaefr congre gations, joined tfae Associate Synod of Araerica ; and these, together witfa Mr. Cree, in Virginia, were at tfais period formed into a presbytery, under tfae designation of tfae Associ ate Presbytery ofthe Carolinas. In connexion with tfae synod, tfaere were witfain the limits of the states, no fewer tfaan twenty vacant congregations, almost all of wfaicfa were cap able of maintaining ministers in a comfortable condition. Sorae of them were highly respectable, in regard both to the number and character of their members. A few preachers * Letter in the EvangeUcal Magazine, vol. x. 408 COMMUNICATIONS FRO.M NOVA SCOTIA. were licensed by tfae presbyteries in America ; but they were by no means sufficient to supply the wants of the cfaurcfa in tfiat quarter; and urgent applications were made to the synod at home.* Along with the communications from Kentucky, a letter was, at tfae same time, received from the brethren in Nova Scotia, giving an account of tfae state of matters in tfaat quar ter, and requesting, in strong terms, tfaat the synod would send thera a supply of preacfaers, as the fields around them were white for the harvest, and the labourers few in number. There were many in tfaat region, who had long been without a dispensation of the gospel, and some of the young generation had never heard the joyful sound. The people had tfaeir eyes fixed on Scotland, as the quarter from whence tfaey expected tfais inestimable boon to reacfa tfaem ; and sorae of tfaem had been waiting for a nuraber of years, expecting a favourable answer to petitions wfaicfa tfaey had formerly sent. Tfae bretfaren wfao occupied tfais outpost of tfae Secession Churcfa, in connexion witfa the General Associate synod, were Messrs. Macgregor, Ross, and Brown ; and the following extracts from their address will show the sad religious destitu tion of the settlements in tfaeir neigfabourfaood, and tfae ear nest desire of tfae inhabitants to enjoy the benefits of a gospel ministry. " Tfiere are many people in tfiis and the neighbouring provinces, who are now, and have for a long time been, with out tfae gospel. Many of the young generation have never heard its joyful sound. Tfaere are raany infant settlements so weak, tfaat tfaey cannot support a fixed, dispensation tfaere of, who earnestly desfre occasional suppUes ; many others are able and willing, but all tfaeir endeavours to obtain it faave faitfaerto been in vain. You faave sorae young raen under 3'Our inspection, wfao raight corae over and preacfa to some of these people ; and sure it is their duty to come. It is a most grievous thing to think of their perishing for lack of knowledge, while there is a possibUity of giving them tfae means of know ledge. Every one ougfat to pity and he] p them to the utraost. We do what we can, but our labours cannot be raucfa felt in sucfa an extensive circle. Tfaere is a necessity for more hands to be eraployed in tfae work. " It is about ten years since the people of Amherst sent ? It is worthy of being noted, as an instance of presbyterian zeal, in the per formance of ministerial duty, that Mr. Hume of Nashville, in attending the raeetings of his synod at Philadelphia, had to accompUsh a journey (going and returning) of two thousand miles : He and his brethren in the presbytery under took this long journey by turns ; tbose who remained at home, suppUed the pulpit of the brother who was absent on synodical duty. URGENT REQUEST FOR MORE MISSIONARIES. 409 you a petition for a rainister. Tfae subscribers were not nu merous, but tfaey were raostly raen of sense and piety. It was tfae superior confidence tfaey placed in you, tfaat in duced tbem to apply to you ; and every year since, tfaey ex pected an answer, thougfa tfaeir faopes grew fainter tfae longer they waited. Tfiey gave a call to Mr. Brown, soon after his arrival in tfais province ; and faad fae been left to fais own cfaoice, tfaere is Uttle reason to doubt tfaat fae would faave pre ferred them to tfae people among wfaora tfae presbytery appoint ed faim, tfaough fae was not dissatisfied witfa tbeir appointment. Delay and disappointment discouraged tfaera. Several of them sold tfaeir possessions, and reraoved to otfaer places of tfae pro vince, and to tfae United States, wfaere tfaey could find tfae gospel. Others are removed by death, so tfaat few of tfae sub scribers are now in Amfaerst. Those who have come in tfaeir places, especially tfae young generation, having little acquain tance with gospel doctrines, and being hopeless of any relief from you, faave now bargained witfa a rainister, wfaom cfaance tfarew in their way, and of wfaicfa tfaey raay repent ere long. Amherst is grown a populous place, and had you sent a rain ister to it, it migfat now have been a flourisfaing congregation, wfaereas it has been ten years without tfae gospel, after apply ing to you for it, and they are perhaps badly provided for at last. " About seven years ago, tfae people of Princetown, and Stanhope, and St. Peter's in the Island of St. Jofan, applied to you for two ministers, and tfaey faave waited ever since with patience (or rather impatience), frequently inquiring if tfaere was any hope of a speedy answer to their petitions. For a nuraber of years, we returned for answer, that rainisters raigfat soon be expected ; but we are asfaaraed to give tfaem tfaat an swer any longer, and now we know not what to say. The people stand in need of tfae gospel alraost as raucfa as any people on tfae face of tfae earth ; for, beside aU other consi derations, their being in an island prevents them from having so ready access to other raeans of knowledge, as if they were on tfae continent ; and tfaey are surrounded with papists, who have always one or more priests among tfaem, wfao use all their dexterity in making converts, especially araong the young generation. Tfaere are in tfae island St. John, eight or ten otfaer settlements that would require supply of sermon, being yet so weak that they cannot support rainisters for tfaemselves. It is a great trial of patience to wait seven years for a rainister, and to faave an opportunity of hearing the gospel only for two or tfaree Sabbatfas during all tfaat tirae. There are good Cfaris tians in the island St. John, wfao, in aU probabiUty, faave not heard five serraons tfaese twenty-five y^ars ; and probably 410 URGENT REQUEST FOR MORE MISSIONARIES. there are some there twenty-five years old, who never heard a sermon. Wfao would not compassionate tfais people ? We hope two ministers would be very agreeably situated amongst tfaem, and in a short time there would be a demand for a nuraber more. We earnestly beseech the synod to consider the case of this island, and to send over two ministers to them as soon as possible. " The people of Douglas, in this province, were the next to petition you for a rainister. Tfais congregation is very for ward and eager to obtain tfae gospel, but withal impatient of delay ; so tfaat there is danger, as they are not sufficiently aware of tfae evil of error, that they will not wait so long as you would wisfa or expect ; but, being wearied out, will apply to some otfaer quarter for tfaat faelp, wfaicfa they will give over hoping for from you. A part of this congregation have an opportunity of hearing Mr. Brown occasionally, as there are but a few miles of water between tfaem and fais congregation ; but tfais seems only to make tfaem more eager to faave a minis ter of tfaeir own. Tfaere is tfaerefore special need for the sy nod to consider the case of tfais people, and grant tfaeir petition. Tfaough tfae people of Miraraichi, in New Brunswick, be last in tfaeir application, yet tfaey tfaeraselves consider tfaeir case as so deplorable above others, especially on account of the break ing dispensations tfaey faave met witfa, tfaat tfaey are entitled to be first answered; and indeed it is hard to deny tfaeir claim. " It is difficult to say wfaich of tfaese four places is most in need. But if tfae synod canot supply tfaera all at once, let sorae of tfaera be supplied, and tfae rest as soon after as pos sible, if tfaey will wait. " 'Tfae people of Cape Breton petitioned the session of Pictou, before our erection into a presbytery, to appoint thefr minister to pay tfaem a visit, to preacfa tfae gospel to tfaem, and to give tfaera advice and direction faow to obtain a rainister for tfaem selves. Tfae petition was granted, but tfae visit could not be paid till August last ; partly because so few of tfaera were desi rous of tfae gospel (tfae generality of thera being lukewarm), tfaat tfaey could scarcely support it ; and partly because there was no fiope of getting tfieir petition granted for a long time, through the lukewarmness of ministers to come out; and because so many other places were entitled to be supplied be fore them, tfaey were advised to delay sending horae their petition for sorae tirae. But had they a minister, there is no reason to doubt tfaat fae would soon form a congregation ; for tfae gospel would be a new thing to them, and, througfa the divine blessing, would run as it did araong tfae Gentiles at first. Were tfaere a minister there, application would soon be made to him from Newfoundland and other places. In all MESSRS. PRINGLE AND DICK MISSIONED. 411 appearance, nothing but tfae want of ministers prevents tfae gospel from spreading rapidly througfa tfais province. New Brunswick, part of botfa tfae Canadas, Island St Jofan, Cape Breton, Newfoundland, &c. Had rainisters been forward to corae to our assistance, since tfae first of us arrived faere, the gospel would already have been spread considerably through these countries." Upon receiving this address, tfae synod adopted immediate measures for sending out an additional supply of preacfaers to tfaese destitute provinces. In tfae spring of 1799, Mr. Francis Pringle, wfao faad been ordained at Gilnakirk in Ireland, gave in fais demission of tfaat charge, and the synod missioned him with a view to fais settlement in the island of St. Jofan's. He arrived at New York in the following season, on fais way to Nova Scotia; and tfae presbytery of Pennsylvania being greatly in want of preachers, sent horae a petition to the synod, requesting tfaat Mr. Pringle, instead of proceeding to fais ori ginal destination, raigfat be permitted to labour witfain tfaeir bounds. The synod sent out word tfaat it was tfaeir earnest wish tfaat Mr. Pringle sfaould proceed to Nova Scotia, but that, if circurastances rendered it irapracticable for hira to go tfaitfaer, tfaey would not stand in tfae way of fais being detained by tfae presbytery. After repeated disappointraents, occasion ed by young men having expressed a willingness to undertake a raission to Nova Scotia, and then drawing back from their engageraents, the synod sent out Mr. Alexander Dick. He arrived at Halifax in August, 1802; and soon after his arrival, he received a call from the infaabitants of tfae township of Douglas. On his way out he spent a few days at tfae Bay of Bulls in Newfoundland ; wfaere fae found araongst tfae infaabi tants a deplorable destitution of the raeans of g^ace. Writing to a friend, he says : " During ray stay in Newfoundland, I raade it my business to inquire about the state of religion, and found it in a very languisfaing condition. Tfaere is only one society in all tfais province tfaat deserves to be called religious. About forty or fifty of the merabers reside in St John's. I had the satisfaction to get acquainted with one of tfae principal supporters of tfais Uttle congregation ; and if I may judge of tfae whole from tfais specimen, I must tfaink well of tfaem. I found faim well informed, sound in tfae great doctrines of our faoly religion, and pious and regular in fais conversation. He was par ticularly weU-acquainted witfa tfae Arrainian controversy, and held the doctrines of that system in great abhorrence. Tfae raerabers of tfaat society faave frequent raeetings for prayer and conference, beside tfaefr stated and ordinary meeting for public worsfaip upon tfae Lord's day. Tfaey have lately received a minister from . England of Lady Huntingdon's Methodists. 412 LETTER FROM MR. DICE. He is a man of considerable Uterature, and is a plain evangeli cal preacher, endeavouring to assist tfie hearts of his audience, while faimself is an exaraple in sobriety, faitfa, and purity. But tfae great body of inhabitants in this place are far from acting in any measure corresponding to tfaese of this little so ciety. " How firmly is the kingdom of Satan established in the hearts of men, and how numerous and powerful are the supports of tfais kingdom in many places of tfae world, and especially in tfais bay I How affecting to see betwixt two and tfaree hundred poor sinners amusing tfaemselves in different kinds of sport upon tfae Lord's day, and no one to speak any tfaing to tfaem about Cfarist and fais salvation. " At present I am in tfae townsfaip of Douglas, the inhabitants of whicfa faave given me a call. Tfae congrega tion is upwards of forty railes in length, and my labours raust be great. I faave to preacfa in tfaree different places ; one faalf of my time in one of these, and the other half divided betwixt tfae otfaer two. I do not intend, faowever, to take charge of the wfaole. The labour would be far more than what I am capable to endure. I intend taking charge of the one half, but to give as much supply to the otfaer as I can over take, till tfaey are provided with a minister of their own. My trials for ordination are finished, and tfae ordination is to take place in tfae montfa of June. We have sent you an address and petition for further faelp in the work of tfae ministry; and I earnestly beg that every raeans raay be eraployed for our speedy relief. There is nothing faere to intiraidate any person to come over and preacfa tfae gospel of Cfarist. I faave seen tfae people, and tfaey are kind and generous. I have travelled througfa part of tfae country, and tfae roads are raucfa better than I expected. I have felt tfae faeat, and it is agreeable. I faave been upon tfae sea, and have suffered no shipwrecks. I have likewise seen the greatest part of the winter, and can say, that the cold is not intolerable. But instead of any thing to intiraidate, tfaere is mucfa to invite ministers of tfae gospel to tfais quarter of tfae world. Multitudes are crying for reUef ; they would set their faces heavenward, but have no minister to point out tfae way tfaitfaer. Two ministers are needed for St. John's, one for Arafaerst, and one for tfais part of tfae country, and several raore for otfaer parts witfa wfaicfa I ara unacquainted. How distressing is tfae case of tfae presbytery, wfaen petitions are laid before thera, and they are obUged to tell tfae petition ers, sorae of wfaora have corae from great distances, that they can give them no supply of serraon this year !" The arrival of Mr. Dick in Nova Scotia occasioned great joy to the bretfaren in that presbytery. The faopes of the PRESBYTERY OF NOVA SCOTIa's ADDRESS. 413 people were excited, that a fresfa supply of preacfaers was about to follow. Soon after fais arrival, the presbytery agreed to renew tfaeir appUcation to tfae synod for raore labourers to be sent out. An address, drawn up in eloquent language, and subscribed by all tfae bretfaren, was forwarded to tfais country. As tfae synod found considerable difficulty in inducing their preachers, at tfaat period, to undertake raissions across tfae Atlantic, tfae address frora tfae presbytery of Nova Scotia contained tfae following powerful appeal on tfais subject. It deserves a place in tfais record, both because it shows tfae ex cellent spirit wfaicfa animated these good men in tfaeir raission ary labours, and because tfae perusal of it is well fitted to excite ministers and preacfaers, in tfae present day, to devote them selves to a similar work : — " We faave raore reason tfaan ever to say, ' Tfae faarvest is great, but tfae labourers are few.' Tfaougfa we are tfaank ful for the coraing of Mr. Dick, we are sorry that fae faad to corae alone. We cannot help expressing our sincerest grief at the continued barkwardness of young preacfaers to corae out to tfais country. Tfaere are four petitions frora this neigfa bourfaood, lying before you, for seven years, and sorae of thera raucfa more, stUl unanswered. How raany of the young generation are growing up in these congregations, witfaout God, without Cnrist, without hope, insensible of their sin or danger, who raight, if they were under the charge of faithful ministers, be an ornament to the gospel profession I How many souls in these congregations have died, perfaaps perisfaed, in tfais long interval, looking to you and to tfie young preach ers under your inspection, for tfie means of life ! Unheard, unheeded, tfaey have been crying at tfais tirae, ' Help, we perish ! We faave faeard of you, that you are zealous for the glory of God, and the honour of the Mediator, and tfae salva tion of your feUow-creatures, even of our souls. We faave faeard, that you are peculiarly careful to teach tfae pure and siraple trutfas of tfae gospel, and to guard against tfae various errors wfaich false teachers and corrupt nature erabrace instead of tfae trutfa ; and to lead perishing souls, in the raost dfrect manner, to Jesus the Saviour. We are without the means of grace. We have no rainisters, few books, little knowledge. Unlearned and unordained raen sometiraes offer their assist ance to teach us ; but we tfaink, we raay as well offer to teach them, though we cannot discern between rigfat and wrong, good and evil. Providence has directed us to you. _ There fore, to you we have applied. Under God, we faave com mitted our souls to your cfiarge. Send us speedy fielp. Let tfie zeal, wfiich we fiear abounds in you, raove you to cora passion for our destitute souls. Turn not a deaf ear to our 414 ADDRESS FROM THE PRESBYTERY cry. Or, if you cannot fielp us, tell us whitfier to apply.' Such has been the cry of these people, and we are persuaded that it would faave been answered long ago, if tfae young preacfaers under your inspection had eitfaer tfie spirit of Isaiah (' Here am I, send me'), or the zeal of Roman CathoUc priests; for permit us to tell you, that the papists in this part of the world can more easily get out priests, tfian we ministers. The papists here are few corapared to the protestants, and they are not so destitute of instructors, for they have raore priests by far in proportion to tfaeir nuraber ; yet two priests arrived faere from Soctland tfais season, to propagate the Romish faith, and but one protestant clergyman. " Reverend fatfiers and brethren, it is frksome for us to dwell on sucfa points as the removing of difficulties, and the using of arguments to make ministers and preacfaers, called to serve Cfarist in a foreign country, to obey tfaeir Master's voice ; for wfaat else are we doing but reproacfaing thera ? Is it not the greatest faonour, as soon as they know the Master wants tfaeir service, to need no argument, to fear no danger, to brave every difficulty, cfaeerfuUy to deny tfaemselves, take up tfae cross, and follow faim wfaitfaersoever fae calls ? Is it possible that Cfarist's rainisters can expect to grow in grace, to advance in communion witfa God, or any solid good, by shutting their eyes upon the proper work, or neglecting it when seen ? Wfaen rainisters or preacfaers cfaoose not to dis cern tfae Lord's call, and to know fais voice as directed to them, they are fleeing from the presence of the Lord as really as Jonah did. But in vain do they faide tfaeraselves frora fiim, wfiose eyes are as a flarae of fire. Most foolisfi and delusive are all tfieir artifices to elude fiis call, wfio searches tfae heart, and to wfaora all tfaings are naked and open. Tfae various calls tfaat faave been sent frora tfais quarter to you, tfae Lord has directed, and does direct, to sorae individual, preacfaers or ministers, under your inspection, and in wfaatsoever place or corner witfain your bounds tfaey may be, there tfae Lord sees tfaera, and tfaence fae orders tfaera. If tfaey neglect to know (for by fair inquiry they raay know) tfaeraselves pitcfaed upon by hira, or if they do not obey, he will not faold tfaem guilt less. Assuredly the sovereign Judge will cfaarge tfaem with tfae blood of souls, and no assiduity elsewfaere will justify them from tfais awful cfaarge. They are guilty of the blood of souls, and that witfa faigfa aggravation, for tfaey injure not merely those few congregations who have already addressed you, but others whicfa would faave been ere now, and perfaaps fiundreds more, which migfat in a few years to corae, be formed round them ; and who knows to how many generations the injury may ex tend ? It is no smaU aggravation of their crime, that they OF NOVA SCOTIA^ 415 decUne an invitation to no very great distance from a civilized people partly their own countrymen ; while others fear not to go, uninvited, to savage people, to heatfaen nations, to tfao utmost ends of tfae eartfa. Would sucfa ministers or preacfaers reflect but for a moraent wfaat must be our present feelings for the disappointed vacancies, we think they could not escape tfae pangs of self-condemnation. Formerly wlien we met in presbytery, or went our rounds to give supply, the vacancies nearest us requested as rauch supply as possible ; and those at a distance, that we would visit tfaera next year. Tfais we, as far as possible, coraplied witfa, and granted tfaeir request. But now, on the coming of Mr. Dick, the hopes of all are raised ; many look fbr a fixed ministry, but it can be granted only to one; and so we must see the tears of the disappointed, and hear the sighs of tfae needy. Your land was lately visited witfa scarcity of bread; many had large farailies, and but little to give tfaem. Imagine you see one sucfa large family almost famisfaed ; the anxious parent brings faorae the scanty portion fae could provide. How wisfafuUy do his dear babes look ! each could take the wfaole. With wfaat anguisfa must he say to sorae, ' Here is bread, but not for you.' Such must be our feelings, and sucfa our language, to many who faave waited long. " Reverend fatfaers and bretfaren, it raay be proper to enlarge your own views of tfais work. You fiave seen our part of tfie world only upon a map ; where a large country will appear as nothing. Had you no other acquaintance with Great Britain, your ideas of it would be indeed diminutive ; you would find it hard to believe tfaat a famous church could ever be there. Perhaps you would see raany tfaings raore necessary than to send ministers thither from a distance, and at considerable expense. So you raay think with regard to us. But were you to travel tfarougfa tfae Britisfa provinces faere, and see the tfaousands of souls tfiat are scattered through tfae woods, destitute of spiritual provision, without knowledge, and without means of knowledge, how would your hearts yearn upon them I How feelingly would you bewail their forlorn condition ! Tuming your raind to your native country, you could not help exclaiming : ' O Scotland ! overcfaarged with rainisters ! surfeited with preacfaing ! Wfaat hast thou to account for I Would tfaat tfae faalf of tfay gospel ministers were transported, and planted in tfae wilderness ! Tfaen it would rejoice and blossom as the rose.' You would not then wonder at our importunity. You would see the propriety of acting with energy and despatch in this great work. Be not discouraged at its greatness. Go on in tfae strength of the Lord. You know that it is notfaing for him to do great things 416 MR. M'CULLOCH SENT TO NOVA SCOTIA. by small instruments, and to accomplish very great designs from very small beginnings." The General Synod at home felt a deep interest in the success of their transatlantic missions. When they met in August 1803, a proposal was made that a committee be ap pointed to visit the Divinity Hall, then faolding its sittings at Whitburn, and converse with the students, with a view to obtain missionaries for Araerica. This proposal it was not deemed expedient to adopt ; but the synod appointed a com mittee to converse on the subject with such of tfae preachers as were present ; and some of the young men, wfao had com pleted thefr course of study, were enjoined to be licensed, by their respective presbyteries, with a special view to this object. The synod further gave it as their judgment, that Mr. Mur ray, minister at Johnsfaaven, should submit to a raissionary appointment, with a view to his labouring in the United States, As Mr. Murray was not present, notice was sent to him of this appointment, and he was required to return an answer be fore tfie synod concluded its present meeting. Mr. Murray, in his answer, declared that tfae infirm state of his constitu tion presented an insuperable obstacle to his undertaking such a mission. Mr. Thomas M'Culloch, who had been for some time ordain ed at Stewarton, in Ayrshfre, resigned into the hands ofthe presbytery his charge of tfaat congregation, and embarked for Nova Scotia, tfaat fae migfat take part in the ministry, along with the Secession bretfaren wfao were labouring in that distant province. He arrived with his family at Pictou, in the beginning of November, 1803 ; and, in tfae month of June the following year, he was admitted by the presbytery of Nova Scotia, to the pastoral inspection of the Associate congregation of the Harbour of Pictou. The energy, zeal, and varied literary attainments of this individual, peculiarly qualified him for the work in which he engaged. His arrival occasioned great joy to the church in that quarter: andthe result has shown that the expectations wfaicfa his coming excit ed, were not iU founded ; for, by his unwearied and diversified labours, he has promoted, in an erainent degree, both the literary and tfae religious interests of tfaat province. Soon after his settlement in Nova Scotia, Mr. M'Culloch suggested to his bretfaren tfae idea of forming an academical institution, in which young men might be trained for tfae ministry, or edu cated for any of the learned professions ; and a considerable sum was subscribed by the people of Pictou, to carry the pro ject into effect. In a letter written by Mr. M'Gregor, of Pictou, two years after Mr. M'Culloch's arrival, referring to this proposal of erecting an academy, he says, " The increas- PICTOU COLLEGE FOUNDED. 417 ing demand for ministers seeras to intimate the necessity of raising them in tfais country. Tfae great expense of everv tfaing faere, renders tfais undertaking next to fiopeless in our circumstances ; yet Mr. M' CuUocfa, wfao started the idea, has sanguine hopes. Pictou people have subscribed about £1,000, a more liberal subscription than they are well able to pay. We expect some money from the province-treasury, if we give our seminary a little name, as not rivalling tfae university which government faas estabUsfaed. We expect great assistance frora Britain and Ireland. We intend to send Mr. M' CuUocfa faome to beg. I fear tfaat it will produce few rainisters in ray day ; but I do not tfaink it iraproper to make a beginning, for it is faigfaly probable that it will succeed by degrees, and be very beneficial to posterity." Unforeseen difficulties prevented this excellent scheme from being accomplisfaed at tfie tirae it was originaUy proposed. But, after a delay of several years, tfie project was again re vived. Subscriptions were procured, and tfie Pictou college was erected, for wfiicfi a cfiarter was obtained from the legisla ture, in 1816, and a smaU annual sura (£400) was given out of tfie public treasury for its support. The reputation wfaich Mr. M'Culloch had acquired in the province frora his Uter ary attainments, pointed him out as an individual every way qualified to undertake the superintendence of sucfa an institu tion ; and he was solicited by the trustees to become its presi dent. To fais indefatigable zeal and persevering efforts, this institution has been indebted for no sraall share of its success. Wfaile tfae General Associate synod were tfaus actively en gaged in extending tfae boundaries of tfae Redeemer's kingdom, by means of tfaeir missionaries abroad,* they were no less use fully employed in proraoting the interests of religion and ot literature at home. Various measures were adopted by them, whicfa were well-calculated to render tfaeir existing institutions both more efficient and more permanent. The education of the young men wfao were designed for tfae office of tfae min istry, had ever been regarded by thera as an object of great importance ; and, from time to time, coraraittees were appoint ed to consider wfaat improvements migfat be raade in the course of study, or to suggest such regulations as migfat be necessary to secure tfae fuU benefit of the course afready pursued. In * The exertions of the synod were responded to, in a very liberal and public spirited manner, by the people under their charge. More than £1,000 was collected by them in one year, to defray the expenses of foreign niissions, and also to assist weak congregations. This was a large sura, when we consider the humble circurastances of the mass of the people, and the money which they contributed annually for the support of gospel ordinances amongst them^ selves See Christian Magazine, vol. U. new series, p. 123. 2 D 418 REGULATIONS OF GENERAL SYNOD. October 1801, the following regulations on this subject were adopted : — 1. Tfaat young men intended for tfae ministry^ shall be ex arained with regard to tfaeir proficiency in the Latin language, at the tirae oftfaelr going to college, by tfae presbytery in whose bounds they reside. 2. The presbyteries shall give tfaem directions as to the classes which it may be proper for tfaem to attend every session, and tfae books whicfa it is proper for them to read, on those brancfaes of learning in which they are engaged. 3. The synod shall every year appoint eitfaer a committee or presbyteries to examine students in pliUosopfay, who shall receive none to exaraination but sucfa as come attested by their rainisters, as in full comraunion ; and tfae synod sfaall charge tfae presbyteries or coraraittee to exaraine, with the utmost dUigence and care, those wfao appear before them, and to faave tfaeir eye particularly on tfaose dangerous opinions which are taught in our universities. 4. That no one shall be attested for examination by a comraittee, unless he faas been previously exarained by the presbytery in whose bounds he resides, in Latin and Greek, and fais progress in tfaese languages faas been included in tfae attestation. If any presbytery examine for admission to tfae Divinity Hall, the first part of tfaeir examination sfaaU be on tfae languages above-mentioned, if tfaey faave not previously given satisfaction. 5. Tfaat tfae Divinity Hall meet every year on the third Wednesday of August, and faold its sittings at least eight weeks ; and that students in divinity shall be required to at tend, at least five weeks every Session, unless tfaey can give to the ministers of presbytery a sufficient excuse, otherwise their attendance sfaall not be reckoned regular and sufficient, unless tfaey make up tfae deficiency in future sessions. 6. Students of divinity sfaall be required to deliver at least one discourse every year before tfae presbytery ; and presby teries sfaall be in readiness to report to tfie synod, when re- ' quired. 7. Presbyteries shall use their best endeavour to recommend to students tfae reading of proper books in divinity, and shall frequently examine them on tfiese books. 8. Tfie General Synod sfiall require frora tfieir presbyteries, every year, an account of tfieir diligence in observing these regulations. The synod next turned its attention to the state of its funds. There were three objects to which tfae funds oftfae association were applied ; tfaese were, defraying tfae current expenses of the synod, tfae support of foreign missions, and giving aid to such REGULATIONS RESPECTING BENEVOLENT FUND. 419 ministers' widows as might be in indigent circumstances. In ' order that the supplies given into tfaeir treasury, for these im portant purposes, raight be regular and permanent, tfae follow ing regulations were adopted in May 1805 : — 1. Tfaat tfae fund for defraying tfie current expense of tfie synod, shall be distinct from the fund for foreign raissions, and also frora tfae widows' fund. 2. Tfaat for tfae synod's fund tfaere sfaall be an annual collec tion, in eacfa congregation, under tfae inspection of tfae synod, in Scotland and England. Congregations in a vacant state not to be excepted. 3. Tfaat if tfais collection sfaall be oraitted, or in case of de lay, the presbytery in the bounds shall deal witfa tfae session, and report their diligence to the first ensuing raeeting of the General Synod. 4. Tfaat sessions be at liberty to deduct tfae ordinary day's collection ; but tfae surplus sfaall be reraitted to the presbytery collector, to be by him transmitted to the treasurer of the sy nod, accorapanied witfa a written note, bearing tfaat tfae sum specified is tfae whole amount of the coUection for tfae synod's fund for tfaat year ; and tfais note shaU be signed by the mo derator or session-clerk. 5.. That each session sfaall be furnisfaed witfa a printed an nual report of the state of this fund, signed by tfae treasurer of tfae synod, wfaerein tfae particular suras received frora eacfa congregation sfaall be specified; Ukewise tfae different disburse ments, and the purposes for which these disbursements were made ; and, in case of any legacy or donation bequeatfaed to tfae use of tfae fund, tfais also sfaall be mentioned in the report. 6. That sessions shall be furnished witfa a printed copy of tfae above regulations, accorapanied witfa an intiraation, tfaat tfae first annual report will-be raade as soon after next meeting of tfae General Synod, in the ensuing year, as the treasurer's accounts can be raade out. 7. Tfaat the transraission of the above regulations to ses sions, shall be accorapanied with an address to the Christian people, stating sorae of tfaose iraportant purposes to wfaich the synod's fund is subservient, and urging liberaUty in contribu tion, according to tfaeir circurastances. A coraraittee was appointed to prepare an address to be sent to each congregation, along witfa a copy of tfaese regulations. At the same meeting, the synod took into consideration the maintenance of the gospel ministry ; and, in order to remind congregations of the obligations under wfaich they lay to attend to this duty, and also to furnish a directory to presbyteries, in the granting of a moderation to any congregation that might 420 REGULATION RESPECTING SUPPORT OF MINISTER'S. apply for it, they enacted the following regulations on this subject: — 1. With reference to vacant congregations, or those who apply for a second minister : Tfaat presbyteries be enjoined not to grant a raoderation, until tfaey be fully satisfied that the sum offered by such congregations, in name of stipend, is adequate to the decent and comfortable subsistence of a min ister, all circumstances considered ; as well as that tfaey are able to fulfil tfaeir engagements ; and, furtfaer, that (unless in very extraordinary cases, whicfa evidently appear to justify a deviation from tfae general rule) £80 per annura, and a faouse, be the lowest ; provided always, that this shaU be understood as referring to weak congregations in the country, and not forming the standard for others who are strong, and migfat do more. 2. That an inquiry be forthwith instituted by each presby tery, into the manner in wfaich tfae several ministers witfain tfaeir bounds are supported : and, for this purpose, tfaat tfae raerabers of eacfa session be required to send a written report to tfae first meeting of tfaeir presbytery after Wfaitsunday every year; and, for tfais year, tfiat eacfi presbytery, before Martinraas first, sfaall send a requisition to tfae elders of each session under their inspection, to transmit sucfa statement to tfae next meeting of that presbytery. 3. That if the members of any session neglect or refuse to do so, this deficiency sfaall be marked, in order tfaat tfae synod may, in due time, be apprized of it ; only tfae members of that session sfiall be allowed to supply tfie omission afterwards, which shall also be notified. 4. That presbyteries be enjoined to deal with such con gregations as appear to be deficient in their duty of supporting the gospel, in proportion to their abiUty; and tfaat tfaey be always m readiness to give in a report of tfie result of thefr in quiry to the next meeting of the General Synod, if required. A copy of tfais enactment was ordered to be sent to each ses sion, and a comniittee was appointed to prepare an address upon the subject, copies of which were also to be cfrculated among the congregations. To secure regularity in preachers fulfilUng tfaeir appoint ments, and to prevent any disorders that might arise from or dained ministers resigning thefr charge, on insufficient grounds, and attempting to thrust themselves, in an irregular way, upon other congregations, the synod further adopted, at this meet ing, the following resolutions, in reference to ministers and preachers, and ordered them to be printed : — 1. That no minister shall be loosed from fais congregation, by a presbytery, unless tfae case be very clear, according to RENEWAL OF THE COVENANTS. 421 the stated rules of the churcfa ; and wfaen tfae presbytery are much divided in sentiment, or the cause appears difficult, fae sfaall not be loosed without taking the advice of the provin cial synod of the bounds, or of the General Synod, if it sfaall meet first : And wfaen such a cause comes before a provincial synod, unless tfaere be a considerable degree of faarmony in tfieir sentiments, tfae business sfaall be referred to the General Synod. 2. That no minister who raay be loosed from fais charge, shall be employed in the bounds of other presbyteries, witfaout tfae consent of, and a regular attestation from, the presbytery or provincial synod by whicfa he was loosed. 3. That no preacfaer, who may receive a caU to any congre gation, sfaall be detained in tfae presbytery of tfae bounds, or caUed away from anotfaer presbytery, but in the way of one being provided in his place. 4. That no preacfaer shall, witfaout leave asked and granted, remove from the presbytery wfaere fae is stationed ; and if fae neglect to fulfil fais appointraents, fae sfaall not be eraployed by any rainister. or presbytery, till fae hatfa given satisfaction to tfae presbytery where the offence was committed, or to the presbytery into wfaose bounds fae removes, in consequence of tfae business being regularly transmitted to tfaera by the othei presbytery. 5. Tfaat in aU ordinary cases, tfae synod sfaall endeavour so to regulate tfae appointraents of preachers, tfaat there shall be no difficulty in fulfilling thera. 6. That the regulations as to tfae appointraent of tfae preachers, sfaall be finally settled before the last sederunt ot their raeeting, unless sorae weigfaty reasons be given to the contrary. By a law of tfae synod,* students of divinity were required " to join in the bond" for renewing tfae covenants, previous to receiving licence. Tfae operation of tfais law had been sus pended, since the year 1798, in consequence of tfae synod being engaged in preparing a new Testimony, and in revising tfaeir official documents. This business, wfiicfi fiad occupied tfieir attention at successive meetings, was now completed ; and all tfiose rainisters and preacfiers wfio fiad been ordained or Ucensed since 1798, were required to join in tfie renewing of the covenants, in tfae presence of tfae synod. Tfae day on wfiicfi tfiis cereraony was appointed to take place was Tfiursday, the 2d of May, 1805, during the tirae tfiat tfie synod was faold ing its ordinary meeting at Edinburgfa. Students, elders, and sucfa of tfae people as migfat be desirous to join in the bond, • See p. 294. 422 RENEWAL OF THE COVENANTS were called upon to corae forward and co-operate with their bretfaren in tfais soleran work. Twenty rainisters, nine preacfa ers, eigfateen students, and a number of elders connected with different congregations, gave in their naraes as willing to covenant. Mr. Jaraes Robertson, minister at Kilmarnock, commenced tfae services of tfae day by preacfaing a sermon from Rev. xiv. 1, " And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the raount Zion, and with faira an faundred forty and four tfaousand, having his Father's narae written in thefr foreheads." Several rainisters then read in succession, with a sfaort prayer in the intervals, tfae Acknowledgment of Sins, Profession of Faith, and Erv- gagement fo Duties, all of wfaicfa had been previously reviewed and sanctioned by tfae synod. A solemn confession of sins was tfaen raade, by one of tfae ministers, in a direct address to tfae tfarone of grace. After tfais, tfae covenanting ministers, preacfaers, students, and elders, lifted up tfaeir right hand, and, in presence of the synod and of a crowded audience, solemnly swore, steadfastly to adfaere to the Profession of Faith and Engagement of Duties, whieh had been read in their hearing. In raaking tfais soleran declaration, tfaey were joined by a considerable nuraber of people connected witfa tfae Secession in Edinburgfa. An opportunity was also given to tfaose wfao had forraeriy covenanted, to signify tfaeir adfierence to tfaeir for mer deed, and to testify tfaeir cordial approbation of wfaat faad been done in their presence ; wfaicfa testimony was cfaeerfuUy given, by tfaeir holding up tfaeir rigfat hand, at tfae close of the ceremony. The bond was tfaen subscribed by tfae covenanters, in presence of tfae synod and tfae congregation ; and during the time of subscription, suitable addresses were delivered by several of tfae ministers. Tfae services of tfae forenoon were concluded witfa prayer and praise. In tfae afternoon, Mr. Alexander Pringle, minister at Pertfa, preacfaed a sermon suited to the occasion, from Psalra cxix. 106, " I faave sworn, and I will perforra, tfaat I will keep tfay rigfateous judgraents." As many of tfae persons wfao engaged in the transactions of that day are still Uving, and as some of tfaera are taking a pro minent part in tfae Voluntary Church Controversy, at present carrying on in this country, I deem it proper to introduce into this narrative tfae " bond" wfaich tfaey swore and subscribed. Tfais I do for the purpose of sfaowing that tfae bond in which they joined, was of a different complexion frora tfaat wfaicfa our forefathers swore, when they subscribed the National Cove nant and tfae Solemn League and Covenant, being raore accor dant botfa with reason and scripture than eithfer of these bonds ; and tfaat, so far from its being opposed to Voluntary Cfaurch principles, tfaere is not a single sentence in it, tfaat does not BY MINISTERS AND OTHERS. 423 strictly harmonize with these principles. So desirous were the synod to guard against any misinterpretation of their views, as if by " renewing tfae covenants" tfaey were to be understood as giving any countenance to tfae intolerant prin ciples of those who subscribed the National Covenant and tfae Solemn League and Covenant, that they introduced into their new Testiraony the following passage, utterly disclairaing all metfaods of promoting religion, that were inconsistent with due freedom of conscience : — " Wfaatever means any person, eitfaer in former or present times, raigfat think themselves bound by the covenant to eraploy, for tfae extirpation of these evils (viz. popery, prelacy, superstition, heresy, and schism), yet we, in adhering to the religious reforraation engaged to in tfais covenant, utterly disclaira all obligation to use any metfaods inconsistent witfi liberty of conscience, in prosecuting the ends of it." And, as if tfiis declaration were not sufficient, they afterwards introduced in a note appended to the Acknowledgment of Sins, a similar disclaimer in the following words : — " The synod, in adfaering to tfae religious reformation engaged to in tfae Covenants, National and Solemn League, utterly disclaim all obligation to use any raetfaods inconsistent witfa due liberty of conscience, in prosecuting tfae ends of it."* After acknowledging their own sins, and the prevailing sins of the land, they solemnly swore and then subscribed tfae fol lowing declaration, wfaicfa is entitled, a Profession of Faith, and Engagement to Duties : — " Wherefore, seeing it is our duty, as a sinning people, not only to confess our iniquities, and be humbled for them, but also, by faitfa, to take fiold of God's covenant of grace, revealed to us in tfie gospel, avoucfi- ing tfie Lord to be our God, according to tfie tenor of tfiis covenant, devoting ourselves to him as fiis people, and return ing to him from whora we have revolted: and as it is our duty, in the faith of his free mercy througfa Jesus Cfarist, and trust ing in him for tfae grace and strengtfa wfaicfa are promised in his covenant, to engage unto, and pursue after, reformation and tfae advancement of his kingdom, wfaicfa is not of tfais world ; convinced also in our minds, and confessing witfa our moutfas, tfaat, as by the word of God, so also by the covenants of our ancestors, the present and succeeding generations in these lands are bound firmly and constantly to adhere to tfae doctrine, worsfaip, presbyterial cfaurcfa government, and dis cipline of the house of God, as contained in the Holy Scrip tures, and summed up in our subordinate standards : Therefore, ' Narrative and Testimony adopted by the Svnod, May, 1804. Pp. 159 and 219. 424 BOND OF ENGAGEMENT I'O DUTIES in obedience to tfae comraand of God, conformably to the pfa&. tice of the godly in former times, and according to the laudable example of our worthy and religious progeiutors, in tfae fore said covenants. " We all, and every one of us, tfaough sensible of the de ceitfulness and unbelief of our own hearts, and frequently per plexed with Uoubts and fears about our actual believing, yet desiring, in tfae Lol'd's streligth, to glorify him, fay beUeving his word of grace, contained in his covenant of promise, and, in tfae faitfa of fais promise, to devote ourselves to tfae Lord as his people : We do, witfa our faands lifted up to tHe Most High God, hereby profess, and, before God, angels, and men. Solemnly declare, that througfa tfae grace of God, and according to tfae measure of fais grace given unto us, we desire to take hold, with our whole hearts, of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the only propitiation ioi our sins ; of his rigkteousness, as tfae only foundation of our access to God, and acceptance with faim ; of his covenant oi rich and free promises, as our only cfaarter for the heavenly infaeritance ; of fais word, as our per fect and only rule of faitfa and practice, to wfaich notfaing is, at any tirae, to be added, eitfaer by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of raen ; and of his Spirit, as our only guide, to lead us into all trutfa, and keep us in tfae way of God's comraandments. We avOucfa the Lord to be our God; and, in the strength of his grace, we promise and swear, by tfae GREAT NAME OF THE LORD OUR GoD, tfaat WC sfaaU walit in fais way, keep fais Coraraandments, and faearken to fais voice; and, particularly, tfaat we sfaall, by the grace of God, continue and abide in tfae profession, faith, and obedience of the true re forraed religion, in doctrine, worship, presbyterial church-gov- ernraent, and discipline ; and tfaat we shall, in our several sta tions, places, and caUings, and according to tfae measure of our knowledge, contend and testify against all contrary evils, errors, and corruptions, particularly tfaose raentioned in the preceding Acknowledgraent of Sins. " In like raanner, we promise and swear, tfaat, by all means wfaicfa are lawful and warrantable for us, according to the word of God, the received and approved standards of this church, and our known principles, we shall, in our several stations and caUings, and according to our opportunities in providence, endeavour the reformation of religion, in Britain and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, according to the Word of God ; and to promote and advance our covenanted conjunction and uniformity in religion, Confession of Faitfa, and Catechisras, Forra of Churcfa-governraent, and Directory for Worsfaip, as tfaese are received by the Secession SUBSCRIBED BY MINISTERS AND OTHERS. 425 Church ;* We likewise engage, by all lawful means, and ac cording as a door raay be opened to us in providence, to pro mote the genuine interests of the kingdom of Christ in every other part of the world. " And, in regard we are taugfat by tfae word of God, and bound by our Covenants, National and Solemn League, to live together in the fear of God, and in love one to an otfaer, and to encourage one another in tfae work and cause of God; and that, denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world : Tfaerefore, in a dependence upon tfae Lord's grace and strengtfa, we do, in tfae same raanner, promise and swear, that we sfiall, in our several places and caUings, encourage and strengtfien one anotfier's fiands, in pursuing tfie end and design of tfiis our solemn oatfi and covenant; tfiat we shaU endeavour a Ufe and conversation becoraing tfie gospel of Christ ; that, m our personal calUngs, and particular famiUes, we sfaall study to be good examples to one another, of all godUness and rigfateousness, and of every duty that we owe to God and raan ; that we sfaall not give ourselves up to a detestable indifference and neutraUty in the cause of God ; but, denying ourselves and our own things, we shall, above all tfiings, seek the honour of God, the advanceraent of fais cause, and tfae good of fais peo ple ; and that, througfa grace, forsaking tfae counsels of flesh and blood, and not leaning on carnal confidences, we shall en deavour to depend upon the Lord, to walk by tfie rule of fiis word, and to fiearken to fiis voice in tfie dispensation of tfie gospel. In all wfiicfi, professing our own weakness, we ear nestly pray to God, wfio is tfie Fatfier of Mercies, tfiat fie raay be merciful to us, througfi fiis Son Jesus Cfirist, and en able us, by tfie power of fiis Holy Spirit, to do our duty, to tfie praise ofhis grace in the churcfaes. Araen ."f Sucfa was tfae bond, or Engagement, to whicfa a solemn adherence was pledged on tfae above occasion. Witfa tfae ex- * In a note appended to the Acknowledgment of Sins, the synod make the following declaration, explanatory of the sense in which certain parts of these subordinate standards were received by them, as a church: — " Though the synod hereby declare their approbation of the presbyterial government of the church, which is materiaUy contained in the tract compiled by the Westmin ster Assembly, comraonly called The Form of Church Government, yet they are not to be considered as adopting every thing in that tract, as absolutely necessary to presbyterial government. " And in mentioning the Directory for Public Worship, the synod only mean, that they consider that Uttle book as adapted to give direction in the worship of God ; but they do not bind theraselves to use that book as a liturgy. or always to fbliow it in every article : And this is all the use that was in tended to be made of it by the Assembly who composed it." — Narrative and Testimony, p. 219. t Narrative and Testimony, pp. 243—248. 426 PROPOSAL FOR UNION IN IRELAND. ception of tfae particular speciality, relating to the presby terial form of cfaurch government, there is not a single senti ment in it, to which an faumble and sincere Cfaristian might not at any time cordially subscribe. Nay, the sentiments, which tfae Engagement contains, are those whicfa Cfaristians ougfat, at all times, openly to avow ; and tfaey do virtually make a pubUc profession of tfaem, when they join in tfae fellow ship of the cfaurcfa ; and tfais profession which they raake may be considered by some as rendering unnecessary such a public. exhibition as tfae one above described. At tfais period, a movement was raade among tfae Seceders connected with the Burgher and Anti-Burgher synods in Ire land, to effect a union. An aggregate meeting was held, for this purpose, at Lurgan, in the month of March, 1805, where certain propositions were agreed upon, as tfae basis of a coales cence. When the General Associate synod raet in May, the sarae year, tfaougfa no official intelligence had been received by them, concerning tfae proposed union, yet tfaey considered it pro per to take tfae matter into consideration ; and a coraraittee was appointed to prepare a statement, explanatory of tfae synod's views on tfais subject. Tfae following paper, drawn up by the committee, was approved of by the synod, and ordered to be transmitted to the bretfaren in Ireland: — " The synod having learned, by common report, by tfae public papers, and by some of their own raembers, wfao were lately in tfaat country, tfaat a coalescence has been proposed betwixt the two bodies of Seceders in Ireland ; and faaving had two propositions laid before them, said to have been generally agreed to, in a conjoint meeting held at Lurgan, in the month of March last, containing the terms upon wfaicfa tfaey propose to coalesce; and the synod, finding that tfaey faad not tirae at present to enter on any par ticular consideration of said propositions, faave judged it their duty to suggest to tfaeir brethren tfae few following things, whicfa deserve tfaeir serious consideration. " Tfaat tfae first of tfaese propositions is expressed in such a general and indefinite manner, as renders it uncertain what reformation principles are precisely intended ; and contains a very unlimited approbation of tfae public papers exfaibited by tfae Secession Cfiurch, before tfae breacfa in tfae Associate sy nod ; a formal approbation of sorae of wfaich was never ex pressly required in Scotland, and whicfa, we apprefaend, are neitfaer generally known nor read by Seceders in Ireland. " And tfaat tfie second of tfiese propositions, as it was pre sented by tfie coraraittee, properly speaking, neither explicitly affirms nor denies any tfiing. As tfie maintenance of tfie true religion, eitfier absolutely considered, or as exfiibited in the Westminster Confession of Faitfa, as tfaat was received by TERMS OF COALESCENCE. 437 the General Assembly of the Cfaurch of Scotland, anno 1647, was never the subject of disputation in tfae controversy about tfae lawfulness or unlawfulness of the burgess-oath. The matter in question was concerning wfaat was called tfae true religion, as it was then professed and autfaorized by tfae laws of tfae land, wfaicfa was tfie description wfaicfa tfae foresaid oatfa gave of tfae true reUgion. Tfae synod are particularly surprised, that ever that disorderly and offensive resolution, concerning tfae decision of synod being a term of coraraunion, or not, wfaicfa was tfae irarae diate cause of tfae breacfa, sfaould have been introduced into a country, where, we are carefully told, tfaat tfae burgess-oatfa is a nonentity. And tfaey cannot understand how moral good and evil should be bounded by mountains, rivers, or firths. " The synod do not tfaink tfaat tfaere is any particular neces- . sity for requiring a positive conderanation of said oath in Ire land, if there was not an aUowance of tfae lawfulness of it, and a virtual opposition to tfae sentence of synod, in tfae conderana tion of it." Tfais paper was laid before the provincial synod of Ireland, at a meeting faeld at Belfast, on tfae 16tfa of July, 1805 ; and tfae following coraraunication was, at tfae sarae tirae, presented from tfaeir brethren, belonging to the Burgfaer Associate synod in Ireland, dated Cookstown, June 19, 1805 : — " Rev. and Dear Brother, — ^Ve write to let you know, that we have received the propositions which were adopted by the aggregate meeting at Lurgan ; and with very Uttle alterations approved of them, as the enclosed rainute will show. We hope they wiU meet with your acceptance Ukewise, and that you vrill take the necessary steps to effect the proposed coalescence. We are sorry that we had not the pleasure of seeing some of your raembers at our meeting in Cookstown, but trust that the day is not very distant, when we shall al ways meet you on such occasions. Wishing you divine direction in your pro ceedings, and an abundant blessing on your ministrations, we remain, your affectionate brethren in the Lord Jesus. Extracted by " John Rogers." The following is the minute, referred to in tfae above letter, containing a copy of tfae two propositions, wfaicfa faad been agreed on, by the Burgfaer synod in Ireland, as intended to form tfae basis of tfae proposed union : — " Proposition I. Tfiat the status ante litem, or tfae state of the Secession Churcfa immediately before tfae controversy about tfae burgess-oatfa, is a proper ground of coalescence ; and tfaat we declare our adfaerence to tfae covenanted princi ples of uniformity, contained in tfae Confession of Faitfa, Cate cfaisms Larger and Shorter, Directory for Worsfaip and Pres byterian Government, agreeable unto and founded on the word of God: That we declare our approbation of the Act and Testimony eraitted by the Associate Presbytery, in 1736, of tfae Declinature, Act for the Doctrine of Grace, Act for renew- 428 PROPOSED UNION NOT APPROVED OF, ing the Covenants, and Answers by the said Presbytery to the Reasons of Dissent by Mr. Nairn. " Proposition II. Tfae Associate synod of Ireland determined by a vote to substitute tfae following proposition in the room of the article transmitted to them by the committee. That witfa respect to tfae religious clause in sorae burgess-oaths in Scotland, we do not conceive it necessary eitfaer to approve or disapprove ; and we are of opinion, tfaat it should not be made a. term of communion in this kingdom." These two propositions were made the subject of discussion in the Irish provincial synod. After long deUberation, the question was put witfa regard to tfae first, — " Shall tfae status ante litem, as raentioned in tfae first proposition, be approved of as one step, in present circumstances, towards a coales cence?" — wfaen it carried, witfa only one dissenting voice, Approve. Tfae question was then put with regard to the second, — " Approve or Disapprove, of the second proposition, as a step towards coalescence ?" — wfaen it carried unanimously, Disapprove. A comraittee was appointed to consider what ought to be substituted in the room of tfae second proposition. After tfae committee gave in tfaeir report, several proposals were made : but at length, it was deterrained, by an unanimous vote, that the following answer sfaould be retumed to tfae bretfaren of the Burgher Synod : — " 1. Tfaat we are willing to form one cfaurcfa witfa our Burgfaer -bretfaren on tfae first pro position, naraely, status ante litem. 2. Tfaat a testiraony be drawn up by both parties, in conformity to the status ante litem, and adapted to our present circurastances in Ireland. 3. Tfaat a comraittee be appointed by botfa sides for this pur pose ; ahd we, on our part, appoint Messrs. Campbell, Hunter, and Gardner, as a coramittee to correspond witfi our Burgher bretfiren for said purpose." The clerk was enjoined to send an extract from the minutes, respecting tfae coalescence, as an answer to tfae coraraunication wfaicfa had been received from the General Associate synod.* It appears that tfae diversity of opinion entertained concern ing the second proposition, prevented the union from taking place, at this time, betwixt tfae two synods in Ireland ; for I do not find that any fartfaer measures were adopted toward the accompUsfaing of tfais object, tUl several years afterwards, Havingfailedin_ effecting a union witfa their Burgher breth ren, an appUcation was made, in the following year, to the General Synod, by some of tfie members connected witfa the provincial synod in Ireland, requesting thera to consider, whether it would not be expedient to aUow the brethren in * Christian Magazine for the year 1805, p. 435. AND POSTPONED. 429 that kingdom to transact their own business, witfaout being in immediate subordination to tfaat court. Tfais proposal it was considered inexpedient to entertain ; and no farther attempt was made at present to disturb tfie relation wfiich had hitfaer to existed betwixt tfae two synods. CHAPTER XIII. Controversy concerning the magistrate's power in matters of reUgion — Gives rise to keen discussion — Overtures from the Glasgow and Forfar presby teries — Committee appointed to prepare the draft of an overture respecting the power of the magistrate— Overture presented — Consideration of it de layed — Remitted to sessions Committee appointed to extend the Testi- mony — Draft of a new Narrative and Testiraony presented — Forraer over ture superseded— Draft of the Narrative and Testimony considered — Ac knowledgraent of Sins, &c. reviewed — And remodelled— Act concerning students of divinity — Students not required in present circumstances to covenant — Protest by Messrs. Bruce and Aitken — Representation and peti tion from Mr. M'Crie of Edinburgh, concerning power of the civil magistrate — Remonstrances from the sessions of Whitburn and Kirriemuir Motion made by Mr Bruce — Rejected — Review of the Testimony finished — Testi raony enacted and pubUshed — Protest by Messrs. Bruce, M'Crie, and others — Review of the Narrative finished — Enacted and pubUihed — Protest by Messrs. M'Crie, Whytock, and others — Introduction added to the Narra tive and Testimony — -The whole sanctioned by the Synod — New Narrative and Testimony made a term of com.munion — This resolution modified Re raarks — Manliness and good sense displayed by the Synod — Extracts frora the Testimony — Ministers, preachers, and others, to join in the bond Five ministers protest against the deed about covenanting — Extended reasons of protest presented by these brethren — Declaration of Synod concerning the protest — Remonstrance by Mr. Bruce and others — Committee appointed to answer it — Protesting brethren decUne the authority of Synod Withdraw frora its coramunion — Complaint against Mr. Aitken — Constitutional Asso ciate Presbytery formed at Whitburn — Reasons assigned for its formation — Mr. Aitken's case investigated — Mr. Aitken deposed — Charge against Mr. M'Crie — Mr. M'Crie deposed — Proceedings in the case of Messrs. Hog and Bruce — Death of Mr. Hog — Sentence of deposition pronounced on Messrs. Bruce and Chalmers — Mr. Bruce's address to his congregation — Declaration pubUshed by the separating brethren — Loud outcry raised against the Synod — Conduct of Synod defended — Statement of points at issue between the Synod and separating brethren — Remarks on the controversy. A CONTROVERSY had now been carrying on, for several years, in tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, respecting tfae power of tfae ma gistrate in matters of religion. Tfais question faad occasioned many a keen debate in the churcfa courts. Much eloquence had been expended upon it in tfae pulpit; and nuraerous pampfalets had been called forth by it frora tfae press. This controversy was raarked, during the progress of it, by a con siderable display of angry feeling, and fr terminated, Uke almost all other controversies, not in tfae conviction, but in tfae separ ation of tfae belligerent parties. After tfae usual quantity of harangues, offensive and defensive, had been delivered, and after tfae full coraplenaent of dissents and protests had been en tered upon tfae ecclesiastical records, botfa sections of the Se cession (Burgher and Antiburgfaer), witnessed the departure, CONTROVERSY RESPECTING POWER OF MAGISTRATE. 431 from their respective synods, of a sraall rainority, each of wfaicfa professed to occupy fiolier ground, and to lift up a purer banner for tfie truth, tfaan tfaose frora wfaora tfaey had withdrawn. Instead of mingUng tfae details of this contro versy with the transactions recorded in the preceding part of the narrative, and tfaereby interrupting tfae continuity of tfae account, I have tfaougfat proper to reserve tfaem, till I reacfaed tfaat period in tfae history of tfae General Associate synod, wfaen I sfaould be able to present tfaese details to tfae reader in a connected forra. At tfiis period I faave now arrived. In this cfaapter I propose retracing ray steps for a little, and giving an account of tfae progress of tfae question respecting tfae magistrates' power in raatters of reUgion, following it througfaout the different stages of its discussion in the General Associate synod, until it issued in the separation of a sraall section frora tfae synod, wfao formed tfaeraselves into a distinct ecclesiastical judicatory, and still exist, as a brancfa of the Se cession, in a state of separation from their brethren. On tfae lltfa of May, 1791, two overtures were laid on tfae table of tfae General Associate synod, one frora the presby tery of Glasgow, relating to those passages in tfae Confession of Faitfa wfaicfa sanction tfae interference of the civil raagistrate in matters of religion,* and anotfaer frora tfae presbytery of Forfar respecting tfae Testimony faeld by tfae synod. Tfae forraer required the synod to give such a stateraent of their views, concerning tfae doctrine contained in these objectionable passages, as should be raore in accordance witfa the sentiments held by a large proportion of tfae bretfaren : tfae latter required tfae synod to simplify and extend tfae Testiraony. Both over tures were read ; but tfae synod did not deem it expedient to enter upon tfae consideration of tfaem at present. Tfaey raerely appointed tfaefr clerk to transmit a copy of tfae over tures to eacfa of tfae provincial synods, tfaat tfae brethren might have tfaera under thefr consideration till next raeeting. At tfaefr next meeting, faeld in May 1792, a motion was raade tfaat a coraraittee be appointed to prepare tfae draft of an act, in accordance witfa tfae spirit of tfae overture from Glas gow presbytery. Tfais raotion was agreed to; and Messrs. Ramsay, Bruce (the Professor), James Robertson, and Tay lor, with tfae clerk of tfae synod, were appointed a committee for tfae purpose specified. Mr. Aitken (of Kirriemuir) craved to have it marked, that fae did not agree to tfae appointraent of tfais coraraittee. Tfae overture frora tfae presbytery of For far, respecting- tfae Testimony, was recomraended to the con sideration of provincial synods and presbyteries, and they were • See these passages quoted in p. 378 ofthis work. 432 OVERTURES REMITTED TO SESSIONS. to be aide to report, at next meeting of the General synod, tfaat tfaey faad devoted at least one sederunt to a special con sideration of tfais subject. Wfaen tfae synod raet in May 1793, the conimittee now men tioned presented tfae draft of an act, respecting tfae power of the civil raagistrate in matters of religion, wfaicfa was read, and a considerable time was spent in conversing on the subject, when the farther consideration of it was delayed till a future sederunt. But in consequence of tfae press of other matters, they had not time to resume tfae consideration of it at this meet ing. Tfaey appointed an interim meeting to be faeld in the month of October, for the express purpose of considering this question, and also for the purpose of considering the overture from the Forfar presbytery. The synod met, according to appointraent, on the 15th of October. The raeeting was opened with a sermon by Mr. George Murray, wfao preacfaed on Rev. iU. 11, " Behold I come quickly : fiold fast tfiat wfiich thou faast, tfaat no man take tfay crown." Messrs. Jofan Heugfa, Alexander Pringle, and David Black, were afterwards employed in prayer, with praise in tfae intervals. Tfaey tfaen adjourned to raeet on the following day, when tfae moderator, witfa Messrs. James Robertson and Hay, engaged in prayer previous to tfaeir en tering upon the business whicfa faad called them together. A discussion arose wfaicfa of the two overtures, above-mentioned, sfaould be first considered, wfaen it was decided by a vote, that tfae overture frora tfae Glasgow presbytery, respecting the power of tfae civil magistrate, sfaould faave tfae precedence. Mr. Aitken craved to faave it marked, that he thought the overture from the Forfar presbytery, respecting the simpUfy- ing and extending of tfae Testimony, was entitled to previous consideration. After a long time spent in considering tfae Glasgow over ture, wfaetfaer it would be expedient to pass it into an act, the synod found tfaat many members had not had an opportunity of perusing it ; and they therefore delayed the fartfaer discussion of it, and ordered it to be printed, and a copy of it to be sent to each minister and session, that tfaey migfat be prepared to give judgment concerning it at next meeting. Next day (tfae 17 tfa), tfae synod entered upon tfae considera tion of the overture for simplifying and extending the Testi mony, from the Forfar presbytery. A long discussion ensued, at the close of which a motion was made, " That a committee be appointed to prepare the draft of an act for extending the Testimony held by them, in opposition to tfae errors and evils tfaat faave prevailed since the Secession Testimony was stated, and particularly in opposition to the dreadfiil abounding of NEW TESTIMONY PROPOSED. 433 Arian and Socinian heresies, and the latitudinarian systera of the present tiraes ; but delay that part of tfae overture respect ing tfae simplification of tfae Testiraony." Tfae first part of this motion was unanimously adopted, and Messrs. Colin Brown, John Gray, Alexander Pringle, James Aitken, Jofan Jaraieson, Alexander Allan, and Jaraes Hay, were appointed a coraraittee to prepare an act in accordance witfa tfae terras of it : but with regard to the second part, there was a diversity of opinion. Sorae proposed tfaat instead of delaying, tfaey sfaould lay aside tfais part of tfae overture altogetfaer. This gave rise to another discussion, and tfae question being put, " Delay, or. Lay aside," it carried, by a considerable raajority, " Delay." Eight minis ters and four elders craved to fiave it marked, tfiat tfiey fiad voted " Lay aside." It was not till the meeting of synod, in April 1796, tfaat the coramittee reported they faad corapleted tfie task as signed tfiera, and laid upon tfie table a draft of a " Narrative and Testimony," and requested that tfae synod would give judgraent concerning it, at an early period. After reading the draft, the synod expressed their satisfaction with the diU gence of the committee in preparing it ; and they ordered it to be printed, and copies of it to be sent to ministers and sessions for their perusal ; they also appointed a meeting to be held on tfae lltfa of October, for tfae special purpose of taking tfais docuraent into consideration. The overture of the Glasgow presbytery, concerning tfae power of tfae civil raagistrate in matters of religion, was now corapletely superseded, as tfae sentiments of the overture were erabodied in the new Testi mony. Wfaen the synod met in October, after considerable time spent in conversing about tfae draft which their coramittee had prepared, tfae following question was put to tfae vote, " Are the synod so far satisfied witfa tfae plan of tfae present over ture, as to proceed to read and further judge of the contents of it, or not?" wfaen it was carried in the affirraative. Messrs. Bruce and Ramsay craved that it raight be raarked, " that they had not clearness to concur in the vote as stated," — and they reserved to tfaemselves tfae power of giving such a de claration of their sentiments afterwards, as they might judge proper. It was no trivial business in whicfa the synod now engaged, when they entered upon the review of a document consisting of two hundred octavo pages, and including all the controver sial points in divinity and cfaurcfa-government, which had been discussed in this country for successive generations. To review such a document, paragraph by paragraph, and to sit in judg ment on the sentiments contained in each, was indeed a work 2e 434 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS REVIEWED. of great labour, and it was not without reason tfaat tfaey term ed it " a weighty work." My readers will not wonder, when they are informed that the synod were engaged in tfais work for a period of nearly eigfat years. Tfaey commenced their re view in the raontfa of October 1796, and they did not complete it till May 1804. There was scarcely a meeting of synod faeld, during tlie course of tfaese years, at wfaicfa there were not several sederunts spent in considering the Narrative and Tes timony. But during tfae sarae period, tfaere were otfaer official docu ments, the revision of wfaicfa occupied tfaeir attention. The Acknowledgment of Sins and tfae Engagement fo Duties were not considered sufficiently suited to tfae present "circumstances of tfae cfaurch," and a comraittee was appointed to prepare an overture on' the subject. Tfae Acknowledgment contained a suraraary account of tfae defections and errors that had pre vailed in tfae different sections of tfae cfaurch, since tfae period of tfae Reforraation, and an expression of sorrow tfaat such should have been permitted to exist. Tfais paper was read over on occasions of covenanting, and all persons entering into cove nant were considered as solemnly assenting to the statements whicfa it contained. The Engagement to Duties or Profession of Faifk (as it was also called), was appended to tfae Acknow ledgment, and contained a declaration of wfaat the covenanters engaged or professed to do. This constituted, properly speak ing, tiie Bond wfaicfa they were required to swear and subscribe. Tfiose wfio had publicly assented to tfae Acknowledgment of Sins, and who had solemnly sworn and subscribed tfae Engage ment to Duties, were regarded as faaving perforraed tfae duty of pubUc covenanting ; tfiey were "joined in tfae bond." This duty was enjoined as obligatory not merely upon office-bearers and expectants of tfae rainistry, but upon all members of the churcfa. Wfaile tfae synod were engaged in moulding tfaeir Testi mony into a sfaape better adapted to tfaeir existing circum stances, as a cfaurch, expunging from it objectionable passages, and making it express, in a more decided tone, tfaeir senti- ments on the great question of tfae raagistrate's power in mat- i ters of reUgion, it was deemed no less necessary tfaat the Ac- • hnowledgment of Sins sfaould be reviewed and re-modelled, in ' order to accommodate it also to present circurastances. Ac cordingly, a draft of a new Acknowledgraent was presented by tfae committee appointed for tfais purpose, and the synod spent several sederunts, at successive raeetings, in considering it ; and at last, after much time and labour fiad been spent upon the subject, tfaey gave it tfaeir formal sanction on tfae 1 1th of September, 1799. ACT CONCERNING STUDENTS OF DIVINITY. 435 In the raeantime the synod made an enactraent, declaring it to be allowable for presbyteries to adrait on trials for licence those students of divinity who faad finisfaed their course of study, even tfaougfa they fiad not "joined in tfae bond for re newing tfae covenants," as tfaey could not be expected to do so, while the pubUc docuraents of tfae cfaurcfa were undergoing a revision. But sucfa students, before being received on trials, were to declare themselves in presence of the presbytery to be " the friends of covenanting work, particularly of tfie religious covenants of our ancestors, and of tfie duty and seasonableness of public covenanting ;" they were further to "signify thefr firra resolution of g"oing on in said work, so soon as tfae synod were agreed witfa regard to an Acknowledgment of Sins and an Engagement to Duties more suited to tfae present cfrcum stances of tfae cfaurcfa." Mr. Bruce protested agsdnst tfais enactment, for reasons to be afterwards assigned; and Mr. Aitken adfaered to fais protest. At next meeting of synod, Mr. Bruce presented tfae foUowing declaration, tfaat it migfat be entered on the record : — " Tfaat sorae appear to faave considered tfae overture (of tfae Testi mony), wfaile under review, as exfaibiting the public and au thentic declaration of the principles of this synod, at least so far as tfae review has, proceeded, and as suspending or invali dating former acts, wfaerein tfaese principles were judicially declared ; and tfais seeras to receive countenance frora a deed of last meeting of synod, suspending progress in covenanting, because some things in the Testimony and Acknowledgraent of Sins are presently under consideration : He tfaerefore craves to have it raarked, that his continuing to concur in revising the overture is not to be constructed as admitting this view ; but that he proceeds in this, or in considering hereafter any new overture for an Acknowledgraent of Sins, upon tfae sup position that our principles, and the acts explaining tfaem, re main in force in the meantime ; tfaat we may not violate the rule ofthe apostle, 'Prove aU tfamgs, and faold fest tfaat whicli is good.' " Wfaen the synod aaopted (llth September, 1799) the new Acknowledgment of Sins and Engageraent to Duties, tfaey agreed tfaat a clause should be uiserted m the second question of the formula, tfae purport of which was, tfaat tfae assent given by mmisters, probationers, and elders, to tfae doctrine of tfae Confession of Faith', and of other standard books, was to be understood^as quaUfied by the declaration of synod given in May 1796,* and renewed m September 1799. Messrs. George Whytock and John Smitfa craved that it might be marked, * See pp. 381, 382 ofthis work 436 PROTEST BY MR. BRUCE. tfaat they did not acquiesce in tfais measure ; and against tfaese proceedings of tfae synod Mr. Bruce protested in tfae foUowing terras : — " I, Arcfaibald Bruce, tfaougfa cordially approving of the duty of pubUc covenanting and of covenant renovation, as enacted and practised in the Secession, and not averse from a deliberate review of the former Acknowledgraent of Sins and Bond, or a farther and proper accoraraodation of them to pre sent tiraes and circurastances, yet find myself obliged to pro test, and I hereby do protest, in my own name and in name of aU the rainisters or people in tfae Associate Body, who may reckon it their duty to adfaere, against tfais present act of synod, so far as it enjoins a new Acknowledgraent of Sins and Engagement to Duties, inconsistent witfa and derogatory witfa tfaose forraeriy enacted and soleranly recognised araong us, or with our declared principles ; particularly as tending to introduce in a rash and subdolous manner, and to raingle in these solemn exercises, a new sectarian scherae, in reference to public reformation and covenants ; and for other reasons that raay be stated and more fully illustrated faereafter. " I, in like manner, renew ray protestation forraeriy takea against tfae general and unfair manner in wfaicfa sorae part of tfae doctrine of tfae Confession of Faitfa was virtually dropped and conderaned, and tfae cfaange of our forraula and profession that ensued, whicfa vague exception or condemnation is now judicially extended, and to be applied to every tfaing relating to the sarae subject in other standard books or papers faitfaerto assented to among us. I also renew tfae protestation taken last year against tfae deed of synod, allowing young men to be Ucensed and ordained, in a way of dispensing witfa tfae for mer terms required of tfaem in regard to covenanting, for the reasons already given in, tfiougfi not yet read or answered by tfiis court; and raust consequently fiold tfie procedure tfiat fiatfi foUowed tfiereon, in tfiis and in tfie inferior judicatories, as irregular and unconstitutional. I farther protest that none of these deeds can be held obligatory on me, nor ought to be so on any belonging to this synod, against any former vows tfaey have come under to God, or against formerly establisfaed terms of ministerial or Cfaristian coramunion in tfae Associate Body ; nor ought they to hinder a continued adfaerence to tfae stan- , dards of the reformed Cfaurch of Scotland, or tfae Secession Testiraony, or any article of our solemn covenants, as formeriy renewed and sworn araong us ; nor yet to stop procedure in the mean time in covenanting, agreeably to the principles and plan formerly adopted, either in the same form of words, or in a form witfa alterations not liable to tfae same objections, as tfae Lord raay lead forward tfaerein. PETITION FROM MR. M'cRIE. 437 " And I fartfaer declare, tfaat communion with my bretfaren henceforth, unless I obtain other Ught, can only be raaintained according to the tenor of this protestation, and upon the an cient terras and bonds of our religious association, and not on tfae footing of these late innovating acts." Mr. Aitken gave in a paper, at next meeting of synod (April, 1800), adfaering to Mr. Bruce's protest, witfa tfae fol lowing explanation, viz. " That as I did not signify my ad herence to Mr. Bruce's protest formerly taken against the act of synod, in reference to a certain part of tfae doctrine taugfat in the 23d chapter of our Confession of Faitfa, at tfae tirae said protest was taken, on account of a former dissent by rae in that cause, I now see it to be ray duty to reraonstrate ; — Likeas I faereby do remonstrate against tfae foresaid act of sy nod, and petition that tfae synod wUl review tfae same." Mr. M'Crie of Edinburgfa also presented a representation and petition, craving that tfae synod would review tfaeir deed ot 1796, respecting tfae power of the civil magistrate in mat ters of religion.* Remonstrances on the same subject were afterwards presented from the session of Whitburn (M. Bruce's), from a number of people belonging to that congregation, and from tfae session of Kirriemuir. Mr. Bruce, desirous to arrest tfae progress of tfae synod in tfae work in wfaicfa tfaey were engaged, brought forward (5th Septeraber, 1800) a motion to tfae following effect : — " Wfaereas an overture, under tfae title of a Testimony, &c. faatfa for a considerable tirae been under the consideration of synod, for terminating our deliberations on this subject, it is raoved, tfaat in regard we faave already an Act, Declaration, and Testimony, judicially autfaorized araong us, in whicfa, in connexion with posterior acts, the principles of tfae Associate body are explicitly stated and de clared ; and as tfae comraittee wfao compiled and introduced this overture, in the form of a Testimony, on a plan entirely new, — tfae use of whicfa, if enacted as proposed, would tend to supersede the use and autfaority of the former Testiraony, and of other papers, as hitherto received araong us, — acted in so far without warrant frora the synod ; therefore tfae synod agree to disraiss tfae furtfaer consideration of it in tfaat form, or witfa tfae foresaid view : But in regard tfae overture contains a statement and assertion of many scriptural and seasonable * It is rather singular, that the sentiments of Mr. M'Crie should have un dergone such a rapid change, with regard to the power of the magistrate in matters of reUgion. In 1796, he refused to submit to ordination, until the synod gave relief to his conscience, by passing an act, declaring that they disapproved of " every thing in the Confession of Faith, which, taken by itself, seems to allow the punishment of good and peaceable subjects, on account ol their reUgious opinions and observances." In 1800, he petitioned that this act should be reviewed and rescinded. ¦438 MOTION BY MR. BRUCE REJECTED. truths against a number of prevailing errors, the pubUcation of which raay be useful at tfais time, the synod appoint that so many cfaapters of tfais overture as treat upon the doctrines and principles of faith and reUgion, coramonly received among us, and wfaich, in tfae review, have been unanimously approved of, be imraediately referred to the coramittee for publication." Tfais motion of Mr. Bruce was rejected, only tfaree persons (exclusive of fairaself) faaving voted for it, viz. Messrs. Aitken, M'Crie, and Dun. Tfaat portion of tfae overture, tfae review of wfaicfa faad beeii finisfaed, was ordered to be printed, and copies of it to be sent to ministers and elders, for tfieir perusal. In October, 1801, the synod having completed tfaeir review of tfaat part of tfae overture called the Testimony, agreed that it should be enacted and publisfaed, so that the people under their inspection might faave an opportunity of perusing it ; but at tfae same time they declared, tfiat it sfiould not be raade a terra of coraraunion araongst thera, until they had also finished their review of the Narrative. Protests and remonstrances were made against tfais decision by Messrs. Bruce, Hog, M'Crie, and Whytock. Mr. Chalraers, who was not present at tfais raeeting, craved leave, at tfae next, to remonstrate against it also. Tfae synod did not consider that he faad any rigfat to faave his reraonstrance read, but they granted it as a matter of indulgence. Papers containing reasons of protest were presented by all tfae remonstrants. The general tenor of these papers was tfae same. Mr. Wfaytock concluded fais re monstrance in tfae following terms, and tfae sentiraents which he expressed were the sentiraents of tfae wfaole : — " Tfae sub scriber reraonstrates against tfais act, and protests that the synod shall set aside or review and correct it, tfaat it may correspond, in matter or design, witfa tfae Testimony afready on tfae field, and particularly with the act of tfae Associate Presbytery for renewing the covenants : And further protests, that fais continuing to faold coramunion with this synod, so long as fae can find it practicable, sfaall be considered as pro ceeding only upon the original grounds, upon wfaich he was originally admitted to be a member of it, and in the way of disclairaing tfais act, so far as contrary tfiereunto ; and, in a word, that his concurring in adraitting persons to comraunion, sfag.ll, as forraeriy, be in tfae way of receiving their adherence to the judicial Act and Testiraony eraitted by tfae Associate Presbytery, aye and until a Testimony more correspondent to it than tfais, in matter and spirit, sfaaU be substituted in its place." A comraittee was appointed to prepare answers to tfae reasons of protest given in by the reraonstrants ; and when the answers were read, tfaey were approved of as satis factory. REVISION OF NARRATIVE FINISHED. 439 In September, 1803, the synod having finished their re vision of the Narrative, enacted it, as tfaey had previously done tfae Testimony; and they also gave their sanction to an Intro duction wfaicfa faad been prepared by a coramittee. Tfae whole overture, including Introduction, Narrative, and Testiraony, was tfaen ordered to be pubUsfaed for tfae perusal of tfae people, witfa tfae following note prefixed : — " Tfie synod, having enacted the subsequent papers, have agreed tfaat tfaey will consider, against next meeting, of adopting tfae Testimony, as tfaat to which accessions will be given to-those who propose to join our connexion, agreeably to what is expressed in the Intro duction." A formal protestation, subscribed by Messrs. Wfay tock, Aitken, and M'Crie, was laid upon tfae table, against tfaese decisions. Mr. Cfaalmers, who was prevented by indisposition from attending when the synod were engaged in reviewing and correcting the Introduction and Narrative, craved (in a written coramunication) tfaat as he was unacquainted witfa tfae precise state of tfae overture as now enacted, " tfae door migfat be lef open to faim to declare fais sentiments, and exoner hiraself re specting it, after he sfaall have had an opportunity of giving it a deliberate perusal." Mr. Bruce, wfaose absence was occasioned by his official labour as Professor of Divinity, sent a letter, tfie following extract from wfiicfi fie required to be inserted in the synod's record : — " K a decision, such as has been feared, sfaall be gone into, I desire to faave it represented, tfaat as I adfaere to forraer regular steps taken in synod to prevent such a decision, and to any similar steps that raay be found neces sary to be taken by brethren in support of our forraer principles and terms of fellowship ; so I raust consider rayself as to be entitled to full Uberty to exoner myself as to any such deeds at tfais tirae, at a posterior raeeting of synod, if in providence I shall have an opportunity of attending." Wfaen tfae synod raet in April, 1804, Mr. Hog, wfao faad not been present at tfae last meeting, offered to adhere to the protest taken by Messrs. Whytock, Aitken, and M'Crie, against the deed of synod, enacting the Narrative and Intro duction. Tfaough Mr. Hog faad not tendered any excuse for fais absence from tfae meeting in Septeraber, yet tfae synod so far indulged hira, as to perrait fais protest to be recorded. Mr. Cfaalmers declared fais adfaerence to tfae sarae protest. Tfaese five bretfaren tfaougfat proper to "exoner" tfieir consciences still furtfier at tfiis meeting, by presenting an additional paper of remonstrance, wfiich concluded in the following terms : — " But if the synod will hearken to no remonstrance on this subject, the subscribers again protest, tfaat tfaey sfaall be justified in holding by our former terras of comraunion, proceeding in 440 REMARKS ON THE NEW TESTIMONY. admissions in the sarae way as forraeriy, and that tfaey shall be at liberty to use all raeans necessary and competent for inaintaining and vindicating tfae principles of tfae Secession, as originally stated." A coramittee was appointed to take this paper into consideration, and also to converse witfa tfae re raonstrants. Tfais coraraittee reported, that sorae of the scruples of tfaeir bretfaren had been removed, but tfaat others still reraained. The synod then took into consideration a paper of corrections and additions, wfaicfa it was proposed to make to tfae Narrative and Testimony, witfa tfae view of obviating tfae objections of tfae reraonstrants. After several sederunts faad been spent in considering tfaese corrections and additions, tfaey were adopted; but the adopting of thera only gave occasion to the recording of another dissent. Messrs. Whytock and M'Crie craved to have it raarked, that the grounds of their protest, so far from being removed, were ratfaer confirmed, by the corrections which had now been adopted ; and they desired, as usual, that " tfae door raigfat be left open to tfaera " to state tfaeir rainds fartfaer on tfae subject, as tfaey raigfat see cause, in tfae future progress of tfae business. This tedious and laborious work of revising tfae Testiraony, in wfaicfa tfae synod had now been engaged for several years, was at last brougfat to a close on tfae 2d of May, 1804, by tfae adopting of the following motion : — " The synod agree to adopt tfie Introduction, Narrative, and Testiraony, as now corrected and enlarged, as the terra of adraission for tfaose who sfaall apply for joining in coraraunion witfa us, with tfae limi tations stated in tfae Introduction ; to be acted upon, after the people have had due tirae to acquaint themselves with these deeds : And that tfae synod furtfaer agree, tfaat all due tender ness be exercised to tfaose wfao are already in comraunion with tfaera, whetfaer rainisters or people, wfao raay faave scruples as to sorae things contained m tfaera." Wfien tfiis motion was adopted, Messrs. Wfiytock, Aitken, Cfialmers, Hog, and M'Crie, declared tfiat tfiey adfiered to tfieir forraer pro testation, and reserved to tfieraselves the Uberty of making farther opposition to this and former deeds, sfaould tfaey judge it necessary. Tfaere were various considerations that influenced the Gene ral Associate synod, in tfaus remodelling tfaeir Testimony. One of tfaese was a desire to simplify. Tfae distinguishing principles of the Secession Churcfa fiad fiitfierto been scattered tfirougfiout a number of official publications; sucfi as the Judicial Act and Testiraony, tfie Act concerning tfie Doctrine of Grace, tfie Act for Renewing tfie Covenants, tfie Answers to Mr, Nairn's Reasons of Dissent, wdtfi tfie Declaration ap- DECLARATION CONCERNING TESTIMONY. 44J ? ended, and otfaer acts of tfae Associate presbytery and synod. t was not to be supposed that all those wfao were in ifae com munion oftfae Secession, could have either opportunity or capa city to peruse these documents with understanding ; and the synod, tfaerefore, found it expedient, according to tfaeir own declaration, " to collect tfae substance of them all into a plain and comprehensive summary, which persons in ordinary cir cumstances and of ordinary capacity raay both read and un derstand." Anotfaer consideration wfaicfi influenced tfaem in this raatter, was a desire to extend their Testimony, so as to bring it down to the present period. .Various things faad occurred, since tfae comraenceraent of tfae Secession, wfaich rendered this, in their opinion, necessary. The corruptions of the Establisfaed Churcfa faad increased, and otfaer denomina tions of professing Cfaristians faad sprung up around tfaem, of wfaose principles tfaey did not approve, and against wfaom they considered it their duty to testify. Still furtfaer, tfae pfaraseo logy of tfae original Testiraony, on certain points, was not considered sufficiently expUcit, or ratfaer it conveyed a raean ing different from tfaat wfaicfa was faeld by the great majority of the svnod ; and it was tfaerefore deemed necessary, tfaat tfae language eraployed should be less ambiguous, and raore in ac cordance with the sentiraents of those wfaose opinions it was intended to express. Witfa regard to tfae sense in wfaich the adopting of tfae new Testimony was to be regarded as a terra of adraission to their communion, the synod raade tfae following declaration : — " In tfae former Testimony, tfae declaration of our principles is in termixed with rauch falstorical narration. Tfais fias given sorae persons occasion to tfiink that we required every Seceder to vouch for the truth of all such narration, whicfa very few could be in a capacity to do. As no such thing was ever re quired or expected, in order to obviate tfais raistake, the synod have now separated the Narrative frora tfae doctrinal Testiraony. Tfae Narrative being enacted by tfais synod, as well as wfaat is properly called tfae Testiraony, is to be considered as a part of tfae synod's Judicial Testiraony. It will be expected, that every person who sfaall faencefortfa be admitted to our corarau nion, should read the Narrative, in order to fais faaving a proper understanding of tfae Testiraony : And tfaougfa sucfa an adfaer ence to the Narrative, as includes a vouching for tfae trutfa of facts, will not be required ; yet no person will be admitted to comraunion witfa us, who forraally conderans tfae attainraents in reformation of wfaich the synod approve ; or approves of those steps of defection wfaicfa tfae synod condemn. Nor will any be admitted who does not express an adfaerence to tfae doctrines contained in tfae Testimony itself." 442 EXTRACTS FROM TESTIMONY. This Testimony, on whicfa so mucfa tirae and attention faad been expended by tfae synod, is, upon tfae whole, a business like production, and the publication of it was fitted to be useful to the people under their cfaarge, botfa in making tfaem ac quainted with their principles, and in enabUng tfaem to defend tfaem. Tfaere is to be found in it mucfa valuable information on doctrinal topics, lucidly arranged, and scripturaUy express ed. It contains also a firm and faonest avowal of tfae sentiments of the synod upon those debateable questions, whicfa tfaen agi tated the church, and wfaich continue to agitate it at the present day. Some of the statements contained in the Introduction do faonour to tfae manliness and good sense of the synod, and must coraraand the approbation of every intelligent Cfaristian. Tfae sentiments expressed are such as all genuine reformers ougfat to adopt. Lest any migfat suppose tfaat, in tfae remodelling of their Testimony, they were influenced more by regard to the opinions of men, tfaan by tfae word of God, or tfaat tfaey con sidered themselves bound impUcitly to adopt or reject what ever faad been adopted or rejected by those good men wfao faad gone before thera, they raade tfae following statements : — " The foundation upon which we rest tfae wfaole of our ecclesiastical constitution, is tfae testimony of God in fais word. Tfaat main pillar of tfae Reformation, ' tfaat tfae Bible contains tfae wfaole religion of protestants,' we adopt for our fundaraen tal principle, and build upon tfae foundation of tfae apostles and propfaets, Jesus Cfarist hiraself being tfae cfaief corner-stone. Thougfa we should be defamed as setting up the reformation attained to betwixt tfae years 1638 and 1650, as tfae standard of our cfaurcfa state, we fiold every thought of tfais kind in de testation. We acknowledge tkat to faave been a period of erainent ecclesiastical purity; but we call no man nor church, Master. One is our Master, even Cfarist, and his word is our only unerring rule. ' To the law and to tfae testiraony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no ligfat in tfaera.' "* With regard to what faas usually been terraed tfre First and Second Reformations, — tfae one from popery, and the otfaer from prelacy, — tfaey say, " Our declaring an adfaerence to tfaese Reforraations, and particularly to tfae latter, as compre.- hending in it all tfae valuable attainments of tfae former, does not imply our approbation of all tfae measures adopted in the prosecution of either. Some of the raeasures that faave been adopted in tfae prosecution of the last, tfaat faave been consider ed by many as raost exceptionable, we do not hesitate to ap- ' Narrative and Testimony, enacted by the General Associate Synod in 1804. P. 9. EXTRACTS FROM TESTIMONY. 443 prove; sucfa as tfaeir raeeting togetfaer to concert measures for getting rid of public evils, even wfaen tfaeir raeetings for tfaat purpose were forbidden by orders frora court ; their defending tfaemselves by arms, when unjustly attakced by tfaefr enemies; their pledging themselves to cleave to one anotfaer in the prosecution of tfae cause in wfaich tfaey were engaged, and using means for securing to tfaeraselves tfae quiet possession of tfaeir Cfaristian privileges. We do not vindicate tfae em bodying tfae matter of tfaeir religious profession witfa tfae laws of the country, and giving it the formal sanction of civil au thority. It is not, however, to the imperfect raanagements of men, that we declare our adfaerence, but to tfae Reforraation itself."* In reference to tfae Westrainster Confession of Faitfa, and Catecfaisms, tfaey declare, " That, in our adherence to tfaem, we are not to be viewed as adopting a rule of faitfa distinct from tfae Holy Scriptures. Tfaougfa we acknowledge tfaese as subordinate standards, tfaey are not at all tfae rule of wfaat we are bound to beUeve, but a public declaration of wfaat we do beUeve ; and beUeve, because revealed to us in the word of God. By tfais word tfaey are tfaeraselves to be tried and judg ed. The reason wfay we use tfaera, and avow our adfaerence to them, is, that we may give public testiraony of our sound ness in tfae faitfa, and tfaereby distinguisfa ourselves frora tfaose wfao pervert tfae scriptures, by glosses contrary to their genuine meaning." They further declare, " Tfaat, as no hu man composure, faowever excellent and well expressed, can be supposed to contain a full and comprefaensive view of divine trutfa ; so, by tfais adfaerence, we are not precluded from em bracing, upon due deUberation, any furtfaer ligfat wfaicfa raay afterward arise frora tfae word of God, about any article of divine truth."t In tfaeir new Testiraony, tfae synod took very decided ground witfa regard to tfae interference of the civil magistrate in matters of religion. They condemned, in explicit terras, the connexion betwixt churcfa and state. Tfae language wfaicfa tfaey employed on tfais subject, was similar to tfaat wfaicfa faa» since been rendered raore familiar to tfae public by tfae Volun tary Cfaurcfa controversy. Tfae following passages, extracted from tfaeir publication, will sfaow tfae clear and enligfatened views wfaicfa tfaey entertained on tfais question ; tfae sentiments expressed are in accordance witfa tfae dictates of revelation and of sound reason. In drawing tfae line of distinction betwixt cfaurcfa and state, they declare, — " 1. Tfaat tfae cfaurcfa is a spiritual kingdom. • Narrative, &c. P. 10. t Iljid. Pp. 12, 13. 444 EXTRACTS FROM TESTIMONY. Her members, as such, are considered as spiritual persons. The same cfaaracter belongs to her doctrines, ordinances, and office-bearers. But tfae kingdoras of this world are secular and earthly societies ; tfae raembers of wfaicfa, as such, are con sidered as capable of perforraing tfae duties, and of enjoying tfae privileges, belonging to a civil state. The power of the cfaurcfa is wfaolly spiritual, and is exercised by faer office-bearers, in its whole extent, solely with respect to the spiritual inter ests of raen, and in no other name but tfaat of Cfarist. But tfae power competent to worldly kingdoras is wfaolly temporal, respecting only tfae temporal interests of society. Their rulers can faave no spiritual power, because tfais cannot reside in a civil body, and tfaerefore cannot be communicated to tfaem by tfaose wfao faave intrusted tfaem witfa power. Tfae rulers of the cfaurch are bound to publish and execute tfae laws given her by Christ ; but have no right to raake new laws, or in the least to deviate from his. But civil society raay cfaoose wfaat forra of governraent, and may make wfaat civil laws they please, if they do nothing contrary to tfae eternal law of right eousness, whicfa is tfae rule of civil society, as sucfa. Tfae glory of God, in the salvation of elect sinners, is the end of tfae erec tion of tfae cfaurcfa, and of all faer doctrines and ordinances. Tfae end of civil governraent, in subordination to tfae divine glory, is tfae public and teraporal good of civil society. " 2. That neither of these kingdoras faatfa power over the otfaer. Tfae cfaurcfa hatfa a spiritual autfaority over sucfa of the subjects and rulers of eartfaly kingdoras, as are in faer commu nion ; and tfae civil powers fiave tfae same authority over the merabers and office-bearers of tfae cfaurcfa, as over tfae rest of tfaeir subjects. But she faatfa no power over eartfaly kingdoms, in tfaeir collective and civil capacity; nor faave tfaey any power over faer as a cfaurcfa. Christ faer Head, wfaile on earth, dis claimed all exercise of civil autfaority ; and tfaere is not the least evidence frora tfae New Testaraent, tfaat fae intrusted his servants witfa any. So far from tfais, it is given as the charac ter of tfae Man of Sin, tfaat fae sfaould arrogate autfaority over eartfaly kingdoms. On tfae otfaer hand, neitfaer these king doms, nor their sovereigns, faave any power in or over the cfaurcfa. Cfarist, faer only Sovereign, fiatfa. neitfaer directly nor indirectly, given tfaera any spiritual autfaority. The Christian religion lays every one wfao professes it, under the strongest obligations to tfie faitfiful discfiarge of tfie duties of his station. But it annexes no new powers to any office or rela tion founded in nature ; therefore, Cfaristian magistrates faave no power to give laws to tfae cfaurcfa ; to appoint her office bearers, or dictate to tfaem in the discfiarge of tfaeir office ; to prescribe a confession of faith, or form of worship, to the EXTRACTS FROM TESTIMONY. 445 cfaurcfa, or tfaeir subjects in general ; authoritatively to call meetings of cfaurcfa judicatories, in ordinary cases, or to direct or control tfaem in tfaeir judicial procedure. In raatters purely religious, civil rulers have no right to judge for any but them selves."* On the subject of public religious covenanting, tfae synod tfaus express tfieraselves : — '" Tfiat public religious covenant ing is tfie deed of a nuraber of cfiurcfi raerabers, in which they jointly and pubUcly profess to renounce all hope of life from the covenant of works ; to take faold of tfae covenant of grace, and to devote tfaemselves to tfae Lord ; and in tfae strength of promised grace, engage faithfully to cleave to faim, to hold fast his truth, to perforra the various duties whicfa they owe to God and man, in their respective stations and relations, and to strengtfaen one anotfaer's faands in tfae work of tfae Lord. Altfaougfa an oatfa be not essential to tfae performance of tfais duty, it is generally most proper to accorapany it. Those wfao entered into covenant under the Old Testaraent, frequently attested the sincerity of tfaeir profession by an oath. Wfaen tfais is foretold as a duty to be performed in New Testament times, it is in different places called swearing. The solemnity of an oath seems pecuUarly proper, when the truth is violently opposed. In tfais case, especially, it is faigfaly reasonable tfaat we sfaould attest our allegiance to tfae King of Zion, witfa as mucfa solemnity as is required by earthly kings ; and that we should seal our confession to tfae Amen, tke faithful and true Witness, in tfae sarae manner in wfaicfa fae sealed fiis." They then acknowledge the continued obligation of the covenants " of our reforming ancestors," upon persons of all ranks in these lands, and their posterity. They also acknow ledge the obligation of the Engagement to Duties come un der in tfae Secession Cfaurcfa ; after wfaicfa tfaey make tfae fol lowing reraarks on the Soleran League and Covenant : — " Is it objected that tfae Soleran League and Covenant was en joined under civil pains ? We grant tfaat it was. But tfais was in a great raeasure the consequence of civil and religious raatters being joined togetfaer in the same oath. How far tfaose in power acted properly, in enforcing tfae civil matters contained in it witfa civil pains, we do not reckon it incurabent on us to determine ; but we are ready to acknowledge, that, if raatters purely reUgious were enforced by such pains, it was unwarrantable. As the synod are still of tfae same judgment witfa tfae Associate Presbytery, tfaat tfae Solemn League and Covenant was ^for the matter just and warrantable, for tke ends necessary and commendable, andfor the time seasonable ; * Narrative and Testimony, enacted by the General Associate Synod, in 1804. p. 193. 446 MINISTERS .A.ND OTHERS REQUIRED TO JOIN TIIE BOND therefore tfae synod, in acknowledging tfae obligation of the covenants of our ancestors, raake no exception as to any part of tfaeir matter, according to tfae Umitations expressed in the Narrative and Testimony, tfaougfa tfaey do not consider every tfaing in tfaem as so particularly applicable to every period, or to our present circumstances. " It faas been objected, tfaat in tfae Soleran League, they swore that tfaey sfaould, ' without respect of persons, endeavour tke extirpation of popery, prelacy, superstition, keresy, sckism, and wkaf soever should he found contrary to sound doctrine.' But, as the evils enuraerated, and not persons, are represented as tfae objects of extirpation, or rooting out, by our covenant ing ancestors ; wfaatever means any person, eitfaer in former or present times, migfat tfaink tfaemselves bound by tfae cove nant to employ for tfae extirpation of tfaese evils, yet we, in adfaering to tfae religious reforraation, engaged to in tfais cove nant, utterly disclaira all obUgation to use any metfaods in consistent witfa liberty of conscience in prosecuting tfae ends After the synod faad completed tfae revision of tfaeir Nar rative and Testiraony, tfaey passed an act declaring tfaat all ministers, preacfaers, students, elders, and otfaers, wfao faad not yet covenanted, sfaould "join in tfae bond," agreeably to tfae tenor of tfae new Testimony ; and tfaey appointed a special raeeting of tfae synod to be faeld for tfaat purpose in tfae raonth of May, 1805 ; f they also recoraraended to all the rainisters con nected witfa tfae synod, to turn tfae attention of tfaeir people to " tfae ordinance of public covenanting," by preacfaing on tfae subject ; and to inculcate upon tfaem tfae obligation under wfaicfa tfaey lay, to erabrace tfae earliest opportunity of joining in tfaat work. Tfaey furtfaer revised tfae Forraula of Questions put to rainisters and elders, at tfaeir ordination, and to preacfa ers when receiving licence ; and tfaey raade sucfa alterations in it, as were rendered necessary by the iraproveraents raade in their Testiraony. Against tfaese proceedings Messrs. Whytock, Aitken, Chal mers, Hog, and M'Crie entered tfaeir protest in tfae following terms: — " Tfae subscribers find it necessary to protest, in their own name, and in the name of all their bretfaren wfao raay ad faere to them, against the deed of synod, agreeing to, and enacting tfae overture about covenanting ; because said deed proceeds upon tfae doctrine about covenanting, laid down in tfae new Testiraony afready protested against ; because it does not correspond with the renovation of our solemn covenants, * Testimony, p. 159. t The proceedings that took place at this meeting, have been noticed above See p 433 DECLARATION OF SYNOD. 447 agreed upon by tfae Associate Presbytery ; and because it ap pears to tfaem to lead to engageraents different from, if not contrary to, tfaose we have already come under, — craving liberty to illustrate and enlarge these reasons, and to add otfaers, according as they may find necessary, upon perusing the deed, when put into tfaeir faands, protesting that tfaey shall not be considered as bound to take part in the execution of this deed, or to conform to the injunctions and directions which it contains. Tfaey also protest against tfae deed now passed appointing various alterations in tfae Forraula, for the purpose of its being accoraraodated to tfae acts respecting tfae new Testiraony, and tfae act about covenanting above men tioned ; upon all wfaicfa, tfaey take instruraents, and crave ex tracts." At next raeeting of synod faeld in May 1804, a paper, con taining reasons of protest in a more extended form, was pre sented by Messrs. Wfaytock, Cfaalmers, Hog, and M'Crie. Tfae synod, faaving formerly appouited a coraraittee to answer tfae reraonstrance whicfa faad been given in by tfaese bretfaren, at a forraer meeting ; and, being satisfied witfa tfae answers wfaicfa tfaeir coraraittee had returned, did not consider it neces sary to take any particular notice of tfae paper now presented; but " for tfae satisfaction and exoneration of the protesting bretfaren," tfaey agreed to engross their protest in tfaeir minutes, " in tfae way of signifying their disapprobation of various expressions in it, particularly in representing the raanner of covenanting by the synod as opposite and contradictory unto forraer covenanting in the Secession." At tfae sarae time, tfae synod declared, " Tfaat although these bretfaren cannot, for the tirae, see it to be tfaeir duty actively to concur in covenant ing, agreeably to the Acknowledgraent of Sins and Bond adopted by the synod, or to concur in licensing preacfaers, oi in ordaining rainisters, according to tfae present Forraula; yet the synod cannot adrait procedure in covenanting, but on the footing of tfae Acknowledgment of Sins and Bond adopted by tfaem, or allow any Formula to be used but tfaat agreed upon by tfae synod; and tfae synod expect tfaat, in tfae event of tfieir brethren's protestation being adraitted into the records of court, tfaey wUl not, eitfaer frora tfae pulpit or frora tfae press, impugn or oppose our principles, as stated by tfae synod ; and, as tfae synod faave not prohibited our brethren frora receiving into coramunion persons who may better understand or approve of the forraer statement of our pruiciples ; so, on tfae otfier hand, the synod expect that our bretfaren sfiall not refuse to admit to coramunion sucfi persons as fiave read and approve of our principles, as tfie synod fiave now stated them ; and, in fine, that our bretfaren conduct tfaemselves, as tfaey faave done 448 REMONSTRANCE BY MR BRUCE : hitherto, in attending church courts, and assisting their breth ren on sacramental occasions, tfaat tfae edification of tfae bodv may not be raarred, but tfae peace and unity of tfae churcfi proraoted." Tfaese bretfaren considered tfais declaration of synod an in fringement of tfaeir rainisterial liberty ; and tfaey were under tfae necessity of again " exonering" tfaeir consciences, by hav ing recourse to another protestation, tfae purport of wfaicfi was, " We find ourselves under tfie necessity of declaring, tfiat we disclaira any acknowledgraent of fiolding or exercising our ministry upon sucfi new injunctions and rules, wfiile we are resolved to discfiarge it as tfie Lord may direct, with faithfiil- ness and prudence, according to former engagements." To tfais paper were appended the names of Messrs. Whytock, Chalraers, and M'Crie. Mr Bruce, at this meeting, presented a remonstrance and protest, on his own account, in whicfa fae declared, tfaat if the synod did not review and disannul their late deeds, fae would be under tfae necessity of withdrawing from tfaeir coramunion. His paper concluded in tfae following terras : — " Upon tfae wfaole, tfae reraonstrant tfainks it high time tfaat he, and otfaers in a similar situation, sfaould know how coraraunion at present stands, or raay faereafter stand, between the reverend synod and tfaem, wfaile tfaey retain tfaeir present views, and find tfaem selves obliged to act according to tfaem. According to the import, and even tfae express letter of tfaese new terms, fae can not but consider fairaself as really precluded frora taking any active share in judicial procedure, or public ministrations, wfaerein tfaese take effect, and while they stand in force. He expected to Uve and die in cordial union with fais bretfaren, wfaom he loves, as well as in adfaerence to tfae profession that was the cfaoice of fais judgment, wfaicfa must, faowever, be pre ferred to all tfaat is dear on earth. But, in order that wonted fellowship may be continued, and tfae peace and unity of the body raaintained in consistency witfa trutfa and a good con science, fae tfainks hiraself entitled to deraand, as he faereby in fiis own narae, and in the narae of otfaer reraonstrants wfao may see raeet to adfaere, and in tfae name of all otfaers disposed to adfaere to tfae former principles and engagements, doth demand that the acts iraposing tfaese new terras be speedily reversed, and tfaat otfaer grievances be taken into serious consideration, and in due tirae redressed ; declaring and protesting, in fake manner, tfaat till tfais requisition be granted, fae must consider himself and them as actuaUy expelled from tfaeir wonted com munion witfa tfais synod, or tfae present prevaiUng party in it, merely for their consistent adherence, so far as enabled, to tfaeir former profession and vows ; and that, being reluctantiy ANSWERED BY COMMITTEE. 449 obliged to give way to tfais, fae, and otfaers wfao raay concur, shall in the raean time have a right, as tfaey faave a proper call, to the full exercise of any part of ministerial office or duty, individually or jointly, in the support of tfae pubUc cause, according to tfae word of God, and presbyterian principles, disclaiming aU purpose of encouraging scfaism and strife, or of increasing tfae lamentable divisions in tfae land ; and fae furtfaer protests, tfaat fae or tfaey ougfat to be free from any restraint or hinderance frora the operation of these acts, or by virtue of any power unconstitutionally claimed, or tfaat raay be exercised over hira or them in so doing, by this General Synod, or any inferior judicatories, as acting according to the new systera, and laws now adopted, in opposition to aU reraonstrances to tfae contrary, in reference to wfaich system, no subjection was ever promised or due ; while dutiful subordination, as Uraited in ordination vows, is not disclairaed, nor wiU be refused, upon their removing tfaese bars they faave raised. Nor sfaall com munion be refused with any brethren or churcfa-members, who may be wilUng to continue it upon forraer grounds, and as stated in late protestations, thougfa they may not be of the same mind as to many points of difference, or clear as yet about the course or measures proper to be pursued." Mr. Aitken declared tfaat fae adfaered to tfae concluding part of tfais protest ; and, at the following meeting, Messrs. Hog and M' Crie declared their adfaerence to it also. A comraittee was appointed to prepare answers to tfae reasons contained in tfae reraonstrance ; and, when the coraraittee gave in their re port, tfae synod sustained the answers as sufficient to take off the force of the reasons, tfaough they did not approve of every sentiraent or mode of expression employed by tfae committee. Notwitfastanding tfaese answers, tfae scruples of the protesting brethren remained unshaken. Nothing less than a total re versal of tfae deeds complained of, would satisfy tfaera : and, as tfaere was little or no probabiUty tfaat the synod would adopt any such raeasure, and thus nullify, by a single act, wfaat it faad cost them tfae labour of several years to accomplish, so these brethren now formed tfae resolution of witfadrawing from tfae comraunion of tfae synod, and constituting tfaemselves in to a separate society. Accordingly, on tfae 7th of May, 1806, tfaey presented tfae following paper, containing a virtual de clinature of the synod's authority , and, after having presented it, they never again took their seat in the synod : " We the subscribers do protest, in our own name, and in name of all who may see meet to adhere, against tfaese deeds, as now raade final, and that every one of us shall be free from the operation of tfiese acts, and from all obligation of being responsible to this, or inferior judicatories, from acting in op- 2 F 450 DECLINATURE AND PROTEST position to tfaem, so far as tfaey are inconsistent with our former profession and engagements, holding any power that may be claimed or exercised by this synod, for compelling us to con formity to tfaese new principles and constitution, as unwarran table, and that we sfaall account any censure that may be inflicted on us, or on any adhering to us, of such a tendency, or for restraining or hindering us in tfae discfaarge of any duty or office we may faave a call to perform, individually or con» junctly, in maintaining our common profession, or fulfilling our soleran engagements. We protest we must faold our right to tfae exercise of ministerial and judicial powers fuU and entire, whetfaer we sfaall see it expedient to avail ourselves of the rigfat protested for or not, in our state of separation and exclu sion from present communion with the prevailing party in this synod, in tfaeir present course, into wfaich, to our grief, we are reluctantly driven ; whicfa suspension of wonted fellowsfaip in tfae Lord, and in tfae trutfa, we faope and pray may be but temporary and sfaort. We renew the declaration made last year against any intention or course that may increase lamen table divisions, or proraote any scfaismatical separation from tfae reformed and covenanted Cfiurcfa of Scotland, tfae original Secession Testimony, or tfae Associate synod, in adfaerence to it. The multiplication of sects and schisms we consider as among tfae prevaiUng evils of tfae age, against which we have solemnly aVowed, as well as against otfaer evils ; and it is one great reason for our not concurring witfa our bretfaren in this new scfaeme, tfaat it is of a scfaismatical tendency, and incon sistent witfa tfae promoting of a covenanted conjunction and uniformity. We sfaall endeavour to faave tfae great end of an union among evangelical rainisters and Cfaristians in view, and will be ready to encourage correspondence witfa any belonging to tfais synod, or otfaer denorainations wfao still profess regard to tfae Westminster standards of uniformity, and presbyterian principles, with a view to have subsisting differences removed in a scriptural raanner. " In the mean time, we tfaink. we have reason to complain, that our brethren, with whom we have been joined in close and corafortable coramunion, have, on tfaeir part, broken tfae brotherly covenant, and laid a great bar in the way of proraoting such a desirable union and uniformity; and we would remind them of the clause of the oath they had sworn, never to give them selves to indifference or lukewarmness, in the public cause, but encourage one another in prosecuting tfae end of tfaeir solemn covenant. " And we leave tfae consequences of tfaese our contendings and desfres to Him wfao faas tfae disposal of all events, who sits above the floods, and wfao often hath sfretched out his BY MR. BRUCE AND OTHEIUS. 451 glorious arm in tfaese isles of tfae sea, in befaalf of tfae cause of reformation, for whicfa we have all been professing to ap pear, and wfao hatfa said, ' Now will I arise, now will I be exalted, now wUl I Uft up rayself, when he seeth tfaeir strength is gone, and there is none sfaut up or left.' May he speemly arise, and have mercy upon Zion. " Arch. Bruce, minister at Whitburn. "James Aitken, minister at Kirriemuir. "James Hog, minister at Kelso. " Thos. M'Crie, minister at Edinburgh."* The synod delayed the consideration of this paper till their meeting in August ; and a coraplaint being raade, tfaat tfaese bretfaren refiised to give attestations to sucfa of tfaeir people as were desirous to join in coraraunion witfa the neigfabouring congregations, tfae synod gave directions that these people be admitted on being certified by tfaeir elders, or by otfier mem bers of tfae cfaurcfi residing in tfaeir neighbourhood. A com plaint was at the same time preferred against Mr. Aitken of Kirriemuir, by sorae of fais elders, and otfaers, tfaat fae and fais session faad raaterially declined subordination to tfae synod, on tfae ground of tfae synod's " public received principles." The synod had not time to enter upon tfae consideration of tfais complaint ; but tfaey agreed that it should lie upon their table till tfaeir next meeting ; and Mr. Aitken and his elder (the representative of tfae session), were cited apud acta, to attend. The four protesting brethren did not wait for the decision of tfae synod on their declaration, presented on the 7tfa of May. But when tfae synod met at Glasgow on tfae 26th of August (1806), these brethren met at Whitburn on the sarae day ; and after two days spent in conference and prayer, they con stituted tfaemselves into a presbytery, under tfae designation of the Constitutional Associate Presbytery. Mr. Bruce pre sided as raoderator on tfae occasion, and Mr. M'Crie was ap pointed to officiate as clerk. Tfae reasons assigned by tfaem for taking tfais step, were tfae same as tfaose which faad afready been reiterated in tfaeir remonstrances and protests. In tfaefr " Deed of Constitution," wfaich was afterwards publisfaed, tfaey bewail the defection of the synod in adopting a new 'l?esti- mony and declaration of principles, m altering the Bond for public covenanting, and in sanctioning a new Formula of ques tions for entrants into office ; — " by whicfa deed," they say, * Mr. Whytock, minister at Dalkeith, who had co-operated with these four brethren in their'opposition to the synod, was now dead ; he died on the 24th of October, 1805. "^52 reasons assigned for forming " some important doctrines in the Confession of Faith, and different articles in their Testimony and principles formerly subscribed, are renounced and dropped, and opposite sectarian errors introduced." What were the important doctrines, whicfa tfae synod " renounced and dropped," and wfaat the " opposite sectarian errors," wfaich they introduced, they are not pleased to specify. But the chief burden of tfaeir lamen tation lies in tfae following passage : — " Particularly, the duty and warrantableness of civil rulers employing tfaeir authority in an active support of the interests of religion and tfae king dom of Christ, and in promoting reformation (wfaicfa was an eminent part of tfae testimony and contendings of tfae Church of Scotland, in befaalf of tfae reformation of our native land, civil and ecclesiastic, explicitly approved in tfae Secession), are by tfae new deeds denied and set aside ; as also, that all cove nants of a religious nature, entered into by, nations, in their public capacity, or in conjunction with churcfaes, and in so far the National covenant of Scotland, and tfae Soleran League and covenant of tfae tfaree kingdoms, in tfaeir proper iraport, matter, and form, as well as in tfae manner of ratifying and enjoining them, are either directly or by native consequences condemned." In tfais document, tfaey find and declare, tfaat tfae General Associate synod, and inferior judicatories concurring with it, can no longer be acknowledged as faithful, or rigfatly consti tuted courts of Cfarist, and tnat tfaey can take no sfaare with them in the exercise of government and discipline : it is there fore- " warrantable and needful for thera to associate together, not only for tfae adrainistration of tfae word and sacraments, and for occasional consultations, but also for the regular exer cise of government and discipUne, as Providence may give them an opportunity." They further modestly affirm, that " their acting in this capacity appears to be no less needful for the support of tfae pubUc cause, for wfaicfa tfaey are con tending, as otfaerwise tfae reformation testimony, in various articles of it, for tfae maintenance of wfaicfa tfae associate judi catories were first constituted, would be in great danger of be ing dropped and lost for tfae present in tfae Associate Body." Tfiey also declare, tfaat " tfaougfa tfaere are some otfaer bodies of presbyterians in tfais land wfao profess adherence to the whole doctrine of the Westrainster Confession of Faith, and other subordinate standards, and who may be in the raain hearty friends to the reformation testimony, and to tfaose articles wfaicfa are now in a special manner attacked ; yet, as there are none with whora, according to the known state of tfaeir publie profession, tfaey faave freedom presently to form a junction, they reckon tfaemselves shut up to the necessity of meeting THE constitution OF ASSOCIATE PRESBYTERY. 453 apart ; waiting for the time of heaUng, if haply some bars and offences subsisting among tfae remaining friendls of evangeUcal truth, and the evangelical interest, may be reraoved." Fur ther, they adduce thefr " ordination vows" in vindication of tfae step which tfaey were now taking. Tfaey say, tfaat " by these they acknowledged presbyterian cfaurch governraent and discipUne to be of divine institution, and promised 'never to endeavour, directly or indirectly, tfae prejudice or subversion thereof, but that they would, to the utmost of their power, in their station, during aU the days of tfaeir life, maintain, sup port, and defend tfae same against every otfaer forra of govern ment ;' wfaicfa tfaey could not be said to do, if tfaey were to continue in a practical neglect of it, especially at a time wfaen independency, in various sfaapes, so greatly prevails in tfais land." Finally, " in maintaining tfae pubUc testiraony for tfae inter est of Cfirist, and a dispensation of all fiis ordinances in con forraity to tfiis," tfiey aver tfiat " a regard must be fiad to tfie time to come." " As tfiose wfio are now engaged in contend ing for trutfi may soon finisfi their course, it is incumbent on them to consider to whom tfae sarae trust raay be coraraitted, and faow provision is to be raade for tfaose wfao are, or raay be, destitute of tfae dispensation of pubUc ordinances, agreeably to the Testimony which they faave espoused, and to wfaicfa tfaey can submit witfa a good conscience. Altfaougfa tfaey have not hitfaerto intended, nor faave yet resolved to send supply of serraon to tfaose who, in different places, have signified their resolution to adhere to their profession ; yet if they should find theraselves caUed to this, and if tfae Lord see meet to pros per thefr present attempt, and excite young men, of a faithful and zealous spfrit, to offer themselves willingly for tfae pubUc service of Cfirist and his scattered flock, they raay, by the step wfaicfa they are now taking, be in a situation to carry into execution the apostolic charge, ' The things which thou faast faeard of rae araong raany witnesses, tfae sarae commit tfaou to faitfaful raen, who shall be able to teach others also.' Tfaey would tfaink tfaat tfaey faad faUed in tfaeir duty, if they declined a measure conducive to the gaining of that important end." Such are tfae reasons, wfaich the protesting bretfaren assign in their " Deed of Constitution," for renouncing their con nexion with the General Associate synod, and forming tfaem selves into a separate presbytery under tfae above designation. On tfae 28tfa of August, tfae synod resumed the consideration of tfae complaint against Mr. Aitken and his session. The pres bytery of Forfar, of whicfa Mr. Aitken was a member, trans mitted a paper on tfais subject from the session of Dundee, 454 MB. AITKEN DEPOSED. complaining that he had been guUty of various irregularities j and the presbytery further stated, that they had given Mr. Aitken a citation to attend this meeting of synod. Mr. Aitken, having gone to Whitburn to assist fais protesting brethren in fornung a "constitutional" presbytery, left the synod to do in his cause wfaat they might see proper. Neitfaer he nor his elder obeyed tfae suraraons wfaicfa fiad been given. The synod, therefore, were under tfae necessity of determining the matter in fais absence. A long investigation ensued, the result of which was, that tfae synod found, tfaat Mr. Aitken, and the acting members of his session, had materially decUned subor dination to the synod ; that they had not obeyed the apud acta sumraons given by the synod, nor the citation of the presbytery of Forfar to attend tfais meeting, nor sent any ex cuse ; also tfaat Mr. Aitken faad baptized cfaildren to persons of otfaer congregations, who had been excluded from commu nion, and who were still lying under scandal; and that he had admitted persons to comraunion from other congregations, without any regular attestation, and others wfao were lying under a sentence of suspension by tfae synod ; furtfaer, that he had proceeded to an ordination of elders, in opposition to a pro test by several of the merabers of his session, and also by a nuraber of tfae members of his congregation, and that, in said ordination, fae faad omitted a principal part of tfae Formula acknowledged by faimself, in not taking those whom fae was going to ordain engaged to subjection to any court superior to a session. The synod considered that all tfais disorderly con duct was aggravated by tfaeir faaving declared their wiUingness to continue fellowsfaip witfa faim, as expressed in tfae act pre fixed to tfae Narrative and Testimony, and in tfae agreement of synod, 7 tfa May, 1 805, in wfaicfi it is declared, " the synod have not prohibited our bretfaren from receiving into coramunion persons wfao better understand or approve of the former statement of our principles." On tfaese grounds Mr. Aitken was pronounced deserving of the censure of tfae cfaurch; and after mature deliberation, it was agreed to put tfae question, " Depose, or Suspend ?" wfaen it carried by a considerable majority, " Depose." Mr. Aitken was accordingly deposed from tfae office of tfae faoly rainistry, in connexion with the Secession Churcfa ; and was suspended frora all coramunion in faer sealing ordinances. Mr. David Black was appointed to preacfa at Kirriemuir, and to intimate this sentence to the congregation. At the same meeting, the attention of tfae synod was drawn toward tfae conduct of Messrs. Bruce and M'Crie, by a refer ence from tfae presbytery of Edinburgfa. In tfais reference the presbytery stated, that these bretfaren faad absented them^ CHARGES AGAINST MR. m'cRIE. 455 selves from tfae meetings of presbytery, witfaout offering any excuse of absence, and when it was known that tfaey were in health and had it in their power to attend ; also, tfaat " it was notour," tfaat each of tfaem, since last meeting of synod, had made a statement to his congregation, containing sentiraents in opposition to the principles of the General Synod, and tending to produce schism in the association. They further stated, that tfaey faad summoned both of these brethren to at tend tfaeir meeting, wfaich was held at Edinburgh on the 22d of July, to give an account of tfaeir conduct; tfaat tfae bretfaren had not obeyed the summons, but had sent letters containing answers to the cfaarges wfaich were preferred against tfaem : And tfae presbytery, considering tfaat Messrs. Bruce and M' Crie, by not attending tfaeir meetings nor obeying tfaeir summons, appear to decUne tfaefr autfaority, unanimously agreed to refer tfie wfaole matter for decision to tfae synod. They gave notice of this reference to these bretfaren, and summoned tfaem to at-. tend the meeting of synod. Along with tfiis reference tfiere was presented a paper from Mr. M'Crie's congregation, craving tfiat the synod would consider in wfaat way that congregation might, " consistent with truth," still enjoy tfae labour of tfaeir minister in connexion with tfae synod ; and representing the "necessity ofa speedy deliverance from their present distracted condition." Anotfaer paper was presented frora several people belonging to tfae sarae congregation, reraonstrating against tfae statement of tfae sy nod's principles contained in the Narrative and Testimony. In connexion with this business, tfae synod read tfae paper wfaicfa faad been laid on their table by the protesting bretfaren at tfaeir meeting in May; and they tfien adjourned the discus sion till tfaeir next sederunt. On the foUowing day (the 29tfa) tfaey resumed the con sideration of these papers ; and after long deUberation a motion was raade, tfaat Messrs. Bruce and M'Crie be suspended from the exercise of tfaefr ministry, on tfae ground tfaat they had given in, at a former raeeting, a material decUnature of the authority of tfae synod, and also tfaat tfaey faad been pur suing a divisive course by renouncing comraunion with tfaeir bretfaren. Anotfaer raotion was made, tfaat tfae synod sfaould delay inflicting any censure at present ; and tfae votes beuig taken, it carried, " Delay." From tfais decision five ministers dissented. But when the synod met on the 2d of September (being tfae second week of tfaeir meeting), tfaeir attention was again called to tfae conduct of tfaese brethren, by a representation and petition from the elders and raembers of Mr. M' die's congre gation, whicfa stated, that at a meeting of session called at the 456 MR. m'crie deposed. close of public worship on the preceding Sabbath, Mr. M'Crie had acknowledged that he and the other protesting brethren had met at Whitburn and formed themselves mto a presbytery separate frora the synod, and not in subordination to it. Tfais fact was attested by the signature of several elders, who de clared that they could hold no comraunion witfa said presby tery, that they still adfaered to tfae synod in tfae Lord, and tfaey craved advice and support in tfaeir present trying situa tion.* The synod having deUberated on tfiis affair, and finding tfiat Mr. M'Crie fiad, according to fiis own acknowledgraent (as attested by tfiese elders), taken a part in forming a pres bytery not in connexion with tfae synod; taking also into consideration what was recorded concerning him, in their minute of tfae 29 tfa August, tfaey reversed tfaeir forraer decision, and agreed tfaat they should fortfawltfa inflict censure upon faim. Tfae question was put, wfaetfaer the sentence should be, " Depose " or " Suspend ?" and the votes being taken on tfais question, it carried " Depose." He was accordingly deposed from tfae office of the holy ministry, and suspended from all comraunion in tfae sealing ordinances of tfae cfiurcfi. As tfie synod fiad no direct evidence before tfiera concern ing Messrs. Bruce and Hog, but considered it probable that they were involved in tfae same cfaarge witfa Mr. M'Crie, tfaey appointed tfae presbytery of Kelso to suraraon Mr. Hog before tfiera on tfie last day of Septeraber, to answer to tfie charge of having given in to the synod, at tfaeir last raeeting, a virtual declinature of their autfaority over hira, and of having with drawn frora comraunion, and also of faaving forraed, along with his protesting brethren, a presbytery " separate frora and in opposition to the synod :" And sfiould fie not appear and give satisfaction on tfiese points, tfie presbytery were instructed to depose fiim frora the office of tfae faoly ministry. Tfae presby tery of Edinburgh were appointed to meet on tfae first Tues day of October, and to proceed in a sirailar manner witfa Mr. Bruce ; and a committee of ministers was appointed to meet along witfa tfae presbytery, and to correspond with them in the determining of this business. In tfae meantirae, the synod declared, tfiat it would be iraproper to intrust Mr. Bruce any longer with tfae superintendence of tfaeir tfaeological class, as Professor of Divinity. A coraraittee was appointed to pre pare an overture, witfa a view to improve the system of theo- * The above account ofthe proceedings in Mr. M'Crie's case, is taken from the records of synod. It is proper, however, to mention, that Mr. Bruce, in his "Review" of these proceedings, pubUshed some tirae after, states, in opposition to the account thus given, that " there was no raeeting of session, only a few words of conversation between Mr. M'Crie and the elders after sermon." proceedings against MESSRS. HOG AND BRUCE. 457 logical teacfaing ; and until such an overture should be pre pared, and considered by the synod, tfae presbyteries were en joined to take tfae students under tfaeir inspection, in tfaeir re spective districts ; to appoint tfaem to deliver two or more discourses before tfaera, and tfais was to be regarded as equivalent to attending one session at the Divinity HaU. When the presbytery of Kelso raet on tfae day appointed by the synod, Mr. Hog, thougfa regularly suraraoned, did not appear, and tfae presbytery delayed procedure till anotfaer meeting. They prepared an address, whicfa tfaey sent to Mr. Hog, adverting to tfae points of difference betwixt tfaera ; and at the close of it they certified, that if he did not "retract and submit," they would at next raeeting proceed to follow out tfae instructions of tfae General Synod. Tfaese instruc tions, faowever, tfaey did not follow out. Though Mr. Hog did not appear at tfaeir next raeeting, tfaey rested satisfied witfa raerely declaring faira faigfaly censurable, and they refer red the matter to the synod, tfiat they raight inflict upon him wfaat censure they should judge proper. Tfae reason whicfa tfaey assigned, for not pronouncing a sentence of de position according to tfae instructions of tfae synod, was " tfae present destitute condition of tfaeir presbytery." When the reference came before tfae synod, tfaey found, upon inquiry, tfaat Mr. Hog was in a bad state of faealtfa, and tfaey delayed, on tfais account, pronouncing tfae sentence of deposition ; but they prohibited faim frora the exercise of his ministry, and they appointed tfae presbytery to give a supply of sermon to fais congregation. A sfaort time after this, Mr. Hog was re raoved frora the scene of fais labours by deatfa, wfaicfa termi nated all fartfaer proceedings in fais case. Mr. Bruce did not obey tfae summons, given faim by tfae synod, to appear before tfie presbytery of Edinburgfi, tfiat he might answer to the charges preferred against him. In an swer to the summons, he sent a paper of considerable length reflecting upon the conduct of tfae synod and presbytery, and declaring his adfaerence to tfae protestation and declinature which had already been presented to tfae synod. Tfae presby tery found tfaat he had been following "a schisraatical and disorderly course in having witfadrawn from all rainisterial and judicial fellowsfaip witfa tfiem;" that he had given in a raate- . rial decUnature of tfae autfaority of the synod ; that fae faad been guilty of conturaacy in not obeying tfae summons which had been given faim botfa by tfae presbytery and tfae su preme court, and tfaat, inasraucfa as he faad not given any denial of tfae cfaarge of fais being a raeraber of a presbytery " separate from and'in opposition to the synod," the fact must be considered as admitted by hira. On these grounds tfaey 458 ADDRESS BY MR. BRUCE. deposed him from the office of the holy ministry ,_ and sus pended him from aU communion with the church in sealing ordinances, " aye and untU he sfaould give satisfactory evi dences offals repentance." Mr. Chalmers, minister at Had dington, who was not present at tfae formation of tfae " Con stitutional Presbytery," but who afterward became a member of it, had a sentence of deposition pronounced upon him by the Edinburgh presbytery soon after tfais. Thus terminated the " contendings " concerning the " Old and New Light" question, in so far as the General Associate synod was concerned. In the church courts there was now peace ; but the controversy still occupied the attention of the public tfarougfa tfae medium of tfae press. Tfae bretfaren who had been deposed, considered themselves as occupying the honourable position of " witnesses for the trutfa:" tfiey looked upon tfaemselves as martyrs suffering in a rigfateous cause ; and they were not slow in raaking the world acquainted, by means of addresses and pamphlets, witfa tfaeir own merits, and with the grievous wrongs which had been inflicted on them. In an address, whicfa Mr. Bruce delivered to fais congrega tion on tfae Sabbath imraediately after his deposition, he fa voured tfaem witfa a narrative of wfaat had taken place. He alluded, in patfaetic terms, to tfae " rash and violent proceed ings " of tfie General synod at Glasgow, which he charac terized as " very different in their spirit and tenor from tfaose of a General Assembly tfaat once met there, so famous in the history of Scotland's Reformation." The former fae accused of beating down, " at least indirectly, ' as witfa axes and ham mers,' much of tfae carved work wfaicfa tfae latter were at so rauch pains and cost then, and afterwards for a series of years, to frarae and fix." He adverted to tfae sufferings of his breth ren in tfae following terras : — " For protesting, and for acting conformably to such protestation, among otfier tfiings, for the honour and revival of that reformation, as carried on and settled by churcfa and state, in their beautiful conjunction, order, and harmony; and for national covenants and leagues in behalf of it, were two faitfaful and worthy ministers (whose occasional ministrations, I doubt not, have been, and long wiU be, savoury to a number of you in this place, and the more so that tfaey have sealed tfaeir doctrinal testimonies by their sufferings), were, I say, before that synod rose, sentenced, in their absence, to deposition." He tfaen stated tfae raeans which had been employed to expel tfaese ministers frora tfaeir places of worship, that tfae people adfaering to tfae synod raigfat re tain pea3eable possession of them : After whicfa fae said with great faumility concerning himself, " Amidst sucfa a storm of violence I could not expect to escape ; nor did I m isfa to do DECLARATION OF SEPARATING BRETHREN. 459 so by any evasive acts, or unjustifiable compliances. I might, indeed, have had reason to suspect tfaat I had failed in duty, or had been dishonoured, if I faad not, in sucfa a cause, been made a companion of them who are so used."* Tfaese bretfaren made a loud outcry against tfae treatment which they had received from the General synod, characteriz ing it as in the higfaest degree tyrannical and unjust. In a " Declaration " wfaicfa they published soon after tfae formation of their presbytery, they sfaowed tfaat, wfaatever wrongs were inflicted on tfaem, tfaey were not incUned to bear tfaem meekly. Tfaougfa tfae whole system of revealed religion had been re nounced by the synod, they could scarcely have employed language more strongly conderanatory of the synod's conduct, than wfaat we find made use of in tfais " Declaration." Speaking of tfaeir separation from tfae synod, they say : — " Additional grounds have been given for tfais, by tfae violent measures wfaicfa have been pursued during tfae course of tfais year, in attempting to suppress due rainisterial freedora, and violating justice, constitutional principles, and presbyterian order, in the processes managed by the associate judicatories, and the censures wfaich they have pretended to inflict upon the protesting rainisters, raerely for adfaerence to tfaeir pro fession, and taking raeasures to support it, after it was reUn- quisfaed by the synod ; against whicfa censures they had pre viously protested, and continue to protest, as null and void, and sucfi as, witfi respect to grounds, raanner, and some cir cumstances accompanying tfiera, will be found unequalled in tfie presbyterian cfiurch, as a detail of facts (were it proper here to give, it), would, they doubt not, make it evident to tfae irapartial world. By thefr conduct in this matter, tfae guilt of the judicatories has been faighly aggravated ; tfaey faave crowned tfaeir defection by persecuting those who opposed it, and faave aimed a deadly stroke not only against tfae cfaaracter and usefulness of a few ministers, but against tfae pubUc cause for wfaich they were contending."t By giving a faitfaful narrative of tfae proceedings whicfa led to the separation of tfaese brethren, I have furnisfaed my readers witfa the means of judging how far such language as tfaat now quoted was warranted by any part of tfae procedure of the General Associate synod. The conduct of the synod toward those brethren who did not go along wfrh tfaera in tfae remodeUing of the Testimony, and in the various steps tfaat were rendered necessary by tfais raeasure, was in tfae higfaest degree forbearing. They granted thera aU facilities for ex- ' Appendix to the Review of the proceedings of the General Associate Sy nod, &t. by Professor Bruce. P. 406. t Declaration appended to Mr. M'Crie's Statement of Difference, &c. P. 216. 460 conduct of the synod defended. oneration (according to tfae tecfanical language of the day), by perraitting them to dissent, protest, or remonstrate as oft as tfa^ey pleased. They expressed their readiness to hold com munion with them, notwithstanding any diversity of sentiment that might exist between tfaem witfa regard to tfae points at issue. They were quite willing, not only that their brethren sfaould faold tfaeir own peculiar views on these points, but tfaat tfaey sfaould also be at liberty to receive into tfaeir com munion persons wfao migfat " better understand or approve of the former statement of their principles." Tfae only prohibi tion wfaich they laid upon thera was, that tfaey should not im pugn or oppose, either from tfae pulpit or tfae press, the re ceived principles of tfae synod. Tfais profaibition was reason able in itself, and was necessary for maintaining tfae peace and unity of the churcfa. But none of tfaese tfaings would satisfy tfae remonstrants. They withdrew from tfae meetings of pres bytery ; tfaey refused to hold coramunion with tfaeir bretfaren on sacraraental occasions. By tfae circulation of papers, and by addresses frora tfae pulpit, tfaey endeavoured to prejudice tfie rainds of the people against tfae synod ; and tfaey disre garded the suraraons of tfiose ecclesiastical judicatories, to whieh they had proraised subjection in the Lord. At length tfaey gave in a paper, virtually declining tfae autfaority of tfie supreme court ; and a sfaort while after, tfaey constituted tfaeraselves into a separate presbytery, in opposition to the synod. Such being the state of matters between the General As sociate synod and the remonstrating brethren, there were only two courses which tfae synod could pursue. Tfae one was, to perrait tfaese bretfaren to act in wfiatever way tfaey pleased, witfaout taking any notice of tfaeir conduct ; tfae otfaer was, to call tfaem to an account for tfaeir conduct, and to inflict on tfaera such discipline as the circurastances of tfae case might require. To faave adopted tfae first of tfaese, would scarcely faave been compatible witfa tfae maintenance of their authority as an ecclesiastical court, and would moreover have been in consistent witfa tfaat fidelity whicli it befaoved tfaem to exercise toward all tfaeir raembers. Tfaat tfae synod were under the necessity of taking judicial notice of tfae conduct of tfaese min isters who had set themselves up in opposition to their authority, is what few will be inclined to deny. Forbearance, in all societies, raust have its limits ; and it was certainly not to be expected that forbearance could continue to be exercised toward these persons, after that tfae synod received information of tfaeir having formed themselves into a separate ecclesiastical court. Tfaat tfae sentence of deposition, faowever, ougfat to have been inflicted on them, I am not inclined to admit. All conduct of the synod defended. 40 1 that appears to have been necessary, was to suspend tfaem fi'om the exercise of their ministry, in connexion witfa tfae sy nod, until tfaat tfaey sfaould make due acknowledgment for the part wfaicfa tfaey faad acted. In tfae case of Mr. M'Crie, also, I admit tfaat tfae sentence was too faastily pronounced. Wfaetfaer he choose to avail faimself of it or not, an opportunity ougfat at least to faave been given of making sucfa explanation or vindi cation of fais conduct, as migfat appear to fairaself proper. A summons had indeed been given him by the presbytery to ap pear before tfae synod, and fae refused to obey it ; but fae faad a rigfat to expect tfaat tfae synod, before pronouncing upon faim the sentence of deposition, should faave summoned faim before tfaem, to answer for tfaat part of fais conduct, on account of which sucfa sentence was cfaiefly pronounced. Witfa regard to tfae other ministers, they had no reason to complain of any injustice done to them in tfais respect. Mr. Aitken's case, wfaicfa was distinct from the rest, was delayed from one raeeting to another, and he was forraally suraraoned to attend, but he chose to disobey. Messrs. Bruce and Hog were equally disobedient ; for botfa of tfaera were suraraoned, by authority of synod, to appear before their respective pres byteries, and answer to certain specified charges ; but none of tfiem appeared in obedience to the summons, and they could not, therefore, faave any fair ground of complaint, sfaould sen tence be pronounced against tfaem in tfaeir absence. Mr. Hog's presbytery was lenient to faim. The presbytery, of which Mr. Bruce was a raeraber, acted in strict conforraity witfa the directions given them by tfae supreme court. It is a question wfaicfa will present itself to tfae minds of many, — Wfaat faad tfae General Associate synod done, that tfaese few rainisters, whose names faave been so often mention ed, sfaould consider it an imperative duty to renounce their coramunion, and forra themselves into a separate religious society? Had the synod becorae less sound in tfae faitfa? Had tfaey becorae less faitfaful in tfaeir exfaibition of tfae pure doctrines of tfae gospel ? Had tfaey become more relaxed in their discipline ? Had they sfaown any incUnation to tolerate eitfaer faeresy or imraorality amongst tfaeir members ? No sucfa charge was ever preferred against thera. What, tfaen, were they guilty of, that tfaere sfaould be so many dissents, and protests, and remonstrances presented against tfaeir pro ceedings, and at last a complete separation made frora tfaeir communion ? So far as I have been able to glean from the writings of the separating brethren, the foUowing were the cfaief grounds of complaint preferred by tfaera agamst tfae synod : — First, In remodelUng tfaeir Testimony, tfae synod did not 462 statement of points at issue take " the original Secession Testimony," but the scriptures, for their guide ; and they did not designate it by tfae old title of " Act, Declaration, and Testimony, for the Doctrine, Wor ship, Discipline, and Governraent of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotiand," &c.; but tfaey simply styled it, " Narrative and Testunony agreed upon and enacted by tfae General Associate synod." It was faence inferred, tfaat tfae new Testimony must be different from tfae old, and tfais was made tfae ground of a cfaarge against tfae synod. " Tfae Testimony itself," says Mr. M'Crie in his Statement,* " or, as it is otherwise denominated, ' the Testi mony properly so called,' is evidently very different from the original Secession Testimony. The last-mentioned, we have seen, was formally and specifically a testimony, for the reli gious profession of the reformed Churcfa of Scotland, or for the true religion, as attained by, and fixed in that cfaurch. Tfae new Testiraony is drawn up upon tfae principle, tfaat the cfaurcfa's testiraony ougfat to be taken immediately from the scriptures, witfaout a reference to the attainraents of former times, — an opinion repeatedly pleaded for by its compilers, and evidently acted upon in the present instance. Accordingly, the doctrines asserted in it are asserted simply as agreeable, and the doctrines condemned as contrary, to tfae word of God, witfaout viewing them in their reference to tfae Confession of Faith, and other subordinate standards, and even without raen tioning any of tfaese, except perfaaps, in an incidental way, in an instance or two. Besides, it contains doctrines tfaat are con tradictory to those of the Confession of Faith, and whicfa were never received into tfae confession or terras of comraunion of tfais or any otfaer presbyterian cfaurch. In all tfaese respects, it is different frora tfae original Testimony of Seceders, and cannot be looked upon as a testimony for the doctrine, &c. of the Cfaurcfa of Scotland, in any other sense than as it may contain raaterially tfae sarae trutfas, in most instances, with our Confession and Catechisras ; which is true as to tfie confes sions or declared principles of different reUgious bodies, and even of tfiose of independent persuasions." This is certainly a singular charge to bring against a pro testant cfaurcfa court, tfaat it sfaould act upon tfae principle 'of taking its testiraony " imraediately from tfae scriptures, with out a reference to tfae attainments of former times ;" and that it should assert, or condemn, doctrines " simply as agreeable or contrary to the word of God, without viewing them in their reference to the Confession of Faitfa, and other subordi nate standards." Tfae General Associate synod were accused of acting upon this principle; and most men wiU consider that • P. 42, between synod .\nd separating brethren. 403 they were entitled to praise, rather than blame, for such Chris tian conduct. They honestly avowed the principle upon whicfa tfaey acted, wfaen tfaey declared, " The foundation upon which we rest tfae whole of our ecclesiastical constitution, is the testimony of God in his word. Tfaat main pillar of tfae Re formation, ' Tfaat tfae Bible contains tfae wfaole religion of pro testants,' we adopt for our fundamental principle, and build upon the foundation of the apostles and propfaets, Jesus Christ himself being the cfaief corner-stone." " We call no raan nor churcfa. Master. One is our Master, even Christ, and his word our only unerring rule. ' To the law and to the testi mony, if tfaey spealt not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.' " * Tfiougfa tfae cfaarge were true, that the testimony " contains doctrines that are contradictory to those of tfae Confession of Faitfa, and wfaicfa were never received into tfae confession or terras of coraraunion of tfais or any otfaer presbyterian cfaurcfa," no candid person will say that this could forra a just ground of complaint against the synod. For tfae question is not, wfaetfaer tfaese doctrines " are contradictory to those of tfae Confession of Faitfa," but, " Are they contradictory to tfae word of God?" Tfaere was cer tainly notfaing morally wrong in the General Associate synod altering any part of their Testimony, for tfae purpose of mak ing it express views whicfa tfaey considered to be more in ac cordance with Scripture, than tfaose raaintained by tfae com pilers of forraer presbyterian confessions. Secondly, Tfie synod gave a decided expression of their opinion witfa regard to the unlawfiilness of the connexion between cfaurch and state. Tfaey declare, tfaat " Christian magistrates faave no power to give laws to tfae cfaurcfa ; to appoint her office-bearers, or dictate to tfaera in tfae discfaarge of their office ; to prescribe a confession of faith, or form of worsfaip, to tfae church, or tfaeir subjects in general; autfaori- tatively to call meetings of cfaurcfa judicatories, in ordinary cases, or to direct or control tfaera in tfaeir judicial procedure : In matters purely reUgious, civil rulers faave no rigfit to judge for any but tfieraselves." Tfiey testified " against all sucfi conjunction of cfiurcfi and state, as subjects tfie state to tfie cfiurcfi in civil matters, or the church to the state in tfaose tfaat are reUgious."t The avowal of these and similar senti ments, formed anotfaer ground of complaint against tfae synod, on the part of the separating brethren. Tfae following extract from the " Statement" already referred to,t wUl show in what * Testimony, p. 9. t Testimony, pp. 195, 198. % M'Crie's Statement ofthe Difference, &c., pp. 79, 80. 464 statement of points at issue respects the views wfaicfa tfaey faeld on tfais point differed from tfaose of the synod. After affirming " that Cfarist is tfae sole Head of the church, that he faas an exclusive right to appoint all her laws and ordinances of worsfaip and service, tfiat all administrations in fiis house are to be performed in his name and by his autfaority, and that fais servants, in the proper line of their office, do not act by the authority of, or by delegation ffom, any earthly prince or legislature, so as to receive and execute their mandates, or be responsible to tfaem in tfaeir ministrations," tfae writer, speaking in fais own name, and in tfae name of fais bretfaren, says : — " But, in full consistency witfa these principles, they think tfaey can maintain, tfaat civU autfaority raay be lawfully and beneficially employed in the advancement of religion and tfae kingdom of Cfarist. Tfae care of religion, in tfae general view of it (in wfaicfa respect tfae consideration of it is previous to tfaat of tfae form wfaicfa it assumes in consequence of super natural revelation, and tfae erection of a cfaurcfa state), belongs to the magistrate's office ; and it is fais duty to watch over its external interests, and to exert hiraself, in his station, to pre serve upon tfae rainds of fais subjects an impression of its obli gations and sanctions, and to suppress irreligion, irapiety, profanity, and blaspheray. It is also tfae duty of civil rulers, and raust be their interest, to exert theraselves to introduce tfae gospel into their dominions, when it may be but partially enjoyed ; and, by salutary laws and encouragements, to pro vide them with tfae means of instruction, and a settled dispensation of ordinances, especially in poor and des olate, or in ignorant and irreligious, parts of tfie country ; all wfiicfi tfiey raay do witfiout propagating Cfirigtianity fiy the sword, or forcing a profession of religion on tfieir subjects by penal laws. Wfien religion fias become corrupt, after it has been received and established in a nation, and has degenerated into a systera of falsehood, superstition, idolatry, and tyranny, carried on by churchraen, aided by tfae civil powers ; and where various abuses of this kind are interwoven witfa the civil constitution and adrainistration, an eminent exercise of civil authc/1-ity is requisite for the reformation of these ; not by the abolition of all laws respecting religion, as a raatter wfaicfa civil government faas no concern witfa, and by leaving every thing to individual exertion, or voluntary associations, whicfa would only breed anarchy and endless disorder ; but by magistrates taking an active part in prosecuting a public reformation, re moving external hinderances, correcting publisfaed and estab lisfaed abuses, allowing, and in some cases calUng together and supporting, ecclesiastical assemblies for settling the inter nal affairs of the churcfa and of religion, ' tfaat unity and peace between synod and separating brethren. 465 may be preserved,' &c. ; as was done by the rulers of different countries at tfae period of tfae reformation from popery, and in Britain at tfae time of tfae Westrainster Assembly. In an ordinary state of matters, they also judge that it is tfie duty of civil rulers to maintain and support tfie interests of reUgion, and tfie kingdom of Cfirist, by publicly lecognising and coun tenancing its institutions, giving tfie legal sanction to a public profession or confession of its faitb, a particular form of wor ship and ecclesiastical discipline, wfiicfi are ratified as national ; and by making public and permanent provision for tfie reli gious instruction of thefr subjects, and the maintenance of divine ordinances araong thera." Though these views differed raaterially frora tfaose wfaich the synod expressed, in reference to tfae magistrate's power in matters of reUgion, yet tfae synod declared tfaeir wUUngness to exercise forbearance witfa tfaeir bretfaren on tfais point. Tfaey did not profaibit tfaem from receiving into tfaeir comraunion persons who might " better understand or approve of the for mer statement of tfaeir principles :" And certainly it was not imposing on tfaera any tfiing unreasonable or oppressive, when they were required to exercise forbearance on their part. This forbearance they would not exercise. Tfaey preferred forraing tfaemselves into a separate society ; and it raay safely be left to an impartial posterity to judge between tfaem and tfae synod in tfais matter. Thirdly, Tfae synod refused to blend tfaings civU and sacred in tfaeir public reUgious covenanting ; and tfais formed anotfaer ground of complaint against tfaem. Tfaat ray readers raay judge of tfae difference between the synod and tfaeir bretfa ren, on this point, I shall quote the language of both parties. The synod declared, " That pubUc reUgious covenanting is the deed of a number of church merabers, in whicfa tfaey jointly and publicly profess, to renounce aU faope of Ufe from tfae cove nant of works ; to take faold of the covenant of grace, and to devote themselves to the Lord, and in the strength of proraised grace, engage faithfully to cleave to faim, to faold fast fais truth, to perform the various duties wfaich they owe to God and raan, in their respective stations and relations, and to strengthen one another's hands in the work of the Lord." They de clared furtfaer, " That there is a great difference between civil and -religious covenants. In tfae former, an appeal is raade to God, as tfae Moral Governor and Judge of the world. In the latter, we come under engagements to him, as our God, and the God of fais cfaurcfa. In a civil covenant, we, in a civil cfaaracter, enter into or seal an obligation with respect to things raerely teraporal. In a religious covenant, we, as spiritual priests, ' present our bodies as a Uving sacrifice unto 2g 466 STATEMENT OF POINTS AT ISSUE God.' Altfaougfa, in New Testament times, a whole nation should join in tfais duty, it could be viewed in no other Ugfat tfaan tfaat of an extensive churcfa, including all tfae individuals wfao constitute the nation, as, in tfaeir spiritual cfaaracter, de voting tfaemselves and their seed to the Lord." " In using sucfa expressions as tfaese, churck and ckurck-members, tfae sy nod does not mean tfaat persons cannot, in any case, warrant- ably enter into religious covenants, except under tfae direction of ecclesiastical courts, or as formally met as a worsfaipping assembly ; but tfaat it is incumbent on men in tfaeir cfaaracter as merabers of tfae Cfaurcfa of Cfarist, and not in tfaeir civU character, as raembers of the state." * According to tfaese views of the synod, covenanting was regarded by them as a religious ordinance, to be perforraed by tfae cfaurcfa, and faaving respect solely to matters of a religious nature. The separating bretfaren, on tfae otfaer hand, con sidered it " as a kind of civil and political transaction, or at least as a politico-ecclesiastical one, to be performed by raen in a civil character, and in wfaicfa tfaey are to make matters of a civil nature, tfae raatter of their covenant engageraents." In tfae reraonstrances wfaicfa tfaey presented to tfae synod, they re ferred to tfae synod's account of covenanting, in tfae following terms: — "A very different account sfaould have been given of it. It (covenanting) is not incumbent on raen properly, eitfaer in tfaeir ecclesiastical character, or in their civil charac ter, but as men and as subjects of tfie moral law, and tfiat law extends to tfiera in every cfiaracter they sustain. Accord ingly, sorae of the duties engaged to, raay be iraraediately connected with their ecclesiastical cfaaracter, and otfaers pecu Uar to tfaeir civil character. What, tfaen, can be tfae reason of all tfais zeal to set tfae one cfaaracter against tfae other ? Is it to sfaow tfae raistake of blending civil and reUgious tfaings in the Soleran League, or to expose the absurdity of tfae cove nanters describing tfaemselves by names and titles belonging to their civil character? Certainly, if no otfaer account was to be made of tfaera tfaan as tfaey sustained tfae cfaaracter of church- members, these titles and designations were faighly improper." Again, " The doctrine of this new Testimony, on the subject of pubUc vows and covenants, and tfae application of it to the covenants of our ancestors, aflFord anotfaer iraportant and com pUcated cause of reraonstrance. Covenanting, in tfae general, is iraproperly described, and limited to one species of it, to the exclusion of otfaer modes of it equally warrantable : and e.x- plicit, formal, occasional, and extraordinary covenants and vows are not properly distinguisfaed from engagements or * Testimony, pp. 151, 154. BETWEEN SYNOD ,\ND SEPARATING BRETHREN. 467 implicit covenanting, belonging to all Cfaristian cfaurches, oi the religious exercises generally performed in them. In tfae latter sense, whicfa is that of the definition, tfaere is no propriety of charging other parties in tfae land, as is done in the Narrative, with denying or totally neglecting tfais duty. Tfaese duties are not founded on tfae broad basis of tfae moral law, as applicable to mankind in all tfaeir various stations and relations, but are confined to men as under tfae evangelical covenant, wfaose obligation arises frora revelation. National compacts, and oatfas between kings and subjects, relating to religion, promissory oatfas concerning the faithful ad ministra tion of offices and duties, treaties and leagues between cities, prin ces, and kingdoms, in whicfa reUgious interests raay be partly the subject, and in which raen act in anotfaer cfaaracter tfaan tfaat which is merely ecclesiastical, are upon tfae matters exploded. Tfae most noted leagues and associations, in which religion and reforraation have been deeply interested, in otfaer lands, and in Britain, raust be accounted unlawful, and not obUga- tory. Tfae atterapt to settle tfae extent and permanency o the obligation of the National and Soleran League on poster ity, raerely upon tfae morality of the duties, or the perraa nency of a cfaurcfa state, is altogetfaer inadequate. Tfae com mon and very conclusive argument for tfae national and perpet ual obligation of tfaem, taken from tfaepubUc capacity in wfaicl tfaey were sworn, and repeatedly ratified, and the permanency of tfie national and political state of tfie tfiree kingdoms, is fiereby lost and intentionally given up."* Sucfi were tfie different views entertained by tfie synod, and by tfiose wfio separated from them, on the subject of public covenanting. Thougfa the difference of opinion on this point faad been rauch greater than it really was, it certainly did not form a vaUd ground for tfae latter withdrawing frora tfae cora munion of the former. Tfae latter, indeed, affirraed tfaat tfais was not a speculative question, but " a practical point of deep and serious consideration." t I can find no evidence tfiat those wfio field this " practical point of deep and serious con sideration," acted, eitfier as Cfiristians or raen, in any respect different from tfieir bretfiren who did not hold it; and it is difficult to conceive in wfaat sense tfaat can be called a "practical point," whicfa has no apparent influence upon the practice of those who raaintain it. The one class were as faithful _ ahd diligent in preacfaing tfae gospel, in opposing error, in suppressing vice, and in proraoting tfae ' The above .quotations are given, as extracted from the first and second remonstrances, by the Rev. Alexander Allan (of Cupar- Angus), in his book on the " Povver ofthe civU magistrate," &c. pp. 106, 107. + M'Crie's Statement, p. 197. 408 REMARKS ON THE CONTROVERSY. interests of godliness, as the otfaer ; and to withdraw from the coraraunion of good men, because tfaey did not approve of blending things civil and sacred in religious covenanting, and because .they did not approve oftfae conduct oftheir sires in doing so, was making a division in the cfaurcfa on grounds wfaich tfiose who calraly and irapartially consider tfae matter, will pronounce to be insufficient. On a review of tfae wfaole proceedings which have been narrated in tfais cfaapter, it will be found tfaat tfae General Associate synod acted with great caution and deliberation m revising tfaeir Testimony, and otfaer official documents ; that tfaey treated tfae remonstrating bretfaren witfa mucfa indul gence, showing no disposition to exercise discipUne, until that these brethren manifested a spirit of insubordination, and had actuaUy comraenced pursuing a divisive course ; and, finally, tfaat the sentiraents whicfa they expressed on the subject of tfie magistrate's power, in matters of religion, and also on tfae sub ject of covenanting, were not new in tfae Secession cfaurch. Among the persons who may peruse tfais narrative, a diversity of opinion will of course exist, as to wfaetfaer tfae sentiraents whicfa tfae synod expressed on tfaese subjects were rigfat or wrong. Many tfaere are wfao will vindicate tfaese sentiraents with all their faeart ; others will reject thera with a pious ab faorrence. Eacfa individual faas an equal right to fiold, and to express his sentiments on tfaese controverted points ; and I sfaall not quarrel witfa any one wfao may choose to affirm (in opposition to my own opinion), tfaat the views of the synod, on these points, were erroneous. But wfaether erroneous or not, the synod, in giving utterance to tfaera, were doing no tfaing raore tfaan erabodying sentiraents wfaicfa faad long pre vailed in tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, and wfaich faad already found a place in faer official papers. Tfaough tfae synod, on this oc casion, gave a raore full, clear, and explicit declaration of tfaera, tfaan faad previously been given, yet tfae avowal of them forraeriy raade, fiad been sufficiently distinct, so as to render utterly groundless tfie cfiarge wfiicfi fias been ignorantly pre ferred against tfie Secession, of fiaving made a cfiange of prin ciple in tfiis respect. Tfie language of the Associate Pres bytery, in their Answers to Mr. Nairn, has been quoted in a forraer part of tfais work ; * but it is necessary here again to advert to it ; for it bears most decidedly upon the point at present under consideration ; it furnisfaes a convincing proof tfaat tfae ministers of tfae Secession were equaUy opposed to tfae interference of tfae civil magistrate, in matters of religion, in 1743, when the Answers to Mr. Nairn were prepared, as * Page 187. REMARKS ON THE CONTROVERSY. 469 they were in 1804, when tfae new Testimony was enacted. Tfae presbytery declared, " True religion is not only the church's blessing, but fier very substance ; so tfiat true re ligion and a true cfiurcfi cannot be divided. Now, if true reUgion became a part of tfie civil constitution, it inevitably follows tfiat tfie cfiurcfi becarae a part of tfie state ; which doc trine, as it is absurd in itself, so it lays a plain foundation for erastianism, overturning the distinction betwixt the kingdora of our Lord Jesus Cfarist, and tfae kingdoras of tfais world. Moreover, if tfae true religion (wfaicfa is spiritual and super natural), became a part of the civil constitution, then it could no longer remain a civil, but became a religious, a spiritual, a supernatural constitution." Tfaey furtfaer declared, tfaat " the public good of outward and common order, in all reasonable society, unto the glory of God, is tfae great and only end which those invested with magistracy can propose, in a sole respect unto that office. And as, in prosecuting tfais end civilly, according to tfaeir office, it is only over men's good and evU works that they can have any inspection ; so it is only over these wfaicfa tfaey must needs take cognizance of, for the said public good ; wfaile, at the sarae time, tfaeir doing so must be in such a raanner, and proceed so far allenarly, as is requisite for tfaat end, without assuming any lordship immediately over men's consciences, or making any encroacfament upon the special privileges and business of the churcfa." No sophistry nor wrangling can explain away tfae Uteral raeaning of these declarations; and no ingenuity can extract frora tfaem any otfaer doctrine, than tfaat wfaich is decidedly hostile to tfae alli ance between churcfa and state. But as this appUcation of tfaera was disputed by tfaose bretfa ren who left the synod, I shall quote the interpretation wfaicfa was given ofthera by the person from wfaose pen tfae Answers to Mr. Nairn proceeded, or at least who took an active part in pre paring them : and, when an autfaor tells us wfaat is tfae mean ing of his own language, we are certainly bound to receive fais interpretation as the just one. The writer to wfaom I refer, is tfae Reverend Adara Gib, who vvas a raeraber of tfae Asso ciate Presbytery, durrag tfae period of tfaeir controversy witfa Mr. Nairn. In 1774, fae published his « Display of tfae Seces sion Testimony ¦" and, in a note appended to tfaat work, fae makes the foUowing remarks on the above declarations: — *' The writer of this account is the only person now remaining in the Associate synod, wfao faad special occasion to be ac quainted with the precise intention upon wfaicfa the several terms of tfae above paragrapfas (witfa tfae otfaer terms of tfais declaration and defence), were originally laid. He does not mean jiny otfaer intention than wfaat the words themselves. 470 REMARKS ON THE CONTROVERSY. wfaen properly weighed, do naturally and necessarily suggest. But as this may not be so readUy adverted unto, in a cursory reading of wfaat is purposely concise and comprefaensive, he offers the following parapfarase and explanation of it. " 1. Tfae great end of magistracy is tfae public good of so ciety ;* distinguisfaed from aU interfering private interests. The public good of outward order ; as not versant, Uke tfae gospel ministry, about tfae disorders of men's hearts ; and tfae public good of common order in all reasonable society, not only in the general society of the nation, or commonwealth, but also in all the particular societies comprefaended witfain tfae same, civil or religious, so far as these do not strike, according to the principles of rigfat reason, against tfae peace and welfare of tfie general society ; tfiat each may enjoy tfie benefit of the magistrate's office, for preserving such order as is coraraon to all, according as eacfa partakes of tfae coramon nature of society. And this great end of the raagistrate's office, is tfae only end tfaat he can propose ; tfaat he can equitably and j ustly propose, in a sole respect unto tfaat office, whatever other good ends he raay propose to hiraself, in respect to any otfaer cfaaracter wfaicfa fae bears. All wfaicfa public good is ultiraately unto tke glory of God, as the universal Sovereign of tfae world ; an acknowledgment of wfaose being and government lies at the root of all confidence and duty in human society ; wfaile tfais acknowledgraent is also raade, at least raaterially, in all tfaat raaintenance of good order. " 2. Tfaese invested witfa magistracy are to prosecute the above-mentioned end of their office, according to the nature of it, civilly, in such ways as agree to the nature of civil society, witfaout subordinating any religious institutions or ordinances to tfaat end. In doing wfaicfa, it is only over raen's good and evil works (coraprefaending works of the tongue as well as hand), that tfaey can have any inspection, without pretending to any control of men's judgments, faearts, or tfaougfats; and tfais inspection is only over these good and evil works of men, whicfa tfaey must needs take cognizance ofl, for tfae said pubfic good ; so tfaat tfaey are not to interfere witfa any of men's works, in wfaicfa tfae public good of society is not properiy concerned. At the same tirae, their jurisdiction about men's works, must be in suck a manner, and proceed so yizr only as is requisite forthe said pubUcgood, only in a civil raanner, as above expressed, and without proceeding so far as to serve tfae pur poses of resentment or private interest, beside or beyond the pubUc good. Thus the magistrate must not assume any lord sfaip immediately over raen's consciences, in offering to make • The itaUcs that occur in these quotations are Mr. Gib's. REMARKS ON THE CONTROVERSY. 471 himself a judge ofmen's religious principles; nor raust he en croach upon the special privileges and business of the cfaurch, by assuming a cognizance of raen's religious conduct or be haviour, farther than tfae pubUc good of society is concerned, wfaUe all other cognizance tfaereof belongs particularly to tfae churcfa state. " 3. It is to be considered, tfaat tfae wfaole institution of tfae magistrate's office Ues in natural principles, being no way founded in tfae revelation of grace, nor at all pecuUar to such as enjoy the benefit of tfaat revelation. And, accordingly, the wfaole end of fais office raust be understood as cut out by the same natural principles ; so tfaat it cannot, in any part or degree, extend beyond tfae corapass tfaereof. It were, there fore, absurd to suppose, that any exercise of tfaat office were competent unto, or incumbent upon, tfae civil magistrate, precisely as sucfi, otfier tfian wfiat can be argued for and de fended from natural principles, witfiout having recourse to any principles of revealed reUgion for the rule or measure of his magistratical adrainistration. " But all tfais is obviously raeant of what tfae raagistrate owes unto all fais subjects in coraraon ; and of how fae is to proceed witfa them, by way of necessary jurisdiction : tfaat, in all sucfa matters, fais procedure is not to be according to the rule or measure of revealed, but of natural, principles ; wfaere as, in matters wfaicfa are optional and arbitrary to the supreme magistrate, with respect to his subjects, and what must be confined to some of tfiem, as tfie employing of persons in public trust under fiim (wfiicfi none can claim as tfieir natural or birtfi right, nor can justly complain of an encroachment upon any such rigfat, by tfaefr not being so employed) : Tfae Cfaristian magistrate ougfat to determine fairaself^ not merely by natural but also by revealed or Christian principles ; wfaile all tfae con cerns of earthly kingdoras, with all tfae influence tfaat is com petent to every civil station, so far as consistent witfa tfae nature tfaereof, sfaould be subservient to tfae kingdom of Cfarist ; and tfais is tfae case as to all tfaat countenancing and encour aging of the true friends of the Cfaristian state, whicfa fae is very eminently and effectually capable of; with all the dis- countenancuig and discouraging of tfae enemies of that state, whicfa he is as eminently and effectually capable of, witfaout any encroachment on their natural or birth-rigfat privUeges, upon religious accounts." * Such are the sentiments wfaicfa, according to Mr. Gib, were faeld by tfae Associate Presbytery, nearly an hundred years ago, on the subject of the magistrate's power. The * Gib's Display, vol. i. p. 312. &c. 472 REMARKS ON THE CONTROVERSY. pubUc good of " outward order," and'of " common order," " in all reasonable society," was declared to be the sole end of his office. This end, those invested with the magistracy are to prosecute civilly, " in sucfa ways as agree to the nature of civil society, without subordinating any religious institutions or ordinances to that end." They are not to assume " any lordsfaip immediately over men's consciences," nor offer to make tfaemselves "judges of men's religious principles," nor encroacfa "upon tfae special privileges and business of the cfaurcfa." Tfie whole institution oi tfaeir office " lies in natural principles, being no way founded in tfae revelation of grace, nor at all peculiar to such as enjoy the benefit of tfaat revela tion." Accordingly, " the whole end of it must be under stood ,as cut out by tfae same natural principles, so tfaat it can not, in any part or degree, extend beyond tfae corapass tfaereof." Tfaese were tfae sentiments of tfae Associate Presbytery. Tfaey are sufficiently plain, and coincide very closely with tfaose tfaat, in later tiraes, faave been expressed by writers on tfae Voluntary Cfaurcfa question. Wfaile such sentiraents as these are on record, in the official docuraents of the Secession Churcfa, pubUshed soon after tfae commencement of the Seces sion, it is not fair to bring the charge of apostacy, perjury, and infidelity against the present race of Seceders, for avow ing similar opinions. When a motion was raade by a venerable father of the As sociate synod, in tfae year 1759, and afterwards repeated in tfae years 1760 and 1761, that an address be presented to the king, by tfae synod, complaining of tfae reUgious griev ances tfaat prevailed in tfae land, and calling upon faim for a redress of the same, only two individuals (tfae mover and the seconder), could be found to support tfae motion ;* and, to sfaow tfaat tfae motion was rejected on tfae ground of tfae pre vailing sentiraents of tfae synod being unfavourable to the in terference of tfae civil magistrate, in matters of religion, I quote the following language from a speech which Mr. Adam Gib made against the motion, and wfaich he afterwards published at the request of fais bretfaren. One of the arguraents brought forward in favour of the motion was, " That the generation faave neither will, nor the proper power, to set about public reformation, and tfaat warnings given tfaem are quite neglected and despised by tfae bulk of tfaese lands ;" and tfaat, tfaerefore, appUcation ougfat to be raade directly to the king, and other rulers, for interposing their autfaority and power. To this ar guraent Mr. Gib replied : — ' Such an arguraent seeras to make directly against the ¦' Page 229. REMARKS ON THE CONTROVERSY. 473 motion, unless we should ascribe to the civil magistrate an erastian sort of power, to choose people's religion for them, and impose it upon tfaem, wfaetfaer tfaey will or not. Besides, in a free country, wfaere only the free religion can thrive, this way of reformation cannot be supposed practicable by tfae civil magistrate, tfaough it were corapetent to faim. And as our rulers claim no power but wfaat comes from tfae people, it can never be properly used against tfae body of the people ; how ever good in itself tfae end raigfat be for wfaicfa it were so used. If, then, we would judge what the rulers have a power to do, in public matters, we raust judge of it frora what the body of the people are justly disposed to faave done. And one may look on aU tfae magisterial ways of civil power and autfaority, as being none of God's ordinances for reclairaing a backsliding gen eration frora a course of prevaiUng errors and corruptions about the matters of revealed religion."* In another part of fais speech, fae adds, " If tfaere could be a tirae for any sucfa appli cation to civil powers as is now proposed, it would seem to have been in the first period of tfae gospel ; when apostles were employed to fight against the fasfaionable corruptions of the world, in propagating the Christian religion. Men who faad a universal commission for tfaat end were privileged witfa supernatural assistance and infallible conduct in the matter ; and wfao were endued with a power of working miracles, by whicfa their autfaority could easily be documented to eartfaly powers, wherever needful. But, in all the course of tfaeir ministry, tfaey made no sucfa application to tfaese powers. Tfaey never called in the assistance of tfae secular arm against tfae prevailing abominations, whatever advantages tfaey faad for doing so, from tfae universaUty of tfaeir coramission, and the miraculous powers with wfaich it was accorapanied. Our Lord did not see raeet to raake choice of that secular way for promoting the interests of fais kingdom. It cannot be said, that we have any more of a providential intercourse witfa civil powers tfaan the apostles had, or even near so rauch as sorae of tfaera. And Christian magistrates can faave no more need of being dealt witfa about tfae true religion, tfaan heatfaen ma gistrates faad: Nor can ordinary rainisters faave a fiirther warrant to deal with the one sort, than apostles had to deal with the otfaer."t Thirty-six years after this speech had been delivered by Mr. Gib, the General Associate synod had become almost tfao rougfaly imbued with the sentiments which tfae speecfa contams. A deep and wide-spread conviction prevailed, tfaat tfae power of tfae civU magistrate ougfat not to be exercised about matters * Display, vol. ii. p 211. f Ibid. p. 242. 474 REMARKS ON THE CONTROVERSY. of religion. Students when receiving Ucence, ministers and elders at their ordination, and the people when joining the cfaurcfa, or receiving baptisra for tfaeir cfaildren, objected to the doctrine of the Confession of Faith on this subject ; and refused, on tfais ground, to give unqualified assent to tfae doctrines contained in tfae Confession. It was tfae extensive prevalence of tfaese scruples, and a desire to remove tfaem, tfaat led the synod to issue tfaat decided declaration, in 1796, of wfaich mention faas been afready made.* By this declaration, they gave full perraission to all their raembers to raake exception to every tfaing in tfae Confession, wfaicfa, taken , by itself, seemed to allow tfae punisfament of good and peaceable subjects on account of tfaei religious opinions and observances ; and they disavowed, all other raeans of bringing men into the cfaurch, or retaining tfaera in it, " tfaan sucfa as are spiritual, and were used by the apostles and other rainisters of tfae word in the first ages of the Christian church, persuasion, not force; the power of tfae gospel, not tfae sword of tfae civil raagis trate." Frora the stateraentS made in this and in the preceding pages, it will appear that the synod's doctrine in their new Testimony, on the subject of the raagistrate's power, was not new in tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, especially in tfaat branch of it with wfaicfa tfaey were more imraediately connected. Only tfaey raade a raore full and explicit declaration of tfaeir senti raents, on tfais question, tfaan had previously been done. Tfaere was no need, tfaerefore, for so much laraentation being made upon the subject, as if tfae synod, in doing wfaat they did, had been guilty of deraolishing the wfaole foundation of the Christian cfaurch. On the subject of covenanting, the synod sfaowed tfaeraselves a little in advance of tfae Associate Pres bytery. Wfaen tfae presbytery, in 1743, passeed an act for " renewing our covenants," they declared, that " it was not suitable to tfaeir present circurastances, to blend civU and ecclesiastic matters in tfae oatfa of God ;" assigning as a reason for tfais, that " the cognizance of civil affairs did not properly belong to tfaera as a cfaurcfa judicatory." Tfaeir refusal " to blend civil and ecclesiastic matters in tfae oatfa of God" was not founded on tfae impropriety of tfae tfaing itself, but was qualified by tfaeir declaration, " tfaat it was not suitable to their present circumstances." But tfae General Associate synod inserted no 'sucfa quaUfying clause as tfais. They seemed to think tfaat tfae blending of tfaings civil and Sacred in religious covenanting was unsuitable in any circurastances. They regarded covenanting " as a religious ordinance to be • See page 381. REMARKS ON THE CONTROVERSY. 475 performed by tfae cfaurch, and having a respect solely to matters of a religious nature." In this respect, tfae views en tertained by tfae synod must be considered as more enlight ened than tfaose entertained by tfae presbytery. Tfaus faave I given a particular account of tfae proceedings in tfae General Associate Synod, wfaich terrainated in the formation of anotfaer brancfa of tfae Secession. Tfae points of difference between tfae synod and those brethren wfao witfadrew from its coramunion fiave been fully stated. Subsequent events fiave given to tfiese points a raore tfian ordinary irapor tance ; and this has led rae to dwell upon tfaem more largely tfaan I would otfaerwise faave done. A controversy faas now been carrying on for several years in this country, involving exactly tfie sarae points as tfiose to wfiicfi tfie attention of tfie reader fias been directed in the preceding part of the narrative ; and tfae proceedings detailed in tfais cfaapter will sfaow, that, in so far as tfae Secession Cfaurcfa is concerned, tfais contro versy is not new. Tfae Secession, in contending for tfae entire emancipation of tfae cfaurcfa of Cfarist from tfae autfaority of tfae state, and in pleading for voluntary churcfaes, is raerely carrying into effect principles wfaicfa faave been faeld by it, or at least by one section of it, for a considerable period. Tfae division occasioned in tfae general synod, by the adopt ing of tfae new Testiraony, was very insignificant. Not raore tfaan five rainisters (exclusive of Mr. Wfaytock, who died during the progress of tfae controversy), left tfae synod in consequence of it ; and, during the period of forty years whicfa have elapsed since the division took place, tfais portion of tfae Secession faas raade comparatively little progress. Notwitfastanding tfae coalition wfaich it has effected with that portion of the Gen eral Associate synod, tfaat did not join tfie union so fiappily accorapUsfied between tfae two large bodies of tfae Secession, it lias never been able to gain raucb ground in tfie country. It is pleasing, however, to add concerning it, that tfae gospel faas been faithfully and ably preacfaed in its pulpits, and tfaat it faas ranked araongst tfae nuraber of its rainisters, sorae wfao faave been distinguished botfa as scfaolars and as Cfaristians ; and wfao, by tfaeir varied labours, have rendered essential service to tfae cause both of literature and of religion. CHAPTER XIV. Course of theological study enlarged — Mr. George Paxton elected Professor of Divinity — Released from his pastoral charge — Seat of Divinity Hall in E.liiiburgh — Discussions concerning Regium Donum in Ireland — Decision of the Synodon this subject — Resolution conceming m.inisters' stipends — Agree to open a correspondence with other evangelical denominations — Committe* of correspondence appointed concerning congregations — Process against Mr. Imrie of Kinkell — Articles of libel — Findings of Synod — Mr. Imrie rebuked and suspended — Mr. Imrie's declaration — Sentence of suspension removed— Twenty-one rainisters and four elders protest agauist this de cision — Decision reviewed — And reversed — Nine niinisters and one elder dissent — New process against Mr. Irai-ie — Several articles of heresy proved . — Mr. Imrie deposed — Protests, and decUnes the authority of Synod — Transatlantic missions — Resolutions of the Associate Synod of Philadelphia respecting the holding of slaves — Union of presbyterians in Nova Scotia — Missions to the Highlands of Scotland — Aid granted to the Irish Evan geUcal Society. The General Associate sji^nod, at every period of their his tory, sfaowed a laudable desfre to give respectability and effi ciency to tfaeir ministry, by making such iraproveraents in their course of tfaeological study, as were required by tfae grow ing spirit of tfae times. Wfaile tfaey were anxious, on tfae one hand, to guard tfaeir students against tfae contaraination of pre vailing errors, they were no less eager, on the other, to afford tfaem every facility tfrat their circumstances would admit of, for raaking progress in tfae various departments of literature, as well as in tfae acquisition of sound tfaeological knowledge. The separation of Mr. Bruce from their comraunion, and his consequent deposition frora tfae office of the ministry, had left their tfaeological cfaair vacant; and they considered this a fit opportunity for reviewing the course of study which had hitfaerto been pursued by candidates for tfae sacred office. > It faas been already stated, tfaat a committee was appointed by them to take tbis subject into consideration. After receiving tfae report of tfae coramittee, tfae synod resolved tfaat tfaeir Pro fessor of Divinity sfaould give sucfa a sumraary view of the systera, as raigfat be accoraplisfaed in tfae course of five years; tfiat fie sfiould examine tfie students particularly on tfie sub ject of fiis lectures ; tfiat each session should continue at least ten weeks, and tfaat tfae Professor sfaould usually deliver five lectures in tfae week ; tfaat tfae attendance of the students at the Divinity Hall sfaould be five sessions, and tfaat every student should deliver two discourses during each session ; tfaat the Professor sfaould make an annual report to tfae synod of the COURSE OF THEOLOGICAL STUDY ENLARGED. 477 number of students enrolled, and his opinion respecting tfae ca pacity and progress of each, and tfae synod would consider wfaat course ought to be adopted with regard to tfaose tfaat were careless or incapable. Tfaey furtfaer resolved, tfaat a second Professor sfaould be appointed to take cfaarge of tfae students of pfailosopfay, so soon as tfae necessary funds could be pro cured. An address was prepared and circulated araong tfae congregations, tfae object of wfaich was to raise, by collec tions and donations, a sura of money sufficient to create a per manent fund for defraying the necessary expenses connected witfa tfae theological institution, and also to give assistance to young raen of talents and piety, in tfae prosecution of their studies. Thougfa a considerable sura of money was collected, yet tfae fund never increased to sucfa an extent as to enable tfae synod to realize all tfae objects contemplated by it. On tfae 30tfa of AprU, 1807, Mr. George Paxton, rainister at Kilraaurs, was appointed Professor of Divinity, and cora raenced fais labours in Septeraber following. Frora tfae cora mencement of the Secession, all those individuals wfao faad been appointed to fill, in succession, the tfaeological cfaair, in addition to tfaeir labours as Professor, faad also to discfaarge tfae varied duties connected witfa tfae superintendence of a con gregation ; tfaougfa it was customary for tfae synod to afford tfaera a supply of preacfaers for tfaeir pulpit during tfae weeks they were engaged in teacfaing tfae students. After tfae ap pointraent of Mr. Paxton to tfae professorship, a new arrange ment was raade in tfais respect. It was declared, tfaat tfae faold ing of a double charge was inconsistent witfa the proper dis cfaarge of tfae arduous duties attacfaed, by tfae new regulations, to tfae office of Professor. The relation betwixt Mr. Paxton and the congregation of Kilmaurs was dissolved, and fae was required to take up fais residence in Edinburgfi, where tfae seat ofthe Divinity Hall was fixed. His salary was fixed first at £150, and afterward at £200, per annum. Being thus released from the faarassing toils connected witfa tfae oversigfat of a congregation, and faaving sufficient leisure to prosecute his bibUcal and theological researches, fae was enabled to give to the students under his cfaarge a rauch raore extended and iraproved course of prelections tfaan fae could otfaerwise faave done. In addition to his labours, in conducting tfae business ofthe theological serainary, during tfae appointed weeks of eacfa session, fae agreed to take tfae oversigfat of those young raen, connected with tfae syhod, wfao raigfat be prosecuting tfaeir studies at the College of Edinburgfa, during the winter months. By holding frequent meetings with tfaem for religious purposes, and by giving tfiem direction and instruction in tfaose brancfaes of literature wfaich they were engaged in studying 478 DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING REGIUM DONUM. at the University, he both facUitated their progress in learn ing, and guarded thera, at the sarae time, against adopting tfaose fashionable and pernicious errors, with whicfa young minds are too apt to be fascinated, whUe attending such public seminaries. The synod enjoined all the students in thei^ con nexion, wfao were attending the College of Edinburgh, to wait upon tfae Professor for these purposes, as often as he should find it convenient to raeet witfi tfiem. A considerable degree of excitement prevailed in many of the Secession congregations in Ireland, about this period, in consequence of alterations made in tfae raode of distributing the Regiura, or Royal Bounty. At an early period, grants of money had been given from the exchequer for the support of the Presbyterian ministers in tfae north of Ireland. Tfie sum originally given was small, but it gradually increased, until it attained the araount of many thousands annually.* Soon after the comraenceraent of tfae present century, a new raethod of distributing it was adopted by the governraent. Instead of a sura total being given ' to eacfi section of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, to be divided according to the pleasure of the synods, amongst tfae ministers of their own connexion, it was deterrained that the bounty sfaould be given to eacfa min ister, according to a certain scale. Tfae congregations were arranged into tfaree classes, according to tfae number of fami lies and stipend of eacfa ; and tfae annual allowance granted by government to eacfa minister was fixed according to this classification. A faigfaer rate was granted to the ministers be longing to tfae synod of Ulster, tfie Reraonstrant synod, the Presbytery of Antrim, and the Southern Association, than to those connected witfa tfae Secession. Tfae rate fixed for the forraer was £50 per annura to tfae first class, £75 to the second class, and £100 to tfae tfaird or faigfaest class; while tfae rainisters of tfae Secession, wfao were looked upon as of a lower grade, faad allocated to tfaera, according to tfaeir class, the suras respectively of £40, £50, and £70 per annura. Before any rainister could receive tfae bounty, he was required to take the oath of allegiance, and an attestation to this effect, sub scribed by tw9 magistrates, raust be transmitted to the proper quarter. If a minister was deposed, or deceased, the Regium Donum still continued to be drawn, in narae of the congrega tion, but the benefit of it was appropriated to a widows' fund.t Tfais cfaange in tfae mode of distributing tfae Royal Bounty, was obviously designed to give tfae government a cfaeck upon * The sum voted by Parliament to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, for the present year (1838), amounts to f 32,000. t Political Christianity, p. 65. DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING REGIUM DONUM. 479 the conduct of those who received it. Should any rainister be accused or suspected of disloyalty to the reigning powers, it was easy for tfaose who kept the strings of tfae governraent purse, to effect fais removal, by raerely witfafaolding fais annual allowance, seeing tfaat, in many of tfae congregations, tfais allowance was alraost all tfaat tfie ministers fiad to depend upon for tfie support of tfieraselves and farailies.* Wfien tfie synod — belonging to tfie Anti-burgfier portion of tfie Secession in Ireland — met at Belfast on the 4th of July, 1809, intimation was given tfaem concerning tfae above men tioned change in tfae raode of distributing the Regiura Donura ; and tfae question. Whether the bounty could be accepted on tfae terras proposed? becarae the subject of discussion. It was the unanimous opinion of tfaose wfao spoke, tfaat it could not be accepted on such terras.f The raotives which influenced the synod, in coraing to this decision, were wfaolly of a reli gious nature, and respected tfaeir spiritual independence as a cfaurcfa of Cfarist. It is proper, however, to reraark, tfaat tfae Irish synod did not object to receive the bounty, on the ground of its being paid out of the public treasury. When it was paid to the synod in one sum, and equally distributed among the ministers, they had thankfully received it, regard ing it as a free gift, and as a proof of the fostering care of governraent.t But tfaey now objected to it, on tfae ground of tfae obnoxious conditions with whicfa it was clogged. Tfaat no rainister sfaould be entitled to receive the bounty, unless he sfaould previously qualify fairaself for it, by taking the oatfa of allegiance at fais ordination, tfaey considered as a purcfaasing of tfaeir loyalty; and tfae classification system was regarded witfa a suspicious eye, as tending to introduce a distinction araongst the ministers, inconsistent witfa presbyterian parity, besides being unjust in itself, as, according to tfiis system, tfie smallest suras were given to tfie poorest class, and tfie largest sums to tfie wealtfiiest. A petition from tfie presbytery of Belfast was presented to the General Associate synod in Scotland, at tfaeir meeting in AprU, 1810, requesting tfaera to give tfaeir opinion and advice on tfais subject. Tfais petition was brougfat up in consequence of certain proceedings wfaicfa faad taken place in tfae case of * Since the above was written, I have noticed a paragraph quoted from the Dublin Evening Post, in which it is stated, that government have pubUshed some new regulations respecting the distribution of the parliamentary grant to the Irish Presbyterian clergy. 'The classification above, mentioned is now abol ished. Every presbyterian clergyman is to receive £75 a-year ; but no endow ment will in future be granted or continued without the punctual payment of the congregational stipend. t Letter in the Christian Magazine for 1809, p. 447. \ Ibid. p. 448. 480 DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING REGIUM DONUM: Mr. Carraicfaael, minister at AfaogfaiU. His stipend amounted to about £40 a-year. His family were in a state of great destitution. He was required by his congregation to decline tfae Regiura Donura. He expressed his wiUingness to do so, if his congregation would add to his stipend only half tfae amount of tfae bounty. Witfa tfais request tfaey refused to comply ; and because, in tfaese circumstances, he accepted of the Royal Gift, their indignation was excited against faira. It was in connexion witfa sucfa a representation as tfais, tfaat tfae synod were called upon to give tfaeir opinion and advice. Their opinion was in favour of tfae Regiura Donura being accepted in sucfa circurastances; and tfais opinion was officially com raunicated to the synod in Ireland. The advice was unfavour ably received by several of the congregations on the Irish side of the cfaannel, and tfae agitation of tfae question produced a considerable ferraent araong tfae people. At tfae next meeting of tfae General synod, in AprU, 1811, tfais subject again came under tfaeir review. Mr. Bryce, one of the ministers connected witfa tfae synod in Ireland, fiad pro tested against a decision of tfiat synod, agreeing to act upon tfie advice given by the General synod, in the preceding year; and fae now brought his protest and appeal before the supreme court. Meraorials and representations, stating ob jections against tfae Secession rainisters in Ireland accepting of tfae Regium Donura, were presented from the congrega tions of Belfast, AhogfaUl, Lylefaill, Killiag, and Knockloch- rim. In tfae case of tfae Belfast congregation, tfae people ap peared to be very equaUy divided in tfaeir sentiraents on this question'; for wfaile tfae raeraorial against tfae Regiura Donum was subscribed by eigfaty-eigfat persons, a protest against the transmitting of tfais raeraorial to tfae synod, was subscribed by eighty-six. The representation frora the congregation of AfaogfaiU was subscribed by six elders and sixty-seven mera bers ; and the one from tfie congregation of Lylefiill was subscribed by tfiree elders and fifty merabers. But frora both of tfiese congregations counter-raeraorials were presented, ac cusing tfie raajority of raaking unreasonable demands upon tfieir rainisters. In a paper, subscribed by six elders and seven raerabers of tfie coramittee of the congregation of Afaog faiU, it was stated, tfaat a proposal faad been raade to their rainister to relinquisfa tfae Regiura Donura, and tfaat fae had expressed his willingness to do so, on condition tfaat tfae con gregation would augraent fais stipend from £40 to £60 ; but tfaat tfae congregation refused to make tfais augmentation. A paper, subscribed by tfaree elders and six merabers of tfae com mittee of tfae cono^regation of Lylefaill, raade a sirailar state ment respecting tfaeir minister. Thougfa fae faad not received DECISION OF SYNOD. 481 more than £36 or £37 annually, upon an average, fiora his congregation, yet he was willing, for the sake of peace, to re nounce all claim to the Regium Donura, if a sraall increase were made to his stipend, so as to allow him a moderate cora petency ; but this reasonable proposal the raajority had tfaougfat fit to reject. Complaints were, at tfae same time, presented against Mr. Bryce, for exciting aniraosities in tfae congregations, on tfae subject of tfae Regium Donum, and for being guilty of con- xluct subversive of tfae discipUne of the presbyterian churcfa, by going into tfae bounds of tfae neigfabouring congregations, assembling tfae people, preacfaing to thera, baptizing their children, and bestowing upon his brethren tfie raost opprobri ous titles, such as " hirelings," " pensioners," " wolves in sheep's clothing," &c. ; making use of the divine prophecies to warrant him in tfaese abusive representations, and pursuing tfais unbrotfaerly course of conduct in defiance of tfae autfaority of the synod of Ireland, who had warned faim, tfaat, if fae persisted in these disorderly practices, they would inflict censure upon faim in due form. A petition was also presented from a nuniber of persons, who had been connected with the Burgher congregation of Cole rain and Randlestown, stating that they had witfadrawn from tfaeir forraer connexion, in consequence of tfaeir rainisters ac cepting of tfae Regiura Donura, on tfae terms proposed by government ; and they wished a supply of sermon to be sent to them by the General synod. All these meraorials and petitions were referred by the synod to a committee, wfao were appointed td take tfae whole subject into consideration, and to report at a subsequent sederunt. The foUowing report was presented by the coraraittee, and, after undergoing revision, was unaniraously adopted by the synod : — ,'^ That though the synod do not consider the accept ance of tfae Reg;iura Donum, in all circurastances, as unlawful, yet they cannot approve of receiving it on the term specified in tfae late grant. But as every tfaing wfaich may be objection able ought not forthwith to be made a term of communion ; so tfae synod judge tfaat, in present cfrcumstances, the accept ance or non-acceptance of the Donum ought not to be viewed in this Ught ; and they cannot help expressing their disappro bation of the conduct of those wfao have on this account with drawn from tfae dispensation of divine ordinances in tfaeir re spective congregations, and enjoin such persons to return to their duty, and exercise forbearance witfi tfieir ministers and brethren in this matter ; and in doing so, no session shall ex clude them from church privileges for past irregularities in this affair. As, however, the acceptance of the Donum has 2 h 482 DISCUSSIONS RESPECTING REGIUM DONUM. proved a stumbUng-block to many cfiurch members, tfie synod judge, in order to reraove it, tfiat no presbytery in Ireland ought in future to grant a raoderation, without being satisfied that the sum offered by the congregation is adequate to the support of a gospel rainistry, according to tfaeir respective situations, independent of any such aid : And they recommend it to tfae several congregations already settled, to take imme diate steps for tfae purpose of increasing tfae stipends of their rainisters, tfaat tfaey raay, as soon as possible, faave no farther occasion for tfae assistance of governraent ; and, wfaen tfae re spective presbyteries sfaall be satisfied witfa tfae support given, tfaat tfaey sfaall be bound to relinquisfa all interest in tfae Re gium Donum." In reference to Mr. Bryce, against wfaom the above-mention ed complaints were preferred, tfae synod required of faim an acknowledgment of tfae irregularity of fais conduct, and an ex pression of sorrow for it ; they required of faim, further, that he sfaould refrain frora all sucfa practices for tfae future, and acqui esce in the decision now given respecting tfae Regiura Donum. But he refused either to raake tfae acknowledgment, or to promise tfae subjection,- tfaat was required ; and tfae synod, on account of fais obstinacy, suspended hira from the exercise of tfae ministeral office till tfaeir next meeting. If tfae support given by tfae congregations in Ireland to tfaeir ministers was scanty, tfae stipends given by tfae majority of congregations in Scotland were found also to be very in adequate. Some ministers had found it necessary to resign tfaeir cfaarges on tfais account, and otfaers continued to labour under distressing anxieties and privations. Tfae discussions wfaicfa faad taken place concerning tfae Irisfa Regium Donum, had drawn the attention of the synod to tfais subject ; and, at tfaeir meeting in August, 1811, tfaey renewed an injunction forraeriy given to presbyteries, to report annually to tfie synod tfie raanner in wfiicfi congregations performed tfiis necessary duty of giving adequate support to tfaeir ministers. Tfae insuffir ciency of pecuniary exertion, on the part of tfae people, was attri buted by tfae synod to inconsideration, ratfaer tfaan to unwiUing ness or inabiUty; and ministers were required to remind theip, prudently but honestly, of tfae obligations under wfaicfa tfaey lay, from Scripture, equity, and voluntary engagement, to exert themselves for the due maintenance of gospel ordinances. It was further agreed, that a coramittee of synod should be an nually appointed to attend to this business. Vacant con gregations, also, were required to make a smaU addition to the allowance usually given to preachers. The sum appointed to be given, each Sabbath, by tfae poorer congregations, was sixteen sfaillings ; and tfaose congregations that were in ordi- CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER DENOMINATIONS. 483 nary circurastances, were enjoined to give not less than a guinea. It will not be affirmed, that either of these sums was too large to defray the travelling expenses, and otfaer contin gencies, of such a useful class of individuals as tfae Secession preacfaers. At tfais raeeting the synod approved of a proposal that was submitted to tfaem, to open a correspondence witfa otfaer reli gious denorainations, faolding evangelical sentiraents in Scot land, England, and Ireland. A coraraittee was appointed to pMpare a circular letter for this purpose. At a subsequent raeeting, the Rev. Alexander Allan read the draft of an over ture, whicfa fae faad prepared on tfais subject. But the synod delayed the consideration of it ; and it does not appear tfaat any fartfaer steps were taken in tfais matter, until tfae union betwixt tfae two large bodies oftfae Secession wasaccorapUsfaed. In the following year (May 1812), anotfaer iraportant raea sure was adopted, having for its object the obtaining of correct information concerning tfae state of religion in tfae congrega tions connected with their association in Ireland and America. A coraraittee of correspondence was appointed to obtedn the necessary inforraation. A sirailar raeasure was adopted in reference to tfae congregations in tfais country. Tfae clerks of presbyteries were required to send up to tfae convener of the committee, now appointed, an account of the state of religion in tfae congregations of tfaeir respective districts. In tfais ac count they were required to state, araongst other tfaings, the nuraber of coraraunicants connected with each congregation, tfae average attendance of pubUc worsfaip during tfae Sabbath, and also tfae nuraber and state of praying societies in tfae sev eral congregations. Sucfa raeasures as these were calculated to have a happy effect in uniting tfae different parts of tfae association more closely together, in stimulating the slothful, in encouraging tfae weak, and in prOraoting tfae interests of religion tfarougfaout tfae wfaole. It is to be regretted tfaat churcfaes professing tfae same faith, have not taken a deeper interest in one another's temporal and spiritual prosperity ; that they have acted more upon the selfish tfian upon tfie social principle ; tfiat, instead of regarding themselves as parts of the sarae wfaole, tfiey have looked upon theraselves rather as isolated societies, and have, in consequence, been too often unmindful of the excellent apostoUcal precept, whicfa enjoins every man to look " not on fais own things, but also on tfae things of others." Every measure wfaich has a tendency to destroy tfais selfish principle, to foster a spirit of brotherly-kindness, and to bring the different parts ofthe body of Christ more closely into connexion with one another, is deserving of commendation ; and, when such 484 CHARGE OF HERESY AGAINST MR. IMRIE. attempts are made, those who have at heart the peace and pros perity of Zion, instead of frowning upon them, ought to give them thefr cordial support. A long course of ecclesiastical proceedings, which had been carried on against Mr. Robert Imrie, minister at KinkeU, for heresy, was brought to a close at this period. These pro ceedings, it is possible, may be regarded by some as unimpor tant in themselves, but as they excited a good deal of atten tion at the time, in tfaat portion of the Secession Church wfaose history I am now recording, and as they tend to il]^- trate the extreme sensitiveness witfa whicfa the Secession ju dicatories faave ever regarded tfae sUgfatest approach to error, on the part of any of tfieir ministers, I faave deemed it proper to give an outline of tfaem in tfais record. So far back as 1801, a raeraber of Mr. Imrie's congregaT tion preferred a variety of cfaarges against faim, before the presbytery of Perth, relating partly to tfae style of his preach ing, and partly to tfie doctrmes wfiich fie taugfit. Tfie inves tigation of tfiese charges showed tfaat Mr. Imrie was accustom ed, in fais public minisfrations, to employ modes of expression that were novel and unguarded, and calculated to unsettle the minds of his hearers wifli regard to some of the fundaraental articles of the Christian faith. Though he was censured for making use of such expressions, yet the explanations which he gave of fais views, in reference to the articles charged against him, were regarded as so far satisfactory, that he was permit^. ted to continue in the exercise of his ministry. In 1806, fresh cfaarges were preferred agrinst him; and the presbytery of Perth faaving proceeded to examine witnesses on oath, in reference to these charges, without having previously furnisfaed Mr. Imrie witfa a Ubel, fie appealed to the General synod against the irregularity of this procedure. Though his protest and appeal were dismissed, as not having been taken at the proper stage of the business, yet the presbytery were enjoined to take a precognition of witnesses, in order to ascertain if there were sufficient grounds for a Ubel ; and should they find that this was the case, they were to put a Ubel into Mr. Imrie's hand, and proceed according to the rules of the church. A precognition of witnesses being taken, it was found that there were sufficient grounds for a libel, and one was accordingly put into his hand. In tfais Ufiel Mr. Ipirie was cfaarged with having pubUcly taught the following doc trines:— -1. That tfaere was no proper condition in the cove nant of works ; and that Adam would have fulfilled no condi tion though fie had stood. 2. That there was no proper covenant between the Father and the Son from eternity about man's salvation ; for how could God make a bargain witfe ARTICLES or LIBEL AGAINST MR. IMRIE. 485 himself? and tfae Scriptures nowfaere make mention of a pro per covenant between these divine persons. (He would defy any one to find the word covenant used in Scripture, except where it refers to something else.) 3. That there was no proper condition in that covenant to be performed by Christ, as tfae surety of the elect ; that it had been better for the cfaurch if the term condition had never been heard of; tfaat tfae righteousness of Christ is not the condition of the covenant (that the righteousness of Cfarist and faitfa are equally not tfae condition of the covenant of grace), and tfaat if tfaere was any condition at aU, it was tfae proraises. 4. That Christ merited nothing for his people, by his obedience and deatfa ; tfaat, as Mediator, fae faad nothing to give to God as an equivalent for tfae blessings conferred on fais people, except wfaat he had re ceived from God ; and that all tfae price he gave to God was a rigfat improvement of the qualifications wfaich God gave hira. 5. "That although Christ was Mediator in the eternal purpose of God, yet he was not actual Mediator until his incarnation in tfae fulness of tirae, and fae never mediated actually until he assumed a huraan nature ; that Cfarist, as Mediator, has no grace to give to the cfaurch, he is only a ser vant, and what faas a servant to give, but what fae receives frora his master ? 6. That the promises of God received by faith, and not the work of Cfarist, is tfae ground of tfae sinner's justification ; that Christ's righteousness is not imputed to be lievers, except in its fruits and effects ; that it was not Cfarist's work, in coming into the world, to save sinners, but to do the will of God, and let God see to the salvation of sinners : (That some make a distinction concerning Christ's sufferings, as partly satisfactory and partly exemplary ; but he affirraed that none of thera were satisfactory, only the exercise of Christ's mind under tfaem was satisfactory ; and tfaat tfae satis faction of Cfarist was a fauman. satisfaction i) 7. That Christ was not the only Redeemer of God's elect, but God tfae Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 8. That tfae Spirit dwells not in be lievers, but works on tfae mind by the Word as a mean ; that he only dweUs in them by his gifts and graces tfarougfa the influ ence of the Word : tfaat in fais first deaUngs witfa sinners, they are active in the use of means, and that persons in an adult state must always be first in the use of raeans, or else they cannot be saved. 9. That the sins of believers expose tfaem to divine wratfa. 10. Tfaat the possession by devils, so often narrated in the gospel, is not to be viewed as a real and pro per possession, but merely as figurative of certain diseases witfa wfaicfa tfaese persons were affiicted : tfaat tfaough the devil might act upon such persons in the way of suggestion, through the medium of external means, yet fae can never be 486 PROCESS AGAINST MR. IMRIB t said to enter into raen, so as to possess their bodies and speak out of them. Such were the cfaarges of heresy advanced against Mr. Imrie ; and the presbytery, after examining a variety of wit nesses in support of them, referred the determination of the whole matter to the supreme court, which met at Edinburgh on the 28th of April, 1807. The synod, after having read, seriatim, the depositions of the witnesses, and hearing Mr. Imrie's explanations, gave judgment on each of these articles in detail. Witfa regard to tfae first article contained in the Ubel, the synod found that Mr. Imrie had taught, that tfaere was no proper condition in tfae covenant of works. On the second article, it was found, tfaat tfae general enunciation con tained in it was not proved ; but it was proved, tfaat fae had said. How could God make a bargain witfi himself ? also, that the Scriptures nowfaere make mention of a proper covenant between these divine persons, as the term covenant is coramonly understood amongst men; and they nowhere raake mention of a proper covenant, except wfaen it refers to soraetfaing else. In reference to tfae tfaird article, it was proved, tfaat Mr. Irarie had taugfat, tfaat it faad been better for tfae cfam-ch if tfae term condition faad never been heard of, at least unless it had been more accurately defined ; also, tfaat if tfaere was any condition, it is tfae promises. On tfae fourth article, it was found, that Mr. Imrie faad taugfat, tfaat Cfarist, as Mediator, had nothing to give to God, as an equivalent for the blessings conferred on tfae cfaurcfa, except wfaat he faad received from God ; that all the price wfaich Christ gave to God was a right improvement of the qualifications that God had given faim. Tfie statements contained in the fifth article were fully estab lished. The sixth article was found not fully proved; but tfae synod reserved to tfaemselves the liberty of conversing with Mr. Imrie on the subject. The charge contained in the seventh article was proved, viz. tfaat Mr. Imrie faad taught, tfaat Christ is not tfie only Redeeraer of God's elect. The eigfith and nintfi articles were found not proved ; but in re ference to tfiem, tfie synod reserved tfie sarae liberty as with regard to tfie sixtfi. On tfie subject of the tenth article, the synod found tfaat Mr. Irarie faad taugfat error. After tfaese findings, an opportunity was given to Mr. Imrie to explain more fully fais views, by questions being proposed to faira on eacfa of tfae points at issue ; and tfae result of these interrogations was sligfatly to raodify tfae finding of tfae synod on tfae first article. Being asked, Why he denied that there was a proper condition in tfae covenant of works ? he answered, Because that the observance of the positive prescription or law, given to Adam, was the ground on wfaich God promised lite HE IS REBUKED AND SUSPENDED. 487 to him and his posterity, and not any tfaing independent of God, in lieu of, or in exchange for, that life. From this an swer the synod found from tfae idea wfaicfa fae affixed to tfae word proper, tfaat fae did not deny tfaat tfaere was a condition in tfae covenant of works ; but tfaat he was culpable for intro ducing into his pulpit discourses abstract distinctions on this subject, wfaicfa were apt to perplex and unsettle the minds of fais hearers. The answers wfaicfa he gave to tfae questions, proposed to faim on tfae otfaer points, did not lead to any satis factory result. On tfae ground of wfaat faad been proved in tfae course of tfais investigation, one portion of tfae synod were for deposing Mr. Imrie instanter from tfae office of tfie faoly rainistry, and a motion was raade to that effect ; another portion were inclined to be more indulgent, and proposed tfaat, in tfae meantime, fae sfaould be rebuked and suspended from tfae exercise of his min istry, with certification, that if fae did not give satisfaction to the synod at their next meeting, they would then proceed to inflict a higher censure. The vote being stated, " Depose ?" or, " Rebuke and Suspend ?" it carried by a large majority, tfaat fae be rebuked and suspended with certification. Six ministers and one elder craved to have it marked, that they had voted, " Depose." Mr. Richard Black entered his protest against certain parts of tfae finduigs of tfae synod, as being more lenient tfaan the proof warranted. This business was again resumed by tfae synod, at tfaeir meeting in April, 1808. Mr. Irarie was subjected to tfae or deal of anotfaer examination. He adraitted, in reference to the objectionable points with which fae was charged, tfaat fae faad used language tfaat was improper and calculated to raislead, especiaUy on the subject of the covenant of works, and the covenant of grace ; and also with regard to tfae Mediatorial work of Cfarist. On this last point he substantially retracted tfae StateraentS wfaicfa fae faad forraeriy raade. He faad affirraed tfaat Cfarist was not actual Mediator till his incarna tion in tfae fulness of tirae, and tfaat fae never mediated actually until fae assuraed a fauraan nature. Being now asked, if he admitted tfaat Cfarist really exercised the office of Mediator under the Old Testament in the perforraance of raediatory acts; fae admitted tfaat fae did. It was tfaen asked, "Does Mr. Imrie adrait, tfaat Cfarist was actually Mediator under tfae Old Testaraent ?" To wfaicfa fae replied, " Tfaat Cfarist was Mediator actual under tfae Old econoray, in perforraing medi atory acts, so far as corapetent to him in the divine nature." He then adraitted, tfaat fae faad employed, on tfais subject, language tfaat- was improper and unguarded ; and that fae faad made use of a distinction and refinement that were calculated to 488 DECLARATION BY MR. IMRIE : « perplex and distract the minds of his hearers. On the subject of demoniacal possessions, he admitted that these possesions were real, and that it was highly improper in him to make use of expressions, on this subject, that were fitted to produce a belief of the opposite doctrine. At the close of his examination by the synod, he dictated to the clerk thefoUowing acknowledgment: — " I am unfeigii- edly sorry, that by the introduction of certain expressions and distinctions, I have given cause of offence to the church, and I am resolved in the strength of grace to avoid all such in future, and I acquiesce in tfie judgmMit of synod with respect to doctrine on the several articles, as stated in the minutes of synod." As tfaere existed amongst tfae members of synod a considerable diversity of sentiraent with regard to Mr. Imrie's conduct, it was agreed to delay, tUl a subsequent meeting, coming to a final decision on this matter. Wfaen tfae synod met in April, 1809, Mr. Imrie sfaowed a disposition to equivocate; to explain away some of the explana tions wfaicfa he faad formerly given. After a variety of ques tions faad been proposed to him, and answers returned, some of whicfa were not regarded as satisfactory, the following motion was made ; — " That the synod, considering tfais cause in its extensive cfaaracter and consequences, and especially considering tfaat the synod have found Mr. Irarie chargeable with error in sorae instances ; and in otfaer articles, as faaving used several expressions which faave a tendency to mislead gospel faearers, and to undermine some of the most important doctrines of religion ; and the synod not faaving received satis faction for Mr. Imrie's offensive conduct, fae be presently deposed from tfae office of the holy ministry." Another motion was made, " That Mr. Imrie be continued under the sentence of suspension till next meeting of synod ;" and the vote being taken on tfaese two raotions, it carried by a majority that Mr. Imrie be continued under tfae sentence of suspension till next meeting. Against tfais decision Messrs. Alexander Pringle, Ricfaard Black, Samuel Gilfillan, Andrew Tfaomson, and George Paxton, entered tfaeir dissent. At next meeting of synod (April 1810), this troublesome business again occupied their attention during several sede runts. An opportunity was given to Mr. Imrie, by means of interrogations proposed, to explain his views on the subject of Christ's mediatorship, on deraoniacal possessions, and on some otfaer points with regard to whicfa tfae synod faad not formerly been satisfied. The explanations were so far satisfactory, • that a motion was made, and carried by a majority of seven, to restore Mr. Irarie to the exercise of his raini4g;ry. Twenty- one ministei-s and four elders protested against tfais decision. ADDITIONAL CHARGES AGAINST HIM. 489 When tfae synod met in the month of April, tfae following year, a paper containing reasons of protest against tfae deed of their forraer meeting, restoring Mr. Irarie to tfae exercise of fais ministry, was read ; and after some deUberation, tfae synod agreed to review tfae obnoxious sentence. A long discussion ensued, whicfa terminated in tfae following motion being adopt ed : " Tfae synod, considering tfaat Mr. Imrie, after being judicially found chargeable witfa error, was restored to tfae ex ercise of fais office in tfae holy ministry, without any judgment of the court acquitting him of the cfaarges under wfaicfa fae stood, or expressing their judicial satisfaction with the explana tions he had given ; witfaout any explanations on his part, that he had retracted the errors found against faim ; without any profession of sorrow for the part fae faad acted, and witfa out any pledge as to fais future ministrations, they now pro ceed to consider what influence these and otfaer facts sfaould have on the sentence." After farther deliberation, tfae vote was tfaen stated, " Reverse tfae sentence restoring Mr. Imrie to tfae exercise of tfae office of the holy ministry, or Not ?" when it carried by a large majority, " Reverse." From this deed nine ministers and one elder dissented. During the interval which elapsed betwixt the forraer raeet ing of synod and the present, Mr. Imrie had been indulging his favourite propensity of making paradoxical statements from the pulpit. A committee faad been appointed by the presby tery of Pertfa to investigate tfae subject ; and tfae result of tfie precognition was, tfiat a paper containing a variety of addi tional cfiarges, on tfie ground of erroneous doctrine, was laid upon tfie synod's table at tfieir present meeting. Tfiis paper was referred to a coraraittee, wfio were appointed to exaraine it, and to report fiow fer it furnisfied foundation for a Ubel. Tfie committee extracted frora it no fewer tfian fourteen articles, containing dangerous errors and expressions. Tfaese articles tfae presbytery of Pertfa were required to erabody in a Ubel, with wfaicfa Mr. Imrie was to be served in due form ; and written answers were to be given by faim to tfae different charges. The wfaole process, after being completed, was to be brought again before the synod for a final decision. In tfaese articles, Mr. Imrie was charged with affirming : — 1. That to say there are three persons in tfae Godfaead, is a dangerous expression : sucfa as say so are right if tfaey mean three modes of subsistence ; such as say, only one, are rigfat if tfaey mean only one agent or will. 2. Tfaat tfaere were no distinct personal actings of the distinct persons of the Godhead in the making of tfae covenant of grace, on account of the unity of the divine will ; and that to maintain distinct personal actings in tfae making of the covenant, or in the application of 490 FINAL SENTENCE OF DEPOSITION. redemption, is equivalent to tfae assertion of three Gods. 3. That tfaere was no eternal covenant between the Fatfaer and tfae Son, with reference to the salvation of lost sinners ; but that it was made witfa Cfarist in time, as man, because he then had a will distinct from the divine ; that the Son made the covenant witfa tfae man Cfarist, as mucfa as the Fatfaer and the Holy Gfaost ; and there could be no covenant between the Fatfier and tfie Son, on account of tfie unity of the divine will. 4. That tfae Father and the Son being equal in glory and dignity, and one in will, it is impossible that the Son could becorae the Fatfaer's servant. 5. That God could have brought all mankind to heaven, if he pleased, without a sacri fice. 6. That Christ is not tfae head of the churcfa, but a raeraber of faer, tfae first raan in faer, or head in the church. 7. Tfaat Christ was not a priest from eternity ; that Melchis edec was a type of Christ, and tfae type must exist before the antitype. 8. Tfaat Cfarist was not Mediator, in fact, till the period of fais incarnation, and fais fauman nature itself was tfae Mediator. 9. Tfaat tfae fauman nature of Christ received no assistance from Goa, wfaen going tfarougfa tfae work of our salvation ; and tfaat Cfarist, in fais sufferings, was supported by his own grace, and not by any special assistance from Omni potence. 10. Tfaat reconciliation is not the reconciliation of God to sinners, but of sinners to God ; that the term reconcile signifies to cfaange, or alter, which could not be applied to God ; and that it is unscriptural language to speak of God as being reconciled. 1 1 . Tfaat we did not need a divine rigfateous ness, but tfae rigfateousness of Cfarist as raan ; and it is only fais fiuraan rigfateousness tfaat is iraputed to us. 12. That the sin of tfae first Adam, and tfae rigfateousness of Christ, are im puted to persons only in their effects. 13. Tfaat Cfarist is only relatively God, but not really God. 14. Tfaat tfaere are no degrees in raystery, and tfaat tfae work of redemption is no more above reason tfaan tfae work of creation ; and that if we devote ourselves to tfae study of it, we may under stand or comprefaend it as mucfa as farming or any other business. After a long and tedious investigation of tfaese cfaarges, carried on during two successive meetings of synod, it was found, in reference to tfae fiftfa, tentfa, eleventh, twelfth, thir teenth, and fourteenth articles, that no error faad been proved against Mr. Irarie, or confessed by him. With regard to all the other articles, it was found that fae faad used unguarded and unwarrantable language, and faad taugfat doctrines at va riance witfa tfae standards of tfae cfaurch. The wfaole business was terrainated by a sentence of deposition being pronounced upon him. The sentence, and tfae grounds upon wfaich it SENTENCE OF SYNOD. 491 was pronounced, were embodied in the following motion, pre pared by a committee, and wfaicfa the synod, after some discus sion, adopted by a large majority : — " Whereas tfie synod, at their meeting in April, 1809, found that Mr. Imrie was cfaargeable with error, on the articles of Christ's mediation and demoniacal possessions, and that he had used various expressions, particularly this, — ' How can God make a bargain with himself?' wfaicfi tended to raislead his hearers, and undermine the important doctrine of an eter nal covenant between tfae Father and tfae Son, as distinct par ties : And whereas, notwithstanding Mr. Imrie's professions of sorrow, submission to censure, and soleran proraise of acting a different part, it was found, tfaat after fais restoration to office in April, 1810, he had, by fiis doctrine and raodes of express ing fiimself in tfie pulpit, given occasion for a new process, in conducting wfiich tfie synod found, at their last meeting (August, 1811), That upon articles second and tfaird, and seventh and ninth, of the libel, tfae doctrine advanced by Mr. Imrie, with respect to the eternity of the covenant of grace and mediation of Cfarist, is inconsistent witfa the doctrine of the scriptures and of the standards of the cfaurcfa ; and tfaat, on article first, fae faad used improper and incautious raodes of ex pression on tfae doctrine of tfae Trinity : And, at tfae present meeting, on article fourth, he is blameable for saying, ' Tfaat as tfae actings of tfae divine will in tfae Son cannot be rainis terial and subordinate to those of tfae s^me will in tfae Fatfaer, tfaerefore it befaoved tfae Son to become man, tfaat fae might be a servant ; and tfaat as one divine person cannot, in faimself, even witfa fais own consent, occupy a subordinate place or sta tion to anotfaer, and cannot condescend to act in a subordinate cfaaracter ; so the Son not only did not, but could not, become the servant of the Father, for any particular purpose respect ing tfae salvation of sinners, but by becoming raan ; and that tfaefr essential equality rendered any subordinate station, even by voluntary consent, irapossible;' — botfa of wfaicfa declara tions must, at first view, in tfae ordinary use of language, be considered as a denial of fais acting in a subordinate character as the Fatfaer's servant, till invested witfa fauraan nature ; On article sixtfa, tfaat fae is blaraeable for seeraing to represent tfae actual faeadsfaip of our Lord as dependent on fais actual in carnation, by teacfaing, ' Tfaat Cfarist is tfae faead ofthe churcfa, as in faer and a part of faer, her cfaief and principal raeraber or part;' and saving, ' Our text does not view fiim as merely tfie Son, in wfiicfi respect fie fias no God or head, but as God in our nature, as bom in our nature, as born in the church, concerning whom it may witfa propriety be said. This man was born there ; and fae is, by being so, tfae prime, tfae first 492 DEPOSITION OF MR. IMRIE. man in faer, because God-man, the heir and head :' On ar ticle eighth, that Mr. Irarie had taught, ' That Christ could not be a priest but in our nature ;' and that he views Christ as ' being a priest merely in purpose or design from eternity, in promise and type under the Old Testament dispensation, and in fact only under the New ;' and that he holds it as a principle, ' Tfaat tfae wfaole of the mediatory office is nearly coraprehended in Christ's priestly function, thereby excluding alraost all that he did eitfaer as a propfaet or a king, from the execution of fais mediatory office.' Upon these grounds, al though tfae otfaer articles of Ubel be not proven, tfae synod judge that Mr. Imrie ought to be deprived of the ministerial office, and do therefore depose him from the office of tfae faoly ministry, and suspend faim from tfae feUowship of tfae cfaurch." In conforraity with this sentence, Mr. Irarie was solemnly deposed from tfie office of tfie ministry. After tfie sentence was pronounced upon fiim by tfie moderator, and suitable ex hortations addressed to him, he stated, that he decUned the authority of the synod ; that fae considered tfae sentence as in formal and injurious, and tfaerefore null and void ; and fae protested against it, declaring that his connexion with tfae congregation of Kinkell was, notwitfastanding it, vaUd, and tfaat it sfiould be no prejudice to his exercising Eis ministry there, or elsewfaere, according to the Openings of providence. Six ministers and two elders craved to have thefr dissent from this sentence of deposition marked in the synod's record. Mr. Imrie was considered by many to be an able and a faithfiil rainister of the gospel, and tfae sentence pronounced upon him was regarded by his friends' as unreasonably severe. He had an acute and a powerful mind, and seems to have been fond of making nice distinctions in theology. Taking the most favourable view of his case tfaat it will admit of, his language, to say tfae least of it, was unguarded, and was ap parently mucfa better calculated to perplex than to instruct. Sorae of his positions were sufficiently startling, and if they did not amount to positive faeresy, tfaey raade a close approxi mation to it. He had acquired, in a fiigh degree, tfae attach ment of his people. They refused to acquiesce in tfae sentence of tfae synod, dissolving tfie pastoral relation betwixt faim and tfaem. They left, nearly in a body, the comraunion of the synod ; and fiaving erected a new place of worsfaip in tfae vil lage of Aucfaterarder, they continued to enjoy his rainistrations till the close of his life. While tfaese proceedings, which have now been detaUed, were in progress, the synod kept steadily in view the extension of tfae Secession Churcfa in Nova Scotia, and in tfae United States of America. Frequent applications were made to them TRANSATLANTIC MISSIONS. 493 by tfae cfaurcfaes on tfae otfaer side of tfae Atlantic, to send out more labourers : and scarcely a meeting of synod occurred, at whicfa an attempt was not made to procure young men, wfao should be willing to undertake a transatlantic mission. Several disappointraents were experienced, in consequence of individ uals, to wfaora application was made, refusing to accept of a missionary appointment; but notwitfastanding tfaese disap pointments, a respectable addition was made, in tfae course of a few years, to the synod in America, and to tfae presbytery of Nova Scotia, by means of preacfaers sent from tfais country. Mr. Joseph Shaw was ordained at Pfailadelpfaia in Noveraber, 1806, and Mr. Gordon was settled in Prince Edward's Island, in tfae- montfa of October, the year foUowing. In May, 1809, Mr. WUliam Brownlee was ordained at Mount Pleasant, Bridgetown, and Mr. Robert Bruce at Pittsburgh and Peter's Creek. Tfaese were foUowed in succession, across tfae Atlan tic, by Mr. Jofan M'Kinlay, Mr. Jofan Liddell, Mr. Peter BulUons, Mr. Alexander Gordon, Mr. Jofan Donaldson, Mr. Jofan France, Mr. Andrew Isaac, and Mr. Duncan Carapbell. Tfae greater part, if not the wfaole, of tfae expense connected witfa these raissions, was defrayed by congregational collections made in this country. The synod once and again reminded the churcfaes in Nova Scotia, and in tfae United States, tfaat it was tfaefr duty to con tribute for the purpose of defraying the expense of tfiese mis sions. These cfaurcfaes were now growing in wealth, and rising in importance, and they were able to bear at least a certain portion of expense. 'The intimation tfaus given was not witfaout effect. At one of tfaeir meetings, faeld during tfae year 1808, tfae Associate Presbytery of Pictou resolved to establisfa a fund for the advanceraent of religion. A consider able sum was coUected by tfae congregations in connexion witfa the presbytery, and tfie sum of £90 was remitted to the mission fund of the synod. At a subsequent period, when an appUcation was made from the presbytery of tfie CaroUnas for additional preacUers to be sent out, it was stated, tfiat tfiey had provided funds for defraying the expense of the mission. A simUar appUcation beuig made, about tfae sarae tirae, from the synod in America, they mentioned that tfaey had appro priated the sum of five hundred doUars to defray the charges of the preacfaers who might be sent. Tfae bretfaren in Nova Scotia, having no hope of procuring an adequate supply of preachers from the mother country, be gan to entertain, in 1810, the idea of training muiisters for themselves. One of them, writing to a friend on the subject, says, — " We have begun as low as possible. Mr. Ross has at present a young lad, begun to learn Latin, with a view to 494 RESOLUTIONS OF SYNOD OF PHIL.iDELPHIA. the ministry. We think we could raise finances for cairying on four students at a tirae, if their parents would help moder ately. But we hardly expect to find students for some time ; the tfaing is new here. Our plan is to appoint one of our selves to teach them the languages, and, in place of lectures in pfailosopfay, to collect a small library of books in faistory, and tfae most useful sciences ; make tfaem read these, and help tfaem by frequent exaraination, and directions, to get as good a view of tfaem as we can ; and perfaaps a few lectures on divinity. To accustom tfaera to corapose, we mean to give tfaera subjects of discourse, from time to time, beginning at an early period, and continuing all along."* At a meeting of tfae Associate synod of PfaUadelpfaia, held at Cononsburgfa, in May, 1811, tfie important question was discussed, Wfiether tfie not kolding of slaves ougfit to be made a term of communion ? Some insisted tfiat tfiis was a raatter wfiicfi belonged to tfie state. But after a long discussion, the following propositions were carried by a raajority : — I. That it is a raoral evil to hold negroes or their chUdren in perpetual slavery, or to claim tfae rigfat of buying and sell ing, or of bequeatfaing them as transferable property. II. That all persons belonging to our coraraunion, having slaves in tfaeir possession, be directed to set tfaem at liberty, unless profaibited from doing so by tfae civil law ; but that, in those states wfaere tfae liberation of slaves is rendered imprac ticable by tfae existing laws, it is tfae duty of masters to treat tfaem witfa as much justice as if tfaey were Uberated ; to give tfaem suitable food and clotfaing ; to fiave tfiem taugfit to read, and instructed in tfie principles of reUgion ; and, when their service may justly deserve it, to give tfaem additional compen sation. III. Tfaat slave-faolders wfao refiise to renounce tfae above claim, and to treat tfaeir slaves in the manner now specified, are unworthy of being admitted into, or retained in, the fel lowship of tfie cfaurcfa of Christ. IV. That it may be lawful for persons in our communion to purcfaase negroes from those who are holding them in per petual slavery, witfa a view to retain tfaem in their service un til they are recorapensed for the money laid out in the p ur- cfaase of said slaves,. provided it be done witfa tfae consent of tfae negroes tfaemselves, treating them in the mean time according to tfae second regulation. V. That it is tfae special duty of sessions to see tfaat the above regulations be faithfully acted upon ; but before they can be acted upon by any session, care • Christian Magazine, New Series, vol. v. p 113. UNION OF PRESBYTERIANS IN NOVA SCOTIA. 495 every congregation wfaere the application of them is requisite, not only to have tfae people apprized, but instructed, in the moral evil of tfae slave-faolding fiere contemplated.* The congregations in Nova Scotia, in connexion with the General Associate synod of this country, now began to adopt measures witfa a view to effect a union witfa tfae otfaer presby terian congregations in tfaat province. After some time spent in making tfae preliminary arrangements, this desirable object was accoraplished in tfae spring of 1818. Tfae tfaree presby terian denorainations, consisting of rainisters from tfae Cfaurgli of Scotland, and from tfae two leading brancfaes of tfae Seces sion, constituted tfaemselves into a synod, under tfae designa tion of " The Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia." The United Cfaurcfa was divided at first into tfaree presbyteries ; and sorae time afterward, a fourth was added. IntelUgence of tfais event was coraraunicated to tfae General synod, at tfaeir raeeting in May 1818 ; and, after faaving duly considered the grounds on wfaicfa tfae union had been effected, they agreed in making a declaration, tfaat, tfaough they had " sorae serious difficulties" with respect to certain articles in the Forraula submitted to their consideration, yet tfaey were sufficiently aware tfaat no cfaurcfa in a newly settled country can be ex pected to be brougfat all at once to a faigfa degree of perfection ; and tfaey found notfaing in the constitution of the presbyterian cfaurch of Nova Scotia wfaicfa prohibited them from co-operat ing witfa tfaese bretfaren " in tfae great work of propagating the principles of reUgion, and advancing tfae cause of Cfarist." Soon after tfae process against Mr. Irarie was terminated, an overture was introduced into the synod, wfaich occupied tfieir attention at successive meetings. This overture had for its object the simplifying of the process of covenanting, by de claring the reading of tfae national covenants on tfaese occasions to be unnecessary, and by altering tfae form as well as abridg ing tfae length of the Acknowledgment of Sins, whicfa docu ment was considered by some to be too prolix, and to resemble too closely a Uturgy or forra of prayer. Before the discussions on this subject were brougfat to a close, tfae synod ceased to exist as a separate association, being called upon to unite witfa their brethren of tfae Associate synod. During the pro gress of these discussions, a new edition of the 'Testimony was requfred ; and it was unanimously agreed to omit, in this edition, an obnoxious paragrapfa in tfie eigfateenth cfaapter of tfae Testimony. In tfiis paragrapfa it was declared, tnat the synod were of the same opinion with tfae Associate Presbytery, " That the Solemn League and Covenant was, for tke matter • Christian Magazine, New Series, vol. v. p. 408. 496 PETITIONS FOR UNION. just and warrantable, for tke ends necessary and commendable, andfor tke time seasonable; and, therefore, in acknowledging the obUgation of tfae covenants of tfaeir ancestors, they made no exception as to any part of thefr matter ;" the objection to this declaration was, that it seemed to iraply an approbation of the civU as well as the religious part of the Solemn League and Covenant, whicfa tfaey considered it incompetent for them, as an ecclesiastical court, to give. By omitting tfae objectionable paragrapfa, tfaey swept away tfae last shred of ajiything in tfieir public docuraents, wfiicfi seemed to imply an approbation of civil pains and penalties in matters of religion. Araong tfie last acts of tfie General Associate synod, pre vious to tfieir uniting witfi tfieir brethren, was tfae appoint ment of sorae of tfaeir nuraber to itinerate in tfae Higfalands of Argylesfaire and Perthshire. They also gave a favourable re ception to an application raade to tfaera from the Irish Evan gelical Society, to send some of tfaeir preachers to itinerate in Ireland, under the direction of tfaat society. Tfaey furtfaer re coramended, tfaat a collection be made in tfaeir several congre gations, in aid of tfae funds of that institution. By such use ful and faonourable acts as tfaese, did tfaey show tfaat tfae spirit of Cfaristian zeal and liberaUty wfaich prompted them, at an early period of tfaeir faistory, to send preacfaers of the gospel to foreign lands, continued to animate them tiU the close oftheir career, as a distinct reUgious association. I have now reviewed the proceedings of the General As sociate synod, from its commencement till the year 1819, when its table was loaded witfa petitions from its numerous con gregations, soUciting measures to be adopted witfa a view to a union witfa tfaeir bretfaren of tfae Associate Synod, from wfaom tfaey had now been separated for a period of more than sev enty years. As the measures wfaicfa were adopted witfa a view to the accompUsfaing of tfais memorable union, were common to botfa synods, I shall reserve the detail of tfiem, till I give an account of tfie proceedings of the Associate Synod, when the two strearas of the Secession History shall again unite in to one, and sfaall be seen rolUng onward in a broad and deep cfaannel from the period of the union in 1820, tiU the present time. HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATE (OR BURGHER) SYNOD CHAPTER XV. First meeting of Burgher Synod — Committee appointed to prepare an explica tion of the Shorter Catechism — Petition from societies for sermon — An swers delayed — Fast appointed on account of the breach — Mr. E. Erskine receivea temporary charge of the Students — Proposal to enlarge the Psalmody — Ministers sent to preach in Ireland — Mr. Fisher chosen Pro fessor of Pivinity — PubUcation of Fisher's Catechism — Privy censures ap pointed Formula of questions proposed on these occasions to elders — For mula of questions proposed to ministers — Case of casuistry — Episcopacy condemned — Remarks — Mr. Matthew of Midholm joins the Synod — Pres bytery of Down formed in Ireland — Troubles of the Irish brethren — En couragement given to the brethren by the synod — Death of Mr. Ralph Erskine His character — His loss lamented by the Synod — Act concerning scope and design of the Testimony — Cases of insubordination on the part of preachers — Case of Mr. Wylie — Case of Mr. Forrest— Last Ulness of Mr. Ebenezer Erskine — His death — And character — Mourned by the Synod Mr. Thomas Clark missioned to America — Prevented from going — Douglas, a tr^edy, wrttten by Mr. Home — Represented on the Edin burgh stage Theatre attended by several ministers of the National Church Discipline inflicted on them — Mr. Carlyle proves refractory — Libel led And censured — General Assembly caution ministers against attending the theatre — Associate Synod testify against encouragement given to the theatre by ministers — Formula of questions proposed to presbyteries at privy censure — Proceedii^s of Synod conceming covenanting. After the separation, occasioned by the burgess-oatfa contro versy, the Associate Burgher Synod held its first meeting at Stirling on the 16th of June, 1747. Mr. Jaraes Mair, min ister at West Linton, wfao faad been elected moderator before tfae separation took place, opened tfae meeting by preacfaing a sermon from Isaiafa viii. 17: " And I will wait upon tfae Lord that hideth his face frora tfae faouse of Jacob, and I will look for faira." Tfae following ministers and elders were present on tfais occasion ; — Of tfae presbytery of Dunfermline ; Messrs. Ralpfa Erskine, Dunfermline ; and Jaraes Jofanstone, Dundee, rainisters; with Jofan Wardlaw from DunferraUne, ruling elder : Of tfae presbytery of Glasgow, Messrs. Ebenezer Erskine, StirUng ; James Fisher, Glasgow ; David Horn, Cambusnethan; JSenry Erskine, Falkirk; John M'Cara, KUbarchan ; Andrew Black, Curabernauld ; Andrew Thom son,* Mearns ; David Telfar, Bridge of Teith, ministers ; * Mr. Thomson soon after this withdrew from the synod, and connected himself with his brethren of the Associate Antiburgher synod. 2 1 498 FIRST MEETING OF SYNOD. witfa Robert Paterson frora Stirling; Andrew Glen from Glasgow ; Robert Redder frora Cambusnethan ; John Ander son from Falkirk; and John Fisfaer frora Bridge of Teith, ruUng elders : Of tfae presbytery of Edinburgfa, Messrs. James Mair, West Linton ; WUliara Hutton, Stow ; John Smith, Jedburgh, ministers ; with Messrs. John Mowbray from Ed inburgfi^ ; Arcfiibald Hall from West Linton ; and WiUiam Manderston from Haddington, ruling elders. Mr. Thomas Somerville, minister at Newcastle, tfaougfa not present at this meeting, continued to adhere to the synod. Mr. James Fisfaer was cfaosen moderator; and- Mr. Diniel Cock, clerk of tfae Glasgow presbytery, was unanimously ap pointed to act as clerk to tfae synod, tfaough he was not a mem ber of court.* At this and some of tfae subsequent raeetings, tfae attention of the synod was mucfa occupied witfa matters originating in tfae unhappy division that faad taken place : to tfaese a refer ence faas been made in a preceding part of tfae narrative. They renewed an appointment, forraeriy given, to the differ ent presbyteries to prepare an explication of tfae Asserably's Sfaorter Catecfaisra. The chief burden of this work devolved upon Messrs. Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine, and Mr. Fisher. Several applications were laid upon their table from societies in different parts of the country, requesting advice " in tfaeir present circumstances," and a supply of sermon. Tfae synod delayed giving an iraraediate answer to tfaese applications; and, in tfie raeantime, as tfiey fiad few preacfiers on tfieir list, they appointed Messrs. Thomas Clark, Tfaomas Main, and James Wrigfat, students of divinity, to be entered on trials for licence by tfae presbytery of Glasgow- One of tfae petitions, presented to tfae synod at tfais meet ing, called forth from tfiera a strong expression of satisfaction. This was a petition frora the associate congregation of Carrick and Galloway, earnestly beseecfaing tfae synod, " in the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ, to sue after peace witfa tfaeir pro testing bretfaren, and in order to obtain this, to propose meet ings with tfaem for prayer and conversation, and otfaer expedi ent means for obtaining peace in a way of trutfa." In answer to this petition, tfae synod proraised " to use all proper means for procuring peace, upon tfae footing of trutfa, among the Lord's ministers and people whora he faad divided in his jiist displeasure." Tfae synod being left destitute of a Tfaeological Professor, in consequence of Mr. Alexander Moncrieff faaving adhered * Mr. Cock was afterwards ordained at Greenock, and fintdly went to America. A DAY OF FASTING APPOINTED. 499 to the other portion of tfae Secession, this subject was taken into consideration at a raeeting, held at Dunfermline, in tfie beginning of September tfais sarae year. It was recommended to Mr. Fisfaer tfiat fie sfiould turn fiis attention to the subject, with a view to his being appointed to fill tfae Tfaeological chair ; and, in tfae meantime, tfae students of divinity were . placed under tfae cfaarge of Mr. Ebenezer Erskine at Stirling. At tfais raeeting, tfae synod appointed a day of fasting to be observed in all tfaeir congregations, on account of tfae late " melancfaoly and awful rupture tfaat faad fallen out in adorable providence among tfae ministers and people of tfae association." Tfaey met again in tfae following montfa (October) at Glasgow, when a petition was presented from some individuals in Lon don, craving that tfie synod would take tfaem under tfaeir superintendence, and send them a supply' of serraon ; and re questing, in an especial raanner, tfaat Mr. Jofan Potts migfat be sent to labour amongst tfaem for a season. Mr. Ralpfa Erskine was appointed to write to tfae people in London, inforraing them that their petition for sermon would be taken into con sideration at a future raeeting ; and as Mr. Potts had received a call from the congregation of Dalkeith, tfaey enjoined the presbytery of Edinburgh to take the ordinary steps, with a view to his imraediate settlement in that place. At a meeting of the synod held at StirUng on the 12th of April, 1748, it was resolved, tfaat, according to tfae practice of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland in faer purest tiraes, both presbyte rial and synodical privy-censures should be coraraenced. It was recoraraended to tfae several presbyteries, to suggest sucfa questions as raigfat be suitable to be put on tfaese occasions ; and tfaey were furtfaer enjoined to send up tfae records of their proceedings, frora the first forraation of tfae synod, tfaat tfaey migfat undergo exaraination. Tfae synod, being desirous to enlarge the psalmody, requested Mr. Ralpfi Erskine to under take a translation into metre of the Songs in Scripture, with tfae exception of tfae Psalras of David. A coraraittee, forraeriy appointed to prepare a forraula of questions to be put to stu dents at receiving licence, and to probationers at tfieir ordina tion, was renewed, and tfaey were required to present a draugfat of questions at an early raeeting of synod. A proposal was made tfaat a coramittee be appointed, " to inquire into some falstor ical mistakes wfaich are alleged to be in the Act and Testiraony, and other papers pubUsfaed by tfae Associate Presbytery ; and to show tfie true meaning of some otfier parts of tfie said Testimony and papers, wfiicfi are misrepresented and perverted at this day." 'This proposal was adopted ; and Messrs. Ralpfa Erskine, Jaraes Fisher, and Henry Erskine were appointed a comraittee for the purposes specified. At a subsequent raeet- 500 A DAY OF FASTING APPOINTED. ing, tfais committee was enlarged by tfae addition to it of Messrs. Ebenezer Erskine, Jaraes Fisfaer, WilUara Hutton, David Horn, John M'Cara, and Jaraes Main; and tfae task was devolved upon Messrs. Ebenezer and Ralpfa Erskine to prepare wfaat was called a materia substrata for tfae committee to work upon. Before separating, the synod agreed tfaat a day of fasting and faumiliation should be again observed by tfae people under tfaeir cfaarge. In tfae reasons assigned by them, for calling upon tfaeir people to engage in tfais exercise, tfaey gave a particular prorainence to tfae unfaappy division tfaat had taken place in tfae Secession, as indicative of the divine displeasure. Tfae Act of synod, autfaorizing the fast, coraraences witfa a soleran reference to the " awful j udgments, especially of a spiritual nature, whicfa the Lord faath been, and is, inflicting upon us ; and whereby fae hath given manifold tokens of his righteous wratfa and displeasure against the whole land in general, and particularly against a remnant of ministers and people, wfao faave been professing to bear witness for faim, in a way of Secession ; and, especially, in tfaat he hatfa, at tfais day, so greatly divided tfais remnant in fais anger, and covered tfaem witfa a very thick cloud ; and is' still con tinuing in so great a measure to pour forth fais fury, in tfais respect, Uke fire ; and to burn against Jacob Uke a flaraing fire wfaicfa devouretfa round about." This sarae year, the synod, in answer to applications for merly made to thera, agreed to grant a supply of sermon to societies, wfao were associated for tfais purpose in different parts of tfae country. Tfaey also sent sorae of tfaeir nuraber to preacfa in Ireland. At this period tfaere were tfaree congrega tions in tfaat country, that received frora tfaem a regular supply of sermon ; these were Killenny, Balleronny, and BalUbea. Mr. Jofan Swanston, a young raan of considerable promise, and who was afterwards cfaosen Professor of Divinity by the synod, received a call from each of tfae two congregations first mentioned ; but a call being given hira at the sarae time by the congregation of Kinross in Scotland, the synod appointed hira to be ordained , at Kinross. Messrs. David 'Telfar of Bridge of Teith, John Sraitfa of Jedburgfa, and Andrew Black of Cumbernauld, were appointed to labour in succession, each for several weeks, araong the Irisfa congregations. In tfae following year, Mr. Telfar received a call from the con gregation of BalUbea ; but wfaen tfae matter carae before the suprerae court for decision, tfaey tfaougfat proper to continue him in his charge at Bridge of Teith. A call given at tfae same tirae to Mr. Black, by tfae congregation of KiUenny, was more successful, for tfae synod sanctioned his removal from Cumbernauld. PUBLICATION OF FISHERS CATECHISM. 501 WhUe the synod were tfaus actively engaged in re-organiz ing those congregations which faad been shattered by tfae breach that had taken place, and in forraing new ones wfaere they faad not previously existed, tfaey sfaowed a laudable anxiety for tfae improveraent of tfae young raen wfao were train ing up for tfae ministry. At their meeting in October, 1748, they appointed all tfae students in pfaUosopfay and divinity to be examined once every year, by tfaeir respective presbyteries, that they migfat mark tfie progress wfiicfi tfiey were making in their studies. Tfiey also recommended to tfie congregations under tbeir cfiarge, to renew tfieir annual collections for supporting tfie students, and for otfier public purposes. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine having intimated that he felt himself unable any longer to continue, througfa tfae infirmities of age, his prelections to tfae students of divinity, Mr. James Fisfier was unanimously elected Tfieological Professor, on the 7th September, 1749, and the students were required to asserable at Glasgow on tfie 1st of February, tfie following year. A reference fias siready been raade to the appointment of a com mittee by tfae synod, to prepare an exposition, in tfae forra of question and answer, of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism. This work was executed by Mr. E. Erskine, as far as that question in the catecfaisra, " How dotfa Cfarist execute tfae office of a priest ?" wfaen fae stated to tfae synod, at tfaeir raeet ing in May, 1750, tfaat fae was obliged to desist from a work of sucfa difficulty and fatigue, owing to increasing infirmity, and tfae faeavy load of labour iraposed upon hira by tfae super intendence of an extensive congregation. The synod request ed him to complete that portion of the work wfaicfa he had commenced, by giving the exposition of the .question, " How doth Cfarist execute tfie office of a king?" And tfae remaining part of tfae Catechism was divided among tfae three presby teries. The bretfaren connected with the presbytery of Dun fermline were required to prepare an exposition from the question now mentioned to tfie third commandment inclusive. That portion extending from the tfafrd coramandraent to tfae question, " Wfaat is repentance unto life ?" was assigned to the brethren of tfae presbytery of Glasgow ; and tfae remaining portion was allotted to tfie presbytery of Edinburgfi. Tfiough the pens of several ministers were eraployed in tfais useful work, yet Messrs. Ebenezer and Ralpfa Erskine, and Mr. Fisfaer, were intrusted witfa tfae revisal and correcting of tfae wfaole ; so tfaat, when corapleted, it raigfat have a unifor mity of style and method. With the exception of Mr. Fisher, none of tfaese exceUent individuals Uved to see tfais work com pleted. It was publisfaed successively in two parts. Tfae first part was publisfied in the beginning of 1753, and contains an 502 PRIVY-CENSURES APPOINTED. exposition of that portion of the Catecfaisra, which states the doctrines we are required to believe concerning God, and ter minates with the question, " Wfaat benefits do believers receive from Cfarist at tfae resurrection ?" Mr. Ralph Erskine died a short wfaile before tfais part issued from tfae press, and his brother Ebenezer died soon after tfae publication of it. The second part of the work, containing the exposition of those questions whicfa teacfa tfae duty tfaat God requires of man, was not published till seven years after tfae first. After tfae death of tfae two Erskines (Ebenezer and Ralph), tfae synod, by a renewed recommendation, intrusted tfae preparation of the second part to Mr. Fisfaer. Tfaough he was furnisfaed with materials by several of fais bretfaren, yet tfae cfaief burden of the work lay upon faimself. In the preface prefixed to the second part, Mr. Fisfaer inforras us, tfaat tfais portion was neither read nor judicially sanctioned (as the first had been) by tfae synod ; but was publisfaed by hira, on his own responsibihty; and he modestly observes concerning it, — " Any imperfections or weaknesses that may be found tfaerein, are not to be iraput ed to tfae body of ministers, witfa wfaom I ara, in providence, connected ; but to rayself only." I have been thus particular in noticing tfae origin and progress of tfais excellent exposition of tfae Sfaorter Catecfaisra, because tfae synod, in originating such a work, rendered essential service not only to their own churcfa, but to the religious world. I know not if tfaere be in tfae English language a more useful publication, for conveying, in a simple form, to the minds both of young and old, clear and Scriptural views of tfae wfaole system of revealed truth.* The synod faaving enjoined botfa sessions and presbyteries to observe privy-censures, it was necessary to faave a form of questions suitable for being proposed to elders and rainisters on these occasions. The following were tfae questions wfaich tfae synod appointed to be put to elders, wfaen the session was convened for tfae exercise of privy-censure : — 1 . Have you tfae worship of God in your family, in all the p arts of it, raorning and evening, every day ? 2. Do you study to have a grave, sober, pious, and exem plary walk and conversation in your family, and before the world, as it becometh your office and station ? 3. Do you not reprove all vice, and discourage all appearance of evil in your family, and do what in you lies to cause every one in your faouse to fear tfae Lord ? 4. Do you endeavour to be exemplary in tfae religious observance of tfae Lord's day, in the public, private, and secret exercises of God's worsfaip ; and do you examine your family, * This work is usually known by the name of " Fisher's Catechism.'' QUESTIONS PROPOSE U TO ELDERS. 503 in tfae Sabbath evenings, upon what tfaey have heard in public, and upon the principles of our religion, contained in our cate chisms? 5. Do you visit the sick in your bounds, and pray over them, especiaUy when called tfaereunto ? 6. Do you inquire into the moral character and befaaviour of tfaose of tfae congregation tfaat are witfain your bounds, if they attend upon ordinances, faave tfae worsfaip of God in tfaeir families, and be of a blameless walk ? 7. When you are informed of any scandal, are you at pains to make diligent inquiry into the truth of tfae report, in a pri vate way ; and wfaen you find out tfae trutfa, do you speak to the offending party, or parties, by themselves, before you delate them to tfae session ? 8. Wfaen offences are entirely private, and not known but to a few, do you use your endeavours to faave tliem reraoved, to the satisfaction of tfaese few, before you bring them to a more public faearing, after your private endeavours have had no success ? 9. Do you make conscience of attending meetings of session, for the exercise of discipline and distributions to the poor, and likewise for prayer and Cfiristian conference ? 10. Do you inquire into tfie state of tfie poor witfiin your bounds, and apply for tfieir relief, as you know tfieir necessity requires ? 1 1 . Do you take care to inquire for testimonials frora tfiose wfio come to reside witfiin your bounds frora otfier places ? 12. Do you endeavour, as in tfie sigfit of God, witfiout re gard eitfier to tfie pleasing or displeasing of raen, to be con scientious and irapartial in the exercise of discipline, and in giving your judgment and vote upon any matter of doctrine, or case of conscience, whicfa may be faandled eitfaer in tfae session, presbytery, or synod, wfaereof you raay be a raeraber ? 13. Do you make conscience of, and are you impartial in, tfae distribution of tokens for adraission to the Lord's table : do you give tokens to any but such as you know to be of a conversation becoraing tfae gospel ; and do you admit any but sucfa as are known to be so ? 14. Do you carefully avoid divulging wfaat passes among tfae merabers of session, when giving tfaeir minds in matters tfaat come before tfaem, wfaicfa are not fit to be publisfaed, and par ticularly wfaen cognoscing upon tfae raoral characters of such as are to be admitted to the Lord's table ? The synod appointed tfae following form of interrogation to be observed witfa regard to rainisters, wfaen tfaey were as sembled for tfae purpose of privy-censure. Tfae questions will be admitted to be sufficiently pointed and minute: — 504 QUESTIONS PROPOSED TO MINISTERS. 1. Do you worship God in your family, by singing his praises, reading a part of his word, and praying morning and evemng : And do you the same in any family where you hap pen in providence to be lodged, as there is access ?^ 2. Do you catecfaise and instruct your family in the prin ciples of religion, coramonly once a-week ? 3. Do you use your endeavour to cause every one of your family to pray in secret, morning and evening, to remember the Lord's day to keep it faoly, and to have a conversation becoming the gospel ? 4. Do you study, through grace, by an holy and circum spect walk, to be an example to the flock, over which tfae Holy Ghost hatfa made you an overseer, and to encourage grave and savoury discourse, to tfae use of edifying, in all companies wfaere you are in providence ? 5. Have you a session, and has every one of your elders cer tain bounds assigned to thera in the congregation, that so they may more easily visit the sick, and inspect the morals of the people ? 6. Do you, in connexion with your session, study to exercise discipline irapartially, without respect of persons ; and, with respect to private offences, do you observe tfae rule (Mattfaew xviii. 15), to teU offending parties their fault privately, before tfaey be brougfat to tfae session ? 7. Do you not pretend to usurp a negative over your breth ren in tfie session, but do you labour to moderate tfierein witfi calraness and raeekness, as it becoraes a servant of Cfirist, wfio is not to lord it over any part of God's heri tage? 8. Have you a session register, and do you take care that tfae rainutes of session be revised by a coramittee tfaereof, and recorded in tfae said register ; and have you a register of the collections and distributions for tfae poor, and of tfae time of baptisms and raarriages witfain your congregation ? 9. Do you, and tfae otfaer raerabers of your session, meet for prayer and Cfaristian conference, at least once a-montfa ; and do tfae members of session undergo privy-censure, at least once a-year, according to tfae laudable practice of tfais churcfa ? 10. Do you keep uniformity with your brethren in the pub Uc worsfaip of God, lecturing and preacfaing coraraonly on the forenoon of tfae Lord's day, and preacfaing in tfae afternoon, to getfaer witfa prayer and praise, according to tfae custom and directory of tfiis church, agreeably to the word of God ? 11. Do you keep any serraon in your congregation, com monly on sorae work day, beside tfae Sabbatfa ? * • This question was iiikMulcd only for the ministers of town charges. QUESTIONS PROPOSED TO MINISTERS. 505 12. Do you preacfa catecfaetical doctrine, as recommended by tfae assembUes of tfais cfaurcfa ? 13. Do you study to preacfa tfae gospel plainly to tfae ca pacity of your people, and to apply your doctrine to tfaeir consciences, and to estabUsfa tfaera in tfae present truth, in op position to the errors of tfae times ? 14. Do you endeavour to give seasonable and faitfaful warn ing and testimony against tfae sins and scandals tfaat take place in your congregation, and against tfae public corruptions and defections of the tiraes, without lessening or extenuating tfaose evils, to your knowledge, eitfaer for pleasing raen, or frora fear of tfaeir displeasure ? 15. Do you study, througfa grace, when you preacfa the gospel to others, to apply it to, and to faave the sense and ira pression of it upon, your own soul ? 16. In preaching upon tfie duties of tfie law, do you take care to discover to your people tfieir utter inability and un willingness to perforra any acceptable duty, witfiout a principle of spiritual life and union with tfie Lord Jesus, as tfie only spring of all true fioliness ? 17. In preacfiing tfie doctrines of grace, do you not sfiow to your people tfiat the said doctrine does by no raeans encourage any to turn tfae grace of God into lasciviousness, but on tfie contrary, to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, rigfateously, and godly, in tfais present world ? 18. Do you give yourself to reading, and do you endeavour, in tfae use of prayer and raeditation, deliberately to study tfae Lord's mind in his word, before you deliver it to tfae people, wfaen you faave time and opportunity to do so, and not to de liver unpremeditated and unstudied discourses, except upon an unforeseen and particular call in Providence ? 19. Are you frequently at a tfarone of grace, seeking oftfae Lord, not only tfae gift of prayer and preacfaing, but the grace of thera, tfaat you may be successful in winning souls to Cfirist, and that you may finish your course witfa joy, and tfae minis try wfaich you have received of tfae Lord ? 20. Do you visit your congregation in a rainisterial way, by exfaortation and prayer frora house to house, once every year, or as often as your circumstances will permit?* 21. Do you visit the sick in your congregation, especially wfaen called tfaereto, and do you pray over tfaem ? 22. Do you exaraine tfae people of your congregation at pubUc diets (witfaout respect of persons), upon tfae principles ' The alternative allowed in this question was intended to apply to those congregations in the country that vvere widely scattered throughout seveial parishes. 506 CASE OF CASUISTRV. of religion contained in our Confession of Faitfa, and Cate cfaisms, once every year ? 23. Do you administer the sacrament of baptisra in an orderly way, after sermon, on tfae Lord's day, or upon a week day, wfaen public intiraation is raade of serraon or catechising, the Sabbatfi before, when you have not a stated week day's sermon ; and do you avoid private baptism, according tO the laudable acts and constitution of tfais cfiurcfa ? 24. Do you adrainister tfae sacrament of tfae Lord's Supper in your congregation, at least once every year ? 25. Are you and tfae session careful to keep back tfae igno rant and scandalous frora tfaat faoly ordinance ? 26. Are you concerned to know, as far as you can, tfae spirit ual state and condition of your flock, by their knowledge and practice, so as that faereby you raay be enabled to apply your self more closely to tfaeir soul's case, botfa in public and pri vate ? 27. Have your session tfae Bible and Confession of Faitfa ready at faand, when tfaey constitute, as also a copy of tfae Acts of Assembly, frora 1638 to 1650, and since tfaat time ; and do you regulate your proceedings in discipline agreeably to tfaese Acts, in as far as tfaey were passed for advancing and carrying on a covenanted reforraation, agreeably to tfae word of God, and tfae received principles and constitutions of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland ? Tfae above questions show us what were tfae duties whicfa tfae Secession Cfaurcfa required of its office-bearers at tfaat period. Tfaey sfaow us also faow anxious tfae synod were tfaat both ministers and elders sfaould be faitfaful in tfie perforraance of tfiese duties. Tfiougfi tfiere are some tfiings adverted to in tfiese questions, not at all suited to tfie circumstances of the Secession Churcfa in the present day, yet, viewed as a whole, tfaey furnish an excellent directory for guiding rainisters and elders in the performance of tfaose duties incumbent on them as office-bearers of tfae Christian churcfa. A case of discipline came under tfae consideration of the Associate synod, in October 1750, whicfa deserves to be re corded, as sfaowing what were the sentiments entertained, at that period, concerning episcopacy, by the rainisters and people of tfae Secession, in coraraon witfi tfieir bretfiren in tfie Estab- lisfied Cfiurcfi of Scotland. A mason, of tfie name of Andrew Hunter, wfio was a meraber of tfie Associate congregation in Glasgow, fiad undertaken, and fiad coraraenced building, an Episcopal Chapel in that city. His conduct gave great offence to tfae raembers of tfae congregation with which he was connected, as well as to some other of tfae infaabitants of tfae town, who had faeard tfaat a person professing to be a Se- DECISION OF SYNOD. 507 eeder was engaged in such an undertaking. Andrew was dealt with privately, by fais rainister (Mr. Fisher), and several raerabers of session, to renounce the work, and yielded at first so far to their arguments and solicitations, tfaat fie promised to use fais endeavour to get fairaself disengaged frora it ; but he was either unable or unwilling to fulfil his proraise, for he still persevered in tfae work, and fae was cited to appear before the session. The first and second sumraons was disregarded ; but a third citation being given, fae appeared and declared tfaat he faad witfadrawn from the congregation, and no longer owed subjection to tfae judicatories of the Secession Cfaurcfi. Tfae session made use of a variety of arguraents, in order to bring him to a better state of mind ; but to no purpose. Andrew declared that fais resolution was iraraoveably fixed to proceed witfa tfae work. He was asked if fae " would lie open to Ugfat" in tfae raatter ; to whicfa fae replied fae would not, and tfaat it -was needless for tfae session to give tfaeraselves any fartfaer trouble. Tfae case was deeraed to be of sucfa importance, tfaat it was referred to tfae presbytery ; and, as the culprit did not cfaoose to obey tfae suraraons given faim to appear at tfae bar of the presbytery, the whole matter came before the supreme court for its decision. After mature deliberation, tfae synod re corded tfae following deliverance on tfais subject : — " Tfae synod, considering tfaat tfae building of an Episcopal meeting-faouse for tfae worship and ceremonies of tfae Cfaurcfa of England, was at least equal to tfae building of tfae higfa places raentioned in tfae Old Testaraent, wfaere, tfaougfa sacri fices were pretended to be offered to tfae true God, yet tfaey were offered on other altars than tfae altar of the Lord in fais teraple, quite contrary to fais institution, profaibiting sacrifices to be offered any wfaere else ; tfaerefore does the Spirit of God record a censure upon some of the kings of Judah, tfaat tfaough tfaey had other commendable qualities, yet nevertheless the high places were not taken away ; and considering tfaat, by tfae second coraraandraent, we are required to receive, observe, keep pure and entire such religious worship and ordinances as God fiatfi appointed in his word, and are forbidden to worsfaip God by iraages, or any otfaer way not appointed in fais word ; and tfaat tfae ceremonies of tfae Cfaurcfa of England are supersti tious devices and innovations upon tfae worsfaip of God, for bidden in tfaat commandment, and tfaat God is most jealous, and takes strict notice of any innovation upon his worship (1 Kings xii. 32, 33), and threatens to punisfa all such, in a most severe raanner, wfao innovate upon fiis worship, or set up tfieir own inventions in tfie room tfiereof, or are assistant to those tfaat do so (Isaiafa Ixv. 11, 12) ; and, in case it sfaould 508 EPISCOPACY CONDEMNED. be alleged, that workmen wfao receive hire from others are not to be blamed in the pursuit of tfaeir calUng, but those who employ tfaem ; therefore the Spirit of God records a censure even upon workmen wfao take such employment in hand, as to contribute their skill in accommodating tfiose wfio are for set ting up a false worsfiip (Isaiah xliv. 10, 11); And further, considering that, by the National Covenant of Scotland, and by the Solemn League and Covenant of the three kingdoms, we are bound to reform from popery, prelacy, superstition, and whatever is contrary to sound doctrine and tfae power of god liness, and to endeavour tfae preservation of tfae reformed reli gion of tfae Cfaurch of Scotland, in doctrine, worsfaip, discipline, and government ; and tfaat Seceders, in a particular manner, profess to own tfaese solemn obligations; and tfaat tfae said Andrew Hunter, by fais above practice, is so far frora endea vouring reformation from prelacy and superstition, tfaat fae is encouraging the same, contrary to his profession and solemn ties; tfaerefore, for all tfae above reasons, tfae synod were unani mously of tfae judgraent, tfaat tfae said Andrew Hunter was faigfaly censurable, and particularly tfaat fae ougfat not to be adraitted to any of tfae seals of tfae covenant, till fae profess his sorrow for tfae offence and scandal tfaat he faas given, and been guilty of. And tfae synod are of opinion tfaat, tfaougfa tfais censure is not so explicit and formal as tfae nature of his offence and conturaacy would deserve, yet, tfaat a pubUc in timation faereof, in tfae Associate congregation of Glasgow, by way of a testimony against tfae above practice, raay at present answer the ends of edification in the circurastantiate case, es pecially at sucfa a juncture as tfais, when the discipUne of the house of God is rendered contemptible by the extravagant heights into wfaicfa tfae separatists faave run ; and, fartfaer, the synod advise that tfae Associate presbytery of Glasgow make inquiry into tfae success of tfais intiraation, witfa respect to the foresaid Andrew Hunter, and tfaat tfaey may proceed to fartfaer censure, or not, as tfaey sfaall see cause." Sfaould any be inclined to sraile at tfae above decision, as a speciraen of testimony-bearing, carried to an unreasonable lengtfa, sucfa ougfat to reraeraber tfaat popery and prelacy were regarded (wfaetfaer justly or not I sfaall not take upon me to determine), as twin sisters, not only by tfae Seceders, but by the great bulk of presbyterians at tfiat period : and tfiose per sons wfio gave any countenance either to tfae one or to the otfaer, whether dfrectly or indirectly, were considered as violating their covenant obUgations, and as acting inconsistently witfa tfaeir profession as Cfaristians. But times and opinions are now changed. Episcopacy, especially if it appear in the form of an establisfament, nowfiere meets witfi sucfi eloquent and zeal- MR. MATTHEW JOINS THE SYNOD. 509 ous defenders, as it does araong the leading Scottisfa presby terians wfao live in our day. It is pronounced by tfaose who boast tfaeraselves the descendants of tfae intrepid covenanters, to be one of tfae main supports of tfae Cfaristian faith ; and to attempt a reforraation in any part of its time-worn fabric, is regarded as a species of sacrilege fitted to draw down the wrath of heaven upon tfaose wfao sfaall be guilty of sucfa daring con duct. At tfae same meeting of synod wfaicfa determined Andrew Hunter's case, a request was presented in tfae name of Mr. Patrick Matthew, minister at Midfaolra, tfaat fae raight be per mitted to make a stateraent to tfae court. Perraission being granted, Mr. Mattfaew read a paper, in wfaicfa fae expressed fais contrition for the part wfaicfa fae faad acted at, and since tfae period of, tfae rupture in tfae Associate synod. He craved forgiveness, and begged leave to re-occupy fais seat in the synod, promising all due subjection in the Lord. Mr. Mat thew fiaving read fiis paper, laid it upon tfie table, and retired. After some deliberation, tfie synod agreed tfiat Mr. Mattfiew be rebuked by tfie moderator, " for tfie several pieces of his offensive deportraent raentioned in said paper, and that fae be adraonisfaed to steadfastness in tfae Lord's cause and way for tfae future ;" and thereafter, that he be perraitted to take fais seat as a raeraber of court. Mr. Mattfaew being called in, expressed fais wiUingness to subrait. He was accordingly re buked and adraonisTied by the raoderator, and took his seat araong tfae bretfaren. Tfae exertions of tfae synod, in sending tfae gospel to Ire land, were attended witfa a considerable degree of success. In the suraraer of 1 75 1 , tfaey were enabled to form a presbytery in tfaat country. It was designated tfae "Associate Presbytery of Down," and consisted, at its first formation, of tfaree rainisters witfa tfaeir elders.* An application was made, this same year, to the synod, from a nuraber of persons residing in Philadel phia, in tfae province of Pennsylvania, Nortfa Araerica, wfao were very desirous tfaat a preacfaer sfaould be sent to tfaera. But faowever willing tfae synod were to coraply with tfae re quest of tfaeir Araerican brethren, tfaey found tfieraselves un able, as yet, to undertake a mission across tfie Atlantic, on ac count of tfie scarcity of preacfiers, and tfie urgent demands raade for tfieir labours at fiome. Tfiis appUcation from Araerica was renewed in the following year (April 1752), and was accom panied with a promise that aU expenses connected with the Jnission would be cheerfuUy defrayed. The synod delayed • The three ministers connected with this presbytery were Messrs. Andrew Black, Killenny ; Thomas Clark, Ballibea ; and Thomas Main, Balleronny. 510 DIFFICULTIES OF THE IRISH BRETHREN. giving an answer till a subsequent meeting. Petitions were laid upon tfaeir table, at the sarae time, from societies in London, and frora the presbytery in Ireland, representing "their melan cfaoly condition tfarough want of tfae gospel, and ordinances tfaereof, dispensed by any witfa wfaom tfaey faad freedom to join," and craving that a supply of preachers raight be sent as speedily as possible. Mr. Jaraes Erskine, wfao a sfaort while before tfais faad been ordained colleague to fais uncle Ebenezer in Stirling, was sent on a raission for two raontfas to London, and a proraise was given to tfae Irisfa presbytery tfaat one or two young raen would be sent to tfaera as soon as they were licensed. When the synod raet in October (1752), their attention was called to the troubles in whicfa tfae congregations in Ire land were involved, in consequence of botfa ministers and people being required by tfae underlings of government to swear oatfas which were considered insnaring, and to swear tfaem in a forra of wfaicfa tfaeir consciences disapproved. The objectionable forra was, according to tecfanical pfaraseology, Tactis et deosculatis evangeliis.* Tfaose wfao refused to take tfae oatfas in tfae raanner required, were tfareatened with ira prisonment. The synod took up tfae case of tfae Irisfa bretfa ren witfa great proraptitude ; and tfaey agreed tfaat if any of them sfaould be imprisoned for conscience' sake, tfaey would contribute to tfae utmost of tfaeir power for tfaeir support dur ing tfae wfaole period of tfaeir iraprisonment. Two years afterward, tfaese bretfaren renewed tfaeir application for the interference of tfae synod in tfais raatter. A request was pre sented, tfaat tfae synod would endeavour to procure, witfa all possible speed, credentials frora some of tfae peers and principal town-councils in Scotland, to attest tfae loyalty of tfae Seceders in Ireland ; tfaat tfaey would also grant tfaem pecuniary assist ance in defraying tfie expenses wfiicfi fiad already been, or raigfit still be, incurred in tfie prosecutions to wfiicfi they were subjected for conscience' sake ; and tfiat they would further send one of tfieir nuraber to give tfiem advice as to tfie course of procedure wfiicfi tfiey ought to pursue in their present cir cumstances. Tfae synod lent a favourable ear to tfais appeal. Tfaey appointed Mr. Jofan M'Cara, minister at Burntshields, to proceed to Ireland, and to take along with him credentials of the attachraent of tfae Irisfa bretfaren to tfae civil govern ment of tfae country. As he expected to obtain money in Ireland, they autfaorized him to apply to the relief of these brethren such a sum as might be necessary in tfae present " By touching and kissing the gospels. DEATH or MR. RALPH ERSKINE. 511 juncture of affairs ; and wfaatever sum migfat be expended by faim for tfais purpose, tfae synod agreed sfaould be paid to faim on fais return. He was specially enjoined to examine into tfae state of raatters araong tfae Seceders in Ireland, and to report to the synod tfae result of his investigations. In addition to tfais proof wfaicfa tfaey gave of tfaeir sym pathy witfa tfaeir bretfaren in tfae sister kingdom, they re solved that tfaey would make every effort to obtain for tfaem a speedy deliverance from tfae difficulties in wfaicfa they were involved. In tfae midst of these transactions, tfae Secession Cfaurch sustained a severe loss in tfae unexpected reraoval of Mr. Ralph Erskine from tfais eartfaly scene. He expired at Dun fermline, after a sfaort illness, on tfae 6tfa of Noveraber, 1752, in tfae sixtv-eigfath year of fais age. Tfais eminent minister faas left beliind faim, in fais writings, botfa in prose and poetry, a lasting monuraent of fais talents and fais piety. It faas been seen, in a preceding part of this narrative, that fae connected hiraself with the Associate Presbytery at an early period of its existence. In all tfae labours and struggles of the Seces sion, during its infancy, he bore a prorainent sfaare ; and, by his exertions, both in the pulpit and frora tfae press, fae con tributed, in no small degree, to proraote its success. His writings have been highly esteemed by the pious, both in our own, and in otfaer lands. Tfae raost honourable testiraonies have been borne to thfeir exceUence and tfaeir usefulness by persons of all religious denorainations. So long as tfae English language shall exist, so long shall his discourses be perused with interest and witfa profit by tfaose wfao have a relish for tfae doctrines of tfae gospel. He was distinguisfaed for tfae faigfaly evangelical strain of fais preacfaing. To raagnify tfae grace of God, in the salvation of sinners, was tfie grand object at wfaicfa fae airaed in fais pulpit rainistrations. He lived and died under tfae influence of tfae doctrines wfaicfa fae taugfat. During tfae long period of fais rainistry (extending to about forty years), fae took an active interest in tfaose great questions connected witfa ecclesiastical polity, and tfae raain tenance of sound doctrine, wfaicfa agitated Scotland, botfa before and after tfae coraraenceraent of the Secession. His latter end was peace. Tfaougfa fae was prevented by the na ture of his disease (a nervous fever), from saying mucfa in fais last illness, yet fae gave sufficient evidence, by occasional ex pressions wfiicfi fie uttered, tfiat fie enjoyed, at fiis departing hour, the consolations of that gospel wfaich fae had so faithfully preacfaed. Among tfae last words wfaich he was heard to utter, were," I will be for ever a debtor to free grace." And 512 ACT RESPECTING THE DESIGN OF THE TESTIMONY. he breathed out fais immortal spirit exclaiming, " Victory, victory, victory."* His deatfa was mourned by the Associate synod as a public loss. At their first meeting after this event faad taken place (May 1753), tfaey raade special mention of it in tfaeir minutes, as a cause of fauraiUation ; and having agreed, according to custom, to spend a part of a sederunt in prayer and praise, tfae brethren, who were appointed to conduct tfae devotional exercises of the synod, were enjoined to take particular notice in tfaeir prayers of " this awful providence of God." A short while before his deatfi, Mr. Erskine faad completed his translation of tfae Scripture Songs into raetre, according to the appointraent of synod formerly noticed. Tfae first draugfat of tfaera, faowever, faad been written in sfaort faand, and it faad been recommended to Mr. Erskine to get tfaem transcribed into a legible faand. A coraraittee was at the same tirae appointed to hear tfaera read, and to report concerning thera to tfae synod. But before tfae coraraittee faad time to fulfil tfaeir appointraent, Mr. Erskine died, and tfae synod did not tfaink proper to take any fartfaer steps in tfae raatter. The Scripture Songs were afterwards pubUsfaed as part of Mr. Erskine's works, but witfaout receiving any official sanction frora tfae synod. In Noveraber, 1753, the synod, at a meeting held at Stir ling, gave their sanction to a document of some lengtfa, wfaich a coramittee faad, for a considerable tirae, been engaged in preparing. Tfais document, after being carefully revised, was ordered to be publisfaed under tfae title of an Act of the As sociate Synod, containing a narrative of tke rise, progress, and grounds of tkeir Secession : Togetker with a Declaration of the true scope and design thereof; as also of fheir Act, De claration, and Testimony, Sfc. Tfae first part of tfae act con tains an outline of tfaose falstorical facts connected with the rise and progress of tfae Secession, wfaicfa faave been more fully detailed in this narrative ; and the second part contains a de claration of tfae views wfaicfa tfae Associate synod entertained concerning tfae various parts of tfae Narrative and Testimony, and other official documents of the Secession Cfaurcfa. The object of tfae publication of this act was twofold : First, to make the people well-acquainted with the grounds of tfae Se cession ; and, secondly, to vindicate tfaeraselves against misre presentations, on the part of their opponents. They endea voured to show, that a meaning had been affixed to some * Life and Diary of the Rev. Ralph Erskine, by the Rev. Donald Fraser, D.D. Kennoway, pp. 381, 382. The reader will find in this excellent memoir some interesting notices of the rise and progress ofthe Secession. CASE OF MR. WYI.IE. ,513 portions of tfaese docuraents, wfaicfa a fair interpretation of them did not warrant. Tfae same coraraittee, by whom this act faad been framed, faad also prepared, in connexion witfa it, an overture relative to tfae mistakes wfaicfa were alleged to be in tfae Act and Testimony, but tfae synod delayed tfae consideration of this overture till a future meeting, and the following persons were appointed a comraittee to revise and correct it, viz. Messrs. Jaraes Fisfaer, Williara Hutton, Jofan M'Cara, Jofan Swanston, and John Brown, ministers; with James Reid, ruling elder. Two cases of insubordination on the part of preachers, whicfa occurred at tfais period, are deserving of notice, as tend ing to illustrate tfae faigfa notions wfaicfa tfae synod entertained of tfae respect due to their decisions as an ecclesiastical court. Tfae first case was tfaat of Mr. James Wylie, wfao received a call from tfae congregation of Donacfalonny in Ireland. The presbytery of Down, within wfaose bounds this congregation was situated, put tfae call into Mr. Wylie's faands, and entered faim on trials for ordination. Sorae tirae after this, anotfaer call was given faira by tfae congregation of Kennoway in Scot land ; and the synod were required, according to the practice of tfaat period, to decide to whicfa of tfaese congregations fae sfaould be sent. At the above raeeting, the synod, after some discussion, decided by a large raajority, that tfae call from Kennoway should not be permitted to corae into corapetitlon with tfaat from Donacfalonny ; and tfae presbytery of Down were enjoined to ordain, witfa all convenient speed, Mr. Wylie, in tfae latter congregation. Mr. WyUe refused to submit. Tfae presbytery faeld several meetings, at wfaich tfaey dealt with hira to no purpose. The business was referred by the presbytery to tfae suprerae court wfaicfa met at Edinburgh, in April 1754- Mr. Wylie was required to state his reasons for refusing to comply with the decision of synod. After consid erable tirae had been spent in reasoning upon tfais subject, Mr. Wylie was asked if fais objections were reraoved, wfaen fae answered tfaat tfaey were not. A coramittee was then appointed to converse with faim. Tfae comraittee reported, tfiat tfie reasons assigned by Mr. WyUe were not sufficient to justify fiis refusal to subrait to ordination. His first reason was a scruple of conscience, whicli he had, about being ordained araongst a people, where there prevailed such an objectionable mode of administering oaths, whicfa, as has already been noticed, was by toucfaing and kissing the gos pels. The committee replied, that this reason was not entitled to much consideration; for the synod had expressed their unanimous disapprobation of this mode of swearing; and there was ground to beUeve, that, as there seemed to be no express 2 K 514 CASE OF MR. WYLIK. law rendering tfais mode of taking an oath obUgatory, the Irish Seceders would ere long, in tfae proper use of mea,ns, obtain deUverance from this grievance. Besides, the giving of a fixed gospel ministry to the people would be one of the best means of enlightening their rainds, and tfaereby putting an end to tfais superstitious practice. His second reason was founded on the law wfaich rendered it iraperative on the Seceders in Ireland to pay titfaes to tfae prelates. Mr. Wylie considered tfais a supporting of prelacy, and inconsistent with thefr "covenant obUgations," and fae could not conscientiously administer sealing ordinances to tfaose wfao were cfaargeable witfa sucfa a sin. To tfais the comraittee replied, that Mr. Wylie took altogetfaer a mistaken view of tfae subject, that tithes are not tfae property of the proprietors of the land, far less of the tenants wfao possess tfaem, tfiat tfaey were originaUy imposed by tfae legislature witfa tfae consent of tfae ancient proprietors, and tfae lands are botfa sold and let with this burden ; and tfaat, tfaerefore, tfae payment of these titfaes can not properly be reckoned eitfaer a supporting of prelacy, or contrary to our covenants. Besides, tfaey said, Mr. Wylie's reasoning would be equally vaUd, as an objection, against his settlement in any congregation in Scotland, inasmuch as the Scottish Seceders were liable, as well as otfaers, to pay sti pends to intruders, wfaicfa, according to Mr. Wylie's reasoning, would be a supporting of tfaese intruders, and contrary to their covenant obUgations. His third reason was, tfaat a portion of tfae congregation of Donacfalonny were opposed to his settle ment among thera. To tfais it was replied, that if there were any of tfae people, wfao entertained prejudices against him, this was owing wfaolly to fais endeavouring to aUenate their affections from faim, by refusing to accept of tfaeir call ; but should he submit to ordination among them, this would have a happy effect in removing tfaefr prejudices and regaining their affections. When the comraittee presented the above report, the synod declared that Mr. Wylie's reasons were fully answered, and that he was faigfaly culpable in not fulfilling tfaeir former sen tence; tfaey further peremptorily enjoined him, de novo, to repair to Ireland without delay, and to subrait to the presby tery of Down, with a view to fais settlement in Donacfilonny. Mr. WyUe being called in, and faaving tfais sentence intimat ed to him by the raoderator, fae declared, tfaat fae would on no account go to Ireland, or be settled in Donacfalonny, be tfae consequences wfaat they migfat. Tfae synod, of course, felt their dignity insulted by tfais reply; and were unani mously of opinion tfaat Mr. Wylie deserved to be censured for his contumacy, but delayed considering, till the ensuing- CASE OF MR. WYLIE. 513 day, wfaat censure ought to be inflicted ; and Mr. Wylie was summoned, apud acta, to appear before thera next forenoon, at ten o'clock, to answer for his conduct. On tfae following day, Mr. WyUe appeared at their bar witfa a subdued deraeanour, and pled guilty to his offence. He said, tfaat fae was faeartily sorry for Lis undutiful conduct toward thera, in faaving expressed himself in such a manner as to give tfiem just ground of displeasure, and was wilUng to submit to wfiatever censure they might tfaink proper to inflict. At tfae same time, fae represented, tfaat he had been in a bad state of healtfa while he was in Ireland, that he was not yet completely recovered, and fae faoped tfaat the synod would use tenderness toward faim, and would not urge faim to return immediately to tfaat kingdom. Tfae synod, tfaough somewfaat softened by his acknowledgment, proceeded to con sider wfaat censure sfaould be inflicted on him ; and tfaey at last agTeed, that he should be admonished from tfae cfaair to con duct fairaself more cautiously and dutifully for the future, agreeably to the solemn obligations under which he came, when he received Ucence. This was accordingly done by the raoderator. With regard to his request, to be allowed to reraain in Scotland for the recovery of fais faealtfa, tfae synod granted hira an indulgence of four raontfas ; and at tfae end of tfaat period, he was to proceed iraraediately to Ireland, pro vided his healtfa adraitted, that he might be ordained in tfae congregation of Donacfalonny. Wfaen tfae four montfas of grace expired, Mr. WyUe stUl found it necessary for his healtfa to reraain in Scotland ; and at tfae next meeting of synod (November 1754) fae was again obUged to appear before tfaem to give an account of fais non-fulfilment of tfaeir appointment. Tfae plea wfaicfa fae urged was tfae state of fais healtfa. Tfae synod sustained his excuse, but did not release faira frora fais engageraent to go to Ireland, until it was intiraated to tfaem by a letter frora a member of tfae presbytery of Down, tfaat tfae congregation of Donacfalonny had witfadrawn tfae call wfaich they faad given to Mr. Wylie, and tfaat tfae presbytery faad declared tfaem at liberty to caU anotfaer. On receiving tfais inforraation, tfae synod declared tfaeir forraer decision no longer binding on Mr. WyUe. Tfae second case of insubordination, to wfaicfa a reference faas been raade, and wfaicfa occupied the attention of tfae synod at tfae sarae tirae witfa the proceedings whicfa have now been detailed, was that of Mr. David Forrest, wfao faad received a call from tfae congregation of Midfaolra, and another from the congregation of Stow. Tfae competition was decided by tfae supreme court (October 1752), in favour of Stow, and Mr. 516 CASE OF MR. FORREST. Forrest was appointed to be ordained in that congregation. One year elapsed, during the course of wfaich the people of Stow waited patiently for Mr. Forrest's settlement araongst tfaem. The Edinburgh presbytery, within whose bounds the congregation of Stow was situated, at length made a com plaint to the synod, tfaat Mr. Forrest refused to submit to ordination ; and they summoned Mr. Forrest to appear before tfae supreme court. Mr. Forrest obeyed tfae suraraons, and stated in presence of the synod his objections to a settlement at Stow. The synod, after an ineffectual attempt to remove Mr. Forrest's difficulties, appointed a comraittee to converse with him. In the raean time a call from the congregation of Inverkeitfaing to Mr. Forrest was laid on tfae synod's table, whicfa the synod, after some consideration, dismissed, on the ground tfaat tfaey had already appointed Mr. Forrest to be ordained in the congregation of Stow. The committee ap pointed to converse with Mr. Forrest reported, that, after some time spent in reasoning with him, they had been successful in removing his objections, and that fae had ex pressed his willingness to subnut to ordination. After receiv ing this report, tfie synod enjoined tfae presbytery of Edin burgh to proceed witfi all convenient speed in fiis settlement. "rhese proceedings took place in November, 1753. But when the synod met in April, the following year, the pres bytery of Edinburgh again complained, that they had been unable to carry into effect the sentence of synod, for that Mr. Forrest refused to comply. The same process was again gone through as formerly. Mr. Forrest was heard in sup port of his objections. Discussion took place in the synod; and Mr. Forrest was again handed over to a committee, that they might deal with him. When the committee gave in their report, it was unfavourable. Mr. Forrest remained im movably fixed in his purpose not to be ordained at Stow. A long process of reasoning on tfae subject again took place in tfae synod, and Mr. Forrest was asked. If he was convinced by what he had heard ? He replied, that he was not. An otfaer coramittee was appointed to converse with him, who reported, " That notwithstanding all the reasoning and in fluence they could use, he remained tfae same as before." Mr. Forrest was again called before the synod, and interro- fated, if he was willing to submit ; to which he repUed, that e could not do so at present ; but requested that tfaey would allow him some time to ponder upon the matter, with a view to get his scruples removed. The synod, wishing to show him aU manner of indulgence, agreed that he should not be required to give a definite answer till their next meeting. Mr. John M'Cara was opposed to this decision, and craved, CASE OF MR. FORREST. 517 that he might have the following statement, expressive of his views, inserted in tfae record : — " That he was of opinion, that the synod sfaould proceed to consider, at tfais raeeting, Mr. David Forrest's conduct, in regard he judged that iifr. Forrest had no reason of weight, why he did not submit to his ordination in Stow, according to the former appointment of synod ; and that his reasoning against it proceeded entirely upon a circle, and imported that the clearness of a young man to accept or not accept of a call to a particular con gregation, was a necessary ingredient in the call of God to that congregation ; whereas our books of discipline faold fortfa tfae outward and ordinary calling to tfae ministry to faave two parts only ; tfae election of tfae people, and ordination, or tfae solemn separation of the person appointed, to God and his kirk, after he is tried and found quaUfied, by fasting, prayer, and iraposition of tfae faands of tfae presbytery : So that ac cording to the judgment of tfais national cfaurcfi, agreeably to tfie sacred oracles, a man ougfit, wfien regularly cfiosen and appointed to a particular flock, to take tfie oversigfit tfiereof, not by constraint, but wUlingly ; and tfiat, therefore, he, tfae said Mr. M'Cara, tfaougfat tfae synod ought not to trifle with Mr. Forrest or any young raan in tfais matter, but to proceed with them according to the rule of tfae Lord's word, leaving events to him, whose pronuse wUl be fortfacoming to tfaem, in tfais and every otfaer case, wfaen tfaey walk in his ways and keep his cfaarge. Zecfaariafa Ui. 7." At next meeting, a petition was presented frora tfae con gregation of Stow, expressing their continued attacfament and adfaerence to Mr. Forrest, notwitfastanding tfae reluctance fae had sfaown to accept of tfaeir caU ; and requesting tfae synod to expedite his settlement amongst them. But Mr. Forrest's resolution remained unchanged. He was asked. If fae had now obtained "clearness" to submit? He replied, that he had not. The business was again referred to a comraittee, who were charged with the difficult task of endeavouring to reraove Mr. Forrest's objections. Tfais comraittee reported, tfaat tfaey had conversed with Mr. Forrest, with a view to induce him to submit; and they proposed, as the result of tfaeir conference with him, tfaat if Mr. Forrest would profess his sorrow for the trouble he had given the synod, in refus ing, from time to time, to subrait to tfaeir decision, under tfae mistaken notion, tfaat a candidate's private inclination is es sentiaUy necessary to constitute a relation between him and a particular people, and not tfae determination of tfae judica ture to which he is subject, and if he would further declare, that his fixed principle is, that in matters not morally evil, it is the duty of one subject to a judicature to submit to their 518 CASE or MR. FORREST. decision; then the synod migfat take into consideration^ wfaetfaer it would be for edification to proceed witfa tfae set tlement of Mr. Forrest at Stow, seeing fie faad done so much_ to alienate tfae affections of tfae people from faim. The synod, after deliberating on this proposal of the com mittee, refused to adopt tfae latter part of it ; but in reference to the forraer part of it, they agreed to put the following question to Mr. Forrest : — " Do you profess your sorrow for giving the synod so rauch trouble, by refusing from tirae to time to comply witfa tfaeir decision, and to submit to ordina tion in Stow, from tfae raistaken notion, tfaat a candidate's private inclination is essentially necessary to constitute a relation between hira and a particular people, and not the deterraination of tfie judicature : And is it your fixed prin ciple, tfiat in matters not raorally evil, it is tfie duty of one subject to a judicature to subrait to tfieir decision ?" To this Mr. Forrest replied in tfie affirraative ; and tfie synod, fiaving obtained from him tfais confession, agreed tfaat he sfiould be admonisfaed by tfae moderator frora tfae cfaair, on account of his conduct, tfie sinfulness of wfiicfi fie had now acknowledged. After the admonition was tendered to him, tfae synod next considered wfaat was to be done in consequence of Mr. Forrest fefusing to submit to ordination at Stow. A long time was spent in reasoning on this point. After a considerable deal of discussion, the question was again put to Mr. Forrest, wfaetfaer fae fiad yet obtained "clearness" on tfae subject; to wfaicfa fae gave the same negative answer as formerly. The synod unanimously found hira censurable for his obstinacy, and were about to consider wfaat censure ougfat to be inflicted on faim, wfaen tfae commissioner from tfae congregation of Stow rose and begged leave to address tfae court. His statement was to tfae following effect : — " Tfaat seeing tfae synod faad used aU due means for bringing about tfae desired settlement with Mr. Forrest, and tfaat he, notwitfastanding tfaereof, still obstinately i refiised to comply, and for which the synod faad actually found faim censurable, and were about to consider wfaat censure should be inflicted on faim, he (the said commissioner) declared and protested in name of fais constituents, tfaat as all faopes of a set tlement with Mr. Forrest, in an amicable way, were now lost, they therefore gave up all claim unto Mr. Forrest by 'virtue of their call to him and sentence of synod following thereupon ; and that they sfaould be free of wfaatever consequences might hereafter follow on fais said refusal." He tfaereupon took in struments in tfae clerk's faands, and craved extracts. In consequence of tfais declaration, made by tfae coramission- er from Stow, tfae synod declared tfae call from tfaat congrega tion to Mr. Forrest null and void ; and tfaat tfae people were LAST ILLNESS OF THE REV. EBENEZER ERSKINE. 519 at liberty to apply for anotfaer moderation, and to call wfaom soever tfiey raigfit tfiink proper. Tfiey furtfier agreed to the following overture, wfaicfa was designed to serve tfae twofold purpose of expressing their disapprobation of Mr. Forrest's conduct, and of laying down the doctrine of tfae synod, to be acted upon, in all sirailar cases, in tirae to corae : — " Tfaat since Mr. Forrest's sinful conduct, in refusing to comply witfa tfae sentence of synod, wfaerein it is irapossible to prove any moral evil, still continued ; and tfaereby tfae due obedience and subjection in the Lord whicfa, according to fais vows wfaen licensed, fae owed to tfais judicature, is still refused, wfaicfa conduct of fais obUged tfae people of Stow to make tfae above declaration, from the affection wfaicfa tfaey did bear to him : Therefore, tfaougfa Mr. Forrest deserved to faave fais Ucence taken from faim for fais said conduct, tfae synod sfaould notwitfastanding, out of lenity to Mr. Forrest, acquiesce in rebuking faim for the same, and adraonishing faira to beware of sucfa a sinful step for tfae fiiture : And, raoreover, tfae synod agree, that if any candidate shall hereafter refuse to coraply with the judgment of tfae judicature concurring witfa an faar monious caU, the said judicature shall proceed to censure, in case the candidate cannot support his refusal by reasons founded on the word of God ; and tfaat, in tfae case of calls for tfae future, judicatures shall proceed upon the raerits of the cause, witfaout laying any stress upon tfae inclinations of tfae candidate, and tfaat notfaing done to tfae contrary faereof, now or formerly, sfaaU be pled as a precedent in tirae to come." In conforraity with tfais resolution. Mi'. Forrest was rebuked by the raoderator, for his conturaacy, and tfais affair terrainated. At tfais period, tfae Secession Churcfa was called upon to mourn the loss of another of its distinguished worthies. Tfae health of Mr. Ebenezer Erskine had, for sorae tirae past, been in a declining state. His originally vigorous constitution had been gradually yielding to the increasing infirraities of age. For a short wfiile before fais deatfa, fae h^ad becorae unfit to sustain the accumulated load of official duty, connected with the public situation wfaicfa fae occupied as a minister of tfae gospel. His affectionate people, in order to relieve faim from tfae active duties of fais office, invited fais nepfaew, Mr. James Erskine, to take part witfa faim in the work of tfie ministry ; and tfiis amiable youtfi was ordained to be tfie colleague and successor of fiis uncle, on tfie 22d of January, 1752. Onlya Aort interval elapsed after tfie deatfi of fiis brother Ralph, when Ebenezer was called upon to put off tfae earthly house of fais tabernacle. Wfaen fae heard of fais hrotfaer's deatfa, fae exclairaed, "And is Ralpfa gone? He faas twice got the start of me ; he was first in Cfarist, and now he is first in 620 LAST ILLNESS OF THE REV. EBENEZER ERSKINE. glory."* In a letter written to a friend soon after this event, he says, " According to the course of nature, it was my tum to faave gone off before him. But the will of the good and sovereign God has determined otherwise, and that I should tarry befaind for a wfaile in this weary wilderness. It seems I am not yet raade meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of tfae saints in light, but need to be mbre beaten in the wilder ness with the hammer of affliction, before I corae to tfae upper temple and sanctuary. But good is the will of the Lord."t Though he was at this time in a very debiUtated state, through the severity of his trouble, yet at the earnest request of his people, who were desirous to see and hear him once more before his departure from them, fae went frora his bed to tfae pulpit, and preacfaed for half-an-faour from tfaese words, "I know tfaat my Redeemer livetfa;" fae then retumed from the pulpit to fais bed. Tfais discourse was one which had been composed by him with a view to the improveraent of the death ofhis brother. " His last serraon (his biographer informs us) was literally preached from his bed to a corapany asserabled in his room, where fae baptized a cfaild, after discoursing on a text with which he had particularly wished to finisfa his minis try, viz. Psalm xlvui. 14, ' This God is our God for ever and ever ; he will be our guide even unto death.' " The following account of tfae faoly exercise of this eminent minister in his last illness, and of the concluding scene of his life, extracted from Dr. Eraser's interesting memoir, is deserv ing of a place in this record. " His private conversation with relatives and other kind inquirers, during his last illness, was at once cfaeerful and edifying. He often expressed fiimself in language to this effect : ' I have always found my times of severe affliction my best times. Many blasts I have endured througfa life ; but I had this comfort under them, a good God, a good consciencej a good cause.' When one of his elders thus accosted him, ' Sir, you have given Us many good advices, may I ask what you are now doing witfa your own soul ?' ' I am just doing witfa it,' he replied, ' what I did forty years ago ; I am rest ing on tfaat word, "I am the Lord thy God."' Another friend, surprised at the serenity and cfaeerfulness he possessed in tfae immediate view of death and eternity, put the question, ' Sir, are you not afraid of your sins ?' ' Indeed no,' was his answer, ' ever since I knew Christ, I have never tfaought highly of my frames and duties, nor am I slavishly afraid of my sins.' " To several friends who were conversing with him one • Eraser's Life of E. Erskine, p. 454. * Ibid. p. 457, DEATH OF THE REV. EBENEZER ERSKINE. 521 afternoon, he expressed his assurance of perfect bliss in tfae following memorable words : — ' O, Sirs, my body is now become a very disagreeable faabitation for my soul ; but wfaen my soul goes out of my body, it will as naturally fly into the bosom of Jesus, as a stone will fall to the centre.' Or, as others relate the anecdote, he said, wfaat is entirely to tfae same effect, and wfaat probably he also uttered, either tfaen or about the sarae time ; ' I know tfaat when my soul forsakes this tabernacle of clay, it will fly as naturally to my Saviour's bosom, as the bird to its beloved nest.' To a relative fae one day said, ' While age and infirmities are increasing, I desire to wait all the days of my appointed time till my cfaange corae, looking out for tfae everlasting day of tfae iraraediate enjoy ment of tfae Lord, wfaen sigfaing and sinning shall have an everlasting end.' To anotfier of fais relations wfao came to see faim, and began to corafort hira tfaus, ' I faope you get now and tfaen a blink to bear up your spirit under your affliction,' fae promptly returned tfais spirited reply, ' I know raore of words tfaan of blinks. Thougfa he slay rae, yet I will trust in faim. Tfae covenant is my charter ; and if it had not been for that blessed word, ray hope and strength had perisfaed frora tfae Lord.' To his beloved cfaildren fae unbosoraed him self in the most endearing manner, mingling consolation witfa his dying counsels : ' Though I die, the Lord livetfa. I faave known more of God since I came to this bed, than througfa all my Ufe.' " During the nigfat on wfaich he finisfaed his earthly career, Mrs. Fisfaer faaving come from Glasgow to visit faer dying fatfaer, was sitting in tfae apartment wfaere fae lay, and. en gaged in reading. Awakening from a slumber, he said, ' What book is that, my dear, you are reading ?' ' It is your serraon, father,' sfae replied, ' on that text, " I am tfae Lord tfay God.' " ' O woman,' said fae tfaen, ' that is tfae best ser mon ever I preacfaed.' Tfae discourse had proved very refresfa ing to himself, as well as to many of his faearers. A few ininutes after tfaat expression faad fallen from fais lips, fae re quested fais daugfater to bring the table and candle near the bed ; and having shut his eyes, and laid his hand under his cheek, he quietly breathed out fais soul into tfae faands of fais Redeemer, on tfie 2d of June, 1754. Had fae lived twenty- four days longer fae would faave finisfaed tfae seventy-fourtfa year of fais age ; and faad fae been spared tfaree raontfis more, fie would have completed tfae fifty-first of fais ministry, having resided twenty-eight years at Portmoak, and nearly twenty- three at Stirling."* *Life of Ebenezer Erskine, p. 458—460. 522 DEATH AND CHARACTER Wfaen tfae deatfa of Mr. Erskine was announced to the synod, at tfaeir raeeting in Noveraber, 1754, they were deeply affected by it. Tfaey felt tfaat one of their wisest counsellors and brightest ornaments was gone. Tfaey considered it as a call given tfaem to faumble tfieraselves before God. In re cording tfae event in tfaeir minutes, tfaey mentioned it as an " awful providence of God," and when tfaey appointed some of their number to conduct tfae devotions of tfae synod, at the opening sederunt, tfaey enjoined tfaem to take special notice in tfaeir prayers of tfais event, as a cause of faumiliation. Tfae name of Ebenezer Erskine deserves to occupy a dis tinguisfaed place in tfae religious faistory of Scotland. To tfae noble stand whicfa he made at a period of acknowledged degeneracy in tfae national cfaurcfa, are we to attribute, under God, tfae existence of the Secession. Aided by those vener able and single-hearted men, who placed themselves by his side in the day of fais trial, and wfao sfaared witfa faim in the censures inflicted by the ecclesiastical judicatories, he was tfae faonoured instrument, in tfae faand of God, of forraing and rearing up a cfaurch, by raeans of whicfa tfae gospel was pre served in its purity, in our land, wfaen it was in great danger of becoraing extinct, and frora wfaich tfae gospel sounded fortfa to distant regions. It was owing to the firraness and intrepidity of this individual, seconded by tfae efforts of his excellent associates, tfaat an asylum was erected in our coun try to wfaich religious liberty fled, and where it found a secure retreat, when it was expelled from tfae Establisfament. What could the people faave done, witfa the yoke of patronage wreathed so firmly around their necks, if tfae Secession had not come to tfaeir rescue, at tfae time it did, and presented them with tfae invaluable boon of faearing tfae gospel preached by pastors of tfaeir own cfaoosing ? It must faave been pecu liarly gratifying to Mr. Erskine, to befaold tfae wide extent over which tfae Secession had spread, and the amount of good whicfa it faad accomplisfaed, before he closed his eyes in death. He must have regarded it as a pleasing token, tfiat the sacri fices and struggles, whicfa he had made in his Master's service, faad not been made in vain. Wfaile Mr. Erskine, by fais wis dora and talents, was peculiarly fitted for proraoting the suc cess of tfae cause in wfaicfa fae was erabarked, fae was erainently distinguisfaed as a preacher of the gospel. The dignity of his manner, fais commanding appearance, his ready eloquence, and tfae truly evangelical strain of his doctrine, rendered him a great favourite in tfae pulpit witfa all classes. He enjoyed, during tfae course of a long ministry, a degree of popularity wfaicfa faas fallen to tfae lot of few. A minister of tfae gospel who faad frequently faeard faim preacfa (the Rev. WiUiam OF THE REV. EBENEZER ERSKINE. 523 Hutton of Dalkeitfa) speaking of his public ministrations, said : " I never saw so rauch of tfae majesty of God in any mortal man as in Ebenezer Erskine." And tfae Rev. Adam Gib of Edinburgfa pronounced upon faim a sirailar eulogy. .Having asked at a brotfaer in the ministry, if fae faad ever faeard Mr. Erskine preacfa, and being answered in tfae nega tive, fae said, " Well tfaen. Sir, you never heard the gospel in its majesty."* Tfaere is no greater honour whicfa can be conferred on an individual, in tfie present Ufe, tfaan to be employed as an in strument in stemraing the progress of error, and in maintain ing tfae cause of truth in the raidst of abounding corruptions. Such an honour was conferred upon Ebenezer Erskine, in common witfa the other founders of tfae Secession. Tfaougfa, while living, fae received a large sfaare of obloquy for tfae exertions which he made in defence of popular rigfats, yet posterity will do justice to fais meraory, and in tfae ages to come, fiis name will be associated witfa tfae naraes of those Worthies, who, at different periods, have laboured successfully for the benefit of tfae cfaurch, and tfae good of tfaeir country. In consequence of repeated and urgent appUcations from America, the synod took into consideration tfie propriety of sending a mission to tfiat part of tfie globe. But tfieir licen tiates were, at tfiis tirae, so few, and tfie demands for tfieir services at fiome so numerous, tfiat tfiey were obliged to defer, from time to tirae, undertaking a transatlantic raission. Tfiey agreed, however, in April 1754, to send one of tfaefr own number to labour for a few raontfas in North America. Tfae cfaoice feU upon Mr. Thomas Clerk, minister of BalUbea in Ireland. He was appointed to saU for Pennsylvania in tfae montfa of August, and fae was to continue labouring in tfaat province, and in otfaer places wfaere fais services migfat be requfred, tUl tfae beginning of April in tfae following year, when he was to be at liberty to return home. This appoint ment Mr. Clerk was prevented from fulfilUng, by reasons whicfa tfae synod sustained as vaUd. Tfae American petition ers, after waiting two years longer, sent anotfaer representation (May 1756), in which they expressed the disappointment tfaey had received, by Mr. Clerk's not coraing araongst them ; and tfaey earnestly craved tfaat the synod " would exercise bowels of compassion towards thera, and send them an able and faitfaful minister witfa all possible speed, that so the Lord's scattered remnant might be gatfaered togetfaer, tfae bread of life broken amongst tfaem, and tfae Redeemer's interest and kingdom promoted in tfae country and continent wfaere tfaey • Life of Ebenezer Erskine, p. 482 524 ACTS FOR PUBLIC FASTS. lived." The synod appointed a committee to write a friendly letter to the petitioners, and to state to them, that they were prevented by tfae want of preachers from granting their re quest at present. From tfae coraraenceraent of tfae Secession, frequent oppor tunities were given to tfae people, of observing days of humili ation or of tfaanksgiving, according to tfae varying aspects of divine providence. At every faalf-yearly meeting of synod, it was usual to appoint one or two of tfae bretfaren to mark the dispensations of providence, tfaat might occur befiire next or dinary meeting, and to prepare the draught of an act, in which were embodied the reasons of humiliation or of tfaanksgiving, according to tfae nature of tfae events. Tfaougfa there was a danger of these exercises degenerating into a mere matter of routine, yet tfaey were calculated, by the frequency of their return, to cherisfa devotional faabits in the people, and to ac custora tfaera to raark the hand of an over-ruling providence in the public occurrences of the day. In tfaese periodical documents, the usual title of wfaicfa was, " An Act for a Fast," tfae synod recorded tfaeir sentiments concerning passing events, and tfaey mourned over tfae sins wfaicfa prevaUed, not only in tfaeir own community, but tfarougfaout tfae land. In looking over a considerable number of tfiese, I find in eacfa a strong expression of attacfament to the person of the reigning sover eign, and fervent prayers offered up for his preservation, and for the welfare of the different brancfaes of the royal family; also a lively interest expressed in tfae success of fais Majesty's arms, which the synod seems, at tfais period, to faave connect ed witfa tfae maintenance of tfae protestant religion. The following paragraph, from one of these acts, is insert ed as a specimen : — " Tfae synod call on all under their in spection to cry earnestly at tfie tfirone of God, tfiat fie would return to tfie present generation, revive a covenanted work of reformation, turn all ranks from tfie evil of their ways to him self, make iniquity as ashamed to hide its faead, and reclaim from tfaose aborainations wfaich lay the foundation of fais quar rel against us ; tfaat fae may bless our sovereign King George, and all the brancfaes of tfae royal family ; go forth with cur arraies, and grant thera success against our eneraies ; reforra our array and navy frora the abounding wickednesses that take place araong tfaera, wfaereby he might justly be provoked to make them, Uke Ephraim, faintly turn back in the day of battie, and deliver tfiem into the hands of their enemies ; that fae may sanctify unto us, and tfae wfaole generation, the two late defeats wfaich our armies have suffered, the one in France, and tfae other in America ; tfaat fae would conduct and guide fais Prussian Majesty, preserve him from dangers to which OVERTURE CONCERNING THE TESTIMONY. 525 he is so much exposed in the field of battle, and raake hira, and the rest of the protestant princes at tfae faead of tfae pro testant armies in Germany, more and more instrumental in bringing down tfaose powers tfaat are tfae support of tfae beast." The pressure of business had hitfaerto prevented tfae synod from giving attention to tfae overture wfiicfi was laid before them, in Noveraber 1753, concerning the alleged raistakes in tfae Act and Testimony, and otfaer official documents. A meeting of tfae synod was appointed to be held, specially for tfais purpose, at Glasgow, in the raonth of March, 1755. All tfae raerabers were earnestly requested to attend ; and sucfa as might be prevented frora attending, were required to send their sentiments in writing, so tfaat tfae synod migfat tfaereby be tfae better enabled to judge in tfae matter. Tfae synod met on the 4tfa of Marcfa, and continued tfaeir deliberations during that and tfae two following days. After faaving read the over ture, paragraph by paragraph, and made a variety of amend ments upon it, the question was put, " Wfaether they should now pass it into an act, or appoint a committee to get it print ed and circulated in its amended form, so tfaat not only tfae members of synod, but aU concerned, might have it under tfaeir consideration, before it sfaould be finally adopted?" Tfais latter part of tfae alternative was adopted ; and Messrs. Jaraes Fisfaer, Johii M'Cara, Jofan Brown, and Daniel Cock, were appointed a committee to superintend tfae publication of tfae overture. A transaction took place about tfais time, which, on account of the pubUcity of it, and on account of several ministers con nected with the EstabUshment being involved in it, occasioned great scandal araong tfae friends of religion in Scotland. Tfais was the publication of a tragedy (Douglas) by Mr. John Home of Atfaelstaneford, a minister of tfae national cfaurcfa ; and tfae countenance given to tfae representation of it on tfae stage, by tfae attendance of several of his brethren at the the atre. It was not to be expected that sucfa an outrage upon tfae religious feelings oftfae country sfaould be permitted to pass un noticed or uncensured. Tfae theatre was, at tfais period, a pro scribed amusement in Edinburgfa. By an act of tfae legisla ture, passed in tfae year 1737, it was declared, " That every person who sfaould, for hire or reward, act, or cause to be act ed, any play, or other entertainment of the stage, witfaout the special hcence and authority mentioned in the said act, should be deemed a rogue and a vagabond, and for every sucfa offence should forfeit the sum of £50."* Soon after tfae passing of this act, an attempt was made to obtain a Ucensed theatre in * Scots Magazine for 1 757, p. 18. 526. PROCESS AGAINST MR. CARLYLE. Edinburgfa. But a petition being presented by tfae professors of tfae University, supported by the magistrates, settmg forth tfae dangerous tendency of a play-house, tfae attempt was frustrated. The players, faowever, endeavoured to act in op position to the law. A process was instituted against them, before the Court of Session, at the instance of the Presbytery of Edinburgfa, and a verdict obtained. They were fined in tfae statutory penalty of £50 ; and not cfaoosing to pay the fine, warrants were issued for tfaeir apprehension, wfaen they fled frora justice. Anotfaer party succeeded to tfaose whom tfae presbytery had thus put to flight, and tfaey endeavoured to elude tfae law, by calling tfaeir place of entertainment, not a play-kouse but a concert-kail.* Home's tragedy of Douglas was brought upon the stage, for the first tirae, on the 14t£ of December, 1756. The house was crowded to excess with tfae rank and Uterature of the Scottish metropolis. Besides the author faimself, tfaere were present the following ministers of tfae cfaurch of Scotland : — Messrs. Carlyle of Inveresk, Wfaite of Liberton, Home of Pol- wartfa, Scot of Westruther, Dysart of Eccles, Cupples of Swinton, and Steel of Stair. Tfae Edinburgh presbytery, witfain whose bounds the offence was given, imraediately wrote letters to the presbyteries, to wfaicfa tfaese ministers severally belonged, complaining of thefr conduct, and calling upon the presbyteries to adopt raeasures for vindicating the credit of the holy ministry, and supporting the interests of reUgion. Mr. white, who belonged to the Edinburgh presbytery, was sura moned before them, and, having expressed sorrow for his conduct, was suspended from tfae exercise of fais rainistry for a short period. The other ministers appeared before their respective presbyteries, and submitted to rebuke "for the offence wfaich they had given, with the exception of Messrs. Home and Carlyle. Mr. Home, after a delay of several months, gave in the deraission of his charge to tfae presbytery of Haddington. Mr. Carlyle obeyed tfae suraraons given him to appear before tfae presbytery of Dalkeitfa ; but refused at first to make any explicit acknowledgraent of fais being at the tfaeatre, or to express any sorrow for fais conduct. In conse quence of his refusal, the presbytery were under tfae necessity of giving hira a libel. The libel contained three articles of charge : — 1. That Mr. Carlyle had associated farailiarly witfa players^ — persons who, by tfieir profession, and in the eye of the law, were of bad repute. 2. That he faad attended tfae refaearsal of tfae tragedy of Douglas, and given assistance and direction to the players " Scots Magazine for 1757, p. 18. MR. CARLYLE CENSURED. 527 on that occasion. 3. Tfaat fae faad appeared openly in the play-house in tfae Canongate, " witfain a few miles of fais own parish, near to a university-seat, and faard by tfae city of Edin burgh, wfaere fae was well known, faaving often preacfaed and assisted at tfae administration of tfae Lord's Supper in tfaat city."* Mr. Carlyle objected to this form of procedure. He gave in a paper, in whicfa fae substantially admitted the cfaarges preferred against faim, and expressed sorrow tfaat fae faad given offence ; but contended that these cfaarges did not form a pro per ground for a libel and a public trial, and prayed tfaat tfae Ubel migfat be dismissed. Notwithstanding Mr. Carlyle's objection, tfie presbytery sustained the relevancy of tfae libel, and found tfae various articles of it estabUsfaed by his own con fession ; but referred the consideration of tfae wfaole matter to tfae synod, giving it as tfaeir opinion, that Mr. Carlyle deserved a higfaer censure than a rebuke, and tfaat the censure ought to be inflicted, not by any inferior court, but by tfae Assembly. A long debate ensued in tfae synod of Lotfaian and Tweed- dale, whicfa terminated in the following motion being carried : — " The synod finds. That tfae grounds of proceeding in this affair, in the way of a Ubel, are not sufficiently clear and uncontrovertible ; and that it faad been better and raore expe dient for tfae presbytery to faave endeavoured to bring tfae sarae to an issue, eitfaer in tfie way of privy-censure, or of brotfierly conference, witfi proper admonition following tfiereon. And fiirtfier, tfie synod does, by tfiis sentence, declare tfieir high displeasure witfa Mr. Carlyle for tfae step fae faas taken in go ing to tfae tfaeatre, and strictly enjoin faim to abstain tfaerefrom in tirae coming." Tfae presbytery were not satisfied with tfais decision, and carried tfae matter by appeal, before tfae General Assembly. Tfae Assembly affirmed, by a large ma jority, tfae synod's decision. Tfaey furtfaer adopted an over ture to the following effect : — " Tfae General Asserably, considering how much the success of the gospel depends on tfae regular and inoffensive behaviour of the ministers of this church, do earnestly recommend to tfae several presbyteries to take such wise and effectual measures as may proraote tfae spirit of our faoly reUgion, and preserve tfae purity and decorum of tfae ministerial cfaaracter ; and that they take care tfaat none of tfae rainisters of this churcfa do, upon any occasion, attend tfae theatre." t The Associate synod were scandalized at the public en couragement wfaicfa faad been given by ministers of tfae gospel to tfaeatrical entertainments. Tfaey considered it tfaeir duty to bear testimony against it. In one of tfaeir acts, appointing a * Scots Magazine for 1761, p. 159. + Ibid. p. 217. 528 QUESTIONS PROPOSED TO PRESBYTERIES day of fasting, they refer to it in strong condemnatory terms, " Many," say they, " are practically studying^ to outbrave a tfareatening and punishing God, by proceeding to greater lengths in infidelity, profanity, pride, luxury, revelling, semi naries of lewdness, and other like aborainations ; not only civil judges, but even naraed presbyterian rainisters, become attenders on, and encouragers of, stage-plays; nay, one of these ministers faatfa written, and caused to be acted in both kingdoms, a sinful and scandalous tragedy ; while many others of the same denoraination encourage men in ignorance, and many other evils, by bestowing as little pains as possible iu ministerially instructing and warning tfaose committed to their cfaarge, many of wfaom, alas I love to faave it so ; by which means tfae generation is more and more disposed towards the embracing of popery, or wfaatever otfaer abominations they may be tempted to." Some years had now elapsed since tfae synod resolved that there should be synodical, as well as presbyterial and session al, privy-censures. The formulas of questions tfaat were ap pointed to be put to elders in sessions, and to rainisters in presbyteries, faave already been recorded. A tfaird formula of questions was prepared, with a view to be put to presbyter- ¦ ies at the synodical privy-censures. But the consideration of it, owing to the press of other matters, was delayed from one meeting to anotfaer; and it was not till April, 1757, that the synod, after a careful revision, gave it tfaeir final sanction, Tfae following are tfae questions tfaat were appointed to be put to presbyteries at these privy-censures : — 1. Doth your presbytery meet frequently, when tfie busi ness before you requires tfie same ? 2. Do you take care that elders from kirk-sessions attend your meeting of presbytery, as well as ministers ? 3. Do you censure absent raembers, who do not send up, or at next meetings give, a relevant excuse ? 4. Do you endeavour to be as punctual as possible in con vening at the hour appointed, for tfae several sederunts of your presbytery, tfaat tfae people wfao have business with you may not be obliged to a tedious and needless attendance ? 5. Hath your presbytery a Bible, a Confession of Faith, and a copy of the Acts of Assembly before them at your se veral meetings ? 6. Are you careful, when you are reasoning one with an other in presbytery, to shun all warra and wrathful expressions, and to befaave with a spirit of meekness and brotherly love, as it becometh brethren who are met in presence and name of the Lord Jesus? 7. Do you appoint your members by turns, to deUver an ON OCCASION OF PRIVV-CENSURES. 529 exercise and addition before eacfa of your presbyterial meet ings, wfaen you faave not young men upon trials ; and do you pass judgment upon these discourses of your bretfiren ? 8. Do you read tfie minutes of tfie preceding ineeting of synod, in your first meeting of presbytery after tfiey come to hand, tfaat you may give tiraeous obedience to wfaat may be enjoined you by tfae synod at said raeeting tfaereof? 9. Hatfi your presbytery a register for tfieir minutes, and are you careful in revising tfiera, before tfiey be engrossed tfierein, and that each moderator, together witfi tfie clerk, sign the minutes in tfae register that were passed during the time of fais being moderator? 10. Is tfie sacrament of tfae Lord's Supper dispensed in every congregation of your bounds, at least once in tfae year ? 11. Is your presbytery cautious in admitting entrants to the University: Are you strict and accurate in the trials, not only of their Uterature, but of tfaeir piety, prudence, and former godly conversation and walk ; and do you propose the questions ordinarily put to young men before their licence ? 12. Hath your presbytery observeda diet for prayer and privy- censure since last meeting of synod? 13. Have the members of your presbytery satisfied you, at the said diet for privy-censure, about tfieir dUigence in lec turing and preacfiing every Lord's day, in examining tfieir congregations, visiting families tfierein, and tfie sick, when called, and in endeavouring to be edifying in their conversa tion and discourse araong tfie people ; and tfiat they are not guilty of administering private baptisra, or celebrating clan destine or irregular raarriages ? 14. Have you parochial visitations witfain your bounds, for inqufring into tfae state of your congregations, and the dUigence of rainisters, according to tfae rules of tfae church ? Tfaese questions, with the presbyterial and sessional inter rogatories forraeriy inserted, fiirnisfa us witfa an interesting view of tfae strictness of presbyterian discipline in former tiraes. Tfaey sfaow faow coraplete was tfae superintendence exercised by tfie suprerae court over the inferior judicatories, and how tfiorougfily knit togetfier tfie various parts of the association were, from the lowest to the higfaest. Tfae regular working of sucfa an organization was fitted to give a powerful impulse to tfae body, and to preserve each part of it in a state of health ful action. Thougfa some of tfie questions may be deemed minute, and tfaough there migfat be considerable difficulty in keeping a system of sucfa strictness in active operation, yet certainly sucfa a thorough superintendence, such a complete identifying of one part of the body with another, was calculated to produce most beneficial effects. Should there be some who 2 L 530 SYNOD ENGAGES IN PRIVY-CENSURES. think tfaat our fatfaers in tfae Secession erred in being too strict, and tfaat tfaeir views of presbyterian governraent were imprac ticable, tfaere is at least equally good ground for affirming that tfaeir cfaildren faave run into an opposite extreme, and that tfaere is a strong tendency, at tfae present time to destroy tfae unity and efficiency of presbyterianism, by leaving each subordinate body to act for itsslf, without any regard to the authority of the suprerae controlling power. I do not plead for the exercise of despotic power in any court, either civil or ecclesiastical ; but it is incumbent on all those who hold that presbytery is the form of churcfa governraent raost in accordance witfa the word of God, to take care that it do not degenerate into a mere narae. While tfae forras of it are observed, exer tions ougfat to be raade to keep alive tfae spirit of it, fiy the due raaintenance of subordination in the different parts of the body, and by a thorougfa and efficient superintendence being exercised by tfae supreme power over every, even tfae minutest, portion of the association. The first instance raentioned in the synod records, of their engaging in tfae exercise of privy-censure, was at their raeet ing in May 1762. Eacfa presbytery* was called before tfaera seriatim, and the above questions were proposed. The synod expressed theraselves satisfied witfa the answers which the several presbyteries returned to the wfaole of tfae questions, witfa tfae exception of tfaose wfaicfa related to tfae keeping of presbytery registers, and to parocfaial visitations. Tfie pres byteries were found to be deficient in tfiese particulars, and the moderator, in name of tfie synod, recoraraended it to tfiem to be more attentive to tfiese matters in time to come. At the September meeting, tfae synod again engaged in tfae same ex ercise. Tfae presbyteries were called in tfae order of the roll, and to each was tfae formula of questions proposed. Members were then required to express tfaeir opinion ; and tfae result was, tfaat tfae conduct of tfae presbytery of Down, in Ireland, was approved of; tfae presbyteries of Glasgow and Dunferm line were found riot to faave been sufficiently attentive to paro chial visitations ; wfaile tfae synod expressed tfaemselves dissa tisfied witfa tfae answers which tfae Edinburgfa presbytery re turned to a considerable number of tfae questions. Tfae faulty presbyteries were enjoined to be raore attentive for the future. After this it was resolved, tfaat raeetings for privy-censure sfaould be held by the presbyteries only once a-year, and the twelfth question of tfae above formula was altered accordingly. During tfae course of these proceedings, tfae synod were a • The presbyteries belonging to the synod, at this period, were three in Scotland, viz. Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dunfermline j and one in Ireland, viz. the presbytery of Down. PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING COVENANTING. 531 good deal engaged in discussing tfae subject of covenanting. Some of the brethrien were afraid lest tfae practice of covenant ing sfaould grow into disuse, and tfae attention of tfae synod was called to it, by an overture frora tfae presbytery of Edin- bul-gh, in August 1757. Tfae purport of tfae overture was, tfaat as tfae Lord " was awfully tfareatening to avenge the quarrel of our breacfa of covenant ;" and as " tfae bulk of tfae generation were denying the binding obligation of the cove nants," the synod sfiould take into consideration what was "present duty" in tfais raatter. Tfae synod deferred tfae con sideration of tfae overture till tfaeir next meeting ; and, in the meantirae, presbyteries were required to turn their attention to the subject, so that eacfa migfat be prepared to state wfaat course it would be proper for the synod to adopt. Twelve months elapsed before the subject was resuraed. At tfae end of tfaat period, none of tfae presbyteries, witfa the exception of tfae presbytery of Edinburgfa, faad any specific raeasure to pro pose. The overture frora tfie presbytery of Edinburgh was read ; and, after sorae discussion, a coraraittee was appointed to take into consideration overtures from all tfae presbyteries on tfais subject, and to prepare a draugfat out of tfie wfiole, to be laid before tfie synod at a subsequent meeting. Tfiis com mittee consisted of Messrs. James Fisher, John M'Cara, Jofan Brown, and Jofan Jervey, ministers, witfa Robert Jack, elder Tfae presbyteries of Glasgow and DunferraUne were requirea to send up to tfae committee wfaat tfaey had to propose on the subject of covenanting. The coraraittee's report was presented to the synod, on tfae lOtfa of May, 1759; and, after being read, copies of it were ordered to be transraitted to tfae tfaree presbyteries in Scot land, tfaat tfaey raigfat be tfae better prepared, at next meeting of synod, to give a decision concerning it. At several succes sive raeetings of synod, the reports of the presbyteries were called for ; but tfae uniform answer was, " tfiat tfaey were not yet in ripeness to give an opinion upon tfais affair. It was not till tfae raonth of October 1761, that the presbyteries were "ripe" to give a deUverance upon this business. At that meeting tfae synod, after faearing the opinion of tfae presbyter ies, proceeded to consider tfae draugfat wfaicfa tfaeir coraraittee had prepared. The Acknowledgraent of Sins prefixed to tfae Bond was read from the printed copy, and compared witfa tfae manuscript copy, araendraents and corrections being made as tfaey proceeded. But being prevented by tfae pressure of other business, frora completing their work, tfaey appointed a special meeting of synod to be held for this purpose at Glasgow, on the 17th of March, the ensuing spring. Tfais meeting was thinly attended, there being only nine ministers and three 532 PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING COVENANTING. elders present. After reasoning for some time on the subject of covenanting, a motion was made and agreed to, that, in stead of proceeding farther at present withi the consideration of the draught, they should consider their overture, printed in the year 1755, concerning historical mistakes alleged to be in the Testimony, and other official papers, and determine how far said overture was right or wrong; and that thereafter a new edition of the Testimony should be printed, witfa such corrections as might be raade, previous to any farther step be ing taken on the subject of covenanting. As there were so few members present, they deferred tfae review of the overture till a future meeting. In the month of August, this business was resumed at a meeting wfaich had been specially appointed for the purpose. Tfae synod entered upon a review of tfae overture which faad been printed in the year 1755. After a sederunt had been spent in this work, a proposal was raade by some members, tfiat tfaey should sist procedure with regard to tfae present overture, and tfaat tfaey should proceed to consider the act of tfae Associate Presbytery, printed in tfae year 1744 (making covenanting a term of ministerial and Christian communion), as a bar in the way of present procedure, and that they sfaould eitfaer approve of, or rescind the same ; or determine whether any form of covenanting that may hereafter be adopted by the synod, shall be such a term of communion. This proposal was overruled, and tfae synod proceeded with the consideration of the overture concerning the falstorical mistakes. This overture was in the shape of a bulky pampfalet ; and, after the synod had read upwards of forty pages of it, and reasoned at considerable length upon it, tfaey found that it would be inex pedient to convert it into an act, after it had been so long postponed ; but they agreed to appoint, at their next meeting, a committee to review tfae historical part of the Testimony, and to correct any mistakes that might be in it; and that thereafter, a new edition of it should be pubUshed, in such a manner as might be judged most expedient. In the foUowing raonth (September), the synod resumed the consideration of the overture on covenanting. When they were about to enter upon the consideration of it, Messrs. John Pattison, John M'Cara, and Jofan Belfrage craved that it sfaould be marked as tfaeir opinion, that the act of the Asso ciate Presbytery, in 1744, making the renewing of the cove nants a term of Christian and ministerial communion in aU time coming, and making tfae oath reduplicate on the Confession of Sins, was a bar in their way of concurring, in any form or plan of renewing the covenants, unless the synod sfiould de clare it as their mind, that such things ought not to be pushed PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING COVENANTING. 533 as terms of communion. After a long discussion on the sub ject of covenanting, the synod appointed Messrs. James Fisher, John M'Cara, John Smith, and John Brown, a comraittee, to correct any raistakes that might be found in the historical part of the 'Testimony, and to prepare a draught of the Ac knowledgment of Sins, to be prefixed to the Bond. They appointed them also to prepare an overture with regard to the act of presbytery, adopted in 1744, making covenanting a term of communion. 'This committee reported at next meet ing, tfaat tfaey faad proceeded so far in tfae business ; but, after tfais, nothing fartfaer was done in tfae matter for a considerable period, and tfae subject of covenanting was, for a season, aUowed to go to sleep. CHAPTER XVI. Sehism-overture — Discussions in General Assembly conceming it — Overture rejected — Overture discussed in periodicals — Collection made for presby terian ministers in America — Collection for evangelizing North American Indians — Petitions for sermon from Philadelphia and Truro — Messrs. Tel far and Kinloch sent to America — Coalescence betwixt Burgher and Anti burgher brethren in America — Messrs. Cock and Smith sent to Nova Scotia — Prosperous state of the Secession — Mr. John Swanston chosen Professor of Divinity — Death of Mr. Swanston — Succeeded in the profes sorship by Mr. John Brown — Enactment concerning students of divinity- Students' library formed — Pastoral warning issued by Synod — Extract from it — Proceedings concerning Messrs. John M'Cara and David Horn — Impor tant decision of Synod — Death of Mr. Fisher — His character — Decision of Synod concerning the Annat — Fund instituted for behoof of ministers' wi dows — Re-exhibition of the Testimony — Sentiments of the Synod concem ing the national church — 'Vindicate their continuing in a state of secession — Proposal to repeal the penal laws against Roman Catholics in Scotland — Great alarm excited by the proposal — The subject discussed in General Assembly — Resolutions of provincial synods — Associate Synod publish a " 'Warning against Popery "— Extracts from it — Remarks on the repeal of the penal laws — Increase of Secession in Ireland — Synod of Ireland formed — Deputation sent to Irish Synod — Petitions for union with the Anfi- burgher brethren — Union not accomplished — Formula improved — Regula tions concerning students of divinity — Overture about mode of preaching— . Death of Professor Brovra — His character — His exhortation to Synod — Sir. George Lawson appointed Professor of Divinity — Synod publish " Warn ing against Socinianism " — Agree to celebrate the centenary of the Revolu tion—Conference vnth members of Reformed Presbytery — Institution of fund for supporting weak congregations, and aged ministers — American af fairs — Formation of Associate Reformed Synod of North America — New missions to Nova Scotia — London Missionary Society — Associate Synod resolve to support it — Liberal collections made for it by Secession — Salary of probationers increased — Petition of probationers — Ministers appointed to itinerate — Secession in Manchester. The rapid increase of the Secession began to excite alarm in tfae bosom of tfae friends of tfae Establisfament. Wfaatevei faopes migfat faave been entertained that the prosperity of the Secession would be cfaecked by the rupture wfaicfa faad taken place in tfaat body, tirae faad shown tfiat tfiese fiopes were ill- founded ; for, in eacfi section of tfie Secession, tfie number oi congregations was steadUy on tfie increase. Tfie arbitrary course pursued by the ruling party in the national church, the total disregard of the wishes of tfae people in the settle ment of tfaeir ministers, and the neglect of tfae duties of thc ministerial office by tfiose wfiom the law of patronage had thrust into the Scottisfa parisfaes, tended to produce a wide spread feeling of disgust in tfae rainds of tfae people, wfao, find ing so Uttle attention paid to their spiritual improvement by OVERTURE RESPECTING SCHISM. 535 those who professed to take tfae oversigfat of tfaeir souls, fled from tfaeir rainistry, and swelled, from year to year, the ranks oftfae Secession.. On tfae Slst of May, 1765, an overture was introduced into the General Assembly, calling the attention of that court to the progress of dissent, and praying that tfaey would adopt sucfa raeasures as, in tfaeir wisdora, tfaey should judge proper for arresting " tfais alarraiiig evil." 'This overture (usuaUy denominated the Schism-overture) was to the foUowing effect : — " As tfae progress of tfae scfaism in tfais cfaurcfa is so very remarkable, and seems to be on tfae growing hand, as it is credibly affirraed that tfaere are now one faundred and twenty meeting-houses erected, to wfaicfa raore tfaan a faundred tfaou sand persons resort, who were forraeriy of our coraraunion, but have now separated theraselves from tfae Cfaurcfa of Scot land ; and that the effects of this schism begin to appear, and are likely to take root, in the greatest and most populous towns; it is humbly overtured, Tfaat tfae Venerable Asserably would take under tfaeir mature consideration tfais alarming evil, wfaicfa faatfa so tfareatening an aspect to tfais cfaurch, to tfae in terests of religion, and to the peace of tfae country ; and tfaat tfaey would provide sucfa reraedies against tfais scfaism, as in tfaeir great wisdom tfaey sfaaU judge proper."* After this overture was read and considered, two motions were raade, — 1. " That the overture should be transraitted to tfae several presbyteries, and tfaey appointed to inquire after tfae nuraber of meeting-faouses erected by tfaose wfao faave seceded frora tfais cfaurcfa, and tfae state of tfae congregations thereto belonging; as also to inquire concerning the rise, pro gress, and causes of such secessions; and to transrait wfaat in forraation they receive to the next Assembly." 2. " Tfaat a committee sfaould be appointed to consider tfae overture, and report their opinion thereupon to tfae next General Assembly." Long reasoning ensued upon tfaese two raotions ; and tfae question being put, " Transrait or Appoint ?" it carried, by a great majority, " Appomt." A coraraittee was accord ingly appointed, consisting of twenty-three ministers and six teen ruling elders.t . The report of the committee, whicfa was presented to tfae Assembly on tfae 30tfa of May, 1766, was to tfae following effect : — " In respect of tfae dangerous consequences tfaat are to be apprefaended from tfae increase of secession from the legal establishment of this churcfa, and as it is reported tliat no fewer tfaan one faundred and twenty meeting-faouses are already erected, altfaougfa it never was, nor is, intended that any sort * Scots Magazine, vol. xxvii. p. 277. t Ibid. S.^ff REMARKS ON THE OVERTURE of severity should be used against any of these persons, it is overtured, that it may be recoraraended to inquire into the truth of this fact : And furtfaer, as the abuse of the right of patronage faas been one cfaief occasion of tfae progress of seces sion, it is also overtured, tfaat tbe General Assembly would be pleased to consider what metfaods may be employed to re medy so great an evil ; and it is humbly submitted, whether it may not be expedient, for this purpose, to appoint a com mittee to correspond witfa presbyteries, and gentlemen of pro perty and influence, and to report." Tfais report occasioned a long debate. The Assembly agreed, without a vote, to pass from the first part of it, recommending tfae remit to pres byteries to inquire into tfae number of Secession meeting houses. With regard to tfae second part, wfaich recommended the appointment of a committee to inquire into the abuse of the right of patronage, a vote was stated, " Approve, or Re ject?" when it carried, by a raajority of ninety-nine to eighty- five, to reject. Tfaus tfie wfiole of tfie overture fell to tfie ground, and tfie " alarming evil" was permitted to go on, witfiout any attempt being made to check it.* Those who prepared the schism-overture seem to have been endowed with the gift of prophecy, when tfaey spoke of the effects of the schism as "likely to take root in the greatest and most populous towns." Had tfaey lived at the present day, how deeply affected must tfaey have been, to behold the " schism" not only firmly rooted in " the greatest and most populous towns," but widely spread througfaout the peaceful rural villages ; so that tfaere is scarcely a faamlet, however obscure, wfiere a brancfi of it may not be seen. If tfie framers of tfie overture trembled at tfie threatening aspect whicfa the "schism" bore to the National cfaurcfa, upwards of seventy years ago, wfaen tfaere were only one hundred and twenty meeting-houses, wfaat must faave been tfaeir feelings of alarm to find tfaat tfae number of meeting-faouses, belonging to the different classes of dissenters, had increased to upwards of six hundred I WhUe truth compels me to say, that tfae aspect whicfa the present state of dissent in this country bears to the National cfiurch, is sufficiently threatening, it is pleasing to add, tfaat none of the other evils whicfa were anticipated frora the progress of the " scfaism " have taken place. The inter ests of religion, so far from having sustained any injury from this cause, have rather been promoted ; and the peace of tfae country, concerning which such fears were entertained by these alarmists, has been maintained. During the period that elapsed from the introduction of tiie * Scots Miigaziiic, vol. xxviii. p. 275. y RESPECTING SCHISM. 537 schism-overture into tfae General Asserably, till its fate was decided, the subject of it was discussed by several writers, in one of the Uterary periodicals of tfae day.* It was suspected by some, tfaat tfae secret object of tfaose wfao introduced tfae overture, was to put down tfie Secession by force. Mr. Adam Gib, in a letter addressed by him to tfae editor of tfae periodi cal now referred to, adverts, in pointed terras, to tliis suspicion ; and he shrewdly observes, that should tfais be tfae real object of tfae overture, "it was near seventy-seven years out of time."t He mentions witfa satisfaction, in tfae conclusion of his letter, tfaat, according to his inforraation, " tfae overture was far frora being reUsfaed in tfae General Assembly, by tfae majority of eitfaer tfae reverend or faonourable merabers of tfae court ; and tfaat tfaeir putting it into the faands of a coramittee was no act of favour to it, but was carried in opposition to a transrait- ting of it to tfae several presbyteries, wfaich tfae friends of tfaat overture insisted for. However (he adds), even supposing the worst, the Seceders have ground of confidence, tfaat a sup pressing of tfae testimony araong thefr hands, whatever might be done with their persons, would prove too hard work for all the people of the earth." Another writer in the sarae periodical,^ while fae disclairas all intention, on the part of the supporters of tfae overture, of having recourse to violence, states, in strong terms, tfae neces sity of some measure being adopted to arrest tfae progress of the " schism," otherwise tfiey might anticipate the subversion of the National cfaurcfa, by government witfadrawing from it tfaeir support. The following language, written upwards of seventy years ago, may be regarded as almost prophetic of a crisis which appears to be rapidly approacfaing : — " As its in crease (viz. of the schism) threatens no less than the extinction of the very being of a National churcfa, a principle of self- preservation seems to faave dictated tfais proceeding, wfaicfa, I apprefaend, can give the alarm to none but such as wish tfae total subversion of tfais cfaurcfa. An established churcfa, witfa out a general adherence, or from whicfa tfae body of tfae people are aUenated, appears to be an object not wortfay tfae notice, tfae care, or tfae protection of any government. Presbytery was first estabUsfaed in Scotland, because it was agreeable to the inclinations of the people ; and if tfaese are withdrawn or lost, it is not easy to see what title the present established clergy would have to a raaintenance frora tfie government, pre ferably to those of any other denomination." After tfae minds both of churchmen and dissenters had been agitated for twelve months, by the discussions concerning the overture, the mat- * Scots Magazine, vol. xxvm. p. 273. f ^'W- ^o^' x^^"' P- ^^"^ * ^- ^^^- 538 COLLECTIONS FOR MISSIONS IN AMERICA. ter was allowed to rest. The ruling party in the General Assembly did not tfaink proper to gratify the people, by per mitting any inquiry to be made into the abuse of the rigfat of patronage ; and the meeting-faouses of dissenters continued to raultiply as formerly. Tfae attention of tfae Associate synod was now drawn to ward America. Owing to tfae rapid increase of the synod's congregations at faome, and tfae deraands tfaat were made upon tfaera for preachers to supply tfaese congregations, tfaey faad not as yet been able to undertake a transatlantic mission. Tfaey faad, however, given substantial proofs of the interest whicfa they took in tfae diffusion of the gospel in the American provinces, by appointing, on two different occasions, collections to be made for the purpose of assisting those wfao were engaged in tfais benevolent work. Tfae first of tfaese collections was made for tfae relief of poor presbyterian rainisters in tfae province of Pennsylvania, and in tfae counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex-upon-Delaware, wfao were exposed to considerable hardships in preaching tfae gospel to tfae Indians. Tfais fund was designed also to give support to tfae widows and orpfaans of tfaese rainisters. Tfae sum collected for it by tfae Associate synod, araounted to £138 ; and a friendly letter was despatcfaed along witfa it to tfae corporation in Araerica, under whose man agement tfae fund was placed. A letter of tfaanks was received from tfae corporation, acknowledging, in the warmest terms, the liberality of the synod, and stating that tfae raoney would be appUed witfa tfae strictest fidelity in accorapUsfaing the ends proposed. Very soon after this, an application was made to tfae synod from tfae Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, re questing tfaeir co-operation in a scfaerae for evangeUzing the Nortfa American Indians. The particulars of this scheme have been detailed in a preceding part of the narrative.* The synod cordially approved of tfie object wfiicfi tfie Society proposed accomplisfiing ; and tfiey appointed a collection to be made tfirougfiout tfie association, to assist in carrying it into effect. On the IStfa of May, 1765, petitions were laid before the synod from Truro in Nova Scotia, and from Pfailadelpfaia in tfie province of Pennsylvania, stating, in strong terms, tfae destitute circumstances in wfaicfa the petitioners were placed. with regard to tfae gospel, and earnestly requesting tfaat the synod would send sorae of tfaeir bretfaren to labour araongst tfiem. Tfie synod resolved, tfiat tfiey would not any longer delay sending a mission to tfiese colonies. They had not * See p.ige 275. RENEWED APPLICATIONS FROM AMERICA. 539 at tfais time any preacfaer wfaom tfaey could conveniently send . but tfaey resolved to send an ordained rainister to labour for a few raonths in Araerica, while the brethren undertook to supply fais cfaarge at faorae. Mr. David Telfar, rainister at Bridge of Teitfa, was tfae person wfaora tfae synod appointed as tfaeir first transatlantic missionary. Tfae foUowing were the instruc tions given him by tfae synod, in reference to fais mission. He was to proceed first to Pfiiladelpfiia, and after labouring tfiere for some tirae, fie was then to repair to Truro. In eacfa of tfaese places fae was to ordain elders, if fae sfaould see it to be for edification. And as Mr. Tfaoraas Clerk faad been sent over in tfae preceding year, by tfae presbytery of Down, to tfae province of New York, fae and Mr. Telfar were empowered by tfae synod to constitute a presbytery for tfae manageraent of discipline, and for raaking sucfa arrangements as raight be necessary to secure tfae success of tfae raission. Sfaould appli cation be made to Mr. Telfar from any otfaer places besides tfae two above-mentioned, fae was to visit tfaera ; and after making faimself acquainted witfa tfae circurastances of the people, he was to write horae to tfae synod a particular account of tfae state of affairs, tfaat measures might be adopted for sending a permanent supply of sermon. Tfae faopes of tfae American petitioners were for a season dis appointed. Mr. Telfar did not find it convenient to leave tfais country so soon as had been fixed upon by the synod. In tfae raontfa of Septeraber, the sarae year, an application was re ceived frora some of tfae inhabitants of New Carabridge, in the county of Albany and province of New York, representing, in strong terras, tfaeir destitute condition witfa regard to tfie gospel, and craving tfiat tfie synod would send tfiem, witfiout delay, a minister to break araongst tfiera tfie bread of life ; at tfie same time promising to give to tfie person wfio sfiould be sent a suitable raaintenance. The synod having taken this petition into consideration, as well as tfae applications forraeriy made frora Pfailadelpfaia and Truro, resolved to send botfa an ordained rainister and a preacher ; but delayed making the appointraent tUl tfae raontfa of Noveraber, wfaen they were again to raeet for tfae despatcfa of otfaer business. In the mean time, they recommended it to Messrs. Tfaoraas Main, Daniel Cock, and Joseph Ker (rainisters), and to Messrs. Tfaoraas Edmond, Jofan Bennet, and Samuel Kinlocfa (probationers), that tfaey sfaould, previous to tfaat period, take the subject of an American raission under tfaeir consideration. Tfae synod raet on tfae 12tfa Noveraber, wfaen anotfaer cora raunication was received frora tfae people in Pfailadelpfaia, stating tfae disappointment which tfaey had experienced, in consequence of Mr. Telfar not having fulfilled the appointment 540 MR. TELFAR AND OTHERS SAIL FOR AMERICA. formerly given, and mentioning that they had erected a place of worship, and had otherwise made provision for tfae support of tfae gospel among them. They stated further, tfaat the division wfaicfa had taken place in consequence of the contro versy concerning tfae burgess-oatfa, was producing very un happy effects in their own neighbourhood, and tfaat there had been overtures between Mr. Thoraas Clerk and the presby tery of Pennsylvania, adhering to tfae Antiburgher synod, for effecting a coalescence, in so far as the American Seceders were concerned : and tfaey earnestly besougfat tfae synod to adopt measures for accomplisfaing a union between them and their Antiburgfaer brethren, so that they might be one again in tfae Lord, botfa at faome and abroad. Tfiey concluded by urging their request, tfaat tfae synod would encourage tfaeir in fant congregation, by sending Mr. Telfar, or some otfaer able minister, to remain among tfaem so long as should be judged proper. In answer to this communication, the synod renewed their appointment to Mr. Telfar, to go on a mission to Araerica early in the spring, and they agreed to send along with faim Mr. Samuel Kinloch, probationer. These two brethren were to remain in America till April 1767, unless the synod should see fit either to recall tfaem sooner, or to extend tfaeir ap pointments. Tfaey were to preach not only in Philadelphia, New Cambridge, and Truro, but in any other places where they might find an opening ; and the instructions formerly given to Mr. Telfar, with regard to ordaining elders, and constituting a presbytery with Mr. Clerk, for tfie administra tion of discipline, were renewed. Should Mr. Kinlocfa receive a call from any congregation in America, tfaese two brethren were empowered to take faim on trials, and to ordain faim ; and in tfae mean time, until said presbytery should meet, Mr. Kin loch was to be under the direction of Mr. Telfar, with regard to the places wfaere he should preach. Mr. Telfar and his fellow-labourer sailed for America in tfae spring of 1766 ; and after they had been a few months in that country, Mr. Telfar wrote fiome to the synod, that a coalescence fiad taken place, on tfae 5tfa of June, between him and tfae Antiburgfaer bretfaren belonging to the Pennsylvanian presbytery. Mr. Clerk had coalesced with them before Mr. Telfar's arrival. He stated, that Mr. Kinlocfa faad gone to Truro, and tfaat as he himself was inclined to return home, he wished the synod to consider tfae state of matters in Amer ica, and send some one to supply his place. On recei'ving Mr. Telfar's communication, the synod agreed tfaat he should be permitted to return home in the beginning of the foUowing year, if he should then feel inclined ; but that Mr. Kinloch MISSION TO NOVA SCOTIA. 541 should continue to labour among tfae American congregations until the next ordinary meeting of synod, wfaen they would decide about recalUng fiim, or extending his appointment, and wfaen tfaey would take into consideration tfae sending of far tfaer supply. In May 1767, the synod received letters from the congre gations in Pfailadelpfaia, New Cambridge, and Truro, express ing their warmest thanks for tfae benefit wfaicfa tfaey faad received from tfae ministrations of Messrs. Telfar and Kinlocfa, and beseecfaing tfaat tfae synod would eitfaer permit tfaese bretfaren to continue among them, or, should tfaey be removed, tfaat otfaers migfat be speedily sent to supply their place. A communication was at the same time received, signed by up wards offorty of the infaabitants of Londonderry, in Nova Scotia, in wfaich tfaey stated tfae great destitution of gospel ordinances wfaicfa faad prevailed for a long time in tfaat place, and tfae joy whicfa they experienced when visited by Mr. Kinlocfa. Tfiey earnestly entreated tfae synod to commiserate tfaeir condition, and to send some of tfaeir number to preacfa tfae gospel to tfaera, tfaat they migfat in due time enjoy tfae inestimable blessing of a fixed gospel ministry. Fettered though the synod were by the scarcity of preacfiers at horae, they appointed one of tfieir probationers, Mr. Tboraas Waters, to set off for America by the earliest opportunity ; and the presbytery of Edinburgh were enjoined to ordain hira previous to his departure. But Mr. Waters was prevented, by bodily indisposition, from ful filling fais appointraent. During tfae course of tfais suramer, tfae people in Pfailadelpfaia wrote, that botfa tfaey and tfae con gregation in Truro had given a call to'Mr. Kinlocfa, but tfaat, as tfae caU from Truro had been given before tfaeirs, tfaey were willing to resign their claim in favour of tfaeir bretfaren in that place ; and tfaey requested tfaat Mr. Telfar migfat be continued araong tfaem, as fie was peculiarly adapted, by his gifts, for that situation ; and sfaould fae be wilUng to reraain, tfaey had a view to him as tfaeir minister. Tfaey further mentioned, that, in consequence of the coalescence wfaich faad taken place between tfae synod's missionaries and tfae Anti burgher brethren in Pennsylvania, great harmony now pre vailed. Wfaen tfae synod met in May 1768, they nominated two of their probationers, Mr. Tfaomas Edmond and Mr. James Mitcfaell, to go on a mission to America ; but tfae issue of this appointment was equally unsuccessful with the one already mentioned. In the meantime, Mr. Kinloch refiised to accept . of the call given him by the congregation in Truro. He re tumed to Scotland early in 1769, and having received, soon after his return, a call from a congregation in Paisley, he was 542 MISSION TO NOVA SCOTIA. ordained, during the course of tfae sumraer, in tfaat town. Mr. Telfar also returnedfaome in the end of tfaat year, or in tfae spring of tfae year foUowing ; and tfae congregations in America were for a sfaort period left destitute of preachers. Tfae synod, faowever, were engaged in making provision for tfaeir supply. At tfieir raeeting in August, 1769, in answer to a letter from tfae people in Truro, raaking an appeal to their sympathy, they agreed tfaat Mr. Daniel Cock, rainister, at Greenock, and Mr. David Sraith, rainister at St. Andrews, should be sent to Nova Scotia. In giving these brethren in structions respecting tfaeir mission, tfaey recommended it to tfaem to exert tfaemselves to tfae utmost to maintain tfae articles of agreement wfaicfa faad been entered into between Messrs. Tel far, Mason, and tfae otfaer bretfaren in America ; and tfaough tfaey erapowered tfaem to constitute tfaeraselves into a presby tery in Nova Scotia, for tfae purposes of discipline and govern ment, yet they cautioned them against making use of tfaat power for encroacfaing on the authority of tfae Seceding pres bytery of Pennsylvania, unless tfaey sfaould be obUged to do so, by tfaat presbytery's refusing to maintain tfae articles of agreement. Mr. Cock sailed soon after this for his distination ; and a call being given him by tfae congregation in Truro, tfae pas toral relation between faim and fais flock in Greenock was dissolved, and fae was the first minister in connexion witfa the Associate synod, who permanently settled in Nova Scotia. Mr. Smith did not accompany him, as was at first intended. A petition was received by the synod in August, 1770, from sorae of tfae infaabitants of Nottingfaara in Pennsylvania, pray ing tfaat a rainister raigfat be sent to labour amongst them, and expressing at tfae sarae tirae a particular desire to enjoy tfae services of Mr. Telfar. Tfae synod resolved, tfaat Mr. Telfar's connexion witfa fais congregation at Bridge of Teitfa should be dissolved, and that fae sfaould be sent out a second time to Araerica. They also appointed Mr. Smith's relation to fais people at St. Andrews to be loosed, that he might accompany Mr. Telfar across the Atlantic. It was left optional to tfiese two bretfiren to go eitfier to Pennsylvania or to Nova Scotia ; and a collection was enjoined to be raade in all the congregations of tfae synod, to defray tfae expense of the mission. Tfaey botfa set sail for Pennsylvania in tfae sum mer of 1771 . Mr. Telfar settled in tfaat province, wfaUe Mr. Sraith went to Londonderry in Nova Scotia, and continued .labouring there during the reraainder of fais days. The progress wfaicfa tfae Secession Cfaurcfa was making, botfa at home and abroad, raust have been gratifying to its friends. If a sufficient supply of preachers could faave been THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 543 procured to answer tfae numerous deraands tfaat were made upon it for sermon from almost all districts of tfae country, as weil as frora Araerica, its increase would have been still raore rapid. Both brancfaes of tfae Secession were at' tfais period greatly fettered in tfaeir operations, by a scarcity of proba tioners. Tfais evil operated in two ways. Wfaen congrega tions became vacant, after faaving enjoyed tfae benefits of a fixed gospel ministry, or wfaen new congregations were forraed, tfaey were obliged, in raany instances, to reraain for a con siderable period destitute of a pastor. Tfae sarae cause ren dered it a matter of great difficulty for tfae Secession to undertake raissions to distant lands. Tfae nuraber of their congregations increased mucfa more rapidly at faome tfaan tfaey could find preacfaers to supply tfaera, and in proportion to tfae increase of tfaeir congregations, was tfae difficulty of finding suitable agents to send abroad. In tfae course of Uttle raore tfaan twenty years after tfae breach faad taken place, that section of tfae Secession, wfaose faistory I am now recording, faad nearly quadrupled tfae num ber of its rainisters. Forty-one of tfaese were labouring in Scotland and England, about eight or ten in Ireland, and three in America. Tfae number of probationers on its list araounted to seven.* Mr. Fisfaer, after faaving superintended the Tfaeological Serainary for a period of fifteen years, faad been obliged, tfarougfa tfae increasing infirmities of age, to re sign fais professorial charge, and was succeeded in it by Mr. John Swanston, minister at Kinross. Mr. Swanston did not long enjoy tfae faonours of tfae responsible situation wfaicfa fae had been called upon, by the suffrages of fais bretfaren, to fiU. He was appointed to it on tfae 18tfa of May, 1764, and fae was unexpectedly removed from tfae scene of fiis labours on tfie 12tfiof June, 1767. Having gone to assist at tfie celebra tion of tfie Lord's Supper at Pertfi, fie was attacked, on tfie evening of tfie communion Sabbatfi, by a severe inflararaatory coraplaint, wfiich raade sucfa rapid progress, tfaat he expired in tfiat city on tfie following Friday. Mr. Jofin Brown, min ister at Haddington, succeeded Mr. Swanston as Professor of Divinity. At tfie request of tfie synod, fie took the cfaarge of tfae students tfae year tfaat Mr. Swanston died ; but he was * This statement refers to the year 1770. No new presbytery had as yet been formed in Scotland since the breach. The three Scottish presbyteries were — Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dunfermline. These presbyteries compre hended aU the congregations connected with the Associate synod in Scotland and England. In Ireland, in addition to the presbytery of Down, already noticed, a new one had been formed, viz. the presbytery of Monaghan, which was erected in August 1764, and consisted, at its formation, ofthe following members:— Messrs. Hugh M'Gill, John M'Auley, John Beattie, and John Craig. 544 PASTORAL WARNING ISSUED BY SYNOD. not formaUy elected Professor tUl tfae following year.* Soon after tfae appointraent of Mr. Brown to the Professorship, the synod made an enactment (in accordance with a former deed of the Associate Pl-esbytery) concerning tfae admission of students to tfae Divinity Hall ; declaring, that none should be admitted to tfae study of divinity, without proper testimonials from their respective sessions, approved of by the presbyteries ; and that all candidates for admission to the Thelogical Seminary sfaould be carefully examined by the presbyteries, not only on the different branches of literature, but also on the distinguishing principles of tfae gospel, and concerning tfaeir attacfiment to tfiat particular scheme of doctrine, order of worship, and scheme of discipline and government laid down from scripture in the Confession of Faith, Larger and Sfaorter Catechisms, and Pres byterian Form of Church Government. The students, feeUng tfie want of a theological Ubrary to assist tfaem in tfaeir studies, presented a petition to tfae synod, craving that they would endeavour to raise a fund for tfais purpose. The synod highly approved of the object, and they issued a recommendation to all tfae ministers and elders under tfaeir inspection, to exert themselves in procuring, by private subscription or otherwise, tfae necessary supplies. In August, 1770, tfae synod issued a pastoral address to the congregations under tfieir charge, entitled, "A Warning against tfae prevalence of sinful looseness in principle and practice." Tfiis address is distinguished for the plain, faithful, and affectionate style in whicfa it is written, and for tfae truly Cfaristian spirit wfaich it breathes. In it the synod exhort the people under tfaeir inspection to make tfae word of God the only rule of tfaeir practice, in every brancfa of their social con duct. " Be not followers of men (they say) any farther than you can see tfaefr sentiments and measures autfaorized in the Holy Scriptures. Do not receive your principles upon trust, but searcfa tfae scriptures, to see wfaetfaer tfaey are contained in them or not. Do not suffer yourselves to be misled by the reputations of men, ministers, or parties ; but be ye fol lowers of the saints, and united in your zealous attacfament to your principles, upon a certain and powerful evidence of the trutfa." Tfiey furtfier warn tfie people " against mistaken notions of Cfiristian liberty, as if it consisted in a person doing wfiatever seems rigfit in his own eyes, without consulting the comfort and edification of fais bretfaren. No society (they add) could possibly exist, if all mankind acted upon tfais loose principle, wfaich makes void tfae law of God, and contradicts the very light of nature. Condescension, forbearance, and • May 5, 1768. EXTRACTS FROM PASTORAL WARNING. 545 long-suffering, are branches of the Christian teraper indispen sably required in every cfaurcfa raeraber; and tfaey necessarily iraply a self-denying regard to the opinions and conduct of othei-s, in many instances of daily experience in the ways of religion." Tfaey also give a caution to tfaeir people "against indulging a bitter, censorious, uncfaaritable teraper of mind against sucfa as faave not precisely tfae same views of tfae faitfa and order of tfae gospel witfa tfaemselves." Tfais caution they ^enforce by the following excellent reraarks, wfaicfa are well deserving the attention of professing Christians at all times : — " Eraulation, wrath, strife, and seditions, manifestly are tfae works of tfae flesfa, and they are an open disgrace to the cause of Christianity, whicfa neitfaer requires nor admits sucfa dis honourable means of promoting it. It is good to be zealously affected always in this excellent cause, and to contend ear nestly for tfae iaitfa once delivered to tfie saints ; but to con fine melr cfiarity to a party, is so far from being a Cfiristian teraper, tfaat it raanifests sorae of tfae worst dispositions in all tfaat are guilty of it, and faas, in every age, been tfae founda tion of the greatest excesses. Uncharitable judgings, and evil surmisings, arrogate divine prerogatives, are a constant act of injustice to our neighbours, and a plain violation of the golden rule of doing to others as we would be done unto. Tfrey commonly arise from pride, ignorance, and self-: isfaness ; and tfaey furnisfa an occasion of blasphemy and re-, proach against the ways of religion they are employed to promote. Besides, it is evident that such dispositions blind the mind, and pervert tfae judgraent ; and tfaat tfaose wfao are abandoned to tfaem, witfa equal eagerness seek occasions of blaraing others, and of justifying theraselves. Prejudices of this sort exclude conviction, and faave a dangerous tendency to render raankind slaves to tfae raost unwortfay and perni cious passions."* An address fraraed in sucfa a Cfaristian spirit, and circulated extensively tfaroughout the association, could not fail to pro duce, upon both rainisters and people, a beneficial effect. It was fitted to produce, on tfae one faand, a raore decided attacfa ment to tfaose principles wfaich, as Seceders, tfaey professed to faold ; and it was calculated, on tfae otfaer, to soften tfie asperities of party spirit, and to lead tfiem to cfierish a feeling of Chris tian forbearance toward other denominations, whose senti ments might differ from their own. Hitherto, owing to tfae scarcity of preachers, and the rapid increase of the congregations, tfae synod faad been under tfae necessity of rendering tfae term of tfaeological study as brief • ¦Warning, &c. Pp. G— 8. 2 M 546 CASE OF MR. JOHN M'CARA. as possible; so that it was usual to Ucense their young men, after they had been engaged in tfae study of divinity for four years ; but, by an act passed on the 4th of May, HH, it was rendered imperative on all candidates for the rainistry to at tend, in ordinary cases, tfae divinity hall for five sessions, and tfae Professor was profaibited frora receiving any certificates of admission, except sucfa as were given by the presbyteries. As one of tfae objects of this narrative is to preserve a re cord, not only of the public transactions in whicfa tfae Seces sion Cfaurcfa nas been engaged, but also of faer judicial pro ceedings, for the benefit of tfaose wfao are in tfae pale of her comraunion, that they may know what those decisions are which sfae fias given on questions of iraportance, tfiat have from time to tirae been discussed in fier judicatories,— I shall here give an account of proceedings of the Associate synod, in reference to two of their merabers, wfao, after demitting the pastoral cfaarge of their congregations, insisted on being per mitted to occupy a seat in the cfaurcfa courts. Mr. Jofan M'Cara, minister at Burntsfaields, being accused by his people of neglecting the duties of his office, and of con duct inconsistent with the dignity of the ministerial cfaaracter, tfae synod found tfae cfaarges preferred against faira so far sub stantiated, tfaat they adrainistered to him a rebuke. Mr. M'Cara did not acquiesce in tfae justice of tfae sentence ; and as tfae faarraony between faim and his people was interrupted, he offered the demission of his cfaarge, wfaicfa was accepted. At next meeting of synod, tfae question was proposed, Wfaetfaer Mr. M'Cara ougfat to faave a seat in tfae court? After some discussion, a committee, consisting of Messrs. James Fisfaer, Jofan Smitfa, John Brown, and Jofan Pattison, was appointed to prepare an overture on tfae subject. The report of this committee was to the following effect : — " Tfaat as it was necessary to maintain tfae parity of the nuraber of ministers and elders in this court ; that as far as they find, it has been tfae uniforra practice of the Church of Scotland for ministers wfao voluntarily deraitted tfaeir charges, to cease sitting as raembers of the ecclesiastical courts tfiey formerly ruled hi ; and that as elders wfao remove to another congregation faave no seat in tfae session tfaereof, till tfaey be called to tfae exercise of tfaeir office by tfaat congregation, they were unaniraously of opinion, tfaat Mr. M'Cara should be dropped from the roll of this . court, as at present he, by virtue- of his late demission, faas tfae cfiarge of no particular congregation." After tfae report was given in, it was moved, that the synod sfaould delay coraing to a deterraination upon tfais question ; but it carried, in opposition to tfais motion, that they should proceed to an immediate decision. Tfae question CASE OF MR. DAVID HORN. 547 ^^as then put, " Adopt the overture of the comraittee, or not?" when it carried, by a large majority, to Adopt ; and tfae synod accordingly declared, tfaat Mr. M'Cara ougfat not to sit and judge in any of tfae ecclesiastical judicatories. Tfae same year tfaat tfais decision was pronounced (1768), Mr. David Horn, minister at Cambusnetfaan, presented the demission of his charge, in opposition to the wishes of his con gregation. Tfae Glasgow presbytery, on whose table the demission was laid, refused to accept of it, as Mr, Horn was still able to discfaarge tfae duties of fais office; and fais people, so far frora being anxious for fais reraoval, petitioned tfaat they migfat enjoy tfae benefit of fais labours. Mr. Horn protested, and appealed to tfae suprerae court ; and tfae synod, after faear ing parties, agreed that tfie pastoral relation between Mr. Horn and fiis congregation sfiould be dissolved. In conse quence of this decision, Mr. Horn's name was dropped from the synod roll, by virtue of the act already mentioned. Mr. Horn was rauch dissatisfied with the synod's refusing to allow him to occupy fais seat araongst tfaera, as a meraber of court. He craved, at next raeeting, to bave fais opinion marked in tfae following terms: — " I. He cannot see faow a rainister can be continued in full power and liberty to preach, and dispense gospel ordinances, and yet be denied the liberty and freedom of the other brancfa of fais rainisterial office, viz. tfae actual ex ercise of government and discipline. He is of opinion, tfaat botfa keys were committed by the glorious Head to the apos tles, and by consequence to thefr ordinary successors in office, and cannot be taken from tfaera, but upon the account of tfaeir raisconduct. 2. He cannot see frora the acts and constitutions of this cfaurcfa, tfaat any minister demitting fais cfaarge on ac count oi necessity, as was his case, is to be deprived of his seat in judicatories ; and so cannot but look on his being denied a seat in this court, to be, at least interpretatively, a censure upon hira, as fae is hereby denuded of a privilege to wfaich fae conceives fae faas a rigfat, by virtue of his office. 3. He is at a loss to apprefaend tfae justness of said act of synod (May 1768), in regard fae has not seen it supported by any one text of Scripture, or any just 'and necessary consequence derived therefrom, or frora any universal or approven practice, or acts and constitutions of tfais churcfa, specified in the said act ; and he craves further to be at liberty to add, in time coraing, wfaatever otfaer scruples and difficulties fae raay have with respect to said act." Mr. Horn continued to besiege the synod witfa petitions and remonstrances on tfais subject, until, on tfae 5th of May, 1773, they reviewed and confirraed tfaeir former deed, declaring it to be miproper for ministers wfao faave demitted tfaeir cfaarges to 548 DECISION RESPECTING THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS faave a seat in tfae cfaurcfa courts. So far from being satisfied' with tfais second decision, Mr. Horn made his appearance at the bar of the synod, in the montfa of August following, and remonstrated at great length on the injustice tfaat faad been done to faira, in removing his name from tfae roll. After be ing fully faeard in his own cause, a long discussion ensued, wfaicfa terminated in tfae following vote being stated : — " Affirra the forraer deeds of this court, in May 1768 and 1773, relative to ministers not sitting in synod after demission of their charges ; or. Reverse tfaera ?" It carried, by a great majority, " Affirm." Against tfais decision Mr. Horn protest ed ; and Mr. George Coventry, minister at StitcheU, adhered' to fais protest. Long and elaborately-written papers, entitled, " Reasons of Protest," were afterwards given in by botfa of these bretfaren, and were entered upon the Synod's record. " Answers" tO' tfiese reasons were prepared by a comraittee of synod, consist ing of Messrs. Jofin Pattison, Jofin Belfrage, Alexander Sfianks, and James Scott. Tfiis document, wfiich was also inserted in tfae synod's record, is drawn up witfa great learn ing and ingenuity, and contains a raasterly vindication of tfae synod's decision. Tfae following extracts, taken frora tfae introductory part of tfais paper, are deserving of attention, be cause tfaey not raerely sfaow wfaat were tfae general principles on wfaich tfae synod proceeded, in giving tfae decision coraplained of, but also contain a correct and scriptural view of tfae consti-' tution of presbyterian courts, and of the power of their mem bers to exercise discipline in tfaese courts. Tfais portion of tfae paper consists of a series of propositions, wfaicfa constitute tfae ground-work of tfae subsequent " Answers." " 1 . None faave any rigfat to a seat for rule in cfaurcfa judi catories but elders, wfiose office is to rule and govern tfie flock of God, over -wfiicfi tfie Holy Ghost faatfa made tfaem over seers. This cardinal principle of tfae presbyterian constitution is clearly founded in the word of God, — 1 Cor. xU. 28 ; 1 Tim V. 17 ; 1 Pet. V. 1—3 ; Rom. xU. 7, 8. " 2. A congregational session, consisting of teaching and rul ing elders, in a particular congregation, is the radical judica-^ tory in the Cfaristian cfaurcfa. " 3. Superior judicatories are composed only of sucfa mem bers as faave a regular seat and judicial powers in tfae con- gregatioilal sessionsj whicfa are iramediately subordinate to tfaem. Upon tfais principle, a classical ptesbytery is defined to be a judicatory wfaicfa represents all tfae congregational sessions in a Certain district ; and a synod is a court which represents all the classical presbyteries in a much larger ex tent of country. Every session that is corapletely organized, or MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 549 is therefore represented in a presbytery, synod, or assembly ; and none but tfae constitutional merabers of sessional judica tories can sit in tfaese superior courts, as representatives of tfae cfaurcfa of Cfarist, and invested witfa judicial autfaority. Wfaere congregations are not provided witfa a fixed pastor, tfae exercise of discipline in tfaera is connected with tfie ap pointraents of their respective presbyteries, and their sessions are represented, but do not sit by actual delegation, in tfae su perior judicatories. " 4. All cfaurcfa-officers are autfaorized to act as iraraediately tfae servants of Cfarist, wfao faatfa appointed thera to tfaeir sev eral offices in fais cfaurcfa ; 1 Cor. xii. 28, Epfaes. iv. 8 — 12 ; and tfae extent of tfaeir spfaere raust be estiraated from tfae nature of their office, and from their relation to some parti cular churcfa ; Acts xx. 17 — 28, corapared witfa Rev. ii. 1 — 6. According to tfais principle, rainisters and ruling elders, in a constituted cfaurcfa, faave no power to exceed tfae liraits of their established congregational relation, in any act or matter relat ing to the exercise of discipline, except in virtue of tfae autfaor ity of a faigher judicatory, to which tfaey are in a regular sub ordination; 2 Cor. X. 12 — 16. "5. Presbyterian courts are officially tfae elected represen tatives of tfae flock, over wfaicfa tfae Holy Gfaost faath made tfaem overseers. Tfais principle is contended for by all tfae presbyterian writers, in opposition to tfae lordly usurpations of prelacy on tfae one faand, and independent anarcfiy on tfie otfier. Tfie sentiment itself has a clear foundation in Mattfaew xviii. 17, Rev. 2d and 3d cfaapters, wfaere the angels of tfae seven cfaurcfaes are addressed as tfae representatives of tfae cfaurcfaes ; Rev. i. 1 1 . " 6. Ruling elders and rainisters stand precisely on one foot ing, as to every tfaing tfaat relates eitfaer to tfae power of elders, or tfae exercise of tfaat power ; 1 Tim. v. 17. Every attempt to distinguish the nature, and grounds, and extent of tfaeii ruling powers, is an unhallowed effort to undermine the pres byterian constitution. " 7. Ministers and elders, demitting the exercise of their office in particular congregations, demit the exercise of tfaeir eldersfaip and rigfat to the exercise of discipline respectively. It will surely be allowed, that it is impossible tfaey can botfa derait and retain, at the sarae time, the exercise of judicial powers in tfaeir respective congregations ; and it is an affront to coraraon sense to suppose, that they can acquire a rigfat to exercise tfae key of discipUne in sessional or presbyterial courts, wfaereof tfaey fiad never been raembers, merely by demitting tfieir official ministrations in a particular congregation, wfiere they fiad been regularly called to rule and govern the flock of 550 DECISION RESPECTING THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS Christ. The effect ofa demission, wfaen accepted by the pro per court, is, tfaat it entirely dissolves the line of connexion be tween the person who demits, and the congregation where he had an oversight, witfaout establisfaing a relation between faim and any otfaer. A minister or elder is only entitled to sit in judgment, and exercise discipline, upon tfae footing of his official relation to sorae particular congregation ; and, through the raediura of that relation, he becoraes a raeraber of superior courts of judicature. The truth of this principle is deraonstra ted — First, From all tfaose passages of Scripture wfaicfa assert tfae immediate relation of elders to particular cfaurches and congregations ; Acts xx. 1 7 ; Phil. i. 1 ; Titus i. 5 ; Rev. i. 1 1, 20. In the last of these passages, the apostle is command ed to write severally to the seven churches which are in Asia ; and he fulfilled fais coramission by writing to tfae re spective angels of these churcfaes. Tfaese angels are church- officers, united in a presbyterian connexion. What was writ ten to tfaem, was written to tfae cfaurcfaes tfaey were severally related to ; and tfaerefore tfaese angels were botfa tfae elders and tfae representatives of tfae several cfaurcfaes. Secondly, From all tfie arguments employed by presbyterians to combat the arrogance of diocesan bishops, who assurae a power of discipline wfaere tfaey faave no pastoral connexion, in direct contradiction to Acts xx. 17, 28. Tkirdly, From all the topics tfaat establisfa the rigfat of tfae Cfaristian people to elect, and to be governed by their own elected, pastors and elders ; Acts xiv. 23. Fourthly, From tfae nature and necessity of the service wfaicfa is to be performed at tfae admission ofa minister or elder, who had been forraeriy ordained to tfae exercise of his office in any congregation, wfaere fae faad no relation before. His adraission is a judicial deed (Acts xui. 1 — 3), and the Lord Jesus caUs faim, by tfae steps coimected witfa tfaat deed, to be a governor in that p'art of fiis cfiurcfi. Tfie inference is plain and undeniable, tfiat witfiout sucfi admission, tfiough a rainister, or elder before, fie could not regularly assume the exercise of fiis ministry or eldersfiip in that or any other par ticular congregation. Fifthly, From the absurd consequences tfaat would follow upon tfie prelatic principle of sucfi as deny tfiis doctrine. If a rainister of unimpeachable reputation, de mitting his office witfa the approbation of the proper courts, still retains all the power of an elder, and a rigfat to the full exercise of all tfaese powers, it cannot be merely a matter of prudence, — it must be witfa faim a point of indispensable duty to employ all fais powers as an elder, for proraoting tfae de sign of Christ in conferring tfaem. But wfaere sfaall fae employ tfaem ? In wfaat session ? In what presbytery ? Over whom has the Holy Ghost made faim an overseer? Ministers ina or MINISTERS AND ELDERS. 551 particular cfaarge must confine tfaeir pretensions to a limited spfaere, — to one session in ordinary, and to one presbytery, &c. But a minister wfao hath no stated relation to a par ticular charge, might, upon the extravagant principle, wfiicfi tfie synod abfiors, become not only a diocesan overseer, but an universal ruler, or at least an indefinite elder and gover nor of tfie visible cfiurcfi. If, to all tfiis unconstitutional claira of ruling power, be joined a warm zeal for oppor tunities to exercise it, and favourable circurastances equal to tfiat zeal, a rainister wfio fias no pastoral labour to attend to in a congregation, raay "soon find opportunities and pre tences enougfi to intrude fiis labours wfiere tfiey are not wanted, and to gratify fiis arabition at tfie expense of tfie order and peace of tfie cfiurcfi. Frora the whole, it appears that a rain ister, demitting his ministry in a particular congregation, demits at the sarae tirae his eldersfaip, or fais official ruling powers. " 8. Wfaatever acts of sessional jurisdiction are regularly performed by a rainister out of his own congregation, must therefore be eitfaer expressly or indirectly autfaorized by a com petent superior judicatory ; Acts xv. 22, 23." -These were the principles on wfaicfa the Associate synod vindicated the decision wfaicfa they had given, wfaen they declared, by a formal deed, that no minister who had demitted tfae cfaarge of fais congregation, ougfat to sit and judge in any cfaurcfa court. After stating tfaese principles in tfae introduc tory part of tfaeir paper, tfaey proceed to make an appUcation of tfaera, by giving specific answers to tfae reasons of protest advanced by tfae two bretfaren wfao coraplained of tfaeir deci sion. Tfais question, after faaving undergone long and sorae what keen discussion, at several meetings of synod, was now finally set at rest. Soon after tfaese transactions, tfae Secession cfaurcfa was deprived of anotfaer of its ornaments, by tfae removal of Mr. James Fisher frora the scene of fais earthly labours. He died at Glasgow, on tfie 28tfi of September, 1775, in tfie 79th year of his age. Had he lived a few months longer, fae would have completed the fiftieth j'^ear of his ministry. He was or dained minister of the parisfi of Kinclaven, at tfie beginning of tfie year 1726, and fie was removed from tfiat cfiarge to the Associate congregation of Shuttle Street, Glasgow, in , tfae raonth of October 1741.* The preceding pages of this narrative attest tfae active part which he took in tfiose trans actions that gave birth to tfie Secession. As one of the four brethren witli whom tfae Secession cfaurcfa originated, he de- • Fraser's Life of the Rev. E. Erskine, p. 496. 552 CHARACTER OF THE REV. JAMES FISHER. serves to have honourable mention made of him in tfais record. His narae wUl go down to posterity, associated with the names of those good men who nobly exerted themselves to stem the torrent oi corruption ; and wfao, wfaen religion was reduced to a low ebb in tfais northern part of tfae island, were the- faonoured instruments, in tfae faand of Providence, of effecting a considerable revival. Like those venerable men with whom fae was associated, fae showed bow much fae faad at lieart his Master's cause, by being unwearied in his labours, both in public and in private, to promote its success. After tfae for mation of tfae Associate Presbytery at Gairney Bridge, he officiated for several years as clerk. Wfaen Mr. Ebenezer Erskine was obliged to resign tfae theological professorship, on account of the infirmities of age, we fiavfe seen that Mr. Fisfaer was unaniraously called upon by fais brethren td occupy tfaat responsible situation ; and the arduous duties Connected wita it fie discfiarged with great fidelity and success, so long as his strengtfa would perrait. Tfae excellent catechism, to whicfa he contributed so largely, and whicfa bears his name, sfaows faow clear and extensive fais knowledge was of tfae vari ous topics of divinity. He was held in higfa estimation as a preacher. His pulpit talents were such, that a person wfao was competent tojudge, declared concerning him, that " neither as to sentiment, coraposition, nor delivery, had he ever heard fais superior."* He was regular in fais attendance upon the cfaurcfi courts, and took an active part in their deliberations. During a long rainisterial course, his name is found connected witfa all tfae public transactions in wfaicfa tfae Secession were engaged. A few years before fae died, Mr. George Hender son was ordained as his colleague and successor in tfae minis terial office. Having outlived, for a considerable period, the, other founders of tfie Secession, and having witnessed the rapid increase of its congregations, and the great amount of good wfaich it had already accomplished araong his country men, it must have been pleasing to faira, in advanced age, to contemplate these manifest tokens of tfae divine approbation bestowed upon a cause whicfa fae faad espoused at an early period of fais ministry, and wfaich he had laboured for nearly half a century to promote. He was gatfaered to his fathers in peace ; and, as being one of the excellent of the earth, his meraory is blessed, Hitfaerto no kind of provision had been maae by the synod for the widows and fatherless children of such of their breth ren as might be eemoved by deatfa. As the livings in the Secession cfaurcfa faave never at any time been such as to * Fraser's Life of the Rev. E. Erskine, p. 498. I'UND FOR RELIEF OF MINISTERS' WIDOWS. 553 tempt tfae ambition of worldly-rainded raen ; and as, at that period, the stipends given to tfae rainisters were sraaller tfaan tfaey are even at present, so, when a minister died, without leaving any private patrimony to fais wife and family, tfaeir circurastances, in a worldly point of view, were far frora be- ¦ ing corafortable. Tfae only provision raade for a rainister's family, by tfae laws of tfae cfaurcfa, was tfaat, after the decease of the rainister, tfae congregation wfaere fae faad laboured, was required to pay tfae family a faalf year's stipend. Tfais bene volent regulation had obtained in the national cfaurcfa; and tfae Secession endeavoured to act upon it, so far as circurastances would perrait. In cases where a congregation refused to pay the annat (for so tfais provision was termed), tfae synod inter posed tfaeir autfaority, for the purpose of raaking the congre gation fulfil tfae obligation wfaicfa they owed to tfaeir deceased minister's family. A case of tfais kind was refeiTed to tfaem, for decision, by the Edinburgh presbytery, in September, 1775. The case was tfaat of West Linton congregation, wfao, after tfae death of tfaeir minister, refused to pay a faalf jear's stipend to fais widow. Commissioners from tfaat congregation were faeard at tfae bar of the synod, in support of tfaeir refusal. Tfae synod, after mature deUberation, found " that tfae con gregation of Linton, in point of faumanity and equity, and according to tfae law of tfie nation, tfie wonted custom of the Church of Scotland, and tfae coraraon practice of tfae Seces sion, ougfat to pay to tfaefr pastor's widow tfae annaf, or half year's stipend, after his decease." As tfae payraent of tfae annat could not always be depended on, especiaUy wfaere tfae congregations were poor, and as sucfa a provision could afford only a sfaort-lived supply, a proposal was raade, at the raeeting of synod now mentioned, to form a benevolent fund for giving assistance to the widows and father less cfaildren of deceased rainisters, wfao faad been connected witfa tfais brancfa of tfae Secession. Tfae draugfat of a scfaerae was laid before tfae synod, tfae principle of wfaicfa was approved of, and a coramittee was appointed to consider it more fully, and to prepare a raeraorial on tfae subject, a copy of wfaicfa was to be sent to all tfae sessions, in order to obtain tfaeir co operation. After this scfaerae faad been considered at several raeetings, it was finally adopted by the synod, on the 8th of May, 1777. Thirty-nine ministers enrolled tfaeraselves as mem bers of tfae fund ; and, to render tfae fund raore productive, a collection was appointed to be raade annually, for three succes sive years, in all tfae congregations tfarougfaout Britain, that were under tfae inspection of the synod. A short address was also prepared, and ordered to be read from every pulpit, on the day wfaen tfae intimation for said coUection was made. 554 RE-EXHIBITION OF TESflMONY. In the end of the year 1778, tfae synod repubUsfaed all the official docuraents tfaat were acknowledged by tfais brancfa of tfae Secession, under the title of " Re-exhibition of the Testi mony ; or, A connected view of tfaose principles upon which a Secession from tfae judicatories of tfae Church of Scotland was stated, by several rainisters of tfae gospel in 1733; and, since tfaat tirae, maintained by the Associate synod."* Pre vious to tfais republication, tfaey made a -variety of corrections in tfae Judicial Act and Testimony, especially in tfae falstorical portion of it ; and tfaey added an appendix to it, in wfaich they extended tfae testimony-bearing to some public transactions wfaicfa faad taken place since tfae original Testiraony was pub lished. They prefixed to the whole a preface, in wfaicfa they vindicated tfae practice of publishing creeds and confessions, and pointed out the subordinate place wfaich these are intended to faold. Tfae following passage is extracted, to sfaow wfaat were the views wfaicfa tfaey entertained upon tfais point : — " Wfaile we refuse tfaat tfaose creeds and confessions are, in any respect, tfae foundation of our faitfa, or tfae rule of wfaat we are to believe towards God, we contend tfaat tfaey are founded on tfae divine word ; tfaat tfaey are an excellent forra of sound words, wfaich we are coraraanded to hold fast ; tfaat they are a comprehensive exhibition of tke analogy of faith, according to which we are to propfaesy ; and tfaat tfaey are a connected representation of tfae first principles of tfae doctrines of Cfarist. Viewed in this point of ligfat, it will be difficult to sfaow tfaat they are either iraproper or absurd; and, not witfastanding tfae raean and futile reflections wfaicfa faave, with an unjustifiable degree of ignorance and levity, been liberally tfarown upon tfaem by some professed ininisters in tfae Church of Scotland, not to raention tfaose in tfae Churcfa of England, tfaey are of tfae greatest utility in tfae Cfaristian world ; and, even in this degenerate age, there are, it is to be hoped, not a few wfao faold them in deserved esteem. Possessed of this teraper and discernraent, judicious Christians will be apt, under the clearest conviction, to consider them as collections * The Ee-exhibition contains in it the foUovring documents: — 1. The First Testimony ; or. Reasons by the four brethren for their protestation entered before the commission of the General Assembly, November 1773; 2. Act, Declaration, and Testimony (ordinarily termed the Judicial Testimony) of the Associate presbytery ; 3. The libel put into the hands of the secemng ininisters by the General Assembly, with their answers; 4. Act of declinature bjf the Associate presbytery ; 5. Act of Assembly, 1732, condemning the de clinature, vrith observations thereon, bythe Associate presbytery; 6. Reasons by the foiir brethren, why they have not acceded to the judicatories of the Established Church; 7. Act of the Associate synod, October 1747, declaring the nullity of the synod that first met in Mr. Gib's house, April 10 ; 8. Act of. the Associate synod, met at Stirling, November 1753, containing a narrative ofthe rise, progress, and grounds oftheir secession. RE-EXHIBlTION OF TESTIMONY. 5J5 of divine truth, in their proper connection ; as tests ot ortho doxy, or subordinate criteria, absolutely necessary for distin guisfaing trutfa frora error, and for detecting the erroneous in their unraanly subterfuges, as avowed standing testiraonies for truth, in opposition to error, and as authoritative repre sentations, in an agreeableness to tfae word of God, of tfae principles and terms of Cfaristian communion, in particular cfaurches, intended to direct tfaeir merabers faow to faold com fortable and consistent fellowsfaip witfi one another in the Lord. Our Westrainster Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisras, the Form of Presbyterian Churcfa Govern ment and Discipline, witfa tfae Directory for Worsfaip, are perhaps tfae most excellent ecclesiastical standards in tfae Cfaristian world. To renounce, tfaerefore, any of tfaose impor tant trutfas exfaibited in tfaese standards, raust involve tfais nation in proportional guilt ; and tfae raore so, as we are engaged in our covenants, and otfaer vows, to raaintain and defend them against all opposition."* In the concluding part of the Re-exhibition, the synod repel the charge tfaat was sometiraes brougfat against Seceders by tfae adfaerents of tfae EstabUsfaraent, that tfaey were schisraatics. Tfaey declare, in tfae language of tfaeir forefatfaers, tfaat tfaeir continuing in a state of separation frora tfae National cfaurcfa, was not because tfaey objected to faer constitution, or because they faeld opinions witfa regard to doctrine, worsfaip, discipline, and governraent, different frora tfaose wfaicfa sfae raaintained in her subordinate standards, but because tfaey objected to the system of mal-administration which tfaat cfaurcfa was pursuing, and wfaicfa tfaey considered to be no less opposed to the word of God than it was inconsistent witfa tfae principles of faer con stitution. " Tfaeir secession (tfaey say) is not a scfaism in tfae cfaurcfa, for they never seceded from the principles and constitution professed and establisfaed at tfae Reforraation and Revolution ; but, upon every occasion, declare tfaeir steadfast adfaerence to tfaese, in opposition to tfae prevailing party wfao have receded frora tfaem."f Tfaey furtfaer declare, tfiat corrupt as tfie National cfiurcfi was, at tfie commencement of the Secession in 1733, her character since tfaat period faad become greatly deteriorated, and the original grounds of the Secession were considerably extended, so tfaat tfae prospect of a reunion was removed to a greater distance than ever. Tfae following is tfae account whicfa tfaey give of tfae state of matters in tfae Establishraent, at tfae close of tfae year 1778 : — " Doctrines tfaat are no less derogatory to tfae faonour, glory, and Godfaead of the Son of • Preface to the Re exhibition, pp. 11, 12. + Re- exhibition, p. 309. 556 PROPOSAL TO REPEAL THE PENAL LAWS God, tfaan dangerous to tfae souls of men, are openly preached and printed, in some places ; the exercise of discipline is, by many, either oraitted, or accoraraodated to the temper of the times ; the oppressive and unscriptural law of patronage is executed witfa an inflexible rigour, in spite of repeated remon strances from reclaiming congregations ; tfae seals of the covenant are prostituted by a promiscuous adraission of those wfao are, by the revealed will of Christ, totally unqualified to receive tfaem, and are therefore inadmissible by his ministers; a disregard, if not a contempt of strictness in a profession or practice of religion, is become almost universal. These are mel ancholy trutfas, tfae knowledge of whicfa is witfain tfae reach of the raeanest individual; and, upon supposition that the seces sion was groundless, at tfae period in wfaicfa it coraraenced, tfaey afford tfae raost undeniable grounds for it in the present age. And notwitfastanding tfae current language of tfae times, it is not easy to conceive faow tfae purity and peace of con science are consistent witfa submission to tfaose ecclesiastical decisions wfaicfa, in tfaeir very nature, deprive it of an oppor tunity to discharge its duty by an open and faitfaful testimony against tfaera. It is subraltted to tfie irapartial world, if tfiere be another raetfaod by wfaicfa tfae conscience, properly inforraed, and regulated by the divine law, can exonerate itself so fully and consistently, in bearing testiraony against the above and other evils, as in tfae state of secession from tfae present judi catories of tfae cfaurcfa."* The Associate synod participated in tfae alarm whicfa was so general over tfae country at this period, with regard to the prevalence of popery. Tfiis alarm was occasioned by the re peal of sorae of tfiose penal enactraents against tfie professors of tfie popisfi religion, wfiicfi fiad so long disgraced tfie statute book of tfie Britisfi empire. During tfie reign of William tfie Tfiird, laws were enacted, wfiicfi subjected to perpetual imprisonment every popisfi priest wfio exercised any part of fiis functions witfiin tfie kingdom, and wfiicfi subjected to the same punishment every person of the popish religion who kept a scfaool, or took upon himself tfae education, govern ment, or boarding of youtfa. All Roman Catholics were de clared, by the same enactments, incapable of taking an estate by purchase, or of receiving it by infieritance from their parents or otfiers, unless tfiey took oatfis, and subscribed de clarations, wfiicfi were inconsistent witfi tfie reUgion which tfiey professed. If a protestant proprietor becarae a papist, fae forfeited his estate ; and if a protestant servant embraced popery, he was to be punisfaed, and to be dismissed from his " Ee-cxhibition, p. 310. AGAINST ROMAN CATHOLICS IN SCOTLAND. 557 service. Sorae of these statutes were regarded as so severe, tfaat scarcely an instance occurred of tfaeir being carried into effect. Except for the purpose of producing alarm in tfae minds of tfaose wfao were Uable to be affected by thera, they remained, to all otfaer intents and purposes, a dead letter upon tfae statute-book. A bill was introduced into Parliaraent, by Sir George Saville, in 1778, by wfaicfa tfaese intolerant statutes were re pealed, in so far as tfae Roraan Catfaolics of England were concerned ; and a notice was at tfae sarae tirae given by tfae Lord Advocate, that he intended to bring in a sirailar bill for the relief of his Catholic countrymen in Scotland. Tfaese movements in favour of tfae Roraan Catholics produced a wide-spread feeling of alarra araong the infaabitants of tfais nortfaern part of tfae island. Tfae minds of raen, botfa in town and country, were filled witfa tfae most glooray forebodings of future evil. In the repeal of tfaese obnoxious statutes, tfaey saw notfaing but.the overtfarow of tfae protestant religion, and tfae estabUshraent of the Catholic faitfa, witfa all its terrors. Botfa cfaurcfamen and dissenters united in tfae cry of No popery, to prevent tfae repeal. A motion on tfais subject was brought forward in tfie General Assembly, by Dr. Gillies, one of tfie ministers of Glasgow, wfio moved, "Tfiat, as a bill for tfie lelief of Roraan Catfiolics in England, has been lately brougfat into Parliament, and is already peissed tfae House of Comraons, and as tfae next session of Parliaraent raay perfaaps be over before another General Asserably ; that this Assembly should give particular instructions to their Commission, that, at tfaeir stated raeetings, tfaey sfaould be very watcfaful over tfae interests of tfae protestant religion, in tfais part of tfae United Kingdoras ; and tfaat tfaey be very at tentive wfaen any proposal sfaall be raade to extend the bill to Scotland ; and if any tfaing occur to make an extraordinary meeting of tfae Commission necessary, this Assembly (in re gard their moderator lives at a great distance from Edinburgh), empower and ordain thefr principal clerk, upon a requisition made by the presbytery of Edinburgh, or by any ten minis ters of tfais churcfa, to call an extraordinary meeting of the Coraraission, by advertiseraents in tfae newspapers ; and tfae Asserably appoint all tfaeir merabers to acquaint' their con stituents with tfae above resolution, that so tfaey may send pro per information concerning this matter to the meetings of the Coraraission." This motion gave rise to a long debate ; but, as it was Opposed by Principal Robertson, whose influence at tfaat period was all powerful in the Asserably, it was re jected by a large raajority. The principal denied that tfae protestant religion was in any danger from tfae bill in ques- 538 WARNING BY SYNOD AGAINST POPERY. tion. He cfaaracterized tfae penal laws against^ tfae papists, as sanguinary and cruel, and declared that notfaing _ but the time in wfaich they were passed could be pled in their justifi cation.* The synods connected with the EstabUshment took up the business. Strong resolutions condemnatory of the bill were adopted. The synod of Glasgow appointed a fast to be ob served, and " recoraraended the study of the popish contro versy to all tfae ministers witfain tfae province." Tfae synod of Dumfries " appointed tfaeir moderator to write a respectful letter to tfae Lord Advocate, and inforra fais Lordship of their sentiments, as to the danger of a toleration to tfae Roman Catfaolics in Scotland, and to request his friendly assistance to prevent a repeal of the Scotch acts of parliament against popery. Tfaey also recoramended it to tfae clergy witfain their bounds to preacfa often on tfae popisfa controversy."! Meetings were faeld in all districts of the country ; petitions to parlia ment were prepared; associations were forraed for the protec tion of tfae " Protestant interest." In Edinburgh and Glas gow, the popular frenzy broke out into acts of violence, such as burning tfie fiouses, and destroying the property, of obnox ious individuals. Notice has afready teen taken, in a preceding part of this narrtaive, of tfae testiraony wfaicfa tfae bretfaren belonging to tfae Antiburgfaer brancfa of tfae Secession eraitted against the legal encouragement given to popery, at tfae present crisis. The bretfaren belonging to tfae Burgher synod joined in the general moveraent. Tfiey were alarraed at the proposal to repeal the above-mentioned statutes. They trerabled lest, wfien tfie lasfi of tfie law was no longer held over the heads of the Roman Catfaolics, popery sfaould corae rusfaing in like . a flood ; and tfaey considered it tfaeir duty to sound an alarm in tfae ears of the people. A coraraittee was appointed by thera to' prepare "a judicious and well-supported warning against popery ;" and a recoraraendation was given to all min isters under tfieir inspection, " carefully to instruct and estab- lisfi their hearers in the trutfas of tfae gospel, in opposition to the abominations of popery." This ' Warning' was pubUshed ; and one or two extracts from it will sfaow fiow gloomy were tfae apprefaensions wfaicfa disturbed tfae rainds of tfae brethren of tfae Associate synod at tfais period. " Sorae of tfae agents of tfae man of sin, expelled fais own territories, for seditious prac tices, by tfae kings who faave given faim tfaefr power, faave hid themselves in our protestant islands ; and, being possessed of all tfaat subtUtv and craftiness wfaicfa enable tfae deceiver to * Scots M^azine.Vol. xl. p. 269. -j- Ibid. p. 566. REMARKS ON THE REPEAL OF THE PENAL LAWS. 550 impose upon the ignorant and tfae weak, industriously watch every opportunity of creeping into faouses, and leading captive silly women, laden witfa sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the trutfa. Your weakness on tfais side is not imaginary, your danger is real and great." " At tfais alarming juncture of time, when it is generally allowed tfaat popery is advancing witfa large strides into tfae nation, and nuraerous converts are brougfat into tfae comraunion of tfae Cfaurcfa of Rome, we durst not be silent ; but, animated witfa zeal for sound doc trine, and simplicity of worsfaip, discipline, and raanners, we judged ourselves peculiarly called upon, as rainisters of tfae gospel, to raake tfie most vigorous opposition in our power, to tfie encroacfiing e-vil, by atterapting a seasonable and close application of scripture trutfis, for raanifesting to tfie judg raent tfie true state and condition of tfie Roman Catfiolic cfiurcfi, wfiicfi glories in fier sfiarae, in teacfiing for doctrines the coraraandments of raen." " It is no secret, that there is a great nuraber of eraissaries of tfae Cfaurcfa of Rome, disguised in Scotland ; and, sfaould tfaey be allowed, supported, and countenanced in tfae public exercise of tfaeir religion, by a legal toleration among us, wfao can tell wfaat faa,rvest a clergy so numerous, so subtile, and so well-furnisfaed witfa arguments to work on vulgar, uneducated, and unprincipled minds, raay be able to make in a country now, tfarougfa tfae prevalence of infideUty, ignorance, luxury, and venality, so much despoiled of all religion, and feeling the want of it ? And, wfaen tfaeir numbers and power are increased, can we doubt but tfaey will recover tfae spirit of their religion, and act accordingly ?"* Sixty years faave elapsed since tfaese passages were penned and publisfaed by a comraittee of tfae Associate synod. The mtolerant statutes against popery, tfae repeal of wfaich was so mucfa dreaded by these good men, faave long been repealed ; Roman Catfaolics faave, for many years, been permitted to teacfa and preacfa in our towns and villages, witfaout any let or hinderance ; and yet tfae protestant faitfa remains as firm and sound as ever, in tfais nortfaern part of tfae island. Tfae experience of more tfaan faalf a century faas sfaown, that tfae fears, whicfa were indulged on this subject, were imaginary. If conversions have occasionally been raade to tfae Roman Catholic faith, from araongst tfae protestant population, tfaese have been coraparatively few in nuraber, and tfiey fiave been owing, in a great raeasure, to tfie peculiar circurastances in wfiicfi the individuals have been placed. Alarraists of the * Warning against Popery, pp. 44, 60, 64. 560 INCREASE OF THE SECESSION IN IREL.\ND. present day, indeed, point to the tfaousands and tens of thou sands of papists, tfaat are to be found in Glasgow, and in some otfaer of our large towns; and they repeat the statement, wfaicfa faas been repeated for at least a faundred years back, tfaat our country is in iraminent danger of being inundated witfa popery. But tfaese tfaousands and tens of tfaousands are not converts from protestantisra to catfaolicisra. By far the greater part of tfaem faave been brought up in the popisfa faith ; they faave come from distant popish districts into the large towns, in quest of employraent ; and there is no raore cause for alarm now, than tfiere was wfien tfie synod published their " Warning." If the Roman Catfaolics are wandering in the mazes of error, let tfaem be instructed in the knowledge of the truth ; but lef thera not be oppressed nor persecuted in any way. Protestantisra does not require the aid of penal enact ments, to secure it against the encroachraents of popery. It is perfectly able to raaintain its own ground. It faas raade great advances sinee tfae period of tfae Reforraation ; and the fewer intolerant laws that are made, to assist it in its raove raents, tfae raore rapid will be its progress, and the raore com plete its triurapfas. Tfae signs of tfae times indicate, tfaat raore enligfatened views faave begun to prevail upon this subject. The good leaven has found its way into the raass, and it wUl, in due tirae, leaven the wfaole lurap. In Ireland tfae Secession continued steadily to advance. Accessions were raade frora tirae to tirae, to tfae nuraber of its congregations. Two presbyteries, ^in connection witfa the Associate synod, faad already been forraed in tfaat island; and owing to tfae increased nuraber of tfae congregations, it was deemed expedient, after a sfaort interval, to erect a tfaird pres bytery, under tfae designation of " Tfae Presbytery of Derry."* Scarcely two years elapsed after tfae formation of tfais pres bytery, wfaen a petition was presented to tfae Supreme court in Scotland, by the bretfaren in Ireland, craving tfaat they migfat be erected into a synod, for tfae purposes of government and discipline. Tfais petition was favourably entertained by tfae Scottisfa bretfaren; and as it was of iraportance tfaat a bro therly connection should subsist betwixt tfae synod in Scot land, and tfae one about to be erected in Ireland, tfae foUowing were proposed as tfae terms on whicfa tfais fraternal intercourse sfaould be conducted: — 1, A deputation of two members to be sent every year, alternately, from tfae one synod to the otfaer. 2. Tfae students of divinity, connected with both * This presbytery was formed on the first Tuesday of November 1777, and consisted, at its formation, ofthe following members: — viz. Mr. Joseph Kerr, Balligony; Mr. James Harper, Knocklonghran ; Mr. John Bridge, Clananeesj and Mr. Thomas Dickson, Tarmont. SYNOD OF IRELAND FORMED. 561 synods, to be trained up under tfae sarae Tfaeological Profes sor appointed by tfae synod in Scotland. 3. Tfaose portions of tfae minutes of eacfi synod, referring to raatters of irapor tance, to be transraitted frora one synod to tfie otfier for brotherly review. 4. Should one synod intend to pass an act of general and lasting concern, it sfaall be reraitted, in the form of an overture, to tfae other, for their friendly remarks, before it be finally adopted. 5. Both synods to raeet in a General synod, once every seven years, or oftener if necessary, and every third tirae in Ireland : at this General synod no thmg shall be transacted, but what is of general importance to both synods ; and tfaough it sfaall faave power to review, and, on good grounds, reverse a deed of tfae subordinate synods, yet in no private cause sfaall tfae operation of tfae sen tence of tfae particular synods be suspended by an appeal to the General synod. These terms were cordially acquiesced in by the brethren in Ireland ; and the Irish synod was ap pointed to faold its first raeeting at Monagfaan, on tfae 20tfa of October, 1779, and tfae first general meeting of botfa synods was appointed to take place at Glasgow on tfae first Tuesday of May 1786. Tfais latter meeting was held at tfae time appointed ; but no mention is raade in the synod record of any of the Irish bretfaren faaving attended; and notwitfastand ing tfae resolution, tfaat was adopted on tfais subject, I ara not aware that any general meeting of tfae two synods ever took place. In the spring of 1782, Mr. Jofan Tfaorason, minister at KirkintUloch, was sent by the synod in Scotland to attend tfae meeting of tfae Irisfa synod, as a corresponding nuraber ; and tfae report wfaicfa fae brought back, concerning tfae recep tion tfaat he met witfa, and tfae iraproved state of affairs among the Seceders in Ireland, was of a gratifying kind. The fol lowing extract from a letter, of whicfa fae was tfae bearer, from tfae Irisfa bretfaren to the synod in Scotland, will sfaow in what respects tfaeir coildition was iraproved : — " Bretfaren, it is our unspeakable raercy tfaat we faave tfae free exercise of our religion, witfaout tfae fears of imprisonment, fines, and unjust impositions upon our consciences, to wfaicfa even some of our body were exposed a few years ago in tfais isle. As tfae test act is repealed, tfae marriage of dissenters is valid in law, and tfae scriptural raode of swearing allowed to Seceders, except in criminal cases, and to qualify for offices under government ; wfaicfa raercies will aggravate our guilt if we be unfaithful." Tfais sarae year, a moveraent was raade in some of tfae con gregations belonging to tfae Burgfaer Section of the Secession, toward a union with tfaeir bretfaren of tfae Antiburgfaer synod. Several petitions to tfais effect were transmitted, througfa tfae 2 N 562 THE FORMULA IMPROVED presbyteries of Edinburgh and Kelso,* to the Associate synod, at their meeting in September 1782. The synod agreed to consider these petitions in a coraraittee of tfae wfaole house ; but no farther step was taken in tfais matter. The time for a union was not yet come. An overture from the presbytery of Glasgow called the at tention of tho synod to some of tfae questions in the Formula, and proposed tfiat certain alterations should be raade, with a view to render the Formula more plain and uniforra. The questions particularly referred to, were the second, third, fourth, and fifth ; and tfae alterations proposed were not such as raaterially to affect the raeaning, but consisted chiefly of abbreviations, by leaving out sorae of tfae pfarases wfaich had faitfaerto been in use. This overture was transraitted to the presbyteries and sessions for their consideration, and tfae synod finally gave it tfaeir sanction. As sorae of tfae presbyteries had not strictly adhered to tfae questions in tfae original Formula, but faad altered tfaem to a certain extent, and thereby produced a diversity of practice, the synod ordered a copy of the For mula (as now approved of fiy them), to be inserted in the minutes of every presbytery and session, to prevent all diver sity for the future. Tfaese cfaanges tfaat were adopted, in reference to tfae ques tions now mentioned, had not tfae sUgfatest connection with any diversity of opinion about tfae power of tfae magistrate in matters of religion. Tfae view of tfae synod upon tfais point may be ascertained from tfae course of procedure which they pursued, with regard to one of tfaeir probationers, very soon after tfae above araendraents were adopted. In May 1784, Mr. David Hepburn sent a letter to the synod, stating that he faad scruples concerning tfae doctrine taugfat in tfae Confes sion of Faitfa, about tfae power of tfae magistrate in matters of reUgion, and declining to receive fartfaer appointments, .as a preacfaer, frora tfae synod. Tfae synod agreed to withhold appointments from faim, and enj oined tfae presbytery of Dun fermline (witfain wfaose bounds he was) to deal with faim, " in order to reclaira faira frora fais mistakes." Wfaat success the presbytery faad in tfaeir attempts to remove Mr. Hepburn's scruples, I am unable to state; but as fais name soon appeared again in tfae list of tfae synod's probationers, and as in the course of a sfaort period he submitted to be ordained in the congregation of Newburgh, it may be presumed that he was so far reclaimed frora his "mistakes" as to give satisfaction to tfae presbytery. * This presbytery held its first meeting, by appointment of the synod, at Jedburgh, on the 18th of June, 1782. Mr. George Coventry of StitcheU pre sided, as moderator, on the occasion. REGULATIONS CONCERNING STUDENTS OF DIVINITY. 563 Tfaat section of tfae Secession church, whose history I am now reviewing, faad no pfailosopfaical class connected witfa their Theological Seminary, as tfaeir bretfaren of the Antiburgher synod fiad. Tfiey were, fiowever, equally attentive to tfie literary iraproveraent of the young raen, wfao were training up under their inspection for tfae office of tfae faoly rainistry ; and tfaey were equally anxious tfaat tfaey sfaould be distin guisfaed for their soundness in tfae faitfa, and for every ministerial qualification. A variety of regulations were adopted by tfaem, from tirae to tirae, designed to proraote tfae respectability and efficiency of tfaose wfaora tfaey licensed to preacfa tfae gospel. In May 1786, tfae synod gave an injunction to all the pres byteries to raake particular inquiry, wfaether the young raen, who applied for adraission to tfie Divinity Hall, fiad gone througfi a regular course of study at any of the universities. None were to be admitted to the study of divinity, who faad not attended tfae Uterary and pfailosopfaical classes, at one of tfae Scottisfa colleges, for a period of at least three years. ¦ Presbyteries were furtfaer enjoined to inquire concerning the prudence, as well as tfae literature and piety, of tfae candi dates for tfae ministry ; and tfae young men were required to visit tfae ministers residing in tlieir neignbourhood, to give tfaera an opportunity of judging oftfaelr qualifications. Soon alter tfais, the synod gave tfaeir sanction to an over ture, wfaicfa was introduced by tfae Glasgow presbytery, and was designed to guard tfae Secession preachers against tfaat affectation of pfailosopfaical refineraent, whicfa at this period prevailed extensively araong tfae rainisters of tfae Establisfa ment, and rendered their discourses sapless and unprofitable. Those with whom tfae overture originated conceived tfaat tfaere was danger of tfae Secession students acquiring a fondness for a style of preacfaing, wfaicfa was so much in vogue, and whicfa, if adopted by thera, would prove an effectual barrier in the way of tfaeir being useful araong tfae people. The overture, wfaicfa tfae synod sanctioned witfa tfae view of preventing such an evil, was to the foUowing effect : — "As it is a concern of great iraportance to' tfae cfaurch of Christ, tfaat tfae docfrines of tfae gospel be preserved in tfaeir purity, and transraitted in this forra to succeeding generations, it is necessary that every proper raean be eraployed for secur ing this object, and for preventing tfae introduction of every thing tfaat raight affect it. This is a duty incurabent on ali, and especially on those who faave a ministerial coraraission, to teach and publish those doctrines to others, and to commit them to faithful men who sfaall be able to teach otfaers also : And as not a little depends upon tfae mode of tfainking on divine subjects, and the manner of expressing thera, which are 564 OVERTURE ON THE STYLE OF PREACHING. at first adopted by candidates for theministry, it is of essen tial moraent, that every error in this stage oftheir preparations be tiraeously corrected, and tfaat an evangelical train of tfaink ing, and a scriptural simplicity of language sfaould be warmly recomraended. Therefore, tfie presbytery taking into tfieir serious consideration fiow raucfi the interests of religion are involved in these objects, and frora apprehension of a growing fondness for false refinement and abstract reasoning in faand Ung the trutfas of tfae gospel,* araong sorae of our entrants into the rainistry, humbly solicit tfae interference of tfae reverend synod, and tfaeir united attention to an object of so great magni tude. Wfaen tfae presbytery suggest tfaese tfaings, tfaey do not mean to condemn tfie honest ingenuity of the preacher and stu dent of divinity in seeking to find out acceptable words upon every subject ; but they cannot help being of opinion that their time and attention sfaould be chiefly devoted to solid senti ment and sjund evangelical connexions in illustrating divine trutfas, because tfaey apprefaend tfaat tfae spiritual improvement of tfae faearers is intimately connected witfi tfiese. " In order, tfierefore, tfie more effectually to accomplisfi tfiis end, tfiey would fiumbly overture to tfie reverend synod, tfiat tfiey give particular instructions to tfie several presbyter ies, not only to examine witfi care tfie young men wfio apply to tfiera for adraission to tfie Professor of Divinity, as to their knowledge of tfae languages and otfaer brancfaes of literature, but that they make inquiry into such otfaer circurastances about tfaera as are necessary to be known, in order to their being adraitted witfa tfae prospect of future usefulness in the churcfa ; likewise tfaat tfae committee appointed to converse with probationers sfaould faave it recomraended to them to guard the preacfaers against tfais evil which is dreaded, and propose such antidotes as tfaey tfaink may be most successful; tfaat the probationers be ordered to deliver discourses before tfae pres bytery in whose bounds they are, that tfae presbytery may faave an opportunity of judging of tfaeir raanner and proficiency, and raay correct and encourage tfaera as they shall see cause ; tfaat our Professor of Divinity be raade acquainted with the design of this overture, in order to add the greater weight to his theological instructions, and to encourage his watchfulness over the students in tfais iraportant particular ; and tfaat it be recoramended to every minister, wfao may faave students of divin ity under fais pastoral cfaarge, to concur in seconding these means, by directing tfaem in tfaeir study of divinity, and re commending such books as are calculated to store their minds witfa useful Knowledge." During tfae sumraer of 1787, Mr. Brown of Haddington died. His healtfa faad for sorae time been in an enfeeoled DEATH OF PROFESSOR BROWN. 565 state ; and at fais own request a meraber of synod faad been appointed, at tfae meeting in May of that year, to take charge of tfae students during tne approacfaing session, as he found tfaat fais strength would not permit faim to superintend tfaeir studies. Tfae cfaoice of the synod fell upon Mr. George Lawson, minister at Selkirk. His appointment at first was only for one season; but when tfae synod raet in auturan, soon after Mr. Brown's deatfa, Mr. Lawson was forraally elected Professor of Divinity, and tfae Tfaeological Serainary was re moved from Haddington to Selkirk. Tfae cfaaracter which Mr. Brown left befaind faim for piety, diligence, and tfaeological knowledge, and fidelity in his Mas ter's service, was faigfaly faonourable. Tfae literary advantages, wfaich fae enjoyed in early life, were scanty ; but tfaere have been few individuals wfao, witfa sucfa limited raeans of iraprove ment, faave risen to higfaer erainence in tfae cfaurcfa, botfa as a tfaeologian and an author. Tfae farae, wfaicfa he faas acquired by fais useful practical writings, and especially by fais Self- interpreting Bible, faas been raost extensive, and bids fair to be lasting. He is an encouraging exaraple of wfaat raay be effected, by dint of industry and perseverance, in tfae acquisi tion of knowledge. Tfae synod, on receiving intelUgence of fais deatfa, paid a just tribute to fais raeraory, by making faon ourable raention of faim in tfaeir record, as a person " wfaose eminent piety, fervent zeal, extensive cfaarity, and unwearied diligence in proraoting tfae interests of religion, will be long remembered by tfais court, especially by tfaose merabers of it wfao faad the happiness of studying divinity under fais inspec tion." Tfaey also agreed to insert in tfaeir rainutes tfae follow ing postscript, wfaicfi was appended to a letter written by Mr. Brown a sfiort wfiile before fiis death, and which was addressed to the raerabers of synod : — " As raany of you faave been ray students, and raost of you ray younger in years, permit me to beseecfa you all to do all in your power to transrait Cfarist's trutfas as faitfafuUy and diligently to posterity as possible. His trutfas and cause sfaall sKine on eartfa, and especially in heaven for ever, be tfaey now as low as tfaey will in Britain." At tfae tirae of Mr. Lawson's appointraent to tfae professor ship a proposition was subraltted by the synod to tfae con sideration of tfae presbyteries, wfaetfaer it migfat not be expedient to fix tfie seat of tfae Theological Seminary per manently in Edinburgfa, to release tfae Professor in all time coraing from faaving tfie cfaarge of a congregation, and to allow faim for fais maintenance sucfa a salary, from tfie funds of the Association, as might enable him to devote the whole of fais tirae to the training of the students, and to fais own literary improvement. This scheme was found to be iraprac- 566 CENTENARY OF THE REVOLUTION. ticable ; and it was ultimately determined, that the Profes sor sfaould continue to faave a pastoral cfaarge, as formerly, and that the very moderate sura of £30 should be allowed faim annually, to defray tfae incidental expenses incurred by his professorship. Tfae heretical sentiments, published by Dr. M'Gill in his Practical Essay upon tke death vf Jesus Chrisf, have already been noticed in a former part of this volume.* As tfae faeresies of tfais individual were permitted to cfrculate for some time, witfaout any notice being taken of tfaera by tfae ecclesiastical judicatories of tfae EstabUsfaraent, and as no adequate censure (even after notice was taken of thera) was inflicted on the heretic himself, tfae Associate synod considered it tfaeir duty to call tfae attention of their congregations, and of the pubUc in general, to sentiments that were so dishonouring to the Redeemer, and so dangerous to the souls of men. They ap pointed a coraraittee to prepare' an overture on this subject, with a special reference to the errors contained in Dr. M'GiU's Essay. Tfae result of tfae coraraittee's labours was presented to tfae synod on tfae 8tfa of May, 1788, in tfae forra ofa para phlet, entitled, A Warning against Socinianism. The synod, after hearing tfae contents of it read over, and faigfaly approv ing of tfae doctrine wfaicfa it contained, autfaorized tfae publica tion of it by the comraittee, in tfae faope, " tfaat, tfarougfa the blessing of God, it would be useful for establishing Cfaristians in tfae present trutfa, and for preserving thera from being led away by tfae error of tfae wicked." In tfais pam pfalet tfae comraittee reviewed tfae leading articles of the system of doctrine contained in tfae Practical Essay, and pointed out tfaeir opposition to tfae systera of revealed truth, and tfaeir dangerous tendency. Tfae pubUcation of the Warn ing, and tfae circulation of it in tfae different districts of the country, could not fail to faave a favourable influence in check ing tfae progress of error, and in establisfaing the rainds of men in the trutfa. As the centenary of the Revolution, accomplished in No veraber 1688, was at faand, tfae synod, after ascertaining the sentiraents of tfae different presbyteries on tfae subject, agreed that tfae congregations under tfaeir cfaarge should be required devoutly and gratefully to coramemorate that meraorable event. The 5tfa of Noveraber, 1788, was fixed upon for tfais pur pose ; and a coraraittee was appointed to prepare an address enibodying in it the reasons for tfais coraraemoration. This address furnisfaes anotfaer proof, in addition to tfae many that have already been adduced, of tfae deep interest wfaich the •See p. 360. CENTENARY OF THE REVOLUTION. 567 great mass of Seceders have ever taken in the liberties of their country, and of the loyal attacfament which they have ever cherished toward that illustrious faraily, the raembers of wfaich have now for a succession of generations swayed tfae sceptre ol tfae Britisfa empire. The address is faere inserted, as wortfay of a place in tfais record : — " The Associate synod, deeply impressed with the un merited goodness of God to us as a nation, church, and indi viduals, judge it a duty to appoint a day of soleran tfaanksgiv ing for his abundant raercies. Recollecting, in particular, that on the 5th of Novembei next a century will faave elapsed since tfae memorable Revolution, in 1688, they are desirous to testify their gratitude to God for the very signal blessings, botfa of a civil and sacred kind, wfaicfa that interesting period brought along witfa it. Witfa grateful sensibility tfae synod call to re membrance, tfaat tfaen tfae nation was rescued from tyrannical exertions of power, proper bounds were set to tfae prerogatives of tfae crown, tfae Uberties of tfae subject were establisfaed on a sure and perraanent basis, tfae land was deUvered frora tfae dread, and secured against tfae re-establishment, of popery, a way paved for the illustrious House of Hanover to succeed in future tiraes to tfae government of tfaese realms, and a founda tion laid for our empire to rise, under an indulgent providence, to its present pitcfa of happiness and glory. Witfa eraotions of gratitude no less strong and lively tfae synod reraark tfae many national favours wfaich faave succeeded tfaat glorious era ; of wfaich the continuance of the gospel, though in sorae places resisted and obscured ; the delivering us from the re peated atterapts of a Pretender to the British tfarone to disturb our peace and corafort, and overturn the valuable systera whicfa was then estabUshed ; the preserving safe to us our religious liberties, notwithstanding of reiterated raachinations against thera ; and the raising of able, zealous, and successful defend ers of tfae distinguisfaing doctrines of Cfaristianity, so often as they faave been insidiously attacked, are not tfae least incon siderable and important. " For tfaese reasons, tfae synod appoint and suraraon all under tfaeir inspection to observe tfae 5tfa of Noveraber next, as a day of solemn praise and tfaanksgiving to tfae Most High, and enjoin it upon thera to offer to tfae God and Fatfaer of our Lord Jesus Cfarist blessing, and glory, and faonour, and thanksgiving for these and fais raanifold otfaer raercies ; and to present tfaeir supplications to tfae Governor among tfae nations, tfaat fae would bless and long preser\-e our Sovereign King George, our Queen, tfae Prince of Wales, and all the mem bers of the royal family ; tfaat fae would continue to us tfae possession of our Uberties, botfa sacred and civil, and tfaat fae 568 CONFERENCE WITH REFORMED PRESBYTERY would pour out upon us his Holy Spirit from on high, to de termine and enable us to make a due improvement of these privileges, to contend for tfaem wfaen encroacfaed upon, and to hand tfiem down inviolate to our posterity." During tfie meeting of the synod in September 1788, a communication was received by them, that some raerabers of tfae Reformed Presbytery were desirous to hold a conference with any deputation tfae synod migfat appoint, witfa a view to unite in cfaurcfa fellowsfaip. The following persons were ap pointed a committee to meet with tfae bretfaren of tfae Reformed Presbytery, viz. Messrs. Jofan Belfrage, William Fletcher, Alexander Shanks, Michael Gilfillan, James Husband, James Peddie, Jaraes Hall, James Henry, Robert Burns, and Thomas Edmond. Tfae result of tfae conference was unsatis factory. After a statement faad been raade by tfae committee, of a conversation wfaicfa tfaey had held with tfae bretfaren of the Reformed Presbytery on various subjects, it was found, that tfaere was sucfa a difference of opinion between tfae merabers of the synod and tfae merabers of tfae Presbytery, tfaat tfaey "could not waU< togetfaer in cfaurcfa fellowsfaip to tfie edification and comfort of one another ;" and it was agreed tfaat a declara tion to tfais effect sfaould be made, in narae of the synod, to the Reforraed brethren. In the following year, an overture was presented to the synod, in wfaich it was proposed tfaat it sfaould be rendered iraperative on every session, wfao faad no deacons, to adopt raeasures for supplying tfais defect. The overture was allowed to lie on tfae table ; but no decision was given on tfae subject. Soon after this, anotfaer overture was introduced, proposing tfaat elders and deacons sfaould be or dained by tfie laying on of fiands. Tfiis overture was remit ted to tfie consideration of sessions ; and, as only two sessions expressed themselves in favour of tfae proposed cfaange, it was rejected. A tfaird overture was introduced at tfae same time witfa tfae preceding one, proposing an enlargement of the psalmody. Tfae consideration of tfais was delayed till a sub sequent raeeting. But no raeasure faas been adopted by tfae synod, wfaich has been raore extensively useful in its operation, or which has contributed more to tfae general prosperity of the Association, tfaan one to wfaicfa, after raature deliberation, tfaey gave their sanction in 1791. Tfais was tfae institution of a fund tor assist ing weak congregations, for giving support to aged and infirm rainisters, for defraying tfae expenses connected witfa the sup port oftfae Tfaeological Serainary, and for otfaer pious and char itable purposes. It was proposed that tfae fund sfaould be sup ported by annual congregational collections, and by voluntary contributions from individual members of tbe church. The INSTITUTION or SYNOD FUND. 569 management ofit was placed under tfae superintendence ofa com mittee, annually appointed by tfae synod at tfaeir raeeting in May, andconsistingof an equal number of rainisters and elders; it being specially provided, tfaat at least one rainister and one elder from eacfa presbytery sfaould be raerabers of committee ; and presbyteries were allowed to nominate each a rainister and elder to the synod, witfa a view to tfaeir being appointed mem bers of the conimittee of management. It was declared to be a fundamental principle of the fund, that no congregation should receive any assistance frora it, tfiat were judged able to give to their rainister a stipend of fifty pounds annually, witfa a faouse valued at five pounds of rent ; and all congregations were declared to be in tfais predicaraent, wfaose exaraination roll consisted of raore than tfaree faundred persons upwards of eigfateen years of age. Tfae faigfaest sum permitted to be given, by way of donation, to any one congregation, at a single grant, was ten pounds. Suras of twenty pounds or upwards migfat be given by way of loan, eitfaer witfa or witfaout inter est, as tfae circumstances of tfae case required.* During tfae long period tfaat tfais fund faas been in existence, raany tfaou sands of pounds faave been expended frora it ; and thougfa tfae donations granted faave usuaUy been sraall, yet by means of the aid thus afforded, infant congregations faave been cherished until tfaey attained to a state of maturity ; and long established congregations, when reduced in tfaeir circurastances, faave, by the same assistance, been enabled to maintain a gospel rainistry in situations wfaere, humanly speaking, the gospel would not otfaerwise faave been enjoyed. Tfae donations allowed for tfae support of aged rainisters were raore liberal than those which were granted to congregations. Many pious and devoted ser vants of Christ have tfaus been enabled to spend tfae evening of tfaeir days in comparative comfort, wfaen, on account of tfae infirmities of age, tfaey faave been obUged to retire from tfae scene of active labour ; and wfaen tfaeir congregations, faaving to maintain anotfaer minister, could not afford to give tfae aged pastor fais accustomed stipend. Tfaere are few congregations, especially in tfae rural districts, tfaat have not, at one period or another, received benefit frora this benevolent fund ; and both upon tfae ground of gratitude, as well as frora a regard to the general interests ofthe Association, tfaey are called upon to give it a liberal support. It cannot but be a raatter of re gret that there sfaould be so many blanks ui the list of annual * Of late years a more liberal spirit has presided over the distribution of this fund. The original restrictions imposed vrith regard to the amount ofthe donation permitted to be given, and with regard also to the circumstances of the minister and congregation warranting a grant, have been either altogether removed or considerably modified. 570 AMERICAN AFFAIRS : collections to tfais excellent fund. Both the amount and the usefulness of it migfat easily be doubled or trebled, witfaout any particular effort on tfae part of tfae congregations.* A considerable time elapsed, after tfae departure of Messrs. Telfar and Sraitfa for America, before any otfaer raissionary from tfae Associate synod crossed the Atlantic. Soon after Mr. Telfar's arrival in tfaat country, a petition was presented to tfae synod frora sorae people in New Carabridge, province of New York, requesting tfaat Mr. Telfar, wfao was tfaen in Pfailadelpfaia, migfat be perraitted to settle among tfaem as their pastor. The synod were not sufficiently acquainted with tfae circumstances of tfae congregation of New Carabridge, to deterraine wfaetfaer Mr. Telfar should becorae their pastor or not ; but tfaey appointed faira to go and labour for a consider able period in that place, and afterward to send horae a par ticular account of the state of tfaat congregation to the presbytery of Glasgow, who were autfaorized by tfae synod to proceed in tfae business as tfaey migfat see cause. It would appear tfaat Mr. Telfar did not settle in New Cambridge, for only two years elapsed when a call was given by tfais congre gation to Mr. Kinlocfa of Paisley, wfao declined accepting of it. In tfae meantime tfaey were obliged to reraain witfaout a fixed ministry. Soon after tfais a petition was presented from some people in the county of Cornwallis, in Nova Scotia, earnestly request ing that a preacfaer migfat be sent to labour among tfaera. All tfaat tfae synod could do at present for tfaera, was to send an affectionate letter expressing syrapatfay for tfaera in their desti tute situation. A renewed application was raade by the same people, tfaree years afterward, wfaen the synod appointed Mr. James Thorburn, one of tfaeir probationers, to be ordained by the presbytery of Glasgow, and to repair with all convenient speed to Nova Scotia. But notwithstanding this appoint raent, Mr. Thorburn reraained (for what reason I am unable to state) in this country ; and tfie people of Cornwallis were obliged to exercise tfieir patience for several years longer. In the spring of 1785, a call was forwarded by them to Mr. Hugh Grafaara, probationer ; and tfais person faaving received * The congregations, in connection with the synod, having now consider ably increased in number, and being scattered over a wide extent of country, it was found necessary to erect in rapid succession three new presbyteries. These were the presbytery of Perth, which was constituted for the first time on the 4th September, 1788 ; the presbytery of Stirling and Falkirk, whicli was erected on the 16th May, 1793; and the presbytery of Kilmarnock, \vhich held its first meeting on the 2d September, 1795. The ministers who presided at the formation of these presbyteries respectively, in the order in which they have now been mentioned, were Mr. John Frasei-, Auchtermucbty - Mr. John Belfrage, Falkirk ; and Mr. James Moir, Tarbolton. SYNOD FORMED IN AMERICA, 571 another call from the congregation of South Shields, in the north of England, tfae competition was decided by tfae synod in favour of the people of Cornwallis. Mr. Graham acquiesced in the decision of the synod, and faaving set out for fais des tination, he continued to labour in Nova Scotia for a nuraber of years. Messrs. Telfar and Clark, the two brethren, in connection witfa tfae Associate synod, wlio were labouring in tfae States of America, united with the ministers of other presbyterian denominations in forraing a transatlantic synod, whicfa was declared to be independent of any of the ecclesiastical judica tories in Scotland. Tfae synod was first constituted on tfae 30tfa of October, 1782, under the designation oftfae " Asso ciate Reforraed synod of Nortfa Araerica ;" and tfae rainisters ¦ wfao united in tfae formation of it were tfae brethren now men tioned, the whole of tfae bretfaren belonging to tfae Reforraed Presbytery in Araerica,* and all tfae rainisters of tfae Anti burgfaer Presbytery in Pennsylvania, with tfae exception of two. They adopted as the basis of their union tfae Westrain ster Confession of Faitfa, and tfae Larger and Sfaorter Cate- cfaisras ; excluding, faowever, frora their profession sucfa parts of tfae Confession as describe the powers of civil governraent in relation to religion. These they reserved "for a candid discussion on sorae future occasion, as God should be pleased to direct." In tfae article pf tfaeir union, relating to tfae Na tional covenants, they gave no opinion about the duty of covenanting, or about the "binding nature" ofthe covenants on posterity; but they agreed to declare their "hearty appro bation of the earnest contending for tfae trutfa, and raagna- niraous sufferings in its defence, by which their pious ancestors were enabled to distinguisfa themselves in tfie last two cen turies ;" and tfiey assured eacfi other, " tfaat tfaey faave au affectionate reraerabrance of tfae National Covenant of Scot land, and of tfae Soleran League of Scotland, England, and Ireland, as well intended engagements to support civil and religious liberty." One of their articles of union had for its object the restoration of the doctrine of free communion, "wfaicfa (say tfaey) some of our denoraination, througfa inattention, have long opposed." On this subject they expressed theraselves in thefoUowing language: — " Tfie United Presbyteries acknow ledge it to be tfieir duty, to treat pious people of otfier deno minations witfi great attention and tenderness. Tfiey are wUUng, ' as God off'ereth opportunity, to extend communion to These brethren had been sent out, as missionaries, by the Reformed Pres bytery in Scotland, and had formed themselves into a presbytery iu America, Ul connection with their Scottish brethren. 572 SYNOD .FORMED IN AMERICA. all, wko, in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, Confession, cfaap. 26, Section 2. But as occasional commu- nion, in a peculiarly divided state of the churcfa, may produce great disorders, if it is not conducted witfa raucfa wisdom and moderation, tfaey esteem themselves and tfae people under their inspection inviolably bound, in all ordinary cases, to submit to every restriction of tfaeir Uberty, wfaich general edification ren ders necessary." The rule, wfaicfa tfais synod adopted for regulating the admission into tfaeir society of persons connected witfa other presbyterian denorainations, displayed an excellent spirit, and ougfat to regulate tfae conduct of all religious denorainations in receiving into tfaeir comraunion persons who apply to them frora otfaer societies. As the Reformed synod was avowedly established on tfae general principles of tfae presbyterian sys-' tem, as detacfaed from the local peculiarities by which the most considerable parties of presbyterians faad been faitfaerto distinguisfaed, so tfiey agreed " to reject all sucfa applications for admission to fixed coraraunion to tfae synod, tfiat raay at any tirae be raade by persons belonging to other denomina tions of presbyterians, as evidently arise from caprice, personal prejudice, or any other schismatical principles. And tfae only admissible application shall be sucfa as, upon deliberate examination, shall be found to arise from conviction of duty, and to discover Cfaristian raeekness towards tfae party whose coraraunion is relinqulsfaed ; or sucfa as are raade by consider able bodies of people, who are not only destitute of a fixed gospel rainistry, but cannot be seasonably provided for by the denoraination of presbyterians to wfaicfa tfaey belong."* Soon after tfae forraation of tfais synod, a letter was received frora it by tfae Associate synod in Scotland, in which the united brethren expressed their continued regard for the cove nanted reforraation of Britain and Ireland, particularly of Scotland ; and requested preachers to be sent, to assist them in publishing the gospel of Cfarist. In reply to this com munication, tfae Associate synod expressed tfieir joy to hear of tfieir bretfiren in America adfiering to tfie sarae principles witfa tfaemselves, and wisfaed tfaera success in tfae work of the * The above statements concerning the formation of the Associate Re- formed synod of North America are given upon the authority of a pamphlet (published in 1783) entitled, "Peace and harmony restored: Being an account ofthe agreement which tooh place amongst the Burgher and Antiburgher Se ceders, and the Reformed Presbytery of North America, in summer 1782." From the same source I am enabled to mention the names of the following ministers, as connected with the American synod at its formation : Messrs. David Telfar, Matthew Henderson, John Cuthbertson,*John Mason, Thomas Clark, James Proudfoot, Williaai Logan, Robert Annan, John Roger, John Smith, Dobbins, John Murray, David Annan, and Linn. MISSIONS IN NOVA SCOTIA. 573 Lord ; but stated, tfaat tfaey could not at present send tfaem any preacfaers. Soon after tfae arrival of Mr. Grafaam in Nova Scotia, an application was made to tfae synod for anotfaer labourer to be sent to tfaat part of tfae vineyard. Tfais application was re ceived frora some presbyterians in Amfaerst, wfao promised to give to any rainister tfiat raigfit be sent, sixty-five pounds of annual stipend, besides allowing him a sum of thirty pounds to defray tfae expense of fais outward voyage. Tfae synod appointed tfae presbytery of Glasgow to endeavour to find a minister, who raigfat be willing to undertake tfais rais sion. At a subsequent meeting, tfae presbytery reported tfaat tfaey faad not been able to find a brotfaer wfao would un dertake the mission. An injunction was tfaen given to all tfae presbyteries, to converse witfa tfae probationers within their bounds, to see if any of thera were wiUing to accept of tfae invitation given by tfae people of Arafaerst, and tfaey were to report tfae result of tfaeir inquiry to a coraraittee appointed to take the charge of tfais business. It appears that the presby teries were unsuccessful, for no preacher was sent. Several years elapsed, during whicfa tfae synod received no coraraunication frora tfae brethren in Nova Scotia. In May 1793, Mr. John Brown was appointed by tfae synod to write a letter to tfae brethren in tfaat quarter, requiring tfaera to give an account of tfae state of religion in tfaeir congregations. Two years afterwards, a letter was received frora Mr. Grafaam, con taining a request, tfaat tfae synod would strengtfaen tfaeir hands by sending additional labourers; and the necessity of coraply ing witfa tfais request was become tfae raore urgent, tfaat Mr. David Smith of Londonderry, in Nova Scotia, was now re moved from the scene of his labours by deatfa. On receiving this intelUgence, tfae synod resolved to make every effort to send additional raissionaries to Nova Scotia. Messrs. George Williamson, Jofan Kyle, Arcfaibald Harper, and Jofan Cooper, probationers, were requfred to take tfae matter into tfaeir serious consideration, witfa a view to tfaeir being sent ; and tfaey were to intiraate tfaeir resolution, as soon as possible, to tfie synod's committee, wfio were autfio- rized to defray tfie expenses of tfie raission frora tfie coraraon fund. It was proposed at tfie same time, tfiat Mr. WUliam Kidston of Stow, sfiould proceed to tfie sarae destination, -whUe supply of sermon would be provided for fais congrega tion during fais absence ; and after labouring for a season in Nova Scotia, fae was to be at liberty to return to fais charge at Stow, unless he should find a wider field of usefulness in the colony. None of the probationers now mentioned con sented to cross tfae Atlantic, witfa tfae exception of Mr. Harper. 574 MISSIONARY OPERATIONS IN NOVA SCOTIA. But after he faad given fais consent, fae received a call from tfae congregation of Borrowstonness in Scotland, wfaicfa pro duced a change in his resolution, for when tfae_ subject was brougfat before the synod, he intimated fais desire to remain in tfais country ; and the synod, yielding to fais wisfaes, sanc tioned his ordination in Borrowstonness, where fae continued labouring during tfae remainder of fais days. Witfa regard to Mr. Kidston, no fartfaer steps were taken, as tfae coramittee, wfao were appointed to correspond witfa faira on tfae subject of fais raission, reported tfaat nothing could be done in the raatter, unless he would consent to derait his charge. Thus tfae exertions of tfae synod to reinforce tfae mission in Nova Scotia proved at tfais time abortive. In tfie foUowing year, a representation and petition were received from tfie presbytery of Truro,* renewing tfieir re quest for additional missionaries. Tfie synod appointed a friendly answer to be returned; and tfiey adopted a resolution, autfiorizing tfie Professor of Divinity to recommend for licence tfiose students wfiora fie raigfit tfiink qualified to go as preach ers to Nova Scotia, provided tfiey fiad been engaged in the study of divinity for two or raore years. Soon after tfiis, Messrs. Jofin Waddel and Mattfiew Dripps were sent to strengthen tfie fiands of tfie bretfiren wfio were labouring in that re gion of tfie globe. In a coramunication received from Nova Scotia, some time after tfie arrival of tfiese preacfiers, it was stated, tfiat Mr. Waddel fiad been ordained as colleague to Mr. Cock, in the united congregations of Truro and Onslow, and tfaat Mr. Dripps had been disabled from preaching by severe bodily distress. The synod sent a letter, in reply to this coraraunication, encouraging the bretfaren to pers'avere in their labours, and expressing tfaeir deterraination to give tfaera every assistance in tfaeir power. They also raentioned, that if it were judged necessary, for the recovery of Mr. Dripps' health, tfaat he sfaould return to Scotland, they would welcome his return, and assist in defraying tfae expenses of fais journey faomeward.t WhUe tfiey were thus exerting themselves to send tfae gos pel to foreign lands, in connection witfa the Secession cfaurcfa, tfaey showed their willingness to co-operate with Christians of other denorainations in tfae sarae benevolent work ; for the London Missionary Society having been newly forraed, and being about to commence its operations among tfae faeatfaen, tfae synod cordiaUy acquiesced in an overture wfaicfa was in- * The brethren in Nova Scotia had formed themselves into a presbytery under this designation. t Mr. Dripps was afterwards ordained at Shelburn, in Nova Scotia. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 575 troduced for tfae purpose of recoraraending that Society to their favourable notice. In tfais overture, it was proposed, that tfae synod sfaould appoint a comraittee to correspond witfa the Society in London, assuring tfaem of tfae synod's hearty ap probation of their design, and wishing tfaem all success in the accomplishment of it; and tfaougfa they could not, "as a body," promise tfaem any pecuniary aid, seeing " they were not an opulent society, and were engaged in other raissions," yet " they did not doubt but tfaat many individuals araong tfaem would cfaeerfuUy contribute tfaefr mite." Tfae coramittee appointed to correspond witfa tfae London Society, on this occasion, consisted of Messrs. James Hall, James Peddie, Jofan Dick, and Thoraas Aitcfaison. I may faere be permitted to add, tfaat it was by a rainister of tfae Secession cfaurcfa (tfae late excellent Dr. Waugfa, of Wells Street, London) tfae fundaraental principle of tfae Lon don Missionary Society was originally framed ; and the higfa place wfaicfa tfiat Society fias long occupied in public estima tion, fias been in a great measure owing to the catholic spirit by whicfa tfaat principle is cfaaracterized.* Tfae pledge which tfie Associate synod gave to tfie Society, wfien it was first formed, fias been faitfifuUy redeemed. The pulpits of the Secession have, generally speaking, been cheerfully thrown open to tfae successive deputations tfaat faave periodically visited Scotland, to plead tfie cause of tfaat Society ; and, by tfae merabers of tfae Secession congregations, comparatively poor tfaough they be, many tfaousands of pounds faave been cast into its treasury. When Dr. Waugh visited Scotland in 1815, on behalf of the Society, fae carried witfa hira to Lon don the very liberal sura of £1,420, wfaich was collected almost exclusively in the churcfaes of tfae Secession. Tfae same individual visited Scotland a second time, in 1819, on tfae same errand, wfaen, tfaougfa fais labours did not extend over sucfa a wide field as during fais former visit, fae received, chiefly from tfae congregations of fais bretfaren in tfae Secession, tfae sum of £737 16s. Mr. Broa,dfoot, anotfaer of tfae Seceding ministers in London, visited Scotland on befaalf of tfae same Society, in 1823, and during a sfaort tour, fae collected, cfaiefly araong tfae congregations of the Secession, the sum of £700.* These instances are a few of tfae raany that raight faave been faere recorded, for tfae purpose of sfaowing tfae liberal support which tfae London Missionary Society has received from the ministers and people belonging to tfae Secession cfaurcfa. A similar spirfr of Uberality has been manifested by them to tfae Baptist and otfaer missionary institutions. Sucfa conduct is •Memoir of Dr. "Waugh. Third edition, p. 153. f Ibid. pp. 201, 208, 210. 576 APPLICATION FROM PROBATIONERS. the raore creditable, tfaat tfae congregations from wfaom these collections have been received, consist, for the raost part, of tfae poorer classes of society, and faave considerable pecuniary exertions to make in supporting tfae institutions of reUgion araong tfaemselves. In order to promote tfae comfort and respectabUity of that most useful class of men, the probationers,* wfaose weekly labours are so serviceable to the churcfa, a small increase was made, in 1795, to tfaeir very moderate salary. Hitfaerto, faalf a guinea constituted tfae remuneration wfaicfa tfaey received (exclusive of board) for tfae services of eacfa Sabbatfa. Hence forward congregations were enjoined to pay tfaem, for their weekly labours, the sum of fifteen sfaillings ; and a recommen dation was at the same time given to tfae more affluent congre gations to increase tfais sura ; but a discretionary power was also given to presbyteries to lower the sura, in tfae case of the poorer congregations, to twelve shillings. At a subsequent period, this weekly allowance was raised to its present amount, one guinea. In 1798, the probationers presented a petition to tfae su prerae court, requesting tfaat arrangements migfat be made witfa regard to tfieir appointments, so as to grant tfiem an op portunity of partaking of tfie Lord's Supper, at least four times every year. Tfie synod fiigfily approved of their petition, and readily agreed to grant tfie prayer of it. A recommen dation was given to presbyteries to appoint sucfi preacfiers as migfit be witfiin their bounds, to assist at sacramental occa sions, tfaat tfaus tfaey migfat enjoy tfaeir Cfaristian privilege of observing the ordinance of the Supper ; and one of tfae bretfa ren, who ordinarily assisted at these occasions, was to be ap pointed to supply tfae preacfaer's place, by preaching for him in a vacant congregation. Another regulation concerning tfae probationers, adopted in the following year, was, that tfaey sfaould faold diets of examination in tfaose vacant congregations, wfaere tfaey might be appointed to preach, and that tfaey should attend to the visi tation of tfae sick. It was at tfae sarae tirae enjoined by the synod, tfaat tfae presbyteries sfaould require tfae students of * For the sake of those who are not well-acquainted with the forms and institutions of the Secession Church, it may be necessary to state, that the probationers are the young men who have been licensed by the presbyteries to preach the gospel, but who have not yet been ordained in a fixed charge. A scheme of appointments is made out, at every meeting of synod, according to which the probationers go the round of all the vacant congregations, preach ing in one or other of them every Sabbath, to give the congregations an oppor tunity of hearing them, that, should they be pleased with their doctrine and manner of life, they may give them a call to become their pastor. SECESSION IN MANCHESTER. 577 divinity, wfao were under tfaeir inspection, to deliver eacfa a discourse before tfaem, at least once every year. A representation being made to tfae synod, at their meeting in April 1799, concerning tfae importance of sending sorae of the brethren to itinerate in tfaose districts of tfae country where a pure ministration ofthe gospel was not enjoined, tfae proposal was favourably received ; and, in accordance witfa it, Messrs. John Brown and Jofan King were sent to labour, for two montfas during tfae summer, in some of the nortfaern counties ; wfaile Messrs. David Wilson and Jofan Leitcfa were appointed to labour, for the sarae period, in the south-western districts of Scotland. An application was tfais year made to the synod, by some people in tfae town of Manchester, for a regular sup ply of sermon. In answer to tfais petition. Secession preacfaers were immediately sent to labour in tfaat town. About two years after tfais, a call was given by tfae Mancfaester Secession congregation to Mr. Robert Jack, minister at Greenock, wfao, at fais own request, was reraoved by tfae synod to Lancashire. Being an able and a popular preacher, tfae congregation of Mancfaester flourished greatly under his ministry ; and, from the period of his settlement among them, tUl tfae present time, it faas maintained a faighly respectable footing among the English dissenting congregations. 2o CHAPTER XVII. Old and New Light controversy — Description of the controversy — Represen tation and petition of Mr. John Fraser — Discussions on Mr. Fraser's petition Committee appointed to review the questions of the Formula— Proceed ings of committee — Overture of forbearance recommended — The Synod de lay giving judgment on the overture — Interim Formula adopted — Several ministers dissent from the adopting ofit — Synod sermon by Mr. John Dick — Sermon published — Gives ofience — Extracts from it — Remarks — Profes sor Lawson's pamphlet — Outcry against it — Extracts from it — Complaints preferred against Messrs. Dick and Lawson — Great ferment in sessions and congregations — Synod table covered with petitions — Motion by Mr. James HaU Motion by Mr. Michael Gilfillan — Latter motion carried — Dissents en tered by a number of ministers — Preamble adopted — State of the question . explained — Petitions against the Preamble — Debates upon the subject — Mo tion to adjourn the discussion of the question — Motion to dismiss the Pre amble — Former motion carried — Several ministers and elders protest against decision — Address published by Synod — Extracts from Address — Original Burgher Presbytery formed— Kilpatrick process before Court of Session — . Synod accused of disloyalty — Spirited conduct of the ministers of Edin burgh and Glasgow — Vindication of Synod by the Lord Advocate — Declara tion by the Synod — Pamphlet by Dr. Porteous of Glasgow— Extracts— ; Mr. Peddie's reply — Extracts from Mr. Peddie's pamphlet — Explanatory statement concerning power of the magistrate — Letter written to separat ing brethren — Form themselves into a Synod — Perth process — Importance of it Decided in favour of the New Light party — Interlocutor of Lords of Session — Original Burgher Synod republish the Session Testimony — Publish an Appendix to the Testimony — Their opinion of the National Church — Proposed union betwixt Original Burghers and Establishment — Proceedings concerning it — Inconsistent with Secession Testimony — Re marks on the subject. More tfaan half a century had now elapsed since tfae disrup tion of tfae Secession churcfa, by raeans of tfae burgess-oatfa controversy. During tfae course of tfaat period, notfaing faad occurred to raar, to any great extent, tfae faarraony wfaicfi pre vailed in tfae Associate synod. Tfaougfa a variety of questions had been introduced, relating to tfae forraation of new con gregations, tfae settleraent of ministers, and tfae general govern ment of tfie cfaurcfa, and tfaougfa tfaere faad sometimes been keen and protracted discussions, yet tfaere faad been no serious dissension among tfae bretfaren, and no controversy faad arisen of such consequence as to produce any great ferment tfarougfa out tfae association. This section of the Secession had en joyed much internal peace ; it had also been favoured with a high degree of external prosperity. But toward tfae close of tfae eigfateenth century, tfae faarraony of tfais portion of tfae church was disturbed by one of those convulsions, wfaicfa take place occasionaUy in all huraan. societies, and whicfa, faowever OLD AND NEW LIGHT CONTROVERSY. 579 much they are to be deplored, on account of tfaeir bringing into angry coUision tfae discordant eleraents of our nature, yet are ultimately productive of good, inasraucfa as, Uke storras in tfae natural world, tfaey tend to purify tfaat particular region wfaere tfaeir influence is felt. Tfais convulsion was occasioned by those discussions, wfaich were carried on for several years, in the Associate synod, concerning certain questions in tfae Formula, relating to tfae two raucfa-agitated points of the power ofthe magistrate in matters of religion, and the obligation of the National covenant upon posterity. Tfae controversy wfaicfa originated in tfaese discussions, and to wfaicfa I am now about to direct tfae attention of tfae reader, has ordinarily been terraed, " The Old and New Light Con troversy." 1 find it difficult to give a just description of the cfaaracter of it. It differed raaterially frora tfae controversy wfaicfa was carried on concerning tfae above-mentioned points in tfae General Associate synod, of wfaicfa a full account faas been given in a preceding part of tfais work. The General synod remodelled tfae wfaole of tfaeir ¦ Testimony ; and tfaey asserted tfae complete independence of Cfarist's spiritual king dom, refusing to give to tfie magistrate any power to interfere in matters of religion ; tfiey also affirmed, tfiat tfie Solemn League and Covenant enjoined, under civil penalties, raatters tfiat were purely religious ; and, in so far as it did so, tfiey pronounced it to be unwarrantable. Tfie Associate synod did none of these things. They neither reraodelled their Testi mony, nor abjured tfae power of the magistrate in matters of reUgion, nor expressed disapprobation of any part of tfae national covenants. But tfaey adopted an explanatory state ment, wfaicfa they prefixed to tfie formula of questions, proposed to preacfiers and ministers at receiving licence and ordination ; and in wfiicfi tfiey declared, tfiat tfiey did not require any preacfier or minister to approve of compulsory raeasures in reUgion ; also, tfiat, wfiile tfiey adraitted tfie obligation of tfie covenants on posterity, tfiey did not interfere witfi tfiose dis putes wfiicfi fiad been carried on concerning tfie nature and kind of it. On account of tfieir adopting tfiis statement, a breach was made in tfae synod, by sorae of the raerabers re nouncing its autfaority, and forraing tfaemsel-ves into a separate reUgious society ; and tfae controversy wfaich was carried on con cerning the topics in dispute, was characterized by a consider able degree of bitterness. My readers will be able to judge, from tfae following details, faow far tfae purity of tfae faitfa, and tfae interests of trutfa, were involved in tfais unseemly strife. On the 13th of May, 1795, tfae following document was submitted to tfae consideration of tfae Associate synod, by Mr. John Fraser, minister at Auchtermucbty : — 580 representation and petition " The representation and petition of the subscriber humbly showeth, " Tfaat a concern for the interests of pure and undefiled reUgion, and for the prosperity of the ecclesiastical society with whicfa fae stands connected, prompts faim to trouble this reverend court with a declaration of his mind concerning some of our religious sentiraents, and to solicit a necessary reform. " It is a great mercy that tfae gospel is faitfaerto preserved araong us in its purity. The doctrine of free grace, reigning througfa tfae rigfateousness of Jesus Cfarist to tfae eternal life of men, in connexion witfa all otfaer fundaraental trutfas revealed in tfie oracles of God, is, I fiope, a doctrine cordially beUeved, and explicitly preacfied, by aU tfie rainisters belonging to tfiis synod; and, to tfieir great fionour, no Socinian, Arrainian, or Neonoraian errors, repugnant to it, fiave ever been tolerated by tfiem. But we profess adfierence not only to fundamental truth, but ajso to raany otfaer doctrines of inferior importance. Among tfaese are tfae power of tfae civil magistrate in regard to religion, and the perpetual obligation of our public national covenants upon posterity. The former is expressly asserted in the 23d cfaapter of tfae Westminster Confession of Faitfa ; and tfae second question of our Formula, I apprehend, allows us not to differ from that Confession in the smaUest jot or tittle of doctrine contained in it ; for the words of it are, ' Do you sin cerely own and believe tfae wfaole doctrine contained in the Confession of Faitfa ; and do you acknowledge tfae said Con fession as tfae confession of your faitfa ?' &c. Tfae obligation of our covenants is also tfae subject of tfae 4th question of said Formula ; the words of whicfa are, ' Do you own and acknow ledge tfae perpetual obligation of tfae National Covenant, and of tfae Solemn League and Covenant ?' &c. At our licence and ordination, we solemnly professed to faold these principles, and this profession is renewed as oft as we concur in Ucensing and ordaining otfaers ; for we demand tfaeir assent to tfae ques tions of tfae Forraula, as a test of tfaeir ortfaodoxy, and of their holding tfae same principles with ourselves. *' But it is a fact weU known to us all, tfaat, many years ago, a pampfalet was pubUshed against tfae Antiburghers,, bearing tfae name of a late respectable meraber of tfais court, and containing the foUowing doctrines : — ' ThataU legal estab Ushments of religion are improper and unwarrantable ; and that our covenants are obligatory upon posterity, materially considered, but have no obligation upon us, entirely of the same nature with their obUgation upon our fatfaers wfio swore them.' Since the publication of that pamphlet, it has been read by many of us ; and there is reason to think its principles have been adopted, not only by private Christians ia our corar BY MR. JOHN ERASER. 581 munion, but also by sorae members of synod ; whicfa I men tion, not to tfae discredit of any of tfaem ; for it is possible they imbibed such opinions witfaout adverting to tfaeir incon sistency witfa our Confession of Faith and Formula ; and I know that some young brethren, sensible of this inconsistency, have acted so honestly as to refuse an unlimited assent to tfie questions of the Forraula, declaring themselves to be of tfaese sentiments. The synod also, with all the presbyteries and members composing it, have always borne with sucfi brethren, and we Uve in the closest fellowship witfi thera, witfaout mak ing any distinction between tfaem and otfaer bretfaren, which tolerant spirit I do not absolutely condemn. But, since we are disposed to exercise sucfa forbearance, and since we ali seem now sensible tfaat the principles of the above-mentioned pampfalet accord not witfa our Confession of Faith and For mula, I thfrik it faigfaly necessary tfaat tfae Forraula be altered, and rendered more consistent witfa tfae sentiments of all our ministers, elders, probationers, and students. Wfaat pity it is, tfaat tfae smallest contrariety sfaould exist between the sentiments of any of us, and our soleran profession, when our principles and profession are in tfae main so consonant to tfae unerring standard of trutfa ? Doubtless tfae profession of a churcfa ought perfectly to harraonzie witfa her real principles; and notfaing, eitfaer essentijd or cfrcumstantial, sfaould be pro fessed, wfaich is not fully beUeved. " May it therefore please this reverend synod, to apply a proper reraedy against tfae present corruption ; and, by tfiat raeans relieve me, and otfier brethren, from tfae perplexity and uneasiness it gives us. Tfaat fae who holdeth the seven stars in his rigfat fiand, and walketfa in the midst of tfae seven golden candlesticks, raay be graciously present witfa tfais re verend court, to direct tfaem in this momentous affair, and that trutfa and peace raay ever prevail among tfae merabers of tfais synod, is the prayer of thefr affectionate brother, and faurable servant, John Eraser." It was agreed tfaat this representation sfaould lie upon tfae table till next meeting of synod, tfaat, during tfae interval, merabers raigfat faave it under tfaeir consideration. Messrs. Williara Fletcfaer of Bridge-of-Teith, and Thomas Porteous of Orwell, craved to have it raarked, tfaat tfaey disapproved of the synod receiving sucfa a paper, and tfaat tfaey were of opinion it ougfat to faave been read only extra-judiciaUy. Wfaen tfae synod met in tfae raonth of September, Mr. Fraser's representation occasioned a long discussion, at the close of whicfa it was raoved, " Tfaat a comraittee be appoint ed to review the questions in tfae Formula, betwixt tfais and 582 DISCUSSIONS ON THE PETITION. next meeting of synod, and bring in an overture for uniting the members of this court in tfaeir sentiments respecting the power given in our Confession of Faith to tfae civil magistrate, in matters of religion, and respecting tfae obligation of our National Covenants upon posterity ; and tfaat said committee- inform tfaeraselves of wfaat scruples are entertained on these subjects ; and in the mean time, that the presbyteries be allowed to exercise forbearance at licence and ordination, with respect to tfae articles above-mentioned ; it being always un derstood tfaat sfdd forbearance sfaall not preclude this synod from adhering to tfae Formula, as it now stands, if tfaey sfaall judge proper." It was moved as an amendment to this mo tion, that tfae last part of it, from tfae words " and in fke mean time," be oraitted ; but tfae original motion was carried by a great majority. Messrs. William Kidston, sen., and William WUUs, dissented from tfais decision. Mr. WiUis afterward witfadrew fais dissent, and craved to faave it marked, tfaat, in fais opinion, tfae law sfaould have effect while it existed. Tfae following persons were appointed a committee, for the purposes raentioned in tfae resolution now stated. Messrs. Jofan Dick (raoderator), David Walker, Jofan Belfrage, David Greig, William Taylor, Andrew Lotfaian, Robert Jaffray, James Dewar, William Kidston, sen», George Lawson, James Hall, Jaraes Peddie, Thomas Porteous, James Husband, Jofan Fraser, David Hepburn, Micfaael Gilfillan, and WilUam Fletcfaer, rainisters, with fourteen elders. This coramittee raet at Edinburgfa, on the 2 Oth of October. There was a full attendance of ministers. All the questions of tfae Forraula were read over, one by one. A variety of alterations (some of which were raerely verbal), were proposed, and agreed to. The cfaief discussion took place on the second and fourth questions of tfae Forraula. The second question required an approbation of the whole doctrine of the Confes sion of Faitfa. An objection was made to tfais, on tfae ground tfaat said Confession gave greater power to tfae civil magis trate in raatters of religion, tfaan to many seeraed agreeable to tfae word of God. A sirailar objection was raade to the fourtfa question, which required an approbation of tfae covenants. After a long debate it was raoved. That said doctrine of our Confession, respecting fhe magistrate's power, and of our cove nants, he made a matter of forbearance. Anotfaer raotion was made, That tkey should proceed to explain without voting for bearance. The vote being taken, the first of tfaese motions was carried. The coraraittee then prepared the following over ture of forbearance, wfaicfa tfaey agreed to recoraraend to the synod, to be passed into an act : — " Tfae Associate synod faereby declare tfaefr attacfament to OVERTURE OF FORBEARANCE. 583 the doctrine of tfae Westrainster Confession of Faith, and Catechisras, Larger and Sfaorter, wfaich were adopted by tfae General Asserably of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland, in the year 1647 and 1648; at the sarae tirae, faereby declaring, tfaat altfaougfa tfaey wish to fear God, and honour the king, and consider subjection to the powers that are as an iraportant duty incurabent on all raen, yet as the power respecting re Ugion ascribed to the civil magistrate in said Confession and Larger Catecfaisra, as also in tfae National Covenant of Scot land, and tfae Soleran League and Covenant, faas been, and still is, a raatter of doubtful disputation among good and faitfa ful raen, the synod no longer makte it a term of ministerial and Christian comraunion, but will exercise forbearance with brethren, wfaatever tfaeir sentiments be on tfaat article ; and they hereby declare, that the assent of probationers, at their Ucence, and of rainisters and elders, at tfaeir ordination, to tfae second question of the Formula, is not in future to be considered as an acknowledgraent of said power." They further agreed to recoraraend, tfaat tfae second question of the Forraula should contain in it a special reference to this aot, wfaicfa it was proposed to adopt, so tfaat persons answering tfae question sfaould express tfaeir approbation of the doctrine eontained in tfae Confession and Catecfaisras, " as tfaese were received and approved of, by tfae act of Associate synod, 17 — " Tfae report of tfae coraraittee was laid before tfae synod at tfaeir meeting in April 1796. Tfaey delayed giving judgment concerning tfae above overture, tiU their raeeting in spring tfae foUowing year ; and in the raeantime, tfaey ordered tfae overture to be printed, along witfa Mr. Fraser's representation and petition, and all tfae rainutes of synod respecting these docuraents. Tfaey furtfaer gave a recoraraendation to raem bers, to converse in a brotfaerly manner on tfae questions of the Forraula, which had occasioned a difference of sentiraent, and to endeavour to reraove groundless jealousies from tfae minds of one anotfaer. For tfae sake of tfaose wfao migfat faave scruples in giving an assent to tfae second and fourth ques tions of the Forraula, as tfaey stood in tfaeir present form, it was deemed proper tfaat an interim Forraula sfaould be adopted on the points involved in tfaese questions, till tfae raeeting of synod in spring 1797. It was accordingly resolved, tfaat tfae following questions sfaould be substituted, during tfae in terval, in tfae roora of tfaose tfaat were ordinarily put to per sons receiving licence or ordination. Question Second, — ." Do you sincerely own and beUeve tfae whole doctrine contained in the Confession of Faitfa, Larger and Shorter Catechisms, compUed by the Assembly of Divines 584 INTERIM FORMULA ADOPTED. that met at Westminster, with Commissioners from the Churcb of Scotiand, as said Confession and Catechisms were received and approven by the acts of the General Assembly 1647 and 1648, to be founded in the word of God ? And do you beUeve that tfae power of tfie civil magistrate, in matters of religion, mentioned in said Confession, sfiould always be under stood in a sense consistent with tfae spiritual nature of Cfarist's kingdom, wfaich is not of this world ? And, in tfais view. Do you receive tfae said Confession and Catecfaisms, as the con fession of your faitfi ? and. Do you promise, through divine grace, firmly and constantly to adhere to the doctrine con tained in said Confession" of Faitfa and Catecfaisms, and to as sert, maintain, and defend it to tfae utmost of your power, against aU errors and opinions contrary to it ?" Question Fourtfay — " Do you own tfae perpetual obliga tion of the National Covenant of Scotland, and the Solemn League, in so far as tfae matter of tfaem is founded upon, and agreeable to, the Holy Scriptures, without approving of the enforcement of these covenants by civil pains and penalties ? Anjd do you beUeve that tfaese covenants were a soleran en gagement of adfaerence to tfae trutfas and ordinances of Christ, eontained in his word, and that additional guilt wUl be con tracted by the present and future generations, if they shall renounce tfaese Reformation principles ? And, Do you be^ Ueve tfaat public covenanting is a duty, under tfae New TeSi- tament, to be performed wfaen God in his providence caUs to it?" Messrs. Porteous and WUlis craved to have it marked, that they disapproved of any alteration being made in the ques tions of tfie Formula. Mr. George Lawson dissented from the deed of synod, adapting the question respecting the Con fession of Faith. Mr. Andrew Lotfaian dissented from the synod's adopting the question respecting tfae covenants ;. and Messrs. David Greig, James Dewar, Jofan Leitcfa, and Walter Greig, dissented from adopting eitfaer of tfae questions, on the ground that they appeared to tfaem to be indefinite, and not calculated to answer any valuable purpose. It was not intended tfaat tfaese questions sfaould reraain permanently in tfaeir new form, but merely tfaat tfaey sfaould serve as an in terim Formula, until tfae synod sfaould give judgment on the overture concerning forbearance, submitted to tfaeir considera-' tion by tfae committee. At tfae opening of this meeting of synod, Mr. John Dick, minister at Slatetord,* who faad been moderator at the pre ceding meeting, preacfaed a sermon, wfaich the brethren, who • Afterwards translated to Glasgow. SYNOD SERMON BY MR. DICK. 585 afterwards witfadrew from the synod, condemned in no mea sured terras. The subject of Mr. Dick's discourse was, 2 Tim. i. 13, " Hold fast tfae forra of sound words." Tfae sermon was speedily publisfaed under tfae title of Confessions of Faith shown to he necessary, and the dufy of Ckurckes with respect to them explained. In tfae concluding part of tfae dis course, tfae preacfaer urged powerfully upon his brethren tfae duty of exercising forbearance toward one anotfaer with regard to tfae points at issue between tfaem. In a note appended to tfae discourse, wfaen it was pubUsfaed, Mr. Dick stated more fully wfaat were fais sentiments on the controverted points ; and as this sermon occasioned great lamentation, and was tfae subject of raucfa testiraony-bearing, on tfae part of tfaose wfao at this time renounced as unfaoly tfie communion of tfae Associate synod, it will be proper to give my readers an opportunity of judging for themselves how far Mr. Dick's sentiments warranted such strong condemnatory language as was employed concerning tfaera. Mr. Dick was a strenuous advocate for tfae exercise of forbearance ; and, in the appendix to fais discourse, he endeavoured to show, tfaat the articles in dispute were tfae very articles concerning wfaicfa forbearance raight be lawfuUy exercised. The following are tfae remarks witfa wfaich fae endeavoured to enforce fais views : — "As I faave sfaown in tfae sermon, that a church raay perrait some things to be matters of forbearance, tfae only question to be considered is, Whetfaer tfae articles specified be of sucfa a nature, tfaat forbearance may be exercised about tfaera ? Let us begin with the covenants. Against tfae exercise of for bearance witfa respect to tfaera, it may be objected, tfaat it is criminal not to acknowledge a moral obligation, and that tfae interests of tfae cfaurcfa will be endangered, if tfais security of faer doctrine, worsfaip, and governraent, be parted witfa. But, if the covenants be binding on posterity, tfaefr obligation is not so clear as tfae obligation of truth, of justice, and of cfaarity. It is not so clear as tfaat of raany of tfae duties called raoral, wfaicfa, wfaen plainly stated, coraraend tfaeraselves to every raan's conscience. * * * Tfae irapropriety, there fore, seeras to consist, not in leaving out, but in retaining, a subject of doubtful disputation, as a part of our creed. No thing but what is plain, or raay easily be raade plain to tfae meanest capacity, sfaould be adraitted among our terms of coramunion. On dubious points, let every man be fully per- %UMded in his own mind, and have faith to himself before God. " But if tfae forraal obligation of the covenants be not ac knowledged, the cfaurcfa will lose tfae security given by them to her doctrine, worsfaip, and government. To tfais objection I answer, Tfaat if a raan beUeves all tfae truths contained in 586 EXTRACTS FROM MR. DICk's SERMON. the Confession of Faitfa, and acknowledges faimself to be bound, by tfae pararaount autfaority of God, to maintain and defend tfiem, fae gives all the security wfaicfa the church can reasonably deraand frora him. Would it not be absurd to exclude from a society, a man wfao declares fairaself to be obliged, by tfae faighest possible authority — tfae authority of Heaven — to adhere to cer tain articles of confederation, merely because fae cannot farther say, that he is sensible of an unspeakably inferior obligation, re sulting from a remote transaction ofhis father's? Can none be faithful friends to tfae doctrines of tfae gospel, and to tfae laws and ordinances of Cfarist, unless they enter into a covenant, or be parties to one already made ? Alas ! wfaat a sweeping sentence ! It pronounces the condemnation of all Cfaristians, except a few dissenters ; of all tfae cfaurch of God, from the days of tfae apostles till about two faundred years ago ; for tfaougfa I have read ecclesiastical faistorians, modern and ancient, I never faeard of covenanting before tfaat period. Wfaere, tfaen, is tfae danger of leaving this article out of our creed? We shall not cease, I trust, to be good Cfaristians, good presbyterians, good Seceders, zealous for tfae truth, and active in its service. " Let us now consider the otfaer article, — tfae power of tfae civil raagistrate in matters of religion. It ougfat not to sur prise any, tfaat sorae faave formed such a notion of the spirit ual nature of the kingdom of Cfarist, as to tfaink tfaat it is entirely distinct from tfae kingdoms of tfae world ; and that he alone faas a rigfat to interfere in tfae management of its affairs. If tfais be an error, it is a pardonable one. The Head of tfae Cfaurcfa will not severely censure tfae man who is so tender of his prerogatives, as not to approve of any thing whicfa even seeras to encroach upon tfaera. Is it a crime to believe tfaat conscience is so sacred a tfaing, tfaat no means sfaould be employed wfaicfa faave tfae least tendency to com pel it ? Our Confession says, tfaat ' God alone is tfae Lord of tfae conscience.' It is not every mind whicfa can perceive tfae consistency of tfais assertion witfa tfae power ascribed by tfae same Confession to tfae magistrate. Besides, some think that the vesting of that power in hira, constitutes faim the sole judge of doctrine ; for how sfaall he take order that blas pheraies and heresies be suppressed, but by first judging what opinions are faeretical and blaspheraous ? Nothing can be raore foolisfa tfaan to say, that he is not to judge for faimself, but to follow tfae advice and direction of tfae cfaurcfa ; for, first, according to tfais scfaeme, fae must divest himself of his own reason and conscience, and substitute tfae reason and con science of otfaers as the rule of his procedure ; and, secondly, it only transfers the rigfat of judging concerning doctrine from PAMPHLET BY PROFESSOR LAWSON. 587 one to many, from the civU magistrate to tfae cfaurcfa. But, wfaat right fias tfie cfiurcfi to judge for rae, any raore tfian^ the magistrate ? She may indeed declare the trutfa, and tel) me what, according to her views, I ought to believe ; but if I would act like a Cliristian and a protestant, I must judge for' myself, by employing ray own faculties in the study of the scriptures. Can raen who faave such scruples on this subject, continue to assent to the doctrine of tfae Confession ? No, tfaey cannot. Wfaat advantage would tfae cfaurch derive frora thefr assent ? Would her interests be secured by hollow professions, and a pretended faith ?"* These were tfae stateraentS wfaicfa Mr. Dick penned and publisfaed ; and it is exceedingly difficult to perceive wherein their heresy lies. To an ordinary raind, tfaey seem to be distinguished for tfaeir candour, tfaeir sound sense, and tfaeir accordance witfa scripture. Tfaey were, faowever, raade tfae subject of a grave and formal complaint to tfae synod. Tfae autfaor was considered by some as impiously attempt ing, by means of them, to deraoUsh tfae wfaole Secession Tes tiraony, and to sfaake tfae very foundations of tfae Cfaristian cfaurcfi ; and, in an official document pubUsfaed sorae time after tfais, by tfae bretfaren wfao witfadrew from the synod, they were formally declared to be one of tfae grounds of tfaeir separation. Anotfaer individual wfao pled the cause of forbearance, was Mr. George Lawson of Selkirk, tfae learned and pious Profes sor of Divinity to the Associate synod. Mr. Lawson pub lished a pampfalet, entitled. Considerations on the Overture lying hefore fhe Associate syrwd, respecting some alterations in the Formula concerning fke power of fke civil magistrate in matters of religion ; and tke obligation of our Covenants, Na tional and Solemn League, on posterity. As Mr. Lawson's views on tfae subject of tfae overture were tfae sarae as tfaose of Mr. Dick, and as fae eraployed simUar arguments (though extended to greater length) in urging upon fais brethren the duty of forbearance, so he shared liberally in the reproacfaes tfaat were cast upon fais friend. His " Considerations" were pecuUarly offensive to some of tfae bretfaren, because it was re garded as a faeinous sin for a Professor of Divinity to plead for forbearance on sucfa important points as were involved in the overture. Not only were replies addressed to faira from tfae press, in tfae form of " Letters," f and otfaer instructive * Sermon by Mr. Dick, pp. 32—36. t See a series of Letters addressed to the Rev. Mr. Lawson, entitled, An Effectual Remedy to the Disputes presently existing in the Associate Synod respecting the Formula : By the Rev. William Taylor, Minister at Levenside (afterward at Perth). See another series of Letters addressed to the sime 588 EXTRACTS FROM modes of communication; but his pamphlet had a simUar hon our conferred upon it witfi Mr. Dick's Sermon, by being made the subject of formal testimony-bearing on the part of the separating brethren. , I sfaall faere insert an extract from Mr. Lawson's pamphlet, tfaat my readers may see wfaat were tfae sentiraents which that erainent raan entertained on the great question which is at present agitating the churches in our own and in otfaer coun tries. If fae faad lived during tfae reign of Charles JL, of heresy-suppressing memory, a pamphlet containing sucfa sen timents as tfae foUowing, on the power of the magistrate in matters of religion, would no doubt faave been burned by tfae faand of tfae common hangman ; and the autfaor would, in all probability, faave been rewarded for fais temerity in publishing it, by being gibbetted at tfae Grassmarket. But as the golden age of intolerance was now past, and as magis trates had becorae altogetfaer careless about tfaeir duty, and no longer gave tfaeraselves any concern about suppressing heresies in the churcfa by raeans of tfae sword, wfaat raore could tfaose do, who loved corapulsory raeasures in religion, tfaan laraent over the publication of such sentiments by a Seceding Professor of Divinity, and testify with all their migfat against them! " A prudent man," observed Mr. Lawson, " will look well to his goings, and will avoid every thing that may sting his conscience with unceasing remorse. He will not rashly give his vote, if fae is on a Britisfa jury, to take away tfae Ufe of his brother and friend. Far less will fae be rash, in a Chris tian synod, to give his vote for a decision which may well be esteemed a virtual sentence of deprivation to raany of fiis breth ren. Suppose we join in sucfi a vote in tfie present case, it will be for one of tfiese two reasons ; eitfier because we tfiink tfiat corapulsory raeasures are principles of tfie doctrine of Cfirist, or because we tfiink tfiat no sucfi doctrines are taught in our Confession of Faith, and tfaat tfaose who think so have tfaeraselves to blarae for tfaeir raistake. I cannot see that a tfaird reason, different frora eitfaer of tfaese, C£m be imagined. Let us consider, wfaetfaer eitfaer of tfaem is such as ought to satisfy our consciences that we do well in the exercise of such severity to our brethren. gentleman, entitled, A Smooth Stone from the Brook : By the Rev. Williara Willis, minister at Greenock (afterward at Stirling). These publications will stand a comparison with the most admired productions that have issued, during the strife of the present day, from the Anti- Voluntary Church press. They abound in figures of speech that are well suited to a controversial style of writing ; and they may be studied with great advantage by those pam phleteers and'speech-makers, who are at present attempting to put down, by force of iraagery, the " perjured" and " apostate" Seceders. PROFESSOR lawson's PAMPHLET. 5S9 " Tfaose wfao approve of compulsory raeasures in religion, no doubt, raust tfaink tfaat tfaeir bretfaren err who disapprove of tfaem. But let tfaem judge fairly and candidly. If tfaey do not obstinately shut tfaeir eyes to tfae trutfa, tfaey must see tfaat tfaemselves faave openly professed tfae sarae principles of toleration witfa tfaeir brethren, or at least exercised forbearance hitherto towards those who openly avowed tfaese principles. What is tfae difference between those wfao forraeriy declared against compulsory measures in religion, and tfaose who now plead in favour of the overture ? Only this, that tfae former took tfae liberty to declare tfaeir mind, in opposition to doc trines wfaicfa, in tfae views of tfaose I am now addressing, stand in our standard-books ; wfailst tfae latter endeavour to obtain a constitutional liberty to declare tfaeir minds, tfaat neitfaer tfaey nor tfaeir bretfaren may seem to conderan tfaeraselves in tfaat wfaicfa they allow. " If there are any (I suppose tfaey are few) wfao stUl plead for compulsory raeasures, and, on tfaat ground, declare against the overture, tfaat is, against tfae exercise of forbearance to wards their brethren who think differently frora tfaeraselves, I tfaink tfaey would do well to bestow a Uttie attention on this consideration ; witfa wfaat grace it will appear to tfae world to deny forbearance to their brethren, or, in other words, to do wfaat lies in tfaera to inflict an ecclesiastical deatfa upon a con siderable nuraber of bretfaren wfaora tfaey love, and wfaora tfaey highly esteera, for no otfaer reason but tfaeir aversion to corapul sory raeasures in reUgion. Compulsory raeasures in religion are represented, tfarougfaout tfae Book of tfae Revelation, as a cfaar acteristic, not of tfae woman clotfaed witfa tfae sun, but of the scarlet-coloured whore. John wondered with great adrairation, when he saw this woman drunken witfa tfae blood of tfae saints and raartyrs of Jesus. He would faave wondered witfa greater adrairation, if fae faad seen tfae woman clotfaed witfa the sun drunk with the blood of saints and martyrs. Are not the saints martyrs of Jesus, wfao suffer the loss of thefr offices, or usefulness, dearer to thera tfaan life, tfaat tfaey raay maintain a good conscience ; altfaougfa tfaey sfiould labour under an in voluntary raistake, even about tfaose points wfaicfa are tfae grounds of tfaeir sufferings ? " So odious are corapulsory measures in religion, tfaat tfaey have, for the most part, been disavowed or transferred to others, even by those who have practised them. Men wfao suffered for reUgion faave been generally represented as trai tors, or seditious members of society, altfaougfa tfaey were tfae meekest and. most quiet in tfae land. For what reason ? Be cause nature itself reclaimed against impositions on conscience, and that with such a loud voice, that inquisitors themselves. 590 PETITIONS PRESENTED TO SYNOD. the chief ministers of tfae kingdora of Molocfa, could not bear tfae cfaaracter of persecutors. " Compulsory raeasures in reUgion are one of those dis tinguishing marks of Anticfarist, against which protestants have loudly testified, wfaen tfaey smarted under thera ; and against which, I tfaink, tfaey ougfat at all tiraes to testify, that tfiey may be found faitfaful witnesses against tfae beast, dur ing the wfaole period of fais reign. Tfaey are called witnesses in the book of New Testament prophecies; and ougfat not all tfae capital abominations of tfae beast, raentioned in these pro phecies, to be the subject oftheir testimony? But can we con sistently witfa comraon sense testify against tfais abomination in tfae beast, if we bear testiraony, at tfae same tirae, against, those who are averse to fais corapulsory raeasures ?"* Petitions and coraplaints were presented to the synod, con cerning tfae above-raentioned publications, from tfie sessions of Curabernauld, Levenside, and Sfiotts ; also frora raerabers belonging to tfie congregations of Stirling, Shuttle Street (Glasgow), Crawfordsdyke (Greenock), Kennoway, and Kilpatrick. A petition on the sarae subject, frora tfae congre gation of Orwell, was brougfat by protest before tfae synod. Tfae presbytery of DunferraUne had refused to transrait the representation of this congregation, on tfae ground tfaat it contained personalities against two of tfaeir bretfaren (Messrs. Dick and Lawson), wfaicfa it was not becoraing in tfaem to sanction. Against this refusal of the presbytery the congre gation protested; and when tfae cause came before tfae synod,, tfaeir protest was disraissed as ill-founded. Sucfa was tfae ferraent excited by tfae discussions concern ing tfae proposed alterations in tfie Forraula, tfiat when the synod raet in April 1797, no fewer tfaan forty-one petitions from sessions and congregations were presented on the sub ject. Of these twenty-seven were against, and nine were in favour of, making alterations ; while five craved delay. After members had deUvered their sentiraents, the following motion was proposed by Mr. Jaraes Hall, one of tfae ministers of Edinburgfa : — " That the synod defer the consideration of tfae alterations in tfae second and fourtfa questions of tfae Forraula till a future raeeting ; it being understood, tfaat when this cause sfaall be re-considered, intiraation of sucfa design sfaall be given at the meeting of synod wfaicfa sfaall precede the discussion of it ; and that when tfaey re-consider this cause, tfaey sfaall not give a final decision on it, till tfaey have given sufficient inforraation to all concerned ; and in tfie raeantirae, tfiat tfie following de- * Considerations on the Overture, &c. pp. 54 S6. PREAMBLE ADOPTED. 591 claration be prefixed to tfae present Formula, and read before the questions in it be put at licence or ordination, viz. That whereas some parts of the standard-books of tfais synod faave been interpreted as favouring compulsory measures in religion, the synod hereby declare, tfaat tfaey do not require an appro bation of any sucfa principle from any candidate for licence or ordination : And wfaereas a controversy faas arisen among us, respecting the nature and kind of the obligation of our so leran covenants on posterity, wfaetfaer it be entirely of tfae sarae kind upon us as upon our ancestors wfao swore tfaem, the synod hereby declare, tfaat wfaile tfaey faold tfae obligation of our covenants upon posterity, they do not interfere with that controversy whicfa faas arisen respecting tfae nature and kind of it, and recommend it to all tfaeir raembers to suppress tfaat controversy, as tending to gender strife rather tfaan godly edifying."* Anotfaer motion was proposed by Mr. Michael Gilfillan, minister at Dunblane, to tfae following effect : — " Tfaat tfae synod disraiss Mr. Fraser's petition, and tfae overture of tfae coraraittee, and adopt tfae following overture, to be prefixed to tfae Forraula, and read wfaen tfae questions in it are put at licence and ordination, viz. Tfaat wfaereas, &c. (tfae sarae as in tfae forraer raotion to tfae end), it being understood, tfaat tfae synod shall not revive this cause, till they have given suflScient inforraation to all concerned." These two motions were put to tfae vote, wfaen a raajority of tfae synod declared in favour of tfae latter. Before tfae vote was taken, Messrs. Knowles, Greig, Lotfaian, Cockburn, and Shirra, junior, dissented from eitfaer of tfae motions being tfae state of the vote. Against tfae decision of synod the following persons entered their dissent : — Messrs. James Hall, James Peddie, Jofan Dick, George Lawson, George Russell, Robert Jack, William Shaw, WilUam Hadden, Thoraas Leckie, Robert Hall, Jaraes Dewar, Jofan Leitch, Williara Kidston, junior, Jaraes Gilchrist, Jaraes Yule, Jaraes Dick, Hector Caraeron, and Alexander Lata. In reference to tfae two motions tfaat were proposed to the synod, it may be observed, tfaat the explanatory declaration (or Prearable), was coraraon to botfa. No raention is made in tfae records of synod of any merabers being opposed to tfae adopting of it ; witfa tfae exception of tfae four already raen tioned. If tfaere were any otfaers, wfao opposed tfae adopting of the Prearable, they must have been few in number. The chief difference between the supporters of tfae motion tfaat was * This declaration, which was prefixed to the Formula, was usually desig nated by the name of the Preamble. 592 REMARKS ON THE PREAMBLE. carried, and of tfae one tfaat was lost, was, tfaat the latter wished the synod to delay, in the present agitated state of the sessions and congregations, coming to a final decision on tfae overture about forbearance, as tfaey wisfaed the question to be left open for discussion till a more favourable period ; whereas the for mer considered it proper to bring the question, without farther delay, to a final determination, by disraissing Mr. Fraser's re presentation and tfae coraraittee's overture, and agreeing, at tfae sarae time, to prefix tfae above explanatory statement to tfae Formula. With regard to tfae explanatory declaration, or Preamble, a question has been agitated with considerable keenness, viz. Wfaetfaer it was consistent with the avowed principles of the synod to prefix sucfa a declaration to tfae Forraula ? Those wfao left the synod, and wfao assuraed to tfaemselves tfae title of " Original Burghers," maintained that the adopting of the Preamble iraplied in it a dereUction of those principles, which had previously been held by tfae Secession Cfaurch, concern ing the power of the magistrate in matters of religion, and «oncerning the obligatory nature of tfae national covenants. Those who adfaered to tfae synod maintained tfaat it iraplied ¦no sucfa dereliction. In so far as tfae covenants were concern ed tfae Preamble expressly affirmed, tfaat the synod " held tfae 'Obligation of our covenants upon posterity." How, in the face of sucfa a deelaration, it could be maintained tfaat they had renounced tfae obligatory nature of tfae covenants, is a matter which it is- not easy to explain. The affirmation was as plain as language could make it ; and no fault, certainly, could be reasonably found with tfae Preamble, as to any am biguity on tfais point. If tfae synod declared, tfaat they did not interfere witfi tfie controversy wfiicfi Tiad arisen "respect ing tfie nature and kind of this obligation," tfaere was surely no heresy in such a declaration. It effected no change in any principle. It was raerely a deelaration of non-interference with a controversy, which they were nbt called upon to deter mine. It left the question concerning " the nature and kind" of the obUgation exactly wfaere it found it. But tfae most debateable point in tfae Preamble is that wfaicfa refers to "compulsory measures in religion." The synod declared, tfaat tfaey did " not require an approbation of any sucfa principle from any candidate for Ucence or ordina tion." By this declaration, tfae synod were considered by tfaose wfao afterwards left their coramunion, as abandoning the principle, that tfae magistrate ougfat to have power in matters of religion ; for, it was affirmed, if he have power at all, it must be " compulsory," According to this view of the declar ation, it was regarded as a tfaoreugfa disowning of the connec- REMARKS ON THE PREAMBLE. 593 tion between tfae cfaurcfa and the state. If this interpretation be correct, then it must be admitted, tfaat tfae Preamble did contain in it a cfaange of principle. But this was not the view which tfae synod took of tfae matter; and at the time the Pre amble was adopted, tfaere was no one party in tfae synod wlio understood tfae declaration concerning compulsory raeasures in religion to imply in it a total disowning of tfae power of tfae raagistrate in matters of religion. Tfiat tfie majority of tfie synod, by wfiora tfie successful motion was carried, did not mean, by adopting tfie Prearable, to disown tfae power of tfae raagistrate circa sacra, is sufficientiy evident from tfae circumstance of tfaeir rejecting an overture, wfaicfa required thera to raake this doctrine a raatter of forbearance. With the exception of an individual or two, tfae wfaole of those bretfaren, wfao afterwards accused tfae synod of abandoning their principles, voted witfa tfae majority on this occasion ; whicfa shows tfaat ewen they did not at first consider the Pre amble as inconsistent with tfae avowed doctrine of the Seces sion on this point. Tfaose wfao voted in tfae minority, for tfae unsuccessfiil motion, took tfae same view of tfae Preamble that their bretfaren in tfae majority did ; for in one of tfaeir reasons of dissent tfaey declared, tfaat " the court, by the present de cision, faave finally declared their judgment, that the civil magistrate has power in matters of religion, tkougk tkey seem to deny kirn a compulsory power." Tfaat nearly tfae wfiole, if not tfie wfiole, of tfie synod, understood tfie declaration in tfie Preamble, when it was first adopted, to be corapletely consis tent with tfae doctrine wfaicfa tfae Secession cfaurcfa field con cerning tfae power of tfae raagistrate in religious matters, is placed beyond a doubt by tfae facts now stated. What then did the synod raean by not requiring an appro bation of " compulsory measures" in religion frora candidates for Ucence or ordination ? They raeant tfaat tfaey did not require any one of tfaeif licentiates or ministers to approve of the magistrate faaving power to propa,gate religion by * offensive arras, or tfae power of suppressing faeresies and enforcing religious duties by civil punisfaraents. Tfaeir doc trine was, tfaat wfaUe tfae magistrate ougfat to faave the power of interfering in matters of reUgion, the extent and raode of his interference ought to be sucfa as are consistent witfa a free toleration granted to all wfao raay dissent frora tfae estab Ushed reUgion. No atterapt ought to be raade by him to compel others to erabrace the national faith, or to put down- by force any form of a religious profession made by otfaers, in opposition to tfais faitfa. All tfaat tfaey meant in the Pre amble was to disown tfae doctrine of persecution for conscience' sake. 2 p 594 REMARKS ON THE PREAMBLE. Whether these sentiraents be rigfat or vyrong in tfaemselvesv or whetfaer the phraseology, eraployed in the Preamble to express them, was the happiest that migfat have been adopted, is not at present the question. The question regards a mere matter of fact, viz. Wfaetfaer these were the sentiments enter tained by the great raajority oftfae synod at that period: and that they were so, is placed beyond all reasonable doubt by the statements already made. No proposition was ever made in the synod, that an act should be passed by thera, declaring that the raagistrate should have no power in raatters of reli gion. Tfae only proposal made on tfais subject, was that which was brought forward by the committee in tfaeir over ture, requfring tfiat tfie synod would make this article a mat ter of forbearance. The synod refused to do so. They dis missed the overture ; and tfaey prefixed to tfae Formula a declaration explanatory of fhe sense in wfaicfa preacfaers and ministers were understood to give tfaeir assent to tfae doctrine of tfae Confession of Faitfa on tfais point. Wfaen tfae synod declared tfaat they did not require an ap probation of corapulsory measures in religion, tfiey adfieted strictly to tfie doctrine wfiicfi fiad previously been asserted, on several occasions, by tfie cfiurcfi to wfiicfi tfiey belonged. It has already been shown, in a preceding part of tfais work, tfaat, about ten years after tfae comraenceraent of tfae Seces sion, the Associate presbytery condemned, in an act passed by them (3d February, 1743), " tfae dangerous extreme of espousing principles in favour of propagating religion by of fensive arms." Wfaen tfae Associate synod publisfaed, in 1778, a " Re-exfa ".bition of tfae Testimony," it contained the foUowing declaration : — " It raust be acknowledged, tfaat the enforcing of religious duties witfa civil penalties, and, in too many instances, blending tfae affairs of cfaurcfa and state with one another, is totally inconsistent with tfae spfritual nature of Christ's kingdom."* When tfae ^nod adopted, in 1797, tfae Preamble, tfaey did notfaing more tfaan renew tfae declarar tion wfaich had been once and again made before that period, by the churcfa courts of tfae Secession. Those persons who at first gave their sanction to tfae adopt ing of tfae Preamble, and wfao afterwards affirmed that the synod adopted it witfa a fraudulent intention, were guilty of calumny against tfaeir bretfaren. Tfaey made an affirmation, from which every honourable minded person would have shrunk. They advanced a charge, in support of which they had not the slightest sfaadow of proof, except what was fiirnished by their own evil surmisings. To say that the phrase " com- ' Page 90. PETITIONS AGAINST TIIE PREAMBLE. 595 pulsory measures in reUgion," is ambiguous, and may be so interpreted as to include in it every degree of power exercised by the magistrate, in reference to religion, certainly does not prove that the synod intended it sfaould be so understood. Tfaey affirmed tfaat this was not the meaning which they attacfaed to it — tfaat tfaey understood by it notfaing more tfaan persecut ing measures in religion; and tfaey justly considered, tfaat tfaey were not renouncing any principle faeld by tfaeir Fathers of the Secession, when tfaey declared, tfaat tfaey did not require any in tfaeir comraunion to approve of sucfa measures. Com mon courtesy forbids tfaat we endeavour to affix to tfae language of individuals, a meaning wfaicfa tfaey tfaemselves explicitly disown. A ferment was excited in sorae of the sessions and congre gations, by the adopting of the Preamble, and means were industriously eraployed to foraent and keep alive a spirit of discontent. Paraphlets were circulated witfi great assiduity. Tfie pulpits resounded witfi anatfiemas against tfie synod for having abandoned their profession. Discussions concerning the power of the raagistrate in religious matters, and concern ing tfae obligatory nature of tfae covenants, becarae frequent among tfae village coteries. Many were the learned discus sions which issued from tfae lips of tfae gifted, on tfaese edify ing topics. Printed forras of petition were sent to tfae quar ters wfaere discontent prevailed, tfaat tfaey raigfat receive the signatures of those wfaose hearts were grieved at the tfaougfat of tfae synod faaving dropped tfae wfaole Secession "Testimony. Tfae result of tfais agitation was, tfaat when the synod met in September 1798, printed petitions were presented from several sessions and congregations, craving tfaat tfae synod would set aside tfae Prearable wfaich they had adopted in tfae preceding year. These petitions gave rise to mucfa discussion. After a long debate, it was moved, " That whereas tfae synod is precluded, by tfaeir deed in April last year, from entering on tfae imraediate consideration of tfaese petitions, allow tfaera to Ue on tfae table tUl a future raeeting, tfae synod hereby giving notice to all concerned, tfaat tfaey will then resume the con sideration of tfae wfaole cause respecting tfae Formula." A counter-motion was made, " That tfae synod finds, tfaat in consequence of its deed, in April 1797, it cannot grant the prayer of the petitions, and tfaerefore dismisses tfaem ; but, at the same time, the synod declares that it will be at liberty, at a fiiture meeting, to recur to the discussion of tfae cause respecting tfae Formula, and hereby gives intimation to all concerned." The first of these motions was carried by a great majority; and a question being stated, whether the con sideration of the petitions should be resuraed at the meeting 596 MOTION FOR COMMITTEE CARRIED. in April next year, or delayed till tfae meeting in September; it was determined to delay the consideration of tfaem till Sep- tember. During the interval that was thus permitted to elapse, the ferment did not abate, but rather increased. Several addi tional petitions were laid upon tfae synod's table, at tfaeir meet ing in Septeraber 1799. A considerable degree of interest had been excited by the preceding discussions, and there was a full muster of merabers present at tfais meeting. After a discussion wfaicfa lasted during two sederunts, it was moved by Mr. James Hall, " Tfaat the synod adjourn tfae farthes discussion of this question till a future meeting of synod ; and, in tfae mean time, appoint a committee of tfae faouse to draw up a synodical address to the people of their charge, expres sive of our adherence to tfae doctrine, worsfaip, discipline, and government of tfae Church of Scotland, and for repelUng the calumnious reproacfaes whicfa faave been circulated in the public, tfaat tfae synod, by what they have done in this busi ness, have abandoned their avowed principles, and that this is designed to be the forerunner of future and raore danger ous innovations." A second motion was proposed by Mr, WiUiam Willis, " That tfae synod disraiss tfie Preamble, and appoint a comraittee to draw up an address to the public, in order to remove any undue irapressions made on the minds of the people." A large majority decided in favour of tfae first of tfaese motions ; ninety-one members having voted for it, while only twenty-eight voted for the second. Messrs. William Fletcfaer, WilUara Taylor, and WUUam Watson, ministers, witfa ten elders, dissented frora tfais deei sion ; and Mr. Willis gave in tfae following protestation, to wfaich Mr. Ebenezer Hyslop, and two elders, adhered : — " I protest, in my own narae, and in the narae of all ministers, elders, and private Christians who raay adfaere to this protest, that as- tfae synod faatfa obstinately refused to remove the Preamble prefixed to tfae Formula, and declare tfaeir simple and unqualified adfaerence to our principles, I will no more acknowledge tfaem as over me in the Lord, until they return to their principles." Mr. Hill recorded his dissent in the following terras : — " I, George Hill, rainister of Cumbernauld, do, in muie own narae, and in tfae name of all wfao sfaall adfaere to my dissent frora, and protest against, tfais deed of synod, in retaining the Preamble to tfae Formula, hereby declare my adherence to our received principles, and tfaat I shall be at Uberty to testify against this deed from the pulpit, or otfaerwise, and shall also be at liberty to afford relief to aU who are aggrieved b;^ tbis deed, and sfiall adhere to the sarae principles with myselfi DISSENTS BY VARIOUS MINISTERS. 597 and to carry this my dissent farther at next meeting, if I shall see cause." Mr. Porteous declared fais adfaerence to Mr. HiU's dissent. As Messrs. Willis and Hyslop faad declared in their pro test, that tfaey were no longer in connexion with tfae synod, tfaeir names were erased from tfae roll ; and all wfao adhered to tfiem were declared to fiave cut tfieraselves off from tfie coramunion of tfie Associate body. Tfie presbytery of Glas gow were enjoined to intimate tfiis decision to tfie congrega tions of these brethren, and to take care that the interests of these congregations should not suffer. A committee faaving been appointed, in accordance with the above resolution, to prepare an address, a draught was submitted to tfae consideration of tfae synod, during its pre sent raeeting ; and, after sorae corrections were raade upon it, tfae coramittee were enjoined to get it printed and circu lated among tfae congregations, witfaout delay. Tfae address was written in a style of great raanliness, and was erainently fitted, by the plainness and faonesty of its stateraentS, to re move any false impressions tfaat raigfat faave been produced by tfae proceedings of tfae synod concerning the Formula, and to restore confidence to tfae rainds of tfaose wfao were in danger of being led away by tfae raisrepresentations of prejudiced or interested individuals. As tfais question excited no sraall turraoil among many of tfae congregations belonging to tfae Burgfaer portion of tfae Secession ; and as tfae Associate synod were loaded witfa a plentiful sfaare of abuse, for presum ing to declare that they did not require any preacfaer or min ister to approve of corapulsory raeasures in religion, I sfaall allow tfaat reverend body to be heard in thefr own defence, by giving one or two extracts from the address which they pub lished on this occasion. After perusing these extracts, tfae reader will perceive that the outcry whicfa was raised against tfaem, by tfae sraall section who seceded from them, was alto- .getfaer unreasonable. Tfae object wfaicfa tfae synod faad in view, in publisfaing the address, is stated by them in tfae following language : — " For the inforraation of the ignorant ; for rectifying the mis takes of tfaose wfao faave been misinformed ; for re-assuring tfae minds of tfaose wfao faave been taugfat, that we have renounced ;Our peculiar principles ; for allaying the fears of sucfa as are not so raucfa alarraed for wfaat tfie synod have done, as appre hensive that it is only introductory to raore serious and dan gerous alterations ; and for silencing tfaose wfao faave cruelly abused tfae simpUcity of tfaeir neighbours, by defaming our characters, misrepresenting our pubUc synodical deeds, and ascribing to us principles which we solemnly disown, and dp- 598 EXTRACTS FROM ADDRESS. signs of whicfa we are unconscious ; — we have deemed it ex pedient to state our own conduct, and tbe reasons of it, in our own words. We are entitled to demand to be fieard ; and we are persuaded, tfiat as much Cfaristian temper has survived the present irreligious feuds, even in those places where they faave raged witfa most violence, as to obtain for us what we ask, to be listened to witfa candour, and to faave our conduct examined deliberately before it be condemned. We sfaall keep notfaing back from public inspection, persuaded tfaat the more our conduct is known, the less it will be condemned; and we ask no favour, unless tfais sfaould be deemed one, to take our own representation of our principles and views, rather tfaan tfae account of tfaose wfao raay be prejudiced, and must know tfaem less perfectly tfaan we do ourselves. We trust tfaat we faave not deserved to fall so low in tfae estimation of any of our people, as not to be able to obtain beUef to what we explicitly and soleranly assert." As it had been maUciously insinuated, that tfae discussions in tfae synod, concerning tfae proposed alterations in tfae For mula, had originated in a spirit of disaffection to the civil con stitution of tfae country, and as a suspicion faad tfaereby been excited in tfae minds of those in power, unfavourable to tfae loyalty of Seceders, the synod in tfaeir address, repelled, in a tone of faonest indignation, tfais charge ; and tfaey made an explicit declaration of tfaeir unabated attacfament to the reign ing family, and to tfae form of governraent tfaat obtained in Britain ; after wfaicfa, tfaey endeavoured to disabuse tfae minds of those wfao raigfat be prejudiced against tfaem, by stating the precise nature of the controversy wfaicfa had agitated their congregations. The following passages contained tfae vei-y marrow of tfae controversy ; and the reader will find in them an excellent illustration oftfae apostolic declaration, "Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth !" " Tfae controversy among us, indeed, respects tfae powerof tfae civil magistrate. It is not, however, a political, but an ecclesiastical dispute. It respects not tfie power wfiicfi the civil magistrate actually possesses by the constitution of Britain ; but the power which is supposed by sorae to be as cribed to him doctrinally in our standard-books ; and it re spects even tfais, only in reference to matters of reUgion. The question is, Wfaether tfae magistrate ougfat to interfere with tfae decisions of cfaurcfa-courts in matters wfaicfa are purely ecclesiastical, and to compel men to be of tfae religious pro fession of tfae State ? Nor faas even tfais question ever been proposed as a matter of dispute before the synod. The synod have never presuraed- to say what is the precise measure of his power in matters of reUgion, nor to intermeddle with EXTRACTS FROM ADDRESS. 599 the private sentiments of tfaeir ministers and elders on this point. It is a raatter of too difficult discussion to be rasfaly determined, or to faave its Umits exactly ascertained and inserted in our terms of communion. But it becoraes in teresting, in as far as it is supposed to be asserted in our standards ; for tfaeir doctrine is sanctioned by the public vows of all the ministers and elders of our comraunion ; and it be coraes necessary to their integrity, that tfaeir views correspond, in tfae exactest manner, witfa tfae gramraatical meaning of tfae terras. " Here, tfaen, is tfae point in dispute : Wfaat is tfae precise raeaning of our standard-books on tfais article ? Do some parts of tfaem teacfa tfae rigfat of tfae civil magistrate to use compulsory raeasures in religion ? Or do tfaey not ? All agree tfaat corapulsion, or tfae eraployraent of civU pains and penalties, to enforce religion, is anti-scriptural. Our fore fathers, in tfae Secession, in tfae most explicit raanner, con deraned enforcing our covenants by sucfi raeans; and fiave stated tfieir general views on 4fie subject of tfie magistrate's power, in tfieir answers to Mr. Nairn. But a difference of sentiment exists on the question. Whether any expressions in our standard-books sanction doctrine wfaicfa tfae Seceding body faave virtually condemned ? Tfaose wfao oppose the Pream ble, affirm that tfaey do not ; or at least tfaey explain tfaem in sucfa a raanner as to satisfy tfaeir own rainds, and tfaerefore insist to disraiss it as unnecessary. Otfaers are persuaded tfaat such doctrine is taught in tfaera ; and, not thinking tfiera selves at liberty to explain away, wfiat to thera appears to be the obvious raeaning of the terms, by any private interpreta tion, insist for relief, either by the Preamble, or by some other more expedient mean. " Tfae synod faave not presumed to deterraine tfae meaning of our standards on these points ; mucfa less faave tfaey dared to condemn tfaera as teacfiing unscriptural and anti-tolerant doctrine. But they are not surprised that raany of tfaeir mem bers were, and continue to be, of opimon, that they give to tfae civil magistrate a power inconsistent witfa tfaeir doctrine elsewfaere, respecting tfie fieadsfiip of Cfirist, and tfie liberties of conscience. Tfie known opinions and practices of the times wfaen our Confession was composed, favour tfaeir supposition ; and tfae doctrine wfaicfa tfaey apprefaend it to contain, faas been condemned by a body of Seceders, who were once of us, and who are generally accounted as firm in their attachnient to ancient principles, as we are ourselves. The synod revered the scruples of their brethren on this point, therefore, as pro ceeding from deUcacy of conscience in the matter of a solemn vow, and considered them as entitled to every relief whicfa 600 SYNOD ACCUSED OP DISLOYAL'rY. could constitutionally be given them. They deemed it neces sary, for tfae consistency of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, tfaat faer profession should, beyond controversy, in every thing be con sistent with itself. They tfaought it proper, for tfae character of the body, tfaat no doubt should remain, whetfaer tfaey faold persecuting principles ; and tfaat tfaose wfao faave affirmed it of tfaem sfaould be put to silence by an explicit avowal of their sentiments ; and tfie Preamble was adopted as tfae least ob jectionable method that occurred, of attaining at once tfaese several objects."* On tfae 2d of October, 1799, tfae two brethren (Messrs. Willis and Hyslop), wfao had renounced the autfaority of. the synod, met at Glasgow, along with Mr. WilUam Watson, minister at Kilpatrick, who had by tfais time sent fais declina ture to tfae moderator of fais presbytery; and, after some tinie spent in prayer and praise, and in consulting wfaat course they ought to pursue, they agreed, along with^ tfaeir elders present, to constitute tfaemselves into a presbytery, indepen dent of tfae synod. Tfae deagnation wfaich they assumed, was tfaat of tfae Associate Presbytery.^ Tfaey agreed also to receive accessions from all who were willing to join tfaem, and to grant supply of serraon to tfaose wfao raigfat raake applica tion for it. In tfae montfa of November, Mr. George Hill, minister at Curabernauld, renounced his connexion with the synod, and becarae a raeraber of tfais newly forraed presbytery; and, in tfae course of tfae following year, tfaefr faands were strengtfaened by tfae accession of tfae foUowing ministers : — Mr. Patrick Connal, Batfagate ; Mr. WiUiam Taylor, Leven side ; and Mr. Jofan Jarvie, Pertfa. Mr. Jarvie's paper of ac cession, contained in it a " representation of fais sufferings." " Being tfarust out of fais cfaurcfa by fais colleague, fae craved some merabers of presbytery to preacfa for faim, and comfort hira with their presence." "Tfae narae of Mr. Thomas Porteous of Orwell, was next added to their roll. No sooner faad Mr. Watson witfadrawn from tfae commu nion of tfae synod, tfaan some members of fais congregation, who wished to adfaere to thefr old connexion, comraenced a process before the Lords of Session, for tfae purpose of hav ing it declared, wfaetfaer tfae place of worsfaip, and other property of tfae congregation, should belong to tfae party adfaering to the synod, or to the party wfao faad left it. In one of the petitions presented to the court, in this process, by Mr. Watson's agent, tfae substance of wfaich was pubUsfaed in tfae newspapers, cfaarges and insinuations were tfarown out, • Address of the Associate synod, &c. pp. 6, 10 — 14. f This was the commencement of that section ofthe Secession, familiarly known by the name of " Old Light," or, " Origiiial Bnr[.>hcrs." VINDICATION OF SYNOD BY THE LORD ADVOCATE. 601 that tended to bring into discredit the character of tfae synod for loyalty. It was strongly insinuated, tfaat under tfae pre text of reUgion, tfaey were endeavouring to throw loose, points connected with tfae most iraportant political doctrines, whicfa every sincere Cfaristian was bound to acknowledge and raain tain ; and tfae attention of the Lord Advocate, in fais official capacity, was solicited from the Bench, to tfae raerits of the present question, as involving matter of rauch political moment and concern. Alarmed at being tfaus cfaarged witfa disloyalty to tfaeir sovereign, and with entertaining designs hostile to the consti tution of tfaeir country, sorae raerabers of syfiod, wfaen tfaey understood wfaat faad passed in tfae court, imraediately called a meeting of sucfa of tfaeir bretfaren as could be raost readily assembled. At this meeting it was determined to enter an appearance in tfaeir own name, and for their brethren in tfae Secession, as concurrents in tfae process already commenced. Tfais resolution was adopted by tfaera, in consequence of advice wfaich they received, that it was in tfais cfaaracter alone "tfaey could stand forward to repel tfae injurious attacks wfaich had been raade upon tfaera, and to give sucfa inforraation to tfae court, and to tfae world, as would serve to convince tfaem tfaat the decisions of tfae synod, respecting tfaeir Formula, faad no reference to any poUtical measures whatever." The Lord Advocate* faaving found, from a full investigation of the busi ness, that tfae synod faad been grievously slandered, cheerfully consented to becorae their counsel ; and a reclairaing petition, drawn up by his Lordsfaip, was presented to tfae court. When tfie Lords of Session were about to deliver theu opinions on this petition, and on the answers whicfa faad been prepared by tfae opposite party, the Lord Advocate considered it to be fais duty to repel tfae caluranies wfaicfa faad been raised against tfae synod, and tfaeir adfaerents, by addressing tfae court in tfae following language : — " Before your Lordsfaips enter on tfae consideration of this cause, I think it proper to trouble your Lordships with a few words respecting what has been said of tfae loyalty of tfaose for wfaom I appear. And the opinion wfaich I am now to deliver, I do not deliver as tfaeir counsel, but in my official character. I tfaink it necessary I should deUver it in this character, from tfais circumstance particularly, tfaat wfaen tfais case came first under tfae consideration of the court, I was called on from the Bencfa, to attend to it as the pubUc prose cutor. In this character, therefore, I tfaink it my duty solemnly to declare tfaat, from every tfaing wfaicfa I faave * Mr. Maconochic. 602 DECLARATION BY THE SYNOD. Studied, and read, and investigated, with respect to the moi- tives of tfaose persons wfao brought forward and supported the proposed alterations in the Formula of the Associate synod, I faave every reason to be satisfied with their loyalty, ¦ the loyalty of their Associate synod, and that of the great body of the people they represent. And tfais declaration I make, not from any application from tfaose individuals who have taken the lead in this business, nor from any partiaUty to thera as tfaeir counsel ; but I think rayself bound, in jus tice, to express, in this public manner, my deliberate and firm belief that tfaeir raotives and conduct, and those of their bretfaren, in tfais religious controversy, faave not faad tfae most distant connection witfa disaffection to tfae constitution and government of tfais country ; and I will add, that, so far from considering this matter as any obligation on me to look after tfaose persons in tfaeir public conduct, it is my conviction that disloyalty, in matters of State, was, and is, as foreign to tfaeir rainds and faearts, in tfae wfaole of tfais affair, as tfaey can possibly be from tfae breasts of your Lordsfaips at tfais present moment." Tfae synod faighly approved of the conduct of tfaose minis ters wfao faad tfaus stepped forward to vindicate, at their owu risk, their bretfaren frora tfae charge of disloyalty wfaicfa had been so wantonly brought against them. Tfiey adopted the following resolution, as expressive of their sentiments upon the subject : — " Tfae synod faaving always faeld sedition in abfaorrence, and conscious of tfaeir loyalty to tfaeir king, and attachment to the civil constitution of tfieir country, cannot fiear witfiout astonisfiment, tfiat sucfi a cfiarge sfiould have been brought against them by those wfao all along witnessed tfaeir proceedings, and never once objected to any part of said proceedings on tfaat ground, tUl tfaey tfaougfat proper to se parate tfaemselves ; agreed in approving of tfae conduct of the ministers of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and others concurring with them, in coming forward for tfaeir vindication from so groundless a cfaarge, in returning tfaeir warmest tfaanks to tfaera for tfaeir brotfaerly services in said vindication ; and resolve to bear with them the expenses wfaicfa faave been in curred by it, and to appoint a comraittee to watch over the cause till brought to a conclusion, in so far as respects the vindication of their character." After tfae synod's committee had given to tfae Lords of Session all tfae information wfaicfa tfaey considered necessary for convincing tfaem, tfaat tfae decisions concerning tfae For mula had no connection whatever with politics, and after the above manly and faonourable declaration had been made by the public prosecutor, completely acquitting the synod, both PAMPHLET BY DR. PORTEOUS. 603 to tfaeir Lordsfaips and to tfae country, of any disloyal design, tfae committee considered tfaat tfae object of tfaeir appointraent had been gained ; and tfaey resolved, tfaerefore, to witfadraw frora any farther concurrence in the process whicfa was still carrying on respecting tfae property of tfae congregation at Kilpatrick. (3ne of tfae dignitaries of tfae National cfaurcfa took an un generous advantage of tfae disputes, wfaicfa faad been canied on concerning tfae, Forraula, in tfae Associate synod, to aim a deadly tfarust at the cfaaracter and usefiilness of the minis ters belonging to this section of the Secession. The digni tary wfao acted such an inglorious part, was Dr. William Porteous, one of tfae rainisters of Glasgow. Tfais officious person tfaougfat proper to write and publish a pampfalet, en titled. The New Ligkt Examined ; or, Observations on the Proceedings of the Associate synod against their own Stan dards. The object of this pamphleteer was to faold up the ministers of tfae synod to tfae scorn and indignation of tfaeir country, as a set of factious and designing men, wfao were alike destitute of religious principle and of patriotism. He represented tfaera, not raerely as abandoning the principles of tfaeir own cfaurcfa, and introducing dangerous innovations into tfae reUgious society witfa wfaicfa tfaey were connected, but as plotting the overthrow of the governraent, and subverting tfae very foundations of civil society. In so far as dark in sinuations and indirect cfaarges could go, fae did wfaat fae could to rouse against tfaera the jealousy, and to draw down upon tfaem tfae vengeance, of tfae rulers of tfae country. If tfae leading raen of tfae synod were not subjected to incarceration, or banished beyond seas to some of the plantations, it was certainly not tfae fault of tfae Rev. Dr. Porteous. I shall here insert from the pamphlet of tfais reckless writer, a few speci raens oftfae bold stateraentS tfaat were raade by hira concern ing the evil designs tfaat were entertedned by tfaose able and enUgfatened raen, wfao, at tfais period, took an active part in tfae proceedings of tfae Burgfaer Secession. After perusing tfaem, tfae reader will be able to judge faow far tfae individual wfao penned tfaem was under tfae influence of tfaat cfaarity " wfaicfa tfainketfa no evil." Speaking of tfae proposed cfaanges in tfae Forraula, wfaich tfae comraittee recommended to tfae synod to adopt, tfae pam- pfaleteer cfaaritably observed : — " Now tfaey will fiave nothing in coraraon witfa tfae Cfaurch of Scotland, not even her stan dards, wfaicfa tfaey tfaeraselves faad subscribed, as tfae confes sion of tfaeir faitfa, wfaicfa tfaey were soleranly engaged to ad here to, and according to whicfa tfaey had bound all parents of their persuasion to educate tfaeir chUdren. Now every 604 EXTR.ACTS FROM fence is to be pulled down by the daring hand of innovation, and every tfaing whicfa proraised stability to the cause of protes tantism, is to be removed. We behold the doctrine, worship, discipUne, and government of the famous Cfaurcfa of Scotland, set afloat on the stormy sea of the present times ; and the Seceders, — tfae Burgfaer Seceders! — committing tfais frail bark to tfae variable winds of innovation, or tfae fierce tempest of infideUty."* In tfae comraittee, wfaicfa faad been appointed to review the questions in tfae Forraula, a discussion faad taken place concern ing tfae pfaraseology in whicfa the question relating to the National covenants should be expressed. One party in the coraraittee proposed to approve of tfaese covenants, " as a so leran engageraent, on tfae part of our fatfaers, to cleave to the truths of Cfarist, and to faand tfaera down to succeeding genera tions." Anotfaer party proposed to acknowledge tfae obliga tion of tfaera, " as far as tfaey respect a solemn engagement of adfaerence unto all tfae truths and ordinances of tfae Lord Jesus Cfarist, as contained in our Confession and Catecfaisms." A considerable raajority were in favour of adopting tfae first of tfaese modes of expression. On these proceedings of the comraittee. Dr. Porteous found ed tfae following remarks: — "It is evldentfrora tfais statement tfaat tfae principal difference between tfae majority arid the minority, in this coraraittee, respected tfae word ordinances, as contained in our Confessions and Catecfaisras. It will not im mediately occur, wfay tfaere sfaould be a debate, and a division of tfae committee, witfa respect to tfae admission of this word ordinances. It is therefore proper to remark, that in all our standards, the powers that are, are described as being ordained of God, and civil governraent as being tfae ordinance oi God ; tfais is tfaeir uniforra language; and if tfae majority of tfae As sociate synod faad tfais in tfaeir eye, tfae rejecting of tfais word amounted to a declaration, that the autfaority of tfae powers that are, and tfaat civil governraent itselfl, is not a matter of fundaraental importance ; but, on tfae contrary, is a matter of ' doubtful disputation ;' and tfaat a person denying tfae lawful ness of all civil governraent, may be admitted to ministerial communion with the Associate synod. Thougfa sucfa a man is wholly unqualified for social intercourse, and ought to be expelled from tfae society of men, yet he may be admitted to Christian fellowship and ministerial communion with the Associate synod I"t In tfae overture of forbearance, the synod had declared, that " tfaey wish to fear God and honour tfae king " Tfae Rev. ' New Light Examined, p. 19, t Ibid p. 42. DR. porteous' PAMPHLET. 60.) Dr. Porteous found treason in tfaese few words. " Tfae raean ing," said fae, " of tfaese words will be obvious to every raan. Tney wisk to faonour tfae king : if tfaey did faonour faim, tfaey would not faave expressed theraselves in tfais raanner ; at least, any person of tfae raost seditious principles raay employ these terms."* An expression which occurred in the Prearable, viz. " The standard-books of this synod," excited no small horror and indignation in the bosom of Dr. Porteous, and drew forth from faim tfae following rare specimen of raalignant criticisra : — " The expression, ' standard-books,' is new, and not very accurate ; for the book is not the standard, but tfae doctrine contained in tfaat book. It is corafortable, faowever, to learn, tfaat tfaey acknowledge any standard ; and, frora the wfaole faistory of tfais affair, we see clearly wfaat tfaey raean by tfaeir standard-books; not tfae Scriptures, but tfae Confession of Faith, the Larger Catecfaisra, andthe two covenants ; — tfaese are faence fortfa to be considered as tfae Confession of Faitfa of this synod, the Larger Catechisra of tkis synod, tfae National Covenant of fhis synod, the Soleran League and Covenant of this synod. Every man will be sensible of the oddness and absurdity of these expressions ; yet they have an iraportant and dangerous meaning, wfaich cannot now be mistaken. Tfae doctrines contained in these books are no longer to be considered as fundaraental articles of the Secession, as faaving been retained wfaen they separated from tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland, to be raade tfae basis of a new association. In tfaat case, tfaey could neitfaer be abrogated, altered, or explained, but by the autfaority wfaicfa made tfaem obUgatory, wfaicfa existed prior to tfae existence of this synod. But, by representing these standards as tfaeir own, they clairaed the privUege of extending, limiting, and fashioning tfaera as tfaey please, as tfaefr religious views or poUtical creed raay dfrect. Indeed, tfaeir wfiole reasoning goes to this conclusion, that these standards are not funda mental articles of confederation ; for such articles cannot be altered without tfae dissolution of tfae society. Nor are tfaey standards ; for a standard tfaat may be varied at pleasure, is nonsense ; or, if it faas any meaning, it is tfais, tfaat tfae Asso ciate synod, as lords of conscience, can alter tfae fundamental articles of tfae Secession ; to-day tfaey may admit Democrates (democrats ?), and to-morrow, atheists. Tfae people are not considered as faaving any interest in tfae standards of the synod. They raust eitfaer go along witfa tfae synod, and abandon tfae principles of that very society which they com posed and constituted, and which they still support ; or they * New Light Examined, p. 34. 606 MR. peddie's defence of synod : must aoandon the synod, and adhere to their own established principles."* This libeller of the Associate synod was not permitted to pass unanswered and uncfaastised. Tfae defence of tfae synod was undertaken by Mr. James Peddie,t one of tfae Secession ministers in Edinburgh. He published a paraphlet, in reply to Dr. Porteous, entitled, A Defence of the Associate synod against the ckarge of Sedition : Addressed to William Por teous, D.D. For dignified reproof, caustic severity, for pointed and lucid statement, and for a tfaoreugfa exposure of blundering and sopfaistical reasoning, tfais parapfalet stands almost unrivalled in tfae annals of controversial warfare. The castigation wfaicfa Mr. Peddie inflicted on his opponent, was administered with tfae faand of a raaster, and raust faave been felt, by the subject of it, to be dreadfully severe. But it was not more severe than merited. Such lessons of severity are occasionally necessary, to teach men tfae folly and danger of interfering (as was the case in the present instance) in raatters with whicfa tfaey have nothing to do. Having presented tfae reader witfa a few specimens of the malevolent charges wfaicfa were brougfat by Dr. Porteous against tfae synod, for tfae purpose of destroying tfaeir cfaarac ter and usefulness, I shall faere quote tfae reply wfaich Mr. Peddie gave to the Doctor's learned criticism on the expression above mentioned, " The standard-books ofthis synod." " You enliven your remarks on the manner in wfaicfa we speak of our standards, witfa observations truly ingenious. Tfaese are partly graramatical, and partly moral. You ougfat, in pity to us, as a synod of illiterate men, to have spared your gramraatical reraarks on our style. It raay be, since you say it, that the expression, ' standard-books,' ' is new, and not very accurate ;' and we acknowledge tfaat we stand not so hign in the literary world, as to faave a rigfat to coin new pfarases, even for our own use. We faad proceeded on the supposition, tfaat ' standard-books ' was as classical an expres sion as standard-gold, standard-silver, standard-weigfats, stand ard-measures, wfiicfi occur in good autfiors ; and our heads were not so full of metaphysics, as to be able to see how, U the books are our standards, as you allow, it was inaccurate to caU them our standard-books. But surely. Sir, tfais remark was dictated by sorae nobler raotive tfaan tfae idle vanity of showing the Seceders, and the public, your graramatical skill. Was it your purpose to show that we are not true Seceders, not friends to legal establisfaments, not loyal citizens, because, in your opinion, we are not classical writers ? Or did it pro- * New Light Examined, pp. 48, 49. •)¦ Now Dr. Peddie. EXTRACTS FROM IT. C07 eeed merely from an impotence of resentraent, which induced you to persecute our very grararaar ? " I would have disdained to take any notice of tfais little, absurd, raalevolent criticism, had it not been for reraarks of another kind whicfa you have connected witfa it. You sagely remark, tfaat ' tfae book is not tfae standard, but tfae doctrine contained in tfaat book.' Pray, whetfaer do you mean, by saying that ' tfae book is not tfae standard,' to contradict your self, wfaose current language it is to style tfaese books our standards, or us who have presuraed to style thera our stand ard-books ? I deplore tfae case of tfae Seceders : you will gag tfaem raost effectually ; for you reprobate tfaeir language as inaccurate, and, after you set tfaem rigfat, you will not permit tfaem to adopt your own. " We tfaank you, Sir, for the information, tfaat 'tfae hook is not the standard, but tfae doctrine contained in tfaat book.' Seceders, especiaUy tfaose of tfae raodern stamp, are a stupid and superstitious race 1 Tfaey faave an excessive and absurd veneration for tfaeir standards 1 Tfaey always tfaougfat, till you undeceived tfaera, tfaat tfae book, as distinguisfaed from tfae doctrine wfaicfa it contains, that is to say, tfie paper of the book, the cfaaracters of tfae book, not tfae doctrine taugfat by these cfaaracters impressed on tfaat paper, was tfae standard ! But ' a standard wfiicfa may be varied at pleasure,' you assure us, ' is nonsense ;' and as the doctrine contained in the Confes sion may be expressed in cfaaracters of various size, on paper of various fineness, and on pages of various lengtfas, we sfaall faencefortfa endeavour not to confound tfae book witfi tfie doc trines contained in tfiat book I ! I " It is pleasant to observe fiow you coil your arguraents about us, and witfi serpentine agility twist and untwist it, in tfie hope of crusfiing your ignoble prey. We fiave, according to you, too mucfi, and, at tfie sarae tirae, too little attacfiraent to tfie Confession of Faitfi. Now, we renounce it altogetfier ; anon, we substitute it in tfie place of our Bible ; and we are made by you to do tfie one or tfie otfier, as it suits your pur pose. Tfaat you faave charged us with renouncing it every reader of your parapfalet knows ; yet, witfa strange inconsis tency, you cfaarge us witfa raaking this book, wfaicfa you say we faave rejected, tfae ground and reason of our faitfa ; for you say, ' we see clearly wfaat tfaey raean by tfaeir standard-books, — not tfae Scriptures, — but tfae Confession of Faitfa, tfae Larger Catecfaisra, and tfae two Covenants.' Is tfais. Sir, or the sarcastic corapliment which precedes it, worthy a man of your years and station ? Is it so praiseworthy to attack the Seceders, tfaat absurdity and self-contra diction wUl be justified by the patriotism of the design? COS defence of the synod. or must we consider you in these opposite remarks as equally sincere or insincere ? "You add, that ' a standard tfaat may be varied at pleasure is nonsense.' Yes, Sir, it is nonsense, if by ' at pleasure,' you raean the pleasure of every private individual of a society ; but if by it you raean the pleasure of tfae society of whicb he is a member, it is sound sense. A standard is what is appoint ed by the community to regulate the conduct of individuals in those matters of wfaicfa it is tfae standard ; the private indi vidual is not at liberty to employ lighter weights or smaller measures tfaan tfae standard ; nor to believe differently from the standard-SooA. But the autfaority wfaicfa appointed the standard, faas rigfat to alter it ; and, in fact, tfae standard in coin, in weigfats, in measures, has in all countries undergone alterations : Yea, in the reformed Cfaurch of Scotland faerself, tfae standard faas been altered ; or if you say it faas not, pray tell me wfaere were faer standards before tfae year 1647, when sfae adopted tfae Westminster Confession ? Yet I will not be so unjust to faer as to say, wfaat you faave said of the Asso ciate synod; that faer Assemblies, 1647 — 8, 'as lords of tfae conscience, altered tfae fundamental articles ' of tfae Cfaurch of Scotiand."* Mr. Peddie concluded fais reply to tfae Rev. Dr. Porteous in tfae foUowing terms : — " Sir, I am but a young man com pared witfa you ; yet permit me, before I conclude, to give you one advice. If you be tfaat real friend to your king and tfae constitution which you profess, never hereafter attempt to serve them, either by going out of your own proper sphere, or by bringing cfaarges of disloyalty against tfiose wfio are, in every respect, as good citizens as yourself. You may please yourself witfi tfie idea that, in tfaus collecting and publishing tfae suspicions of your own mind, you are recommending yourself to tfaose in power, and doing essential service to your country. But in fact you do it, as well as yourself, extensive and serious injury. The more your charges obtain credit, the greater is the injury you do ; fbr if you once deprive men of tfaeir reputation, you take from tfaera one principal guard of tfaeir virtue ; and tfae resistance to teraptation is commonly weak wfaen there is no cfaaracter to be lost by compliance. And sfaould you succeed in persuading tfae world that the Burgfaer Secession are a body of seditious men, you will not only sour tfaeir tempers against a country wliich is unjust to them, but would take away alraost every worldly raotive to continue the loyal and dutfrul people whicfa they have hereto fore been. * * * I have treated you with freedom, per- * A Defence ofthe Associate Synod, &c. p. 48, &c. defence of the synod. G09 faaps witfa asperity ; but wfaen I raeet witfa a fair and faonour able adversary, I promise him very different usage. This is my apology : You have attacked the religion, tfae loyalty, tfae common sense of my brethren and myself. You have atterapt ed to ruin us, our families, and our flocks ; to deprive us of cfaaracter, of liberty, yea, of life. How could I speak smooth ly to such a man I When I saw tfae title of your pampfalet, I pronounced on its merits. I was never yet raistaken in my conclusion, tfaat when an adversary, or his sentiments, are nicknamed in the title-page, what follows it is low and con temptible stuff."* As the expression in tfae Preamble, " Compulsory measures in religion," faad been misunderstood and misinterpreted, the synod, at tfaeir miCeting in September 1800, agreed to insert in tfaeir minutes tfae foUowing statement explanatory of tfaeir views, witfa regard to tfae power of tfae civil magistrate : — " Tfaat it is tfae duty of tfae Cfaristian magistrate to be a praise to tfaem that do well, and a terror to evil-doers, such as con temptuous profaners of tfae holy name and Sabbatfa of tfae Lord, and perjured persons, as disturbers of tfae peace and good order of society." Tfaey also appointed a comraittee to write a friendly letter to the separating brethren, stating to tfaera the raiscfiievous consequences of division in tfae cfaurch of Christ, tfae unwarrantableness of tfaeir present conduct, and inviting them to a friendly conference with the members of tfaose presbyteries, where they migfat reside, to see if any ex pedient could be devised for effecting a re-union. The coramittee appointed to correspond witfa tfae separating bretfaren reported, in April 1801, tfaat tfaey faad written a letter to eacfa of these bretfaren ; but that none of tfaera faad returned an answer, witfa the exception of Messrs. Watson and Taylor. The synod agreed to proceed no farther in the business, until tfae letter sent by tfaeir committee sfaould be acknowledged by the rest of the bretfaren. In the raonth of September, 1805, the bretfaren, wfao had withdrawn from tfae synod, found that tfaefr number had in creased by ordinations and accessions to fifteen ; and tfaey re solved to constitute tfaemselves into a synod, under tfae desig nation of " Tfae Associate synod :" but tfaat they might not be confounded witfa tfae ecclesiastical judicatory from wfaich they had separated, they faave ordinarily been known by tfae distinctive appellation of *¦' The Original Burgher synod." The party who left the synod was so small, and the influence of those who composed it was so inconsiderable, that no seri ous loss was sustained by tfaeir departure. Men of unpreju- * Defence ofthe Associate Ssmod, pp. 76, 77. 2q 610 PEHTH PROCESS. diced minds were at a loss to find on what ground this separa tion had taken place. Thougfa the separatists declaimed loudly against the synod, for having abandoned their original principles as Seceders, yet there were few persons in the country so dear-sighted as to be able to discover wherein the change of principle consisted. It is now a matter of history, that when an investigation was raade into the truth of this allegation, before the faighest law tribunals of tfae country, it was declared from the Bench, after a long and patient tear ing of tfae two contending parties, that there was not the slightest foundation for such a charge being advanced. The decision, to which a reference has now been made, de serves a place in this record, botfa on account of tfae connexion wfaicfa it has with this portion of the Secession history, and also because it shows wfaat was tfae opinion entertained, by neutral persons, concerning the conduct of those brethren who renounced the communion of the synod. It was declared that thoy had left the churcfa to wfaicfa they belonged with out any assignable cause, and witkout any fault on tke part of tke syrwd. Mr. John Jervie, and his colleague Mr. Jedidiah Aikman, ministers of the Burgher Associate congregation in Perth, espoused opposite sides in tfais controversy ; and wfaen the separation above-mentioned took place, Mr. Jervie renounced his connexion with the synod, while Mr. Aikman continued firm in his adfaerence. The congregation were divided in sentiment as well as the ministers. One portion went along with Mr. Jervie, while another portion faeld tfae same views as Mr. Aikman ; but each party claimed tfie property of tfae con gregation as its own. An appeal to tfae courts of law was the consequence. A long and expensive litigation ensued. The determination of the question was regarded witfa considerable anxiety by the synods, to which the contending parties sever ally belonged ; for upon the issue of this process depended the property of other congregations, besides that of Pertfa. The grand object of tfaose who had left the synod was to show, that the synod (and of course the party adhering to it), by adopting the Preamble, had abandoned tfae original prin ciples of the Secession Church, while tfaey tfaemselves still con tinued to maintain tfaeir original ground ; and that, of course, they were entitled to the exclusive possession of tfae place of worship, seeing tfaat It was built and upheld for tfae mainte nance of these principles. It was upon this point, that the ultimate decision of the question was raade to depend. For when the process was carried by appeal before the House of Lords, this was the principle laid down by Lord ChanceUor Eldon, as the ground on which judgment ought to be pro- INTERLOCUTOR OF LORDS OF SESSION. 611 nounced; but as it had not been raade evident to their Lordships, that the synod had abandoned any of tfae princi ples hitfaerto maintained by tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, it was remitted back to tfae Court of Session, to get tfais point as certained. Upon this single point, then, botfa parties concentrated their strength before a tribunal, tfae members of wfaicfa could not be supposed to entertain tfae slightest partiality in favour of either. Every effort of learnea ingenuity and of legal argumentation was put forth by tfae pursuers (or Old Light* party) to show, tfaat tfae synod faad moved away from tfae ground whicfa tfaeir predecessors in the Secession fiad always occupied. Their failure was complete. So far from being able to establish, to tfae satisfaction of tfae Lords of Session, the truth of the allegation, wfaicfa tfaey faad so confidently advanced, their Lordships were convinced by the arguments of tfae opposite party, that no change of principle had taken place ; and tfaey gave tfaeir decision accordingly. After the usual quantity of answers, replies, and duplies, nad been given, the court pronounced the following interlocutor : — "Edinburgh, February 18, 1815 The Lords faaving re sumed consideration of tfae petition, witfa condescendence, answers, replies, duplies, and wfaole cause. Find, Tfaat tfae pursuers, James Craigdallie and Otfaers, faave failed to conde scend upon any acts done, or opinions professedj by tfae Associate synod, or by tfae defenders, Jedidiafa Aikman and Otfaers, frora wfaicfa tfie court, so far as tfiey are capable of understanding tfie subject, can infer, mucfi less find, tfiat tfie said defenders fiave deviated from tfie principles and standards of tfie Associate presbytery and synod. Further find. That the pursuers have failed in rendering intelligible to the Court on what grounds it is that tfaey aver tfaat tfaere does at this moment exist any real difference between their principles and tfaose of tfae defenders ; for tfae Lords furtfaer find. That the Act of Forbearance, as it is terraed, on which the pursuers found, as proving tfae apostacy of the defenders frora the ori ginal principles of tfae Secession, and the new Forraula, never were adopted by tfae defenders, but were eitfaer rejected or dismissed as inexpedient, and tfaat tfae Preamble to tfae For mula, wfaicfa was adopted by the Associate synod in the year 1797, is substantially and alraost verbatim tfae sarae as tfae explication, which tfie pursuers proposed in tfieir petition of 13tfi April, 1797, to be prefixed to tfie Forraula, and to which, if it would satisfy their brethren, they declared that * This phrase is used vrithout the slightest disrespect ; it is employed merely as a distinctive appellation, this being the designation by which that section of the Secession Church is ordinarily knovra. 612 ORIGINAL BURGHER SYNOD tfaey were wUling to agree : Therefore, on the whole, find it to be unnecessary now to enter into any of the inquiries or dered by the House of Lords, under the supposition that the defenders faad departed from tfae original standards and prin ciples of the Association, and that tfae pursuers must be con sidered merely as so many individuals who have tfaought proper voluntarily to separate from tfae congregation to which tfaey belonged, without any assignable cause, and without any fault on the part of the defenders, and tfaerefore, have no right to disturb tfae defenders in the possession of the place of worsfaip originally built for tfae profession of principles from wfaicfa tfae pursuers faave not shown that the defenders have deviated ; therefore sustain tfae defences and assoilzie ; and in tfae counter-action of declarator, at tfae instance of tfae defender Jedidiafa Aikman and Others, decern and declare in terms ot the libel, but find no expenses due to either party. " Signed 21st February, 1815." « C. Hope, I.P.D." The history of tfaat smaUsection of tfae Secession, wfao formed themselves into a separate synod, in the circumstances now detaUed, presents little that is interesting. Until of late, they have not occupied a prominent place in the public eye. After the keen spirit of testimony-Iiearing, with wfaicfa they were, at the commencement, strongly impregnated, cooled down into the temperate degree, tfaey pursued the tenor of their way with little noise or ostentation. Soon after they had constituted themselves into a synod, .they repubUshed the " Act, Declaration, and Testimony" of the Secession Churcfa ; and being grieved in faeart at the con duct of tfaeir former bretfaren, in retaining tfae Preamble, they were pleased to " acknowledge, declare, and assert" their ad herence to the original Testimony " in opposition to every part of this new scheme." They also publisfied, in a separate pampfalet, an Appendix to tfae Testimony, containing " A Narrative of tfae origin, progress, and consequences of late innovations in the Secession ; with a Continuation of that Testimony to the present tiraes." The "Narrative" gives an affecting description of the manifold evils resulting from the " new scheme," and places in a captivating Ught, the purity and fideUty of tfaose few bretfaren who had the honesty to leave the synod, and the courage to step forward and Ult up the fallen Testimony, when it was in danger of being completely trampled under foot. The " Continuation" of tfae Testimony consists chiefly of a series of condemnatory sentences pronounced upon almost all the sections of the Christian church in this land ; so that no person desirous to REPUBLISH THE SECESSION TESTIMONY. 613 maintain a good conscience, could safely be connected with any one of tfiem. • It may be edifying to the members of the Establisfaed Cfaurch to know the opinion tfaat was entertained of tfaem (as a cfaurch) about thirty years ago, by those wfao are now tfaeir fondest admirers, and most active auxiliaries. Tfae opinion wfaicfa tfae Original Burgfaers entertained of their brethren in the Establisfament, at the period when tfae " Continuation" was penned, was sufficiently low. In this document we find the following account given of the state of the National cfaurcfa : — " Error in doctrine, and oppression in ecclesiastical admin istration, constituted tfae leading evils wfaicfa drove tfae first Seceders from tfae bosom of the church, and drew forth tfaeir Act, Declaration, and Testimony, in tfaeir defence. Since that period, the proceedings of the ruling party in tfae Gene ral Assembly kave greatly increased tke list of grievances ; tfae friends of trutfa and of principle are faeld in derision, and tfaose wfao preach the gospel in purity, display a raost stura- bUng conforraity in co-operating with the eneraies of the cross." " Instead of learning frora experience the raany evils originat ing from the law of patronage, or taking measures to have the Uberties of the Christian people, in tfais great concern, re stored to them, the General Asserably have lent their aid in its support, and in defiance of all tfae complaints against it, and opposition to it, by reclaiming parisfaes. And even where the opposition has been most general, tke farce of moderating a call fias been uniformly acted by the presbyteries to whom such parishes belonged." * A-few years ago, an attempt was made to effect a union between the Original Burgher and Original Anti-burgher sections of the Secession. A correspondence was opened between tfae synods of these two denominations ; comraittees were appointed, and conferences took place with a view to arrange the terms of tfae union. But after some time spent in fruitless negotiation, neitfaer party were inclined to renounce tfaeir particular views on tfae original points of difference, and the idea of accompUsfaing a union was given up. Tfae Ori ginal Burghers, however, have of late years become mucfa enamoured of tfae National cfaurcfa, and have made a formal proposal to be received into its coramunion. The proposal has been favourably entertained by tfae General Asserably. A comraittee appointed by the Original Burgfaer synod, has held conferences with a committee of tfae Assembly, to discuss tfae terms of a union ; and according to tfae reports given, from time to time, by tfae convener of the Assembly's * Appendix, pp. 101, 103. 614 PROPOSED UNION BETWIXT committee, tfaese conferences have been conducted in an amicable spirit. At the last meeting of the General As sembly (May, 1838), a motion was made and agreed to,_that a comraittee be appointed to prepare an overture, authorizing a union betwixt tbe National cfaurch and the members of the Original Burgher synod. An. overture to . tfais effect has been prepared and transmitted to presbyteries for considera tion, that they raay either approve of, or reject it. So far as tfae discussions of tfaese local judicatories faave been made public, the overture has met witfa a favourable reception ; and tfaere is. every probability that it will be sanctioned by a large majority of them. Tfae Original Burgfaer synod, at tfaeir meeting in tfae month of May (1838), agreed, by a considerable majority, to delay coming to a final resolution on tfae subject of the proposed union, till their next raeeting; tfaat, during tfae interval, the presbyteries and sessions connected with their association,. raay fiave the whole documents under consideration, and may be prepared to state " faow far tfae terms finally obtained from tfae General Asserably are satisfactory." Along witfa tfais res6lution to delay, the synod embodied the following declar ation : — " It being understood, tfaat, in case tfaey sfaall decide in favour of reunion, on tfae basis of the General Assembly's, overture, tfae synod sfaall, preparatory to the union, subscrilbe, a bond, pledging itself, by the use of every constitutional lib erty secured to it, to foUow out tfae design of its testimony, and tfae cause of reformation sworn to in our national covenants." Against tfais decision of tfae synod, in favour of delay, thirteen, ministers and several elders protested, and reserved to tfaem selves full liberty to act in tfais matter as tfaey sfaall see cause, Whetfaer tfae mass of tfae people, connected witfa tfae Ori ginal Burgfaers, sfaall be equally willing, witfa tfaefr ministers, to return to tfae bosom of the National cfaurcfa, is a question wfaicfa remains to be decided. Tfaat a portion of them wUl acquiesce in the proposed union, is certain; butthat a consider able proportion of tfiem will, in spite of tfae blandishments of national endowments, continue to adfaere to tfae original Testi mony of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, is raore tfaan probable. It is difficult to perceive on wfaat grounds tfae merabers of a church, wfao have all along professed a raore than ordinary attachment to tfae Secession Testimony, can consistently connect them selves with tfae EstabUsfaraent, seeing tfaat all the evils are stiU to be found in it, against wfaicfa tfaey have hitfaerto been testi fying. Error in doctrine, tfae existence of the law of patron age, relaxation of discipUne, and oppression in ecclesiastical administration, constituted the cfaief grounds on wfaicfa the Se cession originally took place. And has any one of these ORIGINAL BURGHERS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT.-' 6 15 grounds been reraoved? That erroneous doctrine, of the pernicious description, is taught in raany of tfae pulpits of the National churcfa, is admitted botfa by cfaurcfiman and dissenter. Tfae law of patronage also still exists. Wfaen a motion was brougfat forward in tfae General Asserably, about two years ago, to declare patronage a grievance, and to adopt raeasures for the removal of it, the motion was rejected by a large majority. Tfae rigfat of the Christian people to choose their own ministers, was scouted by tfae speakers belonging to the two antagonist parties in the Asserably. Not one individual in tfae House could be found to advo cate tfae cause of popular election. On tfae contrary, it was pubUcly declared, tfaat popular election, sfaould it be granted, would prove a curse to tfae Church of Scotland. This declaration was raade, not by one of the moderate party, but by one of the cfaief speakers on wfaat is ordinarily termed tfae popular or evangelical side of the House. No one, who at tends to tfae state of ecclesiastical discipUne in tfae Establisfaed Churcfa, will affirm, tfaat it faas of late years undergone any perceptible improvement. A case of refusal of admission to the table of the Lord, or an instance of suspension or expul sion frora coraraunion, on account of the grossest immoraUty, is but of rare occurrence. Sealing ordinances are indiscrimi nately dispensed to persons of all characters, and of aU grades of opinion. The chief terra of discipleship is, that the person applying for privileges be resident witfain tfae bounds of tfae parisfi, and express his willingness to be connected, by a no minal tie, with the National cfaurcfa. How can tfae state of dis cipUne in tfae Establisfament be otfaerwise, wfaen, according to one of their own writers, there are men occupying her pulpits, " who preach Socinian, or Pelagian, or Arrainian heresies, while they subscribe a Calvinistic creed."* Again, with regard to raal-adrainistration, have we not seen several instances occur, even within the short period since the veto act was passed, of ministers being intruded into parishes, in opposition to tfae expressed wishes of a decided majority of the parishion ers?! The above statements show, that, thougfa tfaere may be a disposition manifested, in some particulars, to accommo date measures to existing circumstances, owing to tfae great excitement of tfae times, yet tfae general principles on wfaich the adrainistration of affairs is conducted in tfae supreme judicatory of tfae National cfaurcfa, continue tfae same as ever tfaey were. Tfaey are intolerant in tfaeir nature, oppressive in tfaefr opera tion, and decidedly faostUe to the rights of the Christian people. See Synod Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Burns of Paisley t The cases here specially referred to, are those of Dr^horrf, Trinity-Gask, Dron, and Eskdale-muir. 616 REMARKS ON THE PROPOSED UNION OF THE On what ground, then, ean those congregations, connected with the Original Burgher synod, join the EstabUshed Church, so as to become with them one ecclesiastical body ? They can do so consistently only on one ground, and tfaat is, by avowedly " dropping" tfae wfaole Secession "irestimony, which tfaey and tfaeir forefathers have hitherto held, and by submit ting unconditionally to the supreme authority of the dominant churcfa, identifying themselves with all its errors, corruptions, and abuses. And is it really corae to this with any section of the Secession Cfaurcfa ? Are tfaey prepared to make an uncon ditional surrender of tfaose principles, for which, as Seceders, they faave faitfaerto been contending ? Are they prepared to sanction, by a union, those evils against whicfa tfiey faave so long and so loudly been testifying ? Were it not for tfae fra ternal erabraces whicfa faave already passed between the con tracting parties, and the high eulogiums which they have been pronouncing on each otfier's exceUencies, I would fiave considered an affirraative answer to tfiesfe questions as alto getfier beyond the range of probability. But tfaen it is affirraed, tfaat tfae Original Burgher synod have " agreed to subscribe a bond" preparatory to the union, pledging itself " to follow out (after the union has taken place) the design of its testimony, and the cause of reformation sworn to in our national covenants." It will certainly be a singular way of " following ont the design of tfaeir testiraony," and of proraoting tfae cause of reformation, to join tfae communion of a churcfa, wfaere, it is admitted, errors and corruptions abound, and where the obligations of the national covenants have about as much weigfi^t as tfie Koran itself. Subscribe a bond to follow out tfie design of tfieir testimony in tfie bosom of tfie national cfiurcfi ! No idea can be raore Quixotic than this. What will those men, who subscribe a Calvinistic creed, while they preach Socinian, Pelagian, or Arminian faere sies — wfaat will tfaose men, who have denounced popular elec tion as a curse, and wfao faave publicly declared that patron age " is a part of the EstabUsfaraent under wfaicfa the people have enjoyed so many blessings," * — what will sucfa men as these care for the testifying of tfaeir new auxiliaries ? They will laugh it to scorn. But, even admitting that they will be permitted to follow out the design of tfaeir testiraony, witfaout being subjected to censure or ridicule, will it be prudent or safe in them to expose themselves and their people to tfae contaraination of Socinian, Pelagian, or Arminian faeresies, by joining tfae fellowship ofa • See Lor«l Moncrieff's speech on the patronage question, in the Assem bly of 1836. ORIGINAL BURGHERS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT. 617 cfaurch, where such errors are tolerated ? How can such con duct be reconciled with tfae apostolic injunction, " Be ye not unequally yoked togetfaer with unbelievers ; for wfaat fellow sfaip faatfa rigfateousness witfa unrigfateousness ? and wfaat cora munion faath ligfat witfa darkness?" "Wfaerefore, corae ye out frora araong tfaem, and be ye separate, saitfa tfae Lord." Besides, will tfaey not, by accorapUsfaing sucfa a union, corae under tfae following sentence of conderanation, wfaicfa tfaey faave pronounced in tfaeir Testiraony against tfae evangelical ministers of tfae national cfaurcfa, wfaen tfaey affirm, tfaat " tfaose wfao preacfa tfae gospel in purity, display a stumbling confor mity, in co-operating witfa tfae eneraies of tfae cross." * In " following out the design of tfaeir testiraony," after they have entered tfie Establisfiraent, it will be necessary eitfier to expunge or to alter tfiis part of tfieir testimony-bearing ; for should the sentence now quoted be permitted to stand in tfae new edition of tfae Testimony, tfae same as it is in tfae old, it wUl be constantly staring thera in tfae face, and giving pain to tfaeir consciences, by recalling to tfaeir reraembrance tfae language of tfae propfiet Natfaan, " Tkou art tke man." Wfaetfaer tfae brief faistory of tfae Original Burgfaer synod shall terminate in tfae manner now contemplated, a sfaort time will determine. I sfaall- only add, in concluding tfais chapter, that should tfaefr faistory, as a distinct reUgious society, ter minate in tfae manner proposed, it will indicate, on their part, a change of sentiraent mucfa greater than that of whicfa they accused tfae Associate synod, wfaen tfaey withdrew from their communion ; and, frora tfae revolution wfaicfa tfaey are about to undergo, in passing frora a state of Secession into a state of "sturabUng conforraity" with tfaose against wfaom tfaey faave, from tfaeir earUest existence, " displayed tfae banner of a testimony," tfaey may learn to exercise, for tfae future, a greater degree of cfaarity in judging of tfae raotives and actions of otfaers, seeing tfaat tfie step wfaicfa tfaey are about to take, will render a large demand on tfae cfaarity of tfaeir feUow-men necessary, in judging of tfae purity of tfaeir raotives. f * Continuation of the Testimony, p. 101. ^ Since the publication of the first edition of this work, the union referred to, in the above chapter, has taken place. The Original Burgher synod has become extinct. By far the greater part of the brethren connected with that synod have joined the Establishment. There is a small minority who have not yet taken this step. Whether they will be induced to follow their brethren, who have entered within the pale of the national church, or connect themselves with some other religious denominations, or continue to exist as a " remnant " testifying against the defections of their former associates, as well as against the corruptions of othet parties, remains yet to be decided. CHAPTER XVIII. Mr. Mason of New York visits Scotland — Application made by him to Synod for preachers — Application favourably received — Several ministers accom- pany him to America — Articles of correspondence betwixt American Re formed Synod and Associate Synod — Alarm excited by invasion — Address to the King — Synod publish an address to their people — Petition to the Synod from managers of Royal Infirmary for aid — Liberal collections made — Letter of thanks from managers — Movement in favour of British and Foreign Bible Society — Scanty supply of students of divinity — Committee appointed on the subject — Overture concerning students — Reproof admin istered to students — Letter from Reformed Synod in America — Answer by the Synod — Petition from Halifax in Nova Scotia — Mr. Robson sent to Nova Scotia — Enlargement of Psalmody — Renewal of East India charter — — Petition to Parliament about Missionaries — Termination of the war — Address to the Prince Regent — Day of thanksgiving — Overture about education — Overture rejected — Letter from moderator of Original Burgher Synod — Associate Synod's answer — Four ministers sent to Nova Scotia and Canada — Union of presbyterians in Nova Scotia — Union of Seceders in Ireland — Gaelic missions — Memorial presented to Synod on the subject — Committee appointed — Report on religious state of the Highlands — Sanc tioned by Synod — Gaelic preachers trained up — Opposition made to Seces sion Missions in Highlands — Religious destitution ih Highlands — Unjust complaint against dissenters — Death of Professor Lawson — His character — Rev. Dr. Dick elected Professor — Missions of Irish Secession Synod. In tfae summer of 1801, Mr. Jofan Mason, minister at New York, and a meraber of the Associate Reformed synod of Araerica, paid a visit to Scotland. One of the objects of his visit was to obtain a supply of preacfaers for the churches in America. He was welcoraed by the Associate synod as a brother. Tfaey invited faim to take a seat araongst them, as a corresponding raeraber ; and faaving received from him a statement of the principles and order of the Reformed synod, they agreed to recognise tfaat society as a sister- church. They also pledged tfaemselves to assist faim, to the utmost of their power, in procuring the necessary supply of labourers for the transatlantic cfaurcfaes ; and tfaey appointed a comraittee to co-operate with faira in accomplishing the object of his visit. Wfaen tfae synod called for the report of this coramittee, it was stated tfaat tfae following persons had offered tfaefr services as transatlantic missionaries : — Messrs. James Scrirageour and Robert Forrest, rainisters ; Mr. James Paterson, preacfaer ; and Mr. Robert Bisfaop, student ; and tfae following list was, at tfae sarae time, presented, of minis ters, probationers, and students, to wfaom a recommendation was given to take into consideration the call given in provi- MR. MASON OF NEW YORK VISITS SCOTLAND 619 deuce, to go and promote the interests of tfae Redeemer' kingdom, by preaching the gospel in Araerica, viz Messrs. Hugh Jamieson, Hector Cameron, George Carapbell, Alex ander Harper, John Leitcfa, David Inglis, Jofin Cowper, William Taylor, Jofin Rae, Jofin Jamieson, Jaraes Dick, Jaraes Tfiorburn, Robert Easton, and James Harrower, min isters; Messrs. Robert Blackadder, James Laurie, Jofin Burns, William Gibson, George Young, George Wigton, Divid Paterson, Andrew Marshall, James Robson, and David Blackadder, probationers; and Messrs. Robert Moffat, Robert Hunter, James Paterson, junior, John Craig, Walter Dunlop, and Adara Thorason, students of divinity. In order to in duce ministers and preacfaers to undertake tfais mission, it was declared, tfaat sfaould any of tfaera be desirous of returning to their native country, after labouring for a few years in America, tfae synod would receive tfaera witfa brotherly affection, and would assist in defraying the expenses of their journey faome- ward. As several of these persons were in Edinburgh at the time tfae synod was faolding its meeting, tfae coramittee conversed with tfaem individually on tfae subject ; and notice was sent to tfaose who were not present, of their being nominated to this honourable work, with a request that they would take tfae matter into consideration, and return a definite answer to tfae committee, before the next meeting of synod. The result of this raoveraent was, tfaat wfaen Mr. Mason sailed for America, in tfae beginning of September, 1802, fae was accompanied by Messrs. James Scrirageour, Robert Forrest, Robert Eas ton, Alexander Calderhead, Robert Bisfaop, and James Laurie.* In tfae following year, Mr. John Burns, after receiving ordina tion in this country, sailed for the sarae destination.! Mr. James Paterson, probationer, who had offered his services, was prevented from fulfilling his benevolent intention, by fall ing into consumption, whicfa brougfat faira to an untimely grave. He was a young raan of good talents, of an araiable disposition, and of high proraise. Had it pleased God to spare faira, fae would faave occupied an faonourable place araong tfie labourers in tfie American cfiurcfies. Tfie synod, fiaving agreed to recognise tfie Associate Re- * Mr. Scrimgeour had for some time laboured in the ministerial work at North Berwick j Mr. Forrest, at Saltcoats ; Mr. Easton, at Morpeth ; and Mr. Calderhead, at Horndean. t In a letter which the synod received, some time after this, from America, it was mentioned, that Mr. Scrimgeour was settled in the town of Newburgh,. seventy miles above New York ; Mr. Forrest in New York ; Mr. Easton in Montreal ; Mr. Calderhead in the Presburgh of Monongahela ; Mr. Bishop at Lexington, in the State of Kentucky ; Mr. Laurie in Washington, the seat of government ; and Mi-. Burns at Niagara. 620 ARTICLES OF CORRESPONDENCE. formed synod of America as a sister-church, resolved, as a means of promoting Christian affection between tfae two cfaurcfaes, to raaintain a regular correspondence witfa their brethren in Araerica. Tfae following articles of union and correspondence were adopted by tfaem, and transmitted to the Araerican synod : — 1 . Tfaat tfaere shall be a regular transraission of tfae minutes of tfae several raeetings of tfae two synods to one another. 2. Tfaat tfae transraission sfaall once a-year be accompanied witfa a judicial letter, containing sucfa information respecting tfae state of religion in the congregations under their inspec tion as may be practicable and useful. 3. That tfae same faith shall be given mutually to testi monials from either of the corresponding churches to the other, that is usuaUy given by tfae different parts of the same church to one anotfaer. 4. Tfaat the members of eitfaer synod, wfao sfaall occasionally be present at any of the meetings of said synod, or of the presbyteries in subordination to tfaem, shall, on proper evidence of tfaeir cfaaracter, be invited to act along witfi tfiera, as cor responding members. 5. That tfae Associate synod shall, from time to tirae, according to their ability, and as tfae circurastances of tfae Reformed Cfaurch may require, do every tfaing tfaat is compe tent to tfaem, to furnisfa tfaem witfa a supply of rainisters and probationers, to preach the gospel under tfaeir inspection. Sorae tirae after tfais, a communication was received from tfae Reformed synod of America, declaring tfae happiness whicfa they felt in being recognised by their Scottish brethren as a sister-church ; stating also their formal recognition of the synod in this relation, and expressing tfaeir gratitude for the supply of ministers and preacfaers which had been sent, and their entire acquiescence in tfae articles of correspondence wfaich had been proposed. In the course of this narrative, ample proof faas already been afforded of tfae spirit of loyalty which has animated the Secession, at tfae different epocfas of its faistory. Wfaile it has uniforraly thrown its influence into tfae scale of rational and enligfatened freedom, and vindicated tfae rights of conscience, it has ever been among the most forward in raanifesting its at tacfament to the throne, and in declaring its resolution to sup port the civil institutions of the country. The cfaarge of disaffection to government, wfaicfa faas been repeatedly preferred against its members (in common with other dissenting societies), by interested and designing individuals, is one wfaich has been belied by the whole course of its history. The conduct of tfae Associate synod, at tfae close of tfae last ADDRESS TO THE KING. 621 century, and at tfae beginning of tfae present, when this country was sfaaken witfa internal coraraotion, and tfareatened witfa foreign invasion, furnisfaes additional evidence in support of tfae stateraentS tfaat faave now been raade. A motion was brougfat forward in tfae synod, on tfae 26 th of April, 1798, to present an address to his Majesty, " on tfae present critical state of tfae nation, as tfareatened witfa invasion by tfae power of France." Tfais raotion was carried alraost unanimously, only two rainisters and three elders voting against it ; and the ground on whicfa tfaese persons opposed the raotion, was, that they considered it incompetent for tfae synod, as an ecclesiastical court, to adopt sucfa a raeasure ; wfaile, at tfae sarae time, tfaey declared tfaeir loyalty to the King, and tfaeir attacfament to tfae civil constitution of tfaeir country. Mr. Jaraes Black, one of tfae opponents of tfae motion, craved to faave fais opinion recorded ; and tfae follow ing declaration, raade by faira, will sfaow wfaat were tfae sen timents wfaicfa fae, and tfaose wfao acted along witfa faira, entertained on this subject : — " I faereby declare. That, wfaile I, as a subject, wisfa to maintain all loyal affection to our King, and to seek tfae safety and prosperity of our native land, yet I find myself called upon, in tfais manner, to testify my disapprobation of tfais synod's entering into any discussion respecting an address to our King, in tfieir religious capacity ; because I view it con trary to tfae spiritual nature of Cfarist. And I hereby also declare, that tfiis disapprobation is, in no respect, to be under stood as interfering. witfi wfiat tfie merabers of tfiis synod ougfit to do in tfieir civil capacity. " James Black." The address wfaich the synod presented on this occasion, breathed tfae very essence of loyalty. I raucfa question if a warraer effusion ever proceeded frora the General Assembly itself, even in those halcyon days wfaen the golden Unks which bind the altar to the throne, were much raore firraly rivetted tfaan tfaey are at present. Tfaose persons wfao have hitfaerto been accustoraed to regard all dissenting coraraunities as faot- beds of sedition, and nurseries of revolutionists, will be both astonished and gratified to find sucfa an address as tfae follow ing proceeding from a society of faumble dissenters ; and, after perusing it, they wUl cordially acquiesce in the opinion, tfaat neitfaer tfae sentiments wfaicfa it contains, nor tfae language in whicfa tfaese sentiraents are expressed, would have done dis credit to the Episcopal Bencfa. It is here inserted for the purpose of sfaowing, tfiat, notwithstanding the strong incentives to ^loyalty, wfaicfa the ministers of established churches are sup- 622 address to the king. posed to have, a spirit of loyal attachment to the throne has by no means been raonopolized by tfaem in times past. " To the King's raost excellent Majesty, the humble ad dress of the ministers and elders, in their synod assembled, of that body of dissenters from tfie Church of Scotlcad, com monly caUed Burgher Seceders. May it please your Ma jesty, " We, your Majesty's very loyal and dutiful subjects, the members of tfae Associate synod of presbyterian dissenters, deeply sensible of the blessings of a constitution wfaicfa secures to all tfaefr civil and religious rigfats, and of tfae virtues of a sovereign, who, for so raany years, has been an example to fais people, can no longer contemplate in silence tfaose awful dis pensations of providence, under whicfa so many governments have been shaken and overturned, and a great military power raised in tfae centre of Europe, wfaicfa, after menacing conquest and revolution to all around it, now seems to dfrect its con centrated animosity and violence against these realms, tfareat ening witfa final ruin all tfaat faas been there accumulated by tfae efforts of ages, for tfae corafort and well-being of raan ; and, at tfae same time, labouring insidiously to unnerve their inhabitants, by disseminating and promoting dissatisfaction with your Majesty, aversion to the constitution, and hostility to the faith of tfae gospel. " At sucfa an eventful period, we beg leave to lay at the foot of your Majesty's tfarone, our faumble assurances that we will unite in tfae general effort which the nation must now make for preserving its existence ; and tfaat we will, in the congregations under our pastoral cfaarge, zealously use that influence wfaicfa, under tfae mild and equal laws of our country, we enjoy, to arouse thera to a sense of their present dangei and duty, and recall to tfaeir remembrance tfae examples of attachment to tfae illustrious House of Hanover, wfaicfi tfieir fatfiers in tfie Secession fiave sfiown in former critical emer gencies ; and, wfiile we call upon tfiem to look to tfiat God, wfio fiolds in fiis fiand tfie destiny of nations, and to trust in his gracious and superintending providence, we will urge them to act like raen who faave to contend for all that is dear to them, and to preserve frora forraidable and inveterate foes, themselves, their families, tfaeir possessions, and tfaose invalu able institutions whicfa, according to tfaeir respective natures, have proved tfae sources of civil liberty here, and we trust, the means ot eternal salvation faereafter. " We humbly beseecfa your Majesty to accept tfaese assur ances of our constant and inviolable fidelity, of our abhorrence of every traitorous conspiracy, as contrary to the Holy Scrip tures, and our avowed principles ; and of our sincere and fixed ALARM EXCITED BY INVASION. 623 resolution to exfaort all witfain the sphere of our influence, to persevere in their duty and allegiance. " Sire, we will not cease to pray, that tfae God and Fatfaer of our Lord Jesus Christ, tfae Fatfaer of glory, raay encorapass your Majesty, as witfa a sfaield ; tfaat fae raay abundantly bless your Majesty's royal Consort, tfae Prince and Princess of Wales, and all tfae royal family ; tfaat fae may sanctify to all your subjects tfae present alarming dispensations of faeaven ; and tfaat fae raay crown witfa success tfae exertions of your Majesty's navy and array, for securing us from invasion, and tfaus laying a foundation for your Majesty's negociating an honourable peace. " Signed in our narae, and in our presence, and by our appointment, at Edinburgh, the 27th day of April, 1798. " John Jamieson, Moderator." At the comraenceraent of 1803, a considerable sensation was excited throughout tfae country, in consequence of tfae discov ery of a plot, in wfaicfa Colonel Despard and otfaer individuals were engaged, to assassinate tfae king, and overturn tfae gov ernment. Both houses of parliament, and other public bodies throughout the empfre, presented addresses to tfie king, con gratulating fiim on fiis escape. At tfieir first meeting, after tfie discovery of tfiis plot, tfie synod united witfi tfieir country men, in expressing tfieir attachment to fiis Majesty's person and government, by presenting to fiim a loyal address. This same year, the country was tfarown into a state of great alarm, in consequence of Bonaparte having renewed his threats of invasion, which faad been suspended by tfae sfaort peace of Amiens. Forraidable arraaments were asserabled on tfae shores opposite Great Britain, and nothing seeraed to be wanting but a favourable opportunity for carrying tfae intended descent into execution. The danger was considered to be im minent ; and, at such a crisis, the energetic co-operation of all classes was imperiously required to repel tfae eneray, sfaould fae actually venture upon sucfa a faazardous undertaking. Every exertion was made by tfaose who possessed influence, to rouse the patriotism of tfae country, and to prepare tfae infaab itants for courageously encountering tfae impending evil. Tfae members of the Associate synod sfaowed tfae interest which they took in tfae welfare of tfieir country, and tfieir anxiety to defend and maintain its institutions, by adopting sucfi measures as were competent to tfiem, as an ecclesiastical court, in order to stir up tfie people under tfieir cfiarge to co-operate with tfaeir fellow-citizens in repelling any aggression tfaat migfat be made by a foreign foe. "Tfaey appointed a day of faumiliation to be observed in all their congregations, " on aocount of the threat- 624 SYNOD PUBLISH AN ADDRESS ening aspect of providence toward our country, in the prepa rations making by our enemies for invading us." Tfaey also appointed a comraittee to prepare a short pastoral ddress to tfie people, on tfie subject ofthe tfareatened invasion, represent ing to tfaem tfaeir duty in the present emergency. The fol lowing is the spirited address which the committee prepared. After being approved of by the synod, several hundred copies of it were printed and circulated among their congregations:— r- " Dearly Beloved Brethren, " In tfae course of divine pro^ddence, tfaese kingdoms are again involved in tfae calamities of war, and are contending for tfaeir existence against an ambitious and overgrown power, wfaicfa faas subdued or hurabled tfae otfaer nations of Europe. We deera it fit, in the exercise of our pastoral care, to call on you to consider seriously tfae iraportant duties wfaich you are required, by this awful dispensation, to perform. Under this impression, we faave resolved to embrace an early opportunity of assembling with our several congregations, to humble our selves before God, to supplicate fais mercy, to deprecate impending judgraents, and to beseech faim tfaat fae would speedily turn war into peace to tfae ends of the earth. " Bretfaren! our enemy, while fae is practised inall tfae arts of cruelty and deceit, is daring in enterprise, brave and skil ful in war ; and the iron despotism of fais government favours faim in tfae secrecy of fais designs, and tfae suddenness of their execution. Envious of our prosperity, and regarding us with maUgnant jealousy, as the cfaief obstacle to fais scfaeme of aggrandiseraent and dorainion, fae coraes to overtfarow our con stitution, and destroy our commerce, to plunder our wealth, and to reduce us to a state of abject dependence on his impe rious will. In the ruin of our civil privileges, our religion, whicfa is dearer to us tfaan tfaem all, would be involved; for tfaat raan, by turns an infidel, a Mofaammedan, and a Roman Catfaolic, faas avowed, in the face of the sun, fais contempt of all religion, and wisfaes to establisfa an uncontrolled jurisdic tion over tfae consciences, as well as tfae bodies of men. " To provide for those of fais own faousefaold, and by conse quence to defend tfaem, is a duty wfaicfa our religion en joins upon every man wfao possesses it. A nation is a society of famiUes, united for mutual security and comfort. It is,' therefore, not less incumbent upon us' as Christians, than as raen, to join together for tfae defence of our country, and of tfaose raanifold privileges, civil and religious, wfaicfa a free constitution faas transraitted, through past generations, in a degree of unrivalled excellence. " The country, whicfa is now in danger, is endeared to us i to THEIR PEOPLE. C25 as the land of our nativity, and the depository of the a^es of our fathers and our kindred. It is hallowed by the ordinances of our God, and is become venerable in our eyes, as the place in whicfa we faave received spiritual blessings, the earnest and the foretaste of the faappiness of faeaven. Bretfaren ! could ou endure to befaold sucfa a country invaded and laid deso- ate by the insulting foe, while you possess the means of repel ling tfie aggression ? As dissenters, you enjoy tfae raost valu able privileges, under tfae mild and equitable law of tolera tion ; and are you not ready to testify your gratitude, by con tributing to the defence of tfiat excellent government by wfiich tfiey are secured ? It is known to many of you, that your fathers in the Secession cfaurcfa distinguisfaed tfaem selves in a former national struggle, by their loyalty and their courage ; and we trust tfaat you will convince the world tfaat you are worthy to inherit their name, and to occupy tfaefr post of honour. " We exfaort and beseech you to stand £ast in the evil day ; to quit, yourselves like men, and to be strong. Expect not tfaat, in answer to your prayers for protection and deliver ance, miracles will be wrougfat. It is your duty, in hurable dependence upon the Almighty, to employ the human means of defence with wfaich you are provided, and to look for his blessing on your vigorous exertions ; and never were men called upon to think more seriously on the deep stake which depends on the issue of tfae contest. We must shield from destruction that venerable fabric wfiich our fathers formed by tfaeir wisdom, and cemented with tfaeir blood. We raust even struggle for our existence, as a nation, and as individuals, against a foe whose progress has been hitfaerto marked witfi murder and desolation. Interest, patriotism, religion, com mand us to resist, even unto blood, in this mighty conflict. " Are you i^esolved to obey tfais command ? Let tfae fear of God, and confidence in fais protection, give solemnity to tfais resolution. Life is not to be exposed or assaulted with light or frivolous feeUng. In every age, tfae raost devout men have been tfae bravest soldiers ; and still ' tfae people tfaat know their God, will be strong, and do exploits.' Tfae faitfa of tfae gospel, and tfae hope of imraortality, will inspire you with invincible courage, and prepare you fbr the worst. Then, ' if you Uve, you wiU Uve unto tfae Lord ; if you die, you will die unto the Lord ; and whetfier living or dying, you wUl be tfie Lord's !' " Knally, brethren, let us trust in the Lord our God, and continue instant in prayer. His perfections and fais promises assure us of wfaat he is able and willing to do for those who rely on his mercy and his power ; and the frequent interposi- 2 R 626 PETITION FROM ROYAL INFIRMARY FOR AID. tions of his providence, in behalf of our country, encourage us to hope that he wiU yet stretch out his arm for our salva tion. ' Our fatfaers trusted in God ; tfaey trusted, and he did deliver tfaem. They cried unto hira, and were deUvered; they trusted in faira, and were not confounded.' Let tfaeir cfaildren say, ' God is our refuge and our strengtfa, a very present help in trouble. Tfaerefore, will not we fear, tfaough the earth fie reraoved, and thougfa the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea ; though the waters tfaereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with tfae swelUng thereof. There is a river, the streams wfaereof sfaall raade glad tfae city of God, tfae faoly place of tfae tabernacles of tfae Most Higfa. God is in tfae midst of faer, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early.' " Sucfa were tfae sentiments that animated the members of tfae Associate synod at this crisis. A letter having been re ceived by tfaera, during tfae course of tfais year, from tfae As sociate Reformed synod of America, tfae answer wfaich was returned, contained the following reference to the state of matters at faome : — "Some of our congregations are consider ably affected by tfae stagnation of trade and manufactures, and otfaer evils wfaicfa have followed the renewal of hostilities with France. But it is no small consolation, that we are perfectly joined togetfaer in one mind, witfa respect to the necessity of supporting the government of our country in this alarming crisis, and of employing the raeans of defence with whicfa providence hatfa furnished us. We are confident that you will cordially unite witfa us, in praying tfaat ' peace may dwell in our land. If an invasion sfaaU be attempted, we trust tfaat tfae loyalty and patriotism of our people wiU not be less exeraplary tfian on a forraer occasion, nearly sixty years ago, wfaen, after tfae most strict scrutiny, it was found, to tfae faonour of our church, that not one Seceder faad joined tfae standard of rebelUon.* We wiU not be negligent to stir up tfae people coraraitted to our charge, by putting them in remembrance of these tfaings, tfaougfa tfiey know them, and be estabUshed in the present truth ; and accordingly, we have appointed an early day to be set apart for solemn fasting and bumiUation, in all our congregations, and fiave prepared a pastoral address, wfiicfi is to be read from all our pulpits." . A petition was presented to tfie synod, in September, 1804, from the managers of tfae Royal Infirmary, in Edinburgh, craving tfaat a collection migfat be made by the congregations under their inspection, for the benefit of tfaat institution. This * See remarks made on the conduct of Seceders during the Rebei.ion of 1745, p. 207. I LETTER OF THANKS FROM MANAGERS. 627 petition raet with a most favourable reception. The synod agreed to record the higfa sense wfaicfa tfaey entertained of " tfae uncoraraon excellence and utility of tfaat institution, not only as a means of cure and relief to many tfaousands of diseased, sick, and poor people, wfao resort to it from all parts of tfae kingdom, but as a practical school of surgery and medicine, happily attacfaed to a tfaeoretical one, from wfaicfa not only tfae infiabitants of tfae united kingdoms of Britain and Irelana, but of Europe and tfae world, derive incalculable benefit." They further entered " unaniraously, and witfa tfae utmost cheerfulness, into the object of the petition, embracing with mucfa pleasure tke opportunity which it presented, of doing wfiatever migfit be in tfieir power to serve, by tfiis means, tfie cause of fiuraanity." Tfiey raost earnestly recoraraended to all the sessions and congregations under tfieir inspection, to make, as soon as possible, a public collection, or (wfiere it migfit be judged raore expedient), a private contribution for tfie Royal Infirmary. Tfiey ordered the petition whicfa faad been presented by tfae raanagers of that institution, and tfaeir own decision concerning it, to be printed and sent to every session in the Association, " that all raigfat be duly inforraed of the nature and importance of the purpose for whicfa they were required to contribute, and raigfit be prepared to give liberally, as became raen and Cfiristians, for tfie reUef of their suffering fellow-creatures." A copy of tfae synod's decision was sent to tfae managers of tfae Infirmary, and a coramittee was appointed to carry it into effect. Tfie Rev. Dr. David son addressed to tfie coraraittee tfie foUowing letter, in reply to the coramunication wfaich had been sent: — " Gentlemen, Heriot Row, 22d October, 1801. "A copy ofthe minute of your synod, sent me by Mr. Lothian, containing their answer to the petition from the managers of the Royal Infirmary of Ed inburgh, requesting their appointment of a collection for the benefit of the In firmary, in all the congregations of your connexion, I had the honour of laying before the managers a.t last meeting. " We could not fail to be gratified with the just sentiments which the synod entertained, respecting the extensive utility ofthe Hospital, with their very favourable answer to the petition, and with the handsome manner in which it is expressed. The minute of synod was ordered to be inserted in our own minutes : and I was requested, in the narae of the managers, to convey to the synod, at their next meeting, through your means, our perfect approbation of the measures they have adopted, and our unanimous thanks for an enactment tending so essentially to promote the cause of humanity. " It is with pleasure I have thus fulfilled the desire of my brethren in the management of the Infirmary ; and I am, very respectfully. Gentlemen, your obedient humble servant, "Thomas Davidson." The result of this appeal to the congregations of the Se cession, in behalf of the Edinburgfa Infirmary, was faighly 6'^8 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. creditable to tfae liberaUty and public spirit of tfais section of tfae Secession churcfa. In tfae course of twelve raonths, the sura of £834 Is. Id. was paid into the funds of that benevolent institution. A representation was, at tfae same tirae, raade in favour of tfae Britisfa and Foreign Bible Society, wfaicfa faad newly sprung into existence. Tfae synod expressed tfaeir " faearty approbation" of the object of tfiis society, and their desire to co-operate in proraoting it. But as tfaey faad so lately given a recoraraendation to tfie congregations under tfieir inspection, to make collections for tfie Royal Infirmary, and as tfie rccom raendation fiad been compUed witfi in sucfi a liberal raanner, they did not consider it expedient to appoint another coUection to be raade at present. They testified, faowever, tfae interest whicfa they felt in the success of the Bible Society, by appoint ing a committee to take tfae subject into consideration, and to report concerning tfae method by whicfa they raigfit most effectually promote tfae glorious object wJiicfa the society had in view. This business was resumed in the following year. It was found tfaat several of tfae congregations had already collected for the funds of tfae British and Foreign Bible Society. Tfae synod expressed their approbation of the con duct of these congregations ; and tfaey gave a recoraraendation to all tfae congregations, wfao had not yet raade collections for this object, to do so with all convenient speed. Soon after this, associations were formed over tfae whole country, to aid the British and Foreign Bible Society in tfaeir benevolent exertions ; and by no denominations of Christians were these associations raore generally or raore liberally supported, than by the ministers and people connected witfa tfae Secession. At this period, the probationers belonging to tfae Associate synod were few in number, compared with the vacant congre gations where their services were required ; and the synod felt themselves greatly fettered in their operations on this account. They appointed, in April 1 8 05, a coramittee to consider by what means a more abundant supply of preacfaers raigfat be obtained. This coramittee reported, that students, who had been engaged in tfae study of divinity for four years, sfaould be taken on trials for licence ; and, that in order to encourage young men to come forward and serve God in the gospel of his Son, a more liberal provision ought to be made for the support of ministers. Tfae synod acquiesced in this report so far, that they autfaorized tfie several presbyteries to licence, for that year, those students wfao had attended the Divinity Hall for four sessions ; and they ordered an address to be prepared and circulated among the congregations, pointing out the necessity of a more ample provision being made for those who minis- OVERTURE CONCERNING .STUDENTS. 629 tered at tfae altar, to encourage young men to devote tfaem selves to tfae work of tfae ministry. Some of the students, wfao were under tfae inspection of tfae synod, besides attending the prelections of tfaeir own Tfaeolo gical Professor, enrolled tfaeraselves also, as students, in tfae Divinity Halls of tfae Established Churcfa ; and wfaen tfae season arrived for their being licensed to preach the gospel, instead of giving tfae Secession Cfaurcfa tfie benefit of tfieir services, tfiey tfiougfit proper to abandon fier coramunion, and to become preacfiers in tfae national cfiurcfi. Witfi the view of putting a stop to this practice, an overture was introduced, April 1806, in wfaich tfae synod was required to take into consideration " tfae expediency of profaibiting students of divinity in our cfaurcfa from entering as students in tfae Divinity HaU of any otfaer churcfa." It was proposed by tfae framers of tfais overture, tfaat any student, wfao sfaould be fuUty of sucfa conduct, should be considered as renouncing is connexion witfa tfae synod. Tfae discussion of tfais subject was delayed till a future raeeting. Wfaen tfae synod after wards resuraed tfae consideration of it, tfaere was a diversity of opinion among the members, about the propriety of adopting tfae overture, and it was allowed to lie on tfae table without any decision being given concerning it. The students, wfao were attending tfae Divinity Hall, under tfae inspection of Professor Lawson, at Selkirk, became alarm ed for their privileges. They drew up, and forwarded to the synod a spirited and well-written representation, on the subject of the above overture. In this representation, tfae students avowed tfaeir deterraination " to enrol as forraeriy wfaatever might be the consequences." Tfais determination the synod justly pronounced to be undutiful and inconsistent witfa tfae professed subjection of the students to the supreme court. They testified tfaeir " strong disapprobation" of tfae conduct of the^ students, in sending sucfa a coraraunication. Tfaey admonisfaed tfaera to be cautious faow tfaey interfered in any business tfaat raigfat corae before the supreme court ; and they ordered their clerk to write a letter to Professor Lawson, con taining thefr sentiments on this subject, tfaat fae might communicate tfaem to the students, and accorapany them with such exhortations as he sfaould judge proper. AU tfais was done, and matters went on as formerly. During the course of these transactions, the synod were much gratified with a coraraunication whicfa tfaey received from their brethren of the Associate Reformed Churcfa in America, giving an account of tfaeir prosperity, and stating tfae pecuUar difficulty wfaicfa they had, in tfieir infant state, of procuring an adequate supply of preacfaers to answer the numerous de- 630 ANSWER BY SYNOD TO LETTER raands tfaat were raade for serraon from every quarter of tfae Union. In tfais coraraunication, tfae American brethren say, " We faave reason, amidst all our unworthiness and infirmity, to be deeply thankful. Our divine Head has not deserted us, nor left fairaself witfaout fais witnesses amongst us. Witfa one moutfa and faarraonious effort, our rainisters profess and raaintain tfae faitfa and order once deUvered- to tfae saints. Not one of our pulpits is contarainated with erroneous doctrine; not one of our congregations faas deserted tfae banner of pres byterial cfaurcfa government. Extensive as is tfae territory over wfaich we are scattered, reaching frora Montreal to Georgia, and from tfae Atlantic to beyond tfae Ofaio, we faave faitfaerto been enabled to act upon tfae great principle of cfaurcfa unity, and are now enjoying tfae mercy of profound peace in our religious borders. Our cfaief embarrassment arises frora a deficiency of labourers in so large a vineyard. Tfae cry for tfae bread wfaicfa carae down from faeaven waxes louder and louder ; and tfae raeans of supply are but scanty. We have been much faelped by tfae brethren whom you sent to our assistance. Tfae iraportant object, to wfaicfa our faopes and exertions faave been for several years dfrected, our Theo logical Seminary, is througfa tfae tender mercy of our God at length accoraplished. It coraraenced last November (1805)^ at the city of New York, with eight students. The prospect of increase and of utility is beyond wfaat even our fondest faopes faad ventured to anticipate. Obstacle after obstacle faas been removed ; our hearts are encouraged, our faands are made strong ; and we proceed in the humble confidence that this plant, whicfa the Lord's own right faand faatfa planted, wiU be watered witfa the dews of his blessing, till it grow up into a tree of life, and spread faealing influences over our vast continent." Tfae letter, wfaich the synod in Scotland sent in reply to tfais coraraunication, breatfaed a truly affectionate and apostoUc spirit. Tfae following are extracts from it : — " Tfae con nection, bretfaren, and reciprocal coramunication so faappily established between the Associate Reformed Churcfa in Nortfi America, and the Associate Church in Britain, is in our opinion an event of the raost auspicious and pleasing kind.. In tfiis event raany wise and good people on botfi sides of the Atlantic greatly rejoice already ; and raany more, we trust, botfa in tfae present age, and in all succeeding generations, will feel in it a spring of joy and praise, of gratitude and thanks giving. Our holy religion is a fruit of tfae love of God ; it is a system of love; it draws raen to God and to one an otfaer witfa tfae cords of love ; its great object, its ultiraate re sult, is to unite corapletely, faappily, and eternaUy in love tfae wfaole cfaurcfa of tfae living God, collected from all tfae coun- FROM REFORMED SYNOD OF AMERICA. 631 tries of the world, and all tfae generations of mankind. Wfaat wise and good man but would rejoice greatly in a connection wfaicfa points towards an object so faigfaly subUme, and wfaich leads to a result so pre-erainently glorious ? " The good news whicfa you send us from your distant land tend greatly to strengtfaen our faands and encourage our faearts in tfie good work of our comraon Lord. Tfaat in all tfae borders of our sister-churcfa, stretcfaing from Montreal to Georgia, and from tfae Atlantic to tfae Ofaio, tfaere are sound ness in the faith and steady attacfaraent to presbyterian order; tfaat among all tfae bretfaren tfaere are love and peace, and among tfae infaabitants of tfae land, in general, a continually growing desire for tfae true bread ; tfaat the bretfaren sent ifrom us are raaterially faelping tfae faitfa and joy of tfae wes tern cfaurcfa; and tfaat tfae so raucfa needed and desired Tfaeolo gical Serainary is opened araong you witfa prospects so fair and pleasing; tfaat sucfi is tfie state of your cfiurcfi, and such the rising fiope of tfae Cfaristian reUgion in your couutry, inspire us witfa pleasure, and raake tfae joy of tfae Lord our strength. Since we heard these good tidings, we cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in our prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Cfarist, tfae Fatfaer of glory, raay give unto you and your people, and tfae infaabitants of America, in general, tfie spirit of wisdora and revelation in tfae knowledge of hiraself, that ye, being raore and more enUgfatened and en larged together, may know still more fully and faappily wfaat is the hope of his calling, and what tfae ricfaes of the glory of fiis infieritance in tfie saints, and wfiat tfie exceeding greatness of fiis power to tfiose who believe." After referring to the prosperity enjoyed by tfae Associa^ church in Scotland, and to the dark and lowering appearance of tfae poUtical faorizon, not only in Europe, but also in America, tfae synod concluded their letter with tfae foUowing expression of fraternal regard : — " But stUl, wfaatever sfaall take -place, we cannot forget that tfae people of tfae United States are our brethren, our kinsraen according to tfae flesh. Above all, we still will reraeraber that you are our bretfaren, in the spirit and feUowship of tfae gospel of love and peace, We wiU not cease to commend you to the God of all grace. We will still beUeve tfaat the very wrath of raan sfaall praise our God. We will expect to see tfae cfaurcfa of our Redeemer coraing out of great tribulation, fair as tfae moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an array witfa banners. We will wait for tfae time wfaen tfae sword sfiall be turned into a ploughshare, and the spear into a pruning-faook. Wfaile we groan under tfae sins and troubles of tfae present condition, and weep for the miseries of tfae world, we will not cease to rejoice in the 632 PETITION FROM CONGREGATION IN ffALIPAX.^ hope of raeeting you, and all the faithful in Christ Jesus, in tfae kingdora wfiicfi cannot be raoved, in tfiat celestial land,. wfaere our purity and peace and love and joy shall be perfect and everlasting." In tfae spring of 1808, an application was raade to the synod, tfarough tfae Rev. Mr. Easton of Montreal, frora a nuraber of persons residing on the Salraon River, Lower Canada, for an ordained minister to be sent to break araongst tfaem tfae bread of life. In reference to this application, the synod stated, that if any minister or probationer would offer himself for tfais service, tfaey would do every tfaing in tfaeir power to assist faim in accomplisfaing fais object. The application of these people was, in tfae present instance, unsuccessful. A similar petition was presented, tfaree years after tfais (in 1811), from a congregation in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Tfaese people stated, that they were both able and wilUng to support a minister, and were very desirous tfaat one sfaould be sent to them. They remitted a sum of money to defray tfae cfaarges of his journey outward : and they mentioned, that if, after a trial of six months, fae should not find fais situation agreeable amongst tfaem, or if his gifts should not be acceptable to them, they would be at liberty to separate ; and sfaould he wish, at the end of tfaat period, to return to Britain, tfaey would bear his travelling expenses horaeward. Mr. Jaraes Robson, minis ter at Lochwinnocfa, agreed to undertake this mission. The pastoral relation betwixt faim and fais congregation in Scotland was dissolved : and fae soon after sailed for his new destination in Nova Scotia. A petition frora tfae session of Wells Street congregation, London, brought befpre the synod tfae subject of tfae psalmody. Tfae session requested leave to make a selection of spiritual songs and hymns, to be used by their church in the praise of God, along witfa tfae Psalms of David ; which selection tfaey proposed subraitting to tfae suprerae court for its approbation. Tfae synod deferred tfae consideration of tfais petition till a fu ture raeeting. In Septeraber 1811, this subject was resumed by tfaem ; and, after some discussion, they were unanimously of opinion, that the enlargement of tfae psalmody was " a most desirable and necessary object." The synod then agreed, that they would take into consideration, at tfaefr next meeting, wfaether permission might not be given to tfae congregations under tfaeir inspection, to make use of tfae paraphrases and hymns, pubUsfaed by tfae Assembly of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland; and, in tfae meantime, tfaey appointed a numerous comraittee to consider what corrections it raigfat be necessary to make on tfaese parapfarases and faymns, and wfaetfaer it raigfit not be pro per to raake additions to tfaem. Tfais committee reported to ENLARGEMENT OF PSALMODY. 633 the synod, at their meeting in spruig, in the following year, that they had particularly examined tfae parapfarases and hyrans of the Churcfa of Scotland ; and tfaey recoraraended tfae appointraent of a special committee to make a selection from tfaese and other paraphrases and hymns, for tfae use of tfae congregations under their inspection ; and, until such a selection be made, that Uberty be giveii to the rainisters of tfae synod to raake use of sucfa of tfae paraphrases of the Cfaurcfa of Scotland as raigfat appear to tfaem calculated to promote tfae ends of edification. This recoraraendation was adopted. A select comraittee was appointed for the object now specified, Wfaetfaer tfae cora mittee raade any progress in the business intrusted to thera, I am unable to state. It does not appear tfaat any report was ever presented by thera to tfae synod. Tfie renewal of tfie cfiarter of tfie East India Company, in 1813, presented a favourable opportunity for procuring liberty to send missionaries to tfie Britisfi dominions in the East. A general and vigorous effort was made by the friends of missions connected with various reUgious denominations, to obtain tfae insertion of a clause in the new cfaarter, permitting missionaries from tfais country to proceed direct to India in Britisfa sfaips, instead of compelling tfaem to take tfae more circuitous route by Araerica, and also guaranteeing tfaem pro tection, as Britisfa subjects, wfaile engaged in prosecuting tfaeir philanthropic labours in India. Petitions were presented to ParUament on tfais subject from various dissenting corarauni ties, and also frora raany pious persons connected witfa tfae Establishraent. Tfae Associate synod gave tfaeir faearty co operation in tfais labour of love. When tfaey raet in April 1813, tfae following petition was prepared by a comraittee ; and, after receiving tfie signature of every rainister and elder present, was forwarded to botfi fiouses of Parliaraent : — " Tfie fiurable petition of tfie subscribers, rainisters, and elders ofthe society of Presbyterians in Scotland, known by the narae of Burgher Seceders, met at Edinburgh in thefr Associate synod : — " Showeth, " That your petitioners regard witfa the deepest commiser ation tfae spiritual ignorance and raoral degradation of the im mense population of tfae Britisfa dominions in India. " Tfiat in tfae judgment of your petitioners, tfae only ef fectual remedy fbr tfae great evils, whicfa afflict tfaat great part of tfae empfre, is to be found in tfae free diffusion of tfae knowledge of tfae doctrines and precepts of Cfaristianity araong its infaabitants. W4 PETITION ON BEHALF OF MISSIONARIES IN INDIA. " That your petitioners, convinced tfaat our holy religion is the best friend to peace and good order, are so far from ap prehending danger to the British interests in India from pru dent atterapts to enUgfaten and Cfaristianize that part of the erapire, that they consider it as the bounden duty of Christians and Britons to use all proper means for this benevolent pur pose ; and contemplate with pleasure tfae faappy consequences of sucfa attempts, not only in tfae raoral and religious improve ment of tfae infaabitants of India, but in their increasing attach ment to tfae British government, and tfie greater security of tfiese distant and valuable provinces. " May it, therefore, please your Honourable House to pro vide in the cfaarter intended to be granted to tfae East India Company, that it sfaall be lawful for all denominations of his Majesty's subjects to send Christian rainisters and teachers to India, for the purpose of instructing the nations in the know ledge of Cfaristianity ; and tfaat sucfa ministers and teacfaers sfaall enjoy full protection, so long as they sfaall act agreeably to the laws, and demean themselves as good and peaceable subjects. And your petitioners," &c. The memorable events of tfae year 1814 excited a tumult of joy in tfae nation. Tfae success of tfae allied armies, tfae abdication of Bonaparte, and tfae termination of tfae long and bloody war, in wfaicfa tfae nations of Europe had been engaged, produced in the minds of men raingled eraotions of gratitude and delight. Tfae raembers of tfae Associate synod partici pated in the joyful feelings, which these events produced ; and at tfaeir meeting in spring, this year, tfaey unanimously re solved to present an address to tfae Prince Regent, congratu lating him on tfae favourable turn whicfa public affairs had taken. In the following year tfaey appointed a day of solemn tfaanks giving to be observed in all their congregations for the restora tion of peace. Tfae attention of the synod was drawn toward the subject of education, by an overture whicfa was laid upon their table, on tfae 7tfa of September, 1814. Tfae object of tfais overture was to obtain tfae sanction of tfae synod to the erection of scfaools, in connexion witfa the congregations under their in spection. The following is an outline of tfae plan wfaich it was proposed to adopt; — " That in every congregation, wfaere it is practicable, a school be establisfaed for tfae instruction of cfaildren in tfae ordinary brancfaes of education ; that the scfaool be under tfae management of tfae rainister, and a committee of the elders and deacons, or managers, to wfaom sfaall belong tfae cfaoice of tfae teacher, tfae payment of his salary, the fixing of tfae books and catecfaisms to be taugfat, and tfae scfaool-tiees, OVERTURE ON EDUCATION. 635 and in general every tfaing connected witfa the external or in ternal economy of tfie institution ; tfaat the number of scholars be limited ; tfaat cfaildren of persons of every denomination be admissible, but that a preference be given to tfae cfaildren of tfae members of tfae congregation ; tfiat tfie teacfier fiave a fixed salary to a certain amount, but that tfae extent of his income be left in sorae raeasure dependent on the success of fais own exertions ; tfaat provision be made for tfae education of the children of poor raerabers of the congregation, and, if possible, of otfaer poor persons, eitfaer gratuitously or at a re duced rate ; tfaat, in order to render tfae cfaoice of a teacfaer by tfae comraittee of manageraent valid, it be necessary that the presbytery of tfae bounds sfaould be satisfied witfa tfae candi date's abiUties and cfaaracter ; tfaat tfae committee of raanage ment visit and exaraine tfae scfaool every montfa ; and tfaat tfae presbytery, or a comraittee of presbytery, examine tfae scfaool annually, or more frequently, as sfiall be found necessary ; tfiat in case of any difference arising between tfie com mittee of raanagement and the teacher, it be referred to tfae presbytery." This overture was allowed to Ue on tfae table till tfae raonth of April 1816, wfaen it gave rise to a long discussion. Those wfao pled for the adopting of it raaintained, tfaat, sfaould the synod give it their sanction, a Christian education would thereby be secured to a considerable nuraber of the young members of tfae cfaurcfa, and to many otfaers ; that tfae num ber of unquaUfied teacfaers would fie diminisfaed, and the exertions of the parochial teachers would be stiraulated ; that it would extend and perpetuate the advantages of which the Secession Cfaurch was productive to the country ; that it would furnisfa useful employment to tfae students of divinity during tfae term of tfaeir theological course ; that it would open up an honourable retreat for tfaose wfao had been unsuccessful candidates for the ministry ; and, finally, tfaat it would afford opportunities for observing and bringing forward young persons of talent, for future service in tfae cfaurcfa, wfao raigfat otfaer wise languisfa in neglect and obscurity. Those who opposed tfae adoption of tfae overture raaintained, tfaat tfaere was no necessity for sucfa a coraplicated system of macfainery being employed to accompUsfa tfae object in view ; tfaat tfae plan, if' adopted, would operate, in a great majority of instances, in direct faostUity to tfae establisfaed scfaools, wfaicfa faad been so beneficial to tfae country ; tfaat it was calculated to cfaerisfa an exclusive and ilUberal spirit ; and tfaat, by producing a strong rieaction, it was Ukely to defeat itself. The opposition to the overture was successful. When tfae question was stated, " Dismiss, or Adopt?" it carried by a raajority to " Dismiss." 636 LETTER TO ORIGINAL BURGHER SYNOD. Tfais resolution, faowever, was connected with an expression of tfae synod's approbation of tfae good intentions of those who proposed tfae overture, and witfa a recoramendation to all under tfaeir inspection to pay attention to tfae religious education or tfaeir cfaildren. From tfais decision two ministers and two elders dissented. At tfae meeting of tfae synod in spring 1816, a letter was addressed to tfae moderator from tfae moderator of tfae Origi nal Burgfaer (or Old Ligfat) synod, who were sitting at tne sarae tirae in Edinburgfi. Tfiis letter was very brief and enigmatical. It required an iraraediate and categorical an swer to be given to tfie following question : — " Are your breth ren of the synod now ready to reraove tfae Prearable prefixed to tfae Forraula, wfaicfa was tfae ground of offence and cause of separation?" No reason was assigned for proposing this question, and no raention was made of any particular object tfaat was to be gained by an answer being returned lo it. Tfae inference deduced frora tfae letter was, tfaat it was an in direct raoveraent made in advance toward a union. If tfais was tfae object of the letter, tfae answer, wfaicfa the synod in structed their raoderator to return, faeld out Uttle encourage raent tfaat it would speedily be accoraplisfaed. Tfae answer (wfaich was addressed to the Rev. Samuel Armour, modera tor of the Original Burgher synod), was to tfae following effect : — " Rev. Sir, — I have received a letter, dated Gray's Close Meeting-house, soth April, 181 7, and signed by you as moderator, and have taken the liberty to lay it before the Associate synod. " The Associate synod regret that your communication does not enable them to form any precise idea of its object : but though they hadbeen distinctly in formed of your design in requesting a categorical answer to it in the course of the day, it was impossible for them, when the court wase ngaged in other importent business, to give an answer vrithin a short space to a question relat ing to a subject which has been the matter of discussion for twenty years. The assertion, which you quote from the statement of evidence, that the As sociate synod hold the very same principles at this moment which have been professed by them in all periods of their history, was not then made for the first time, but will be found in the synod's address to the people of their charge published many years ago. The synod lament the number of divisions which prevail in the church of Christ, especially among persons who are agreed in their doctrine and church order, and wiU always be ready to adopt such measures for promoting union among Christians, as are calculated to serve the ends of public edification. Meanwhile, I am. Rev. Sir, yours re spectfully," &c. Since tfae period of Mr. Robson's departure for Halifax, the synod faad sent four additional labourers across tfae Atlantic : tfiese were Messrs. Laidlaw, Douglas, Taylor, and Bell. Mr. Laidlaw was for some time rainister of a congregation, in con nexion with tfae Relief, in Dunning. He petitioned to be received into tfae coramunion of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, with a UNION OF PRESBYTERIANS IN NOVA SCOTIA, 637 view to his being missioned to Nova Scotia. The Associate synod granted his request; and he left this country in 1814. Mr. Douglas undertook fais mission, in consequence of an appUcation being made to tfae synod for a preacfaer to be sent to Nova Scotia. He received ordination from the presbytery of Kilmarnock, and sailed for fais destination two years after Mr. Laidlaw. Soon after fais arrival, fae was settled in a con gregation in Prince Edward's Island, where he stUl continues to labour. Mr. Taylor faad tfae pastoral cfaarge, for several years, of tfae congregation of Stonefaouse, in Scotland, wfaich fie resigned : and, at his own request, the synod sent hira to strengtfien the faands of tfaose wfao were labouring in Britisfa America. Tfae scene of fais transatlantic labours was Osna- burgfa and WilUarasburgfa. Mr. Bell's destination was Canada, to wfaicfa fae was missioned, in accordance witfa a petition whicfa he presented to the synod. After fae arrived in tfaat country, fae became minister of a congregation at New Perth. The expense connected with all tfaese niissions was defrayed by tfae synod. Intelligence was received by tfae suprerae court, in 1818, tfaat tfae brethren under their inspection, in Nova Scotia, had formed a union witfa tfaeir Antiburgher bretfaren, and other presbyterians in tfae same province, and faad constituted tfaem selves into a synod, under tfae designation of " The synod of the Presbyterian Cfaurch of Nova Scotia." The synod, on receiving this information, did not consider it necessary to en ter into any discussion of tfae principles on wfaich tfais union faad been forraed; but agreed to record tfaeir opinion concern ing tfaera, in general, " tfaat tfaey are such as tfais synod can cordially acknowledge tfae bretfaren in Nova Scotia as a sister- church, and are ready to co-operate witfa tfaera in proraoting tfae greatinterests oftfae gospel, and of tfae presbyterian government of tfae cfaurcfa in tfaat part of tfae world." At tfae request of several bretfaren wfao were labouring in Canada, the synod agreed, at tfais raeeting, to erect tfaem into a presbytery, in connexion witfa tfae synod at home.* Notice has been taken, in a preceding part of this volurae, t of an attempt made by the Seceders in Ireland to form a union, wfaich proved unsuccessful. This desirable object, faowever, was at lengtfa faappily accomplisfaed. A joint committee was appointed, in 1817, by tfae two Secession synods in tfaat country, to make such additions to the original Secession * The brethren who were at this time erected into the presbytery of Upper Canada, were — Messrs. Robert Easton, Montreal ; William Smart, Brock- ville ; WiUiam Taylor, Osnaburgh and Williamsburgh j and William Bell, New Perth. jf See p. 426. 638 UNION OF SECEDERS IN IRELAND. Testimony, as migbt adapt it to tfae state of religion in Ireland, " tfaat so it migfat serve at once as a basis of union, and tfae pubUc testimony of the united body, in favour of truth and against error." Tfais coraraittee faeld several meetings, and, in a re port wfaicfa tfaey presented to tfaeir respective synods, they stated, that, though several able papers fiad been submitted to tfaeir consideration, wfaicfa migfat serve as a display of "the present truth," yet tfaey faad not been able to frame such a document as tfiey eould witfi confidence recommend to be adopted, as part of the testimony of the united body. But they unaniraously recommended, that, as the synods had agreed to take, as a basis of union, tfae Westminster Confession of Faitfa, the Larger and Sfaorter Catecfaisms, tfae Directory for Worsfaip, and Form of Presbyterian Cfaurcfa Government, witfa tfae original Secession Testiraony, they should fortfawitfi unite, " leaving tfie adaptation to be afterwards digested, adopted, and exhibited to the world." To inspire both min isters and people with mutual confidence, and to remove every vestige of suspicion that migfat unhappily be entertained on either side, tfaey proposed tfaat tfae following be adopted as the articles of union : — I. Tfae Presbyterian synod of Ireland, distinguisfaed by the narae Seceders, do declare our constant and inviolable attach raent to our already approved and recognised standards, naraely, the Westrainster Confession of Faitfi, the Larger and Sfaorter Catechisms, the Directory for Worship, and Form of Presbyterian Cfaurch Government, with tfae original Secession Testimony. II. As we unite under tfae banner of a Testimony, we are determined, in all tirae coming, as our forefatfaers faave set us tfae example, to assert tfae trutfa wfaen it is injured or opposed, and to condemn and testify against error and iraraorality, wfaerever they may seem to prevail. III. We do hereby cancel tfae names Burgfaer and Anti burgfaer for ever, and unite in one synod, to be faereafter known by the name of *' The Presbyterian synod, distin guisfaed by tfae narae Seceders." IV. We declare our insubordination to any superior eccle siastical court ; wfaile, at tfae sarae tirae, we do faereby signify our hearty inclination to faold a correspondence witfa our sister- cfaurch in Scotland, or elsewfaere, for our rautual edification ; but we tfaink it expedient not to lay ourselves under any re striction as to tfae manner of said correspondence. V. We let all tfae presbyteries and congregations in our connexion bear the same name, and, in the mean time, stand as tfaey were before tfae coalescence. VI. We agree carefully to preserve all tfae records of tfae MEMORIAL TO SYNOD. 639 two synods, from tfaeir formation in the kingdom, till tfae present day. At a meeting of the two Irish synods, held in Cookstown, July 7, 1818, tfiese articles were discussed by them ; and be ing approved of, the union was accomplished. A considerable degree of interest was e.xcited, at tfais period, in tfae reUgious state of the Higfalands, by tfae reports of various raerabers of synod, wfao faad been appointed, from time to time, to itinerate botfa in tfae northern and western districts of that interesting portion of our native country.* After the return of Messrs. Ebenezer Brown and Jofan M'Kerrow frora an extensive preaching tour in the Higfalands, made agreeably to tfae appointment of synod, in tfae suraraer of 1819, a merao rial was presented by tfaem to tfae suprerae court, giving an account of tfae religious destitution of raany of tfae districts through wfaich they had passed ; stating the eagerness wfaich the Higfalanders faad raanifested to hear the gospel ; and call ing upon the synod to adopt measures for sending to tfaeir Celtic countryraen tfae benefits of an evangelical and faitfaful ministry, where such a blessing raight not already be enjoyed. The following extract from this memorial gives a pleasing -view of the spirit of religious inquiry, wfaicfa has been excited in many parts of the Highlands, by the itinerating labours of pious individuals connected witfa various denominations of Cfaristians : — " We raay furtfaer add, tfaat, in consequence of a consider able proportion of the people being now taught to read tfaeir own language, and in consequence of tfae Scriptures being circulated among tfaem, in a dialect witfa which tfaey are fa miliar, tfae ligfat of divine trutfa is beginning to break in upon them; so that tfaey are now, in many places, beginning to know wfaat is tfae gospel ; and notfaing but the gospel will satisfy thera. A spirit of reUgious inquiry has been excited, cfaiefly by tfae labours of pious and zealous individuals, wfao faave been in tfae faabit of itinerating frora place to place ; so tfaat tfae people, faaving now got a tasting of doctrine, witfa wfaicfa tfaey were forraeriy unacquainted, are ardently longing for raore. Provided tfaey can only be perraitted to enjoy it, they care not frora wfaat quarter it comes, or by what instrumen taUty it is conveyed. When a rainister goes amongst thera, wfao faas tfae character of being an evangeUcal preacfaer (no ' The individuals who were engaged, at diflFerent periods, in these itinerating labours in the Highlands, were — Messrs. John Brown, sen., Ebenezer Brown, Donald Fraser, John Brown, jun., James Ellis, John M'Kerrow, and Andrew Kennedy. Excursions, for the purpose of preaching the gospel, were also made, by appointment of synod, in Galloway and in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, by Messrs. Walter Dunlop, John Brown, jun., John Law, and Andrew Scott. 640 PLAN FOR INSTRUCTING THE HIGHLANDERS. matter to wfaat denoraination he may belong), the people flock to hear him, and listen with gladness to tfae message wfaicfa he delivers. They will travel ten, twelve, and even fifteen miles, to enjoy tfae benefit of his ministration. We do not say that this spirit exists in every part of the Higfalands ; but we say tfaat it exists in very many parts, and that it appears to be daily gaining ground. In tfae isles, with very few exceptions, tfae sarae symptoms are beginning to manifest themselves. To take advantage of this growing spirit, and to turn it to tfae very best account, labourers are required : pious, and active, and zealous men, who shall be able to speak the language, and who shall be accustoraed to the habits of the raoun tain eers. The fields are wfaitening rapidly for the harvest, and tfaere is a loud call for labourers to go fortfa and exert tfaem selves in tfae vineyard of tfae great Husbandman." * In consequence of tfais raeraorial, and tfae representations made by tfae individuals wfao presented it, tfae synod appoint ed a comraittee " to concert raeasures for affording a raore abundant and regular supply of the raeans of religious and moral improvement to tfae destitute infaabitants of the High lands and Islands." Tfais comraittee presented, at tfae spring meeting of synod, in 1820, a long report, erabodying a great variety of well-authenticated documents, illustrative of tfae past and present religious state of tfae Higfalands; pointing out tfae inadequacy of tfae existing raeans of reUgious instruc tion to tfae wants of the Gaelic population, the deficiencies of tfae pubUc instructors connected with the Establishment, and tfae prevalence of tfae Roman CatfaoUc superstition among tfae Highlanders ; and detailing the outline of a plan, for the synod to adopt, witfa a view to proraote tfae spiritual interests of tfaat portion of our countrymen. Tfae main features of tfais plan were, tfaat a standing comraittee be appointed by tfae synod to be denorainated, " Tfae Coraraittee of Missions into the Higfalands and Islands ; " tfaat tfae business intrusted to tfais committee be, first, the training up of pious Highlanders to preach the gospel in tfaeir native language; and, secondly, tfae eraployment and maintenance of missionaries, in itinerat ing tfaroughout the Highlands and Islands ; that tfae mission aries tfaus employed be under tfae inspection, and subject to ¦ tfae discipline, of the Associate synod ; that presbyteries be at liberty to license tfaose wfao are intended for Gaelic preacfaers, after tfaree years' attendance at tfae University, and four at tfae Divinity- Hall ; it being understood, tfaat such young men be sent up to the Divinity-Hall before tfieir third year of study at the University. ' Christian Repository for 1819, p. 603. GAELIC PREACHERS TRAINED UP. 641 Tfae synod unanimously approved of the report wfaicfa tfaeir committee presented, adopted tfae plan wfaicfa it recommended, and ordered it to be printed and circulated among the congre gations under tfaeir inspection. Tfaougfa tfae Associate synod were, iramediately after tfais, united witfa tfaeir bretfaren of tfae General Associate synod, yet the important object of sending the gospel to the destitute districts of the Higfilands was not lost sigfit of by tfie United synod. Several young raen, ac quainted witfa tfie Gaelic language, were trained up under the inspection of tfae synod, and sent to labour in tfae Higfaland districts. One of these Gaelic preachers,* after labouring for a short period araong fais countrymen at faome, undertook a mission to Canada, in consequence of an application made by a number of individuals in tfaat country, to send tfaera a minis ter wfao was acquainted witfa tfae Gaelic language. If tfae number of GaeUc preacfaers, wfao faave faitfaerto been sent fortfa from tfae Secession to labour among tfae . Higfalanders, be smaU, wfaen compared witfa tfae resources of tfae .Secession Cfaurcfa, and witfa the wants of tfae Gaelic population, tfais has been, in a great measure, owing to the difficulty of procuring persons wfao were properly qualified, by their talents and piety, for engaging in such an iraportant work. For tfaough it is not doubted, that raany sucfa indi-viduals may be found in tfae Higfalands, yet tfae synod faave faad but few opportunities of becoraing acquainted witfa tfaera. Disappointraents, too, wfaicfa tfaey faave experienced, faave rendered tfaem somewfaat cautious in receiving appUcations. Wfaen tfae above-mentioned report on tfae reUgious state of tfae Higfalands was published by the synod's comraittee, attempts were made to throw discredit on the statements which it contained, by an anonymous writer in a reUgious periodical connected with the Established Cfaurcfa. t A clever and witty article, from tfae pen of tfae talented editor faimself, $ endeavoured to turn tfae wfaole affair into burlesque. Tfae object of tfaese coraraunications, wfaich appeared in tfie periodi cal now referred to, was to sfiow, tfiat tfie infiabitants of tfie Higfilands were not more distinguisfied fbr tfieir ignorance or immoraUty, tfian tfie infiabitants of tfie Lowlands ; tfiat tfieir religious instructors were suffi.ciently corapetent for tfie work in which tfaey were engaged, and possessed tfae entire confi dence of tfaeir flocks ; and tfaat tfaere was no pecuUar necessity for missionary exertions being made to supply tfae religious destitution of tfaese remote districts. Instead of faaUing tfae co-operation of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, in tfae patriotic and be- • Mr. Peter Ferguson. f The Edinburgh Christian Instructor. i The late Rev. Andrew Thomson, D.D. 2 S 642 DEATH or PROFESSOR LAWSON : nevolent work of diffusing tfae ligfat of tfae gospel among the scattered population of the Highlands and Islands of Scot land, efforts were tfaus made, tfarougfa tfae raediura of the press, to excite a spirit of opposition in tfae Higfalanders against tfae Secession, and to render abortive any missionary undertakuig in wfaicfa tfae latter migfat be disposed to engage, for tfae bene fit of tfaeir GaeUc countrymen. Of late years, a loud outcry faas been raised about tfae lamentable destitution of tfae raeans of religious instruction, wfaich exists in tfae Higfaland districts ; and it faas been taunt ingly asked, " Wfaat fiave dissenters done for supplying the deficiency of tfae raeans of grace, wfaicfa exists in these dis tricts ? Why have the Secession, and other dissenting com munities, confined tfaeir labours to the populous towns and .villages of the Lowlands, instead of going and labouring in these mountainous and thinly-peopled regions of the Nortfi ? " Tfae taunt is, at least ungenerous, if not unjust. Tfae public ougfat to know, tfaat dissenters faave made frequent atterapts to carry tfae blessings of the gospel into these regions ; and that these atterapts have been alraost uniformly opposed by the friends of the EstabUsfaraent. In sorae instances, tfaese atterapts faave partially succeeded ; in otfaers, tfaey faave met witfa no success at all, on account of tfae determined opposition that has been made to tfaera by tfae very persons wfao are now raising the cry of destitution. We appeal to the Cliristian world, if it be fair and faonourable conduct, first to oppose, by every possible means, tfae well-intentioned efforts of dissen ters to send tfae gospel to tfae destitute districts of tfae Higfa lands ; and tfaen after faaving succeeded in tfaeir opposition, to turn round upon tfae very raen wfaose exertions tfaey faave thus thwarted, and ask thera witfa a sneer, " Why have you not gone and preacfaed tfae gospel in tfaese destitute districts ? " Sucfa conduct may be compared to tfaat of an individual, wfao, when the inmates of a dwelling are perishing for want of food, places himself in tfae threshold, to prevent any one from mak ing the attempt to reUeve tfae famisfaing infaabitants ; and wfao, after faaving succeeded in keeping tfae benevolent at a distance, raises a loud outcry against tfaem for not faaving made any effort to bring food to the miserable beings within. Professor Lawson, after faaving presided over tfae Theolo gical Seminary of tfae Associate synod for a period of thirty- three years, witfa great faonour to himself, and great advantage to the religious community witfa wfaicfa fae was connected, died in the month of February 1820. He was a man of extensive learning, of eminent piety, and of cfaildlike simpUcity of man ners. His attainraents in biblical literature were of the high est order. So thorough and accurate was his knowledge of ms CHARACTER. 643 tfae Scriptures, tfaat fae could with ease quote frora meraory, and explain exterapore, almost any portion of tfae sacred vol urae, not only in tfie Englisfi version, but in tfie original lan guages. It fias been affirmed of fiira, tfiat, if all tfie existing copies of tfie Bible fiad been destroyed, by some calamitous event, fie could fiave restored, frora recollection, both the Hebrew and the Greek text alraost entire. " Take faim all in all, " fae faas faad few equals in any cfaurch. His latter end was every way corresponding with tfae faoly and exeraplary life wfaicfi fie fiad lived. A sfiort wfiile before fie expired, fie took tfie members of fiis family severally by tfie fiand, pro nounced (like Jacob of old) a blessing upon each, and bade them an affectionate farewell. He then lifted up botfa fais hands, and, looking around faira on tfae corapany tfaat was assembled in fais cfaamber, he said witfa a treraulous voice, " Tfae Lord my God bless you all !" Tfae last words fae was faeard to utter were, " Lord, take me to paradise," when he feU asleep in Jesus.* Wfaen tfae synod received intelUgence of fais deatfa, at tfaeir first meeting after tfaat event faad taken place, tfaey agreed to enter upon their record the following meraorial of fais excel lencies as an individual, and of tfae eminent services whicfa fae .faad rendered to tfae cfaurcfa, as tfaeir Tfaeological Professor : — " Tfae synod feel tfaeraselves called upon to express in tfaeir rainutes the peculiar and iraportant obligations wfaicfa tfaey and tfae people of tfaefr cfaarge are under to the Head of tfae cfaurcfa, for tfae prolonged and iraportant services perforraed by tbis wortfay and venerable raeraber of tfaeir body, as tfaeir Professor of Divinity, to wfaom, under God, raost of tfae mi nisters are much indebted for their knowledge of tfae gospel of tfae blessed God, and tfaeir qualifications for preacfaing it to tfaeir fellow-men; and the irapression of wfaose amiable and venerable cfaaracter for piety, knowledge of the word of God, sacred erudition, and every excellence that can adorn tfae man, tfae Cfaristian, and tfae professor of divinity, tfaey ever wisfa to retain and cfaerisfa, as an excitement to tfae faithful discfaarge of tfae duties of tfaefr office." As arrangements were now making for effecting a union be- tweefi the Burgfaer and Antiburgfaer sections of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, a proposal was raade, that the synod should delay cfaoosing a successor to Dr. Lawson, in the Professorship, un til tfae union was accoraplisfaed, wfaen tfae election would be made by the United synod. "This proposal was overruled. It was considered inexpedient to delay filUng up tfais import tant situation. A committee was appointed to prepare and * The reader will find an interesting account of the life of this excellent man', in the Christian Repository for 1820. 644 MOVEMENTS TOWARDS UNION. present to the synod a list of persons, wfao might be qualified to take the charge of the Theological Seminary. From the list which the committee presented, the Rev. Dr. Dick, one of tfae ministers of Glasgow, was elected Professor of Divin ity, on tfae 27th of AprU, 1820, by a large majority of the suffrages of his bretfaren. At this meeting, a coraraunication was received from the sister synod in Ireland, stating that tfaey were adopting active measures for diffusing the knowledge of the gospel in the destitute parts of tfae soutfa and west of tfaeir native island ; and craving tfaat tfaeir bretfaren in Scotland would give tfaem assistance in this work, by preparing tfaeir congregations to receive a deputation, wfao faad been appointed to come over to tfais country, and collect funds for carrying on tfaeir missionary enterprise. The synod returned a friendly answer to this communication. They expressed their warmest approbation of the exertions wfaich the Irish bretfaren were making for conveying tfae ligfat of divine trutfa into tfae dark districts of their own isle ; they agreed to recoraraend to tfae congrega tions under tfaeir cfaarge, tfae object wfaicfa tfaese bretfaren faad in view ; and tfaey appointed a coraraittee to correspond with tfae Irisfa deputation, and to make sucfa arrangements as migfat enable tfaem successfully to accoraplisfa tfae object of tfaeir mission, wfaen tfaey sfaould arrive in tfiis country. The Associate synod signalized tfae close of tfaeir faistory, as a separate religious society, by agreeing to present a loyal address to fais Majesty, George IV., on his accession to the throne. This was one of tfae last public acts wfaicfa tfaey per formed, previous to tfaeir being reunited in cfaurcfa-fellowship with tfieir Antiburgfier brethren. The address wfaicfa was presented to tfae tfarone on tfais occasion, breatfaed tfae same spirit of devoted attachraent to tfae reigning faraily, and to tfae civil institutions of tfae country, as fiad cfaaracterized the Secession during the past years of its existence. Tfae next meeting of the synod was appointed to be held on the 5th of September, 1820, when it was determined that it should cease to exist as a distinct ecclesiastical judicatory. That meeting' will long be a memorable one in the annals of tfae Christian churcfa. It constituted an important epoch in the religious history of oUr country. Then was exfaibited to tfae world the noble and the rare spectacle of two reUgious and widely-ramified societies, tfaat had been long separated from one another, being reunited on a solid Scriptural basis, with out the sUghtest compromise of principle on the part of either. CHAPTER XIX. Union of Secession Church — Preparatory causes — First movement— Mid- Calder committee — Statement published by committee — Meeting at Buck- haven — Resolutions adopted — And pubhshed — Numerous meetings of ses sions and congregations — Agree to petition for union — Eighty-eight peti tions presented to Associate Synod — Union committee appointed by Associate Synod — Letter of moderator to General Associate Synod Letter received with joy — Seventy-four petitions presented to General Associate Synod — Union committee appointed by General Associate Synod .—Letter of raoderator in reply to Associate Synod — Meeting of the united committee — High importance of their work — Their peculiar qualifications for it — Basis of union prepared by sub-committee — Fully discussed T.Tnanimously adopted by coramittee — Presented to the two Synods — Re- -viewed and corrected — Adopted by the Synods — Associate Synod unani mous — Several ministers dissent from adopting Basis in General Associate Synod — Articles of basis — Interchange of deputations between the two Synods — Engage in devotional services with each other — Great interest excited by the proposed union — Meeting of the two Synods — Reunion ac complished — Interesting scelles — Remarks on the union. Having now completed tfae account, wfaicfa I proposed giving, of tfae two great brancfaes of tfae Secession Cfiurcfi, during tfie long period of tfieir separation, I sfiall conclude tfiis part of tfie narrative, by detailing tfie particulars of an event, to wfiicfi tfie history of tfae cfaurcfa, in modern times, furnisfaes no parallel, viz. tfaeir reunion. For a considerable nuraber of years previous to tfais event taking place, a spirit of brotfaerly-kindness, and a feeling of mutual regard, faad been graduaUy gaining ground araong the rainisters and people belonging to both synods. Tfae lapse of time faad blunted the keen edge of partisanship, and caused the original points of difference to appear greatly di minished in magnitude. By mingUng daily in the coramon intercourse of Ufe, and by being occasionally guilty of the venial transgression of hearing tfae rainisters of tfae opposite party preach, at sacraraental and otfaer seasons, tfae people began to find, that there was no essential difference between the doctrine taught by tfae one party, and tfaat whicfa was inculcated by tfae otfaer ; and tfaat, in raatters of practical godliness and of ecclesiastical discipline, tfaey were substan tially agreed. A desire was cfaerisfaed, in several quarters, that a union should take place, long before it was actually accomplisfaed ; and tfae preceding pages record tfae fact, tfaat petitions to this effect were presented to the supreme courts, on both sides of the Secession. 646 PREDISPOSING CAUSES OF THE UNION. But wfaat tended more, probably, tfaan any other cause, to bring about this desirable event, was the missionary, and Bible, and other religious societies, that sprung up oyer the wfaole country, and drew good men of aU denominations together, as toward a common centre. Burgher and Antiburgher mingled here in the same comraittee, met on tfae same plat forra, engaged in tfae same religious exercises, felt tfaeir bosoms glow witfa tfae sarae sacred flarae, and laboured to promote the sarae hallowed cause. By frequent meetings in these local associations, and by being cordially united in tfae same be nevolent work, tfaose kindly feelings, which they faad begun previously to cfaerisfa, were greatly strengthened*; and any re mains of prejudice tfiat migfit be still lurking in tfieir bosom, gradually disappeared, under the influence of Christian love, like tfae frosts of winter melted under tfae genial influence of tfae spring. The whole mass becarae tfaus insensibly leavened witfa a spirit tfaat was exceedingly favourable to a complete amalgamation ; and wfaen tfae proposal for a union was first made, it toucfaed upon a chord tfaat vibrated from tfae one ex treraity of tfae coramunity to tfae otfaer. Instead of being coldly received, and sullenly tfarust aside, as a subject not yet ripe tor discussion, it operated like a spark of fire cast into a faeap of combustible materials. ^ Tfae flame of Cfaristian affec tion, wfaicfa faad for sorae tirae been glowing within, im raediately burst forth. It spread with rapidity frora town to town, and frora faaralet to haralet. The cry for union became all but universal ; and tfae chief difificulty with those wfaose business it was to deliberate and deterraine concerning sucfa an iraportant raeasure, was not to urge on the raoveraent, but to restrain the impetuosity of it, lest, in the eagerness of the parties to becorae one, tfaey sfaould neglect or overlook tfaose prudential arrangements wfaicfa were necessary to secure both tfae completeness and tfae permanence of tfae union. Tfae fionour of fiaving originated tfiis truly Cfiristian move ment, belongs, so far as I can learn, to persons connected with the Secession congregations of Mid-Calder and East- Calder. A reading society had been instituted at the former of tfaese places, consisting of merabers belonging to tfae two congrega tions, wfao were tfaus brougfat frequently together, and, amohg other topics of conversation, discoursed on the subject of union. Those wfao took tfae lead in tfais business, were, Mr. William Matfaewson, one of tfae Mid-Calder elders, and Mr. Robert M'Gregor, a member of East-Calder congregation. Profes sor Duncan, in a communication addressed to tfae writer of tfais narrative, says : — " Mr. Matfaewson frequently talked to me on tfae subject, and wished sorae active raeasures to be taken. But having a considerable developraent of tfae bump STATEMENT PUBLISHED BY COMMITTEE. 647 of caution, I was afraid of raising a muir-burn that might not be easily quencfaed. Tfaey were determined, faowever, to sound the pubUc raind ; and tfae two above-naraed got a raeeting witfa otfaers, wfaere it was agreed to invite correspondence. They came and inforraed rae of tfais ; and, at tfaeir request, cordially approving of tfae raeasure, I drew up tfae invitation, to be pubUsfaed in the Christian Magazine and Repository, and framed otfaer papers, in tfae prosecution of tfae labours of the Mid-Calder committee." Tfae " sounding of the public raind" was made by means of the following statement, publisfaed in tfae two religious peri odicals now raentioned : — " Mid-Calder, 20 fh August, 1818. A meeting took place faere, this evening, of a considerable number of the two congregations, coraraonly denominated Burgher and Antiburgfaer, for tfae purpose of considering tfae practicability and advantage of a general union of tfae various denominations of dissenters tfirougfiout Britain, pri marily of all evangeUcal presbyterians ; wfien it was unani mously agreed, tfiat, as sucfi an union is fiigfily desfrable, so the present seems to be a favourable season for atterapting it. The following persons, — Sarauel Neal, WilUara Matfaewson, Robert Dick, Robert Law, A. SommervUle, Robert M'Gre gor, James Carlaw, G. Hastie, — were tfaerefore cfaosen as a coramittee, and requested to draw out, and send to tfae editors of tfae Cfaristian Magazine and Repository, for insertion, an intiraation of tfaeir desire to correspond tfarougfa those publica tions, and co-operate with all congregations wfao may faave a similar iiiclination. " Their present intention is, and they conceive it may be necessary for every congregation, to send to their ecclesiastical courts a petition, stating their desirp that the subject be taken into their consideration. Of the propriety of this, and other steps for obtaining tfae object in view, this comraittee look for suggestions from tfaose congregations wfaicfa are raore nuraer ous, and better able to direct to suitable means. From tfae Uberal sentiments and friendly intercourse of Cfaristians of tfae present day, and witfa America and Ireland full in view, tfaere is mucfa reason to hope for a favourable issue to endeavours so obviously conducive to tfae general interests of religion." * Tfae effect which tfais invitation produced among tfae mem bers of that religious community for whom it was specially intended, sfaowed tfaat tfae originators of it faad not miscalcu lated the state of public feeling in the Secession Cfaurcfa. No sooner was it circulated in tfae different districts of tfae country, by means of tfae periodicals in wfaich it was inserted, tfaan a, * Christian Repository, p. 518. 648 MEETING AT BUCKHAVEN : general and eager moveraent took place araong the people belonging both to tfae Burgfaer and Antiburgher brancfaes of tfae Secession. Meetings of sessions and of congregations were faeld in every part of tbe country, to consider tfae practicability and expediency of a union, and to adopt measures witfa a view to tfae accoraplisfaraent of tfais desirable object. Tfae first meeting of tfais kind, tfaat took place after the appearance of the Mid-Calder manifesto, was faeld at Buckfaaven, and con sisted of persons belonging to tfae two congregations of Buck faaven and Dubbieside. As a specimen of tfae harmonious and agreeable manner in wfaicfa tfaese meetings were usuaUy conducted, and of tfae excellent sentiments wfaicfa aniraated the mass of tfae people, I shall here insert the account, whicfa was pubUsfaed, of the proceedings of this meeting. " ,Buckkaven Meeting-kouse, October 8, 1818. — At a meet ing (which was opened with prayer, by the Rev. David Tel ford), of the associate congregations of Buckfaaven and Dub bieside, usually denominated Burgfaer and Antiburgher, held here tfais evening, in consequence of an intiraation from tfae pulpits of botfa places of worship, on the preceding Sabbatfa, to consider tfae practicability and advantages wfaicfa migfat be derived frora a union of presbyterians, of aU denominations in tfais country, in cfaurcfa-fellowship, who are in a state of seces sion from tfae judicatories of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland ; to express tfaefr approbation of the raeeting at Mid-Calder, on the 20tfa of August ; and to co-operate -witfa tfaeir bretfaren in tfaat place, and other congregations in tfae Secession inter est, wfao are desirous of iraitatmg tfae laudable exaraple lately exfiibited in America and Ireland, — Mr. WiUiara Thomson was called to tfae cfaair. After tfae attention of botfa congre gations was directed to tfae iraportant object in view, the following persons were chosen as a coramittee : Messrs. Law rence Arnot, Walter Kennedy, WilUam Coupar, John Ken nedy, James Robbie, Andrew Thomson, Jofan Landale, James Aitken, WUliara Deas, Thoraas Morgan, Jofan Patrick, aud Alexander Drybrougfa (four to be a quorum), to meet in Dubbieside Meeting-faouse, on Tfaursday next week, at seven io!clock in tfae evening, with powers to adjourn, and to call a general meeting of both congregations, wfaen it is judged necessary. It was moved and seconded, tfaat tfae raembers of botfa congregations present sfaould, by Ifrting up tfaeir right hand, testify tfaeir good will to tfae union proposed, wfaen it appeared, by a great sfaow of hands in every part of tfae faouije, tfiat tfaey were well-affected towards tfae truly desfrable object, so much calculated for promoting tfae interests of religion. It was also agreed that, in order to give publicity to this meeting, the editors of tfae Cfaristian Magazine, and Christian THEIR RESOLUTIONS PUBLISHED. 649 Repository, be requested tb insert it in tfaeir useful periodical pubUcations. Concluded witfa prayer. " William Thomson, Preses." Tfa^ committee now naraed met at tfae time and place api^inted, and prepared tfae following resolutions, wfaicfa were also publisfaed : — " 1. Tfaat a general union of all presbyterian dissenters tfarougfaout Britain, faolding evangelical principles and senti ments, appears to us not only to be truly desirable, but also practicable. " 2. Tfaat tfais union may be perraanent, it raust be founded on principles wfaicfa seera to be not only imexceptionable but honourable to all concerned. " 3. Tfaat a correspondence be opened witfa us, and otfaer congregations wfao raay be actuated by a strong desfre to faave this iraportant object accomplished. " 4. Tfaat it be recoraraended to all congregations of sirailar views witfa ourselves, tfaat tfaey hold meetings for obtaining an object so faigfaly desirable in itself, and so mucfa calculated for tfae welfare of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa. " 5. That it is judged expedient to request our respective ecclesiastical courts to take tfais subject iramediately into consideration. "6. Tfaat it be recoraraended to all tfae sessions of tfae Se cession Cfaurcfa, to do wfaat tfaey can to forward tfais object, so faigfaly favourable for promoting tfae general interests of religion." * The result of the moveraent produced by the publication of the above, and similar docuraents, was, that when the Asso ciate and tfae General Associate synods faeld their spring meeting in 1819, tfae tables of both of these ecclesiastical judicatories were literally covered witfa petitions from tfae congregations under tfaefr inspection, all of tfaem uttering the same prayer, tfaat measures raight be iramediately adopted with a -view to effect a union between tfae two synods. Tfae number of petitions laid on the table of the Associate synod, at tfais meeting, amounted to eigfaty-one ; and, at a subsequent meeting, there were seven additional presented, making in all eigfaty-eigfat. On the 29th of .April, the Associate synod took tfae subject of tfaese petitions under consideration. After hearing a few of the petitions read, tfaey were unanimous in expressing tfae happiness whicfa tfaey felt on account of tfae ardent desire of • Christian Repository, pp. 693, 694. 650 LETTER TO GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. union wfaicfa animated the two great brancfaes of the Secession; and tfaey resolved tfaat tfaey would do every thing that was competent to them as a court, to give effect to the desire which was thus so generally expressed. They appointed a numerous comraittee to meet witfa tfaose bretfaren, whom it was expected the General Associate synod would appaint^to correspond with them, in order to forra a basis of unten. This committee consisted of tfae following persons : Drs. Jaraes Hall, Jaraes Peddie, Jaraes Husband, Jofan Dick, Hugh Jamieson, — Messrs. Andrew Lothian, Thomas Ait- cfaieson, Tfaomas Brown, James Hay, James Law, John Ja raieson, William Kidston, Jofan Brown senior, Jofan Brown junior, Patrick Comrie, and David Greig, ministers ; witfa Messrs. John Brown, Andrew Grierson, John Scott, Robert Walker, and Jaraes Waddel, elders. The synod, irapressed witfa tfae great importance of tfae business in wfaicfi tfiey were engaged, offered up solemn prayer to God, giving tfianks to fiim for tfie" present pro mising appearances," and imploring fiis direction and influ ence for bringing tfiis matter to a successful issue : after which tfaey united in singing tfae 122d Psalm. Tfaey tfaen appoint ed tfaeir moderator to write a letter to the moderator of the otfaer synod, to be coramunicated to his bretfaren, informing tfaem of wfaat tfae Associate synod faad done. Tfais letter was to tfae following effect : — " Edinburgh, April 30, 1819. " Reverend Sir, — By appointment of the Associate Synod, I have the honour to inform you, that the Synod, at their meeting yesterday, having received upwards of eighty petitions from diff'erent congregations, praying that measures may be taken for effecting a union between the two great bodies of the Secession Church, unanimously resolved to do every thing in their power for attaining that most desirable object; and, after prayer and thanksgiving to God, appointed a committee of sixteen ministers and five elders, to converse with any committee that may be appointed with the same view, by the General Associate Synod, at their approaching meet ing, in order to form the basis of a union between the two Synods ; author izing the said committee to appoint a sub-committee, and nominating the Rev. Dr. James Hall, of Kose Street, Edinburgh, their convener, with whom the convener of any committee, appointed for the same purpose by the Gen eral Associate Synod, may correspond. " Allow me. Sir, as an individual, to express my heartfelt joy, that a measure so congenial with the spirit of the gospel, and so much' cal culated to advance the cause of our dear Redeemer, has been brought forward; and my raost cordial wishes that the result may be such as to meet the desires and expectations of so many thousands of God's people. " That the Holy Spirit may rest on you, and your brethren, and on all the congregations under your care, is the earnest prayer of. Reverend Sir, your brother in Christ Jesus, " George Yocng, Moderator." " To the Reverend the Moderator of the General Associate Synod to meet at Edinburgh, in May 1819." COMMITTEE APPOINTED B^i GENERAL SYNOD. 651 This letter was read in tfae General Associate synod, on tfae lltfa of May, and was faeard " witfa respectful attention, and tfae deepest interest." On tfae following day seventy- four petitions were laid upon the synod's table, all of tfaein praying for measures to be adopted, witfa a view to effect a union. After several of tfaese petitions were read, and com missioners faeard in tfaeir support, tfae synod engaged in praise and prayer. Mr. James Hay of Alytfa, one of tfae oldest merabers of tfae synod, conducted tfaese devotional ex ercises. He comraenced by giving out tfae 126tfa Psalra, £ifter which fae prayed, and tfien concluded tfie exercise, by giving out a portion of the 102d Psalra. On the 13tfa, tfae synod delivered tfaeir sentiraents on tfae subject of tfae union. Part of tfais day also was spent by thera in praise and prayer. The 122d Psalra was sung, and Mr. Alexander Pringle of Pertfa prayed. After long and faarraonious deliberation, tfae court were unaniraous in agreeing to appoint a coraraittee of an equal number with that whicfa faad been appointed by the Associate synod to co-operate witfa tfaem in forraing a basis of union. Tfais coraraittee consisted of tfae following per sons : — Drs. Jofan Jaraieson, Jofan Mitcfaell, David Black, — Messrs. Alexander Pringle, WiUiam Ferrier, James Muckersie, George Paxton, Robert Culbertson, James Stark, Robert Muter, Hugfa Heugfa, Jaraes Hay, Alexander Dun can, Robert Morison, Jaraes Simpson, and George Steven son, ministers, — witfi Messrs. Andrew Mitcfiell, William Ellis, William Carswell, David Wallace, and David Grieve, elders. Tfie result of tfie General Associate synod's deliberations on this important business was comraunicated to the modera tor of the Associate synod, in the foUowing letter: — " Stirling, 2l0th May, 1819. " Reverend Sir, — I had the honour of receiving your most gratifying communication, of the SOth April last, announcing the measures adopted by the Associate synod, in consequence of numerous petitions from the congre gations under their inspection, for effecting a union of the two great bodies of the Secession Church; and, having read your letter to the General Asso ciate synod, at their meeting last week, I was directed to inform you, that it was heard with the deepest and raost respectful interest, and ordered to be preserved in the records of the court. " The synod having received upwards of ninety petitions from different congregations,* all breathing the warmest desires for union, and having at great length, and various sittings, and after repeatedly joining in prayer. and thanksgiving to God, considered this most important subject, unanimously agreed in appointing a committee of sixteen ministers, and five elders, to act in concert with the committee of the same number, appointed by the Asso ciate synod, in preparing the basis ofa union of the two bodies, empowering their committee to appoint a sub-committee, and nominating the Rev. Robert * No more than seventy-four congregations aro mentioned in the Synod record as having presented petitions. 652 MEETING OF UNITED COMMITTEE. Culbertson, of Leith, their convener, who will correspond with the convener of the committee appointed by the Associate synod. " With those ardent and pious feelings in relation to this extraordinary and extensive disposition to union, with which, as an individual, you close your communication, permit me, in the same character, to say, that I desire most cordially to coincide, and to express my earnest wishes, and my sanguine hopes, that this great and simultaneous impulse, which so many Christians in our native land have received in favour of visible fellowship among the friends of evangelical truth and order, may, under the guidance of the Spirit of our common Lord, be speedily consummated to his glory, and the enlargement and joy ofhis church. " vvith my most aff'ectionate regard for yourself, as a brother in Christ, and a fellow-servant in the gospel, and for the interest of religion in the asso ciation of which you are a member, I remain, yours, &c. "Hugh Heugh, Moderator." " To the Rev. George Young, Moderator ofthe Associate Synod." Tfae united comraittee met at Edinburgh, on the 17 tfa of June. All tfae raerabers, witfa tfae exception of Mr. Greig, were present. Dr. Husband presided as chairman, and Dr. Black oflficiatedas clerk. A letter was presented to the meeting, from a coraraittee of the Original Burgfaer (Old Ligfat) synod, stating tfaat a coraraittee had been appointed by said synod, " to collect inforraation, and to correspond with all tfae bodies of tfae Secession tfaat are using means to accoraplisfa tfae proposed union." After sorae deliberation, tfae united coraraittee agreed tfaat an answer sfaould be return ed to tfais coraraunication, to tfae following effect : — " Tfaat, being appointed for tfae purpose of effecting a union betwixt tfae Associate synod and tfae General Associate synod, they would exceed tfieir powers were tfiey at present to admit a committee from any otfier body or party to the discussion." Before entering upon tfae consideration of tfae business wfaicfa faad brought thera togetfaer, tfaey agreed to spend some time in praise and prayer. A portion of tfae 102d Psalm was sung, and Mr. Alexander Pringle prayed. A long and friend ly conference ensued. It was, in sorae respects, botfa a diffi cult and a deUcate task whicfa tfaey were required to perform. To break tfae first ground, in such a discussion, must have been felt by all tfae merabers to fie a matter involving in it great' responsibility, because tfae opening speecfaes were likely to give a peculiar direction or tone to tfae wfaole of tfae ensu ing proceedings. On tfae one faand, it was necessary that there should be, on tfae part of tfae speakers, perfect openness and frankness in tfae statement of tfieir sentiments ; and, on tfie other, it was no less necessary to avoid making sucfa allu sion to past controversies as was fitted to awaken in tfae bosom feelings wfaich faad now, for a considerable period, been per mitted to slumber. Never was tfaere an occasion when men were assembled to deliberate on any question, where tfae sue- BASIS OF UNION PROPOSED. 653 cessful issue of tfae deliberations depended raore on a faappy combination of faonesty and candour, witfa caution and kind ness. I may add, tfaat botfa synods were well-directed in the choice of their respective committees ; for, wfaen tfaey were assembled togetfaer, in one deliberative society, tfaere was diffused among tfaem a large portion of faigfa intellectual talent, sterling faonesty of purpose, enligfatened Cfaristian principle, generous warmtfa of affection, and profound acquaintance witfa the constitution of tfae Cfaristian cfiurcfa, and with the various forms of ecclesiastical polity. Tfae project of a union, wfaich they were met to discuss, could not have been placed in better hands. Dr. HaU led the way in the discussion. He was followed by Mr. Pringle. Tfaen tfae otfaer raerabers delivered their sentiments. There were few, if any present, who did not state tfaeir opinion. There prevailed among all the speak ers the greatest cordiality and frankness. The views of eacfa were freely propounded, and freely discussed. On almost all tfae doctrinal and practical points tfaat passed under review, tfaere existed a great cordiality of feeUng, and faarmony of opinion. After a friendly and most confidential discussion, which lasted for several faours, a sub-committee was appoint ed to embody tfae views wfaich faad Jjeen expressed, in an overture, wfaicfa tfaey were to present to tfae meeting, at tfaeir next sederunt. In tfae mean time, a sfaort adjournment took place. Wfaen tfae bretfaren met in tfae evening, tfae sub-coraraittee laid before them tfae articles wfaicfa were designed to serve as the ground-work of a basis of union. These articles were fully and fi-eely discussed at several raeetings ; and, after undergo ing a careful revision, they were unanimously adopted by the committee, without a single dissent being recorded. On the Sth of September, the Basis of Union was laid on tfae table of tfae Associate synod, by tfaeir coramittee. Tfae synod were mucfa gratified with the result of their coraraittee's labours. They appointed tfaeir raoderator to return tfaanks to tfaem for tfae important services wfaicfa tfaey faad perforraed ; and they were peculiarly gratified to learn, tfaat " tfae utraost cordiaUty emd candour, and an araicable concUiating spirit had been raanifested on the part of tfae merabers of the cora mittee, from tfae General Associate synod." Irapressed witfa the importance of tfae work in wfaicfa tfaey were about to en gage, tfaey considered it necessary, before entering on the dis cussion of the principles of tfae Basis, to spend sorae time in .praise and prayer. A few verses of tfae 60th Psalm (at the beginning), were sung, and Mr. Greig offered up solemn prayer, expressing in fervent language the tfaanksgivings of tfae synod, and imploring the divine direction in tfaeir future 654 BASIS OF UNION ADOPTED BY ASSOCIATE SYNOD deliberations. The impression produced by tfaese religious exercises, in wfaicfa a large auditory joined, was so deep and powerful, tfaat tfae synod judged it not unnecessary to mention in tfaeir record, " tfaese devotional exercises seemed to be attended with an uncommon degree of reUgious feeUng and aniraation." Tfae synod tfaen reviewed, one by one, tfae articles of the Basis ; and, with tfae exception of a qualifying clause, inserted in one of tfaem, tfaey were severally adopted in tfae exact form and language in wfaicfa tfaey faad been presented by tfae com mittee. At the close of their deliberations, whicfa were characterized by a most remarkable faarmony, tfaey again united in praise and tfaanksgiving to God. Dr. Waugh of London conducted the devotions of tfae grateful assembly. A deputation of rainisters and elders was appointed by them, to repair to the General Associate synod, who were sitting at tfae same time in Edinburgfa, to intihnate to tfaem, tfaat tfae Basis of Union had received the sanction of tfae Associate synod. Several sederunts were spent by tfae General Associate synod, in reviewing the articles of the Basis ; and, after faav ing completed tfaeir re-»tew, tfaey considered it proper to delay, till a fiiture meeting, giving tfaeir final sanction to tfaem. The following was the motion wfaicfa tfae synod adopted at the close of their deliberations : — " Tfae synod faaving considered tfae articles of Basis proposed by the joint comraittee, so far agreed to them as a Basis of Union, as to transmit tfaera to the several presbyteries, to be under tfaeir consideration till meeting of synod." They then appointed a deputation of ministers and elders to repair to the Associate next synod, and to inform them of the resolution which they faad adopted. "Tfae meeting of this deputation with tfae Associate synod, was a very interesting one. Dr. Jofan Jamieson of Edin-- burgfa addressed tfae synod in name of tfae bretfaren wfao accorapanied faira, and stated tfaat tfae General Associate synod, wfaom tfaey represented, faad so far approved of tfae ar ticles of tfae Basis of Union, as to send tfaem down to presby teries, to be under tfaeir consideration tUl tfaeir next meeting. The Associate synod received witfa joy tfais communication ; and, strongly irapressed witfa tfae gracious agency of God, in conducting to its present issue tfae iraportant business in wfaich both synods were engaged, requested tfae members of the deputation to unite with tfaem iu tfae exercises of praise and prayer. Witfa tfais request the brethren cfaeerfuUy compUed. Dr. Alexander Pringle of Perth, a meraber of the General synod, commenced the devotional services, by giving out a MEETING OF DEPUTATION WITH ASSOCIATE SYNOD. 655 few verses at tfae beguming of the 85tfa Psalm, wfaich were sung by the assembly. He tfaen offered up fervent supplication to God, in befaalf of tfae two synods, and tfie congregations con nected witfa tfaem, and for the divine blessing to rest on the endeavours wfaich they were making to unite the two brancfaes of tfae Secession into one ; after whicfa tfae 2d and 3d verses of tfae 98tfa Psalm were sung. Dr. Pringle tfaen requested, that a member of the Associate synod might also be eraployed in offering up prayer, to render the comraunion of tfae two bodies more complete, wfaen Mr. Jofan Brown of Wfaitburn was call ed upon to engage in this exercise, wfaicfa fae did witfa great fervour and siraplicity. Tfaese soleran exercises were concluded by tfae worsfaipping assembly singing a portion of tfae 102d Psalm. During tfie wfiole of tfiese services, a spirit of devo tion appeared to be poured out, in a reraarkable raanner, upon both ministers and people. Many of tfae audience were melted into tears. It was indeed a time of refresfaing from tfae presence of tfae Lord. At tfae next meeting of the General Associate synod, in spring 1 820, the articles of union were again discussed seria tim. Several alterations were proposed and adopted. Tfaese alterations consisted cfaiefly in tfae introduction of words and clauses, for tfae purpose eitfaer of rendering tfae raeaning raore definite, wfaere it migfat be somewfaat vague, or of qualifying statements tfaat migfat be too strongly expressed. In tfiose cases wfaere new propositions were suggested and adopted, no cfaange was produced by tfaem" in the general principles on which the Basis of Union was forraed. Tfaese reraained un touched. During the course of these discussions, several dissents were recorded, and leave was occasionaUy asked tfaat " the door migfat be left open" for future " exoneration." On the 25 th of April, all the articles of the Basis, after being reviewed and corrected, were finally sanctioned by the General Associate synod, and a deputation was appointed to give intimation to the. Associate synod, that the Basis of Union had been accepted, and to request tfaeir acquiescence in tfae alterations tfaat faad been raade. Tfaese alterations be ing considered by tfae Associate synod, were approved of. One of tfae alterations required tfaat tfae words, " only form" be inserted in tfae article respecting tfae presbyterian form of chureh government. Three ministers craved to have it marked, tfaat tfaey dissented frora tfae adopting of these words ; and they stated that their object in wisfaing to faave tfaeir dis sent recorded was, tfaat tfaey raigfat not be tfaougfat inconsis tent, should they plead for a modification of tfais article, wfaen it sfaould be incorporated in the Formula. Another rainister dissented from the article on the subject of public covenanting. 656 ARTICLES OF BASIS OF UNION. With these exceptions, the alterations were unanimously adopted. j u i i The following is the Basis of Union, as adopted by both synods, in its corrected state : — " Without interfering with the right of pnvate judgment respecting the grounds of separation, both parties^ shall care fully abstain from agitating, in future, tfae questions which occasioned it ; and, with regard to the burgess-oatfa, botfa synods agree to use wfaat raay appear to tfaem tfae most pro per means for obtaining tfae abolition of tfaat religious clause, wfaich occasioned the religious strife, in tfaose towns where it may still exist. " Art. I. We faold tfae Word of God, contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as tfae only rule of faitfa and raanners. " Art. II. We retain tfae Westminster Confession of Faitfa, witfa the Larger and Shorter Catecfaisms, as tfae confession of our faitfa, expressive of tfae sense in wfaich we understand the Holy Scriptures, — it being always understood, faowever, that we do not approve or require an approbation of any tfaing in tfaose books, or in any otfaer, wfaich teaches, or may be thought to teacfa, compulsory or persecuting and intolerant principles of reUgion. " Note. — In elucidation ofthis article respecting passages in our standard- books, and in the deeds of our church, which imply, or have been interpreted to imply, that the magistrate may use 'coercive measures in matters of religious profession ; we remark, that, while we grant the raagistrate's right to restrain and punish whatever, under pretence even of religion, violates the order of civil society, we disapprove of compulsion in things religious, and of all persecution for conscience' sake. And we farther state, that, though we do not require uni formity of sentiment on the subject of the magistrate's power about ecclesiastical affairs, we adhere to the doctrines formerly stated by the Associate Presbytery, in 1743, viz. That the public good of outward and common order, in all reasonable society, unto the glory of God, is the great and only end which those invested with magistracy can propose, in a sole respect unto that office ; and as, in prosecuting this end civilly, according to their o ffice, it is only over men's good and evil works that they can have any inspection, so it is only over those which they must needs take cognizance for the said public good ; while, at the same time, their doing so raust be in such a manner, and proceed so far allenarly, as is requisite for that end, without assum ing any lordship immediately over men's consciences, or making any encroachment upon the special privileges and business ofthe church. " And we take this opportunity of avowing our adherence to the presby tery's doctrine, -viz. ' That we ought to acknowledge the present civil government of these nations, and subjection thereto in lawful commands.' " Art. III. Tfae Presbyterian form of cfaurcfa government, without any superiority of oflSce to tfaat of a teacfaing pres byter, and in a due subordination of church judicatories, be ing tfie only form of government wfiicfi we acknowledge, as ARTICLES OF BASIS OF UNION. 657 founded upon, and agreeable to, tfae Word of God, sfaall be the government of the United Churcfa ; and tfae Directory, as heretofore, shall be retained as a compilation of excellent rules. " Art. IV. We consider as vaUd tfaose reasons of Secession from the prevailmg party in tfae judicatories oftfae Establisfaed Churcfa, which are stated in the Testiraony that was approved of, and published by, the Associate Presfiytery ; particularly the sufferance of error without adequate censure ; tfae settling of ministers by patronage, even in reclaiming congregations the neglect or relaxation of discipline ; the restraint of minis terial freedom in testifying against maladministration ; the refusal of that party to be reclaimed. And we find tfae grounds of Secession from tfae judicatories of the EstabUshed Church in some respects increased, instead of being di minished. " Art. V. We cherish an unfeigned veneration for our re forming ancestors, and a deep sense of the inestimable value of the benefits whicfa accrue to us, from tfaeir noble and suc cessful efforts in the cause of civil and reUgious liberty. We approve of the raetfaod adopted by them for mutual excite ment and encouragement, by solemn confederation and vows to God. We acknowledge that we are under high obliga tions to maintain and prosecute the work of reformation begun, and to a great extent carried on, by them ; and we assert, that public reUgious vowing or covenanting, is a moral duty, to be practised wfaen tfae cfrcumstances of Providence require it ; but as tfae duty, from its nature, is occasional, not stated, and as tfaere is, and may be, a diversity of sentiment respect ing the seasonableness of it, we agree that, wfaile no obstruc tion sfaall be tfarown in the way, but every scriptural facility shall be afforded to tfaose wfao fiave clearness to proceed in it, yet its observance shaU not be required of any, in order to church communion. " Art. VI. A Formula shall be made up from the For mulas already existing, suited to the United Secession Churcfa. " Note. — That it be recommended to the United Synod, to prepare, as soon as possible, a more detailed view of the ahove articles, as the Testimony of the United Church, containing the substance of the Judicial Testimony, the Act concerning the Doctrine of Grace, and the Answers to Nairn's Reasons of Dissent." Wfaen tfae deputation above referred to, appeared in the Associate synod, and announced the acceptance of tfae arti cles of union bv the General Associate synod, with the altera tions tfaat faad been made, tfaey were requested by tfaeir bretfa ren to unite witfa tfaera in praise and supplication. With this request they cheerfully complied. After a portion of the 2t 658 DISSENT BY SEVERAL MINISTERS. 103d Psalm faad been sung. Dr. Mitchell, a member of the deputation, offered up prayer to God ; and the solemn service was concluded by tfae audience singing the 133d Psalm. All tfae preUrainaries of tfae union being now settled, the Associate synod unanimously agreed to declare, " tfaat, as the two synods are now fully united in principle, tfaere" cannot exist any cause to prevent tfae exercise of ministerial and Cfaristian coramunion :" and tfaey sent a deputation to their bretfaren of the other synod, "to give them assurance that this synod rejoices because tfae faappy period has now arrived; when tfae two great bodies of tfae Secession Churcfa may faold ministerial and Cfaristian communion with one another." This message produced a feeling of joy in the General Associate synod; and tfae deputation were requested to engage, along with the synod, in tfae exercises of praise and tfaanksgiving. Botfa synods re-appointed tfaeir respective coraraittees to meet with each other during the sumraer, and to make such ar rangements as raight be necessary for the full corapletion of the union in tfae raontfa of September. Mention faas been made, tfaat during the progress of the discussions on the Basis of Union, in tfae General Associate synod, several dissents were recorded ; and leave was asked tfiat " tfae door migfat be left open for future exoneration." There was a small portion of the raembers of that synod, who did not acquiesce in tfae articles of union, and wfao dissented from tfae decision of tfaeir bretfaren, adopting tfaese articles. At the close of the proceedings, wfaen tfie synod appointed a deputation to intiraate to tfieir bretfiren of tfie Associate synod, tfiat they had reviewed, and agreed to, all the articles in the Basis of Union, a formal protestation was raade against this deed. In tfais protestation, Mr. George Stevenson, rainister at Ayr, took tfae lead. The following paper, presented by him to the synod (and which was recorded in their rainutes), will sfaow wfiat were tfae reasons wfaicfa influenced hira, and the brethren wfao acted along with faim, in opposing tfae deed of synod, adopting tfae Basis of Union : — " I, George Stevenson, rainister of tfae gospel at Ayr, do solemnly protest against .tfais deed of synod, respecting the Basis of Union, in its present form, and against proceeding to union with our brethren of the Associate synod, upon said Basis, for the following, among other reasons, to be given in to tfais synod, more in detaU, at a subsequent meeting, if found necessary. First, because, according to said Basis, our rela tion to, and connexion witfi, tfae covenanting Churcfa of Scot land are not recognised as in tfae former constitutional docu ments of the Secession Churcfa. Secondly, because it is under stood that the Narrative and Testimony, from tfae moment of PROTEST BY MR. STEVENSON AND OTIIEn.S. 659 union, ceases to be of public autfaority as a standard-book among us ; wfaile, at tfae same time, we faave no Testiraony substituted in its room, recognising the attainments of our re forming ancestors, and condemning tfae several steps of defec tion from tfaese attainments, both in present and former times. Thirdly, because no suitable provision is made by this Basis for guarding the union cfaurcfa against wfaat is called free com munion ; and because tfae purity of faer fellowisfaip is not pro tected by a pointed Testiraony against several sinful and ensnaring oaths, and against those fasfaionable arauseraents, so inconsistent witfa Cfaristian sobriety, whicfa were forraeriy condemned by tfais cfaurcfa. Fourthly, as it lays an insuperable bar in tfae way of proceeding in the duty of pubUc religious covenanting, as faeretofore, since we are not warranted to ex pect a bond for tfaat purpose, autfaorized by tfae supreme court of tfae union cfaurcfa. Lastly, because sufficient tirae has not been given, nor means employed, for inforining tfae churcfa diffusive of tfae important cfaange about to take place in tfaeir pubUc profession, so as to enable them to act with judgment in a raatter in wfaich their consciences are so deeply interested : And I do protest, tfaat I sfaall be at liberty, notwitfastanding tfais vote, or tfae proceedings arising out of it, on all proper occasions, in tfae discfaarge of all ray oificial duties, to raaintain and propagate tfae principles of tfae Seces sion Cfaurcfa, as laid down in her Testiraonies, and recognised in my ordination vows ; on all wfaicfa I take instruments, and crave extracts. " George Stevenson." '¦'Edinburgh, 2%th April, 1820." To tfais protestation was appended tfae following note, with the names of the undersigned raerabers : — " We, subscribers, faaving engaged in tfae sarae protesta tion, do hereby adhere to tfie above reasons, and claira tfae same privUeges. " George Paxton, minister. " Richard Black, minister, Pertfa. " Robert Smith, rainister, Kilwinning. " James Gray, rainister, Brecfain. " Thomas Gray, minister, Kirkcaldy. " James Aird, minister, Rattray. " Peter M'Dermaid, minister. " William M'Ewan, minister, Howgate." There were a few of the brethren, besides those whose names are here mentioned, who dissented from some of the articles of union, though they did not consider it tfaeir duty to 660 LAST meeting of the two synods. carry their opposition fartfaer ; and two of tfae ministers, wfaose names are appended to tfais protest (Messrs. James Aird and WiUiara M'Ewan), afterwards acquiesced in tfae union. During tfae summer of 1820, mucfa brotfaerly intercourse was carried on between the ministers and people belonging to the two synods. The ministers preached in one another's pulpits, and the people flocked to the sacramental occasions ; so that the crowds whicfa assembled at tfae tent-preackings, which vvere tfaen common over tfae wfaole country, were larger than tfaey faad been at almost any former period. All were de lighted tfiat tfie raiddle wall of partition fiad been broken down between tfie two large bodies of the Secession, and that tfaey would soon be reunited into one religious coraraunity. Many cfaurcfaraen took a deep interest in tfais approacfaing consummation. Tfaey regarded tfae religious raovement wfaicli was taking place tfarougfaout the Secession, as the faarbinger ot a more extensive union among tfae various sections of the cfaurcfa of Cfarist. A desire was manifested, in several quar ters, to remove any obstacles tfaat migfat obstruct tfae progress of tfae union. In sorae instances, the town-councils of burghs abolisfaed tfae religious clause of tfae oatfa, wfaicfa faad occasioned tfae disunion ;* and tfae Convention of Royal Burgfas, with a liberality of spirit wfaich did tfaera faonour, unaniraously re coramended, witfaout any solicitation on tfae part of the Seceders, its entire abolition, for tfae express purpose of facil itating tfae consummation of tfais desirable event. On tfae 5tfa of September, the Associate and tfae General Associate synods asserabled at Edinburgfa. Tfae former held tfaeir meeting in Portsburgfa Cfaurcfa, and tfae latter in their synod-house, in Nicolson-street. Tfaere was a numerous attendance of members in botfa synods. Tfaere were enrolled as present, in tfae Associate synod, 106 rainisters, and 62 elders; and, in tfae General Associate, tfaere were enrolled 76 minis ters, and 36 elders.f Two days were spent by eacfa synod in determining sucfa causes, as it was proper for tfaem to decide in tfaeir separate ecclesiastical capacity ; and all tfae necessary arrangements being completed, it was resolved, that tfae union sfaould take place formally on Friday, tfae 8 th of September. The raagisfrates of Portsburgfa politely offered to accompany, in tfaeir ofiBcial robes, tfae Associate synod to tfae place of union, but tfae offer was respectfully declined. Bristo-street Church, being tfae spot wfaere the separation had taken place seventy- three years before tfais, was appropriately selected as the scene * This was the case in Glasgow and Paisley. t The number of ministers connected with the Associate synod, at the period of the reunion, was 139; and the number belonging to the General Associate, was 1 23 ; making a total of 2G2. reunion of the synods accomplished. 661 of tfais noble exfaibition of the power of Christian love. Here the two synods resolved to drop for ever their distinctive badges, and to become one in profession, as they were already one in sentiment. On tfae day appointed, at half-past twelve o'clock, tfae members of tfaese ecclesiastical judicatories walked in regular procession, frora tfae above-raentioned places of raeeting to Bristo-street Cfaurch. First in order were tfae ministers, tfaen the elders, next tfae probationers, and after tfaese moved tfae students of divinity. A portion of tfae cfaurch was railed in, for the reception of the two synods ; tfae raerabers of wfaicfa were seated in alternate pews, so tfaat tfaey raigfat be com pletely intermingled. The two moderators were seated in front of tfae pulpit, witfa tfae two clerks at a Uttle distance on the rigfat and left. Tfae cfaurcfa was crowded in every part by an immense assemblage, anxious to witness tfae soleran pro ceedings of sucfa an eventful raeeting. After all were properly seated, tfae Rev. Dr. Jaraieson of Edinburgfa, the senior moderator (belonging to the General Associate synod), rose and gave out a portion of tfae 102d Psalm (1 7 — 22 verses), in singing wfaicfi tfie ministers and elders, and wfiole attending multitude joined. After tfie Psalm was sung, he called upon tfae clerk of tfae synod, wfaora fae represented, to read tfaeir last minute. Tfais being done, tfae Rev. Mr. Balraer of Berwick, tfae junior raoderator (be longing to tfae Associate synod), rose and called upon tfae clerk of tfae synod witfa wfaicfa fae was connected, to read their last minute. This minute, wfaicfa was read by eacfa clerk, being prepared witfa a special view to tfae union, was expressed in similar terms, and was to tfae following effect : — " The General Associate synod (or tfie Associate synod), having accepted the Basis of Union, and having by tfae good hand of God upon tfaem now finisfaed all tfaeir own business, and all preparatory arrangements, tfaey with fervent gratitude to God, for faaving led tfaem tfaus far, and in faumble depen dence on fais grace to bless tfae solemn and interesting step whicfa they are now about to take, and enable them to im prove tfae privileges, and discfaarge tfae duties wfaicfa are about to devolve in consequence of it, do resolve, and hereby record their resolution, fortfawltfa to repair to tfae appointed place, that tfaey may unite witfa tfaeir bretfaren of tfae otfaer synod, to be known by the name of the united associate synod of the secession church, composed of the Associate (coramonly called Burgher) Synod, and of tke General Associate (com raonly called Antiburgfier) Synod, that tfaey raay faencefortfa walk with thera in the fear of God, and in tfie corafort of the Holy Ghost, striving together for tfae faitfa of tfae gospel, for 662 proceedings on occasion tfae purity of divine ordinances, and for tfae enlargement of the cfaurcfa of Cfarist." After the reading of this rainute by the clerks of the two synods, all tfae raembers rose and stood wfaile tfae articles of tfie Basis of Union were being read. Tfie senior moderator tfien said, " I declare in the name of the General Associate sy nod, whom I represent, that tfae General Associate synod is faencefortfa one witfa tfae Associate synod." Tfae junior moderator made a similar declaration in name of tfae Associate synod whora fae represented. After this. mutual declaration, tfie two moderators gave to one anotfier tfie rigfit hand of fel lowship. In this expression of brotherly love they were fol lowed by all the ministers and elders belonging to the two synods. While tfaey were tfaus, amid tfae gaze of a numerous and deligfated audience, recognising eacfa otfaer in silence, as bretfaren in Cfarist, and wfaile tfaey were pledging tfaemselves, by tfae firra grasp and tfae faearty sfaake of the hand, to walk togetfaer for the future in the fellowsfaip of tfae gospel, it is impossible to express the feelings wfaicfi sucfi a scene pro duced. Tears of joy were sfied by not a few. If we may be permitted to suppose tfiat tfie disembodied spirits of tfiose good raen, wfio were present in Bristo-street Cfiurcfi wfien the separation took place, contemplated tfiis interesting sight from their abodes of glory, or were made acquainted with it by the instruraentality of angels, it is not drawing too much upon the imagination of the reader to affirm, that the knowledge of such an event, in wfaatever way derived, would give increased intensity to their happiness, and would furnisfa tfaem with a theme of devout and grateful acknowledgment to tfaeir exalted Redeemer in faeaven. Mr. David Greig of Locfagelly, being tfae oldest rainister present, was called upon by tfae United Associate synod to take tfae cfaair as moderator. - Mr. Greig, having taken tfae cfaair, gave out the 133d Psalra, which was sung by tfae au dience ; after wfaicfa, fae constituted tfae court with prayer. Dr. Alexander Pringle, of Perth, being next in seniority, as a minister, to Mr. Greig, ascended the pulpit, gave out a por tion of the 90tfa Psalra (13 — 17 verses) and tfaen offered up supplication and tfaanksgiving to God. He was succeeded by Dr. Jaraes Hall, of Edinburgh, who read tfae 17th chapter of Jofan's Gospel, sung tfae last tfaree verses of tfae 72d Psalm, and prayed. Tfaese soleran and most deUgfatful exercises were concluded by tfae ministers and assembled multitude singing the beautiful and appropriate Unes at the beginning oftfae 147 tfa Psalm:— OF THE REUNION OF THE SYNODS. 663 " Praise ye the Lord ; for it is good Praise to our God to sing : For it is pleasant, and to praise It is a comely thing. " God doth build up Jerusalem ; And he it is alone That the dispersed of Israel Doth gather into one," &c. &c After the devotional exercises were concluded, tfae roll of the United synod was called ; and committees were appoin ted to make a new arrangement of the presbyteries, to prepare a list of the probationers, and to make an equitable distribution oftheir services among the vacant congregations. Tfae synod, witfaout entering on any other business, then adjourned to meet on Tuesday, the following week.* The reunion of these two synods, after a separation of seventy-three years, wfaetfaer viewed in itself, or contemplated in reference to its results, must be regarded as a raost irapor tant event. It has faitfaerto been a raatter of reproacfa against the Cfaristian cfaurcfa, that its repose should have been so often disturbed, and its prosperity marred, by divisions amongst its friends. From tfais reproacfa tfae Secession section of tfae visible cfaurch cannot claira exemption. Tfae preced ing pages show, that, in raore tfaan one instance, it faas faad to raourn over tfae disruption of its comraunion. But if, in the course of its history, instances occur of angry con tention araongst bretfaren, and of a separation taking place araongst tfaose wfao faad long been united togetfaer in the sacred bond of the gospel, it is pleasing to find, in the faappy consuraraation of tfie event wfiicfi has now been recorded, such a noble display given of the power of Cfaristianity. It bears a close reserablance, both in tfae causes wfaicfa led to it, and in tfae truly Christian spirit in whicfa it was consummated, to one of tfaose remarkable pentecostal scenes described in tfae early annals of tfae Cfaristian cfaurcfa. Among tfae many great events of a religious kind, wfaicfa faave taken place dur ing tfae present generation, and wfaicfa starap a peculiar aspect on the tiraes in which we live, it will be difficult to find one in whicfa tfae finger of tfae great Head of tfae cfaurcfa faas been more visibly displayed, than tfaat wfaicfa is faere recorded. The lengtfa of time during wfaicfa the parties had been in a state of separation, the vast iraportance whicfa, at one period, was at- * It is an interesting fact, worthy of being recorded, that an aged elder, of the name of Andrew Oliphant, belonging to the Rev. Dr. Mitchell's congre gation, Wellington-street, Glasgow, saw the division of the Associate synod in 174:7, and witnessed its reunion in 1820. The good raan rejoiced when this event took place. He was so interested in it that he did not sleep for several nights. He died at the advanced age of ninety- six. 664 REMARKS ON THE UNION. tached to the points at issue, the keenness (not to make use of a stronger term) witfa which those points -were agitated, the feeUngs of animosity which had been produced, and the spirit of rivalry whicfa hadi been excited, all these were circumstances which rendered a reunion of the contending parties an event highly iraprobable. Yet the movements, wfiich terminated in tfae full accomplisfament of tfais desirable measure, were so un expected, so rapid, so general, and at tfae same time so faar monious, tfaat no pious mind could fail to be impressed with the idea tfaat tfae Spirit of God was the moving cause. Every reflecting individual who took an interest in these movements, and who witnessed their triumpfaant progress, and faappy re sults, must faave been ready to exclaim, " Truly tfais is tfae doing of tfae Lord I" Tfae way was prepared in a remarkable manner, by tfae course of events, for tfae effecting of tfais union. Obstacles were unexpectedly removed. No compromise of principle was made by eitfaer party. Tfae abolition of tfae obnoxious clause in tfae burgess-oatfa, by tfae town councils, removed all danger of future discussion on tfais point. So coAiplete was tfae spirit of union that pervaded the two bodies, tfaat of tfae Associate synod there was not one minister, who did not be come a member of tfae United synod ; and of tfae General Associate synod tfaere were only a few, a very few (as we sfaall afterwards see), wfao, for reasons satisfactory to tfaem selves, considered it tfaeir duty to stand aloof, after tfae union was accoraplished. On the whole, I cannot but consider this memorable event, taking place at the time it did, as designed, in the providence of God, to give increased energy and influence to the Secession Cfaurcfa ; tfaat it raigfat tfaereby be tfae better prepared for act ing a prominent and decided part in tfaose great religious raovements, of wfaicfa our country is now tfae tfaeatre, and wfaicfa bid fafr, at no distant period, to give a powerful ira pulse to tfae progress of tfae gospel, botfa at faome and abroad, and tfaus to effect an extensive amelioration in tfae moral con dition of tfae nations of the world. PART III. CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF THE SECESSION FROM THE PERIOD OF THE REUNION TILL THE PRESENT TIME. CHAPTER XX. Aspect of the present times — Exciting events taking place — Influence of United Secession Church — First meeting of Synod aft«r union — Papers presented by protesters — Summary of Principles published — New Formula — Pastoral address to the people — Final resolution of protesters — Deelara. tion of Synod on subject — Professor Paxton and other ministers leave the Synod — Committee on theological tuition — Home missions appointed — Correspondence vfith Irish Synod — Deputation to Ireland — Account of their proceedings — Irish brethren send deputation to United Synod — Mission to Gibraltar — Visit of George the Fourth to Scotland--Synod agree to present a loyal address — Petition to parliament for abolition of slavery — Bill affecting the interests of Secession poor — Bill opposed by Synod — Legal opinion concerning maintenance of poor — Case of Mr. Smith the missionary — Resolution of Synod respecting it — Dr. Alitchell elected Bibh- cal Professor — Rev. Caesar Malan admitted a member of Synod — Corre spondence with him — New Testimony adopted — And published — Pictou Acaderay — Opposition made to it — Receives support from United Synod — Sum raised for it by Secession Students — Charter remodelled — Gives dissatisfaction — Death of Professor Dick — His character — Extended plan of theological tuition — Three new Professors chosen — Curriculum of study — General Assembly of America — Letter from Assembly to the Synod — Rev. Dr. Cox — Congregational Union of England and Wales — Letter from Union to the Synod — Synod's answer — Deputation from Union to Synod — Rev. John Burnet — Deputation to Union — Proposed Union with Relief Church — Declaration of Synod concerning stipends — Enactment concerning com peting calls — Elders from vacant congregations to sit in church courts— Ex tended plan of missionary operations — Home missions — Mission to Canada — Missions to Jamaica and Trinidad — Rev. William Glen — Employed as trans lator ofthe Scriptures into the Persian language — Rev. John Monnard mis sioned to France. — His death — Rev. Charles F. Major, of Strasburg — Em ployed by Synod on the continent — Mission to Shetland Isles — Secession in Lerwick — Mission fund — Remarks. Though tfae period wfaicfa tfais portion of tfae Secession His tory erabraces is sfaort, yet events have taken place during tfae course of it wfaicfa possess a deep interest. The extra ordinary movements tfaat faave been made, during tfae last twenty years, and tfaat are now making, both in tfae religious and in tfie political worlds, indicate tfae near approach of some great crisis in huraan affairs. He raust be a very inattentive observer of the present course of events, who does not per ceive that changes of no ordinary kind are taking place in tfae frame-work of society ; and tfaat, at no distant period, corre sponding cfaanges must be made in existing institutions, to suit tfiera to tfie altered position and circumstances of tfie parties for wfiose benefit these institutions are professedly intended. As I am a firm believer in the progressive amelioration of society, and regard tfae various events, tfaat are passing over ASPECT OF THE PRESENT TIMES. 667 us, as tfae machinery wfaich providence is employing to bring about the arrival of tfae millennial era, instead of conteraplat ing tfaese events witfa a feeling of anxiety or dread, I look upon tfaem as tfae faarbingers of good to tfae cfaurch of Christ, as designed to usher in a brighter day in our world's history tfaan any that it has yet seen. In looking back upon tfae past, we do not find that any decided step has ever been taken in advance, along tfae patfi eitfaer of social or of religious improvement, wfaich faas not been accorapanied or preceded by a severe struggle, in con sequence of contending principles coraing into coUision. In confirraation of this reraark, we may appeal to tfae terrible commotion wfaich was produced amongst tfae nations of tfae world, by tfae introduction of Cfaristianity itself, one of tfae greatest blessings, certainly, wfaicfa Heaven faas conferred upon our eartfa. The first preachers of that divine and peaceful system, we know, were accused of turning tfae world upside down. They were regarded, by the influential classes, as disturbers of tfae public peace, as wild entfausiasts, as self isfa, designing men, wfaora it was necessary to put down by the strong arra of power ; and the infant cfiurch had to sus tain a series of bloody persecutions, before it was perraitted to enjoy any thing like repose. Another confirmation of the stateraent tfaat faas been made may be found in tfae convulsions, wfaich were occasioned among the nations of Europe, by the rekindling of tfae torcfa of trutfa at tfae period of the Reforma tion. Those venerable raen wfao, under tfae guidance of heaven, took tfae lead in tfais noble work, did so at tfae peril of tfaeir lives. Tfaey, too, were accused of being disturbers of the peace. They were branded as heretics, and eneraies of religion. When argument failed in putting tfaem down, re course was faad to tfae sword. Europe becarae the tfaeatre of wars carried on in the sacred name of religion ; and the Refor mation was cradled amid tfae din of arras and tfae sfaouts of tfae battle-field. In looking again at the page of faistory, we find anotfaer instance, Ulustrative of tfae position tfaat has been advanced, in the stern and long-continued struggles wfaicfa preceded and accorapanied tfae overtfarow of civil and ecclesias tical despotisra, at tfae period of tfae Revolution, in our own country. For at least half a century before tha¥raemorable event took place, tfaere were great heavings in society, and master rainds were at work unfolding and inculcating principles tfiat were favourable to tfie cause of freedora. There was also a plentiful supply of nick-names and of abuse lavished upon tfiose who fiad tfae faonesty and tfae courage to make tfieraselves singular, by espousing opinions tfaat were compara tively new. But more tfaan tfais, tfaat never-faiUng argument 668 FIRST MEETING OF UNITED ASSOCIATE SYNOD. of tyrants, tfae sword, was repeatedly employed' to arrest tfae progress of society, tfaat not a single movement sfaould be made in advance, except wfaat tfae minions of power sfaould be pleas ed to perrait. Yet advance it did, in spite of tfaem. Opin ion proved more powerful tfaan tfae sword. After tfae public mind had become fairly leavened with tfae wfaolesorae truths wfaicfa faad been taught, tfae old fabric fell with a crash to the ground ; and a new one, considerably improved, tfaough by no means perfect, was erected in its stead. Another of tfaese epochs in a nation's history has arrived A war of opinion has again commenced in our country. Tfae combatants are taking tfaeir ground calmly and deliberately. Society faas begun to heave with one of those convulsive strug gles, wfaicfa a collision of principle never fails to produce, wfaere freedom of expression is aUowed. It will assuredly happen in this, as in tfae instances already mentioned. Tfae victory wiU not be decided either by abuse or by violence ; but truth and justice, on wfaicfaever side these may Ue, will ulti mately prove triumphant. Tfae reunion of tfae Secession Churcfa faas greatly increased its power and influence ; and tfae remaining pages of tfais narrative will furnisfa ample proof, tfaat tfae Secession faas not regarded with indifference those exciting events, whicfa have taken place in this portion of tfae empire, since tfae period of tfae reunion. Notwitfastanding the disadvantages wfaicfa tfae Secession faas faad to contend witfa, as a dissenting coraraunity, it has exercised a consider able influence, both directly and indirectly, in accelerating tfae progress of tfaese events. Its ministers and people faave sfaown tfaemselves, in tfaeir united state, as they did when ex isting in a state of separation, the decided friends of all tfaose measures wfaich faave been proposed to ameliorate tfae institu tions of the country. Wfaen tfae United Associate synod assembled, the week after the union took place, several membeTs, wfao faad protest ed in tfae General synod against forraing a union upon tfae Basis as agreed to, " from a persuasion that it was defective, or . not such as it ought to faave been," presented a paper, in whicfa tfaey stated, "tfaat tfaey were not satisfied that tfiey ougfat, at present, to carry tfaeir protest so far as to decline comraunion witfa tfaose wfao faad united;" but, in order to give reUef to tfaeir consciences, tfaey wisfaed tfae following declar ation to be inserted in the record : — "That, in acceding to tfae union, tfaey did so in tfae way of reserving and holding it as their rigfat, and duty, and privilege, to teach, preach, and raaintain all tfae same doctrines, the same mode of worship, and laws of religion, wfaicfa tfaey faad faitfaerto done, and wfaich they considered themselves bound to by their ordination vows." SUMMARY OF PRINCIPLES PUBLISHED. 669 Anotfaer paper was presented by a few individuals, who had also protested in tfie General synod against tfie union. In tfiis paper, they craved to have it raarked, " tfaat tfaey did not fall from their protest, and faad not freedom in tfaeir own minds to enter imraediately into tfae measure of union, as proposed in the Basis." They stated that tfaere were sorae points on wfaicfa tfaeir minds were mucfa relieved, wfaile tfaere were otfaers witfa regard to wfaicfa tfaey were not yet satisfied. At the sarae time, tfaey begged leave to explain, " that they did not intend, by this paper, to state a separation from their brethren, witfa wfaora tfaey faad lived in fellowsfaip, nor to sfaut tfae door against tfaeir own concurrence in tfae union, which afterwards may appear to thera satisfactory." As it was declared, in the fiftfa article of tfae Basis, tfaat wfaile covenanting sfaould not be required, in order to churcfa coraraunion, yet no obstruction sfaould be tfarown in tfae way, but every scriptural facility afforded to those who raigfat faave clearness to proceed in it ; so a bond, prepared and transraitted by the General Associate synod, was adopted by tfae United synod, and inserted in tfaeir record, to be raade use of by tfaose congregations tfaat faad " clearness to proceed " in tfais work. Tfais bond is tfae same in spirit and in language (tfaougfa soraewhat abbreviated) as that wfaich was eraployed by the General Associate synod in 1805, when they engaged in tfae work of covenanting. An exfaibition of the principles held by tfae United synod, faaving been previously prepared by coraraittee, was subraltted to tfae consideration of tfae synod ; and, being carefully revised by tfaera, was unanimously adopted. Tfais exceUent and most usefiil corapendium was published under tfae title of " Sum raary of Principles, agreed upon by the United Associate synod of the Secession Churcfa, Septeraber 14, 1820." Tfae synod agreed, " Tfaat this paper is to be regarded as a com pendious exhibition of our principles, and as a directory for the admission of raembers, wfao are to be considered as acced ing to tfae principles contained in tfais Sumraary, according to tfae measure of tfaeir knowledge." Tfae union comraittee faad prepared a new Forraula of Ques tions, to be eraployed in licensing preacfaers, and in ordaining rainisters and elders. Tfais Forraula, after being revised and corrected by tfae United synod, was adopted, tfaough not un animously. Sorae of tfae questions in it occasioned consider able diversity of opinion, and underwent raucfa discussion. Eleven ministers and one elder dissented from tfae particular phraseology employed in tfae tfaird question, wfaich required an acknowledgment of the presbyterian form of cfaurcfa gov ernment, as the only form "founded upon, and agreeable to. 670 PASTORAL ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE. tfae word of God." Sixteen rainisters and one elder dissented from tfae adopting of tfae fourtfa question, whicfa requires an ac knowledgment, " tfaat public religious vowing or covenanting is a moral duty, to be practised wfaen the circurastances of providence require it ;" and also an approbation " ofthe metfaod adopted by our reforraing ancestors, for rautual excitement and encouragement, by solemn confederation and vows to God." An excellent Pastoral Address to tfae people under tfae inspection of tfae synod, on tfae subject of the union, was read ; and, after being submitted to the revision of a com mittee, the synod agreed that ten tfaousand copies of it sfaould be printed and circulated among the congregations. This Address breatfaes a truly catfaolic spirit, and could not fail to have a happy influence in promoting a feeling of brotherly affection araong the people, and in ceraenting tfae bond of union wfaicfa faad been formed. Agreeably to tfae recoraraendation contained in a note an nexed to tfae Basis, a coraraittee was appointed to prepare a more detailed view of the articles of the Basis, as the Testi mony of the United Cfaurcfa, containing tfae substance of tfae • Judicial Act and Testimony, tfae Act concerning tfae doctrine of grace, and Answers to Nairn's Reasons of Dissent. Tfae United synod concluded tfaeir first raeeting by a very appro priate act, viz. recoraraending to all tfae congregations under their inspection, to observe, at an ^arly opportunity, a day of thanksgiving to God for tfae union wfaich had been so happily consuraraated. Sorae of tfae bretfaren, who had not acceded- to tfae union, transmitted to tfae synod, at tfaeir raeeting in April 1821, two papers, containing a stateraent of tfaeir "^case, witfa a request tfaat they raight be read and considered. Tfae papers were read, and a coraraittee was appointed • to converse witfa tfae bretfiren. One of tfae papers contained certain queries, to wfaich these brethren wished answers to be returned. They expressed considerable anxiety about the forthcoraing Testi raony, and were desirous that some pledge sfaould be given by tfae synod, with regard to the particulars wfaicfa it sfaould con tain. The comraittee endeavoured to convince thera, tfaat it would be unreasonable to expect tfaat tfae synod would give them any pledge on this subject, or tfaat tfaey would re-con sider, at present, tfa'e terras of tfae union. But tfaey proposed to the protesters, that they should draw up a concise state ment of their sentiments on tfaose points, concerning wfaicfa tfaey entertained doubts, and make a declaration of tfie terms on which they would be willing to accede to the union : and sfaould the synod agree to record tfaeir statements (of whicfa FINAL RESOLUTION OF PROTESTERS. 671 tfaey entertained little doubt), they raigfat tfaen conscientiously join the United Cfaurcfa ; and, in tfaat case, tfaey would faave an opportunity of assisting in tfae formation of tfae Testiraony. Tfae synod expressed their wiUingness to grant tfae indulgence wfaicfa tfaeir coramittee proposed, in tfae hope that it would not be abused fry tfae protesting brethren. These brethren, faowever, did not tfaink proper to ac quiesce in tfae proposal tfaat was tfaus made. Tfaeir final resolution was contained in tfae following coramunication, addressed by tfaem to tfae moderator of the United Associate synod : — " Rev. and Dear Sib, — We subscribers are very sensible of the kindness and attention we have experienced from the United synod ; but are obliged to say, that no personal exoneration can satisfy us, as it does not afford sufficient security for the maintenance of the pubhc cause of the Secession. We beg leave to add, that so soon as the United synod shall exhibit a Testimony em bodying the principles, and carryingforwardtheavowed design, of the Judicial Testimony, as the term of fellowship in the body, whatever steps we may find ourselves obliged to take in the mean time, we shall be ready, in that case, to accede to the«nion. We are, most respectfully," &c. " James Gbat. Thomas Gray. , Robert Smith. Wllliam Beath. George Stevenson. James Aird. James Tempieton. Peter M'Dermaid."* The synod, after receiving this coraraunication, expressed much regret that tfaeir bretfiren sfaould decline co-operating witfa them on the terras proposed. Tfaey terrainated tfaeir proceedings on tfais subject, by entering tfae following reso lution on tfaeir record : — " Tfiat, wfaile the synod is desirous to show all lenity to tfaese bretfaren, it is bound to consult tfae edification of those raerabers of tfaeir congregations, wfao approve of tfae union, and already consider tfaemselves as members of the United Secession Churcfa; and tfae synod refers it to tfae presbyteries, in wfaose bounds these congrega tions are, to grant sucfa reUef as tfaey sfaall see proper." Professor Paxton was one of those wfao did not acquiesce in tfae union. He had, in the month of December, tfae pre- * Mr James Aird, one of the subscribers of the above letter, did not leave the United Secession Church. All the other ministers, whose names are affixed to tbe letter, withdrew from her communion ; also Professor Paxton, Mr, William Mitchell of Clola, and Mr, Richard Black of Perth. They soon after this formed a union vnth that section of the Secession that withdrew from the General Associate synod, including Professor Bruce, Dr. M' Crie, &c. The two parties, united, are now known by the name of the " Associate synod of Original Seceders." Mr. James Templeton of Aberdeen, one of the brethren who did not acquiesce in the union, a few years ago withdrew from the " Original Seceders," andbecame a member ofthe United Associate synod. 672 CORRESPONDENCE WITH IRISH SYNOD. ceding year (1820), sent a letter to tfie Edinburgh presbytery, stating tfaat fae could no longer take tfae charge of the Tfaeo logical seminary. Tfais letter was laid before tfae synod, at their present raeeting. Tfae synod agreed to accept of Mr. Paxton's resignation ; and tfaey appointed a comraittee to wait upon hira, and coraraunicate to him this resolution, and also to express to hira their thanks for his past services. At the same tirae, tfaey recorded in tfaeir rainutes, " tfaeir well-founded approbation of tfae laborious, faitfaful, and disinterested raan ner in wfaicfa he had fulfilled his duties, as Theological Tutor, under the late General Associate synod ;" and they declared " their fullest conviction,' tfaat an unfeigned regard tothe best interests of his pupils, and tfae welfare of tfae Secession Church alone, in opposition to any undue attachment to tfae emolu ments of office, engaged faira to continue in the discharge of its functions until the period at whicfa he resigned it into tfae hands of the presbytery of Edinburgh, and tfarough tfaem into tfae faands of tfae United Associate synod." After some deliber ation, it was considered advisable not to appoint a successor to Mr. Paxton at present; but a coramittee was appointed to take tfae subject of a second professorship into consideration, and to report at a future raeeting. In the raeantirae, Dr, Dick was requested to take all the students of divinity un der his charge during tfae ensuing session. Tfae United synod sfaowed the interest whicfa tfaey took in tfae propagation of tfae gospel at horae, by appointing, at this raeeting, two of tfaeir raembers to itinerate during tfae summer montfas in tfae Orkney Islands ; anotfaer raeraber to preacfa in Dingwall, and itinerate in tfae neigfabourfaood ; and a fourth to labour araong the Gaelic population of the Western High lands. They also gave a recoraraendation to tfae presbytery of Elgin to preach in those districts, witfain thefr bounds, where tfae infiabitants raight stand raost in need of the gospel ; and they granted tfaem a sura to defray tfae expenses that might thus be incurred. The Rev. David Stuart of Dublin, a minister of the United Secession Church in Ireland, being present on this occasion, was invited to take his ^eat, and to correspond, as a member of tfae Irisfa United synod. A committee was appointed to iiold a conference witfa fiim, concerning a proposal tfiat was made to admfr Irisfi students to study divinity in tfie Tfieological Seminary connected witfi tfie United synod in Scotland, and also to conader tfie mode of carrying on a friendly intercourse betwixt the sister synods of Scotland and Ireland. It was ultimately resolved, that the Irish students (if properly attested) should be permitted to attend the prelections of the Theologi cal Professor, connected witfa tfae United Associate synod ; DEPUT.VTION TO IRELAND. 673 but that their enjoying tfais privilege would not entitle tfaera to receive licence, witfa a view to tfaeir becoming preacfaers in tfais country. It was further resolved, as a raeans of main taining a friendly intercourse with the United synod in Ire land, tfaat a deputation should be sent to attend a meeting of tfaat synod, wfaicfa was to take place during tfae course of tfae summer. This deputation consisted of tfae Rev. Dr. Mitcfaell of Glasgow, and tfie Rev. Patrick Bradley of Lilliesleaf.* Tfiese brethren met with a raost affectionate reception from the Irish synod. Giving an account of tfaeir embassy, at tfae first meeting of the United synod after their return horae, tfaey said :—" Your deputies were heard in explanation oftfae objects of tfaeir raission ; and, on an occasion so extraordinary, and so deeply interesting, they could not avoid overstepping tfae raere forms of business, and giving utterance to tfae feelings of tfaeir faearts. Tfae effect of the whole was solemn and melting. All were affected, and several were in tears ; but they were tears of affection and joy. Your deputies could not but reraeraber tfiose ' times of refresfiing frora tfie pre sence of tfie Lord,' whieh preceded and accorapanied that union in wfaich we rejoice, and of whicfa tfais our raission was one of tfae pleasing fruits. Tfae spirit of love and of peace was present, and was powerfuUy operating. At that raoraent, the union of the two synods, in tfaeir new and conjunct cfaa racter, was formed and sealed, in feeUng and in purpose." Tfae Irish synod entered on tfaeir record tfae following re solution, expressive of tfae pleasure which tfaey felt in being visited by tfie deputation from Scotland : — " Tfie synod do hereby express our joy and gratitude for tfae coraraunications transraitted by tfae Associate synod, Scotland, for tfae papers friendly forwarded, for tfae kind favour of sending a deputa tion to correspond with us- The synod do coraraunicate our warraest thanks for the raarked regards of tfae Associate synod to us, for tfaeir exertions in proraoting tfae interests of tfae Secession in Ireland; and we do earnestiy wish to maintain intimate correspondence witfa tfaera, as a senior and sister cfaurcfa." Tfaey appointed tfaree of their members — Messrs. James Rentoul, William Moorhead, and James Rankin — as a deputation to attend the meeting of the Scottish synod in tfae ensuing spring. Two of tfaese bretfaren — Messrs. Rentoul and Moorhead — attended the meeting of the synod in spring (Mr. Rankin was prevented by family affliction frora being present), and gave an interesting account of the exertions of tfae Secession Cfaurch * The Rev. William Kidston ot Glasgow was appointed a member of the deputation, but was unexpectedly prevented from accompanying them to Ireland. 2 U 674 MISSION TO GIBRALTAR. in Ireland, in diffusing tfae knowledge of tfae gospel in that country. They also presented to the synod a copy of the articles of union between the two brancfaes of tfae Secession in Ireland, and the subsequent minutes of tfaeir supreme court. The United synod expressed their great satisfaction with the exertions and success of their bretfaren in Ireland, in extend ing the kingdom of Christ ; and they gave a recoramendation to societies for religious purposes, connected with congrega tions under their inspection, to remember, in tfae division of tfaeir funds, the missions of the Secession Cfaurcfa, in that part ofthe United Kingdora. In May 1822, an application was made, in name of some of tfae British residents at Gibraltar, for a rainister, in con nexion witfa tfae United Secession Cfaurcfa, to be sent to preacfa tfae gospel in tfaat place. Tfais application was referred to a committee, wfao were autfaorized to send a rainister to Gibral tar, tfaat he migfat ascertain tfae circurastances ofthe case, and make the necessary arrangements for a permanent supply of sermon being sent, sfaould tfae inforraation received, in answer to the committee's inquiries, be favourable. The person who undertook tfais mission, at tfae request of tfae coraraittee, was Mr. James Pringle, minister at Newcastle, — an individual well qualified, by fais talents and activity, for sucfa an enter prise. Mr. Pringle, after labouring for several months at Gibraltar, was succeeded in the mission by Mr. Arcfaibald Baird, minister at Aucfatermuchty,* wfaose popular talents and manners could not fail to render fais service's acceptable. Tfae people in Gibraltar found that tfaey could not coraraand the funds necessary for defraying the expense connected witfa this mission ; and tfaey wrote to tfae coraraittee, that unless the whole expenses were defrayed by tfae synod, they would be under the necessity of declining to receive any additional supply of preacfaers. Tfae synod were deeply impressed with the importance of Gibraltar as a missionary station, and were anxious to give every encouragement to the proraoting of tfae knowledge of tfae gospel in tfaat place. But, as tfaeir mis sionary fund was not so copiously supplied at tfaat period as it is now, they could not engage to bear tfae wfaole expense. They remitted the business to the coramittee formerly ap pointed, authorizing tfaem to correspond with the people in Gibraltar, to encourage tfaem in tfaeir exertions, and to send them a preacher so soon as might be deemed expedient. After the return of Mr. Baird, no other preacfaer was sent, and tfae correspondence between tfae synod and the people of Gibraltar ceased. • Now in Paisley. VISIT OF GEORGE THE FOURTH TO SCOTLAND. 673 In the month of August 1822, George IV. paid a visit to Scotland, and all classes vied with one anotfaer in expressions of loyalty to tfaeir sovereign. Addresses were poured in upon him from every quarter. At the first meeting of tfae United Associate synod, after the king's visit, a motion was brought forward, that a dutiful and loyal address sfaould be presented to fais Majesty. Tfais raotion was opposed, cfaiefly on tfae ground, tfaat the synod, being an ecclesiastical court, and the representatives of a spiritual coramunity, were not corapetent to present such an address ; and, at all events, that tfaere was no particular call for any sucfa raeasure being adopted on tfae present occasion. A long discussion ensued. Tfae opponents of the address, however, did not move a direct negative ; they proposed only a delay ; and the vote being taken on tfae ques tion, " Sfaall tfae synod present an address to tfae King irame diately, or delay ?" it was carried, by a great majority, tfaat an address sfaould be iraraediately presented. Frora this decision of synod, ten ministers dissented. An address being drawn up by a coraraittee, and having received the approbation of the synod, it was transmitted to his Majesty. At the next meeting of synod, in tfae following spring, tfae attention of tfae court was drawn toward tfae evils of slavery ; and tfaey were required to tfarow tfaeir influence into tfae scale of faumanity, by joining in tfae pfailantfaropic raoveraent tfaat was tfaen making for tfae entire abolition of tfais dreadful scourge. A motion was made, tfaat a petition be presented to ParUament, "for tfae iraraediate raitigation, and ultiraate aboUtion, of slavery tfaroughout tfae Britisfi dorainions." Some merabers were averse to petitioning Parliaraent on tfie subject ; while, at tfae sarae time, they joined witfa tfaeir brethren in reprobating in tfae strongest terms, tfae iniquitous systera of slavery, and in expressing their earnest desire for its total overthrow. They raoved, " That tfae synod sfaall agree in expressing tfaeir deep abfaorrence of slavery, and in recom mending to tfae raerabers of tfais court, and to tfaose under their charge, to take aU scriptural and habile raeans for turn ing tfae attention of tfae raoral and religious pubUc to tfais great evil, and to tfae fittest means for its speedy abolition." This last raotion did not raeet with general support. A large majority decided in favour of presenting a petition to Parlia ment. A petition was accordingly prepared, and, being sub scribed by the moderator and clerk in name of tfae synod, was fiirwarded to tfae Britisfa legislature, calling upon tfaem to adopt iraraediate raeasures for mitigating the evils of slavery, and to take steps for effecting its entire aboUtion, as soon as practicable. It was also earnestly recoramended to all tfae congregations of the United Secession Cfaurch, to raake a 676 BILL FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR. general raovement on this great question, and to take the earliest opportunity of presenting petitions to Parliament on this subject. A bill was brought into ParUaraent, in the spring of 1824, entitled, " A bill to regulate the reUef granted to the poor in Scotland." It was understood tfaat tfae interest of tfae poor belonging to tfae Secession Cfaurcfa would be materially affected by this bill, should it be passed into a law. When tfie United synod met in April, tfae same year, tfaey appointed a com mittee to take tfais bill into consideration, and to report wfaat influence it would faave upon tfae poor belonging to dissenting communities, and also wfaat measures it raigfat be necessary to adopt in reference to it. Tfae report of tfae coraraittee was, tfaat a petition sfaould be iraraediately presented to Parliament against the bill. Tfae synod adopted tfais recommendation of tfieir coraraittee ; and a petition was drawn out, subscribed by tfae merabers of synod, and transmitted to Parliament, craving tfaat tfae bill might be rejected. At tfais period coraplaints were made tfaat in some parishes the kirk-sessions either refused to give any allowance to the Secession poor frora the parocfaial funds, or tfaat tfae aliment was given very partially, and sometimes witfa a tfareat tfaat it would be witfafaeld altogetfaer. It was deemed necessary, for tfae information of ministers, especially of tfaose residing in tfae country, to ascertain tfae exact state of tfae law of Scotland witfa regard to tfae maintenance of tfae poor. A meraorial on the subject was prepared by a committee of synod, and sub mitted to the consideration of William Ellis, Esq., soUcitor in Edinburgh, one of the law agents of tfae synod. Tfae opinion wfaicfa fae returned, on account of tfae general importance of tfae subject to which it refers, I have considered deserving of a place in this record. It was to the following effect : — ' I beg leave faumbly to subrait as ray opinion, tfaat tfae poor of Seceder congregations are placed by law exactly upon tfae same footing with the poor of tfae Establisfaed Cfiurcfa ; and if tfae faeritors and elders of any congregation in Scotland were to refuse reUef to a pauper, on the ground that fae did not belong to tfae EstabUsfaed Cfaurch, the Court of Session would, upon being applied to, grant redress. Tfae meraori- alists will be aware, tfiat tfie rigfit by wfiicfi a pauper acquires a title to relief, arises eitfier frora being born in tfie parisfi, or a certain residence witfiin its bounds. Tfie law pays no respect to tfae religious opinions of tfae pauper, but looks raerely to his poverty and inability to gain his bread. A few montfas ago, a case occurred in tfae Court of Session, wfaere a meet ing of tfae elders and heritors in the West of Scotland faad refused to give relief to a pauper, because fae was an Irishman, MR. SMITH, MISSIONARY AT DEMERARA. 677 altfaougfa he had resided the legal time witfain tfae parish. The Court unanimously altered tfie sentence of tfie elders and heritors, and found tfie Irisfiraan entitled to relief. " By an appUcation to tfie Supreme Court, tfierefore, it will be easy to get tfie better of any attempt on tfie part of tfie fieritors and elders to keep Seceders from getting on tfie roll of tfie poor. It will be more difficult, however, to pre vent them from making a difference in tfae sums given to tfae poor of tfae EstabUsfaraent and Seceders, as a great deal in tfais respect raust be left to tfae discretion of the heritors and elders. Should tfaey, faowever, sfaow a gross partiaUty in tfais respect, I think the Suprerae Court would even faere grant redress." A strong sensation was excited among the friends of rais sions, tfarougfaout the British Erapire, by intelUgence wfaich reached tfais country early in 1824, tfaat Mr. Jofan Smitfa, one of tfae London Society's missionaries in Demerara, faad been tried and condemned by a court-martial for exciting a spirit of rebellion among the slaves in that colony, and for aiding in tfae insurrection after it faad broken out. Tfaough the evi dence adduced on Mr. Smitfa's trial (wfaicfa was afterwards publisfaed), sufficiently established, in the estiraation of all unprejudiced persons, his innocence of the crimes laid to fais charge, and tfaough the very verdict wfaich was retumed, while it declared tfaat fae faad promoted discontent in tfae minds of tfae negroes, and faad faeld coraraunication with one of the insurgents, acquitted faim of any intention to excite revolt, yet fais judges sentenced faim to be banged, but recom mended faim to raercy. Tfae sentence of deatfa was reraitted by tfae governraent at faorae; and dfrections were sent out tfaat Mr. Sraitfa sfaould be disraissed frora tfae colony, and sfaould enter into recognizance not to reside within any settlement belonging to fais Majesty in the West Indies. Tfie Directors of tfie London Missionary society took up tfie matter with promptitude. After an examination of the evidence on which sentence faad been pronounced against Mr. Sraitfa, tfaey passed resolutions declaring tfaeir conviction, tfaat tfaeir raissionary was not guilty of any of tfae cfaarges alleged, and tfaat tfae insurrection was not eitfaer directly or indirectly proraoted by hira. They furtfaer declared, that they could not witfadraw tfaefr confidence and esteera frora Mr. Sraitfa, wfaose innocence they saw no cause to impugn ; and they gave instructions to tender immediately an appeal (sfaould it be deemed advisable by Mr. Smitfa's counsel) against tfae sentence of tfae court- martial, witfa a view to have the subject investigated before the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council in England. In tfae mean time, Mr. Smith died in the colonial jail, broken 678 RESOLUTION OF SYNOD REGARDING MR. SMITH. down under tfae effects of the faarsfa treatraent wfaicfa fae had received. He was generally beUeved to have faUen a victim to the faostility wfaicfa tfae leading raen in tfae colony cherisfaed against tfae missionary cause. Tfae proceedings whicfa faad been carried on against faira, and wfaicfa terminated so tragi cally, were regarded as having originated in a spirit of perse cution, and as designed to remove out of tfae way one who had shown himself a decided friend of tfae slaves. " Tfae finger of trutfa," said tfae Directors of the London Society, " guided by tfae unanimous voice of tfae Cfaristian cfaurcfa, will inscribe on its records the narae of John Smith, as one of its raartyrs, in the cause of spreading tfae gospel of tfaeir common Lord araong the enslaved sons of Africa." There was a loud cry raised by the friends of missions, among all denominations of Christians in this country, for investigation to be made into the circumstances of tfais melan cfaoly case. Tfae success of raissions in tfae British colonies was deeply involved in the matter. The personal safety of tfae missionaries was at stake; and it was necessary tfaat a united and indignant testimony sfaould be lifted up against tfae iniquitous proceedings at Demerara, to deter otfiers from acting a sirailar tragedy. Tfie United Associate synod, sen sitively alive to every public proceeding calculated to affect the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom at faome or abroad, let their voice be faeard araid the general shout of indignation. At their first meeting after the above transactions were made public, a resolution was proposed expressive of the opinion wfaicfa tfae synod entertained of tfaese extraordinary proceed ings. Tfais resolution, wfaicfa was unaniraously adopted, was to tfae following effect : — " In reviewing the present state of raissionary operations in various parts of the world, the synod agree to express and to record tfaeir sincere syrapathy with the London Missionary society, under tfae injuries wfaich they have sustained in the late extraordinary proceedings at Deme rara against tfaeir unoffending raissionary, Mr. Smitfa ; and, at tfae same tirae, to avow tfaeir full persuasion tfaat an inves tigation of tfae wfaole affair is loudly called for, in justice to tfae meraory of the deceased, as well as for protecting otfaer raissionary agents frora sirailar injurious treatment, in every quarter of tfae British dominions." The business concerning the appointment of a second Pro fessor was not deterrained till tfae montfa of April 1825. It faad been repeatedly discussed in comraittees, in presbyteries, and in tfae synod. Sorae members were of opinion tfiat two professors were indispensable, botfi for tfie sake of tfie stu dents, and also for tfie sake of ceraenting raore firmly tfie union ; tfiers tfiougfit tfaat tfae business of tfaeological tuition REV. CJESAR MALAN OF GENEVA. 679 would be better conducted, by faaving only one Professor. A printed report on tfais subject had "been in the faands of mem bers since tfae raontfa of September 1823. Tfae comraittee who had prepared this report, faad given tfaeir opinion in fa vour of tfae appointment ofa second Professor. Wfaen tfae synod entered on tfie consideration of tfais question, at tfae period above-mentioned, a long discussion ensued, wfaicfa terrainated in tfae court declaring it as tfaeir opinion, " tfaat tfae appoint raent of a second Professor is expedient for promoting tfie ira proveraent of tfie system of tfieological tuition." On deli berating wfiat departraent sfiould be assigned to tfie additional Professor, tfiey resolved, " tfiat tfie business of tfie new Pro fessor sfiall be to give a course of lectures on tfie history, evidence, and interpretation of tfae sacred books ; to direct tfie reading of tfie students ; and to exaraine them on these sub jects; to read to them portions of tfae scriptures in the original critically ; and to requfre from tfaem explicatory and critical exercises." Having raade tfaese arrangeraents, they delayed electing tfae new Professor till tfaey sfaould raeet in auturan. On tfae 15tfa of Septeraber, Dr. Jofan Mitchell, one of tfae rainisters of Glasgow, was elected Professor of Biblical Litera ture to tfae United Associate synod ; and tfaat respected in dividual still continues to discfaarge tfae duties connected with the iraportant situation wfaicfa he was then called upon to occupy.* A coraraunication was laid before tfae synod, at tfaeir meet ing in spring 1825, from tfae Rev. Csesar Malan of Geneva, wfiich was received by thera witfa raucfa satisfaction. In tfais coramunication, fae stated fais adfaerence to tfae doctrines con tained in tfae Sfaorter Catechism, as tfae exfaibition of fais faitfa ; and expressed tfae disappointraent whicfa fae felt, in be ing prevented by urgent duty frora being present at tfais raeet ing of tfae synod, and enjoying witfa tfiera tfie fellowsfiip of love in Cfirist. Tfie expulsion of Mr. Malan frora fiis cfiurcfi, in tfie city of Geneva, and tfie persecution to wfiicfi fie had otherwise been subjected, on account of his ffdthful ministra tions of tfae gospel, faad excited a Uvely interest in faim, among tfae friends of reUgion in tfais country : And tfaose rainisters or tfae Secession wfio were acquainted with fais .faistory, were ready to faold out to faira the rigfat-faand of fellowsfaip, and to faail him as a fellow-labourer in the vineyard of tfaeir com- * The course of theological study prescribed to the candidates for the min istry, at this period, was the following : — They were required to attend the prelections of the Professor of Biblical Literature the first two years, and the prelections of the Professor of Systematic Theology (Dr. Dick) the last thrive years of their curriculum. Each session of the Divinity Hall extended to eight weeks, and every student was required to be present at least six weeks of the session, otherwise it did not count as one of tht prescribed course. 680 REV. C. MALAN ADMITTED A MEMBER OF SYNOD. mon Master. In reply to this communication, the synod agreed to send faira a letter, expressing tfae Cfaristian affection wfaicfa tfaey felt for hira, and declaring their faope tfaat tfaey would see faim araongst thera, at some future period, and re ceive faim as a brother in tfae Lord. At tfaeir meeting in autumn, tfae sarae year, they resuraed the consideration of this subject. Tfaey learned tfaat tfaeir letter faad not reacfaed Mr. Malan, and tfaat he could not be present with thera on tfais occasion. But proceeding on the personal knowledge wfaicfa several of tfaeir members possessed of Mr. Malan, and faaving otfaerwise obtained good information of his soundness in tfae faitfa, and of fais faolding tfae presbyterian form of cfaurcfa- government, they agreed, "on account ofhis being a foreigner, and of fais peculiar circurastances, without any farther delay, to receive faira into ministerial and Christian coraraunion ; and they appointed tfaat tfae deed of tfais court, recognising tfae Rev. Csesar Malan, as a minister of tfais church, certified by the moderator and clerk, sfaall be forwarded to faim with out delay." This deed of the synod was joyfully received, and grate fully acknowledged, by Mr. Malan. A letter was read from him at next meeting, whicfa excited much interest. Tfae synod agreed to testify anew tfaeir affection for faim, and to express tfaeir gratitude to God for faaving formed a connection, and opened a cfaannel of intercourse, wfaicfa may strengtfaen his hands, and prove of advantage for promoting the interests of religion. They also appointed a comraittee to correspond with hira; "and, in particular, to give him assurance that tfae synod wUl be happy if, in any form, they can be instruraental in promoting tfae revival of religion in tfiat part of the world, to whicli tfae churcfaes of the Reforraation in general, and the Britisfa cfaurcfaes in particular, owe an iraraense debt of gratitude." In sorae of Malan's writings, wfaich appeared in this country soon after fae was received into tfae comraunion of tfae synod, statements of doctrine were made, which it was alleged were inconsistent witfa tfae standards of tfae Secession Church. The synod considered it their duty to raake inquiry into tfae truth of tfae allegation, and a coraraittee was appointed to correspond witfa Mr. Malan, to state to faira the complaints tfaat faad been made concerning tfaese parts of fais writings, and to obtain from him an explanation of the views wfaicfa fie field on tfiose doctrinal points concerning wfiich fae faad expressed himself in language that was regarded by sorae as objectionable. Tfae answer wfaicfa Mr. Malan returned to tfae coraraittee's communication, breathed an excellent spirit, and afforded much satisfaction to the synod. He expressed tfae grateful NEW TESTIMONY ADOPTED. 681 sense wfaich he had of the synod's kindness, in appointing a committee to correspond with faira on tfae subject wfaicfa had given thera anxiety ; and fae assured tfaera, " tfaat, after the most careful reperusal of tfae standards of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, fais sentiments respecting the assurance and appropria tion of faitfa, are in accordance witfa tfaese standards." Tfae committee were appointed to continue tfaeir correspondence witfa faira, at fais own request ; and also to furnish fiira with copies of tfae Testiraony. Tfae draugfat of a new Testiraony, wfaicfa faad been for sorae time in tfae fiands of a coraraittee, for tfae purpose of being re vised and corrected, was laid upon tfae synod's table, in tfae montfa of Septeraber 1826. Tfais docuraent occupied tfae at tention of tfae synod, during several sederunts, at two succes sive meetings; and, on tfie 20tfi September, 1827, it was finally adopted. In adopting tfie Testimony, tfiey agreed that it sfiould be recommended to tfie attention of tfieir people, as containing a defence and illustration of tfie principles of the Secession, but that an approbation of the various articles in it should not be considered as indispensable to faolding communion with the Secession Churcfa. Tfae Secession terras of coraraunion are to be found in the Confession of Faith, the Catecfaisras (Larger and Sfaorter), and Sumraary of Principles ; and it was declared tfaat tfae Testiraony sfaould not be exalted to a place of equal autfaority witfa tfiese docuraents. Tfie following is tfie enactraent of tfie synod upon tfiis subject : — " Tfiat, wfiile tfiey retain tfie Confession of Faitfi and Catechisras (as recognised in the Basis of Union), and tfae Sura mary of Principles, as tfaeir creed, or confession of faitfa, or terms of coramunion, and tfaerefore do not elevate the Testi raony to the place of authority wfaicfa these standards occupy; they, having deUberately reviewed it, do adopt and sanction it as a defence and illustration of the principles and design of tfae Secession, and do earnestly recoraraend it to tfae candid and diligent perusal of all under tfaeir cfaarge. " And, fartfaer, tfae synod agreed that a reference sfiall be made to said Testimony, in the Formula of Ordination, and tfaat the fifth question sfaall be expressed in tfie following terms : — ' Do you consider, as still valid, tfiose reasons of secession from tfie judicatories of tfie Established Cfaurcfa, wfaicfa are stated Ul tfae Testimonies emitted by tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, namely, tfae sufferance of error, witfiout adequate censure ; tfie mfringeraent of tfie rigfits of tfie Cfiristian people, in tfae cfaoice and settlement of tfaeir ministers, under tfae law of pa tronage ; tfae neglect or relaxation of discipline ; tfae restraint of ministerial freedom in opposing raal-administration ; and the refusal of the prevaiUng party to be reclairaed ? Do you 682 PICTOU ACADEMY I approve of tfae principles and design of tfae Secession, for the more full Ulustration of whicfa, tfae Testimony, as adopted by tfae United Associate synod in September 1827, has been emitted ? And do you resolve, through grace, to prosecute tfae design of tfae Secession ?' " From tfais deed of synod, agreeing to insert in the Formula a reference to the Testimony, tfaree ministers dissented. In tfae preceding pages of tfais work, tfae attention of tfae reader faas been repeatedly dfrected to. the exertions made by the Secession Cfaurcfa to send the gospel to Nova Scotia. The ministers tfaat were sent, at various periods, to tfaat province, by tfae two Secession synods, were emi nently useful in proraoting the religious iraproveraent of tfae colonists. To tfaeir enlightened and persevering exertions, aided by tfae friends of Uterature and science, the Acaderaical Institution at Pictou owed its existence. This institution was founded on a plan similar to that of the Scotch colleges, and was erected for the purpose of giving a liberal education to the children of dissenters, wfao were excluded frora tfae only otfaer acaderaical institution in tfae province (tfae King's Col lege at Windsor), by tfae Episcopalian tests tfaat were tfaere iraposed. After tfae union took place in 1818, among tfae various denorainations of Presbyterians in Nova Scotia, tfae United Presbyterian Cfaurcfa in tfaat province resolved to pro secute a scfaerae of missionary labour, witfa a view to propar- gate tfae knowledge of tfae gospel in tfae surrounding districts. They wisely considered, that tfae best metfaod of accomplish ing tfais would be by training up preacfaers from thefr own congregations. For this purpose, tfaey requested tfae Rev. Dr. M' CuUocfa, who was Principal of tfae Pictou CoUege, to take under his cfaarge, as Professor of Divinity, tfaose young men wfao faad corapleted their academical course at tfaat insti tution, and whose views were directed to the office of the holy ministry. Coraplying with tfais request of fais bretfaren. Dr. M' CuUocfa coraraenced a private tfieological class, wfiich he taught gratuitously ; and, in tfae course of a few years, several young raen of talents and piety were Ucensed to preach the gospel, whose labours were of great service to the cause of religion in tfaat quarter of tfae world, 'Tfae popular constitution of tfae seminary at Pictou, whicfa rendered it a favourite with tfae mass of the population, excited against it the hostility of tfaose wfao saw in it a formidable rival to tfae lordly Episcopalian institution at Windsor. A system of opposition was commenced against tfae Pictou Academy. Great efforts were made to mar its prosperity, if not to crush it altogether. In tfais opposition, tfae bisfaop of the province, and a faction who acted along with him, took a OPPOSITION MADE TO IT. 68.3 decided part. Frora tfae coraraenceraent of tfae institution at Pictou, tfae sum of £400 was annually voted by the provincial legislature for its support. Repeated atterapts were raade by tho friends of the institution to render tfais endowraent permanent. Several times a bill, for tfais purpose, was brought forward in the House of Assembly, and was passed by large and respectable majorities ; but it was uniformly rejected by the council (the upper faouse of tfae legislature, consisting of twelve persons), of wfaicfa tfae bisfaop is a member ; and, on one occasion, it was negatived by fais casting vote. Tfae influence of tfais hostile party was sucfa, tfaat tfaey at last succeeded, not merely in rejecting tfae bill for a permanent endowraent to the Pictou College, but also in tfarowing out tfae bill for tfae annual grant, altfaougfi both of these had triurapfaantly passed tfae Asserably. The infant institution was thus left, tor a season, to tfae un aided exertions of its friends. Matters were fast faastening to tfais crisis, when Dr. M'Cul loch paid a visit to tfais country in 1826, to excite an inter est araong tfae fiiends of religion on befaalf of tfae struggling academical institution at Pictou. As a considerable proportion of the rainisters coraposing tfae Presbyterian Cfaurch of Nova Scotia were of Secession origin ; and, as tfae Pictou Academy was closely identified witfa tfae prosperity of tfaat cfaurcfa, so Dr. M'Cullocfi, on arriving in this eountry, made application for assistance to tfae United Associate synod. Nor was his ap peal to that body made in vain. Tfae syrapatfay of both ministers and people was strongly excited in behalf of the Presbyterian Churcfa of Nova Scotia, and of the Pictou Institution. At a raeeting of the synod, held in tfae month of April 1826, tfaey heard Dr. M'CuUoch give an interesting statement of the difficulties wfaich he and fiis brethren faad to encounter, and of the opposition tfaat was given to tfaeir infant college. After Ustening to fais statement, tfae synod were unanimous in recording tfaeir opinion, " tfaat tfae Presbyterian Cfaurcfa of Nova Scotia, and tfae Pictou Institution, faave strong claims on tfae syrapatfay and liberality of tfae Presby terian, and otfaer cfaurches in Britain, and of associations for religious purposes, and especially of the United Secession Churcfa." Tfaey issued a recoraraendation to tfae congrega tions under tfaeir inspection, to raake a collection, witfaout delay, in aid of the funds of the Pictou Acaderaical Institution ; and they appointed a coramittee to prepare a short stateraent of tfae clairas of tfae Institution, to be read from the pulpit of eacfa congregation, wfaen tfae collection was intiraated, and also to consider wfiat fartfier measures migfat be adopted '' for promoting tfae interests of our sister-cfaurcfa in Nova Scotia." This committee drew up and circulated araong the congre- 684 PICTOU ACADEMY: gations an exceUent address, in which, after stating the circumstances in wfaich the Pictou Academy faad been formed, and the difficulties it had to struggle witfa, they concluded with the foUowing energetic appeal to tfae Secession : — " From tfae Secession Church in particular, the Pictou Acaderay is entitled to the kindest regards. It is the legitimate offspring of that gospel witfa wfaicfa our fathers of the Secession and we faave rejoiced tfae wilderness. Wfaen no otfaer churcfa cared for tfae presbyterians of those parts, we sent to them our brethren to share their hardsfaips, and to cfaeer tfaem with the consolations of mercy ; and our brethren went not in vain. Amidst privation and toil tfaey faave persevered in tfaeir labours, till tfae seed wfaich tfaey have sown has produced, aud still promises, an abundant harvest. In the face of an opposing episcopacy, they have not only planted the presfiyterian cfiurcfi, containing above thirty rainisters, but founded a seminary which gives it tfae prospect of enlargement and permanence. But tfae very success of our bretfaren faas aroused opposition ; and because they have proceeded from the Seces sion Churcfa, their institution is an object of avowed hostility, excluded from patronage to wfaich it is fairly entitled, and, in tfae midst of difficulty, now struggling for existence. Mission aries in otfaer lands faave been cfierisfaed by the resources of powerful societies ; ours have themselves borne tfae burden and faeat of tfae day, till the fruit of their toil presents the prospect of a ricfa faarvest in Cfarist ; and now, wfaen opposed and thwarted, they faave asked our sympatfay, sfaall we say. You must struggle alone? Otfaer societies protect their missionary institutions with a jealous care; and sfaall our mis sionaries be left to brood over tfae ruins of a fabric wfaich tfaey faave so well and so faitfafuUy reared ? Tfae Secession Cfaurcfi assigned to tfaem the field of tfaeir labours : tfae work is not tfaeirs, it is our work ; and, as was tfae planting, tfae watering sfaould be ours. In narae of tfae synod of tfae United Church, therefore, — for tfae sake of our bretfaren abroad, — for tfae honour of the Secession at faorae, — and for tfae sake of Hira wfao faas faonoured you to plant fais cfaurch in the waste places of tfae wilderness, — we ask you to sfaow to tfaose wfaom you have sent to tfais work, tfaat you feel for tfaem in tfaeir difficulties, and care for tfaem, and, after tfae example of tfae God of the cfaurcfa, will not forsake tfae work of your own faands." Wfaen tfae synod raet again in tfae montfa of September, tfaey received from tfaeir committee a report of tfae raeasures vvfaicfa faad been adopted, witfa tfae view of strengtfaening tfae hands of tfae bretfaren in Nova Scotia, and of giving support to tfaeir Acaderaical Institution. Tfaese measures were ap proved of, and the synod sfaowed the deep interest whicfa they EXERTION OF SECESSION STUDENTS IN ITS BEHALF 685 took in this business, by entering on tfaeir record tfae following resolution : — " Tfaat tfie synod, being well assured of tfie destitute condition, as to tfie means of religious instruction, of many of our countrymen in tfie Britisfi colonies of Nortfi America, and being convinced tfiat it is tfieir duty to endea vour to supply these wants ; and of tfae superior advantages of faaving these wants supplied througfa tfae instruraentality of the cfaurcfa already planted, and by ministers educated in tfiese colonies ; and fartfaer, that faaving tfae fullest confidence in tfae integrity, wisdora, and zeal of tfieir bretfaren of tfae Presby terian Cfaurcfa of Nova Scotia ; and being irapressed witfa tfie importance of tfie Acaderaical Institution of Pictou, for se curing a regular supply of ministers and teacfiers for tfiese co lonies, do earnestly recommend to tfie ministers and people under tfieir care, to exert tfieraselves in tfie establisfiraent and maintenance of a society, or societies, for proraoting the reli gious improveraent of our North Araerican colonies, by aiding the Pictou Academical Institution, and tfae missionary exer tions of the Presbyterian Churcfa of Nova Scotia ; and, at tfae same tirae, tfae synod agreed to renew tfae recommendation to those congregations, wfaicfa faave not yet found it convenient to make tfae collection in aid of tfae Pictou Academical Institu tion ; and fartfaer to state, tfaat assistance proraptly afforded wUl be raore efficient than at a more distant period, and will operate raore powerfully to tfae encouragement of tfae Presby terian Cfaurcfa of Nova Scotia, wfaose exertions to extend tfie knowledge of tfie gospel in tfiose parts of the world, are wor tfay of tfie warraest approbation, and give thera strong clairas to the syrapatfay and co-operation of Britisfa Cfaristians in general, and especially of their brethren of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa." Tfae exertions tfaat were tfaus raade to excite an interest in favour of tfae Presbyterian Cfaurcfa of Nova Scotia and tfae Pictou Acaderay, were not in vain. Soon after tfae above recoramendation was given, a society was formed in Glasgow, consisting of ministers and laymen, belonging not raerely to the Secession, but to various dissenting coraraunities, having for its object the raising of fiinds for the support of tfae Pres byterian Cfaurcfa and Academical Institution of Nova Scotia. Collections were made for tfae same benevolent purpose, by several of tfae Secession congregations. Tfae students attend ing tfae Theological Seminary ofthe United Secession Church, under the Rev. Drs. Dick and MitcheU, generously pledged themselves at one of their meetings to raise, during the months of the intervening vacation, the sum of one faundred pounds in aid of tfae same cause : And before the return of anotfaer session ofthe HaU, they had not only redeemed their pledge. 686 CHARTER OF PICTOU ACADEMY REMODELLED. but doubled it, by raising two instead of one faundred pounds Tfae result of tfaese united efforts was, that during tfae years 1828 — 29, tfae Uberal sura of £481 was remitted to the bretfaren in Nova Scotia for tfae support of tfaeir religious and literary institutions. This seasonable supply was received with gratitude ; and the trustees of the Pictou Acaderay sent a letter to tfae United synod, expressing tfaeir tfaanks for tfae friendly exertfons which the synod had raade in befaalf of tfaeir institution. Tfae oppo sition to it, however, still continued ; and it was resolved, by the bretfaren in Nova Scotia, to lay before fais Majesty's govern ment a representation of tfae grievances under wfaicfa they laboured. Joseph Blanchard, Esq., a meraber of the colonial legislature, was sent over by thera to this country, for tfae pur pose now mentioned. He was introduced to the synod, at their meeting in April 1831 ; and being permitted to address tfae court, fae returned tfaanks, in tfae name of fais constituents, for the pecuniary aid whicfa faad been received from the Seces sion Churcfa, and from otfaer friends in tfais country, — " with out whicfa (fae said) tfae Pictou Institution could not faave con tinued to impart to tfae infaabitants of tfaat province tfae bene fit of a liberal education." He furtfaer craved the countenance and support of the Secession Cfaurcfa, in tfae appUcation which he was about to raake to his Majesty's governraent. The synod entered with zeal into the business whicfa faad brought Mr. Blanchard to this country. They resolved to second fais efforts, by presenting an address to the king, in befaalf of the Presbyterian Churcfa and Acaderay of Nova Scotia. An ad dress was accordingly prepared by a coraraittee, subscribed by the moderator and clerk of the synod, and delivered to Mr, Blanchard, that he raigfat get it presented in due forra. The committee, by whom the address was prepared, were also ap pointed " to correspond witfa, and to interest in befaalf of Mr. Blanchard's constituents, friends in London, who may give him countenance and co-operation in his application to govern ment." Soon after this the cfaarter of tfae Pictou Academy was re modelled. A sum of £400 annually, for tfae support of the Institution, was granted for a period of ten years, and some new arrangeraents were made with regard to tfae course of education to be pursued in tfae Acaderay. In a letter written by one of tfae rainisters of Nova Scotia (dated Stfa May, 1832,) (ve find tfae following reference to tfaese arrangements : — " The controversy occasioned by the Pictou Academy, and tfaat faas so long and so furiously raged in tfais part of the province, is at length at an end, at least for ten years, and all parties are, or at least ougfat to be, satisfied. His Majesty's council faave BUT GIVES DISSATISFACTION. 687 fnted the Inotitution £400 annually fbr ten years. Dr. CuUocfa is to have £250, and £100 to go for teacfaing tfae lower brancfaes, to please tfae Kirk party. The Doctor's son will receive the reraaining £50, and as mucfa raore as the Trustees think meet. Tfae council faave also granted £400 to enable tfae Trustees to set tfae system a-going. Probably a house for tfae lower brancfaes will faave to be built. Seven of tfae old Trustees are to remain in office, and four new ones are to be cfaosen by the governor to represent tfae Kirk party. The new system must be in operation by the 1st of July."* The new arrangements did not give satisfaction to all tfae parties concerned. Some of tfae friends of tfae Acaderay be came disfaeartened, and ceased to raake exertions for its sup port. The United synod in Scotland, faaving learned tfaat the affairs of the Institution were in a drooping condition, and that there was sorae danger lest tfae college migfat be closed for tfae higfaer brancfaes of education, or pass into tfae faands of tfaose wfao were faostile to the interests of the presbtyerian church, wrote a letter to the brethren of Nova Scotia, urging upon them tfae importance of raaintaining tfae Institution in a state of efficiency. Frora tfae reply wfaich was returned to this. letter, and whicfa is dated 29th June, 1837, the foUowing extract is given. The account whicfa it contains of tfae pros pects of the Pictou Academical Institution is by no means nattering: — " The situation of tfae Pictou Acaderay, frora whicfa source alone we can expect young raen to eraanate, pre pared by a liberal education to enter upon the study of divini ty, we are sorry to say is far from being sucfa as its friends could wish. A variety of circurastances have concurred to bring tfais seminary to its present condition. With the pro ceedings of tfae provincial legislature towards it, we presume you are already acquainted. Of its contendings with the clergymen in connexion with tfae Establisfaed Cfaurcfa of Scot land, we know you are not ignorant. Of the full extent of the injury wfaicfi it has sustained by the remodelling of its charter, some of you perhaps are not so fully aware. By tfais change, its deadUest eneraies faave been admitted to a partici pation in the trust ; and, as raigfat faave been expected, have exerted their influence to ruin tfae Institution. Already one hundred of tfae four hundred pounds of tfae provincial endow ment has been appUed to the teacfaing of tfaose elementary branches, whicfa are taugfat in almost every grammar-scfaool in the province, and in one within a few roods of tfae Acade my. By this appropriation of its funds, tfae original system of education pursued in tfais Institution faas been essentially • Letter from the Rev. David Roy, in the Theological Magazine for 1832. 688 DEATH OF PROFESSOR DICK: impaired. From inadequacy of funds, the second teacfaer was, for a time, compelled to abandon his situation ; and for the same reason, natural pfailosopfay no longer constitutes part of the Academic course. The influence of the hostile trustees in tfae Board has, no doubt, to a considerable extent, damped tfae ardour of some of its friends. Besides, for several years, tfae expectations of our fausbandraen have been disappointed by extensive failures of the crops ; and during the past year many of our people faave been, and still are, straitened to pro cure tfae means of imraediate subsistence. In such circum stances great liberality is not to be expected. But we dare not conceal the fact, tfaat many of our raembers manifest to wards tfae Institution a coldness which could not have been anticipated. Wfaen we reflect upon tfae small sum which it would require from each individual in our connexion, to place this seminary beyond the reacfa of its most inveterate foes ; and when we tfaink of its vast importance to our cfaurcfa, we cannot refrain from mourning over their want of liberality. It affords us much pleasure, however, to add, tfaat tfaougfi this disposition is too prevalent, it is by no raeans universal. There are araongst us not a few whose zeal neitfaer tfae frowns of tfae legislature, nor tfae influence of eneraies in tfae board of trustees, nor the severity of the tiraes, nor the apathy of breth ren can darap, and who are stiU wiUing to raake great exer tions in its behalf."* Such is the account given, by tfae brethren in Nova Scotia, of the unfavourable circurastances in wfaicfa tfae Pictou Aca demy is at present placed. It wiU be a source of much re gret to its friends in Scotland, if an institution so well fitted to promote tfae cause both of reUgion and Uterature in tfaat dis tant region, sfaall be permitted to languish for want of ade quate support. On tfae 25tfa of January, 1833, the Rev. Dr. Dick, of Glasgow, one of the Theological Professors of tfae United As sociate synod, was unexpectedly removed by death. He died in the 69tfa year of fais age, and tfae 47tfa of fais ministry. For a period of nearly tfairteen years, fae occupied the professorial chafr ; and the arduous duties connected with tfaat important situation, fae discharged witfa great abUity and success. As a scholar, a divine, and a gentleraan, he occupied a higfa place. He possessed a clear discriralnating understanding, a finely- polished taste, a ricfaly cultivated raind, and a most extensive, as well as profound, acquaintance witfa tfae various depart ments of theological literature. His " Essay on the Inspira tion of tfae Scriptures," procured for faim, at an early period * Letter from the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia to the United As sociate synod. HIS CHARACTER. 689 of his ministry, a high reputation as a theological writer. This production has long been regarded as a standard work in divinity. For chaste sirapUcity of style, elegance of dic tion, lucid arrangement, and conclusive reasoning, it will bear a comparison with the most admired productions of eitfaer an cient or modern times. His " Lectures on Tfaeology," wfaicfa have been published since fais deatfa, faave placed, on a solid and lasting basis, tfae farae of Dr. Dick. These lectures show the extent, the variety, and solidity of fais learning. Tfaey constitute, if not tfae best, at least one of tfae very best, sys tems of divinity extant in the EngUsh language. It is certainly a cause of gratitude to the Secession Churcfa, tfaat, frora tfae cora raenceraent of her history, her tfaeological cfaair sfaould faave been occupied by a succession of men who have been distin guished for tfaeir extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, tfaeir higfa attainments in theology, and their general acquaintance with tfae various branches of Uterature. When tfae deatfa of Dr. Dick was announced to tfae United synod, at their meeting in AprU, they entered on their record the following tribute of respect to his memory : — " In record ing the decease of tfae Rev. Dr. Dick, tfae synod reckon it due to fais character, and his valuable services, to express, in their minutes, tfae faigh esteem in which he is held as a raan, as a Christian, as a minister of the gospel, and as Professor of Theology, under the United Associate synod, — an office, the duties of which, during the terra of thirteen years, he dis charged with exemplary diUgence and fideUty, and with ad vantage to tfae cfaurches of the Secession ; and the gratitude whicfa is due to faim for tfae benefit wfaich, by his instruraen tality tfae exalted Saviour faas conferred, and continues to confer on tfaem, in his having trained so large a proportion of tfaeir rainisters for the service of God, in the gospel of his Son, and their desfre to profit by his sudden and unexpected removal to the better country, as an excitement to follow his example in fulfilling the ministry wfaicfa they have received of the Lord Jesus ; and to hold tfaemselves in readiness for tfaat change, by which, without any previous warning, their la bour may be terminated." Tfae synod, instead of immediately choosing a professor, to supply the place of Dr. Dick, appointed a committee to con sider " whetfaer any or what improvements might be made in the present system of tfaeologiMd tuition ;" and the students who had completed their two years' attendance in Dr. Mit chell's class, were placed under the superintendence of tfae . several presbyteries, who were requfred to assign tbem dis courses, and to direct their studies, until another Professoy should be cfaosen. 2 X 690 REPORT ON THEOLOGICAL TUITION. At a subsequent meeting, the coramittee on theological tui- tioh presented a long report, in which it was recoramended, that the course of study should be greatly enlarged, and that, for the future, there should be four, instead of two. Professors connected with the Theological Seminary. The report of the committee occasioned much discussion in the synod, and a considerable diversity of opinion ; but, after being discussed at several meetings, it was finally adopted by a large majority. The following paragraph, extracted from it, contains an out line of the enlarged plan of study : — " Students, in addition to tfae course formerly prescribed, viz. instructions respecting tfae history, evidence, and interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, and in systematic theology, sfiall have critically expounded to them, during thefr course of study, one or more of the principal books of tfae Old Testament, the gospel faistory, tfae Acts of tfae Apostles, one or more of the doctrinal epistles, and tfae pastoral epistles to Tiraotfay and Titus ; tfaat tfaey sfaall not only be instructed in systematic theology, but have a detailed view given them of tfae divine dispensations, as these are developed in the Holy Scriptures, on a plan siraUar to that of President Edwards' History of Redemption ; that tfae quaUfications of the rainisterial charac ter, and tfae duties of tfae pastoral office, sfaall be fully ex plained to tfaem ; tfaat tfaey sfaall be instructed in all tfae services whicfa, as teacfaers or rulers in the Christian churcfa, tfaey may be called on to perform, sucfa as conducting the pubUc devotions of the cfaurch, the composition and delivery of pulpit discourses, botfa lectures and sermons, ministerial visitation of famiUes, public catechising, visitation of the sick, the governraent and discipline of the churcfa, as adrainistered in sessions, presbyteries, and synods ; tfaat they sfaall be instruct ed in ecclesiastical history in general, and especially in the history of tfae primitive cfiurcfa, and the history of the church in Britain, particularly tfae faistory of tfae Secession Cfaurch ; and, finally, that they sfaall be made intimately acquainted with the Confession of Faith, and the Testimony of the United Secession Churcfa." This extended course was placed under tfae superintendence of four Professors, faaving tfae following designations: — 1. A Professor of BibUcal Literature. 2. A Professor of Exegetical Theology, or exposition of the Holy Scriptures. 3. A Pro fessor of Systematic Theology. 4. A Professor of Pastoral Theology and Ecclesiastical History. In addition to Dr. Mitchell, who afready fiUed tfae cfaair of BibUcal Literature, three new Professors were elected by the synod, on the 13th of April, 1834. The persons who were elevated by the suffrages of tfieir brethren, to tfais distinguish- CURRICULUM OF STUDY. 691 ed sitiiation, were, — Dr. John Brown, one of tfae ministers of Edinburgh, appointed Professor of Exegetical Theology ; the Rev. Alexander Duncan, of Mid-Calder, elected Professor of Systematic Theology ; and tfae Rev. Robert Balraer, of Ber wick, who was appointed to fill the chair of Pastoral Theo logy, But, by a subsequent arrangement, sanctioned by the synod, Messrs. Duncan and Balmer excfaanged Professorsfaips. A small salary of £50 annually, was annexed to eacfa of tfaese appointments. Tfais salary was not intended as a reraUnera- tion to tfae Professors for tfie time and labour spent by tfiem in discharging the duties of tfaeir office, but was designed merely to defray necessary expenses. All tfae individuals wfao hold the office of Professor, in connexion with the United Associate synod, may be considered as performing the arduous labours of it gratuitously, seeing that tfae sraall sura allowed for incidental expenses will be barely sufficient for tfae purpose. jAs tfae Divinity HaU meets every alternate year in Edinburgh and Glasgow, three of tfae Professors faave always to leave their homes, and take up their abode in one or other of these towns, at least two months of tfae year, during tfae session of the HaU. The curriculum of study prescribed to tfae students by tfae new arrangements, is five sessions, of eight weeks each, during tfae months of August and September ; and it is rendered imper ative on every student to attend the wfaole tirae. Should any one leave the Hall before tfae term of eigfat weeks is com pleted, it is not counted to faira for a session, unless a satis factory reason sfaall be given to tfae synod, for a particular exception being made in his case. During tfae first two sessions of tfae course, tfae students attend tfae prelections of the Professors of Biblical and Exegetical Theology ; and, during the other three, they are under tfae superintendence of tfae Professors of Systematic and Pastoral Theology. During tfae long vacations wfaich occur betwixt one session of the Hall and another, tfae students are under tfae inspection of tfae presbyteries witfain wfaose bounds tfaey reside, wfao require them to deUver at least one discourse, at a meeting of presby tery, during the course of the year, wfao prescribe to tfaem subjects connected witfa church faistory and divinity, on which they are carefully exarained, and who keep strict watcfa over their gener9.1 conduct. Betbre any student can be adraitted to tfae study of divinity, in connexion wdtfa tfae United Associate synod, fie raust be a member in full communion wdth the Secession Churcfa. He must produce evidence to tfae presbytery, tfaat fae faas attended one of the Scotch universities for a period of at least three years, and must submit to an examination on the Latin, 692 LETTER FROM GENERAL ASSEMBLY Greek, and Hebrew languages; also concerning his know ledge of logic, moral pfailosopfay, and natural pfailosophy. Witfa regard to tfae last-mentioned department (natural pfailo- sophy), there is an option given to tfie student to attend this class, eitfaer before he is admitted to the study of divinity, or iramediately after his first session at tfae Hall. But, exclusive of fais attendance upon tfae natural pfailosopfay class, he must have attended, during the course of three sessions, at one of the universities. It is further required of him, that he satisfy the presbytery witfa regard to the purity of his motives in seek ing to enter upon the work of the ministry ; and he is sub jected to an examination on the subject of personal religion. - Tfae statement now given concerning tfie course of study prescribed by tfae United Secession Cfaurcfa to those who are aspiring to tfie office of the holy ministry, and concerning the strict attention paid by tfie ecclesiastical courts to tfie students at every period of tfieir course, sfiows tfiat, in so far as tfie object can be accorapUsfied by means of fiuraan regulations, tfie Secession congregations have every reasonable ground to beUeve, that their spiritual interests will not be neglected, by being confided to the hands of raen wfao are eitfaer incorape tent for tfaeir work, or unwortfay of their office. I know not any better security tfaat can be given, tban tfaat wfaicfa is afforded by the above enactraents, for training up, under tfae blessing of Heaven, a learned, a pious, and an efficient gospel ministry. At tfae meeting of tfae United synod, in the month of Sep tember 1833, a communication was read from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Churcfa in the United States of Araerica. This letter (dated Pfailadelpfaia, June 15, 1833) was faeard with deep attention. It contained a most gratify ing account of the rapid progress and flourishing condition of the Presbyterian Cfaurch in America. Tfae following extract from it sfaows tfae expansive power wfaich Christianity possesses; and how, from a small beginning in any country, it will gra dually diffuse itself amid raany obstacles, until the whole land sfaall be gladdened witfa its influence. Tfae statements con tained in this extract are faigfaly encouraging to tfaose who are engaged in missionary labours eitfaer at home or abroad. Let them not despair thougfa tfae beginning raay be sraall :^ " Less than three centuries since, tfae goodly land wfaicfa faa^ become our infaeritance, was empfiatically a dark and howling wUderness, which no glad tidings ofsalvation had ever reach- ed^ no ray from tfae Sun of rigfateousness had ever penetrated. Now, it is planted, to a large extent, with Christian churches, in the most of wfaicfa, faowever differing in name, tfae essential truths of divine revelation are taught and inculcated, and num- OF AMERICA TO THB SYNOD. 693 erous hopeful converts are added unto the Lord. The chureh to wfaicfa we belong, traces its formal organization to an asso ciation of not more than six ministers of the gospel, emigrants, witfa one exception only, from Scotland and Ireland, wfao, in the beginning of tfae last century (a. d. 1704), forraed a pres bytery, and faeld tfaeir first raeeting for business in tfae city of PhUadelphia. This church now erabraces in its bosom min isters and members, whose locations are scattered over a region of country, extending from Canada on tfae nortfa, to tfae G.ulf of Mexico on tfae soutfa ; and from tfae Atlantic on tfae east, to the Missouri on tfae west. It numbers twenty-two synods, one hundred and eleven presbyteries, raore than eigfateen faun dred ministers, twenty-five faundred cfaurcfaes, and more tfaan two faundred and tfairty-tfaree tfaousand communicants. Tfaus our original presbytery has resembled the hurable, but pure spring, from which some of our beautiful rivers take tfieir rise, whose waters, penurious at first, run rapidly forward, and con stantly increasing and widening, and deepening as tfiey flow, refresfi and fertilize every region tfirougfi wfiich they pass. Our first presbytery faas, indeed, in its wonderful increase and extension, gladdened many a soUtary place, and raade tfae desert rejoice and blossom as tfae rose." One of tfae objects wfaicfa tfaa General Assembly of Amer ica faad in view, in sending tfais letter to tfae United Associate synod, was to request, tfaat the synod would co-operate witfa the Assembly, and witfa otfaer reUgious coraraunities, in setting apart tfae first Monday of January, in tfae ensuing year, as a season of special prayer and fasting, for the conversion of tfae world to Christ. Tfie synod entered most cordially into the views of tfaeir American brethren, in reference to tfais matter; and they gave a recommendation to all tfae congregations un der tfaeir inspection, to set apart a portion of tfae first Monday of January for tfais purpose ; " tfiat on tfie same day tfie churches of the Secession in Britain may unite witfi the churches in America, and in other parts of the world, in sup pUcations to tfae God of all grace, tfiat tfae Spfrit may be pour ed out abundantly, and that tfae word of tfae Lord may have free course and be glorified." At one of the sederunts of tfais raeeting of s)mod, the Rev. Dr. Cox from New York, a member of the General Assem bly of the Presbyterian Church in America, was introduced to the court. Tfie synod gave him an affectionate welcorae, and invited faim to correspond. Tfae Doctor made some in teresting statements to tfae synod, concerning the progress of religion in the States of America, and especially in tfae churcfaes under tfae inspection of the General Assembly. The synod, through the medium of their moderator, expressed to 694 LETTER TROM CONGREGATIONAL UNION Dr. Cox tfaeir gratitude for the coramunications that had been made to thera, tfae interest wfaich tfaey felt in the prosperity of the religious coraraunity witfa wfaich he was connected, and their sincere respect and affection for himself; after which some time was most pleasantly spent in prayer and praise. Dr. Peddie commenced these exercises by. offering up suppUcation. He was succeeded by Dr. Cox ; and then the whole audience united in singing tfae 133d Psalm-. A committee was ap pointed to prepare an answer to tfae letter wfaicfa had been re ceived from the General Assembly of America. Anotfaer coraraunication, wfaich was received at this meet ing, and whicfa afforded great pleasure to tfae brethren, was a letter from the Congregational Union of England and Wales. It was addressed to the moderator of tfae United Associate synod, and was to the following effect : — " Congregational LrsRARr, London, Uh June, 1833. "Rev. AND Dear Sir, — Annexed we beg leave to transmit to you, as mo derator of the United Associate synod, the seventh resolution of the last gene ral meeting of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, held here on the 10th of May, 1833. "' We take this opportunity of assuring you, dear Sir, and, through you, our beloved brethren of your communion, both in England and Scotland, that this overture proceeds from the most cordial wish to become more closely and more ostensibly united with you in Christian bonds. The paints of dissimi larity between our bodies are, we trust, so few and unimportant, in compari son of the great terms of our agreement, that the proposed intercourse may be carried on, not only without any inconvenience, but with mutual comfort and advantage. " The minutes of our general meeting now sent, will inform you of our correspondence with our brethren of your order in the United States of America, and of the proposal for the interchange of delegates, from both sides ofthe Atlantic, in the ensuing spring. We persuade ourselves that this in telligence will be agreeable to yourself and your brethren in the ministry, with your whole body ; and we hope that we shall enjoy a similar gratification at our next general meeting, in receiving a delegation from the United Associate synod. " If this proposal meet with acceptance, the committee of the Union would immediately nominate brethren with a view tothe pleasing office of delegates to your next General Assembly. " We are delighted with the tokens of increasing unanimity and affection among the ministers and churches of Christ, of approximating denominations, and hail them as a gracious omen ofthe approaching period, when 'the watch men on the walls of Zion shall see eye to eye,' and the church of Christ, at large, be more entirely united in judgment and aflfection. . " Requesting that you will have the kindness to make known this com munication, in your ofBcial capacity, to your body, with respectful and aflfection ate and good wishes, and with fervent prayer fbr your peace and prosperity, we are, Rev. and dear Sir, your faithful friends and fellow-servants in the gospel of Christ, " Joseph Turnbull, ~i " William Stern Palmer, > Secretaries." "Joshua Wilson, ) The following is tfae "seventfa resolution" referred to in tfae above letter : — OF ENGLAND AND WALES TO THE SYNOD. 695 " Moved by tfae Rev. Jofan Burnet, second by Samuel Newell, Esq. and resolved unaniraously, Tfaat, as tfae Union is bound to fraternise witfa all denorainations of Cfaristians, holding tfae faitfa of Cfarist in purity, and also avowing tfaeir belief in tfae unlawfulness of using tfae secular power in tfae kingdom of Cfarist ; and as tfae tfiird object of the Union is, ' to establish fraternal correspondence with otfaer bodies of Cfaristians tfarougfaout tfae world,' it is witfa much pleasure that tfae meeting is led to faope, that a communication may be formed with tfae United Associate synod of Scotland ; and tfaat tfae Secretaries be requested to address a letter to tfae mo derator of tfae synod, proposing that an exchange of delegates take place at our annual meetings ; for the purpose of promot ing Christian fellowship, and for advancing tfae interests of tfae kingdom of our Lord." In tfae proposal made by tfae Congregational Union, tfae synod most cordially acquiesced. An answer, subscribed by tfie moderator and clerk of tfae synod, was iraraediately re turned to tfae above coraraunication, in wfaich the writers say : ^_" We are autfaorized by the synod of tfae United Secession Cfaurch to acknowledge the receipt of your friendly coraraunica tion, and to state in reply, tfaat tfae synod enters cordially into tfae proposal of opening a correspondence witfa tfae Congrega tional Union of England and Wales, and will have rauch pleasure in receiving your deputation, and in sending deputies in return." After giving sorae account of the Secession, and pointing out the advantages of union among Cfaristians, the synod's answer concluded in the following terms : — " We cherish tfae hope tfaat a better day faas begun to dawn upon tfae Cfaristian worid, and hail as one of the signs of this auspicious period, tfaat tendency to approximate to one anotfaer, and to solicit an in terchange of cfiristian and friendly offices, wfaicfa is at present manifested by various denominations. Trutfa is not leSs ar dently loved, and not less clearly taugfat and maintained now tfaan formerly ; but a raore correct estiraate is formed of tfae relative importance of tfae various doctrines and ordinances of the gospel, and of tfaat degree of uniformity in doctrine and order which is necessary to Christian fellowsfaip. United m sentiraent as tfae Cfaurcfa of tfae Secession, and tfae Congrega tional Cfaurches of England and Wales are, in regard to tfae fundaraental doctrines of Cfaristianity, namely, tfae universal and total depravity of fauraan nature, — the divinity and atone ment of tfae Son of God, — justification by faith, — the necessity of sanctification by tfae Spirit, — tfae certainty of a future judg ment and of an everlasting state of retribution, we hold it to be not simply aUowable, but an imperative duty to recognise 696 DEPUTATION FROM CONGREGATIONAL UNION. tfais unanimity, and to hold it forth to public attention. By this means prejudices may be removed, brotherly love may be Strengtfaened, and the leading principles of our holy faith drawn forth from tfaose multiplied details by wfaich they have been obscured rather than illustrated, — entorabed rather than defended ; and inscribed, as fr were, upon the banner of the ' cross, may be spread abroad to collect together all tfae genuine followers of tfae Redeemer. Differing as tfae churches of the Secession and the Congregational churches do, respecting some points of order, it is neither expected nor desfred that tfaere sfaould be concealment or compromise on either side; but they desire to obey tfae apostoUc injunction, in tfae hope that tfaey will experience the fulfilraent of the proraise connected with it : — ' If in any thing ye be variously minded, God will reveal even this unto you : nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same things.'" In accordance with the resolution quoted above, the Rev. John Burnet of Camberwell, London, was sent aS a delegate by the Congregational Union of England and Wales to the United Associate synod, and was introduced to them at their meeting in April 1834. Mr. Burnet addressed the synod in a speech distinguished ibr its piety and good sense. A suit able reply was made by the moderator. Several members of court expressed their high satisfaction that a correspondence faad been coraraenced in such auspicious circumstances, be tween the United Secession Cfaurch and the Congregational Union of England. Some time was then spent in praise and prayer. Appropriate Psalms were sung ; and tfae Rev. Jofan Jamieson of Scoon, and Mr. Burnet, offered up devout suppU cation to God. Mr. Burnet was requested by tfae synod to favour tfae court with his presence, during their sittings at tfais meeting, to as great an extent as his time would permit, and to aid them with his counsel. Tfae synod appointed Drs. MitcfaeU and Heugfa of Glasgow, and Mr. Andrew Mar sfaall, minister at KirkintUlocfa, a deputation to attend tfae raeeting of tfae Congregational Union, wfaicfa was to be held in London, tfae following raontfa. At tfae first meeting of synod, held after tfae return of this deputation. Dr. Heugh reported that Dr. Mitchell and fae had fulfilled the appoint-^ ment of synod, and had been received by their brethren of the Congregational Union in a respectful and affectionate man ner. The synod returned thanks to tfaese brethren, " for the manner in which they had fulfilled the trust comraitted to them ;" and they recorded anew tfaeir desire to cultivate a friendly intercourse with such a large and respectable body of Cfaristians as the Congregationalists of England. BILLS FOR IMPROVING SCOTTISH UNIVERSITIES. 697 Measures of an important kind, affecting the interests of education in tfais country, were brought before parliament dur ing the session of 1835 ; and in an especial raanner bills were introduced by the Lord Advocate, fiaving for tfaeir object the iraproveraent of sorae of the Scottish universities. The attention of the synod being caUed to this subject, at their meeting in October 1835, they expressed their satisfaction witfa tfie raeasures tfiat fiad been introduced, and recorded their gratitude to tfie public-spirited men by wfiom tfiese measures fiad been originated and supported. Tfiey further appointed a coramittee " to watch tfae progress of tfae raeasures referred to, — to correspond witfa tfae raerabers of parliament who faave introduced tfie bills above mentioned, and with those who supported raeasures for rendering raore liberal tfie systera of education ; and, particularly, to use means, tfiat, by tfie re moval of all sectarian tests, by which admission, wfietfier as teacfiers or pupils, into our great scfiools of education is fet tered, tfie full advantages of tfiese national institutions raay be secured to raerabers of our cfiurcfi in coramon with our fel low-citizens." These bills, with which tfae synod tfaus expressed tfaeir satis faction, were soon after tfais withdrawn, tfaat Government migfat bring in a general raeasure for tfae improveraent of all tfae Scottisfi universities, founded on the report of a corarais sion wfaicfa had been appointed during the reign of fais Majesty George IV. Connected witfa tfais bill, wfaen first introduced, tfaere was nothing calculated to alarra tfae fears of dissenters. But through the interference of the church courts connected witfa tfae Establishraent, a proposal was made to introduce into it several objectionable clauses, especially one for tfae purpose " of preserving to tfae Estafilisfaed Church of Scot land all the rights, privileges, control, and superintendence, wfaicfa any of its courts now exercise, or can lawfiiUy claim to exercise, over tfae universities." Tfae synod's committee met and drew up a series of resolu tions strongly condemnatory of tfae proposed measure. Tfaese resolutions were extensively circulated ; and wfaen the synod met in October 1836, tfaey warmly approved of wfaat thefr comraittee had done, and retumed them tfaanks "for tfae di Ugence, zeal, and abiUty" with which tfaey faad fulfilled tfaeir appointment. The following are the resolutions which the committee adopted. The reader will perceive from tfaem tfae obnoxious nature of the measure, which was defeated cfaiefly through the decided opposition made to it by tfae United Associate synod. " Edinburgh, 21st July, 1836.— At a meeting of the committee, appointed at the fourth sederimt of the United Associate synod, 7th October, 1835, the 698 RESOLUTIONS OF SYNOD's COMMITTEE. Rev. John Brown, D. D., in the Chair, and the Rev. Adam Thomson, A. M., Clerk, the following Resolutions were proposed, and, after due consideration,. unanimously adopted, viz. : — I. That the synod were much gratified on hearing of the Bills, which it was originally contemplated by the Lord Advocate, and others, to introduce into the House of Commons " for the improvement of some of the Universities of the Country," as is evident from the following Minute appointing this Com mittee : — " The synod, understanding that important measures for the im provement of general education have been adopted by the legislature, and that Bills for the improvement of some of the Universities of this country have been introduced into the House of Commons during the last Session of Parliament, consider themselves called on to express their satisfaction with these measures, their sense of the gratitude which is due to the pubUc-spirited men who have originated and supported them, and their approbation of the general principle of these measures, as equitable and liberal, as well as many of their details ; and strongly impressed with the conviction that their most important interests, as connected with the education of their ministers and people, are deeply involved in the state of general education in the country, agreed to appoint a Committee to watch the progress of the measures referred to — to correspond with the Members of Parliament who have introduced the Bills above-mentioned, and with those who have supported measures for rendering more liberal the system of education ; and particularly to use means that, by the removal of all sectarian tests, by which admission, whether as teachers or pupils, into our great schools of education is fettered, the full ad vantages of these national institutions may be secured to members of our Church, in common vrith our fellow-citizens." II. That this Committee have learned with deep regret that these Bills have been relinquished, in order that Government might bring in a general measure for the improvement of all the Scottish Universities, founded on the Report of a Commission appointed by his late Majesty George IV. in July, 1826 and which, as might have been expected, partook of many of the prejudices for principles of monopoly and ancient usages, by which some of the Commis sioners had long been pre-eminently distinguished. III. That although the Bill was originally founded on this Report, there was little in it to alarm the fears or to aflFect the interests of Dissenters, till, through the officious interference of the Church Courts of the Establishment in Scotland — who seemed to have no object in view so much as to annoy his Majesty's Government, even when carrying into eflfect the plans oftheir own old and tried friends — alterations were proposed of a kind which, however ac cordant with the exclusive principles which prevailed in the age when the constitutions of the Universities were framed, are utterly repugnant to the more enlarged views of those who, enjoying the light, have imbibed the liber ality, of the nineteenth century. IV. That the Earl of Aberdeen, one of the Royal Commissioners refer red to, had, in order to allay the fears, to gratify the bigotry, and to maintain the pretensions of the Established Church, pledged himself to the introduc tion of several, objectionable additions to the present Bill — but especially of one most obnoxious clause — "for the purpose," as his Lordship expresses it, " of preserving to the Established Church of Scotland all the rights, privileges, control, and superintendence, which any of its courts now exercise, or can lawfully claim to exercise, over the Universities. " V. That " the rights, privileges, control, and superintendence" which the Courts ofthe Established Church " now exercise," are, in consequence ofthe advanced state of society, to a considerable extent, nominal ; ^but that were these laws, which have for some time been, in a great measure, a dead letter, to be revived, by the proposed clause being enacted by Parliament, they could lawfiilly, and would be emboldened immediately to exercise aUeged " rights, privileges, superintendence, and control," ofa kind dangerous to the liberties, and most injurious to the literature of the nation — as is clear from the laws referred to, and required to be enforced by the Act of the General Assembly, February 7, 1645 ; — and also by the Act of Assembly 1719, of which the fol lowing is an extract ; — " 'Tis recommended to the several Presbyteries, in RESOLUTIONS OF SYNOd's COMMITTEE. 699 whose bounds Colleges or Universities are, to take particular care, that all tho Masters thereof do acknowledge, profess, and subscribe, in manner appointed by the 6th Act ofthe Parliament 1707, intituled an Act for securing thc Pro testant Religion, and Presbyterian Church Govemment : and to take special notice of what is taught therein contrair to, or inconsistent vrith the Confession of Faith of this Church, or the Worship, Discipline, or Government of the same, — and to observe the morals and conversation both of Masters and Scholars," &c. VI. That, as is evident from this, the eflfect of adopting Lord Aberdeen's proposed amendments would be, that none could henceforth, how well soever otherwise qualified by pre-eminent talents, literary acquirements, and moral char acter, be eligible as professors in any of our Universities, if they could not sub scribe to all the principles of the Confession of Faith, however intolerant some of them may be, unless their consciences would either allow them to subscribe anything, or to act the part of a distinguished individual, who said that " he could subscribe to the Church Confession of Faith, as containing the confes sion of his faith, and a great deal more." — Nay, and by the introduction of the proposed clause, several eminent Professors in different Colleges at pre sent, who are Dissenters, would forthwith be displaced ; as, in the 17th Act of William and Mary, it is " ordained that no Professors, Principals, Regents, Masters, or others, bearing office, in any university, college, or school, within the kingdom, be either admitted, or allowed to continue in the exercise of their said functions, but such as do acknowledge, profess, and shall sub scribe to the Confesson of Faith." VII. That with respect to the proposed Royal Visitors of the Universities, it is feared that they, like the Professors, may be obliged to swear allegiance to the Church, and that to the obvious infringement of the natural, civil, and sacred rights of Dissenters. The reasons of the Committee for entertaining this apprehension are the foUovring: — 1st, That in all the Church Courts OF THE Establishment an overwhelming anxiety has been expressed on the subject, reprobating, in unmeasured terms, the very idea of employing as Visitors, "Episcopalians, Papists, Socinians, and Voluntaries." 2d, That the Earl op Aberdeen, in one of his Parliamentary speeches, mentions it as a groundless " apprehension on this head, that the Universities would be in any degree under the control of persons who might be Dissenters, men of any religion, or no religion!" And, in his pubhshed letter on the subject, the same noble Lord, after admitting that he has not "any degree of confidence in his Majesty's present Ministers," and after confessing " that recent appoint ments" (meaning, of course, the appointment of the Church Commission, where one Dissenter was aUowed to have a place among ten Churchmen) " may afford reasonable ground for anxiety upon this subject," — yet declares that " the positive and repeated assurances which have been made, forbid him to believe that the Boards wUl be constituted in any objectionable manner, or that the pledges thus solemnly given will not be honourably fulfilled ;" and, 3d, That even the Senatus Academicus of the University of Edinburgh, in their late Memorial to Lord Meloburne, state, that " they had pressed eamestly upon the Lord Advocate's consideration, that the right of appointing the Members of the court, in whom the management of the University was to be vested, should belong to the Crown, the Church, the town councU, the Bar, and the Medical CoUeges in Edinburgh," — thus, in a great measure, excluding Dissenters from any management of Institutions in which they have so deep an interest, and contribute so largely to support. To show the utter absurdity of this, it may be noticed that, according to a statement of Sir WiUiam Rae, in his place in the House of Comraons, on the 27th of April last, " there are about two-thirds of the landed proprietors in Scotland Episcopalians." And they, vrith aU the other Dissenters, must be excluded from being Visitors, Managers, or Professors, in any ofthe Scottish Universi ties ; and prevented from having their children taught in their own country, except by those sworn to maintain the peculiarities of an Established Church, to which they profess to be conscientiously opposed. VIII. That in accordance with the views entertained by this Committee, as expressed in the preceding statements, it should be recognised as a general 700 PROPOSED UNION. principle, that no reform of the Universities, as national institutions, can be satisfactory, which does not open the Chairs to qualified persons, without re ference to reUgious denomination, and confine the system ot instruction to literature and science ; leaving every sect, and the Estabhshed Church among the rest, to provide for the theological education of its own ministers. IX. That every legitimate exertion be made to prevent the passing ot the Bill with the obnoxious clauses proposed ; and that it be recommended to attempt this, by memoriaUzing Government, petitioning ParUament, or corresponding vrith individual members of the legislature, as shall be judged most ex pedient. . , , r..ii X. That, in the event of all opposition proving vain, and the BiH passing as proposed. Dissenters must find themselves under the necessity of breaking off their present connexion with the National Universities, by allowing, or re quiring, the Students connected with their Churches to attend such seminaries as the Andersonian University in Glasgow, and similar institutions in Edin burgh, Aberdeen, and elsewhere, which the circumstances of the case would originate ; and that this committee will recommend it to the synod of their own Church, in particular, to adopt this measure. In explanation here, it is necessary to observe, that at an average, 150 students attend the Secession Divinity Halls every season, and that each of them must have paid upwards of £30 for attendance on the literary and philosophical classes — amounting in all to about £5,000, independently of what is paid by numbers connected vrith Dissenting Churches, who either have no view to the ministry, or rehnquish it before reaching the Divinity Halls. And supposing an equal number only of all other classes of Dissenters to act on the plan referred to, there would be a loss of upwards of £10,000, paid by one description of Dissenting students to the Universities during the curriculum of four years. The proportion of con gregations in the Secession alone^ being about the third of those belonging to the Establishment, an idea may easily be formed of the proportion of funds contributed by the Secession students towards remunerating the literary and philosophical Professorships in the Universities of the country. Nor can any one who has given due attention to the subject, doubt that the sum might be much better expended in securing a far more valuable, because a more Chris tian education, to the holy ministry. XI. That a Petition to the House of Commons, founded on the above Resolutions and signed by the Chairman and Clerk, be immediately transmitted to the Lord Advocate for presentation. JOHN BROWN, D.D., Chairman ADAM THOMSON, A.M., Clerk. On tfae 4tfa of April (1834), an overture from the presby tery of Dunfermline brought before the United synod the subject of a union witfa tfae Relief Church. This overture proposed, " Tfaat tfae synod sfaall take sucfa steps as may be deeraed necessary to begin and maintain a friendly intercourse with the Relief synod, as a sister-churcfa, and that tfais over ture sfaall Ue on the table of the synod till next meeting, in order that aU parties concerned may be acquainted with it before it be discussed^' Tfae synod aUowed tfae overture to lie upon tfaeir table. At tfaeir meeting in spring, the follow ing year, they entered upon tfae consideration of it. A con siderable number of members deUvered their sentiments on the subject. Some were for appointing a coramittee to take steps for immediate union. Tfaose wfao supported tfais motion were few. Others were of opinion, tfaat the synod should express a desire of union, and send a deputation to the ReUef synod WITH THE RELIEF CHURCH. 701 as a token of brotherly regard. The general feeling of those, who spoke on tfae subject, was, tfaat a union with the Relief Churcfa, on scriptural terras, was in itself desirable ; but tfaat it would be proper to delay, at present, adopting any decisive measures for accorapUsfaing tfais object. It was finally agreed to remit tfae overture " to the serious and prayerful considera tion of sessions and presbyteries ; " and tfae clerk was instruct ed to give notice of tfais resolution to tfae Relief synod, " in a kind and respectful letter." At next meeting reports were received frora four presbyteries. One of tfaese was in favour of union ; tfae other three expressed tfaemselves friendly to tfae object, but considered delay advisable. Petitions and merao rials were at the same tirae presented frora fourteen congrega tions and one session ; all of wfaicfa, witfa one exception, were favourable to tfae proposed union. A coraraunication was also read from the Relief synod, whicfa breatfaed an excellent spirit. After sorae deliberation, tfae United synod agreed to renew tfaefr expression of esteera and affection for tfae Relief Churcfa ; and gave an injunction to the presbyteries and ses sions, to take the subject of a union " into their deliberate and prayerful consideration," and to report to the synod at next raeeting. Wfaen the synod met in AprU 1836, reports and petitions were presented frora fifteen presbyteries, fifty-two sessions, and nine congregations. Frora tfae tenor of these papers it appeared, tfaat a considerable diversity of opinion prevailed amongst botfa ministers and people. Some proposed tfaat a union should be imraediately accompUshed, others that it sfaould be delayed. As the synod had not time to read the mass of papers that was laid upon their table, tfaey appointed a committee to consider and classify tfaera, and to report con cerning tfae various opinions contained in tfaera. Tfais cora mittee was also instructed to obtain autfaentic information con cerning the principles and administration of tfae Relief Church. Tfae report of tfae committee was to tfae following eff'ect : — " That tfaey had considered and classified said reports and petitions, and that from tfaese papers, and tfae information received in thefr meetings, they deem it their duty to state, that tfaere does not appear to be tfaat harmony of view and desire among our own congregations, on tfae subject of tfae union, which would justify the comnuttee in recoraraending to the synod the adoption of measures for its immediate consum mation ; but they recommend to the synod to express their 'love in the truth,' for their esteemed brethren of the ReUef Church, and thefr pleasing conviction, that tfaere is so much coincidence in Scriptural view and feeling betwixt the two bodies, as to encourage the hope of a complete union, at no 702 INTERCHANGE OF DEPUTATIONS. distant period, on grounds consonant with the word of God, and the comfort and edification of both churches." It was resolved, at this meeting, to appoint a deputation to wait upon tfae Relief synod, who were expected to meet during tfae course of tfae ensuing month, and to comraunicate to them " the sentiments of fraternal Cfaristian affection wfaicfa tfais cfaurcfa bears to tfae Relief Cfaurcfa, and our ardent desire for tfaeir spiritual prosperity." Tfae persons appointed on tfais deputa tion were Drs. Pringle, Peddie, Kidston, Ritcfaie, Professor Duncan, and Mr. William M' Kelvie of Balgedie. Only tfaree of these brethren had it in their power to fulfil tfaeir appointment. Dr. Peddie reported to tfae synod, at tfae September raeet ing, tfaat Dr. Kidston, Dr. Ritcfaie, and hiraself, had waited on the Relief synod, and had been most kindly received. He introduced, at tfae same time, a deputation of tfae Relief bretfa ren, wfao faad been appointed to wait upon tfae United Asso ciate synod. Tfae deputation consisted of Messrs. Mattfaew Alison of KUbarcfaan (moderator of ReUef synod) ; Daniel Gorrie of Kettle ; Alexander Harvey of Glasgow ; Francis Muir of Leith ; and James Smith Taylor of Coldstream. Dr. Mitcfaell was requested by tfae moderator to open the conference with prayer, wfaicfa was done along witfa the sing ing of Psalms. Mr. AUson tfaen rose and read an extract from the rainutes of the Relief synod, containing tfae foUow ing resolutions, wfaicfa they had adopted at their last meeting : — " I. That a union witfa the United Associate Church, on Scriptural grounds, and without merging the principle of tfae free-communion of saints, wfaicfa faas so long been a distinctive tenet of tfae Relief synod, is greatly to be desired, and ought to be sougfat after with prudence, deliberation, and perseverance. " II. Tfaat as some of tfae sessions, and it is beUeved con gregations in tfae synod, are not prepared for the contemplated union, it is necessary that proper means should be employed to remove objections to the proposal; and for tfais purpose, it is especially desirable, tfaat Cfaristian and ministerial intercourse, by interchange of pulpit services, and otherwise, should be cultivated between the two bodies, if it shall be found tfaat such correspondence is not prohibited by the standards of the Secession Cfaurch. " III. That tfae synod send a deputation of tfaeir number to the next meeting oftfae synod oftfae United Associate Church, to express thefr high respect for that body, and tfaeir desire for its prosperity and welfare, and to make proffer of tfae inter course referred to, as tfae most likely metfaod of promoting mutual acquaintance, and removing prejudice, and thus of ul timately effecting an incorporated union." PROPOSED UNION WITH THE RELIEF CHURCH. 703 After reading these resolutions, Mr. Alison raade a few statements in support of them. Some of the other members of the deputation also addressed the synod ; and the impression produced, by raeans of tfaeir speecfaes, upon raerabers of court, was exceedingly favourable to tfae cause of union. A suitable reply was raade, by the moderator, to the deputation ; and several members of synod deUvered tfaeir sentiments. At the close of the conference Mr. AUson offered up prayer, at the request of the synod, and a few verses of a Psalm were sung. Tfae synod delayed giving any decision concern ing the proposal submitted to them, in tfae above resolutions, with regard to holding Christian and ministerial intercourse with tfae brethren of tfae ReUef Cfaurcfa ; but remitted the consideration of this business to the committee forraeriy ap pointed, wfao were requfred to report at next raeeting. The synod received the report of tfais coraraittee on tfae 12tti of May, 1837. After receiving it, tfaey did not consider it expedient to discuss tfae proposition of interraediate intercom munion, as tfaey were of opinion tfaat sucfa discussion was not calculated, in present circurastances, to promote tfae object in view : but tfaey appointed a committee " to have a free con versation with any coramittee that tfae ReUef synod may tfaink fit to appoint, on tfae circuinstances wfaicfa raake tfae proposed union between tfae churcfaes desirable, tfae difficulties wfaicfa lie in the way of effecting it, and tfae principles on which it raust be based ; and to report tfae result of tfae conversation to tfae synod." Tfaey enjoined tfaeir clerk to give iraraediate notice of this resolution to the raoderator of the ReUef synod. A corresponding committee has been appointed by the synod of Relief; and a meeting of the coraraittees of the two synods was held in Glasgow, in tfae raontfa of July 1838. As no meeting of the supreme courts faas been faeld since tfae united committees met, of course no official report faas yet been given of tfaeir proceedings. But it is understood tfaat tfae meeting in Glasgow was a most agreeable one; that both parties were un reserved in thefr coramunications with each other ; and tfaat the wfaole of the deUberations were conducted in a spirit of great kindness and fideUty ; and there is Uttle reason to doubt, that when tfae two committees report to thefr respective synods the result of this conference, it will have a faappy influence in acceleratmg the progress of a union, whicfa the representa tives of both cfaurches faave afready declared to be faigfaly de sirable. What is there to prevent sucfa an event from being now consummated? The two cfaurcfaes are agreed on all the main points of doctrine, discipline, and governraent; and should there be any diversities of adrainistration, these can be made the subject, either of forbearance, or of future arrange- 704 DECLARATION OF SYNOD CONCERNING STIPENDS. ment. The eventful nature of the times in wfaicfa we live, and tfae extraordinary struggle at present carrying on betwixt state-endowed and unendowed churcfaes, render it an impera tive duty on those, who hold the sarae general views of ecclesi astical polity, to merge smaUer differences, and to unite toge ther for the purpose of giving more complete effect to tfae grand principle involved in the struggle, viz. entire religioiis freedom. An iraportant declaration was raade by tfae United synod, at tfaeir meeting in September 1836, on tfae spiritual relation- sfaip existing between rainister and people, and on tfae nature of that claim which the former has to receive stipend from the latter. Mr. Arneil, wfao was for sorae time minister of the Secession congregation in Portobello, and whom unfavourable cfrcumstances had obliged to demit his cfaarge, raised a pro cess before the Court of Session against certain persons, who were alleged to be members of his congregation, for arrears of stipend. Tfae Edinburgfa presbytery, to whom tfae individuals wfao were prosecuted applied for protection, brought the mat ter before tfae suprerae court, requesting them to give to these persons advice and assistance, and also to issue a declaration, "as to the claim wfaich tfae ministers oftfae Secession Cfaurch have to their stipend." The foUowing is the deUverance which the synod gave on this subject : — " After deUberation, the synod agreed to state, that as in the corapact between every minister of this churcfa, and fais people, it is assumed tfaat fae is wfaolly devoted to tfae duties of fais office, so a suitable maintenance from fais people is obviously a dictate of justice, and is acknowledged, in the caU wfaicfa he receives, to be an imperative Christian duty ; tfaat the word of God, whicfa is tfae only authority and law as to the support of ministers of tfae gospel, distinctly erabodies and enforces this principle ; that the above principle not only pervades the word of God, but is exhibited in tfae form of an express commandment, 'Let him that is taught in the word, comraunicate to him that teacfaetfa, in all good tfaings ;' tfaat there can be no appeal in any thing connected with the support of Christian ministers, excepting to tfae Lord Jesus Cfarist, speaking in tfae word of God, and giving his sanction to, and prescribing the arrange ments of the church in this matter ; and tfaat from the begin ning, the practice of those portions of the Secession Church, of wfaicfa the United Associate synod is composed, has been in uniform accordance with these statements. Agreeably to these views, the synod hereby declares that every rainister or dained to the pastoral office in this churcfa, binds and obliges himself to submit, in the matter of temporal support, as well as in all other matters connected with his office, to tfae deci sion of those spiritual overseers to whom he has promised sub-. ENACT.MENT CONCERNING COMPETING CALLS. 705 jection in tfae Lord, and disclaiins all right to prosecute for stipend, in courts of civil law, acknowledging that the higfa and sacred claim whicfa Christ has given hira on the conscience of fais people, is a security wfaich fae feels to be perfectly inade quate. In eraitting tfais declaration, the synod is to be under stood as simply giving expression to the consuetudinary law of our churcfa, and feels assured, tfaat so far from weakening, tfais declaration wiU strengtfaen and consolidate tfae faold wfaicfa faer ministers already have on their conscience, and tfae affection, and tfae liberality of tfaefr flocks." Some enactments faave of late been made by the United synod, affecting, to a certain extent, the power and constitu tion of the ecclesiastical judicatories of the associated body. One of these refers to the mode of deciding in tfae case of com peting or transporting calls. For a hundred years after tfae commenceraent of the Secession, the law and practice of tfae Secession judicatories were, tfaat wfaen a preacfaer received a call from two or more congregations, tfae competition was de cided (after the hearing of parties) by tfae suprerae court, to whose decision the matter was ordinarUy referred by the pres byteries, within whose bounds the corapeting congregations were situated ; and the preacher was bound to submit to the judgment of tfae synod, whether fr accorded with his own in clination or not. The «arae authoritative raode of procedure was observed in the case of a transporting call given to an ordained rainister. It belonged to the suprerae court to judge and deterraine whether he should be continued in fais present cfaarge, or be removed, in accordance witfa tfae call tfaus given> to a new scene of labour. By an enactment of tfae synod, in September 1833, this power of deciding in the cases referred to, has been voluntarily renounced ; and it is now declared to bethelawof the Unitedf Associate synod, " That, in tfae case of a transporting call, or of competing calls, the decision sfaall; in tfae first instance, be left to tfae individual who has received such call or calls ; but that should fae, or any of the parties interested in the case, desfre to have the advice and judgment of tfae church courts in the matter, it sfaaU Jbe competent to bring it before tfaem in tfae usual way." Tfais enactraent was op posed by a considerable portion of the synod, on tfae ground of its being an infringement of tfae presbyterian order recog nised by the Secession Church, and also on the ground of its holding out a temptation to underhand deaUng, in tfae way of private negotiation between parties, in tfae giving and receiv ing of calls. But the opposition was unavaUing. Several ministers recorded their .dissent from the deed of synod sane-- tioning the above alteration. A committee was appointed to prepare regulations, which might serve as a directory to 2y 706 ENACTMENT CONCERNING ELDERS. church courts, in all cases of competing and transporting calls that might come before them ; and with the special view of preventing abuses from being committed under covert of the new law. The committee executed the task assigned them. They laid upon the synod's table a set of regulations, appa rently well-adapted for the purpose. The synod ordered them to be printed, but have not yet given them a formal sanction. Another enactment, of the description above referred to, is one which was carried amid much opposition at the meeting of synod in September 1837. At an early period of the Se cession, the question was discussed in the church courts. Whether lay elders from vacant congregations ought to have a seat in the superior ecclesiastical judicatories, such as pres byteries and synods? And it was determined by the Fathers of the Secession, that they ought not, as tfaey judged it in consistent with presbyterian parity, tfaat tfaere should be more lay elders than ministers in these courts of review. The same question was brought forward and discussed repeatedly, at later periods, and uniformly with the same result, till the meeting of synod now mentioned ; when it was declared, by a decided majority, that elders from the sessions of congrega tions, where there. is no fixed teacher, shall be "aUowed a seat in presbytery and synod." Let the number of teacking elders be diminished, at any time, to the lowest possible amount, in any of the judicatories, by deaths and removals, this enactment secures a regular and permanent supjdy of lay elders for the conducting of business. According to this new enactment, .the lay representative of a session belonging to the United Secession Church, resembles the monarch of the British Empire : he never dies. The attention of the synod was, at this j^riod, drawn to a subject of vast importance to the religious interests of the country, namely, the monopoly which had been so long en joyed, by the king's printers in Scotland, of printing and pub lishing the authorized version of the Word of God. Their patent for this odious monopoly was about to expire, and the fnends of a free Bible circulation were making exertions to prevent the renewal of it. A committee had been appointed by the House of Commons, to consider how far it would be expedient to aboUsh the monopoly; and it was considered proper, that while this committee was sitting and engaged in taking evidence upon the subject, the United Associate synod should contribute what share bf influence they possessed, in preventing the renewal of the obnoxious patent. In conse quence of an overture presented to them, at their raeeting in May, 1837, by Mr. Adam Thomson, minister of Coldstream, BIBLE MONOPOLY. 707 they agreed to petition parliament on the subject, — and they appointed a committee to watch over the progress of this busi ness, and to take such steps concerning it as tfae exigencies of the case might render expedient. Of this committee Mr. Thomson was appointed convener. When the committee of the House of Commons gave in their report, at the close of tfae session in 1838, it was re garded as favourable to tfae abolition of the monopoly. It was understood, however, that secret exertions were making, by tfae friends of tfae EstabUsfaed Churcfa in this country, to get the monopoly renewed in her favour ; and, as there was little faope of their succeeding in this, a proposal was made that the patent, hitherto enjoyed by tfae king's printers, should be transferred to the Scottish universities. In support of this proposal, it was aUeged, that tfais would afford tfae best guar antee for maintaining the ijitegrity of the sacred text. This proposal was successfully resisted by the convener of the synod's conimittee, wfao undertook a journey to London, and exerted himself with great assiduity in counteracting the exer tions of those who were fiiendly to this scfaeme. At length Lord John RusseU, her Majesity's Secretary of State for the home department, publicly announced in the House of Commons, jto the satisfaction of the fiiends of a free Bible cfrculation, that " it was not the intention of. Govern ment to renew the patent, or any dfrect monopoly in favour of any .corpoiatiom They did not mean {he said) to prevent in Scotiand the Scriptures being sold at the lowest price ; but they did mean to preserve the purity of tfae text from inter polation and misconstruction ; tne means fae should state on a future day." — When Dr. Tfaomson reported to the synod, at their meeting in June, 1839, this successfial result of the labours of thefr committee, the synod were highly gratified, and unanimously voted thanks to Dr, Thomson for the exer tions which he had made in this cause. Only a few days, however, elapsed when the synod took the alarm, in consequence of information being conveyed to them, through the medium of the newspapers, that Lord John RusseU had made a pubUc announcement on this subject in the House of Commons, from which it appeared, that the in tentions of Govemment, in reference to this question, were materiaUy altered from those which had been formerly express ed. This announcement was to the following effect : He said,—" It was proposed to incorporate a limited number of persons, say five, to whom would be granted the exclusive right of printing and pubUshing the Bible. One of these was to be the moderator of the Assembly of the Church of Scot land, two others were to be divines of the Church of Scotland, 708 MEMORIAL TO LORD JOHN RUSSELL. and two others were to be laymen, but members of the Church of Scotland ; and, if any larger number of five should consti tute the board, it would stiU be constituted on the sarae prin ciple. It was proposed that tfais board sfaould faave tfae ex clusive right of printing and publishing the Bible, upon con dition of allowing the free importation of the autfaorized version of the Bible, printed by authority in England. Another condition was, that tfae board should have power to grant an imprimatur for Bibles to be publisfaed by certain publishers, but that sucfa liberty sfaould not be granted, unless the board appointed correctors of the press, or unless some person was appointed by tfae board, to supervise the Bible so printed, and see that tfae version was correct. With these liraitations, it was proposed generally, tfaat no preference sfaould be given to particular pubUsfaers, but tfae publisfaers raust, in addition, enter into conditions, by bond, to pay any costs tfaat migfat ensue from a failure in the perforraance of any one of tfae con ditions, or tfae costs occasioned by any incorrect version, which might be circulated in consequence of tfae imprimatur granted to them." Such was the scheme whicfa, according to Lord John Russell, the Government intended to adopt with regard to the printing and publishing of tfae authorized version of the Scriptures. The synod immediately appointed a committee to draw up a memorial to the Home Secretary, and a peti tion to parliament on the subject. The memorial presented to his Lordship was to the following effect : — To the Right Honourable the Lord John Bussell, Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Memorial ofthe Key. the United As sociate Synod of the Secession Church of Scotland. Mt Lord, — Li the ParUamentary report of the Standard newspaper, of date 1 Ith current, the foUovring paragraph appears, as repor^g a statement made by your Lordship respecting the measure which the Government is about to propose for printing the Bible in Scotland : — ' John RusseU said, it was not intended to give the exclusive right of print. ing the Holy Scriptures in Scotland to any corporation or individual. He should propose that the Crovm, by Boyal Charter, should incorporate a num ber of persons, say five, to whom should be granted the exclusive right of al lowing the printing ofthe Bible. One of these five individuals would be the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, two Other Divines of that Church, and the other two. Members of the Church of Scotland, — ^this board would have the exclusive right of authorizing the printing of the Bible under certain re strictions.' It must be known to your Lordship that this synod has taken a yery deep interest in the question respecting the printing of the Bible, and that both by Deputies and Memorials they have endeavoured to impress their -views of the importance of the unrestricted printing of the Scriptures upon yoiir Lordship and the House of Commons. From the information which they last received, . they had been led to beUeve, that although their views were not to be adopted to their fuU extent, a Board would be appointed solely for the purpose of at tending to the accuracy of the text of the Sacred Volume. To this measure ypui' memorialists would have offered no opposition, ifthe Board had been so' DEPUTATION FROM SYNOD's COMMITTEE. 709 composed as to include persons of various religious denominations. The plan, however, which the statement above quoted announces, is so very different from what they had been led to anticipate, and so entirely opposed to their conscientious opinions of whatjustice and the interests of rehgion demand, that ^fhen it was announced in their court, it produced the very deepest feeling of disappointment and sorrow ; and a resolution was immediately adopted to employ all the means in their power to prevent its being carried into effect. The synod beg to state to your Lordship, that they are iSrmly persuaded that, if no restrictions whatever were laid upon the printing of the Bible, the great objects desired to be gained, — namely, the accuracy of the text, and the cheapness of the volume, — would be better attained than by any other course which can be adopted. But such a measure! as this now announced would, they are convinced, be attended with the most injurious consequences, and would excite amongst the Dissenters of Scotland, one unmixed feeUng of dis satisfaction and mortification. The synod are aware that the declaration reported as made by your Lord ship, may be inaccurate ; but such is the importance which they attach to the subject, that they lose no time in addressing your Lordship, with the view of obtaining some accurate information respecting it, and in the hope that a mea sure which, in their judgment, continues the monopoly in a form even more offensive than that in which it previously existed, vriU not be entertained. In conclusion, this synod beg to state to your Lordship that no measure, in their opinion, could possibly give less satisfaction to the great bodies of Dissenters in Scotland, than a plan which proposes to vest in a Board, com posed exclusively of ministers and members of the Church of Scotland, the power of aUowing the printing of the Scriptures, vrith whatever restrictions its appointment may be accompanied ; thus in effect, and for the first time, giving to that Church the entire control of the printing of the Sacred Volume, and the power of defeatingthe great objects which this synod has ever sought to obtain, and adding to the invidious distinctions among reUgious denomina tions, already too numerous, and the occasion of unspeakable injury to reU gion and to the commonwealth. We have the honour to remain your Lord ship's most obedient servants. Signed in our presence, and by our appointment, at Edinburgh, this 13th June, 1839. John M'Kekbow, Moderator. William Kidston, Synod Clerk. A deputation,* appointed by the synod's committee, also proceeded to London, to represent to her Majesty's govem ment how obnoxious the proposed scfaeme was to the dissen ters of Scotland, and to obtain, if possible, an alteration of it. This deputation consisted of the Rev. Dr. Thomson of Cold- sfream and the Rev. Mr. Harper of Leith. Wfaat the depu tation cfaiefly insisted on, in tfaeir interviews with the official men connected witfa tfae govemment, was tfae omission of the clauses providing tfaat tfae board sfaould consist of members of the Cfaurcfa of Scotiand. Tfaey also pointed out " tfae injuri ous consequences that migfat arise frora an abuse of tfae dis cretionary powers to be vested in tfae board, particularly as regards their right to judge of the qualifications of correctors of the press, and to call for proof-sheets for revision, which might lead to an annoying and vexatious interference with the mterests of individuals in the printing of the Scriptures." It was understood that the control of the board would extend to editions of tfae Bible having raarginal references or brief annotations. This part of the plan was considered peculiarly 710 MISvSIOWARY EXERTIONS. objectionable, and every effort was made to counteract it. The deputation represented in strong terms, to those in power, " tfaat a denominational board with such powers was most objectionable, on account of the party bias which would barely fail to be given to their editions of the Bible ; and that no board, however constituted, could be invested with such powers, consistently with tfae rigfats of private judgment." The result of the exertions raade by the opponents of the Bible monopoly was, tfaat though the " denominational board " has been appointed, the monopoly is virtually abolisfaed: inasmuch as the free importation is allowed of copies of the Scriptures printed by authority in England or Ireland, — and inasmuch as that the Lord Advocate is authorized to grant permission to any person making appUcation to faim, to print and pubUsh Bibles and Testaments, provided security shall be given that they sfaall be in exact confijmrity with some specified edition, " being any one of the editions published! by au thority in Great Britain," — a copy of which is to be transmit ted to the secretary of the board ; and wfaile the work is pass ing through the press, such portions of it as the Lord Advo cate shall prescribe, are to be forwarded to the secretary, from time to time, to give the board a " fuU and ample opportu nity, during the progress of the work, that it has been faith fully and correctly executed." In tfae course of this narrative, numerous and gratifying proofs have been given of the spirit of missionary enterprise, which has cfaaracterized tfae Secession, as a church, in aU the periods of her history, and which has imparted vitaUty and power to her operations. While her ministers and congre gations were comparatively few in number, she not only carried the light of the gospel, by means of her preachers, into many a dark corner of oiir own land, but she sent labourers to the benighted districts of Ireland, to Nova Scotia, to Canada, and to the then thinly-peopled wilds of America. By her instrumen tality, churcfaes have been planted in these distant regions, and multitudes bave heard the joyful sound of salvation, who raigbt otherwise have lived and died in a state of spiritual des titution. All this she accompUshed by the free-will offerings of her people, who, though the greater part of them were in a humble station of Ufe, contributed cheerfully of their scanty earnings, that they migfat spread abroad the glories of their Redeemer's name in fweign lands. During the last ten years, a new and powerful impulse has been given to the missionary spirit of tfae United Secession Church. She has organized, and is carrying on with consid erable vigour, a scheme of operation much more systematic and extensive, than she has done at any former period of her HOMB MISSIONS. 711 history; and, if we may judge from the regular increase of her missionary fdnd, and from the number of labourers whom she is sending forth, her exertions are every year augmenting In the month of April, 1829, the United synod resolved on pur suing "a more extended course of missionary exertions for the propagation of tfae gospel in tfae more destitute parts of our coun try ;" and the foUowing scheme of home missions was adopted: « That the preachers employed in the faome mission ary stations sfaall be appointed to tfae different presbyteries, by the sub-committee on missions, from among the preach ers, who, for the time being, have no synodical appoint ments; that these preachers shall, as much as possible, be stationary in the preaching-stations during the time they are employed; that, while tnus employed, tfaey sfaall receive the sum of fifteen sfaillings* of stipend for each Sabbath, exclusive of board, whicfa tfae presbyteries shall endea vour to provide ; and that, during their residence in these sta tions, they shaU, besides a regular ministration of the gospel on Sabbaths, occupy themselves as much as possible in all proper efforts to promote and extend the interests of reUgion, especially by communicating reUgious instruction to the yoimg, visiting the sick, and teaching privately, as prudence dictates. The synod further enjoined the presbyteries, within whose bounds these preaching-stations are, to watch over them with care, and particularly to appoint such members as shall be contiguous, to visit tnem frequently ; that they shall endeavour to procure as large contributions as possible from the stations themselves, for the support of the gospel, that the labours of the preachers tfaus afforded may be tfae longer continued; and that each presbytery shaU make a report to the synod con cerning these stations, of the money coUected by them, the money expended, and their apparent success." it was after wards resolved, that a missionary committee shall be annuaUy appointed, by whom all missionary business shall be conducted, and who shall prepare, for publication, an annual report oi their proceedings ; that missionary operations shall be extend ed, according to the state of the funds, and the appUcations from presbyteries ; that every missionary station, when formed into a congregation, shall no longer be considered as connect ed witfa the committee on missions, but shaU be treated by the presbytery of tfae bounds in the same manner with other va cancies; and that each probationer shall keep a journal of his proceedings in tfae missionary stations, which he shall submit to the committee on missions, in sufficient time to be consider ed by them, before making up tfae report. This sum has since been raised to the ordinary weekly aUowance for preachers — one guinea. 713 MISSION TO CANADA. On the 13th of September, 1831, the synod resolved to en ter on a foreign mission, and they appointed the missionary committee to ascertain what might be the most eUgible field of labour. A variety of circurastances pointed to Canada, and the adjoining provinces of British America, as presenting a proraising field of usefulness ; and, after mature deliberation, the synod unaniraously resolved to send, without delay, three or four raissionaries to labour in tfaat quarter of tfae world. Tfaeir committee was instructed to look out for suitable per sons to undertake tfais mission. Three members of synod, every way quaUfied for the work, immediately volunteered tfaeir services to go as missionaries to Canada : these were — Messrs. Thomas Cfaristie, minister of Holme in Orkney ; William Proudfoot, minister at Pitrodie in Carse of Gowrie ; and William Robertson, minister in Cupar of Fife. Having resigned tfaeir cfaarges in tfais country, they sailed for their destination in the month of July, 1832. Mr. Robertson died of cholera, at Montreal, about a month after his arrival. These were followed, in tfae spring of tfae foUowing year, by Mr. William Taylor, wfao was for some time minister at Peebles, and Messrs. George Murray and Robert Thornton, both of whom were ordained in tfais country, witfa a special view to tfae Canadian raission. Two additional labourers were sent to Canada in 1834 ; namely, Messrs. James Skinner and Jofan Cassie. At tfae meeting of tfae synod in April, it was resolved, that tfae bretfaren who had been sent as raissionaries to Canada, should be erected into a presbytery, under the de signation of The Missionary Presbytery of ike Canadas, in connexion witk tke United Associate synod of tke Secession Ckurch in Scotland ; and it was resolved, at the same time, to send catechists and Gaelic preachers to that country. On tfae 1st of August, 1834, slavery was declared by an act of tfae British legislature, to be abolished in the West India Islands ; and the synod considered that a fair opening was now presented to tfaem for comraencing raissionary operations in sorae of these islands. At tfaeir meeting in September, they directed tfaeir committee to take iraraediate measures for send ing two or more raissionaries to Jamaica ; and they gave their sanction to tfae following proposal, wfaicfa was submitted to them by some of the brethren, who were anxious to encourage a raissionary spirit in their congregations : — " That congrega tions shall be allowed to support missionaries, by distinct funds under the superintendence of tfae synod, with the under standing that they may present suggestions regarding tfae se lection of agents and spheres of operation, and be permitted to maintain direct correspondence with tfae agents ; tfaese sug gestions to be submitted to tfae comraittee on missions, for MISSION TO JAMAICA. 713 their consideration, and in the regular form brought before tfae synod." During, tfae year 1835, four missionaries in connexion with the United Secession Church, sailed for tfae West Indies ; three of whom coraraenced labouring in tfae island of Jamaica, and the fourth in Trinidad. The three tfaat went to Jaraaica, were Mr. James.,Pat^rsQ.n (wfao was for some tirae rainister at . Auchtergaven, in tfais country), Mr. Williain_^Niyen, and Mr. Peter Anderson. Mr. Paterson is supported by tfae BrougEtoimace~coiigregation, Edinburgfa ; Mr. Niven, by the presbytery of Stirling and Falkirk ; and Mr. Anderson, by the Regent Place congregation, Glasgow. Tfae mission ary wfao is stationed in Trinidad, is Mr. Alexander Kennedy, who is supported by the Greyfriars congregation, Glasgow. The same year two Nova Scotian preacfaers (Messrs. Fraser and M'Kenzie), wfao were acquainted witfa tfae Gaelic lan guage, were added to tfae raission in Canada. Toward tfae close of 1836, and in the beginning of 1837, the hands of tfae bretfaren in Jaraaica were strengtfaened by the accession of two new raissionaries, wfao were sent from tfais country, Messrs. WilUam Janiieson and Jaraes Niyen. Mr. Jamieson was sent out, anJis maintained" by tfae Rose-street congregation, Edinburgfa. Two additional labourers, Messrs. Jaraes Roy and George Lawrence, were also sent, during tfae last-raentioned year, to Canada. Tfae Rev. WilUam Glen, an excellent Persian scfaolar, wfao was for sorae time a minister of the Secession in Annan, and latterly in the employment of the Scottisfa Missionary Society, and of tfae British and Fo reign Bible Society at Astracan, has lately left this country, as an agent of the United Associate synod for Tabreez, in Persia, where he is to be employed in the important work of translating the Old Testament into tfae Persian language. A tew of the congregations have it in contemplation to raaintain a mission in some of the South Sea Islands. With a view to this, they have raised tfae sum of £300, and placed it at tfae disposal of tfae Rev. Jofan WUliams, the South Sea mission ary, in connexion witfa tfae London Society, to defray tfae ex pense of an exploratory voyage, wfaich he has engaged to un dertake. "Mr. WilUams is to endeavour to ascertain tfae character and faabits of the islands visited, togetfaer witfa the facilities existing for the introduction of the gospel among them. He is to carry with him eight or ten native mission aries from the islands already evangeUzed, and place tfaem in the scene selected for the new mission, as pioneers to the mi nisters who may be sent out from tfae Secession Cfaurcfa ; and he is tfaen to communicate to tfae missionary coramittee an account pf tfae voyage, and of the prospects which it raay faave 714 MISSION TO THE CONTINENT. opened up, that it may be considered whether the plan should be prosecuted." In addition to the above-mentioned mission aries, Mr. John Afrd was sent as catechist to Jamaica in J 837 ; and, in the following year, other four persons were sent m the same capacity to labour among the negro population of that island, namely, Messrs. William Kay, James Elmslie, David son Black, and David Moir. During last summer (1838), Mr. John Monnard, a native of Geneva, after completing a course of study at the Univer sity of Edinburgh, and the Divinity Hall of the Secession Churcfa, was ordained by the United Associate presbytery of Edinburgh, and sent by the missionary committee of the United synod to France, to be employed in that country, as a preacher of the gospel, in connexion with the United Se cession Church. Tfaose who were acquainted with his cha racter and talents, considered him as eminently fitted for the work of an evangeUst in France. He arrived in that coun try in the month of July, and only a few weeks elapsed, after his arrival, wfaen he was consigned to an early tomb. He died on the 3d of August, at Vadencourt, near Amiens. Another agent for the continent of Europe has lately been engaged by the committee — the Rev. Charles F. Major, an evangelical dissenting minister, at present labouring in the city of Strasburg. The fonnal accession of this person to the principles of the United Secession Church, has been lately received. Mr. Major's declaration of adherence is such a gratifying document, that I cheerfuUy give it a place in this record : — " I hereby do declare, that, after a conscientious exami nation of the ' Testimony of the United Associate synod of the Secession Church of Scotland,' I have found the leading doctrines and practices therein defended in harmony with the holy word of God, and with what I have been accustomed to consider as the pure faith of the protestant church. I do, therefore, find no scrapie in my conscience solemnly to profess, that the doctrine I have been accustomed to preach, and the views I have held on church government, are the same as those of the United Secession Church of Scotland. .. " This being the case, I have considered it my duty to accept from the great Head of the church, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as a benefit by him, bestowed upon my soUtary labours of love, the proposal that has been made, from henceforward to be considered and treated as a minister in connexion with the synod ; and, after having been officially recognized by the synod's presbytery of London, I cordially accept the proposal of the synod's committee for foreign mis sions to act as their missionary on the continent, hoping and MISSION TO SHETLAND 715 praying that the Christian zeal and charity which has led to this union, may be beneficial to tfae cfaurch of Christ in gen eral, by making Cfarist crucified known the more and more amongst the people of tfae continent. " C. F, MAJOR, V. D. M. " Strasburg, November 23, 1838." In tfae month of September last year, Mr. WilUam Scott was ordained by the presbytery of Dunfermline, with a view to his being employed as a missionary in Jamaica. The congregations belonging to the presbytery now mentioned, have engaged to raise tfae funds necessary for his support ; and he goes forth to that field of labour, as the presbytery's missionary. The Secession has lately obtained a footing in the Shetland Isles. During tfae years 1836-7, tfaese islands were visited by ministers from the United Associate synod ; and, during last year, a congregation was forraed in the town of Lerwick, in connexion with tfae United Secession Church. A place of worship also has been erected, chiefly by fiinds coUected from the congregations under the inspection of the synod. It is expected that, ere long, other preaching- stations wUl be occupied by Secession labourers in these islands. Sucfa is an outline of the missionary exertions which have been made by the United Associate synod, during the last ten years. Tne following is the result of these exertions, as stated in the last Annual Report (for 1837), published by the synod's committee. There are fifty home missionary stations, a considerable proportion of which receive a weekly supply of sermon, by means of tfae synod's preachers ; and others of them have preachers sent to them at more distant intervals. The greater part of the expense necessary for the mainte nance of these stations, is defrayed from the Synod Mission fund ; and, in several instances, it is generously defrayed by the liberality of particular congregations taking upon them the wfaole charge of one or more stations. " It is pleasing (says the Report) to know, that no small proportion of tfae stations may be regarded as flourishing ; that tne numbers in attendance at them, though exceedingly varied, are in many instances considerable, varying from one to three hundred ; that some of tfaem can tell of augmented strength during the past year ; that classes, prayer-meetuigs, &c. are being multi plied ; and that occasional examples of striking conversion, bespeak the presence and operation of the Spirit." Besides the home stations, there are eleven missionaries in Canada ; six in Jamaica (including Mr. Scott, lately sent by the Dunfermline presbytery) ; one in Trinidad ; also the con- 716 MISSION FUND. tinental agent, Mr. Major ; and fhe Persian agent, Mr. Glen, employed in the translation of the Scriptures. It wiU be gratifying to my readers to mark the progress of tfae missionary spirit in tfae Secession congregations, by the gradual increase of tfae mission fund, during tfae successive years tfaat faave elapsed since tfae new scfaeme of missionary operations was adopted. The following are the sums that have been collected during these years, according to the StateraentS pubUshed by the treasurer in the Annual Re ports ; — 1829, . £60 10 llj 1830, . 739 11 64 1831, . 928 11 I 1832, . 1265 19 m 1833, . 1366 0 3i 1834, . 1407 19 5 1835, . 1673 1 3 1836, . 3537 3 U 1837, . 4526 12 8a 1838, & 1839 . 7107 18 7J The small sum that stands at tfae head of this Ust, must not be understood to constitute the wfaole amount that was collected, during that year, by tfae United Secession Cfaurch for missions. Many of its congregations were giving libe rally, every year, for a considerable period, previous to the first date above-raentioned, for the support of missions in con nexion witfa other denorainations. But the above sum con stituted tfae commencement of tfae fund for Secession missions ; and it is pleasing to observe, tfaat tfae sura is steadily increas ing every year, thougfa tfaere are many of the congregations that still give liberally for tfae support of missions connected with other religions societies. It is proper also to add, tfaat tfae suras above stated do not include tfae whole that is annu aUy collected for Secession raissions ; for there are several congregations, botfa in Edinburgh and Glasgow, that sup port, by tfaeir individual efforts, faome and foreign missionaries and catechists, whose funds, expended on these objects, do not pass througfa tfae hand of the synod treasurer, and of course do not , appear in the published accounts. It is not overrating the sum so generously expended by tfaose congre gations, ifwe shall corapute it to araount to £1,000. Besides these pecuniary exertions raade by the United Se cession Churcfa, for tfae extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, at home and abroad, a spirit of prayer has also been poured down, of late years, to a considerable extent upon her con gregations ; so tfaat tfaere are comparatively few of tfae congre- * This sum includes what was collected from 16th October 1837 to 1st May 1839. REMARKS ON MISSIONARY OPERATIONS. 717 gations wfaere tfaere are not eitfaer weekly or monthly con gregational meetings established for prayer, and tfae reading of religious intelUgence, besides district societies in raany of the congregations, for prayer and religious conference. All these tfaings are to be regarded as tokens for good ; and tfaey are faere recorded, not as reasons for boasting, but as causes of thanksgiving. Wfaile we ougfat to feel grateful for tfae good that is doing, we sfaould blush tfaat so little is done. There is much room left for improvement. We are as yet but in the comraenceraent of tfae work. Tfae field before us is tfae world lying in wickedness. Let none rest satisfied until gos pel labourers sfaall be seen cultivating every portion of tfais field ; and let all take encourageraent from tfae proraise given, that " tfae eartfa sfaall be fiUed with the knowledge of tfae glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." CHAPTER XXI. Voluntary church controversy — Rev. Dr. Chalmers' description of it — State ment of the question — Misrepresentations corrected — Rev, A. Marshall's sermon — Reviewed in Edinburgh Christian Instructor — Mr. Marshall's letter to the Rev. Dr. Thomson — Reviewer's Reply — " Ecclesiastical EstabUshments farther considered" by Mr. Marshall — Powerful im pression produced by Mr. Marshall's publications — Voluntary Church Association formed in Edinburgh — Mr. A. C. Dick's speech — Extracts from it — Voluntary Church Association formed in Glasgow — Similar asso ciations formed over the country — Voluntary Church Magazine — Volun tary church niotion in House of Commons — Motion negatived — Extensive diffusion of Voluntary church principles — Associations formed for support of National church — Glasgow association — Church of Scotland Magazine — Vindication of Establishments by Dr. IngUs — Reply by Mr. Marshall — Proceedings of General Assembly — Veto Act — Regulations with regard to calls — Veto Act condemned by Anti-patronage Society — ^Dr. M'Crie's opinion concerning it — Auchterarder Case — Illegality of Veto Act declared by Court of Session — Case appealed to House of Lords — Lethendy Case — Church extension scheme — Demand for new endowments — Remarkable discovery of the church-extensionists — Petitions for endowments — Coun ter-petitions by dissenters — " Scottish Central Board" formed — Activity of the Board — United Associate Synod petition against endowments — Send a deputation to London — " Case of dissenters" prepared by deputation — Sent to members of ParUament — Royal commission appointed — Appoint ment not agreeable to churchmen nor dissenters — Condemnatory resolu tion by Commission of Assembly — Resolution respecting instructions to Commissioners — Resolutions 'by United Associate Synod — Lord John Rus- seU's letter to United Associate Synod — Extraordinary meeting of Synod — Agree to send a second deputation to London — Great meeting in London — Deputation visit towns in England — Proposed plan of ministers vdth regard to endowments — Plan condemned by General Assembly — Plan not carried into effect — Charges against dissenters by church-extensionists — Dissenters vindicated — Views of United Secession Church concerning Establishments — ResuUs of Voluntary church controversy Concluding remarks. In this chapter I propose giving some account of a contro versy which is at present exciting a high degree of attention in this country, and in which the Secession Church has acted, and is stiU acting, a prominent and decided part. The con troversy to which I refer, is that wfaich has been carrying on for several years, with regard to tfae connexion between Church and State ; or, as it is most frequently termed, the Voluntary- ckurck controversy. It faad but a small beginning. When it first arose, it appeared like the -cloud whicfa the prophet's ser vant, on Mount Carmel, beheld rising out of the sea, no bigger than a man's hand. Many professed to regard it with a feel ing of contempt ; and anticipated tfaat it would speedily pass away. But it faas increased and spread to sucfa a degree, that the whole heavens have now become covered with its porten- VOLUNTARY CHURCH CONTROVERSY. 719 tous gloom. There is not a town, probably not a village, in Scotland, wfaere the sound of this controversy has not been heard. It is undergoing a thorough discussion from the plat form, tfae pulpit, and tfae press. While it has become the familiar and almost daily topic of household conversation among the Scottish peasantry and mechanics, it is making its way with re sistless force even among the uneducated masses of England. Almost all the churcfaes in this country are ranging them selves openly and firmly either on the one side or the other. The question, which this controversy involves in it, has been the subject of grave deliberation in the cabinet. It decides, to a great extent, the fate of parliamentary and municipal elections ; and the whole of society, civil and ecclesiastical, has begun to heave, from its deepest foundations, with its vol canic energy. One of the most popular and enthusiastic (I cannot add, most convincing) wrhers, in defence of national establish ments of religion, expresses himself in very contemptuous lan guage, concerning this great question ; when characterizing the controversy at present carrying on, he stigmatizes it, in one of his eloqueirt declamations, as " the wretched contro versy oithe present day."* Sueh language as this, is, in the present instance, exceedingly misappUed. However well fit ted it may be to express the contempt wfaich the writer of it feels for the talents, and conduct, and motives of those who are opposed to him on this question, it by no means gives a just description of the controversy itself. In every point of view in which it can be contemplated, the controversy is one of no ordinary importance. The question, which it involves, not only furnishes afair and legitimate subject of discussion in itself, but is intimately connected with the civil and reUgious prosperity of our country. The question presents itself in two diflferent aspects, both of which are highly important. One of these aspects is po Utical or national. Viewed in this Ught, tfae point to be determined is, what is tfae efaeapest, speediest, and most effi cient mode of instraeting tfae various classes of the community in the knowledge of Christianity, and tfaereby rendering tfaem individually good members of society. ? Is it by means of a class of teachers, supported by tfae fiinds of tfae state, and fa voured witfa the enjoyment of exclusive privUeges ? Or, is it by leaving Christianity to make its way by means of its own free and unfettered energies, amongst the different sections of the community, without any special patronage or support on _ * Lectures on the EstabUshment and Extension of National Churches. By Thomas Chalmers, D.D., LL.D. P. 45. 720 VOLUNTARY CHURCH CONTROVERSY, the part of those in power, except protection extended equally and irapartially to aU ? In deterraining sucfa a point as tfais, every member of tfae community is entitled both to form and to express a judgment. And sfaould tfae sentiraents of any individual differ frora tfaose whicfa, for the tirae, raay have tfae ascendency, it is unreasonable to subject faira to abuse for giving utterance to tfaera, so long as fae does so in a calra and Cfaristian manner. But tfaere are otfaer points, of at least equal iraportance, witfa tfae one now mentioned, involved in the political view of the question ; such as. Is it competent for tfae civil magistrate to interfere (in his raagisterial character) in matters of reU gion at all ? Ougfat fae to have the power of deterraining wfaat particular form of a religious profession sfaall be embraced by tfae community over which he bears rule ? Or, must every individual meraber of tfae coraraunity faave tfae power of de terraining tfais for fairaself ? Can fae select and endow any particular denoraination, witfaout being guilty of injustice to those who do not belong to the favoured sect, and witfaout destroying tfaat equality of privilege wfaich every good citizen is entitled to enjoy ? These are points wfaicfa not only de serve, but deraand, consideration ; and tfaose persons who give them a calm and dispassionate discussion, render essential ser vice to tfae cause of Christianity. When they spend tfaeir time and tfaeir talents in endeavouring to convey to. tfaeir iel- low-men correct notions on such points, they are labouring to. promote the best interests of their species., Anotfaer of tfae aspects, in wfaicfa tfae question presents it self, is tfae religious or scriptural view of it. Viewed in tfais light, the point to be determined is, what is the particular rule laid down in the word of Gpd, which we are required to follow, in propagating and maintaining Christianity ? Has the Author, of the gospel left it to tfae judgment of men, to adopt sucfa means as to tfaem may seem fittest for introducing and upfaold ing in any country tfae Cfaristian institutions ? Or, faas fae issued an autfaoritative law upon tfae subject, and prohibited men from employing any other means, in Christianizing the world, tfaan tfaose which he has been pleased to prescribe ? If there be a portion of the community, who, after mature deUbera tion, have adopted tfais latter view of tfae question, and who feel themselves called upon, by an imperative sense of duty, to maintain it in tfae face oi aU opposition, and to inculcate it upon their fellow-men with the view of producing conviction in their mind, is tfaere any tfaing wrong or disgraceful in such. conduct? Ougfat tfaey, wfaen they bring the subject to be tried by the tests of reason and of Scripture, to be treated with con tumely and contempt, merely because they venture to express. MISREPRESENTATIONS CORRECTED. 721 sentiments which are opposed to the existing order of things ? Are they not ratfaer entitled to be listehed to, witfa respect, on account of tfae faonesty wfaich they raanifest, in fearlessly as serting their opinions, wfaen tfaev know tfaera to be unpalatable to tfaose wfaom it migfat be for their advantage to please ? Assuredly, tfaat controversy cannot be a " wretcfaed" one, which has for its object the determining of such iraportant points, as tfaose wfaicfa faave now been adverted to. Tfaese poin ts are of vast magnitude, wfaetfaer they be viewed in relation to the nation's welfare or the prosperity of the church ; and a fair and dispassionate discussion of them cannot biit be produc tive of great advantage to tfae community, even tfaougfa it ihky at present be accompanied with many heart-burnings and temporary inconvenieiKies. Tfaese wUl in due time pass avvay . Men, wfaose minds are now fretted and soured at each other, on account of having their views opposed and their schemes thwarted, wiU, after tfae faeat of tfae combat is bver, regain their wonted complacency. Trutfa will gain by tfa6 discussion. Future generations wUl look back upon the present struggle, with a feeling of wonder at the keenness of the animosity which it has excited^ and, whUe enjoying tfae benefits tfaat are destined to result from it, tfaey will do justice to tfae com batants who are now engaged, by assigning to them that measure of censure or of approbation which their conduct may deserve. It is proper that I Should here take notice of the misrepresen tation, which has been given, of tfae object wfaicfa the advo cates of voluntary churcfaes have in view, and of the abiisive language which has been so UberaUy appUed to them, in Connexion with tfais misrepresentation. Those wfao are opposed to tfaeir views are accustomed to write and speak concerning tfaem, as if they were destructives in the literal sense of the term; and wfaen describing their aims, tfaey make use of language fitted to convey tfais iihpression to tfae mind, tfaat their realj if not their avowed object, is to ,pull 4olvn tfae places of worsfaip^ and scatter tfae congregations in connexion with the EstabUsfament, and to destroy the sacred institutions even of Cfaristianity itself. Whetfaer the persons, wbo employ this language, really believe^ that such is the atrocious design which those, wfao contend for voluntary cfaurches, aim at accompUsfaing, I shall not presume to affirm ; but such, as suredly, is the impressioti which thefr language is fitted to produce on tfae mind of any ordinary reader. Is it not, for instance, a common classification, to be found in newspaper articles, and pamphlets, and speeches, which are written and spoken on one side of tfae question, to rank " voluntaries " along witfa " papists and infidels," as if they were a set of men 22. 722 VOLUNTARY CHURCH CONTROVERSY. equally opposed to purity of doctrine as tfae former of tfaese classes, and equally desirous to subvert Cfaristianity as the latter? What can be the meaning of the incessant repetition of tfais obnoxious classification, if it be not for tfae purpose of holding up voluntary churcfa-men to tfae odium of the country, by representing thera as engaged, along witfa tfaese two classes, in a destructive crusade against tfae protestant faitfa, and against the Christian religion ? This raode of conducting the controversy is unfair ; it is altogether unworthy of enlightened and honourable men. It is a mean and ungenerous attempt to demoUsh an adversary, not by argument, but by an appeal to ignorance and prejudice. I know of no connexion wfaicfa tfae present controversy necessarily has either with popery, or infidelity. What tfae supporters of voluntary cfaurcfaes plead for, is tfaat Cfaristianity sfaall be left to raaintain and propagate itself in the world, tfarougfa the medium of the unconstrained exertions of those who believe it, accorapanied by tfae. gracious influences of tfae Holy Spirit ; exactly in tfae sarae way as it did, during tfae first tfaree centuries, before any civil establishment of religion existed. Tfais is wfaat is meant by tfae separation of church and state, whicfa tfaey are desfrous to accomplish. This is what is raeant, in coramon language, by " tfae destruction of the Establisfament." It is not tfae destruction of the protes tant faith, rauch less tfae subversion of Christianity ; but it is dissolving the connexion wfaicfa at present exists, in tfais and ptfaer countries, between tfae state and tfae Cfaristian religion ; so tfaat tfae latter, instead of being upfaeld and propagated by means of legislative enactraents, sfaall be left entirely free from aU state interference. Tfais is tfae very marrow, tfae sura and substance of tfae question (wfaatever subordinate points may be connected witfa it), wfaich is at present undergoing a searcfa ing investigation before tfae tribunal of tfae public. I ask, what connexion has tfais question witfa popery or infidelity, so tfaat voluntaries should be alraost uniformly classed with pa pists and infidels ? I repeat, that it faas no necessary con nexion eitfaer witfa tfae one or witfa the other. It is possible tfaat papists and infidels may approve of dissolving tfae con nexion between cfaurcfa and state, and may plead for tfae disso lution. They faave exactly tfae. same right to do so, that any otfaer class of tfae community faave. But itis at least equaUy possible, tfaat tfaey may be opposed to tfae dissolving of the connexion ; and I believe that, in point of fact, a mucfa greater number of papists and infidels will be found approving of tfae connexion than opposed to it. I should not, however, on that account tfaink myself warranted in identifying tfae supporters of Establishments with papists and infidels, as if tfaere was a MISREPRESENTATIONS CORRECTED. 723 necessary connexion between tfae forraer and the latter. It can be regarded, tfaen, in no otfaer ligfat tfaan a species of calumny, 'to place voluntaries in tfae sarae category witfa pa pists and infidels. Tfaere would be as rauch trutfa, and equal propjiety, in classing them witfa Mofaammedans and Hindoos. "Tfae misrepresentations wfaicfa faave called fortfa tfaese re marks, have not been confined to the obscure colurans of newspapers, or to tfae ephemeral speecfaes of platform orators. Tfaey faave been autfaoritatively delivered, as if tfaey were the very gospel, from the professorial cfaair. Tfaey have been reiterated, in a variety of figures of speech, by one of the raost distinguished ministers of the Established Churcfa, in lectures wfaicfa he has delivered to adrairing audiences, botfa in tfae northern and the southern raetropolis ; and whicfa, being lately pubUshed in a cheap forra, have been scattered in tfaousands over the land. Tfais writer styles tfae attempt wfaicfa is now making to dissolve the connexion between the church and the state, " a macfaine-breaking reforraation ;" and fae sneeringly calls tfae persons wfao are engaged in making tfais attempt, " tfae macfaine-breaking reformers of the present day," who, in the exuberance of his charity, fae avers are " far raore rais cfaievous in tfaeir higfaer walk, but faardly raore intelligent, be tfaey in or out of parUament, tfaan the machine-breakers ot ¦Kent, the frame-breakers of Leicestershire, or tfae incendiaries of a few years back, in the southern and midland counties of England." He furtfaer says of tfaese " machine-breaking re formers," " They would suppress parishes, or, by at least a partial destruction, keep back tfae water of life from certain parts of the territory." He adds, " Tfae days were, wfaen ' a man was famous, according as fae faad lifted up axes upon tfae thick trees, or according as he gave of materials or money for the building and the endowment of churcfaes. But now tfaey would break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hamraers. Tfaey faave said in tfaeir faearts. Let us destroy tfaem togetfaer : tfaey would burn up all tfae synagogues of God in the land.' " As if this language were not sufficient to fix the stamp of reprobation on the " macfaine-breaking re- formers," he speaks of tfaem in still plainer and stronger terms, when he describes them as " tfaose impetuous and bustling agitators, in whose breasts poUtics have engrossed the place of piety, resolved at all hazards upon change, and prepared to welcome, with sfaouts of exultation, tfae overtfarow of tfaose altars whicdi, in froUer and better times, upfaeld tfae faith and devotion of our forefatfaers." * It is irapossible to read, • Lectures on the Establishment and Extension of National Churches., By the Rev. Dr. Chalmers. Pp. II, 13, 1 4. 724 VOLUNTARY CHURCH CONTROVERSY. witfaout a feeling of indignation, such reckless and inflam matory, as well as unfounded, language applied to good men, who (admitting that they may be mistaken with regard to the mode by wfaich they endeavour to accomplish tfaeir object), instead of aiming at the subversion of religion, or seeking to overturn any one altar that faas been erected in honour of Christ, are labouring to extend his kingdom, and to diffuse araongst their fellow-men, correct notions of its spirituaUty and its power. Wfaile I have thus animadverted on the attempts that have been made to prejudice the public mind against tfae advocates of voluntary cfaurcfaes, by misrepresenting tfae object wfaicfa tfaey faave in view, and by imputing to them designs which they disown, a regard to truth obliges me to admit, on tfae other hand, that abusive language, faas, in too many instances, been employed, in tfae course of this controversy, concerning those who have considered it their duty to declare tfaemselves in favour of national estabUsfaments of reUgion. Language of tfais description is altogetfaer unbecoming such an important discussion as that which is now under review. Tfae use of it can have no other effect, than that of frritating tfae persons to whom it is appUed. It ought not to be doubted, tfaat tfaere is a large class in our country, containing in it many men of great wortfa, and of high religious and literary attainments, who are conscientiously attached to national establishments of re ligion, firmly beUeving tfaat they are necessary to the comfort able maintenance, and the successful propagation, of Chris tianity. Let those who differ from them on this point, en deavour to reacfa conviction to tfaeir mind, by every rational and scriptural argument ; but let tfaem carefuUy avoid all ap proacfa to scurrility or abuse. Tfae battle must be fought, and tfae victory won, by making use of better-tempered and more efficient weapons tfaan tfaese. The question concerning ecclesiastical establishments is not new in tfais country. It has frequently been made the subject of discussion. Opposite views of it have been main tained by men distinguished for tfaeir talents and their learn ing. I am not aware, however, tfaat it has ever occupied Such a prominent place in tfae public mind, or excited such an extraordinary ferraent among all classes, as it is doing at the present moment. It is not my intention to go farther back, in the review of this question, than the commencement of the voluntary church controversy, which is now agitating the empfre. The pubUcation of a sermon, in May 1829, by Mr. An drew Marshall, minister of the United Secession Church in KirkintiUoch, may be considered as the commencement of MR. Marshall's sermon. 725 this controversy.* This sermon was preached by him, in Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, on the evening of Thursday, the 9th of April, before " The Glasgow Association for pro pagating the gospel in connexion with the United Secession Cfaurch," and was immediately given to the pubUc, under the title of Ecclesiastical EstabUshments considered. 'The text of it is, Psalm lxxiv. 20, " Have respect unto tfae covenant, for the dark places of the earth are fuU of the faabitations of cruel ty ; " and the discourse itself consists of a series of propositions, teiefly but forcibly iUustrated, the object of wfaicfa is to* show, that religious establishments are unscriptural, unjust, impoli tic, secularizing in thefr tendency, inefficient, and unneces sary. As the sermon, when preached, rivetted the attention of the audience ; so, when published, it produced an instan taneous and powerful impression. So eager and extensive were the demands for it, tfaat it passed, in rapid succession, tfarough several editions. The pubUc mind was in a state faigfaly favourable for receiving such a publication. The dis cussions conceming the Catfaolic Relief Bill, wfaicfa faad new ly beeii passed, had produced a higfa degree of political excite ment. Some were rejoicing in tfae progress which liberal prin ciples were making in high places ; otfaers were trembling lest, owing to tfae admission of Roman CatfaoUcs into parlia raent, popery would again acquire an ascendency. In tfae " Advertisement" prefixed to fais sermon, Mr. Marsfaall stated it to be probable, tfaat the Roraan CathoUcs, faaving ob tained emancipation, migfat ere long claim a civil estabUsfa- ment in Ireland ; and he did not see how, on the principles of tfaose wfao vindicate estabUsfaments, sucfa a claira could well be refused. He called upon protestants to consider how such an evil as this might be prevented ; and fae declared, tfaat tfae only effectual security against it was to be found in tfae prin ciples advocated in his discourse. " Adopt," said he, " tfaese principles, and tfae ambition of popery is at an end ; its efforts are paralyzed, its faopes are cut off, and, viewed as a reUgious system, it must quickly become of all others tfae least consid erable, because of all otfaers it has the least support from rea son or from Scripture." And he added, " Tfaat tfaese princi ples migfat be before tfae eye of his countrymen, in tfae event of sucfa a crisis occurring, as he has supposed, is tfae main rea son that has induced the author to allow this discourse, with all its imperfections, to come before the public." • I am aware, that the Rev. J. Ballantyne s (of Stonehaven) " Compari son of EstabUshed and Dissenting Churches," was pubUshed some short while before this. But Mr. BaUantyne's book, at its first pubUcation, produced Uttle or no impression. 726 Marshall's letter to Thomson. Mr. Marshall's sermon was aUowed to circulate during the suramer, and do its work among tfae people, producing convic tion in tfae minds of multitudes, wfao faad never before thought upon the subject, without any atterapt at a reply, on the part of tfae friends of tfae EstabUsfaraent. At length, in the month of August, a long and elaborately-written review of it appeared in tfae Edinburgfa Cfaristian Instructor. Tfais article was written witfa considerable spirit and plausibiUty ; and the ap pearance of it gladdened the hearts of the adherents of the na tional tfaurcfa. It was speedily extracted from the periodical in which it originally appeared, pubUsfaed in tfae form of a pampfalet, and put into circulation, as an antidote to Mr. Mar- sfaall's anti-establisfament doctrines. Tfae writer of the review professed to anticipate a very different result, from the passing of tfae Catfaolic ReUef Bill, from tfaat whicfa Mr. Marshall affirmed to be probable. "What," said tfae reviewer, " if in stead of tfae precursor to hostility, we hail it as the star of peace rising upon our country, after a long and troubled night of anarchy and debate ? What if we see in it popery ex- tinguisfaing faer last fires, and obtaining a more pre-erainent station, only tfaat she might decently expire ? If tfaese be our sentiments, — and tfaey are tfae sentiraents of at least one- half of tfae community, — with what propriety can we be called upon to accede to this writer's conclusion ?"* And, on the supposition that Mr. Marshall's prediction was likely to be realized, the reviewer pronounced tfae remedy prescribed (tfae abolisfaing of establisfaments) to be worse tfaan tfae disease. " Wfaat," said he, " is the araount of fais (Mr. Marsfaall's) advice ? It is to pull our faouse down witfa our own faands, and to enact ourselves tfae tragedy wfaicfa is already preparing in tfae refaearsal. Nay, it is to put tfae instruments of destruction into tfae faands of our enemies, and to erect tfae stage for our own tragic end. For we are persuaded, tfaat if popery sfaall ever triuraph in tfais country, and again ' lift faer mitred head in courts and parUaments,' it shall have been when the over throw of our protestant estabUshments faas opened the way for her triumphal procession, wfaen catfaolicisra united is opposed to protestantism witfaout a faead, when she lies at tfae mercy of her enemies, — -' ingens littore truncus. Avulsumque humeris caput et sine nomine corpus.' " ¦\ A few montfas after tfae review appeared, Mr. Marshall pubUsfaed a large pampfalet, in the form of " A Letter to the * Review of Mr. MarshaU's Sermon, p. 18. f Ibid. p. 19. reviewer's reply. 727 Rev. Andrew Thonison, D. D.," * in wfaich he discussed the subject of ecclesiastical establishments at much greater length tfaan he had done in his sermon. His object in presenting himself to public notice a second time, he declared, was not solely, nor even cfaiefly, tfae answering of tfae review. " I would enter," said he, " on a somewhat wider field ; I would perform a more important service to the great cause of truth and reason. Unequal as I may be to the task, I would ex amine the more essential points of difference between those called churchmen and those called dissenters, — would expose tfae iniquity, as well as tfae folly, of all fauraan usurpation in raatters of religion, — and would exfaibit in its true colours, that system of antichristianism, wfaicfa faas laboured so long, and witfa so mucfa success, to destroy tfae distinction between the world and tfae churcfa, and to forge cfaains for tfae under standings and tfae consciences of men."t In this pubUcation, Mr. Marsfaall, in a style peculiarly fais own — clear, pointed, and energetic — considered tfae two great branches of argument, in favour of reUgious establishraents, drawn frora Scripture and expediency ; and it will be difficult to find, in any pro duction, a train of reasoning more logically conclusive than that which fae pursues frora beginning to end of fais triurapfaant " Letter." The effect produced by this pubUcation, was to widen and deepen, to a great extent, the current of opinion, whicfa faad set in strongly in favour of voluntary cfaurcfaes. The reviewer did not leave Mr. Marshall in undisturbed possession of the field. He pubUsfaed a " Defence of Eccle siastical Establisfaments," in reply to Mr. Marshall's " Letter." This pamphlet is cfaiefly occupied witfa a discussion of the two following questions : "First, Does Scripture autfaorize govern ments to contribute to tfae support and spread of reUgion ? and, secondly. Are such confributions necessary for tfae maintenance oi religion ?" Tfae autfaor, of course, endeavoured to sfaow, that to botfa of tfaese questions an affirraative answer must be given. He took up the arguments whicfa Mr. Marsfaall faad previously discussed, and attempted to rebut, one by one, tfae conclusions wfaicfa fae faad established. It is possible that tfae reviewer's reasoning raay prove satisfactory to those who are afready convinced that ecclesiastical estabUshments are both scriptural and expedient ; but it does not appear at all fitted to produce conviction in the raind of an opponent, or even to satisfy the inquiries of a neutral person, wfao faas not yet forra ed a decided opinion on eitfaer side of the question. Placed beside Mr. Marshall's "Letter," tfae reasoning of the " Defence" is pointless and inconclusive. • Dr. Thomson was Editor of the Edinburgh Christian Instructor. t Letter to the Rev. A. Thomson, D.D., p 7. 728 IMPH,E,SSJS9,N PRODUCED Piiijring the year 1831, a volume entitled Ecclesiastical Estahliskments fantker considered, appeared from the fertile and energetic pen of Mr. Marshall. The controversy was now beginning to, assume a more decided and determined shape. The sphere of it was also widening. Newspapers and religious periodicals were throwing open their columns to the comba tants, on the one side or the othei;. A strong impression had been produced, both amongst the comraon people and also amongst men of education, by the discussion wfaich had already taken place. Mr. Marshall perceived the vast impor tance, not merely of keeping up, but of deepening, the inter est which had been excited among all classes, on this engross^. ing subject. He considered that, in the present peculiarly favoui;able state of the public mind, it would be wrong " for the friends of religion and of human liberty, to let the discus sion respecting church establishments die away, or even to let it languish for any length of time." " Who," said he in his Introduction, " that faas tfae smallest tincture eitfaer of patriot ism or of religion, of regard for the interests of Christianity or for the interests of his fellow-men, would not wish to see it prolonged, and prolonged with increasing spirit ? A change must come ; evils of sucfa enormous magnitude cannot always exist ; tfae sanctuary of tfae Lord must be cleansed ; his holy mountain must be freed from wfaat is so much calculated to hurt and to destroy. Are not symptoms of the happy era be ginning to appear ? Is not the nigfat far spent, and tfae day at hand ? Is not tfae fabric, wfaicfa has so long encumbered and oppressed the world, now tottering to its fall ? Are not wiseand good men, tfarougfaout our country and tfarougfaout tfae globe, longing to see it laid in tfae dust? Are not tfae nervous alarm, tfae frantic rage, tfae imbecile malignity of those who labour to upfaold, it, proclaiming aloud tfaeir own secret conviction, of tfae hopelessness of tfaeir efforts ? And who, in such circum stances, would withhold his hand from it ? Wfao that has but the opportunity, not to speak of any raore special caU, would not deem himself bound to lend it a thrust that may help it down?"* Under sucfa impi;essions as these, of the importance of the contijoversy, Mr.. Marshall penned his Ecclesiastical Establish ments farther considered ; and tfae design whicfa he had in view, in the publication of tfais volume, he stated in the fol lowing terms :— ^''' My purpose, in the following pages, is to give a cursory view of the controversy as it at present exists, cfaiefly to tfae nortfa of tfae Tweed, vindicating tfae statements in my Sermon, and in my Letter to Dr. Thomson, from the * Page V. BY MR. Marshall's puelications. 729 sophistry and raisrepresentation of some writers who have ap peared on the other side ; and exhibiting, if not the wfaole of the arguraent, wfaich is considerably various, yet tfae more material points of it, in a form as condensed and as perspi cuous as possible ; tfaat any objection whicfa may have been started raay be reraoved ; that any dust wfaicfa may faave been raised may be cleai-ed away ; tfaat tfae less informed part of tfae community may be instructed ; tfaat tfae wavering, if there be aiiy in that predicament, raay be confirmed ; tfaat tfae gain sayers may be silenced, or put to sfaarae ; and tfaat aU wfao faave not raade up their rainds on tfae subject, raay be enabled to do so witfaout difficulty, and on irrefragable grounds." Those who have perused with attention, and without preju dice, this volume, will adrait, tfaat it discovers, on tfae part of tfae autfaor, an intiraate knowledge of tfae various brancfaes of the subject wfaicfa fae undertakes to discuss ; tfaat it is written witfa great perspicuity and fairness ; tfaat tfae argument, tfaroughout, is conducted with consumraate skill ; and tfaat tfae writer, on account of tfae abUity wfaicfa he displays, is entitled to rank in the very foreraost class of controversiaUsts. But wfaatever opinion raay be formed of tfae merits of Mr. Marshall's publications on the subject of ecclesiastical estab Usfaments, tfae fact is incontrovertible, tfaat tfaese pubUcations produced a powerful impression on a large poTtion of tfae community, connected both witfa tfae national cfaurch, and also with the various bodies of dissenters. K religious estab lisfaments in this country are in a rauch more tottering con dition than they forraeriy were, to Mr. MarshaU must be awarded the honour or the blame (according to tfae particular view wfaich individuals may be inclined to take of tfae subject) of faaving struck tfae first effectual blow. His talented pro ductions produced a twofold effect : tfaey diffused light, and inspired energy. With the view of diffusing information on tfae subject of voluntary cfaurcfaes, and keeping alive tfae interest wfaicfa faad afready been excited, as well as giving a proper direction to tfae current of public opinion, it was considered desirable by some, tfaat an association should be formed. Sorae of tfaose ministers, who were friendly to tfae principles wfaicfa Mr. Mar shall had so successfully inculcated in his pubUcations, met together, for tfae purpose of consultation ; wfaen it was resolved to take steps for accomplishing this object. A meeting was caUed by a circular addressed to a number of gentlemen, in the following terms : — " Sib,— At last meeting of the United Associate synod, a number of its ministers had a friendly consultation respecting the best means of promoting the voluntary support of the gospel. AU present were of opinion, that an 730 voluntary church association Association, embracing evangeUcal dissenters from different denorainations, might do much, by pubUcations and otherwise, to secure this object, anfl to obtain for voluntary churches a redress oftheir grievances. To ^""'"^ •'"^'^ views, a committee was appointed, consisting of the Rev. Dr. Brown, Broughton Place ; the Rev. John M'Gilchrist, Bose Street, Edinburgh j the Rev. WilUam Laurie, Lauder ; and the Rev. David King, Dalkeith. Mr. M'Gilchrist to be convener. "By agreement of this committee, you are invited to breakfast in the Royal Hotel (Gibb's), Prince's Street, Edinburgh, at 10 o'clock, on Tuesday the 24th curt., when the dissenting ministers and laymen present shall advise concerning the constitution of the intended Society, and its plan of operations. " John M'Gii,cheist, Convener. " Edinburgh, January 2d, 1832." This meeting took place, agreeably to the notice given, on the 24th of January, in tfae Boyal Hotel, wfaen it was unani mously resolved, " Tfaat a society sfaould be formed, faaving for its object tfae asserting and maintaining tfae rigfats of vol untary churches." A comraittee was appointed to draw up rules and to report to anotfaer meeting. On the 13tfa of September, 1832, a large assemblage of the friends of voluntary churcfa principles, convened by circular, met in tfae Royal Saloon, Edinburgh. Tfae meeting consisted of ministers and laymen belonging to various denominations of evangelical dissenters ; and the Rev. Dr. Peddie occupied the cfaair. Mr. M'Gilchrist, as convener of the committee formerly appointed, reported their proceedings, and read tfae rules which they had prepared. The following resolution was moved by Andrew Coventry Dick, Esq., seconded by the Rev. Dr. Brown, and unanimously adopted : — " That this meeting approve of tfae report of the committee now read, and that tfae gentlemen present do now, agreeably tfaereto, form tfaemselves into a Society, by tfae name of The Voluntary Church Association, and adopt the fundamental principles and rules recommended in said report, as the fundamental principles and rules of said Society." The fundamental principles referred to in this resolution, are the following : — " That a compulsory support of religious institu tions is inconsistent witfa tfae nature of religion, tfae spirit of the gospel, the express appointment of Jesus Christ, and tfae civil rigfats of raen : Tfaat, in every case wfaere tfae individual disapproves of tfae system supported, or of tfae principle of its support, it is an unwarrantable attack on tfae rigfat of property, and a direct invasion oftfae rigfats of conscience : Tfaat it keeps in a state of unnatural separation, tfaose wfao ougfat to be united, and in astate of unnatural union, tfaose wfao ought to be separate : That its tendency, as exfaibited in its effects, is to secularize religion, promote hypocrisy, perpetuate error, produce infidel ity, destroy tfae unity and purity of the church, and disturb tfae peace and order of civil society : Tfaat, by its direct f .nd formed in EDINBURGH. 731 indirect influence, it is araong the principal causes of the low state of Christianity in tfaose countries wfaere it is professed, and of the slowness of its progress througfaout tfae world ; and tfaat, wfaile tfaus unreasonable, impolitic, unjust, and miscfaiev ous, it has not even the plea of necessity, Cfaristianity faaving within itself, in the native influence of its doctrines on the minds of those who believe them, every thing wfaich is re quisite for its efficient support and indefinite extension." These were tfae fundamental principles of tfae Associa tion tfaat was now formed. Mr. Dick, in a long and elo quent speech * which he deUvered in support of the above resolution, referring to the principles on whicfa tfae society was founded, said, " Tfaese will sfaow, tfaat if we are faostile to Establishments, it is not for few, or sUgfat, or ill-considered reasons ; that our opinions have been formed after a wide and delibei'ate inquiry ; and that we have founded our Association on a broad and varied basis of trutfa. We unite in different characters. We unite as citizens, to accuse EstabUsfaments of being unjust and oppressive, adverse to civil freedom and an equitable distribution of poUtical power ; as lovers of good governraent, to declare that they have been the fertile sources of perplexity and toil to statesraen, and to subjects, of uneasi ness, jealousy, and sfrife ; as men of sense and reason, to ex pose their inconsistency with tfae nature of fauman society, wfaicfa is ever advancing, wfaile tfaey are imrautable, and claira to be perfect, and are therefore hostile to new developirients of truth, lest their imperfections sfaould be detected, and their autfaority weakened. But above all, we faave united as Chris tians, to teach our countryraen that Churcfa EstabUshments are at variance with the spirit of our religion ; witfa its express appointments ; witfa tfae example of its early history ; that they have corrupted tfae cfaurcfa, retarded its progress, and tar nished its reputation. Here it is tfaat we take our chief stand, and a union upon sucfa grounds we feel to be most wise and necessary ; for indeed, no class of men faas equal cause with Christians to oppose EstabUsfaments ; none has suffered so much by tfaeir existence, and none wiU be so mucfa benefited by tfaeir downfall." t It was resolved by tfae meeting, before tfaey separated, tfaat tfaeir coramittee be instructed, " as early as convenient, to call a public meeting of all persons friendly to tfae support of the gospel by voluntary contributions ; to announce the formation of the society, and make known tfae principles on wfaicfa it is founded, and tfae objects it faas in view." • The substance of this speech was afterwards published in a small pam- phlet. t Speech, p. 7. 732 VOLUNTARY CHURCH MAGAZINE. The example set by the meeting, whose proceedings have now been detailed, was speedily followed in other parts of the country. On the 12th of Noveraber, the same year, a nu merous public meeting was held in Gordon-street Church, Glasgow, at whicfa tfae Rev. Dr. Dick presided, when a simi lar association was formed. Kindred institutions were organ ized not only in tfae principal towns of Scotland, but also in many of the rural districts. The flame spread to the North of England, wfaere several voluntary cfaurcfa associations sprung into existence. On tfae 29 tfa January, 1833, tfae as sociation forraed in Edinburgh had a very crowded public raeet ing, at which the principles of tfae society were announced and vindicated. The coraraittee connected with tfae society in Glasgow projected and coraraenced a cfaeap periodical, bearing tfae title of tfae Voluntary Church Magazine, the pages df wfaicfa were designed to be wholly devoted to the maintenance of those principles on whicfa tfaese associations are formed.* Tfae Voluntary cfaurcfa question found its way into the British House of Commons. Mr. George Faithful, M. P. for Brighton, moved, on the 16th of April, 1833, tfae follow ing resolution : — " Tfaat tfae Cfaurch of England, as by law establisfaed, is not recommended by practical utilfry ; tfaat its revenues faave always been subject to legislative enactments ; and tfaat tfae greater part, if not the whole, of tfaose revenues ougfat to be appropriated to tfae relief of tfae nation." Tfais resolution Mr. Faitfaful supported by a long and honest speech. After a short discussion, his motion was negatived without a division. It was not to be supposed, that such a question could be favourably entertained by the merabers of the House of Coraraons ; seeing tfaat the adopting of the reso lution involved in it a great organic cfaange in the British con stitution. The bringing forward of tfais motion, in tfae circura stances of the case, was considered by raany to be altogether preraature. Tfae only good tfaat could result from the dis cussion of it, was, tfaat it afforded an opportunity of bringing before the minds of raembers of parUament homely truths, on an iraportant subject, to whicfa tfaey migfat probably not think it worth their while to attend, if presented to them in any otfaer form. Tfae friends of Establisfaments faad good reason to be alarra ed by tfae rapid and extensive diffusion of voluntary church • This Magazine, humble though its form be, has fi-om its commencement occupied a highly respectable place among the periodicals of the day, for ta lent, and energy, and variety. On account of the extent of its circulation, and the general respectabUity of its papers (though probably sometimes a little too fiery), it has proved a most efficient organ for the maintenance and propagation of voluntary church principles. VINDICATION OF ESTABLISHMENTS BY DR. INGLIS. 733 principles. At first tfaey raaintained ratfaer a dignified silence. Witfa tfae exception of tfae anonyraous reviewer wfaose lucu brations have been already noticed, no one ventured for some time to put fortfa even a solitary pamphlet in defence of Estab lishraents. The dignitaries of the national cfaurcfa seemed eitfaer to be looking on witfa silent contempt, or to be flatter ing tfaemselves with the hope tfaat tfae storra would speedily blow past. It was not until tfaey befaeld voluntary cfaurch associations springing up, in both town and country, tfaat tfaey began in good earnest to bestir tfaemselves. A nuraerous meeting of the friends of tfae EstabUsfaed Cfaurcfa, botfa rain isters and laymen, was faeld at Glasgow on tfae 31st January, and 1st Febuary, 1833, when it was resolved to forra an " Asso ciation for promoting tfae interests of the Churcfa of Scotland." So great was tfae zeal displayed on tfais occasion, that it was con sidered necessary to spend two days in deUvering speeches, wfaich were occupied chiefly witfa tfae praises of tfae national Zion, and witfa pfailippics against tfae advocates of tfae voluntary prin ciple. Similar associations were formed in otfaer parts of tlie country. A periodical was, at tfae same tirae, comraenced in Glasgow, under tfae title of the Churck of Scotland Maga zine, avowedly for the defence of tfae Establishment.* Pam pfalets also were multiplied on tfae same side of tfae question, some of which were sufficiently abusive ; and the contest wax ed hotter and hotter, until it raged furiously not only in the large towns, but also in the most sequestered districts of tfae country. Religious societies, wfaere cfaurcfaraen and dissenters had long co-operated harmoniously togetfaer, were broken up, as tfae former refiised any longer to associate witfa tfae latter ; and, in raany instances, tfae ties of friendsfaip were broken asunder by means of tfae controversy. Amongst the nuraber of those writers wfao took up tfae pen, at tfais crisis, to defend the cause of cfaurcfa establisfaraents, by far tfae ablest and raost effective, was Dr. Jofan Inglis, one of tfae rainisters of Edinburgh. He pubUsfaed, in 1833, a Vindication of Ecclesiastical Estahliskments, in wfaich he re viewed, and endeavoured to confirm, tfae arguraents wfaicfa are drawn from Scripture and expediency in favour of national establisfaments of religion, and attempted to obviate tfae ob jections wfaich have been advanced against thera. Frora tfae frequent references wfaicfa fae makes to tfae publications of Mr. * I have lately observed a notice in one of the newspapers, that this periodical has run its course, and become extinct. This must be a mat ter of congratulation to the Church of Scotland, whose professed advocate this magazine was ; seeing that it was one of those dangerous auxiliaries, whose reckless violence does positive injury to the cause wliich they are anxious to support. 734 Marshall's reply to inglis. Marshall and Mr. Ballantyne, fae appears, in penning his vol ume, to have had fais eye cfaiefly fixed on tfae writings of these individuals. His Vindication is characterized by perspicuity and candour. Tfae pervading tone of it, is tfaat of calm, dis passionate reasoning ; and it is faonourably free from all per sonal abuse of his opponents. As a clear and able statement of tbe arguments in favour of religious establishraents, it is fairly entitled to take the lead of all tfae publications wfaicfa have been called forth, by tfae present controversy, on tfaat side of the question. If the author faas failed in conveying conviction to the mind, this is to be attributed more to tfae in herent weakness of the cause, wfaicfa fae has undertaken to defend, than to any want of tact or ingenuity in the mode of conducting his vindication. At the commencement of tfae controversy, Mr. Marsfaall faad complained tfaat no antagonist wortfay of his notice had met him on the field, tfaat he had been assailed by unknown indi viduals wfao fougfat under tfae covert of a mask ; and fae faad expressed a wisfa, that some one would come forth to the com bat, with whom he might esteem it an faonour to contend. His wish was now gratified by the publication of Dr. Inglis' book. A more distinguisfaed, or a raore faonourable cfaarapion, than the one who now made his appearance, the national churcfa was notable to produce. Mr. Marsfaall accordingly girt himself anew for tfae combat. After a sfaort interval, a volume appeared from fais pen in reply to Dr. IngUs. Tfais new pub lication consisted of a series of letters addressed to tfaat re spected individual. Wfaile Mr. Marsfaall's book was passing througfa the press. Dr. Inglis died ; and when the Reply was published, there was a degree of awkwardness in tfae form in which it was presented to the public, it being that of a direct address to a person wfao was no longer araong tfae living. This circumstance, however, did not affect tfae merits of the volume. The cause, wfaicfa Dr. IngUs had vindicated, was not the cause of an individual, but of a party ; and Mr. Mar shall, in addressing to him tfae letters wfaich constituted his Reply, dealt with nim in this capacity. In tfaese letters, Mr. Marshall foUowed the track which the Doctor had pursued in his book, combating with great ability his arguments, expos ing his fallacies, and pointing out anew the unscriptural nature, tfae injustice, and impolicy of all religious estabUsfa ments. Mr. Marshall brought forward, in his Reply, a variety of additional facts and illustrations, which were not in any of his former pubUcations ; and by the successful manner in which he executed his task, he fully sustained the well-earned reputation whicfa he had already acquired. Those who felt interested in the stability of the national PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 735 cfaurch had good reason to be alarraed at the progress which voluntary churcfa sentiments were making araong tfae mass of tfae people. Tfae numerous publications tfaat issued from tfae press, on tfais great question, in every possible variety of form, and tfae crowded public meetings that were faeld, in large towns and in country districts, for tfae discussion of it, produced an uncoraraon exciteraent ; and, as tfae assailants of a vulner able system' have a rauch easier, and in general a mucfa more popular task to accompUsfa, tfaan tfae defenders of it, no doubt can be reasonably entertained that the result of tfaese publica tions, and of tfaese meetings, faas been faigfaly unfavourable to the cause of ecclesiastical estabUsfaments. Tfae proceedings of tfae General Assembly, tfaese few years past, and tfae speeches tfaat faave been deUvered in it, on tfae engrossing topics of tfae day, sfaow tfae alarra wfaicfa tfae agita tion of the voluntary cfaurcfa question faas produced in tfae bosom of aU parties belonging to the national churcfa. A degree of irresolution faas maiked tfaeir recent proceedings, which we search for in vain in the annals of those years (now gone by), wfaen dissent, instead of deraanding, with a claraor- ous voice, an equaUty of rigfats, was tfaankful to be permitted to exist. Those who have, for some time past, been guiding tfae councils of tfae suprerae judicatory of tfae Church of Scot land, have felt themselves placed in an awkward and difficult predicament. On tfae one faand, tfae people deraand a reform of their ecclesiastical institutions. On the other, tfae aristo cracy wish things to continue as tfaey are, Wfaile it is acknow ledged tfaat tfaere is no sraall danger to tfae stabiUty of tfae national churcfa, in alienating fnora it eitfaer of tfaese classes, it is also admitted tfaat a difficulty of no ordinary kind presents itself in tfae atterapt to reconcile tfae jarring wisfaes and inter ests of botfa. Tfae making of sucfa an attempt is perilous, as well as difficult ; and tfae danger consists in tfais, that, while half measures are adopted for tfae purpose of pleasing both parties, neitfaer will be satisfied. It is sucfa an experiraent as tfais, tfaat tfae preponderating party in tfae General Asserably faave been making of late years ; and it faas been productive of the natural result. The people are more tfaan grumbling ; a large proportion of tfaem are much dissatisfied with tfae conduct of tfaefr ecclesiastical rulers ; whUe the aristocracy are faigfaly offended. The pro ceedings of the evangelical or popular party (as it is termed), with regard to patronage and calls, have been strangely incon sistent with their professions of regard for tfae rights of the people. Since the commencement of the voluntary church controversy, the subject of patronage has been repeatedly discussed in the General Assembly. Motion after motion has been brought 736 DEBATES IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY forward witfa the view of inducing the Assembly to declare patronage a grievance, and to adopt measures for its removal. what faas been tfae result ? These raotions faave been uni forraly rejected by overwfaelraing majorities ; and (strange to say) tfaese raajorities faave been produced by tfae popular par ty making coraraon cause, on tfais subject, witfa tfaeir oppo nents belonging to the moderate side of tfae faouse. If it be allowable to form a judgraent from tfae speecfaes that have been delivered, as oft as tfais question faas been discussed, the fear of losing the favour of tfae aristocracy, and of alienating tfaem from tfae cfaurcfa, appears to faave faad a considerable in fluence in leading tfae Assembly to reject, by such decided majorities, all those overtures tfaat faave been brougfat forward for tfae abolition of patronage. One striking feature in tfae discussions on tfais subject, has been tfae strong language which some of tfae leading men, belonging to wfaat is called tfae popular side of tfae faouse, have made use of in denounc ing popular election. One reverend doctor, distinguished for his eloquence, shuddered at tfae idea of tfae mass of tfae people being intrusted with the cfaoice of tfaeir own rainisters, on ac count of tfaeir excessive " gulUbility," and on account of the influence wfaicfa " parochial demagogues" are apt to exercise over thera.* Anotfaer doctor, wfaile in the very act of pro posing a resolution, affirming patronage to be a grievance, and calling upon the Assembly to consider the best means for abolishing it, declared, " he was not tfaere to plead for popular election ; " and he added, with a pious horror, " he beUeved that it (popular election) would prove a curse to tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland ;t while a learned Lord of Session con gratulated tfae faouse on tfae strong demonstration of feeUng wfaicfa had been given on this point. He was glad to faear it " so plainly declared" by all tfae preceding speakers, that they did " not intend any thing Uke popular election." J But tfaen, wfaile patronage must not be abolished, on ac count of the dangerous consequences that would result from the abolition of it, an attempt raust be raade to please the people ; and as tfaey could not on account of tfaeir " gullibil ity," be safely intrusted witfa tfae power of ckoosing their min isters, tfae happy expedient was fait upon of giving tfaem tfae power of quarrelUng witfa tfaeir patrons, by rejecting (accord ing to tfae fancy or caprice of tfae raoraent), tfae patron's presen tee. Tfais faigfa privilege, tfae venerable Asserably conceived, was all tfaat tfae good people of Scotland could be safely trust- * See report of Dr. Chalmers' speech On pattonage question, in 1833. t See report of Dr. W. Thomson's speech on this question in 1836. I See report of Lord MoncrieflF's speech, same debate. ON P.VTRONAGE AND THE VETO ACT. 737 ed with. Hence the birth of the celebrated Veto Act. This act was first subraltted to the consideration of the General Asserably, in tfae forra of an overture, at tfaeir raeeting in 1834. It was brougfat forward and supported by tfae popular party, as a cure, or at least a raitigation of tfae evils of patronage ; wfaUe it was opposed by tfae moderate party, as an infringe ment upon the civil rights of patrons, — as inconsistent with tfae fundaraental principle of tfae presbyterian polity establisfa ed in Scotland, and as a measm-e whicfa could not be carried into operation, witfaout tfae interposition of tfae legislature. After a keen discussion, it was carried by a majority of forty- six votes,* tfaat tfae overture be transmitted to presbyteries for their opinion ; and it was agreed, without a vote, tfaat it be converted into an interira act. Tfae following is the enactraent of the General Asserably : " Edinburgk, May 31, 1834 The General Asserably de clare, tfaat it is a fundamental law of tfais cfaurcfa, tfaat no pas tor sfaall be intruded on any congregation, contrary to tfae will of the people ; and, in order that tfais principle raay be carried into full effect, tfae General Asserably, with the consent of a majority of the presbyteries of this church, do declare, enact, and ordain, Tfaat it sfaall be an instruction to presbyteries, that if, at tfae moderating in a call to a vacant pastoral. cfaarge, the major part of tfae male faeads of families, members of tfae vacant congregation, and in fuU coramunion witfa tfae cfaurch, shall disapprove of the person in whose favour tfae call is pro posed to be moderated in, sucfa disapproval sfaall be deemed sufficient ground ior tfae presbytery rejecting sucfa person, and tfaat fae sfaall be rejected accordingly, and due notice tfaereof forthwith given to all concerned ; but that, if tfae major part of the said heads of families sfaall not disapprove of sucfa per son to be their pastor, the presbytery shall proceed with tfae settlement, according to tfae rules of the cfaurcfa : And fartfaer declare, tfaat no person sfaall be faeld to be entitled to disap prove as aforesaid, who shaU refuse, if requfred, solemnly to declare, in presence of tfae presbytery, that he is actuated by no factious or malicious motive, but solely by a conscientious regard to tfae spiritual interests of himself or the congrega tion," This overture received the sanction of tfae majority of pres byteries, and is now tfae acknowledged law, according to wfaich calls are moderated in the Church of Scotland. Along with tfae overture, a number of rules, prepared by a comraittee of Assembly, and designed to regulate the forms of procedure under tfais act, was also transmitted to presbyteries, and re- ' The state ofthe vote was 184 /or, and 138 against th^ overture. 3 A 738 REGULATIONS REGARDING CALLS ceived their sanction. These regulations, whatever might be the design of the Asserably in preparing them, tend greatly to restrict any little freedom whicfa tfae act might be supposed to confer upon the people, and open a wide door for conten tion to all parties concerned. It is not the dissent of a major ity of heads of families (being raembers) that are present on the day of moderation, but the dissent of a majority of per sons standing on the roll, tfaat can be sustained by tfae presby tery as a reason for not proceeding witfa tfae settlement. After an apparent majority of dissents faave been lodged, tfae pres bytery are to adjourn tfaeir proceedings till anotfaer meeting, to be held not less than ten days, nor more tfaan fourteen, after tfae first. In tfae mean time, tfae presentee, if he desire it, or if the presbytery deera it expedient, is to have an opportunity of preaching to tfae congregation. At the second meeting of presbytery, no new dissents can be lodged, but any person who has previously dissented, may witfadraw fais dissent. If, at tfais meeting, it is found that tfaere is still a majority of per sons on the roll dissenting, it is competent to the patron, or the presentee, or to any meraber of presbytery, to require any or all of tfae persons so dissenting, to appear at a meeting of the presbytery, or of a coramittee of tfaeir number, to be faeld, witfain ten days at fartfaest, at some place witfain tfae parisfa, and then and there to declare that tfaey are not actuated, in their opposition, by any factious or raalicious raotive, but solely by a conscientious regard to tfae spiritual interests of theraselves or the congregation ; and sfaould any one of tfae dissentients fail to appear, or refuse to raake tfae declaration required, fais name is to be struck off from tfae Ust of persons dissenting. If, after tfais process faas been gone tfarough, a major part of persons standing on the roll is still found dissenting, the pres entee is to be rejected by the presbytery ; and tfae patron is to be requfred to give a presentation to anotfaer person, when exactly tfae same course of proceedings must be follow ed ; and so on witfa regard to all tfae successive presentations that shall be given witfain tfae tirae (six raonths after tfae va cancy occurs) Uraited by law. If at tfae end of tfaat period, it shaU be fotmd, in consequence of the squabbles that faave taken place, or from any otfaer cause, no presentation faas been given to a person, frora wfaose settlement a majority on tfae roU do not dissent, the Jus Devolutum, or the power of pre senting, devolves upon tfae presbytery, and then the strife is at an end. Whether the person, whom the presbytery presents, shall be agreeable to the parishioners or not, all opposition must The following extract is taken from the account of the last General TIIE VETO ACT. 739 Such is tfae Veto Act ; and such are tfae regulations with wfaicfa the operation of it is fettered. Though intended as a boon, it has been sulkily received by the people ; wfaile a large and influential portion of tfae Churcfa of Scotland are decided ly opposed to it. Tfae following passage, taken from tfae Re port of tfae Anti-patronage Society for the year 1834, will sfaow what is tfae opinion wfaich tfae Directors of tfaat Society enter tained of tfae Veto Act. Tfaey anticipated not good, but evil from tfae passing of it. Tfae description, wfaicfa they give of the nature and tendency of it, is strikingly just. " Those wfao conceive (say tfaey) tfaat tfae Act of Assembly, 1834, introducing a veto by tfae people on the patron's nomi nation (wfaicfa is soraetfaing less than a call), restores tfaeir true rights, do greatly raisconceive; inasrauch as it permits tfae estabUsfaraent of the ministerial relation without any direct or expressed assent of the people, and restricts tfaem to a simple rigfat of refiisal. The Directors are satisfied, tfaat an arrange ment of tfais cfaaracter cannot come to good. It leaves un toucfaed tfae bought and sold marketable rigfat of patoonage ; it refiises to acknowledge tfae beautifiil and Cfaristian privilege of expressed assent by tfae people, as an act of tfaefrs, to the nomination of their ministers ; and it bestows upon tfaem a right of contention, discord, and opposition ; a privilege wfaicfa, by its very nature and terms, can never corae into active ex ercise, except in tfae sfaape of strife ; and wfaicfa, tfaerefore, will soon probably cease to be eitfaer popular or available. " By tfais law, a parisfa raay be unanimous in desiring some one individual, or any one of ten or fifty individuals ; but in tfais desire, they may be totally frustrated at tfae word of one per son, tfae purcfaasing or inheriting owner of tfaeir patronage, wfao raay be unconnected or unacquainted witfa tfaem, or be of any or no cfaaracter. Tfaey faave no cfaoice but of kis one nominee, be fae wfao he may ; for wfaile, it is true, tfaey may reject fais first, tfae only consequence is, tfaat they wUl be de- Assembly's proceedings, given in fhe Christian Instructor for June 1838 ; from which it appears that some alterations have been made with regard to tbe above regulations : — " Mr. J. Shaw Stewart, who was appointed in room of Lord Moncreiff, convener of the committee 'on calls,' gave ina report containing certain proposed aUerations in the regulations. In the first class of regulations, presbyteries were enjoined to hold a second meeting to aiford opportunity for entering farther dissents, or withdrawing dissents, entered at the first meeting held fbr that purpose ; and he had oome to be of opinion, that the second meeting might, with advantage, be dispensed with, as it inight lead to canvassing and cabalUng. In the third class of regulations, he proposed to provide that presentees nominated by presbyteries should be subject to the same regulations as were applicable to other presentees. The other alterations proposed were merely verbal, or otherwise unimpor tant. After some discussion on the proposed alterations, all of which were adopted," &c. 740 THE VETO ACT DECLARED ILLEGAL volved on fais second, or fais tfaird, or fais fourth, or his any number, until his last sfaall be accepted by tfaem. They can originate nobody. Their predicaraent is tfae unfaappy one of rejecting tfae person cfaosen for tfaem by anotfaer; tfaey never can ckoose. " Nor is tfais all. Wfaat has now been stated may be the issue wfaere tfae parish has taken the trouble and paid tfae ex pense, and faad tfae hardifaood, to organize itself, so tfaat a ' majority of tfae male communicants ' sfaall be found to corae forward against the patron. This, faowever, is tfae favourable alternative. According to fauraan nature, and all past expe rience, tfae more likely tfaing to happen is, subraission, coldness, indifference, secession, or abandonraent of churcfa altogetfaer, ratfaer tfaan a strife with the influential head of the parish. And it would be no irapeacfament of tfaese statements, if, for some time, none of tfaem were realized. Patrons may perfaaps act cautiously for a time, ratfaer tfaan aU at once brave the consequences of an opposite course ; but the tirae will corae when these consequences will arise again, as a hundred years ago, under the like circumstances, tfaey did arise."* One of tfae grounds, on wfaicfa tfae Veto Act was opposed by Dr. Cook, by tfae Dean of Faculty (Mr. Hope), and otfaer persons well acquainted witfa ecclesiastical law, was tfaat it was an attempt " to impose practically a re'striction amount ing to a veto on tfae rigfat of patronage ;" and that it was wholly incorapetent, and beyond the powers of the cfaurcfa to do so. It was predicted, that it would create " aniraosities, Utigation, and injurious delays in tfae settlement of parisfaes ;" — " that there would, as matters now stand, be a constant colUsion between the civil and ecclesiastical courts, tfae patron would assert fais statutory rigfat, and tfae civil court would, tfae law reraaining as it is, be bound to confirra it."t Tfaese predictions are in tfae course of receiving tfaeir fulfil ment. Animosities have been excited in great abundance ; litigation has comraenced ; injurious delays in the settleraent of parisfaes have taken place ; and the civil and ecclesiastical * The late learned Dr. M'Crie thought as meanly of the Veto Act, as did tho Anti-patronage Directors. In a sermon, which he preached to his con gregation on the Sabbath immediately after the Act was passed, and which was afterwards pubUshed, he adverted to the passing of the Act in the fol lowing terms : — " I say it is more than suspicious that the alleged boon should be presented by the hands of those who have summarily and haughtily thrown out the petitions of the Christian people against patronage. They say, they have muzzled the monster : It is a mistake ; they have only muffled him, and they have muzzled the people. " — Volume of Sermons by Dr. M' Crie p. 346. t A few plain Observations on the Enactment of the General Assembly, 1834. By George Cook, D.D. &c. P. 12. BY THE COURT OF SESSION. 741 courts are at present in a state of colUsion. It was not to be supposed that patrons would taraely submit to have tfaeir right of presentation virtually wrested frora tfaem by a power which they did not acknowledge. The Earl of Kinnoul, patron of the parish of Aucfaterarder, has accordingly brougfat tfae validity of tfae Veto Act to a trial before tfae supreme civil court in Scotland, and faas obtained a judgment in fais favour. A de cided raajority* of tfae Lords of Session faave declared, tfaat Mr. Robert Young, tfae Earl's presentee to tfaat parisfa, wfaom tfae General Assembly faad laid aside, on tfae ground of fais being vetoed by tfae majority of raale communicants, has been legally, validly, and effectually presented ; and they faave or dered the presbytery of Auchterarder to take faira on trial, and if found quaUfied, to receive and admit faim according to law. Tfaey have also discharged tfae presbytery of Auchterarder from inducting any other person into tfaat living. Tfais de cision faas been affirmed by the House of Lords, who faave found that the presbytery of Aucfaterarder, in refusing " to take trial " of Mr. Young's quaUfications, faave acted " illegally and in violation of their duty." In the meantirae the General As sembly faave passed resolutions asserting thefr independence, and stubbornly refuse to carry into effect the decisions which have been pronounced by tfae civU tribunals of the country. In the case of the parisfa of Letfaendy, tfae autfaority of tfae Court of Session has been set at open defiance, by the Com mission of tfae Assembly giving instructions to tfae presbytery of Dunkeld to proceed witfa tfae settlement of Mr. Kessen, in tfae face of an interdict frora tfaat court. Mr. Clark, at wfaose instance tfae interdict was granted, faad received a presentation frora tfae Crown to tfaat parisfa, and was rejected under tfae operation of tfae Veto Act. Anotfaer presentation was issued by the Crown, in favour of Mr. Kessen. But Mr. Clark still retained possession of fais presentation, as tfae Crown, tfaough it might grant another, could not recall tfae one already grant ed. He applied to tfae Court of Session for an interdict against the presbytery's sustaining tfae presentation of Mr. Kessen, wfaicfa he obtained. The Commission instructed the presby tery to proceed, witfaout regard to tfae presentation, upon the caSalone, to tfae settleraent of Mr. Kessen. Mr. Clark appUed a second tirae to tfae Court of Session, and obtained a sup plemental interdict against tfae induction of Mr. Kessen into the parish of Letfaendy upon tfae call. In tfais new dilemma, * The majority consisted of the Lord President, the Lord Justice- Clerk, Lords Gillies, Meadowbank, Mackenzie, Medwin, Corehouse, and Cunning. hame, who gave their opinions against the vaUdity of the Act. The minori. ty consisted of Lords Glenlee, FuUerton, Moncreiff, Jeffrey, and Cockburn, who gave their opinions in favour ofthe Act. 742 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S SCHEME the presbytery sougfat advice frora tfae Commission ; and they were ordered to disregard tfae interdict, and to proceed with Mr. Kessen's settleraent, according to tfae instructions which they faad already received.* This has been done ; and tfae presbytery have been solemnly rebuked at the bar of the Court of Session for presuming to ordain Mr. Kessen in op position to tfae interdict wfaicfa that Court pronounced. These are some of the fruits tfaat have resulted from tfae operation of the Veto Act. The General Assembly of 1834, besides originating the Act to which the' attention of tfae reader has now been direct ed, has acqufred notoriety on another account. It was this Assembly tfaat coraraenced tfaat system of agitation concern ing churcfa-extension and additional endowments, wfaich has produced such a commotion in the country. Two committees were appointed ; one on Cfaurcfa Accoraraodation, and another on Endowments. The Rev. Dr. Cfaalmers was appouited convener of tfae forraer ; and Cfaarles Ferguson, Esq., younger of Kilkerran, convener of the latter. A deputation proceeded, in tfae month of July, to London, to make known to his Majesty's government the destitution of the means of reUgious instruction tfaat existed in Scotland, and to implore, in name of tfae national cfaurcfa, a grant of endowments to aU the un endowed churches, whicfa tfae Establisfament faad already built, or might afterwards erect, by the voluntary Uberality of tfae people. Many persons were at a loss to account for tfais new-born zeal, which faad sprung up so unexpectedly and so vigorously in tfae Asserably. All wfao were acquainted witfa tfae past faistory of tfais ecclesiastical judicatory knew, tfaat tfae general policy wfaicfa it faad pursued, was to discourage tfae erection of additional places of worsfaip in connexion with the EstabUsfa raent; and tfaat it was witfa great difficulty, and frequently after a protracted struggle, leave could be obtained to erect in sorae destitute situation even a single Cfaapel of Ease. To sucfa an extent did tfais antipatfay influence tfae decisions of tfaat court, tfaat wfaen a proposal was made in 1818, to erect the English Cfaapel, in tfae Cowgate of Edinburgfa, into a Chapel of Ease connected with tfae Cfaurch of Scotland, with out the inhabitants being required to bear any part of the ex pense for tfae support either of tfae minister or faouse, it was rejected after a debate, by no less a majority tfaan 98 to 32. It was also known tfaat in many parts of tfae country, two or raore sraall parisfaes faad been united togetfaer, and places of worsfaip faad been either altogether suppressed, or perraitted to • Present Position of the Church of Scotland ; A Letter to Dr. Cook. By James Bryce, D.D. P. 8. OF CIIURCH EXTENSION. 743 remain empty, without any reUgious service being performed in tfaera. All tfaese tfaings were matters of history, and those who were acquainted with thera naturally enough asked the question. What is it tfaat faas so suddenly opened tfae eyes of the members of tfae General Assembly, in the year 1834, and made them see such a lamentable religious destitution prevail ing botfa in town and country ? What is it tfaat faas made them discern, apparently all at once, the existence of sucfa a mass of faeatfaenism, among tfae population of Scotland, and that faas kindled in tfaeir bosoras such a flaming zeal to work out the regeneration of those unfaappy beings whom they had so long neglected ? Leaving each to form an opinion for faimself on tfaese points, I proceed to notice a reraarkable discovery wfaich has been made by the leaders of tfae cfaurcfa-extension moveraent. This discovery relates to the rapid and extraordinary increase of dissenters. For a long period, it was generaUy admitted, both by those witfain and tfaose witfaout the pale of the Es tabUshment, that tfae increase of dissenters, in tfais northern portion of the island, was owing to the existence of the law of patronage, to the sufferance of error in the national cfaurch, to the supineness and occasional immoraUty of her ministers, and to the course of raal-adrainistration pursued by her ecclesiasti cal judicatories. To these causes were usually attributed the existence and increase of the Secession, the ReUef, and of other dissenting societies. But since tfae coraraencement of tfae voluntary cfaurcfa controversy, itfaas been discovered, tfaat the reason why dissenters faave increased in sucfa an extraordinary manner, is tfae want of accoraraodation in tfae parisfa-cfaurcfaesA Because tfae governraent faas been so very lax, ever since tfae tirae of Jofan Knox, as not to build cfaurcfaes in every square and lane of tfae cities, and in every Uttle straggling vUlage of tfae country, wfaat could tfae neglected faeatfaen of tfais island do, but becorae dissenters, and build cfaurcfaes for tfaeraselves ? This is the melancfaoly discovery tfaat faas been made. If there had only been a sufficient number of cfaurches, in which to accoraraodate the people, these dismal effects would have been prevented. The advocates of tfae voluntary cfaurch system have indeed attempted to show, tfaat tfae want of churcfaes cannot be tfae cause of tfae increase of dissenters, nor of the prevalence of heatfaenisra at faome; because a large pro portion of the churcfaes in the country are not nearly filled, and there are thousands of unlet and unoccupied seats in the churcfaes of many of tfae large towns. Tfae supporters of the churcfa-extension scfaeme endeavour to silence tfaeir opponents on tfais point, by telUng tfaem, with great plainness and sim pUcity, that tfae existence of erapty churches is no reason why 744 PETITIONS FOR ENDOWMENTS. new ones sfaould not be bmlt ; because every Christian govern ment is bound to build churches, wherever there is a population to fill them, wfaetfaer tfae people cfaoose to go to tfaem or not. The plan adopted by the Assembly's cfaurcfa-extension and endowraent coraraittees, for accomplisfaing tfae object of their appointment, was, raising a fund by voluntary subscription in the different parishes, for building cfaurcfaes, and soliciting governraent to grant endowraents to the ministers that raigfat be appointed to these cfaurcfaes. Witfa regard to tfae first part of this plan, tfaeir exertions faave been attended with a consid erable degree of success; and an encouraging instance has been given of wfaat tfae voluntary principle is able to accompUsfa, even in circumstances not the raost favourable for its operation. The last report of the churcfa-extension comraittee presented to tfae General Assembly (in 1838), states, "that tfae total nuraber of new cfaurcfaes erected during tfae last four years, is 187, and tfae total araount of money collected, £205,890." Witfa regard to tfae otfaer part of tfae plan, viz. tfae obtaining of endowments for the new cfaurches, their exertions have hitherto been unsuccessful. Frora a circular letter, subscribed by tfae moderator of tfae General Assembly (Dr. Patrick Macfarlane), and by tfae con veners of tfae two comraittees, and wfaicfa was sent to tfae different parisfaes in January, 1835, it appears, tfaat sanguine faopes were at first entertained, of obtaining endowraents frora tfae pubUc treasury. In tfae comraencing paragraph of this cir cular, the writers say,^-" Tfae Asserably's sub-coraraittee on cfaurcfa accommodation, faave been corresponding witfa public and parliamentary men, on tfae raeans by wfaicfa our cfaurch raight be so extended as to meet the wants of our greatly increased population. Tfae replies by wfaich we have been faonoured, are, witfaout exception, faighly favourable to our object ; but tfaere is one opinion in wfaich tfaey all concur, and wfaicfa we would feel it altogetfaer out of place and of duty to witfafaeld from you ; and tfaat is, as to tfae great expediency of petitions, numerous and numerously signed, from all parts of tfae country ; and tfais for tfae purpose botfa of laying the wants of the people before the legislature, and of expressing tfae wide spread attacfament wfaicfa prevails for tfae Establisfament, among all classes of society in Scotland." No fewer tfaan five different forms of a petition accompanied tfais letter, tfaat the people might adopt one or otfaer of tfaem, according to the circumstances of the district. Great exertions were made to procure petitions from tfae various localities, and also to swell the number of petitioners to the greatest possible araount. Tfae unexpected dismissal of Lord Melbourne's ministry, and the recall of Sfr Robert Peel and of fais party to COUNTER-PETITIONS BY DISSENTERS. 745 the cabinet, excited high hopes in tfae bosoms of tfae churcfa- extenders. Tfae King's speech, at the opening of the new parliament in February, 1835, was of a higfa-cfaurch complexion, and, among otfaer things, contained a recoraraendation to grant raoney for building and endowing new cfaurcfaes in con nexion witfa tfae Establishraent of Scotland. Meanwhile, dissenters were not idle- Tfae petitions on tfae side of tfae national churcfa were everywfaere met by counter-petitions on tfae part of dissenters. In general, tfae petitions against endowraents were raore numerously signed tfaan tfaose wfaicfa were presented in favour of tfaera; and it deserves to be recorded, to the honour of liberal-rainded cfaurcfaraen, tfaat raany of tfaem, in all parts of tfae country, thougfa friendly to the principle of an Establishraent, showed their disapprobation of the endowment scheme, and their re gard for dissenters, by subscribing tfae petitions vvfaicfa dissent ers presented against tfae granting of additional endowraents. Soon after tfae agitation commenced on tfae subject of cfaurcfa- extension, an active and powerful auxiliary to tfae dissenting interest sprung up in tfae " Scottish Central Board." Tfais Board was forraed at Edinburgfa, on tfae 17tfa of December, 1834, " for extending tfae principle of voluntary cfaurcfaes, and vindicating tfae rights of dissenters." On all the public ques tions affecting the rights and privileges of dissenters, that have corae before parUaraent since tfae forraation of the Board, it faas acted witfa a proraptitude, and energy, and wisdom, which give it a strong claim on the gratitude and support of the various classes of evangelical dissenters in Scotland. Wfaen tfae Board understood tfaat the Asserably's coraraittee faad formed a plan for procuring petitions to parUament, from all tfae parishes, in support of the church-extension scfaeme, and that they had put into cfrculation statistical tables, which were calculated to produce an erroneous irapression, witfa re gard to the want of churcfa 'accoraraodation, tfaey imraediately procured from tfae various quarters, where a deficiency was aUeged to exist, as autfaentic inforraation as tfaey could obtain, of tfae actual accommodation, both in the established and in dis senting cfaurcfaes. Tfae information wfaicfa tfaey received, was published by thera in a Statement, wfaicfa was extensively circulated, and tended to open the eyes of raany to the unjust and sectarian character of the General Asserably's scfaeme. The tables contained in this Statement sfaowed, that tfae out cry wfaicfa faad been so loudly raised about the want of churcfa accomraodation, faad in reality little or no foundation ; tfaat if the dissenting places of worsfaip were to be taken into tfae ac count, as well as those belonging to the Establishment, so far from there being a want of accomraodation, there was, in 746 DEPUTATION SENT BY SYNOD TO LONDON. many of tfae towns and country districts, an actual surplus. Tfais difference of result exfaibited in tfae Statement of tfae Board, from tfaat wfaicfa faad been shown in the circular of tfae cfaurcfa-extension coramittee, is easily explained. Tfae com mittee did not tfaink it wortfa their while to raention in their circular, tfae cfaurch accomraodation which dissenters had pro vided for tfaeraselves. They acted on the principle, that whatever may be tfae religious opinions of any portion of tfae community, accommodation connected with the EstabUshment ought to be provided out of the public funds for tfae whole population. The Board transmitted a copy of their State ment to every member of tfae House of Comraons ; and from a considerable number of tfaem answers were received, declar ing tfaeir determination to oppose any grant of the public raoney for tfae endowment of new churcfaes. The attention of the United Associate synod was called to tfais subject, at their raeeting in April, 1835, and a reso lution was adopted by them, to petition both faouses of par liament against granting any fartfaer endowments to tfae na tional cfaurcfa. It was also resolved to present a meraorial to his Majesty's ministers on the subject of endowments, and to send a deputation to London, to enforce said memorial, and to watch over the progress of tfais business. Tfae deputation wfaom tfae synod appointed on tfais errand, consisted of Messrs. David Young of Pertfa, and James Harper of Leitfa, minis ters, and Williara EUis, elder. Considerable hopes were en tertained that tfae inforraation wfaich tfais deputation would be able to communicate to tfae merabers of governraent, and also to tfae Uberal raerabers of parliament, concerning tfae exact state of tfae endowraent question in Scotland, would produce an impression faigfaly favourable to tfae views of dissenters j tfae more especially as Sir Robert Peel and tfae higfa-cfaurch ministry, wfaicfa faad been forraed under his auspices, had been obliged to resign, in consequence' of a defeat on the Irish Church question, and had been succeeded by Lord Melbourne and fais reforra associates. Tfae synod's deputation proceeded to London, and dis cfaarged, in a very able and business-like manner, tfae impor tant duty tfaat was intrusted to tfaem. They obtained an in terview with the Premier, and with some of the leading mem bers of government ; they also waited upon many raerabers of parliament connected with both sides of tfae faouse ; and tfaey coramunicated to all of tfaese individuals mucfa useful informa tion concerning tfae great questions tfaat were agitating tfae country. Besides tfaese personal interviews, tfaey made a liberal distribution of tfae synod's meraorial, accorapanied by a letter containing, in a condensed form, the strong points of CASE OF DISSENTERS PREPARED BY DEPUTATION. 747 their case. This document I here insert entire, as it furnishes a clear, distinct, and corapeiidious view of tfae grounds on wfaich the claims of the Cfaurcfa of Scotland, for additional endowments, faave been opposed by tfae Scottisfa dissenters. It is entitled. Case for the dissenters of Scotland, respectfully submitted by the deputation from tke United Associate synod appointed to communicate with his Majesty's ministers, &c. " So far as circurastances would perrait, we faave waited on members, and have found thera in general favourable to our views ; but as we cannot reraain in town to complete tfais ser vice, we avail ourselves of tfais mode of communication, in tfae hope that it raay draw attention to the raerits of our case. The synod wfaicfa we represent, as is stated in our memorial, consists of tfaree faundred and fifty congregations. Tfae grounds on which we oppose tfae claira in question, and on whicfa we confidently faope tfaat parUaraent will sustain our opposition to it, are tfae following, namely — " Tfaat although the raeasure to which we object is often represented as corapassionately intended to provide for the poor, yet, as petitions for it show, it is in fact intended for the en dowment of churcfaes and cfaapels already existing, or to be erected for tfae ricfa and tfae poor alike ; tfaat to represent such a measure as needed for tfae poor of Scotland, is egregiously to mislead tfae legislature, for the instances in whicfa they are excluded from places of worsfaip, by want of room, or by in ability to pay for sittings, are so rare, tfaat to raake tfaera a mat ter or parliaraentary consideration, is absolutely ridiculous ; tfaat what is clairaed for the Church of Scotland is not a right, secured by existing statute, but a favour, for whicfa tfae law, as it stands, makes no provision ; tfaat since, by the Act of Toleration for England, and by securities for Scotland, equally valid, the rigfat of dissenters to avow and propagate tfaeir re ligious belief, is not only recognised, but establisfaed, and in corporated witfa tfae laws of tfae country, the legislature is bound to protect dissenters frora injury or aggression ; that the proposed raeasure is glaringly unjust, and deeply injurious, inasmuch as it would confer a new favour on one reUgious par ty, wfaicfa is ricfa and endowed already, at tfae expense of an other whicfa is poor, unendowed, and contentedly supporting its own religious institutions ; that tfais injustice is aggravat ed by tfae consideration, tfaat dissenters in Scotland are not the few whose interest in a raeasure for tfae raany it might be immaterial or impossible to consult, but in fact a numerous body, consisting of about 800 congregations, while the con gregations of the Establisfaed Cfaurcfa do not greatiy exceed 1,000 ; tfaat altfaougfa tfaere were no injustice in tfae principle. of the raeasure, yet the account given, by its promoters, of 748 EXTRACT FROM " CASE FOR THE DISSENTERS. tfae present state of church accoraraodation in Scotland, is (as has been proved by the ' Stateraent ' of tfae Dissenters' Board in Edinburgfa, copies of whicfa have been sent to members of parliament) so grossly erroneous, that no legislative measure can in fairness be founded on it ; that tfae raeasure involves a principle whicfa, if extended to England and Ireland (and wfay sanction it at all, if it is not to be so extended ?) would bring on tfae country an intolerable burden, to the injury of its peace and religious well-being ; tfaat tfae smallness of the sura wfaicfa tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland raay subrait to ask at present, is no mitigation of tfae raeasure, for altfaougfa tfae sum may be small, tfae principle is great, and if tfae sum be sraall, so raucfa tfae raore shameful is it to force any portion of it, by legal compulsion, out of tfae pockets of dissenters, wfao not only support tfaeir own institutions, witfaout asking any tfaing from tfae state, but are active in diffusing tfae gospel at faome and abroad ; tfaat altfaougfa dissenters in Scotland are united in opposing tfae measure, tfaey are not alone in doing so, for many enligfatened and respectable churcfa-men have seen it their duty to oppose it along witfa tfaem ; tfaat to grant the boon required, instead of doing good, would do much evil, by putting an arrest upon tfaeir benevolent exertions, by wfaich alone, as we beUevej the spiritual wants of Scotland can be suitably supplied ; that we have no dislike to tfae EstabUsfaed Cfaurch in Scotland, viewed siraply as a Christian coraraunity, and would rejoice to see her the instruraent of reclaiming all tfaat is unreclaimed ; but we appeal to all tfaat is reason and decency, wfaetfaer compeUing us to give of our substance, and tfaereby to cripple tfae resources of our own religious bene ficence, for the extension of a cfaurcfa to wfaicfa we do noi be long, can promote tfae prosperity of tfaat cfaurcfa ; we beUeve tfaat it never can, and therefore we ask tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland, as sfae values her own prosperity, and is willing to do as she would be done by, to abstain frora a deed of such flagrant injustice. " Such are sorae of tfae grounds on wfaicfa we rest a strong conviction, tfaat tfae legislature will not grant tfae money prayed for, and ougfat not to do so. We ask no favour ; tfae sura of our prayer is, let us alone, or give us tfaat protection, as British dissenters, whicfa common justice so obviously assigns to us." On tfae llth of June, 1835, Sir Williara Rae brought the subject of endowments for tfae Scottisfa Churcfa, under the notice of tfae House of Coraraons, by raoving, " Tfaat tfae pe titions presented to tfae House, relative to tfae building and endowing of places of worsfaip connected with the Established Church of Scotland, be referred to a select comraittee ; and ROYAL COMMISSION APPOINTED. 749 that sucfa committee sfaall inquire, and report how far tfae building and endowing of sucfa places of worship is required for tfae raoral and religious instruction of the lower orders of the people in Scotland." This raotion was met by anotfaer from tfae Lord Advocate Murray, for an address to tfae Crown, to issue a coraraission " to inquire into tfae opportunities of re ligious worsfaip, and tfae raeans of religious instruction afforded to tfae people of Scotland ; as to tfae state of tfae law in regard to the buUding and repairing of cfaurcfaes ; and also as to any funds wfaicfa are now applicable to the purposes of tfae Estab Usfaed Church." The debate on tfais question was adjourned ; till tfae 1st of July, wfaen Sir Williara Rae's raotion and tfae Lord Advocate's amendraent were witfadrawn ; and a resolu tion, proposed by Lord Jofan Russell, was unaniraously adopted, wfaicfa was, tfaat a royal commission be appointed by the Crown, " to inquire into tfae opportunities of religious worship, and raeans of reUgious instruction, and the pastoral superintendence afforded to tfae people of Scotland, and faow far tfaese are of avail for tfae raoral and religious iraproveraent of tfae poor and working classes ; and, with this view, to ob tain information respecting tfaefr stated attendance at places of worsfaip, and tfaefr actual connexion witfa any religious denomination ; to inquire wfaat funds are now, or raay here after be made available for the purposes of tfae Establisfaed Church of Scotland ; and to report, from time to tirae, in or der tfaat sucfa reraedies may be applied to any existing evils, as parliament may tfaink fit."* Tfae appointraent of a royal coramission, for tfae purposes now stated, was not altogether agreeable either to the friends of the EstabUshraent or to the dissenters. Tfae forraer were averse to it, because tfaey did not consider tfaat tfaere was any necessity for inqufry being raade, and because tfaey conceived tfaat the proposal to inquire into tfae araount of cfaurcfa accora modation tfaroughout the country, struck at the very principles on wfaicfa religious establisfaments are founded. " If tfaey were to act" (said Dr. Cook) "on the principle contended for by tfaeir eneraies, it would just corae to this, that it was a raat ter of no raoraent whetfaer tfaere was an EstabUsfaraent at all. If tfae governraent was told tfaat tfaere was enougfa of religious accoraraodation, it was of no raatter wfaat kind, it would give fu. • The commissioners appointed for the purposes specified in this motiou were, — the Eafl of Minto. G. C. B. j Hon. Mountstuart Elphinstone ; John James Hope Johnstone, Esq. M. P. ; Robert BeU, Esq. procurator of the Church of Scotland j Jumes M. Nairne, Esq. of Dunsinnan ; Thomas Henry Lister, Esq. j John Shaw Stuart, Esq. ; John James Reid, Esq. ; Andrew Coventry Dick, Esq. ; Henry Baxter, Esq. ; Edward Horsman, Esq., j and George Logan, Esq. secretary. 750 ROYAL COMMISSION DISAPPROVED OF. the enemies of the cfaurcfa an opportunity to alienate the affections of tfae people from faer ; and, if it came to tfais, it would soon follow as an arguraent, tfaat there was no need for Establishments at all."* Tfae dissenters did not approve of the appointment of the royal commission, any more tfaan did the claimants for en dowments, but upon very different grounds. " From tfae first," (said the synod's deputation,) " it appeared to them that their acquiescence in tfae proposed inquiry migfat involve, on their part, a concession that the matter in dispute afforded a proper case for government interference and parliaraentary aid. We saw at once tfaat we could not consistently approve of a measure wfaich led to this conclusion ; our opposition to the scherae of endowments resting on this, among otfaer grounds, tfaat, in principle, sucfa an application of tfae public money would be impolitic and unjust ; tfaat it is neitfaer tfae scriptural nor the efficient mode of providing for tfae spiritual wants of tfae people, Tfae question with the deputation was siraply, whetfaer concurring in tfae proposal would be a surrender, and if so, faow far, of tfais fundamental ground of objection ?" " The course we pursued was sfaortly tfais ; we asserted, and continued to assert, wfaat we conceived to be the scriptural and equitable mode of maintaining and extending the means of religious instruction ; but, having notfaing to fear, and mucfa to faope for, frora an investigation of facts, we expressed our readiness to give tfae requisite information, and in every way, as far as might be in us, to facilitate the busi ness of inquiry."t As one of tfae individuals appointed on tfae royal commis sion had published a book against civil establishments of re- ligion,t and as sorae of the other raerabers had publicly ex pressed sentiments decidedly unfavourable to the principle of a religious estabUshment, tfae coraraission of tfae General As sembly considered it their duty to testify against tfae appoint ment of tfaese persons by tfae Crown. A private remonstrance on the subject was sent off to government, on tfae 31st of July, by tfae cfaurcfa-extension committee, to wfaicfa no answer was returned. § A condemnatory raotion was brougfat for- • See report of Dr. Cook's speech at the meeting of the General Assembly's commission, SOth September, 1835. t Beport of Deputation ap(le and a learned work. Tfae Rev. George Jofanston, (Dr. Jaraiesorfs successor in Nicfaol son-street congregation,) in a communication addressed to the writer of tfaese pages, says, — " The Doctor told rae tfaat when coraposing his ' Vindication,' he fancied Priestley sitting on the other side of tfae table ; and tfaat every paragrapfa he wrote, on finishing it, he turned to fais opponent, and asked him, what he had to say in reply to it." 8. Soon after his answer to Priestley, he pubUshed " Cougal and Fenella, a Tale." Svo. 9. Eternity ; a poem addressed to Freethinkers and Pfailo sopfaical Cfaristians. Svo. 1798. 10. Remarks on Rowland Hill's Journal. Svo- 1799. 11. Tfae Use of Sacred History; with two dissertations prefixed, — the one on tfae autfaenticity of tfae history eontained in the Pentateuch and tfae book of Josfaua, — and tfae other prov ing that the books ascribed to Moses were actually written by him, and tfaat he wrote them bv divine inspiration. 2 vols. Svo. 1802. 12. Important Trial in tfae court of Conscience. Svo. 1806- 3 K 882 SUPPLEMENT. 13. In 1809-10, appeared fais great work, entitled, "An Etymological Dictionary oftfae Scottish language," — to whicfa is prefixed a dissertation on the origin of the Scottish lan guage. 2 vols. 4to. Two supplemental volumes were pub lished in 1825. The author "also left a raass of manuscript sufficient to form two additional volumes. This he bequeathed to the Advocates' Library, with perraission to pubUsh it if they should see proper. Tfae farae of Dr. Jamieson, as an au tfaor rests cfaiefly on tfais gigantic work. For patient research and extensive learning, it stands almost without a rival. Tfae labour, wfaicfa it cost tfae autfaor in collecting and arranging sucfa a mass of materials, in a department of literature faitfaerto unexplored, must faave been iraraense. It faas been justly re marked concerning tfais work, " tfaat it is sufficient to give fame to a wfaole university." An abridgment of tfae Diction ary was publisfaed in 1814. 14. In 1811, was published tfae " Beneficent Woman,'! — a Sermon. 15. In 1814 appeared " Hermes Scythicus, or tfae radical affinities of tfae Greek and Latin languages to tfae Gothic, illustrated from the Mceso-Gotfaic, Anglo-Saxon, Frencfa, Alemanic, Suio- Gotfaic, Islandic, &c. To wfaicfa is prefixed a dissertation on tfae falstorical proofs of tfae Scytfaian origin of tfae Greeks." Svo. Tfais is a work concerning tfae raerits of wfaicfa very few are capable of judging. The very title of it is sufficient to frighten any ordinary reader from tfae per usal of it. 16. A Dissertation, from tfae Doctor's pen, " On tfae origin of Cremation, or tfae burning of tfae dead," appeared in the Transactions ofthe Edinburgfa Society for 1817, — vol. viii. 17. Tfae Hopes of an Erapire reversed; or, tfae Nigfat of Pleasure turned into Fear. A Serraon on tfae deatfa of the Princess Cfaarlotte. PubUsfaed in ISIS. 18. Tfaree Sermons, in 1819, on tfae duty, excellency, and pleasantness of brotfaerly unity : Preached with a view to re coramend tfae proposed union between the Burgfaer and Anti burgfaer Synods. 19. The History of tfae ancient Culdees of lona, and of tfaeir settleraent in Scotland, England, and Ireland, raade its appearance, in one quarto volurae, in 1821. 20. Next in order was " Sletzon's Tfaeatrura Scotise, witfa Illustrations." A foUo. 21. Tfais was followed, in 1828, by " Views of the Royal Palaces of Scotland, with faistorical and topograpfaical re marks," In royal quarto. 22. In tfae 36th nuraber of Bibliotheca Topograpfaica Britannica, is an article frora tfae Doctor's pen, containing REV. JOHN DICK, D.D. 883 " R,emarks on tfae progress of tfae Roraan army in Scotland, during tfae sixth campaign of Agricola, and an account of the Roman caraps of Battle-dykes and Haerfauds, with the Via Militaris e.xtending between tfaem in the county of Forfar." 23. To the above raust be added, " Tfae Water Kelpie, or tfae Spirit of tfae Waters," in tfae tfaird volurae of Scott"s Minstrelsy of tfae Border : also tfae glossary of Scottisfa words at tfae end. 24. An article, in tfae Westminster Review, upon tfae Origin of the Scottish nation. REV. JOHN DICK, D.D., GLASGOW. Tfais erainent divine and accoraplisfaed scfaolar was born at Aberdeen on the lOtfa of October 1764. His fatfaer, tfae Rev. Alexander Dick, was rainister ot tfae associate (Burgfaer) congregation in tfaat town. Jofan Dick gave early indication of a fondness for learning, and of superior raental endowraents. Wfaile a boy, attending the grammar-scfaool of Aberdeen, he carried off from his youtfaful corapeers several prizes. Wfaen fae faad corapleted fais twelftfa year, fae became a student in King's College, Aberdeen. At tfais period, fae competed for one of tfae bursaries in tfaat college ; and tfaough sorae of tfaose wfao corapeted along witfa faim " were fais superiors in age and stature," fae was declared to be the successful candidate. Dr. Charles Burney and Sir Jaraes Macintosh — persons, wfao, like faimself, afterwards acquired literary fame, — were araongst the nuraber of fais associates at college. In 1780, fae entered the Divinity Hall, then under tfae su- Eerintendence of tfae Rev. John Brown of Haddington : and aving corapleted the usual terra of study, fae was licensed to preach the gospel, in 1785, at tfae early age of twenty-one. As a preacfaer, he attracted notice by tfae elegance of liis cora position, and by tfae correctness and propriety of his deUvery. Soon after being licensed, he received calls frora tfae congre gations of Scone, Musselburgfa, and Slateford. Tfae cora petitlon was decided by tfae Associate Synod in favour of the call frora Slateford, and Mr. Dick was ordained at tfais place on tfae 26tfa of October, 1786. In tfais rural retireraent, he forraed those faabits of close ap plication to study, wfaicfa continued witfa faim during life. He stored fais mind witfa tfae treasures botfa of ancient and of rao dern literature. Wfaile fae studied faard, witfa a view to his own personal iraproveraent, fae was, at tfae same time, raost as siduous in fais endeavours to promote tfae spiritual interests oi his flock. In his preparation for the pulpit, and in the minis- 884 SUPPLEMENT. terial visitation and examination of his people he was most conscientious. So exact were all his arrangements, and so well did fae fausband fais time, tfaat besides attending^ to tfae private and public duties of fais ministry, fae found leisure to write for tfae press. After labouring for fifteen years in tfae viUage of Slateford, he was called upon to occupy a more extensive field of use fulness by his reraoval to Glasgow. He was inducted on tfae 21st of May, 1801, as colleague and successor to JMr. Alexr ander Pirie, minister of Sfauttle-street (now Greyfriars) con gregation in tfaat town. He faad, before fais removal from Slateford, been twice called by tfae congregation in Aberdeen, to be fais fatfaer's successor,, but faad declined, on both occa sions, accepting of the call. He was raucfa adraired in Glasgow, as a preacher, by all who were capable of appreciating intellectual excellence. Tfae urbanity of fais raanner, and the kindness of his disposi tion, endeared hira to fais congregation ; wfaile, on account of fais extensive learning, fais distinguisfaed talents, and his exemplary deportraent as a minister of the gospel, he was held in high estimation by tfae coraraunity at large. In 1815, tfae literary faonour of Doctor in Divinity was conferred upon faira by tfae college of Princeton, New Jersey, America ; and tfae tfaeological cfaair of tfae Associate Synod faaving be corae vacant by tlie deatfa of Dr. Lawson of Selkirk, in 1819, Dr. Dick was elected successor in tfae professorsfaip to tfaat erainent individual, in April, tfae following year. Wfaen tfae moveraent on tfae subject of voluntary cfaurches coraraenced in Scotland in tfae year 1832, an association was formed in Glasgow for tfae purpose of diffusing the principles, and giving support to the cause, of voluntary churches. Of tfais association Dr. Dick was elected President, and tfais situ ation fae continued to occupy till fais death. On Wednesday, tfae 23d January, 1833, a public meeting was faeld in Glasgow to consider tfae propriety and expediency of petitioning tfae legislature for some enactment concerning tfae better observance of tfae Sabbath. This meeting was attended by ministers and people of all religious denomina tions. Tfae Lord Provost presided on the occasion. Dr. Dick had one of the resolutions intrusted to him, and spoke in support of if. Tfais was fais last appearance in public. On tfae evening of tfae sarae day, after returning faorae from a meeting of the session, fae complained of ear-acfae; but as tfais was a complaint to wfaicfa fae was subject, it created no alarra. He was restless during tfae night, rose at a late hour next morninjg, and on Thursday afternoon was seized with sfaivering, when he was obliged to retire to bed. REV. JOHN DICK, D.D. 88S Medical aid was procured, and recourse was had to bleeding, wfaich afforded him a temporary relief. But he soon after sunk into a stupor, from whicfa fae never recovered. He expired on tfae following afternoon (the 25th January) at 4 o'clock, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and the forty- seventh of his ministry. The suddenness of fais deatfa cast a gloom over tfae coraraunity. As fae had Uved revered and beloved by all who knew faim, so he died lamented by the good of all denominations. As an author, he ranks in the first class. Tfae celebrity wfaicfa fae faas acquired by fais writings is not raore merited tfaan it is extensive. The productions he faas left behind faim are finisfaed specimens of coraposition. Tfaey are aU cfaarac terized by accuracy of conception, beauty of expression, appro priateness of illustration, clearness of arrangeraent ; and dis cover, on the part of the autfaor, a profound knowledge of tfae scriptures, and an intimate acquaintance with tfae various departments of Uterature. Some of fais works bid fair to be, not only of extensive, but of lasting, usefulness to the church. By means of tfaem, tfae narae of Dr. Dick wiU be transraitted witfa faonour to posterity, as a learned, elegant, classical, and pious writer. I sfaall now raention tfae productions of fais pen, in tfae ordei in wfaicfa tfaey were pubUshed. 1. His first appearance, as an author, was in 1788, wfaeii he publisfaed a serraon entitled " Tfae Conduct and Doora of false teachers." The text is 2 Pet. ii. 1. The pubUcation of tfais discourse was occasioned by tfae faeretical Essay wfaicfa Dr. M' Gill of Ayr publisfaed on tfae death of Christ, in wfaicfa Socinian sentiraents were openly raaintained. In tfae sermon, the author reprobates tfae conduct of tfaose wfao corrupt tfae trutfa ; and especiaUy, wfao disserainate en-or wfaile tfaey faold office in a cfaurch wfaose creed is ortfaodox. 2. He next publisfaed, " Confessions of faitfa sfaown to be necessary, and tfae duty of cfaurcfaes wilfa respect to tfaem explained;" a Sermon preacfaed at tfae opening of tfae Asso ciate Synod, in AprU 1796, from 2 Tira. i. 23, ' Hold fast the forra of sound words.' The effect whicfa this sermon produced, and the obloquy which it procured for its autfaor from a sraall minority who left tfae Synod, have already been noticed in the account given of the Old and New Light con troversy in tfae preceding faistory. 3. He publisfaed, in 1800, " An Essay on tfae Inspiration of tfae Scriptures :" an admirable work, clear, argumentative, and convincing. It faas become deservedly a standard work in tfaeology. 4. Next appeared a Sermon on tfae quaUfications and tfae 886 '• SUPPLEMENT. call of raissionaries ; preacfaed before tfae Edinburgh Mission ary Society in 1801. The text is Acts xiu. 2. 5. Lectures on tfae Acts of tfae Apostles — in two vols. Svo — were pubUsfaed in 1808. Tfaese lectures were deUvered to crowd ed and adrairing audiences on tfae second Sabbath evening of eacfa montfa. Tfaey are first-rate models of expository discourses. 6. A volurae of Serraons on raisceUaneous subjects appeared in 1816. Tfais volurae was published at the request of fais friends ; and it fully raaintained tfae credit wfaicfa he had pre viously acquired as an autfaor. 7. Lectures on Tfaeology, in 4 vols, oct., appeared in 1834, with an interesting Meraoir of the autfaor prefixed by one of fais sons. This is a posthumous work, consisting of the lec tures wfaicfa were delivered by Dr. Dick to tfae students attend ing tfae Divinity-Hall, during tfae period of fais professorsfaip. It is stated in tfae Preface, tfaat " tfaey were not prepared by faira for tfae press, nor is it known tfaat fae faad any intention tfaat tfaey sfaould ever be publisfaed. Tfaey are printed from llis MSS. nearly verbatim." It is a work of great excellence, and has added much to the well-earned reputation of its de parted autfaor. For clear and scriptural views of tfae doctrines of tfae gospel, for extensive researcfa, for nice discrimination between trutfa and error, — and for elegance and propriety of language, — it will stand a comparison witfa any systera ot tfaeology extant in tfae Englisfa language. REV. HENRY BELFRAGE, D.D., FALKIRK. Henry Belfrage was born at Falkirk on tfae 24tfa of Marcfa, 1774. He was the fourtfa son of tfae Rev. Jofan Belfrage, rain ister of tfae associate (Burgfaer) congregation in that town. Wfaen young fae sfaowed an uncoraraon sweetness of disposi tion and an ardent desire after knowledge. In the early period of life, books were his constant delight, and they continued to be the chief sources of fais enjoyraent after fae reacfaed tfae period of raanfaood. He was dedicated in fais infancy, by fais parents, to tfae service of God, and frora fais boyfaood he looked forward to tfae cfaristian rainistry as tfae deUgfatful eraployment of his riper years. After receiving such an education as the parisfa scfaool of Falkirk afforded, he entered the University of Edinburgfa in the thirteentfa year of fais age. He sfaowed great ardour and perseverance in tfae prosecution of his studies. His suraraer vacations were spent under the roof of fais vener able father, to whose counsels and instructions he was raucfa indebted for tfae progress fae made in literature as well as in piety. He comraenced tfae study of divinity, in auturan 1789, under the able tuition of Professor Lawson of Selkirk. REV. HENRY BELFRAGE, D.D. 887 He still, however, continued during tfae winter montfas attend ing tfae college classes, and by tfae tirae fae faad completed fais course, fais mind was ricfaly stored witfa a variety of useful know ledge. He appeared before tfae presbytery of Stirling and Falkirk, on tfae 16th of May, 1793, and had tfae usual proba tionary trials prescribed to faim, wfaicfa having corapleted to tfae satisfaction of tfae presbytery, fae received licence to preacfa the gospel on tfae 1 st of July, the sarae year. As a preacher, he was faighly and deservedly popular. His personal appearance, the tones of fais voice, tfae dignity of fais manner, tfae beauty of fais language, tfae ricfaness of his iraa gery, and above all, tfae unction of his sentiraents, corabined to attract toward hira a raore than ordinary sfaare of public attention. He had not long been licensed, wfaen fae received calls frora tfae congregations of Falkirk, Saltcoats, and Locfa- winnocfa. The competition was decided by the Associate Synod in favour of tfae call from tfae congregation of Falkirk ; and Mr. Belfrage was ordained as colleague and successor to his fatfaer, in that congregation, on the 18th of June, 1794. The relation thus forraed, in sucfa auspicious circurastances, was to all tfae parties concerned a faappy one. Mr. Belfrage, adverting to it in one of fais publications, raakes tfae following reflections concerning it : — " Tfae Apostle Paul beautifully says of Timothy, ' As a son with a fatfaer, fae served witfa rae in tfae gospel,' words expressing tfaeir harraonious and affection ate co-operation in the work of tfae Lord, and they were fully reaUzed in tfais conjunction in tfae rainistry, wfaere affection in tfae one case was raingled witfa entfre confidence, and in the otfaer witfa the faigfaest respect. Wfaat a blessing was sucfa a situation to one ordained to tfae rainistry at twenty years of age ! Its advantages and its pleasures raust be objects of his grateful reraerabrance to his dying day." Tfae congregation of Falkfrk was scattered over an exten sive district of country, and it required no sraall pfaysi- cal strengtfa, as well as a considerable portion of raental energy, to perform tfae ordinary routine of rainisterial duty amongst tfaera, in visiting and catecfaizing. But Mr. Belfrage " pUed fais faoly vocation araongst tfaera witfa an assiduity, a prudence, and a kindness, which faave rarely been equalled, and never surpassed. Tfae sick and tfae poor received a large sfaare of fais attention. Often did fae direct fais steps to the chamber of the afflicted and the dying. Tfae young were tfae objects of fais affectionate soUcitude ; and the aged found in faira a kind-faearted coraforter and friend. He made a point of preparing regularly for tfae pulpit ; and tfae time whicfa he was able to spare frora his numerous avocations was faithfully employed by faim in tfae iraproveraent of fais own mind." SSS SUPPLEMENT. Mr. Belfrage coraraenced publisfaing, in 1814, a series of devotional and practical works, wfaicfa followed each other in rapid succession till near the close of fais Ufe. By means of tfaese works he not only acquired celebrity as a religious writer, but greatly extended tfae sphere of his usefulness. He penned volume after volume with a despatcfa of wfaicfa tfaere are few instances to be found araongst tfae rainisters ot any cfaurcfa. Tfae fertiUty of his pen, especially in later years, was altogether astonlsfaing. Nor did fae perrait any of fais publications to pass tfarougfa fais faands in a slovenly raanner ; for fae seldom, if ever, sent any one of tfaem to tfae press, witfa out faaving written it tfaree tiraes over. He did not neglect the duties of fais ministry to acquire fame as an autfaor. He exfaibited a brigfat exaraple of fidelity and diligence in attending to aU tfae duties of tfae sacred office. Tfae nuraber of persons under fais cfaarge, as a minister, pro bably araounted to 2,000, of wfaom upwards of 900 were in full comraunion. He faeld diets of exaraination once a-year in tfae various districts of fais congregation ; and once a-year fae visited rainisterially all tfae farailies under fais cfaarge, teacfaing from faouse to faouse. Two, and sometiraes tfaree, days every week, during eigfat montfas in tfae year, were de voted by him to these laborious employraents. " He frequently left home at eigfat in the morning, and did not return till four in the afternoon; and he faad occasionaUy extra raeetings in tfae evening, frora six till eigfat o'clock, in tfae session-faouse, witfa sucfa of tfae work-people as fae did not find at faorae during tfae day. Frora Noveraber till tfae end of Marcfa, he was eraployed in exaraining and visiting in tfae town and villages ; and frora June till tfae end of August, fae was engaged in tfae country districts." In 1824, the University of St. Andrews conferred upon hira, in a raanner faigfaly creditable to all tfae parties concerned, tfae degree of Doctor in Divinity. Never was tfais faonour raore merited than in the case of Dr, Belfrage. It was received by him with gratefu'l feelings ; and it tended to stiraulate him to increased diUgence in his useful and benevolent labours. Dr. Belfrage's con-stitution, which was naturally robust, began to give way, while fae was yet in the noon-day of his usefulness. The incessant toil to wfaicfa fae subjected fairaself, in performing fais rainisterial duties, and in preparing fais pub lications for the press, proved too raucfa even for fais frame. Symptoms of disease begaii to make tfaeir appearance in tfae spring of 1834, Tfaey were mastered for a season, but re turned witfa increased severity in tfae beginning of 1835. He lingered on till the autumn of tfaat year, wfaen, after having laboured faithfully in his Master's service for a period of forty- REV. HENRY BELFRAGE, D.D. 889 one years, fae breatfaed fais last on the 14 th of September. His latter end was peace. As an author. Dr. Belfrage is entitled to faold a distin guisfaed place araong tfae religious writers of tfae generation to wfaich he belonged. As a devotional and a practical writer, he has few equals. Every page of fais works breatfaes devotion. His lUustration of doctrinal topics is rendered pe cuUarly pleasing by the ricfaness of fais style, and by tfae va riety of iraagery whicfa fae eraploys. He discovers an intiraate acquaintance with the workings of tfae fauman faeart, and wfaile fae displays mucfa ingenuity in detecting and unfolding the various forras in which the wickedness of tfae faeart mani fests itself, fae is unrivalled in applying to tfae wounded spirit the balra of consolation. Tfaere is no class of persons wfao will not derive instruction and pleasure from tfae perusal of his writings. Tfae foUowing are tfae works wfaicfa Dr. Belfrage gave to the world, in tfae order in wfaicfa tfaey issued from the press : 1. Sacramental Addresses and Meditations. 1st vol. pub lished in 1814. 2. Practical Discourses, intended to promote the Happiness and Iraproveraent oftfae Young. 1817. 3. A Practical Catecfaisra, intended to exfaibit the leading facts and principles of Cfaristianity, in connexion witfa tfaeir moral influence ; to wfaich is added an Address to Children, and some prayers to guide tfae devotions of tfae Young. 1818. 4. Sacramental Addresses and Meditations ; witfa a few Sermons interspersed. 2d vol. publisfaed in 1821. 5. A Funeral Sermon, entitled " Tfae Feelings Excited by Departed Worth :" preached to Queen Anne-street congre gation, DunferraUne, at tfae deatfa of tfae Rev. Dr. Husband. The text is 2 Kings u. 12. PubUshed in 1821. 6. Sketcfaes of Life and Cfaaracter, from Scripture and from Observation. 1822. 7. Monitor to Families, or Discourses on some of the Du ties and Scenes of domestic Ufe. 1823. 8. A Guide to tfae Lord's Table, in tfae Catecfaetical forra. To wfaicfa is added an Address to applicants for admission, and some meditations to aid tfaeir devotions. 1823. 9. A Sermon preacfaed before tfae London Missionary So ciety, on tfae lltfa of May, 1825. The text is Isaiah ix. 6. 10. Discourses on tfae Duties and Consolations of tfae Aged. Publisfaed in 1S27. 11. Counsels for tfae Sanctuary and for Civil life. 1829. 12. Memofrs oftfae Rev. Dr. Waugfa, of Well-street, Lon don. Tfais is a joint production of Dr. Belfrage and of fais 890 SUPPLEMENT. friend tfae Rev. James Hay, D.D. of Kinross. Tfae first edi tion made its appearance in 1830. 13. A Portrait of Jofan tfae Baptist; or an Illustration of fais History and Doctrine. 1830. 14. Practical Exposition of tfae Asserably's Shorter Cate chism. The first edition was publisfaed in 1832, in one volume. A second edition, considerably enlarged, was pub lisfaed in 1834, in two voluraes. Tfais is a work on wfaich tfae autfaor bestowed considerable pains. It is replete witfa sound views of Scripture trutfa, expressed in a pleasing forra. 15. Select Essays on various topics, Religious ahd Moral. 1832. 16. A Biograpfaical account of tfae Rev. Dr. Lawson; pre fixed to a volurae of tfae Doctor's discourses, " On the His tory of David," &c. Published in 1833. 1 7 . In addition to tfae above, there were found araong his man uscripts, at tfae period of fais deatfa, two voluraes of Lectures, in a state of coraplete readiness for tfae press, wfaich it was his intention to publisfa, but increasing debility prevented faim from carrying fais intention into effect. There were also two small voluraes, whicfa he faad prepared at tfae request of one of fais publisfaers ; tfae one being a series of discourses on tfae parable of tfae Ten Virgins, and faaving for its title, " Tfae Visible Cfaurcfa in tfae Last Days," tfae otfaer consisting of discourses on tfae proraises, and entitled, " Cfaristian Instruc tion in Hope, in Warning, and in Example." REV. THOMAS M'CRIE, D.D., EDINBURGH. Tfaere are few individuals to wfaose faonourable exertions the cause of religion and of Uterature is raore indebted, than tfae one wfaose name is prefixed to tfais article. In giving an ac count of tfae autfaors wfao, by tfaeir talents and learning, faave adorned tfae Secession cfaurcfa, wfaile tfaey have contributed to tfae improveraent of tfaeir fellow-raen, I perforra notfaing more tfaan an act of justice, wfaen I assign to Dr. M'Crie a place in tfae very first rank. Tfais distinguisfaed rainister was born at Dunse, in Ber- wicksfaire, in Noveraber, 1772. His fatfaer, Tfaoraas M'Crie, was a raanufacturer and raercfaant in tfaat town. Young M'Crie, frora fais earliest years, was raucfa. attacfaed to fais books, and was eager in tfae acquisition of knowledge. After receiving tfae eleraents of a classical education at the parish scfaool of Dunse, fae was enrolled as a student in the Univer sity of Edinburgfa in December, 1788. From a biographical account of faim, lately published by one of his sons,* — we * Rev. Thomas M'Crie, Edinburgh. REV. THOMAS m'crie, D.D. 891 learn that fais fatfaer discouraged him in tfae prosecution of his studies, declaring, " that he would not make a gentleman of one of his sons, at tfae expense of tfae rest;" and it was tfarougfa the interference of fais maternal grandfatfaer, and of otfaer re lations, tfaat fae was encouraged to proceed. He endeavoured to help hiraself by faaving recourse, like raany otfaer students, to teacfaing. He acted for a sfaort period as usfaer in tfae parisfa scfaool of Kelso, and afterward, in tfae same capacity, in East Linton. He taugfat also a scfaool at Brecfain during tfae course of fais studies. In Septeraber, 1791, be entered tfae Divinity Hall in connexion witfa tfae Antiburgfaer Synod, which was then under the superintendence of Professor Bruce of Whitburn ; and on the 9th of Septeraber, 1795, fae was licensed by the Presbytery of Kelso to preacfa the gospel. Little raore tfaan a raontfa elapsed, after he was licensed, when fae. received a unanimous call frora tfae congregation ofPotterrow, Edinburgfa. At tfais period he entertained doubts concerning tfae doctrine taugfat in tfae Confession of Faith regarding the power of tfae raagistrate in matters of re ligion. His scruples on tfais subject were so strong, tfaat he had not freedora to give an unliraited answer to the second question in the forraula, and would not subrait to ordination, unless the Moderator of the presbytery was aUowed, when proposing tfae questions of tfae forraula to faira, to intiraate that Mr. M'Crie was not to be understood as giving fais senti ments on tfaat point. Tfae presbytery being a subordinate court, did not think tfaemselves at Uberty to make any altera tion in tfae public profession of the religious society to wfaich they belonged, and tfaey referred tfae raatter for decision to the suprerae court. In May, 1796, tfae General Associate Synod raade tfae following declaration, for tfae purpose of giv ing relief to the conscience of Mr. M'Crie, and of sucfa otfaer Ucentiates as raigfat entertain sirailar scruples : " Tfae Synod declare, tfaat as tfae Confession of Faith was at first received by the Churcfa of Scotland witfa sorae exception as to tfae power of tfae civil raagistrate relative to spiritual raatters, so the Synod, for tfae satisfaction of all wfao desire to know tfaeir mind on this subject, extend that exception to every tfaing in that Confession wfaicfa, taken by itself, seeras to allow tfae punishraent of good and peaceable subjects on account of tfaeir religious opinions and observances ; tfaat tfaey approve of no otfaer way of bringing raen into tfae cfaurcfa, or retaining tfaera in it, tfaan sucfa as are spiritual, and were' used by tfae apostles and otfaer rainisters of the Word in tfae first ages of tfae cfaris tian cfaurch ; persuasion, not force ; the power of tfae gospel, not tfae sword of tfae civil magistrate." By tfais declaration Mr. M'Crie's scruples were in tfae meantime removed ; and 892 SUPPLEMENT. he was ordained to tfae office of the ministry on the 26 th of May, 1796, He "was mucfa beloved by his congregation, and laboured amongst tfaem' witfa great fidelity and success. His pulpit ministrations were mucfa relished fcy the intelUgent and pious; and fae soon raade fais narae be known beyond the circle of his own religious coramunity, by fais usefiil and talented pub lications. 'The year after fae was ordained, fae publisfaed a serraon at tfae request of fais congregation, wfaich had been preacfaed to tfaem on tfae occasion of making a collection for the promoting of a mission to Kentucky. The title of it is, " The duty of Christian Societies toward eacfa otfaer, in rela tion to tfae measures for propagating tfae gospel, wfaich at present engage the attention of the religious world." He publisfaed about tfae sarae time, in concert witfa Mr. Whytock of Dalkeith, a first and second " Dialogue between Jofan, a Baptist, and Ebenezer, a Seceder." The object of this pub Ucation was to correct some mistaken views on tfae subject of faith, wfaicfa faad been proraulgated in a work publisfaed by Mr. M'Lean, Baptist minister in Edinburgh. Mr. M'Crie entered keenly into the controversy, whicfa was carried on for several years in tfae General Associate Synod, respecting tfae power of tfae civil magistrate in raatters of re ligion. His views on this point faad undergone a cfaange from wfaat tfaey were, wfaen fae received Ucence and ordination. The particulars of tfais controversy, and tfae part wfaicfa Mr.' M'Crie took in it, faave been fully detaUed in tfae preceding history, and it is unnecessary faere furtfaer to advert to tfaem. In connection witfa tfais subject, Mr. M'Crie publisfaed a bulky and somewfaat faeavy pamphlet, entitled, " Statement of the Difference between the Profession of the Reforraed Cfaurcfa of Scotland, as adopted by Seceders, and the Profes sion contained in tfae New Testimony and other Acts, lately adopted by tfae General Associate Synod, &c." Mr. M'Crie becarae extensively and faonourably known to tfae literary world, by tfae publication of fais Life of John Knox, in 1811. This work was most favourably received by tfae public. Tfae Edinburgfa Review and some of tfae leading journals of the day noticed it in terms of high coraraendation. Tfae University of Edinburgh raarked the sense, whicfa tfaey entertained of the raerits of its author, by conferring upon him, in February, 1813, tfae academic faonour of Doctor in Divinity. A second and enlarged edition of tfae work ap peared, in two volumes, in tfae year now mentioned. A Review of Tales of my Landlord, wfaicfa appeared in the Edinburgh Christian Instructor, for January 1817, and which was continued in the two succeeding numbers, attracted REV. THOMAS M'cRIE, D.D. 893 considerable notice, and added to the well-earned reputation of Dr. M'Crie. In these articles the Doctor vindicated, with great spirit and effect, the Scottish covenanters against tfae attacks tfaat faad been made upon tfaem by Sir Walter Scott in fais Tale of Old Mortality. Soon after tfais fae took part in a discussion wfaicfa was carried on, tfarougfa tfae raedium of tfae press, concerning tfae conduct of tfae Rev. Dr. Tfaomson of St. George's, Edinburgfa, wfao refused to obey tfae proclaraation requiring tfae cfaurcfaes to be opened for divine service on tfae funeral day of tfae Princess Cfaarlotte. Dr. Tfaorason's conduct was loudly con demned in newspapers and pampfalets. His friend Dr. M'Crie took up tfae pen in fais defence. Under tfae signature of " Scoto-Britannus " fae pubUsfaed a parapfalet, entitled, " Free thougfats on tfae late religious celebration of tfae funeral of her Royal Higfaness, tfae Princess Cfaarlotte of Wales ; and on the discussion to wfaich it gave rise in Edinburgh." During tfae years 1817 and 1818 fae faad to perforra, in addition to fais otfaer labours, tfae duties of Tfaeological Pro fessor to tfae religious society witfa wfaicfa fae was connected. The Synod were urgent tfaat fae sfaould accept perraanently tfae office, but fae refused to do so. He afterwards resuraed tfae labours of it, in 1834, wfaen fae agreed to assist Professor Paxton. The lectures wfaicfa fae deUvered were cfaiefly con nected witfa biblical criticism. In 1819, Dr. M'Crie pubUsfaed fais Life of Andrew Melville, — a work of great researcfa, and of deep interest. Tfais work, in point of literary merit, at least sustained tfae well-earned reputation wfaicfa its autfaor faad previously acquired. Sorae of the Uterary journals assailed it with great virulence, but it was ably defended by others. Tfae biograpfaer of Dr. M'Crie, already referred to, wfaen stating tfae fact tfaat tfais production of tfae Doctor's pen was not noticed eitfaer in tfae Edinburgfa or Quarterly Review, says: " Tfae reason wfaicfa was currently reported at the tirae to have been assigned for tfais oraission by the accoraplished editor of tfae Edinburgfa Review was, that it would require sorae years reading to quaUfy faimself for reviewing such a work." Wfaen tfae union took place, in 1820, between tfae two great bodies of tfae Secession, tfae mind of Dr. M'Crie was fllled witfa dark forebodings on the subject. The good raan could see notfaing but evil as likely to result frora this auspi cious event. In a letter addressed to one of his correspondents (dated AprU 11, 1821), he states fais views of it in tfae follow ing terms : " I need not insist on tfae iraportant circumstance oftfae views ofthe majority ofthe Synod being supported by the prevaiUng tone of pubUc sentiment, and the undemable 894 SUPPLEMENT. fact tfaat sentiments far more liberal and remote from former principles, are entertained by raost at least on the Burgher side of the Union ; and tfaat tfaere is every reason to look for a gradual developraent of tfaese, instead of a return to tfae original ground. I see, tfaerefore, no prospect of any efficient stand being raade for tfae public cause, unless by a firra and corapact, though perfaaps small, body of tfaose wfao are cor dially attacfaed to tfaat cause being collected and corabined. To tfais all tfae real friends of tfae covenanted cause sfaould bend tfaeir endeavours. If tfais is not done, all seeras to be over in our day. Wfaen all is exarained, it will be found tfaat tfae question simply coraes to tfais, — Latitudinarianisra, as hitherto conderaned by Seceders, or tfae Covenanted Refor raation, as faitfaerto avoucfaed fay tfaera, — wfaetfaer is tfae forraer or the latter of God ?"* In 1821 — soon after the union was accomplisfaed — fae published " Two Discourses on tfae unity oftfae Cfaurcfa, her divisions and their removal." His object in the publication of tfaese discourses was " to point out tfae fallacious and un scriptural cfaaracter of raodern plans of union, particularly tfaat adopted by tfae United Secession." Along witfa tfaera fae pub lisfaed an Appendix, containing " A Sfaort View of tfae plan of religious reformation and union adopted originally by tfae Secession." He appears to faave faad considerable misgivings in fais own mind about tfae propriety of publishing these dis courses, and also great doubts as to tfaeir success: " Before en gaging in tfae late sraall publication," fae says in a letter dated February 1 9, lS21,t " I was not insensible to tfae delicacy oftfae task, nor can I well tell faow tfae repugnance felt to tfae under taking was overcorae. Wfaen tfae work was going on, I faad no time for reflection on consequences. But no sooner was it publisfaed, tfaan I began to accuse rayself of rasfaness and presuraption, in atterapting sucfa a work witfaout the consent and advice of my brethren, and in a raanner taking it out of their hands. To tfais succeeded what was as torm^ting, a full conviction that I faad wronged and injured tfaeir cause." And again, " Tfae Two Discourses I do not expect to be popular. Tfae literate world would never tfaink of looking at tfaera, tfae good folk of tfae auld kirk would tfarow tfaem away in disgust, and otfaers, wfaora I need not narae, witfa indignation. There is a ruraour that they are to be answered. I faope tfae Lord will preserve rae frora controversy." He edited, in 1825, " Meraoirs of Mr. WUUam Veitcfa and George Brysson, written by tfaeraselves ;" to wfaicfa fae pre fixed sfaort biograpfaical notices, and added illustrative notes. • Life of Thomas M'Crie, D.D., by his Son, p. 255. f IliW-i P- 262. REV. THOMAS M'CRIE, D.D. 895 Two years after tfae editing of tfaese " Meraoirs," a work in wfaicfa fae faad been for sorae time engaged raade its appear .ance, — tfae "History of tfae Progress and Suppression ofthe Reforraation in Italy." It was publisfaed in May 1827, and was succeeded, in 1829, by fais faistory of " Tfae Progress and Suppression of tfae Reformation in Spain, in tfae sixteentfa century." Concerning tfais last publication the author says : " It is a sequel to tfaat wfaicfa I lately publisfaed on tfae Refbr mation in Italy, and completes wfaat I intended as a contribu tion to tfaat raeraorable revolution in the sixteentfa century, wfaicfa, in a greater or less degree, affected all tfae nations of Europe." The Life of tfae great Reforraer, Calvin, now occupied fais attention. He faad collected raaterials for tfais work, and faad begun to put tfaera into sfaape, wfaen deatfa arrested tfae pro gress of fais pen. He did not Uve to coraplete wfaat fae faad commenced. On the 4tfa of August, 1835, fae was suddenly attacked by disease, whicfa assuraed all tfae symptoras of apoplexy. Tfae pfaysician wfao was sent for pronounced fais case faopeless. He lingered on till tfae foUowing day, wfaen he expired, in the sixty-third year of his age, and the fortieth of fais rainistry. On tfae 12tfa of August fais raortal reraains were coraraitted to tfae dust, in Greyfriars ofaurcfayard. Tfae funeral was a public one. The Coraraission of the General Asserably, wfaicfa met on tfaat day, appointed a deputation of their nuraber to attend. Tfae preacfaers and students belong ing to tfae faalls of tfae EstabUsfaraent and tfae United Seces sion, requested leave to be present ; and tfae funeral proces sion, amounting to nearly 1,500 persons, included in it tfae magistrates of the city, and clergymen of all denominations. In addition to tfae works of Dr. M'Crie, wfaicfa faave already been noticed, tfae following productions of fais pen faave been publisfaed since fais deatfa : A volume of " Serraons," " Lec tures on tfae Book of Estfaer," and " Miscellaneous writings, chiefly faistorical." Tfais last volurae contains in it articles previously publisfaed in religious periodicals, with " a variety of other valuable pieces, now collected for tfae first tirae in an autfaentic form." Tfae writings of Dr. M'Crie faave procured for hira an honourable distinction among tfae literary men of the age in which he lived. Whether we take into tfae account fais piety, fais talents, or his learning, he must be regarded as one of tfae brigfatest ornaraents of tfae Secession cfaurcfa. His is, indeed, a name of whicfa any cfaurch would faave reason to be proud. 896 SUPPLEMENT. REV. ARCHIBALD BRUCE, WHITBURN The subject of this biographical notice was born at Broom- faall, near Denny, Stirlingshire, in 1746. The circumstances of fais parents were such as enabled thera to give faira a liberal education. He gave early indication of decided piety and of uncoraraon talents. Even frora boyhood his views were directed to tfae office of tfae faoly ministry. Having received tfae elements of a classical education at a country scfaool, fae prosecuted tfae study of tfae languages and pfailosopfay at tfae university of Glasgow. He studied divinity under Professor Moncrieff of Alloa. In August, 1768, he was ordained, min ister of tfae associate (Antiburgfaer) congregation of Wfaitbura After tfae deatfa of Mr. Moncrieff of AUoa, in 1786, fais talents and learning pointed hira out as a fit person to occupy the theological chair. He was accordingly elected Professor of Divinity, by the General Associate Synod. This situation he continued to occupy till tfae year 1806, wfaen a separation between faira and tfae Synod took place. Tfae particulars connected witfa tfae controversy, wfaicfa led to the separation, have been fully detailed in the preceding history, and I sfaall not here again advert to thera. After Mr. Bruce's separation from the General Associate Synod, he continued to superintend tfae tfaeological class con nected with the Constitutional Presbytery. " He possessed talents of a superior order, whicfa fae faad cultivated witfa un wearied industry. To an iraagination wfaicfa was lively and fertile, fae united a sound and correct judgment. His read ing, wfaicfa was various and extensive, was conducted witfa sucfa raethod, and so digested, tfaat fae could at any tirae cora raand tfae use of it ; and during a life devoted to study fae faad araassed a stock of knowledge, on all tfae brancfaes of learning connected with his profession, extreraely rare." " He was more qualified for writing tfaan public speaking ; but though his utterance was slow, and he had no cledras to the attrac tions of delivery, yet his discourses frora tfae pulpit always coraraanded the attention of the judicious and serious, by the profound views and striking illustrations of divine trutfa wfaicfa tfaey contained, and by the vein of solid piety which ran through them. His piety, fais erudition, fais uncoraraon rao desty and gentlemanly manners, gained faim tfae esteera of all his acquaintance ; and tfaese qualities, added to tfae warm in terest wfaicfa he took in tfaeir Uterary and spiritual improve ment, made faira revered and beloved by fais students."* * Account of Professor Bruce, by Dr. M'Crie, in the Scots Magazine for April, 1816. RKV. ARCHIBALD BRUCE. 897 The general state of Mr. Bruce's faealtfa was reraarkably good, for a person of fais studious habits. " About the be ginning of tfae year 1816, fae was seized witfa occasional faint ing-fits, wfaicfa alarraed fais friends, and were considered by himself as tokens of approaching dissolution. On the day on whicfa he died (Feb. 28tfa, 1816), wfaicfa was tfae Lord's day, fae faad perforraed as usual, tfaougfa soraewfaat indisposed, tfae exercises of tfae pulpit. After returning faorae, and wfaile conversing witfa a raeraber of his congregation, he almost in stantaneously expired witfaout a struggle or a groan." He was in the seventieth year of fais age wfaen fae died, and had served God in the gospel of fais Son for a period of nearly forty-eigfat years. Tfae pubUcations of Professor Bruce show faim to faave been a person of extensive and of ^-aried erudition. He was pro foundly versed in ecclesiastical history, and faad an inti mate acquaintance witfa ancient and modern literature. He possessed a solid judgraent, and a lively iraagination; and the araple stores of fais well-cultivated mind fae could bring to bear on any particular subject tliat occupied fais pen. On account of tfae nuraber and variety of fais publications, he is entitled to faold a faigh place in tfae list of Secession autfaors. Tfae following notice of fais works, and of the occasions on wfaicfa tfaey were publisfaed, will be perused witfa interest. 1. In 1774, fae published " The Kirkiad, or Golden Age of tfae Cfaurcfa of Scotland. Canto I." The poem is ano nymous, and is a satire on the reign of moderation. Tfae writer tells us, tfaat fae intended afterwards to take tfae pen, and to exfaibit in sorae future cantos a large picture of our celebrated golden- age, and to rescue sorae otfaer glorious naraes frora oblivion. But graver subjects seera by and by to have occupied his attention, and to faave prevented him from carrying his design into effect. 2. In 1780, fae pubUsfaed " Free Tfaougfats on tfae Toleration of Popery." Tfais work made its appearance wfaen tfae Britisfa Senate were beginning to consider tfae propriety of repealing certain penal statutes against tfae Roman Catfaolics, and wfaen the public mind was greatly excited about tfae question. Tfae work faas been frequently quoted by " Tfae Protestant," as evincing mucfa talent and researcfa. It was pubUsfaed under the assumed name of Calvinus Minor, Seoto-Britannus. 3. In 1785, fae pubUsfaed True Patriotism, or a Public Spirit for God and ReUgion recoraraended, and tfae want of it reprefaended ; a Serraon preacfaed before tfae General As sociate Synod, on a day appointed for fauraUiatien- The text is Judges V. 23. " Curse ye Meroz," &c. 4. In 1788, being tfae centenary oftfae Revolution, he pub- 3l 898 SUPPLEMENT. lished a large octavo volume, entitled, " Annus Secularis, or tfae Britisfa Jubilee, a review of an act of Asserably, appointing tfae 5tfa of Noveraber, 1788, an anniversary tfaanksgiving in corameraoration of tfae Revolution." In tfais work, the author enters at great lengtfa into tfae origin, progress, and tendency of religious festivals, both in ancient and modern times. But the practical advantage likely to result from it will be con sidered by raany as by no raeans coraraensurate with tfae labour bestowed on tfae execution of it. Tfae work was pub lisfaed under the assumed narae of Calvinus Presbyter. 5. In 1791, a small anonymous treatise appeared, of which Mr. Bruce was the autfaor, faaving for its title, " Tfae Cate cfaisra Modernized ; and adapted to tfae meridian of patronage, and late iraproveraents in the Churcfa of Scotland, witfa suit able Creeds and Prayers." Tfais is a cutting satire on tfae chief proraoters of patronage ; and is in the sfaape of a parody on the Asserably's Shorter Catechism — eacfa question in tfae Catecfaisra faaving its corresponding question in tfae treatise. In tfae opinion of many, the autfaor faas carried the parody too far ; and this seeras to have been his own opinion, as fae never took notice of tfais treatise in any advertisement of his publi cations. 6. In 1794, he publisfaed "Reflexions on tfae Freedom of Writing, and Irapropriety of atterapting to suppress it by penal laws." Tfais work was occasioned by a proclaraation issued against seditious pubUcations ; and professes to be written by a Nortfa British Protestant. It accords in spirit and character with its motto. " What Britons dare to think, he dares to tell." 7. In 1797, he pubUshed a clever anonymous poem, en titled, " A Penitential Epistle and Humble Supplication to his HoUness the Pope, in tfae narae of the people of Great Britain, for a perfect reconciliation and perpetual alUance with Rorae." In tfais poem, tfae autfaor seems quite at horae in exposing and ridicuUng tfae superstitions of tfae Romisfa cfaurch. 8. In 1797, he published "Introductory and Occasional Lectures to Students," vol. I. Tfaese Lectures were read in tfae Theological Hall at Whitburn. Tfae second volurae was in tfae press, and nearly ready for publication, at tfae tirae of Mr. Bruce's deatfa. It was completed and edited by Dr. M'Crie. 9. In 1797, fae translated, from tfae French, Pictet's Dis courses on True and False Religion, with a vindication of tfae religion and reformation of Protestants. To this work he prefixed an account of the Life and Writings of the autfaor. 10. In 1797, there appeared a small pamphlet, of which REV. WILLIAM GRAHAM. gPQ Mr. Bruce was tfae autfaor, entitled, " Principal Differences between tfae reUgious principles of tfaose called tfae Antigov- ernraent Party, and of other Presbyterians, especially those of the Secession in Scotland, on tfae head of Magistracy." 11. In 1798, he edited, frora a raanuscript in tfae tfaeologi cal library at Wfaitburn, " Meraoirs of tfae Public Life of Mr. Jaraes Hog of Carnock, and of the Ecclesiastical Proceedings of his tiraes." Tfais interesting parapfalet contains notices of some of tfae leading events in several meetings of Assembly immediately after tfae Revolution. 12. In 1798, he publisfaed a " Historico-PoUtico-Ecclesias- tical Dissertation on tfae supremacy of civil powers in raatters of religion." 13. In 1808, fae pubUsfaea an octavo volurae, extending to 400 pages, entitled, " A Review of tfae Proceedings of tfae General Associate Synod, and of sorae Presbyteries, in refer ence to the ministers who protested against the imposition of a New Testimony." 14. In 1812, he collected, and pubUshed, in a sraall volurae, tfae poems vvfaich, in tfae course of several years, fae faad sent to tfae periodicals of tfae day. Tfais volurae fae entitled, " Poems serious and arausing, by a Rev. Divine." 15. In 1813, fae publisfaed a critical account of tfae Life of Mr. Alexander Morus, a celebrated preacfaer and Professor of Tfaeology in Geneva and Holland. Appended to tfais work, tfaere are Select Sermons of Morus, translated from tfae French by Mr. Bruce. 16. In 1816, tfae year in wfaich Mr. Bruce died, fae was engaged in pubUshing a volume of Sermons on Practical Subjects. Besides the publications tfaus noticed, Mr. Bruce wrote several pampfalets on questions tfaat were keenly agitated in his day. These it is unnecessary to specify, as tfaey were for the most part anonymous, and their interest limited to a par ticular period. In a note appended to the Life of Dr. M'Crie, by his son, (p. 55.) the writer says, " It raay be raentioned as a curious illustration of the zeal witfa wfaicfa Mr. Bruce prosecuted his Uterary labours, that fae brought a printer to Whitburn, and employed faim exclusively for many years in printing fais own pubUcations." REV. WILLIAM GRAHAM, NEWCASTLE. Mr. Graham was born in the parisfa of Carriden, West Lotfaian, on tfae 16tfa of Marcfa, 1737, of pious and respectable parents. By fais father, wfao was steward to tfae Earl of 900 SUPPLEMENT. Hopetoun, fae was sent at an early age to tfae grammar-school at Borrowstonness. On completing his course of educa tion at school, fae was placed with a writer to the signet in Edinburgh, wfaere fae reraained tfaree years. But disliking tfae profession of tfae law, and irapelled by a loftier ambition, he consecrated hiraself to the cfaristian ministry. With tfais view he commenced the study of theology, under the Rev. Alex ander Moncrieff, at Abernethy.. Such was the higfa estimation in whicfa Mr. Graham was held, as a scfaolar, tfaat fae was appointed, at tfae early age of eighteen, to take charge of tfae Pfailosopfaical Class, wfaich faad been instituted in connexion with the Theological Seminary of tfae Secession Cfaurch. In 1 758, Mr. Grafaara was licensed to preach the gospel ; and in tfae foUowing year fae was ordained to the pastoral cfaarge of tfae associate (Antiburgfaer) congregation of Wfaitefaaven. Soon after his ordination, he raarried Mary, tfae tfaird daugfater of George Jofanston, Esq. of Wfaiteknow in Dumfries-shire. In 1770, he reraoved to Newcastle-upon- Tyne, wfaere he was settled as tfae successor of tfae Rev. Alexander Niramo, wfao faad died in tfae beginning of tfaat year. In tfais part of tfae vineyard fae continued to labour for tfairty years, distinguisfaed by fais ardent love of study, and his devotion to the duties of tfae pastoral office. In October, ISOO, fae was affected by a stroke of paralysis, to wfaich his con stitution, originally robust, had been predisposed by his un ceasing mental exertions, in tfae prosecution of his studies. Under this coraplaint fae lingered for tfaree raontfas in a state of great debility; and on the 19tfa of January, 1801, he en tered into tfae joy of fais Lord. Mr. Grafaam was higfaly gifted. His raental powers, dis tinguisfaed by tfaeir masculine vigour, were adorned and ira proved by a Uberal education. He was well- versed in tfae languages, ancient and modern. He faad studied the law, though his taste faad led hira to follow after otfaer pursuits. He was also acquainted witfa tlie leading departments of science, in sorae of wfaicfa fae had made considerable proficiency. Mathematics occupied, for sorae years, a considerable share of his attention. He cherisfaed tfae faope of discovering an exact metfaod for finding tfae longitude at sea. Tfae macfainery for tfais purpose was constructed, under fais direction, by Mr. Coventry, an ingenious watcfamaker in Newcastle ; but the experiment did not prove successful. He printed several sermons preacfaed on different occasions. One of tfaese was the first sermon preacfaed for tfae London Missionary Society in Newcastle, on tfae 24tfa of April, 1796. In tfae same year, he printed " An Essay tending to remove certain scruples respecting the constitution and direction of REV. WILLIAM GRAHAM. 901 Missionary Societies." A quarto edition of tfae Bible was published in Newcastle, with notes and reflections from his pen. But the work, by wfaicfa fae is best known, and to wfaicfa he is chiefly indebted for fais farae as an autfaor, is fais " Review of the Ecclesiastical EstabUsfaments of Europe." Tfais work, wfaen first publisfaed, did not excite general attention ; but from the beginning it was read, and in proportion as it became known, it was studied. Its progress was silent and gradual. It showed itself to be a powerful leaven, diffusing its mfluence araong increasing raultitudes. Tfae strangeness of its state ments and tfae boldness of its positions proraoted inquiry, while the force of its arguments produced conviction. It tfaus lent a most efficient aid in preparing tfae public mind for the forraal consideration and free discussion of that great question to whicfa it refers. Tfae following notice of tfais work, frora Bogue and Ben nett's History of EngUsh Dissenters, published in 1812, wUl be interesting to raany of my readers : " While many faad been pointing out tfae faults of tfae Cfaurcfa of England, and oftfae Cfaurch of Scotland, it. was not until the year 1792, that' one writer, in an elaborate treatise, exposed the evils of all national establishraents of religion. Such an exposure was not indeed in all respects entirely new ; for raany had glanced at the fallacy of tfae principle on whicfa tfaese mo nopolies are founded, and had hinted at tfae evil consequences vvfaicfa tfaey produced. But tfae Rev. Williara Grafaara, a minister of tfae Secession Cfaurcfa in Newcastle, has the faonour of making tfae grand systeraatic attack in fais ' Review of tfae Ecclesiastical EstabUsfaraents of Europe.' Witfa raucfa coraprefaension of view he surveys tfae extensive subject, with deep reflection he forras his estimate of tfae good or evil con sequences of an alUance between cfaurcfa and state, and with unhesitating conviction he announces the conclusion tfaat tfais long estabUsfaed connection is contrary to tfae dictates of tfae Scriptures, opposed to tfae genius of cfaristianity, fatal to tfae interests of religion, and dangerous to tfae civU state. Tfae book failing at first to excite tfae attention it deserved, pro voked no immediate controversy ; but as its merit was gra duaUy discerned, its influence was proved by an increased opposition to all exclusive establisfaraents in religion, wfaUe tfae clergy of tfae state were roused to defend tfaeir monopoly, and tfaus a tone was given to tfae controversy whicfa continues to tfais day. Tfae periodical publication entitled ' Tfae Chris tian Observer' raay be pronounced the most able antagonist of Mr. Graham's systera, wfaicfa is still capable ofa more complete elucidation ; and the attack as well as the defence of national 902 SUPPLEMENT. cfaurcfaes is yet likely to call fortfa greater numbers and powers tfaan have hitfaerto engaged in tfae contest." REV. DAVID WILLIAMSON, WHITEHAVEN. David Williarason was born at Stratfaraiglo, in Fife, on tfae 12th of Sept., 1763. His fatfaer was a respectable farraer, wfao faad no otfaer offspring but his son David ; and, as the fatfaer's ambition was to see tfae young man become a minister of tfae Secession cfaurcfa, fae was determined to give him a liberal education. For tfais purpose young Williamson was placed under tfae tuition of fais uncle (by tfae fatfaer's side), wfao was faimself a rainister. Afterwards fae was sent to tfae University of Edinburgfa ; and, faaving completed fais college course, he studied divinity under Professor Moncrieff of Alloa. Having passed tfarougfa tfae usual probationary trials before tfae presbytery, fae was licensed to preacfa the gospel. About a month after receiving licence, fae was called by tfae con gregations of Whitehaven and Montrose. Wfaen tfae corape titlon came before tfae Synod, tfaey appointed faim, contrary to fais own wisfaes, to be ordained at Wfaitefaaven. His ordi nation took place on tfae 19tfa of September, 1787. He laboured for a considerable number of years in tfais place. But, in consequence of a misunderstanding wfaich unfaappily took place between faira and tfae trustees of tfae congregation, fae left Wfaitefaaven; and, on tfae IStfa of June, 1820, took fais departure frora Liverpool for America, accom panied by fais wife and two daugfaters. He reacfaed his des tination on the 31st of the following montfa. On his voyage outward he caugfat a severe cold, which settled on fais lungs, and in a few raontfas terminated fais existence. His funeral took place on tfae 15tfa of May, 1821, and fais remains were interred in a vault belonging to one of tfae principal families in New York. Mr. Williamson pubUsfaed, in 1792, Lectures on civil and religious liberty, wfaicfa faave been pronounced by competent judges to be higfaly creditable to tfaeir author. He publisfaed also, in 1815, " The wfaole Duty of Man," — a sermon preacfaed by him before the Friendly Societies in Wfaitefaaven, at one of tfaeir anniversaries. REV. JAMES MORISON, NORHAM. Tfais venerable minister was bom at Turfhills, near Kin ross, on the 27th of September, 1732. His parents occupied a faigfaly respectable station in Ufe, and espoused tfae cause of the Secession at tfae very coramencement of it. Mr. Morison REV. JAMES MORISON. 903 enjoyed, in early life, all tfae benefit wfaicfa reUgious training and a holy example, on the part of his parents, could impart. He did not comraence the study of tfae languages till fae was fifteen years of age, wfaen fae entered tfae graramar-scfaool. After having attended the scfaool for a period of little more tfaan tfaree years, fae was found qualified, on examination, to be admitted to the study of pfailosopfay in tfae class tfaat was connected witfa tfae Tfaeological Seminary at Abernetfay. Tfais class fae attended for two years, wfaen, being subjected to another exaraination as to the progress fae faad made in fais philosophical studies, he was enrolled on tfae 2d of June, 1 752, as a student of divinity under tfae superintendence of tfae Rev. Alexander Moncrieff of Culfargie. He atten ded tfae prelections of this eminent Professor for three sessions, wfaen fae was taken on trials for licence by the presbytery of Earlston ; and, having corapleted tfaem to tfae satisfaction of tfae presbytery, fae was Ucensed to preacfa tfae gospel on tfae 13tfa of January, 1756. Only a few montfas elapsed after receiving licence, wfaen fae was called by tfae congregation of Norfaam ; and, on tfae 23d of June, 1756, he was ordained to tfae office of tfae rainistry amongst tfaera. At tfae period of fais ordination, tfae congre gation did not consist of more tfaan tfairty raerabers in full communion witfa tfae Secession cfaurcfa; nor was tfaere any great prospect of tfaefr nuraber being speedily increased.. The great bulk of tfae infaabitants were attacfaed to tfae Epis copalian religion; and tfaey were at tfaat period unpolished in their manners, and ignorant of divine tfaings. But Mr. Morison, by his prudent conduct and unremitting dUigence in discharging tfae dutie^of fais ministry, soon effected a decided cfaange to tfae better. A visible improveraent took place, botfa in tfae religious sentiraents and outward deportment of the people among wfaom fae resided. Tfae rising race in a particular manner occupied fais attention. He coraraenced a Sabbath evening scfaool, for communicating religious instruc tion to the young, nearly half-a-century before scfaools of tfais description becarae general. This proved an exceUent nursery for his congregation ; and, witfa a view to tfae improveraent of tfae cfaildren wfao were tfaus training up under fais rainistry, fae publisfaed a religious catechism for their use, wfaicfa he entitled " The New Year's Gift." Mr. Morison was a close student. He was no less con scientious in fais preparations for tfae pulpit, than fae was exemplary in the visitation and examination of his flock. Tfae sermons whicfa he preached to fais people were written out in a distinct faand, nearly as fully as they were delivered. He left behind faim numerous raanuscripts as a raeraorial ot his unremitting diligence in study. 904 SUPPLEMENT. After he faad laboured in tfae rainistry for raore tfaan half-a- century, and when fais powers of utterance began to faU — so that he was not distinctly heard by the congregation — measures were adopted to provide faira a colleague. Mr. Tfaomas Young was ordained, in tfais capacity, on tfae 7th of April, 1812. Mr. Morison hiraself presided on this solemn occasion ; and, after ¦ tfae ordination of Mr. Young, he continued to take part of.the public services on the Sabbath, until fais voice corapletely failed faim, wfaen fae was obliged altogetfaer to desist. His mental powers retained tfaeir energy till witfain four years of fais deatfa, wfaen tfaey became gradually impaired. Tfaese years were spent by faira in retireraent, but not in idleness. He spent rauch of his tirae in reading the Bible and in prayer, and frequently expressed tfae faope whicfa fae faad, tfarough the raerits of Christ, of an eternity of faappiness beyond tfae grave. He was, by the kindness of God, perraitted to enjoy some raeasure of healtfa till witfain nine weeks of fais deatfa, wfaen he was struck with palsy. He did not long survive tfae sfaock. He expired on tfae 14tfa of February, 1824, in tfae ninety-second year of fais age, and tfae sixty-eightfa of fais rainistry. Tfae following circurastance deserves to be noticed, as a proof of the higfa respect in wfaicfa Mr. Morison was held by persons of all denorainations, and as affording a display of liberality faigfaly creditable to tfae individuals concemed. Mr. Morison, on retiring frora tfae active duties of fais office, agreed to accept of a certain annuity, as tfae funds of tfae congregation were not sufficient to pay faira the full araount of his stipend, and, at tfae sarae tirae, provide a stipend for fais colleague. In order, however, that fae raigfat enjoy tfae means of adequate support in fais old age, a representation was made in fais favour to the Bisfaop of Durfaam, and to some gentleraen residing in the neigfabourfaood of Norfaara ; and, tfarough their active benevolence, a fund was forraed, from whieh he received a faandsorae allowance during tfae reraainder of fais days. Mr. Morison's publications are neitfaer nuraerous nor bulky. In 1778, he published " Tfae Crisis: a discourse of tfae aspects of Providence in 1777." He published in 1789, a work on the duty of covenanting, entitled, " Present duty, in Treatises relative to tfae duty of covenant renovation." Two otfaer pubUcations, entitled, "Tfae Contrast," and "A Plea against Popery," issued frora fais pen. Tfae dates of tfaese I am un able to give. At fais deatfa tfaere were found araongst fais raan uscripts six serraons wfaicfa fae intended to publish. They were fully written out for tfae press, and entitled, " Tfae Revolu tion, or tlie Kingdoras of tfais world becoming tfae kingdoms of Christ." The text is. Rev. xi. 15, " And tfae seventh angel sounded, and tfaere were great voices in faejiven, saying. REV. JOHN FRASER, A.M. 905 The kingdonis of this worid are become tfae kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ." REV. JOHN FRASER, A.M., AUCHTERMUCBTY. Mr. Fraser was born on tfae 3d of June (O.S.), 1745, at Bunchrew, a sraall viUage in the neigfabourfaood of Inverness. His parents were pious persons connected witfa tfae EstabUsfaed Churcfa, and gave to tfaeir son a religious education. He be came tfae subject of serious irapressions in fais youtfa, and he felt, at an early period, a strong desire to be a preacher of the gospel. He was sent to the grammar-school of Inver ness, where he was instructed in tfae knowledge of tfae classics. In November, 1760, fae entered tfae King's College, Aber deen, and during tfaree successive sessions fae prosecuted tfae study of tfae languages and pfailosopfay. Otfaer tfaree sessions were spent by him in studying theology in tfae sarae univer sity. During tfae period of fais studies at Aberdeen, fae was not satisfied witfa the kind of doctrine wfaicfa he faeard taugfat in tfae pulpits of tfae national churcfa, and wfaicfa fae heard also deUvered by his fellow-students in the Divinity Hall. On the other hand, he rauch reUsfaed tfae discourses wfaicfa fae heard, while occasionally attending tfae rainistrations of Mr. Alexander Dick, minister of tfae associate (Burgfaer) congre gation in tfaat town. This led faim to inquire into the his tory and causes of the Secession, and ultimately to become a Seceder. His parents and otfaer relatives were decidedly op posed to fais leaving the national churcfa. Tfaey argued and remonstrated with him on tfae impropriety of taking sucfa a step. An only brother, to whora te had been raucfa indebted in tfae prosecution of fais studies, wrote to faira in tfae following terms : — " My dear brotfaer, if you pay any regard to the good wishes of otfaers, but more especially to tfae entreaties of your affectionate brotfaer, you will not leave your raotfaer- cfaurch, in a time wfaen sfae has most need of gospel preachers. Tfaerefore may tfae I^ord adraonlsfa and direct you to wfaat will be most for fais glory, and your own everlasting happi ness. I wisfa you may be strengtfaened and fortified to witfa stand tfae insinuations of tfae Seceders." Mr. Fraser faad tfae firraness to resist tfae importunities of fais friends, and to pur sue wfaat to faim appeared to be the patfa of duty, regardless of the consequences. In the spring of 1767, he entered tfae Divinity Hall, in connexion with tfae Burgfaer Synod, wfaicfa was tfaen under the superintendence of tfae Rev. Jofan Swanston of Kinross. In October, tfae same year, after faaving gone through the 906 SUPPLEMENT. usual probationary trials, he was licensed by the Presbytery of Perth and Dunfermline to preach the gospel. A unani mous call was given him by' tfae congregation of Aucfater muchty, within little raore tfaan a montfa after he was licensed ; and on tfae 7tfa of July, 1768, fae was ordained minister of that congregation. Here he continued to labour during the re mainder of fais life. He was a person of retiring faabits and of close application to study. During the early part of his ministry, he devoted mucfa of fais time to the perusal of such masters in theology as Calvin, Turretine, and Maestricfat. Owen, Witsius, Boston, and Hervey were always favourite authors with him ; and in tfae latter years of his lite, he paid much attention to the works of President Edwards. His classical attainments were of a superior order. He was familiarly acquainted with the best Latin autfaors. Tfae study of the scriptures in the original languages constituted a part of his daily employment. For raatheraatics and philosophy he faad a natural fondness. Above all, he was erainently a man of prayer. It was a reraark raade concerning faim by one of his cotemporaries — tfae Rev. Micfaael Gilfillan of Dunblane — tfaat he " never knew a man so much given to prayer." The name of Mr. Fraser is associated, in the history of the Secession, witfa tfae coraraenceraent of tfae Old and New Ligfat controversy in the Associate Synod. He presented to the Synod, at tfaeir raeeting in May, 1795, a Representation and Petition, relating to tfae power of tfae civil magistrate in matters of reUgion, and tfae obligation of the national cove nants, and craving that tfae Synod would make tfaese points matters of forbearance. The keen discussions to wfaicfa the presenting of this petition gave rise, and tfae final results in wfaich tfaese discussions issued, have been fully detailed in the main body of tfae narrative ; and to it I refer my readers. After Mr. Fraser had laboured for a period of forty-six years in Auchtermucfaty, fais bodily infirmities increased so mucfa, tfaat fae carae to tfae resolution of resigning his cfaarge of tfae congregation. Tfae pastoral relation between faim and his people was formally" dissolved by the presbytery of Pertfa, at a raeeting faeld on tfae 20tfa of April, 1814; and, on tfae first Sabbath of May, fae preacfaed a farewell serraon to his congregation frora Acts xx. 32, " And now, brethren, I cora raend you to God, and to the word of fais grace." In reference to tfae step whicfa fae faad now taken, we find faim expressing, ill a coraraunication to fais friends, tfae following truly cfaristian sentiraents : " As for man's faonour and secular interest, they are not to be laid in tfae balance witfa tfae spiritual good of a chiistian congregation. Let God be glorified, come of me REV. JOHN BROWN. 907 what will ; and though I decrease, may the great Redeemer increase. I hope that tfae same goodness and mercy which have hitherto foUowed me, will follow me to the end." " This affair faas not at all sunk my spirits. May it be to ray raercy to have all tfaings working together for ray good, and to be enabled duly to consider the works of tfae Lord, and to regard tfae operation of fais faand. Soon I raust give an account of ray stewardsfaip. But wfaile I am spared, I wisfa to do as much good for Cfarist as I can." Tfais worthy rainister continued to reside araong his people after tfae deraission of fais cfaarge, and endeavoured to promote tfaeir spiritual improveraent, by visiting the sick, by adminis tering private instruction, and by occasionally preaching on Sabbath, when his services were required. He beguiled fais leisure faours by writing essays on religious topics, wfaicfa were publisfaed in tfae EvangeUcal Magazine and tfae Cfaristian Re pository. In such useful exercises as these did he spend tfae evening of fais days, " rejoicing in tfae salvation of God, de ligfating in fais service, and acquiescing in his sovereign will." In the winter of 1818 he became seriously indisposed, and fae contemplated witfa a cfaeerful raind tfae approacfa of tfae last eneray. " All ray consolation and joy (said fae) in tfae pros pect of eternity flow frora tfaose precious trutfas and proraises wfaicfa I was wont to preacfa frora tfae pulpit, and to recora raend in private to tfae sick for tfaeir consolation in tfae tirae of trouble." On tfae 18th of December, in tfae year now raentioned, fae entered into tfae joy of fais Lord, after faaving served him faithfully in tfae gospel for a period of fifty years. Mr. Fraser never publisfaed any thing during his lifetime, with tfae exception of a few essays in some of tfae religious periodicals. But fae left behind hira a nuraber of serraons, transcribed with his own faand frora fais sfaort-faand raanuscripts with a view to publication. A volurae of discourses selected frora those wfaich fae faad tfaus transcribed, with a few essays annexed, was published after fais deatfa. To tfais volurae a raeraoir of tfae autfaor, prepared by one of fais sons (tfae Rev. Dr. Fraser of Kennoway), was prefixed. Tfaese discourses are full of tfae marrow of tfae gospel. Tfae style of tfaera is plain and simple, tfae sentiments are higfaly evangelical, and tfaey are pervaded, from beginning to end, by a tone of un affected piety. REV. JOHN BROWN, WHITBURN. Mr. Brown was born at Haddington, on tfae 24tfa of July, 1754 He was tfae eldest son of tfae Rev. Jofan Brown, minister of tfae associate (Burgfaer) congregation in tfaat 908 SUPPLEMENT. town, and Professor of Divinity to tfae Associate Synod. His raother was Janet Thomson, daughter of Mr. Jofan Tfaomson, mercfaant in Musselburgfa. From his youth he gave decided indications of piety. His brother Ebenezer (late minister of Inverkeitfaing) says in a letter concerning faim : " Often wfaile I was sporting witfa boys on tfae street, fae was engaged in religious conversation and in prayer with them. He raanifested too, a tender regard for truth. Both my father and I would faave sometimes smiled, wfaen, on raentioning a fact, he would have said, ' Sucfa was tfae case, at least I tfaink so.' " He was sent to tfae university of Edinburgfa wfaen he was about fourteen years of age. He entered on the study of divinity, under the superintendence of fais fatfaer, about the year 1772. He was licensed to preach tfae gospel by tfae associate presbytery of Edinburgh, on the 21st of May, 1776. Soon after receiving licence, fae was called by the congregation of Whitburn, and was ordained araongst tfaem on the 22d of May, 1777. As a preacfaer, fae was cfaaracter ized by tfae siraplicity and seriousness of fais raanner, and by tfae faighly evangelical tone of his sentiraents. During a long course of ministerial usefulness, fae maintained a faigh degree of popularity. His preacfaing was pecuUarly savoury to tfae pious. In tfae early part of fais ministry, " sucfa numbers attended tfae neigfabouring coramunions at which he assisted, that soraetiraes he had to preach to tfaera in tfae open air, even in winter, araid tfae snow, tfae ordinary place of worsfaip not being sufficient to contain tfaera." After fais settleraent at Wfaitburn, Mr. Brown pursued tfae peaceful tenor of fais way, doing good to all as fae had oppor tunity. He took a deep interest in the various religious insti tutions of the day, and exerted himself to proraote their success. In tfae spring of 1814, fae paid a visit to London, to attend tfae annual religious meetings. He was raucfa gratified witfa fais visit to tfae raetropolis. Writing to fais friends at faome, fae says : "I am well, and mucfa entertained faere. This is a wonderful place, and a wonderful tirae, but of all I have seen tfaere is nothing like the Bible Society." During his teraporary sojourn in London, he was frequently eraployed in preaching. Every tfaing connected witfa tfae spiritual improvement of the Highlanders was to hira an object of deep concern. Having heard of a religious raoveraent araong tfae Higfalanders in one of tfae districts of Pertfasfaire — wfaich excited a good deal of in terest at tfae tirae — fae made an excursion, during tfae sumraer of 1818, to tfae Higfalands, tfaat fae migfat see witfa fais own eyes wfaat God faad wrougfat for tfae inhabitants of 'that remote region. In fais journey, fae embraced every opportunity of REV. JOHN BROWN. 909 preacfaing tfae gospel; and, after fais return faome, he published an account of what fae faad witnessed : " Witfa raucfa satisfac tion (fae says) faave I spent ten or twelve days in tfae Pertfa sfaire Highlands. Considering ray advanced years, and the labours of a numerous congregation, I need scarcely think of ever seeing again ray good friends tfae Higfalanders, in tfaeir faouses and glens ; but were I in tfae vigour of youtfa, I would count it a duty and a pleasure to pay tfiera a visit for a montfa every year, and preacfa among tfaese Gentiles tfae unsearcfaable ricfaes of Cfarist. May tfae wilderness and tfae solitary places soon be glad, and the desert rejoice and blossora as the rose." When Mr. Brown's strength began to decline, and when he becarae in a great raeasure unfit for the active duties of fais ministry, fais affectionate people adopted measures to procure a colleague for faira. Tfaey gave a call to Mr. Williara Mil lar, wfao was ordained on tfae 15tfa of November, 1831, as fais colleague and successor. After the ordination, Mr. Brown preacfaed only eigfat Sabbatfas. His strengtfa faad been visibly failing during the two or three last years of fais life, but tfae messenger of deatfa at last approacfaed faim in tfae form of a severe paralytic attack. During fais last illness, fais raind was sootfaed and supported by tfaose deUgfatful trutfas whicfa fae faad often published to his fellow-raen. When he appeared to be asleep, fae was overfaeard saying to fairaself, " I'll flee to tfae blood of Jesus, tfae precious blood of Jesus. I have always done so, and all the devils in hell shall not prevent rae from doing it now." He was also heard saying, " He is my God, He is my Creator, He is my Redeeraer." After lingering for a few weeks on the confines of tfae grave, fae fell asleep in Jesus on tfae lOtfa of Feb., 1832, in tfae seventy-eigfath year of fais age, and the fifty-fifth of fais rainistry. Mr. Brown, wfaile living, was favourably known to tfae re ligious world as the autfaor of a variety of useful publications. His sentiments are in a faigfa degree scriptural, and a tone of unaffected piety pervades tfae wfaole of fais productions. It was not literary fame tfaat he sought, in appearing from time to tirae as an autfaor, but tfae advancement of the cause of trutfa and tfae glory of fais divine Master. Mr. Brown gave to the worid the following pubUcations ; some of tfaera are original productions, otfaers of tfaera were merely edited by faim. 1. Tfae EvangeUcal Preacfaer : A select collection of doc trinal and practical Sermons, cfaiefly of English divines ofthe eighteenth century. 3 vols. 12mo. 1802—1806. 2. Memoirs of the Life and Gfaaracter of the late Rev. Jaraes Hervey AM.. 1806. This work has gone tfarough tfaree editions. 3. A 'collection of Religious Letters fixira books and MSS. 12mo. 1813. 910 SUPPLEMENT. 4. A coUection of Letters from printed books and MSS. suited to children and youtfa. ISrao. 1815. 5. Gospel Truth accurately stated and illustrated by the Rev. Messrs. Hog, Boston, Erskines, and others, occasioned by tfae republication of tfae Marrow of Modem Divinity. 12mo. 1817. A new and greatly enlarged edition of tfais work was publisfaed at Glasgow in 1831. 6. A brief account of a tour in the Highlands of Perthshire. 12rao. 1813. 7. Meraoirs of Private Cfaristians. 8. Christian Experience ; or tfae spiritual exercise of Emi nent Christians in different ages and places, stated in their own words. 18mo. 1825. 9. Descriptive list of religious books in the Englisfa lan guage fit for gieneral use. 12mo. 1827. 10. Evangelical Beauties of the late Rev. Hugh Binning, with an account of his Ufe. 32rao. 1828. 11. EvangeUcal Beauties of Arcfabishop Leighton. 12rao. 1829. 12. Notes devotional and explanatory on tfae Translations' and Parapfarases generally used in tfae Presbyterian congrega tions in Scotland. Publisfaed witfa an edition of the Psalras with his father's Notes, in Glasgow. 13. Memoir oftfae Rev. Thomas Bradbury. ISmo. 1831. 14. Meraorials of the Non-conforraist Ministers of tfae seventeentfa century, witfa an introductory Essay, by WiUiara M'Gavin, Esq. Glasgow. It is wortfay of remark, that this was the last Uterary work of both tfae excellent raen wfaose names appear on its title-page. Mr. Brown died just before it went to press, and Mr. M'Gavin just as it was leaving it. 15. After the death of Mr. Brown, were published Letters on Sanctification, — sorae of whicfa faad previously appeared in tfae Christian Repository and Monitor, with a Meraoir of his Life by his son-in-law, the Rev. David Sraitfa of Biggar. REV. SAMUEL GILFILLAN, COMRIE. The subject of this meraoir was born on tfae 24tfa of No vember, 1762, at the village of Buchlyvie in StirUngshire. He was tfae youngest of fifteen cfaildren. His parents, who moved in a respectable spfaere of Ufe, were distinguisfaed for their intelligence and piety. He displayed, at an early period, a passionate fondness for books. " When a boy, fae occasionally resided with his sister, wfaose husband occupied a farm in the vicinity of his native village. On tfaese occasions he was some times employed to do any little office for wfaicfa fae was com petent. But such was his love of reading, that the services REV. SAMUEL GILFILL.\.N. 9H of a companion were, as frequently as fae could, obtained for sorae trifling sum, tfaat fae raight indulge this ruling passion undisturbed." After receiving the elements of a classical education at a country school, he entered tfae university of Glasgow in No vember, 1782. He commenced tfae study of tfaeology under Professor Moncrieff of Alloa, in Septeraber, 1784. After at tending tfae Divinity Hall at AUoa, for two or tfaree sessions, Professor Moncrieff died, and Mr. Gilfillan corapleted fais tfaeological studies at Wfaitburn, under the superintendence of Professor Bruce. He received licence from the presbytery of Pertfa, in June, 1789. So acceptable were fais labours as a preacfaer, that witfain little raore tfaan a year after fae was licensed, fae received calls from no fewer tfaan tfaree congrega tions. The congregations tfaat competed for his services were, Barry in Angus-shire, and Auchtergaven and Corarie in Pertfasfaire. Tfae competition was decided by the suprerae court in favour of Corarie, and fae was ordained at tfaat place on tfae 12tfa of April, 1791. At his ordination tfae congrega tion did not consist of raore than sixty-five members, and the g eater part of tfaem were in humble circurastances of Ufe. is labours araongst tfaera were greatly blessed. In visiting, in catecfaising, and in perforraing all tfae duties of tfae rainis terial office, he was raost exeraplary. He devoted rauch of fais tirae to reading and to study. Tfae Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Frencfa, Dutcfa, and GaeUc languages, aU in tfaeir turn occupied fais attention. Tfae Greek Testaraent wasso farailiar to faim, from fais frequent perusal of it, tfaat fae could quote almost any verse, in tfae original, tfaat was proposed to faim. Mr. GUfiUan's rainisterial labours extended over a wide tract of country, for he was accustoraed frequently to itin erate in the border districts of tfae Higfalands, and during tfae course of fais ministry, he laboured to promote in a variety of ways the spiritual welfare of fais Celtic countryraen. He was rauch beloved by his people, and was much attached to thera in return. On one occasion, having been proposed as a candidate for another charge, fae said, " I love my peo ple, and wUl never leave them tUl I am forced." A proposal was made to him, by the presbytery of Perth, of which he was a meraber, that fae sfaould go as a missionary to Araerica; but he declined coraplying with tfae proposal. His refusal was not owing to any want of missionary zeal, for few ramis- ters took a deeper interest in tfae success of raissions tfaan fae did. It is believed tfaat fais attacfaraent to fais people, and the conviction tfaat fae afready occupied a scene of missionary labour, influenced him in remaining where he was. ms labours in the ministry were brought unexpectedly to 912 SUPPLEMENT. a close. A sudden attack of disease laid hira on tfae bed of affliction. Tfae nature of fais disorder — inflararaation in the bowels — bade defiance to the skill of the pfaysician. His na turally robust frame speedily gave way beneath the violence of tfae attack. After an illness of tfaree days' continuance, fae expired on the 15th day of October, 1826, in tfae 64tfa year ofhis age, and the 36tfa of fais rainistry. Mr. Gilfillan publisfaed, during tfae course of fais rainistry, a nuraber of works wfaicfa faave been raucfa relisfaed by the in telligent and pious, and have proved extensively useful. His style of writing is plain and siraple, without any pretensions to ornaraent. Tfaere is occasionally a good deal of energy and point in fais mode of expression. He faas at coraraand a variety of appropriate illustration, tfaougfa it is soraetiraes suf ficiently homely. His writings discover an intimate acquaint ance with tfae workings of the human faeart, and sfaow tfaat tlieir author possessed a ricfa store of tfaeological knowledge. Tfaey are peculiarly adapted for usefiilness in tfae domestic circle. Tfae following are tfae productions of fais pen : 1. He publisfaed, in 1804, an Essay on tfae Sanctification of tfae Sabbatfa. "Tfais work faas passed tfarough eleven edi tions (including one in Gaelic) in tfais country, and two in America. 2. In 1819, fae publisfaed a work, entitled, " Domestic Piety." A new and enlarged edition of tfais work, including a discourse on tfae Necessity and Iraportance of Early Piety, appeared in 1825. 3. He published, about the sarae period, Sfaort Discourses for tfae use of Farailies. Tfais work " consists partly of ori ginal matter, and partly of discourses and essays wfaicfa faad appeared in tfae Christian Magazine." 4. In 1825, he pubUsfaed two Essays on Hypocrisy and Meditation, and a sraall tract, entitled, " A Manual of Bap tism." Tfae sarae year, fae coraraenced writing a Treatise on Relative Duties. Part of tfais work was transcribed for tfae press, but never publisfaed. 5. " Discourses on tfae Dignity, Grace, and Operations of tfae Holy Spirit,- witfa additional Serraons on tfae Fruits of tfae Spirit, and otfaer Subjects," appeared in 1826. As this was tfae last, so it is regarded by raany as tfae best of fais publica tions. This work, he states in tfae preface, faad its origin in tfae following circurastance : — " He faad been visiting a brotfaer minister wfao was on fais deatfa-bed. Tfae conversation partly turned on the influences of tfae Spirit. The latter, after ex pressing his regret tfaat tfaat divine Agent was so raucfa ne glected by ministers and people, earnestly entreated faim, and obtained nis promise, to write on the faonour due to tfae Holy UEV. JOHN BALLANTYNE. 913 Ghost. Tfais request was made in Marcfa, 1823. In tfae fol lowing May, he began to preach a course of sermons on the subject to his congregation, wfaich occupied tfae greater part of two years." After tfae lapse of a sfaort period, tfaese dis courses were given to the public in the form in wfaicfa tfaey now appear. 6. A volume was pubUsfaed after fais death, containing a number of his " Letters," and a " Memoir of fais Life," by fais son, tfae Rev. James Gilfillan of Stirling. REV. JOHN BALLANTYNE, STONEHAVEN. Jofan Ballantyne was born at Soutfa Piteddie, in tfae parisfa of Kingfaorn, on tfae Stfa of May, 1778. He received fais early education at a scfaool in tlie village of Locfagelly, wfaicfa was taugfat successively, wfaile fae attended it, by tfae late Mr. Andrew Lotfaian, minister of the Secession congregation, Portsburgfa, Edinburgh, and by Mr. David Inglis, the pre sent rainister of the Secession congregation of Port- Glasgow. He becarae a student in tfae university of Edinburgfa, in 1795. His parents were raembers of the EstabUshed Cfaurcfa. Mr. Ballantyne, faowever, became a meraber of tfae Burgfaer branch of the Secession, and attended tfae Divinity Hall under the superintendence of Professor Lawson of Selkirk. During tfae prosecution of fais studies, fae was engaged in teacfaing a scfaool, first at Locfagelly, wfaere he received fais own elementary education, and afterwards in Edinburgfa. Wfaen Mr. Ballantyne becarae a preacher, fae attracted tfae notice of tfae congregations, and speedily received a call from two of tfaera. In one of tfaese — Stonefaaven in Kincardinesfaire — fae was ordained in 1805. His congregation was small, and wfaile fae was exemplary in tfae perforraance of tfae irapor tant duties connected witfa tfae pastoral office, fae had at the sarae tirae ample leisure for attending to his own personal im provement. His mind was vigorous, acute, and active. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and an ardent love of truth. He was of opinion tfaat every minister of tfae gospel should, with a view to fais own improvement, have some one favourite subject, to his proficiency in which his reading and thinking, apart from fais professional studies (though certainly not unconnected with tfaem) sfaould be subservient. Wfaat ever may be thought of the value of tfais opinion, as a general rule, it was indi<^tive of the mental character of the mdi- vidual who entertained it; and at al events he. acted on it himself. His own choiee of a subject was early raade. Metaphysical science was one congenial to him. It was tur- ther recommended to him by its affinity to his professional 3 M 914 SUPPLEMENT. study of tfaeology ; and fae continued with singular ardour and perseverance to prosecute it, during thereraainder ofhis life, so far as other and more important avocations would permit. Mr; Ballaiityne's cons'titutioii, wfaicfa, judging from his well-set frarae and capabiUty of bodily as well asraehtal_ex- ertion, raust faave been originally a good one, was severely shattered by an attack of ' illness ' soon after fais ordination at Stonefaaven'. He suffered ever after, frora disordered diges tion. Nor can it be doubted tfaat fais life of faard and alraost uninterrupted study must have contributed to wear him out at a mucfa earlier period tfaan raight. otfaerwise have been expect ed. His faealtfa began visibly to decline a good wfaile before fais deatfa. He felt very often tfae most excruciating inward pain, wfaicfa fae bore witfa the utraost fortitude. Change of scene and otfaer remedial means were recommended and used, but all in vain. After a sfaort absence frora faorae in tfae summer of 1830, his wonted labours were resuraed, and he persisted in thera till witfain a week or two of his death. A short tirae previous to tfaat event, fae fell down in tfae pulpit in a faint, and vvas carried out by some of fais people to his faouse. His deatfa-bed scenes were full of fauraiUty raingled witfa faope. On tfae, last day of fais life, fae faad risen frora fais bed to help hiraself to an opiate, but fell before he could re turn to it ; and fais attendant came into tfae roora only in tirae to hear his last words pronounced with distinct and soleran empfaasis, — " I know in wfaora I faave beUeved." He died on the 5th of Noveraber, 1830, in tfae 5 2d year of fais age, and tfae 25tfa of fais rainistry. Witfa tfae exception of a comraunicatioii on tfae subject of Cfaurch Extension, wfaicfa fae sent to a reUgious periodical in Glasgow (tfae Christian Recorder), Mr. Ballantyne made his first appearance as an autfaor in 1824. He published that year a pampfalet, entitled, "A Coraparison of Establisfaed and Dissenting Cfaurcfaes, by a Dissenter." Tfae sale of tfais pampfalet was neitfaer rapid nor extensive. After tfae Volun- tary-cfaurcfa controversy faad in good earnest comraenced, Mr. BaUantyne was' induced to re-raould and greatly to en large fais work, wfaicfa, in its new and iraproved forra, was pubUsfaed, in 1830, witfa the narae of the autfaor prefixed. A discussion faas lately been carried on, in sorae of tfae re ligious periodicals, concerning' tfae share wfaicfa Mr. BaUan tyne faad in originating tfae Voluntary-cfaurcfa controversy, that has for several years past engrossed so rauch of tfae public attention. Frora any tfaing tfaat I faave faeard or read in tfae course of tfais discussion, I see no reason to alter tfae opinion which I have expressed in the account given of the Voluntary- church controversy, tfaat "if religious establisfaments in tfais REV. JOHN BALLANTYNE. 915 country are in a much more tottering condition than they fornierly were, to Mr. Marsfaall must be awarded tfae faonour or tfae blame (according to tfae particular view wfaicfa individ uals may be inclined to take of tfae subject) of having struck tfae first effectual blow." I admit tfaat Mr. Ballantyne's pub lication on this subject was prior, in point of tirae, to any of Mr. Ma,rshairs ; but whatever influence Mr. Ballantyne's work, in its iraproved form, may latterly have had on tfae public raind, the impression produced by it,, on its first appearance, was neitfaer extensive nor powerful. Tfae following statement, frora a corara unicatidn addressed to tfae writer of tfaese pages, by an intiraate friend of Mr. Ballantyne, gives upon tfae wfaole a just view of tfais question : " It is undeniable that it was tfae sermon of Mr. Marsfaall, followed up by his able controversial writings, that stirred extensively and powerfully the public mind on what has been termed not inaptly the ' question of questions ;' and Mr. B. himself would faave been tfae last man to faave dreamed of denying tfais. But it would be equally pre posterous to deny that Mr. B.'s work faad very considerable influence in preparing tfae minds of many of fais bretfaren, in tfae dissenting ministry raore especially, for taking a prorai nent part intelUgently, firraly, and with good effect, in tfae subsequent pubUc agitation ofthe question." In 1828, Mr. Ballantyne pubUsfaed fais raetapfaysical specu lations in a tfaick octavo volurae, entitled, " An Examination of tfae Human Mind," a work of great labour and of consider able raerit. Those parts of it whicfa bear more directly on moral and tfaeological questions are peculiarly valuable, and are weU deserving of tfae attentive perusal of ministers of tfae gospel. Tfae late Bisfaop Glegg of Stirling,, (no raean judge of such raatters,) in a letter addressed to the autfaor, pronounced tfae section, wfaich relates to fauraan freedora, to be " by far tfae best tfairig wfaicfa fae faad ever seen on tfae sub ject." As stated in tfae advertiseraent prefixed to tfae volume, " Though complete in itself, it was intended to be succeeded by others having for their object the appUcation of the doc trines stated in it to tfae explanation of the more interesting inteUectual, active, and moral phenomena of human nature." Sufficient materials were left, by the author, at his death, to raake another volurae. But tfae sale of tfae first volume was so much iniured (according to tfae statement of tfae pubhsher) by tfae connection of Mr. Ballantyne witfa tfae I'oluntary Cfaurch controversy, that no encouragement faas been given to proceed witfa the fartfaer pubUcation of tfae work. The following facts, connected with the faistory of the pub- Ucationof tfae "Exaraination of tfae Hunian Mind are deserv ing of being recorded, as tfaey are faigfaly creditable to ^U tfae 916 SUPPLEMENT. parties ctmcerned. When the work was ready for the press, a difficulty connected with the pecuniary " ways and means " presented itself to the author, a difficulty wfaich, in his case, was enfaanced by the confessedy uninviting nature of the subject of his intended publication. Mr. Ballantyne's raanuscript was, by a rautual friend put into the hands of a gentleman possessed of wealtfa and of religious and Uterary distinction, who gener ously offered to run the risk of the publication ; Mr. Ballantyne was truly grateful, but he was scrupulous about the possibility of involving any one, and especially one so generous, in pecu niary loss on his account. Having expressed his thanks, he allowed tfae raatter to drop. S6tne tirae after tfais a very consider able sum of money was sent by tfae same gentleman to Mr. BaUantyne witfa an intiraation, tfaat it was entirely at fais dis posal, eitfaer to defray tfae expense of publishing fais work, or to be devoted by him to tfae purposes of religious benevolence. Mr. Ballantyne, however, had by this time succeeded, or nearly so, in realizing, cfaiefly by great econoray of fais liraited raeans, wfaat fae faad ascertained to be necessary for corapleting an in dependent arrangement witfa an Edinburgfa publisfaer ; and tfae money sent faim was paid over entirely to tfae presbytery of wfaicfa. he was a raeraber, for those raissionary uses wfaicfa were so iraportant in the estimation of the benevolent donor, and in his owri. Besides the publications already mentioned, Mr. Ballantyne had projected some other works on subjects connected witfa tfae cfaurcfa, her government and discipline, whicfa migfat faave appeared, had he been spared. But it was otfaerwise deter mined b.y Him, "in wfaose faand our breath is, and wfaose are all our, ways." ROBERT POLLOK, A.M. Tfae celebrity wfaicfa the author of the " Course of Time " has acquired, entitles him to a distinguisfaed place in this record; Tfae poem, with which fais name is so honourably associated^ is alike creditable to fais genius and fais Jiiety. He tuned fais harp to do honour to the Saviour whom he loved ; and the strains whicfa he Sung, were such as would not be unwelcome to the ears even of seraphs. This gifted individual vvas born, in 1799, at Muirhouse, in tfae parish of Eaglesham. His father was tenant of a small farm. He received fais early education at a country scfaool. He prosecuted tfae study of tfae languages and of pfaUosopfay at the university of Glasgow, where he was distinguished for his attainraents in moral science and the belles lettres. His views being directed to tfae office of the ministry in connection witfa ROBERT POLLOK, A.M. 917 the Secession Church, he was adraitted, after tfae usual pres byterial exarainations, to tfae study of divinity under tfae Rev. Dr. Dick of Glasgow, wfao at tfaat period was sole Professor of Divinity under the United Associate Synod. Having com pleted the usual course of study prescribed to the tfaeological students of tfae Secession Churcfa, fae was licensed to preach tfae gospel, by the presbytery of Edinburgh, in the spring of 1827. He preached only three sermons in public. Syrap toras of pulraonary disease began to make their appearance soon after fae received licence. He had a sfaort wfaile before tfais published his " Course of Time," and tfae labour of pre paring tfae poem and superintending its pubUcation, faad proved too mucfa for fais constitution. His raedical advisers recoraraended faim to spend tfae winter in a more genial climate, as tfae only probable means of preserving fais Ufe. It was resolved that he should go to Italy ; and a sum of money {amounting to one faundred and seventy pounds) was raised by his friends to furnish him witfa tfae means of accomplisfaing the journey. On reaching London, a consultation of medical men was held concerning his case, and tfaey gave it as tfaeir opinion .tfaat, in fais enfeebled state, fae was unable to undertake sucfa a long joumey. In compliance with tfaeir advice, he took up his abode in the neighbourhood of Southampton, on Shirley Common. But his disease mad.e rapid progress. It terrainated fatally on tfae 15th of Septeraber, 1827. His latter end was •peace. His remains were interred in the cfaurcfayard of Mill-brook. An obeUsk of granite, erected by tfae admirers of his genius, marks the spot wfaere fais body rests in faope. Tfae " Course of Time," to which PoUok is indebted for his fame, is a work of real genius. Wfaen we take into tfae account tfaat tfae^ whole of it was coraposed by hira wfaile fae -was yet a youtfa, and before fais judgment could faave attained to its fiiU maturity, we are surprised, not tfaat tfaere sfaould be defects in it, but tfaat tfaese are so few in number. His lan guage is for tfae most part nervous, fais imagery is rich and varied, and many of fais descriptions are powerful and splendid, whUe a tone of well-sustained piety pervades the work from beginning to end. We faere befaold youtfafiil genius doing faSmage to religion. Tfae autfaor consecrates all tfae energies of his raind to the best of causes, the advancement of the glory of God, and, in subordination to tfais, tfae pro moting of the spiritual iraproveraent of his fellow-raen. He brings his talents and attainments, and lays them, as a free- wiU^offering, at the foot of the cross. The great number of editions tfarough whicfa tfae poem has already passed, and he extensive circulation which it faas had in every part of the 918 SUPPLEMENT. British empire, furnish tfae best proof of tfae general estimation in wfaich its merits are held. Besides, the " Course of Time," wfaich has procured for its autfaor an faonourable place in tfae list of . British poets, .Mr. PoUok published several productions in prose. The titles of tfaese are, " Helen of tfae Glen," .". Ralph Gemmell," and the ' ' Persecuted Faraily." Tfaese were publisfaed prior tp fais poem. They appeared at first anonymously, but have latterly, been collected into a small volume, under tfae general title of "Tales of tfae Covenanters," with the. narae of tfae autfaor. prefixed. They are, all of them, juvenile productions. Viewing them as sucfa, tfaey are no ways discreditable to the young genius that gave thera birtfa. REV. GEORGE PAXTON, D.D,, EDINBURGH. In giving an account of tfae Tfaeological -Professors of tne Secession cfaurcfa, honourable mention has- alreiady been made of the talents and learning of tfae respected individual wfaose narae is prefixed to tfais biograpfaical notice. He is entitled, on account of tfae works whicfa he faas left befaind faira, to faave an faonourable place assigned hira in the list of Secessiori authors. He was born in the parisfa of Bolton, East Lotfaian, on tfae 2d of April, 1 762. He studied the languages arid pfailosopfay at tfae university of Edinburgfa. His theological studies were conducted under Professor Mon crieff of AUoa; He was Ucensed to preacfa tfae gospel on tfae IStfa of Marcfa, 1788; and, on tfae 12th of August, in tfae following year, lie was ordained to the pastoral cfaarge of tfae associate (Antiburgher) congregation of Kilraaurs, in Ayrsfaire. Here fae continued to labour till the summer of 1807, when the Theological Cfaair of tfae General Associate Synod faayihg becorae vacant by tfae separation of Professor Bruce from the Synod, and ' bis. sub sequent deposition, Mr. Paxton was appbinted to fill tfaat iraportant situation; and the Synod having 'resolved tfaal tfaeir Professor sfaould devote fais tiirie and attentioii wfaolly to tfae duties of fais office, tfae pastoral relation between Mr. Paxton and his congregation was dissolved, and his residence was transferred to Edinburgfa, where the seat of tfae Divinity Hall was fixed. Wfaen tfae union between tfae Burgher and - Antiburgfaer Synods was accomplisfaed, in September 1820, Mr. Paxton did not acquiesce in it; and, in tfae raontfa of April tfae follow ing year, a letter containing fais resignation of tfae office of Professor was laid on tfae table of the United Associate SyUod. The Synod, in accepting of Mr. Paxton's resignation, recorded "tfaeir well-founded approbation of the laborious, faithful, arid REV. ROBERT JACK, D.D. 919 Jsinterested manner in which he faad fulfilled his duties as the protesting brethren wfao refused tojoin tfae United Seces sion church, and the " Constitutional Presbytery," whicfa had been formed by Dr. M'Crie, Mr. Bruce, and their Associates, —Mr. Paxton took the cfaarge of tfae students connected witfa tfais united body. A short period before his deatfa, fae" faad the acaderaical honour of Doctor in Divinity conferred upon faim by tfae university of St. Andrews. , He terrainated his raortal career at Edinburgh, on the 9th of AprU, 1837. His literary productions are partly poetical, and partly in prose. Besides a few single serraons, .wfaicfa I ara unable to specify, fae publisfaed, in 1801, a. parapfalet entitled, "An In quiry into tfae Obligation of ReUgious Covenants upon. Pos terity.". In 1813, he published a .volume of poems, entitled, .".The Villager, and otfaer Poeras." But tfae work by wfaicfa he is best known to the world as an a,uthor,is Ihis " Illustra tions of Scripture, in three parts," wfaich "raade its appearance in .1819, in two tfaick octavo voluraes. .Tfais is a raost valu able publication to the theological student. Tfaere is an iraraense . mass of useful information, coUected frora a great variety of sources, brougfat togetfaer in it,— aU tending to tfarow ligfat, upon Scripture. . It is the result of extensive reading and of much' researcfa. A, second edition of tfais .\ydrk, witfa some additions, was publisfaed, in 1825, in tfaree voluraes; 'and a new edition of it is about to be brought out, witfa a meraoir of tfae autfaor* REV. ROBERT JACK, D.D., MANCHESTER. The subject vi this sfaort raeraoir was born at Glasgow, on tfae 12 tfa of January, 1760. "His fatfaer was an elder of the associate.congregatlon under the superintendence. of tbe Rev. Mr.; Fisfaer, cone of .'tfae founders of tfae Secession cfaurcfa. From fais boyhood his views were, directed to tfae office of tfae holy ministry, and, . at the early age of eleven, fae was enrolled as a student in the .university of Glasgow. Having completed his college curriculura, fae prosecuted tfae study of divinity under the venerable Brown of .Haddington. ¦ He had scarcely reached the period, of raanfaood wfaen, after tfae usual proba tionary .trials, fae was Ucensed, by tfae associate presbytery of Glasgow, to preacfa tfae gospel. Few. preacfaers faave appeared in any cfaurch who attained to a greater degree of popularity tfaan fae did. " His youtfaful and interesting appearance, — fais judicious exposition, and powerfiil enforceraent of tfae great truths of divine revelation, —his cfaaste and elegant composition,— fais silvery eloquence. 920 SUPPLEMENT. • — and his fervent manner of address,^ — at once attracted atten tion, and obtained for him universal^dmiration." Very soon after being licensed; he received a call from the associate (Burgher) congregation of Linlithgow, where he was ordained toward the close of the year 1782. He continued labouring witfa raucfa success in Linlithgow till the year 1794, wfaen he was translated to Greenock. It may be mentioned, as an instance of his great popularity, tfaat before fae was reraoved to Greenock, he had been twice called to Eeitfa, and twice to Edinburgfa. From Greenock fae was translated to Lloyd-street cfaapel, Manchester, where an excellent congregation was reared up under his rainistry. Here he laboured for the long period of thirty-six years, — coraraanding tfae respect not orily of fais own flock, but of Cfaristians of all denorainations. Tfae university of Glasgow testified tfaeir respect for fais cfaaracter and talents by conferring upon faim tfae degree of Dfactor in Divinity. Several years before fae died he had tfae satisfaction of receiving, as fais colleague and successor, tfae Rev. WiUiam M'Kerrow, wfao, as a son with a father, laboured with faim in tfae gospel. After a long life, usefully spent in tfae service of his Master, he died on the llth of November, 1837. Some years after he went to Mancfaester fae delivered a series of discourses on the Socinian controversy, wfaicfa were fiublisfaed, and wfaicfa are faigfaly creditable to his talents and earning. A sermon wfaicfa he preached before the London Missionary Society, at one of tfaeir anniversaries, and a sermon *' On Evil-speaking," constitute tfae only otfaer productions of fais tfaat faave been given to tfae world tfarougfa tfae medium of tfae press. REV. ALEXANDER PRINGLE, D.D., PERTH. Tfais venerable man, and exemplary minister, was born in June 1752, at Blaiklaw, in Roxburgfashire, He received the elements of a classical education at the faigfa-school of Dunse. About the fifteenth year of his age fae went to tfae college at Edinburgfa. He studied tfaeology under Professor Moncrieff of Alloa, and was licensed to preacfa tfae gospel in 1776. Soon after licence fae received a call frora the congregation of Min- nifaive, in Durafries-sfaire ; and, not long after tfais, anotfaer call was given faim by tfae associate (Antiburgher) congrega tion of Perth. In this latter-mentioned place he w£is ordained on tfae 14th of August, 1777. The congregation over which fae was ordained was one of the largest in the Secession, con sisting probably of three thousand souls. Tfae first tirae the ordinance of the Supper was dispensed, no fewer tfaan tfaree faundred persons applied for admission to the fellowship of the REV. ALEXANDER PRINGLE, D.D. 921 church. Two hundred of the appUcants were admitted after suitable examination. For a period of ten years after his or dination he had no colleague. On the 3d of AprU, 1787, the Rev. Richard Black was associated with faim in tfae ministry Tfais connection continued tUl tfae period of tfae union between tfae two Secession Synods. A difference of opinion on tfais subject took place between Dr. Pringle and fais colleague. Tfae one was active in promoting tfae union, wfaUe tfae otfaer was opposed to it ; tfae consequence of wfaich was, tfaat tfae connection, wfaicfa faad so long subsisted between tfaera, was forraally dissolved by tfae presbytery in tfae raontfa of Novera ber, 1820. Witfain less tfaan a year after tfae separation of Mr. Black, tfae congregation gave a call to tfaeir present re spected minister, tfae Rev. Dr. Young, wfao was ordained as colleague to Dr. Pringle. Tfae last public service, whicfa Dr. Pringle perforraed, was on the forenoon oftfae first Sabbatfa of Marcfa, 1839. "Wfaen fae descended from tfae pulpit, he was raore tfaan usually ex- faausted and looked bilious. His disease turned out to be jaun dice, beneath which his frarae gradually sunk. After an ill ness of ten weeks, he died on the 12tfa of May, 1839, in tfae 87 tfa year of fais age, and tfae 62d of fais rainistry. In 1781, Dr. Pringle publisfaed a useful little tract, entitled, " Tfae duty of Prayer recoraraended, witfa some tfaougfats upon societies for prayer and religious conference." In 1796, fie publisfaed a larger production " On Prayer for tfae revival of Religion in aU tfae Protestant churcfaes, and for the support of tfae gospel among tfae faeatfaen." About twenty-seven years ago, he pubUshed a work raucfa larger tfaan either of the forraer, entitled, " A Practical View of Christ's Divine and Mediatorial Cfaaracter." Tfais volume was designed as an antidote to wfaat fae considered as " new and dangerous opinions," tfaat were propagated about tlie tirae of its publication. In 1S3S, he published a volurae, entitled, " Scriptural Gleanings." This work issued frora tfae press only nine raontfas before tfae death of its author. He planned and cora posed tfae greater part of it, after he had entered on the 84th year of fais age. Since his death, there faas been published a small volume, entitled, " Sermons and Letters," with a " Memoir" of the author, by the Rev. Dr. Young. I am reluctantly obUged to draw these biographical notices of Secession authors to a close. The list is by no raeans ex hausted. But it would sweU the supplementary part of this work to an undue size, were I to give sketches of the lives of all who have appeared as autfaors m tfae Secession cfaurch. 922 SUPPLEMENT. This indeed would forra an interesting volume in itself. The remaining space, allotted rae, will perrait rae to do little raore than raerely raention tfae names of individuals wfao deserve to have a place assigned them in this record, eitfaer on account of tfae useful publications wfaicfa tfaey faave left befaind tfaem, or on account of tfae prorainent place wfaicfa tfaey occupied in tfae cfaurcfa to wfaicfa tfaey belonged. Mr. John Hunter, thefirst licentiate ofthe Secession cfaurcfa, and rainister of Gatesfaaw, was tfae autfaor of a sraall volurae of serraons, publisfaed after fais deatfa under tfae title of " The Bush burning, yet not consuraed." Mr. James Scott, son-in-law to Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, and wfao succeeded Mr. Hunter as minister of Gatesfaaw, publisfa ed, in 1759, a controversial parapfalet, entitled, "A Brief Coraparison betwixt tfae profession of religion raade by Sece ders according to tfae Act and Testiraony, and tfae presently autfaorized profession of religion in Scotland, wfaerein it is sfaown that the one differs widely from tfae otfaer^ &c." Tfae year after fais deatfa, wfaicfa took place in 1773, a small duode cimo volume of discourses was publisfaed under tfae title of/' A Collection of Sermons on various and interesting subjects." Mr. Potts, wfao was for some time minister of StitcheU, was tfae autfaor, of a volume of Sermons and of sorae controversial tracts. He quarrelled witfa tfae Seceders, and ' died rninister of a congregation in London. Mr. William Hutton, rainister of Stow (afterwards at Dal keitfa), publisfaed two pampfalets, tfae one ; containing the speecfa wfaicfa fae deUvered before tfae Antiburgfaer Synod, soon after its constitution, and tfae otfaer a letter, to Mr. Potts. Professor William Moncrieff oi AUoa, was tfae. autfaor of "Observations on a parapfalet, entitled, 'Ari Essay "on na^ tional covenanting.' " He publisfaed also a Serriion preacfaed by faira at tfae opening of tfae Associate Synod, at Edinburgfa, April 22d, 1766. Tfae text is, Isa. viii. 16, and tfae title of tfae Sermon is, " Mercy and Judgment' displayed iri tfae" effects of a gospel rainistry." . .. ' ' ',. . ' Mr. William Mair, minister at Muckfaart, .was tfae. autfaor of a volurae of Lectures. . . . . ...:'.'. Mr. Bennet of Ceres, was the author of a :voluirie' of. Ser mons". He pubUsfafed : nlso .two i separate discourses, ' one ¦preacfaed before tfae Synod, and: ariother preacfaed before tfae presbytery. :. , , i . Mi: Alexander Shanks, rainister at Jedburgfa, was a most eloquent, preacher. Two volumes of his discourses have b'een .pubUsfaed; at different periods. He preached and published an excellent discourse during the time of the French. Revolu tion, for wfaicfa he wais offered a pension by government, but .would not accept ofit. His refusal was couched in the follow- SECESSION AUTHORS. 923 inig; terms, " I am loyal from conscience— a Seceder from principle— I faave done notfaing more tfaan my duty— I take no reward." Mr. Robert Campbell, wfao was ordained in tfae congrega tion of Ebenezer Erskine at Stirling, possessed a faigh degree of pulpit eloquence. He was one of the comraittee appointed by tfae Associate Synod, to prepare tfae re-exfaibition of tfae Testiraony. He published a Serraon preached before a Mis sionary Society in Stirling, entitled, " The Glory of Christ displayed in the Conversion of tfae Heatfaen," and he added to it an appendix, containing " Strictures" on a parapfalet pub lished fay the Rev. Dr. Porteous of Glasgow, entitled, " New Ligfat examined, &c." Mr. James Moir, wfao was settled first at Curabernauld, and was afterwards translated to Tarbolton in Ayrsfaire, faad tfae reputation of being an exceUent divine. He publisfaed, in 1787, an able work on " The Scripture doctrine of Rederap tion," — being designed by him as an answer to " A Practical Essay on tfae Death of Jesus Cfarist, by Dr. M' Gill, one of tfae ministers of Ayr." — He publisfaed also " A distinct and im partial account of tfae Process for Socinian heresy against "W. M'Gill, D.D., one ofthe rainisters of Ayr; with Obser vations on his explanation and apology, and on the proceed ings and final decision of tfae Rev. Synod of Glasgow and Ayr in tfaat cause." Mr. David Walker, minister at PoUoksfaaws, publisfaed a ^' Candid Examination" of the Rev. Mr. Hutcheson's animad versions, &c., on tfae subject of the Relief controversy. Mr. James Ramsay, wfao was tfairty years minister of Duke Street congregation, Glasgow, engaged in tfae same warfare. He afterwards left tfae Secession and joined tfae Independents. ., Mr. James Wylie, of Scone, published " A Short Dialogue between Cupfaopfaron and Pfaileletfaes on National Covenant ing-" , Mr. Jokn Tkomson, wfao was sorae time minister at Don- acfalony in Ireland, and afterward at KirkintUlocfa in Scot land, publisfaed , several controversial pamphlets ; sorae of whicfa were directed against the Caraeronians, and otfaers against tfae New Ligfat Seceders. Mr. William Fletcher, minister at Bridge of Teitfa, pub lisfaed, in 1784, tfae " Scripture Loyalist " against tfae Camer onians. He publisfaed again in 1795, tfae " Scripture Loya list Defended, &c.". In 1800, fae entered tfae Usts against the Old Ligfat Seceders, by publishing a pamphlet entitled, " The evil and danger of Schism." , i t ^^Ar.,, ; Mr. Dav'id Wilson, minister oi Bow Lane chapel, London, ^^ tfae autfaor of a volume published after his deatfa, entitled, "Evangelical Sermons on important.subjects. 924 SUPPLEMENT. Mr. Robert Jaffray, minister at Kilmarnock, published in 1805 an "Essay on tfae Reasons of Secession from tfae National Church of Scotland." — Hepublished also a raissionary Serraon. Mr. James Robertson, minister in the same town, was a person of great learning and of extensive information. He was the autfaor of an " Overture concerning Dr. M'GiU's errors and process, containing a weiming against said errors, and tfae sinful proceedings of the courts in that process," — pub lished under the sanction of tfae provincial Synod of Glasgow. Mr. Mickael Gilfillan, a venerable minister at Dunblane, was also distinguished for fais extensive reading and informa tion. He was tfae autfaor of a pampfalet, entitled, " A Warn ing against Socinianism" — published under the sanction of tfae Associate Burgfaer Synod in 1788. Mr. Clarkson, of Ayr, ranked faigfa as an eloquent and a popular preacfaer. He was called tfae " Wfaitefield of the Se cession." He was foUowed by crowds wfaerever fae went ; and, what was far better, was faonoured witfa tokens of minis terial usefulness. He published only one sermon frora Acts xviii. 17, " And Gallio cared for none oftbose tlungs." Mr. Rohert Culbertson, wfao was rainister at Leith, faas ob tained an excellent reputation for being an able expounder of tfae word of God, by tfae Lectures wfaicfa fae publisfaed on tfae book of Revelation. ' 3 vols. Mr. Andrew Lotkian, rainister of Portsburgfa congregation, Edinburgfa, publisfaed a small volume, entitled, " Tfae Cfaris tian Patriot and Seaman's Friend, being Discourses and Medi tations on various important subjects." Dr. Hugh Jameson, of East Linton, celebrated for his classi-. cal academy, was the autfaor of an excellent pampfalet, enti tled, " Observations on tfae proposed union of Seceders in Scotland." Tfae design of the pampfalet was to proraote a spirit of union amongst Seceders : and after the auspicious event had taken place, he preached and pubUsfaed a sermon, entitled, " Tfae sentiraents and conduct suited to Seceders, in consequence of tfaeir union." Mr. Alexander Allan, rainister at Cupar Angus, publisfaed a controversial work on " Tfae power of tfae Civil Magistrate in raatters of Religion, and tfae nature of Covenanting." Mr, James Paterson, rainister at Midmar, was the autfaor of a volume of Serraons. He publisfaed also an " Essay on Witcfacraft," tfae design of wfaicfa was to prove, tfaat tfae pop ular superstitions on tfae subject are not countenanced in the Scriptures. Mr. Adam Blair, rainistier at Ferry-port-on- Craig, has left behind faira a raeraorial of fais industry and researcfa in a " His tory of tfae Waldenses," — wfaicfa fae published in two thick oc tavo volumes. SECESSION AUTHORS. 925 Mr. Ebenezer Brown, of Inverkeitfaing, one of the most venerable and popular rainisters of tfae Secession Church faas had his name associated witfa an excellent volurae of Sermons published since his deatfa. Mr. Jokn Moncrieff, wfao was for sorae tirae rainister at HamUton, — and who afterwards was Professor of Oriental lan guages in the Andersonian Institution, Glasgow,— published a dissertation " On tfae Antiquity and UtUity of tfae Hebrew Vowel Points," witfa an Introduction and an Appendix. Dr. Thomas Brown, minister at Dalkietfa, was tfae autfaor of a treatise on Family Religion, and of a volurae of Serraons. Mr. George More, Mr. Amos, Mr. Browning, of Aucfater- raucfaty, Mr. Jardine, of Langfaolra, Mr. George Campbell, of Stockbridge, Mr. Alexander Waugh, Miles Lane chapel,^^ London, Mr. James Gray, Albion chapel, London, Mr. Alexander Fisher, and Mr. Robert Brown, both of Dunferm line, raay be raentioned as authors of voluraes of Sermons, or Expository Discourses. Some of tfaese voluraes were published during tfae lifetime of tfaeir autfaors, but the most of thera are postfauraous. Mr. Alexander Nisbet, an amiable and talented young man, wfao died about ten raontfas after fae faad been ordained rainister ofthe congregation of Portsburgfa, Edinburgfa, deserves special mention to be made of faim. He was a person of raost exten sive reading and great acquireraents, and bade fair, faad fae been spared, to faave attained to a faigfa degree of eminence, botfa as a scholar and a minister. While a student of divinity, he wrote for tfae Tfaeological Magazine, in tfae year 1830, a series of papers wfaicfa attracted a good deal of notice. Tfaese Were publisfaed separately in 1834, after fais deatfa, under tfae title of " Tfae Principles of Ecclesiastical Finance deduced from an estimate of pensioned and self-supported cfaurcfaes," with a Sermon on the principles and position of the Secession churcfa, preacfaed by faim frora Gal. v. 1, on tfae occasion of fais moderating in a call at Lasswade. Soon after fais death a volume of his discourses was publisfaed, with a raeraoir of him by the Rev. Jofan Sraart of Leitfa. Anotfaer volume soon made its appearance, pubUsfaed at the expense of fais bereaved and aff'ectionaie congregation. Tfais last volume was erititled, " Remains of the late Rev., Alexander Nisbet," and consisted of " Essays, Lectures, and Serraons." An enlarged memoir was prefixed to it, prepared by tfae Rev. Dr. Taylor of Aucfatermucfaty. . . Mr. William Lowrie, of Lauder—anotfaer young minister of great proraise, wfao was cut off in tfae prime of lite— was the^author of an able parapfalet on t^e . chu^h ques oxi, entitled " The Whole Question of Ecclesiastical Establish- ^°eS stated and considered.-' A small volume, contaming 926 SUPPLEMENT. a few of his Discourses, and a memoir of faim by tfae Rev. Tfaomas Williamson of Melrose, was publisfaed after his deatfa. Mr. William Smart, of Paisley, ranked faigfa in tfae estiraa tion of fais bretfaren as an able and most effective preacher. A volurae of fais sermons was publisfaed after fais deatfa, witfa a meraoir by his son, the Rev. Williara Sraart of Linlitfagow. Dr. William Ferrier, another Secession rainister in Paisley, and a person of higfa intellectual endowraents, was tfae autfaor of two Discourses, one of wfaicfa was preacfaed on tfae occasion of tfae deatfa of fais colleague, tfae Rev. James Alyce, and tfae otfaer was preacfaed for tfae benefit of the Sabbath-schools of Paisley. A small volume, containing a few additional Discourses, arid an interesting memoir of hira by his son, the Rev. Andrew ,^Ferrier (late of Airdrie), was published after his death. Dr. John Stewart, who was settled first at Pitcairn, near Perth, and was afterwards translated to Liverpool, was tfae autfaor of an excellent parapfalet on tfae subject of baptism. It was published by faim under tfae title of a " Letter on tfae Mode of Baptisra," and was addressed to a Baptist rainister in tfae town of Liverpool, witfa wfaom fae faad been drawn into a controversy on tfais subject. He published also, in separate pampfalets, several serraons wfaicfa had been preacfaed by faira on various occasions. Dr. George Stevenson, minister at Ayr, in connexion witfa tfae Synod of Original Seceders, was tfae autfaor of tfae follow ing works : "A Dissertation on the Nature and Necessity of the Atoneraent," " A Plea for tfae Covenanted Reforraation in Britain and Ireland," and " A Treatise on tfae Offices of Cfarist." Tfae wfaole of tfae preceding notices faave a reference to autfaors that have finished tfaeir course, and terrainated tfaeir labours upon eartfa. Tfaere may be individuals tfaat deserve a place in tfais record, wfaose naraes and wfaose works I faave omitted to mention. Tfaat omissions should occur in this first atterapt that has been raade to bring into one yiew the departed authors of tfae Secession, will not be regarded as wonderful, wfaen it is considered tfaat tfae account here given includes in it the autfaors tfaat faave lived during a period of more tfaan one faundred years. The list, even mough it sfaould not be coraplete, will not j^e destitute of interest to the men of the present generation, — especiaUy to those wfao are connected with tfae Secession cfaurcfa. It is not my intention to give a coraplete enuraeration of tfae living autfaors of tfae Secession cfaurcfa. Tfae present gener ation of Seceders faas not been less productive of authorship than any of tfae preceding ones ; and it is not saying raore tfaan tfae trutfa warrants, wfaen I affirra, tfaat at least an equal amount of talent and learning has been brought to bear, by SECESSION AUTHORS. 927 the present race of writers, upon tfae subjects wfaicfa tfaey dis cuss in their various pubUcations, witfa tfaat whicfa faas been displayed by the authors formerly noticed. During tfae last ten years, tfaere has been one engrossing question, which has occupied a large sfaare of tfae public at tention, and wfaicfa has agitated tfae erapire frora one extremi ty to the other. I refer to tfae Voluntary cfaurcfa question. Tfae Secession rainisters have undoubtedly taken tfae lead in tfae discussion of tfais question. It were difficult to reckon tfae number of publications that faave been penned by tfaera, in tfaeir atterapts to enlighten tfae public raind concerning it. Many of these pubUcations display a degree of talent, of learn ing, and research, every way wortfay of the great question whicfa tfaey profess to discuss, and faigfaly faonourable to tfae authors whose pens have given tfaera birtfa. Far in tfae front, among tfae writers wfao discuss tfais question, stands the Rev. Andrew Marshall of Kirkintilloch, of whose literary labours, as connected with this question, honourable mention faas al ready been made in the preceding history. All fais writings bear impressed upon tfaem tfae stamp of a mind tfaat faas been cast in no ordinary mould. His style is characterized by en ergy, perspicuity, and terseness. He sfaows fairaself complete raaster of tfae subject whicfa he discusses, and he brings to bear upon tfae discussion ofit an araount of inforraation, wfaicfa can be tfae result only of extensive reading and of profound reflection. I raust not orait raentioning, in connexion witfa tfais subject, tfae elegant and finisfaed production of A. C. Dick, Esq., entitled, "Dissertation on Cfaurch Polity," a work which would do honour to any autfaor. Nor raust I pass over iri silence tfae able and learned discourses of Dr. Jofan Brown, of Edinburgfa, on " Tfae Law of Cfarist respecting civU obedience, especially in tfae payraent of tribute," which contain a complete and raasterly arguraent on tfae subject. Tfae nuraerous notes appended to tfaese discourses, extracted from a great variety of autfaors, render tfae work peculiarly valuable, as a book of reference. In connexion with tfais question, tfae following persons deserve to be mentioned, as faaving borne an honourable part in the discussion of it, tfarougfa the medium of tfae press : Drs. Heugfa and King of Glasgow, Tfaomson of Coldstream, and Young of Pertfa, witfa Messrs. Pringle of Newcastle, Harper of Leitfa, MarsfaaU of Cupar Angus, and M'Kerrow of Manchester. Among tfae living autfaors of tfae Secession cfaurch, Dr. John Mitcfaell of Glasgow, one of tfae Tfaeological Professors of the United Associate Synod, faolds a prominent place. He is the author of an excellent work, entitled. An Essay on tfae best means of civilizing the subjects of the British Empire in India, and of diffusing tfae hgfat. of the 928 SUPPLEMENT. cfaristian reUgion tfarougfaout the eastern world." This work was written by Dr. Mitchell wfaen he Was a young minister. Havmg been present at the annual distribution of prizes in tfae Coraraon Hall of tfae college of Glasgow, on tfae 1st of May, 1804, fae faeard it publicly announced, tfaat a prize of one hundred pounds would be given by the Rev. Claudius Buchanan, D.D., to the writer of tfae best essay on tfae subject now raentioned. He forraed tfae resolution of entering tfae lists in tfais literary competition. In tfae course of tfaat year tfae essay was written, and at tfae next annual distri bution of prizes, in 1805, tfae sealed letter containing tfae narae of tfae autfaor was opened, in tfae presence of a crowded au dience in tfae university Coramon HaU, and Mr. Mitcfaell was declared to be tfae successful corapetitor. Tfae publication of tfae Essay procured literary distinction for its autfaor, and reflected honour on tfae religious community to whicfa he belonged, especially when it was known that he had carried off tfae palra frora a considerable nuraber of competi tors, amongst wfaora was at least one titled dignitary, connect ed witfa tfae Establisfaed Cfaurcfa, in tfae city of Glasgow. Soon after the prize Essay appeared, an acquaintance commenced between the author of it and Dr. Claudius Bucfaanan, tfae gentleirian by wfaom tfae corapetitlon faad been proposed ; and sorae of ray readers may probably sraile, wfaen tfaey are told tfaat sucfa was tfae opinion wfaich this venerable person forraed of tfae ability and inforraation of the writer of tfae Essay, tfaat fae raade a proposal to faim, to leave his cfaarge in Anderston, and accept of a situation wfaich fae had it in his power to procure — namely, tfaat of being a general cfaaplain in tfae Britisfa array, wfaich was tfaen engaged in active opera tions in Portugal. It is needless to add, tfaat tfae offer of tfae chaplaincy was declined, and that the person, to whora the offer was raade, preferred the humble situation wfaich he oc cupied, as a minister of the Secession Churcfa, to a rich Uving in connexion with mitred episcopacy. In connexion witfa tfae living autfaorsfaip of tfae Secession, tfae following persons deserve to be mentioned. Dr. Donald Fraser, of Kennoway, has given to the world Memoirs of Eben ezer and Ralph Erskine ; an Essay on the Plenary and Verbal Inspiration of tfae Holy Scriptures ; and a variety of otfaer useful pubUcations. Dr. James Peddie of Edinburgh has published several exceUent Sermons preached by him on various occa sions. His Answer tb Dr. Porteous, of wfaich an account has been given in the preceding faistory, is one of tfae ablest con troversial pamphlets tfaat has ever appeared. None but a writer of first-rate talent could have produced it. TIm pen of Dr. Jofan Brown of Edinburgh has been more tfaan ordi narily prolific. In addition to the work already mentioned, lie SECESSION AUTHORS. 929 has publisfaed Strictures on Yates' Vindication of Unitarian- ism; Remarks on tfae Plans and Publications of Robert Owen ; Discourses suited to tfae adrainistration of tfae Lord's Supper ; besides a nuraber of separate Sermons, and smaller publications, wfaicfa sfaow mucfa versatUity of talent and a rich ly furnished mind. Professor Duncan of Mid-Calder has pub lisfaed a Disquisition on tfae Lord's Supper, witfa a review of Dr. Mason's Letters on frequent comraunion; A Suramary View of tfae revealed plan of providence ; and an Essay on tfae Being of a God, tfae origin of moral evil, and tfae anoraalies of Providence ; witfa several Serraons preacfaed on various occar. sions. Dr. Jaraes Stark of Denny Loanfaead faas pubUshed one of the best volumes of Serraons that has appeared in tfae Se cession Cfaurcfa. Dr. Williara Scfaaw of Ayr is the author of an excellent volume of Sermons. The Rev. David Paterson of Alnwick is the autfaor of some able discourses. Dr. Adam Tfaomson of Coldstream faas long been favourably known to tfae pubUc, as a useful and instructive writer, both by fais Comparative View of Dissenters, and by fais volume of Ser mons, of wfaicfa a new and enlarged edition faas lately ap peared. Dr. Henry Tfaomson of Penrith is tfae autfaor of a volurae of Lectures on Selected passages from tfae Acts of the Apostles ; also a volume of Sacramental Addresses ; and has translated from the Frencfa a work by M. Duvoisin on tfae Evidences of Cfaristianity. Dr. George Young of Wfait- by faas written sorae able works on Geology ; and is tfae au thor of a sraall volurae of expository discourses on tfae Book of Jonafa. Tfae Rev. Jofan Young of Albion Cfaapel, London, faas pubUsfaed a volurae of Lectures on the chief points in con troversy between Protestants and Roman Catholics. The Rev. David Robertson of Kilmaurs faas publisfaed tfaree voluraes of expository discourses on tlie book of Revelation. Dr. Williara Brown of Edinburgh faas given to tfae world an interesting History of Missions, The Bev. John Newlands of Perth, and the Rev, George GilfiUan of Dundee, faave pub lished, each, a sraaU volurae of discourses. Tfae Rev. Williara Pringle of Aucfaterader faas given an exceUent translation of Calvin's Coraraentaries on tfae Epistles to tfae Galatians and Epfaesians. As writers of Biograpfaical Works, or of intro ductory " Meraoirs," I may mention tfae naraes of the Rev. Dr. Hay of Kinross — the Rev. Andrew Ferrier, late of Airdrie, — Rev. Jofan M'Farlane, Laurieston, Glasgow — Rev. WiUiara M'Kelvie, Balgedie — Rev. Jaraes GUfiUan, StirUng — Bev. David Sraitfa, Biggar — Rev. Jofan Sraart, Leitfa— Rey. Dr. Taylor, Auchtermucfaty — Rev- Jofan Jofanston, Limekilns — Rev, WiUiam Sraart, LinUtfagow— Rev. Tfaomas Williarason, Melrose — and the Rev. Dr. Young, Perth. Before conclud- 3 N 930 SUPPLEMENT. ing tfais literary survey, I must riot omit mentioning tfafe name of tfae Rev. Robert Wilson of Greenock, wfao has acquired fame to hiraself, as a successful wooer of the Muses. His " Pleasures of Piety," of wfaicfa a new and enlarged edition, in ten books, faas lately appeared, is a most pleasing and in structive poem. Were I to raention tfae naraes of all tfae rainisters wfao faave publisfaed single Serraons, or small treatises, — some of wfaicfa display raucfa talent, and are faigfaly creditable to their authors, ^I could greatly enlarge tfae list of persons wfao faave done honour to tfae Secession by tfaeir useful publications. But I have already extended my account to a greater lengtfa tfaan I originally intended ; and I do not wisfa to exfaaust the patience of my readers, by being insufferably prolix. My object in this supplementary part of the work, has been to remove an impression, wfaich has existed to a consid erable extent (tfaough probably it does not now exist to tfae sarae extent) in tfae minds of persons wfao are ignorant of tfae history of Dissenters, that tfae rainisters connected witfa tfae Secession Cfaurcfa, and witfa Dissenting coramunities gener ally, are uneducated and illiterate men. Witfa regard to other dissenting coraraunities, it is not my intention to say any thing. I sfaall leave it to tfaose wfao are connected witfa tfaem to vindicate tfaeir own cause. But in tfae preceding pages, I have furnished ample evidence to show, that the ministers of the Secession churcfa are neitfaer uneducated nor ilUterate. All of tfaem receive a liberal education. They enjoy exactly the same raeans wfaicfa tfae ministers connected witfa tfae Establisfament possess for attaining to eminence in any of tfae walks of literature ; and, presuraing tfaat tfaey pos sess the same natural capacity for the acquisition of learning wfaich ministers of tfae Established churcfa do, tfaere is no reason for regarding tfaera as, in any respects, tfaeir inferiors. During tfae last faundred years tfae rainisters of tfae Secession have contributed, by tfaeir writings, at least an equal araount (making allowance for tfae sraallness of tfaeir nurabers) to the stores of tfaeology, faistory, philology, poetry, and tfae various departraents of useful learning, that tfae rainisters of tfae Establisfaed cfaurcfa faave done ; wfaile tfaey faave, as a body, been erainently distinguisfaed for tfaeir unreraitting diligence and laborious exertions in coramunicating religious instruction to the people. May they continue in tirae to come, as tfaey have done in time past, to deserve well of tfaeir country ; and may. tfaeir personal improvement, in tfae various brancfaes of useful knowledge, keep pace witfa tfae growing spirit of tfae age, and with the increased demands of tfae cfaurcfi 1 INDEX. A Abbotshall, the session of, give in a declaration of secession from the judicatories of the Established church, 1 74. Abernethy, the session of, give in their accession to the Associate Presbytery, 173; appoint George Dron their first lay elder, 174; two members of the congregation of, censured for compliance with the rebels, 207 ; philosophical class at, 259 ; the Divinity Hall transferred to, 778. Abjuration, oath of, peculiarly offensive to the presbyterian clergy, 5 ; what the oath required, 5. Acknowledgment of sins, reviewed, and remodelled, 434. Aitken, Rev. James, declines the authority of General Associate synod, and with draws from their communion, 449; complaint preferred against him by hia elders and others, 449 ; his case investigated by the sjood, 453 ; he is de posed, 434. Allan, Rev. Alexander, noticed as an author, 924. Alloa, the Antiburgher Theological Hall transferred to, 779. America, missionaries sent to, by the Antiburgher synod, 259 ; exertions of the synod in behalf of, 297 ; preachers averse to go to, 297 ; the Burgher synod make collections for presbyterian miaisters in, 538 ; coalescence betwixt the Burgher and Antiburgher brethren in, 540; the Burgher synod appoint mis sionaries to go to, 570; synod formed there, designated the * Associate Re formed synod of North America,' 571 ; articles of correspondence betwixt them and the Associate synod, 620 ; letter from the General Assembly of, to the United Associate synod, 692. American Indians, scheme for evangelizing the, 275, 538. Anderson, Magnus, employed as a catechist in Kirkwall, 392 Annat, decision of Burgher synod concerning the, 553. Antiburgher Synod, claim the authority of the Associate Synod, 224 ; letter to them from their Burgher brethren, 231 ; serve the Burgher brethren nith a libel, 232 ; charges contained in the libel, 232 ; declare the brethren to whora the libel was delivered contumacious, 233; Mr. Hutton appears be fore them, 233 ; he attacks tlieir proceedings in severe terms, 234 ; they depose him from the ministry, 234 ; pronounce a sentence of deposition and excommunication upon all the Burgher bretbren, 234 ; administer privy- censures, 235 ; account of their procedure in administering rebukes, 233 ; constitution of the synod in Mr. Gib's house, 251 ; members present, 251 ; they proceed against Mr. Nairn, 252; depose aod excommunicate him, 252; a novel scene takes place in the synod, 252 ; certain questions of casuistry brought before them, 254; give advice concerning the payment of taxes for the support of the Episcopal church, 255 ; application from Pennsylvania for ministers, 257 ; difficulty in procuring young men to undertake the mission, 257 ¦ act relating to students previous to their entering on trials for licence, 237 ; act concerning Arminianism, 260 ; Mr. Mair objects to some of the articles in it, 262 ; they charge him with holding erroneous opinions, 202 ; 932 INDEX. dealings with him, 263; suspend him iVom the exercise of his ministry, 2t)5 ; depose and excommunicate him, 266 ; publish a solemn warning, 267 ; Mr. Moncrieff proposes that they should address the king on the state of religion, 267 ; the proposal rejected, 271; overture to present a congratulatory address to George III. at his accession, 271 ; they lay it aside, 272; their declarations on the subject, 272 ; missionary exertions, 274 ; difficulty in finding preachers to labour in America, 274 ¦, enactment on this subject, 275 ; are applied to by the Society for propagating Christian knowledge, for assisting in evangel izing the North American Indians, 275 ; application favourably received, 275 ; form a widows' fund, 276 ; liberality of their congregations, 277 and n. ; Mr, Carmichael accused of heresy, 285 ; statement of his opinions, 286 ; they depose and excommunicate him, 287 ; declare the essay of Mr. Wotherspoon heretical, 288 ; rebuke and suspend him, 288 ; upon his penitence remove the sentence, 289 ; their dealings with Mr. Andrew Marshall, 289 ; subject Mr. Pirie to discipline, 289 ; deprive him of his licence, and excommunicate him, 290 ; overture about preaching, 291 ; their watchfulness over the students, 292; overture about probationers and ministers preaching in vacant congre gations, 296 ; direct their attention to American missions, 296 ; refuse to sanction a coalition between the Antiburgher and Burgher ministers in Penn sylvania, 300 *, other missionary appointments, 301 ; Mr. Gib's overture about the Secession Testimony, 303 ; consideration of it postponed, 305 ; call Mr. Gib to account ; he reads a paper in explanation of his conduct, 306 ; they insert his paper in their minutes, 307 ; overture about the support of widows and children of deceased ministers, 308 ; regulations of their public fund, 309 ; send preachers to Caithness, 310; encourage Gaelic students, 810; recommendation to congre gations concerning ministers' stipends, 310*, are alarmed 'oy the repeal of the penal statutes against Roman Catholics, 312; testify against the repeal, 313; re fuse to acknowledge the New York presbytery, 314 ; regulations about students of divinity, 316 ; question respecting lifting the bread and the cup at the ordi nance of the supper, 326 ; resolutions upon the subject, 330 ; overture from the presbytery of Moyrah and Lisburn to promote a union betwixt the two bodies of Secession, 331 ; they express their disapprobation ofthis overture, 332; reject the proposal to erect the Irish presbyteries into a Synod, 333 ; condemn the union in America betwixt the Burgher and Antiburgher brethren and the Re formed presbytery, 333 ; send an address to two of the American brethren who re fused to coalesce, 334 ; recognise them as the Presbytery of Pennsylvania, 335 ; difficulty in procuring preachers for America, 335 ; proposal to have a general synod with four provincial synods, 337 ; proposal adopted, 338 ; regulations of the General synod, 340 ; regulations respecting provincial synods, 341 ; regula tions concerning preachers, 342 ; declaration concerning the slave-trade, 343 ; the Pennsylvanian presbytery become jealous of the jurisdiction the Synod claimed and exercised over them, 347 ; some brethren demur about sending any more missionaries to the Pennsylvanian presbytery, 348 ; appoint a com mittee to consider the state of American affairs, 348 ; agree to transmit a copy of committee's report to the presbytery of Pennsylvania, 349 ; declaration con cerning their connection with the brethren in America, 350 ; dissented from by Messrs. Bunyan and Bruce, 35"4 ; appoint Mr. M'Bean to go to Pictou, 366 ; he refuses to comply, 356 ; decision respecting the pecuniary affairs of congre gations, 356 ; are applied to for a preacher to be sent to North Carolina, 358 ; appoint one, who declines, 359 ; send Messrs. Brown and Ross to Nova Scotia, 359 ; overture concerning Dr. M'GiU's process, 370; the subject of subscribing de clarations of loyalty brought before them, 373 ; their advice regarding declara tions, 373 ; they vindicate their people ijom the charge of disloyalty, 374 ; scruples concerning the power of the magistrate in religious matters, 378 ; re ject Mr. Bruce's statement of principles respecting civil government, 383 ; dis cussions concerning missionary societies, 384 ; adopt an order disapproving of their constitution, 384 ; remonstrances against this act, 385 ; representations approving of what the synod had done, 386 ; their deliverance concerning a case of casuistry from Ireland, 387 ; send out two missionaries to Kentucky, 388; representation concerning lay-preaching and Sabbath-schools, 393; their decision concerning them, 393 ; decision reviewed and amended, 394 ; urgent request from Nova Scotia for more missionaries, 411 ; they mission two preach- INDEX. 933 ers, 411 ; receive an address from the presbytery of Nova Scotia, 413; feel a deep interest in the success of their translantio missions, 416; regulations re specting the benevolent fund, 419 ; regulations respecting the support of a gos pel ministry, 420 ; regulations regarding the appointment of preachers, 420 ; appoint the covenants to be renewed by ministers and others, 421 ; controversy concerning the magistrate's power in matters of religion, 430 ; appoint a com mittee to prepare the draught of an overture respecting the magistrate's power, 431 ; the overture presented, and the consideration of it delayed, 432 ; appoint a committee to extend the Testimony, 432 ; draught of it considered, 433 ; review the Acknowledgment of sins, 434; act concerning students of divinity, 435 ; their revision of the Testimony finished, 440 ; manliness and good sense displayed by them, 442; enact that ministers and others join in the bond, 446; five ministers protest against the deed about covenanting, 446 ; synod's declara tion against the protest, 447 ; remonstrance by Mr. Bruce and others, 448 ; they appoint a committee to answer it, 449 ; Mr. Bruce and others decline their authority, and withdraw from their communion, 449 ; investigate the case of Sir. Aitlten, 453 ; depose him from the ministry, 454 ; they afterwards depose Mr. M'Crie, 456; proceedings in the case of Messrs. Hog and Bruce, 456; pro nounce sentence of deposition against Messrs. Bruce and Chalmers, 458 ; the deposed brethren raise a loud outcry against them, 459 ; the conduct of synod defended, 459 ; statement of points at issue between them and the separating brethren, 461 et seq. ; they enlarge the course of theological study, 476 ; elect Rev. George Paxton Professor of Divinity, 477 ; their decision on the subject of Regium Donum, 481 ; resolution concerning ministers' stipends, 482 ; agree to open a correspondence with other evangelical denominations, 483 ; appoint a committee of correspondence concerning congregations, 483 ; findings of synod against Mr. Imrie, 486 ; rebuke and suspend him, 488 ; twenty-one ministers and four elders protest against this decision, 488 ; decision reviewed and reversed, 489 ; additional charges against Mr. Imrie, 489 ; they solemnly depose him, 492 ; their transtlantic missions, 493 ; appoint missions to the Highlands of Scotland, 496 ; grant aid to the Irish evangelical Society, 496 ; letter from Burgher synod relative to a union, 650 ; seventy-four petitions pre sented, 651 ; appoint a union committee, 651 ; letter of Moderator in reply to Associate synod, 651; articles of basis cf union, 656 ; interchange of deputations between the two synods, 657; reunion of the synods accomplished, 661. See United Associate Synod. Antiburghers, why thus designated, 227 ; at the rupture assume the title of As sociate synod, 227 ; proposal for a union betwixt them and the Burghers in Ire land, 426 ; terms of coalescence, 427 ; discussed in the Irish provincial synod, 428 ; the union postponed, 428. See Antiburgher Synod. Appeals on account of violent settlements extremely numerous, 33 ; were almost uniformly unsuccessful, 34. Appendix, giving statistics ofthe United Secession Church, 771—776. Archibald, Rev. Robert, appointed to take charge ofthe Philosophical class, 176. Argyle, Duke of, attempts to fasten suspicion upon Seceding ministers as stirring up a spirit of disaffection among the people, 107. Arminian sentiments defended by ministers ofthe Scottish churoh, 8. Arminianism, act concerning, 260; outline of the act, 261 ; Mr. Mair objects to some of its articles, 262. Armstrong Rev. Robert, appointed by the Antiburgher synod as a missionary to Kentucky 388 ; he and Mr. Fulton constitute themselves into a presbytery, .'»94 ; extracts from his letters, relating the difficulties and prospects of the mis sion, 395. Arrot, Rev. Andrew, accedes to the Associate Presbytery, 1 76. Assei^blv (GeneraU. See General Assembly, ton 7Q- thev ao Associate Presbytery, formation ofthe, 72; reasons for its forraation, 72, they ap- Tolnt a commUtee to prepare an extended statement of the reasons of their pro- fesUtion bXre the Co'mm^sion, 73; publish their «"' Te^Jf^?"/' ^faiio^unm of belief published by them 80; resovetocontinue^^^^^t^^^^^^ the national church was '«f°™f'^' ?f ! '^*73"„b,y, gi; tbeir conduct vindicated, '^r';^<:^^ t^^r ^Sl^Sr J^! "t^^^^ - thera <., sermon, 95 ; 934 INDEX. make confession of sin to one another, 95 ; increasing applications for sermon, 1 00 ; overture respecting the training of youth for the ministry, IOI; appoint Mr. Wilson theological Professor, 102; give their final sanction to the Judicial Testimony, 102; their object in this publication, 103; accession of Thomas Mair and Ralph Erskine, 111; questions proposed to the Presbytery concerning terms of communion, 113 ; act concerning popular election, 121 ; upwards of seventy petitions for sermon laid upon their table, 122 and n. ; resolve to license young men, 122 ; enter Messrs. Hunter and Clarkson on trials for license, 124 ; have a libel served against them by the General Assembly, 127 ; they publish the libel with answers, 128; resolve to appear at the bar of the Assembly, 128; prepare an act of Declinature, 128; outline of the act, 128; licentiates; peti tions for moderations for nine congregations, 146 ; recommendation to the ad herents of Secession, 147 ; collision among the members regarding the appoint ment of public fasts, 147 ; act concerning public fasts, 148; invite Mr. White- field to come to Scotland, 132 ; hold a conference at Dunfermline with Mr. Whitefield, 156; their efforts to convert him iuto a Presbyterian ineffectual, 157; condemn the Cambuslang work, 166; appoint a fast on account of it, 166; their unfavourable opinion of Mr. Whitefield, 166; their conduct in this matter animadverted on by Mr. Robe, 167 ; have no lay elders for four years, 173; accession of Kinclaven and Abernethy sessions, 173; their unusual modes of procedure with reference to calls, 173; institute a fund for the support of students of divinity, 175; philosophical class instituted, 176; commence a course of missionary exertion, 177 ; send a preacher to Ireland, 177; sanction an act concerning the doctrine of divine grace, 1 78 ; resolve to renew the cove nants, 184 ; their dealings with Mr. Nairn, 185 ; answer Mr. Nairn's reasons of dissent, 187; engage in covenanting at Stirling, 188; the bond which they sub scribed, 189 ; declare covenanting to be the terra of ministerial communion, 191 ; appoint a solemn acknowledgment of public sins to be made, 192 ; con stitute themselves into a synod, 196. See Associate Synod. Associate Reformed Synod, formation of, in Pennsylvania, 334. Associate Reformed Synod in North America, its formation, 371 ; letter from, to the synod in Scotland, 630. Associate Synod. See Burgher Synod. Associate Synod, constituted by the Associate Ptesbytery, 196 ; consisted of three presbyteries, 196 ; the names of those who constituted the synod when first formed, 196 n. ; hold their first meeting at Stirling, 197; undertake a second mission to Ireland, 198; angry disputings upon the question of the Burgess oath, 198; introduce the Secession into London, 199; enter upon the consi deration of an overture concerning the Burgess oath, 210 ; different views of the synod regarding it, 210 ; meeting of synod in 1746 ; full attendance of ininisters and elders ; several healing raeasures proposed, and all of them re jected, 215 ; motion against the religious clause, 213; motion rejected, 216; Mr. Ralph Erskine and several others protest, 216 ; meeting of synod in Sep- tember,216; motion concerning raaking the former motion a term of communion, 217 ; Mr, Gib and others protest against putting this motion, 217 ; motion for delay carried; sixteen members protest, 217 ; meeting of synod in April, 1747, 218; a great interest excited, 218; discussions concerning the statement of the vote, 219; Mr. Gib's protest, 220; a vote stated concerning the decision of synod in 1 746, 220 ; Mr. Moncrieff's protestation, 222 ; the question concerning said decision put to the vote; carried in the affirmative, 222; Mr. Thomas Mair's declaration, 222 ; disruption of the synod, 223 ; a number of the brethren meet in Mr. Gib's house, 224 ; claim the authority of the Associate synod, 224 ; resolutions adopted by them, 224 ; condemnatory acts, 223 ; add two questions to their formula ; become divided into two separate portions, 226 ; these parties designated the Antiburghers and Burghers, 227. See respectively Antiburgher and Burgher Synods. Auchterarder, the presbytery of, refuse extract of licence to Mr. Craig, 10 ; Mr. Young presented to the parish of, in opposition to the decision of the General Asserably, 741. Auchterarder Creed, conderaned by the General Assembly 10. Authors of the Secession, 809 et seq. INDEX. 935 Ballantyne, Rev. John, some account of his life and writings, 913 916. Balmer, Rev. Robert, appointed Professor of Pastoral Theology, 691, 795 ; ho and Rev. Alexander Duncan exchange Professorships, 691. Bathgate, dragoons attend the serving of the edict of Mr. Thomas Laurie at, 34. Belfrage, Dr. Henry, some account ofhis life and writings, 886—890. Benevolent fund, regulations respecting the, 419. Bennet, Mr., of Ceres, noticed as an author, 922. Beugo, Rev. Gavin, accedes to the Secession, 144; grounds for joining that body. 144. Bible, attention drawn to the monopoly of printing it, 706 ; the United Associate synod memorialize Lord John Russell concerning it, 708. Biggar, Mr., his limitation in taking the oath of allegiance, 387 ; the synoa de clare it inconsistent to swear such an oath, 387. Biographical notices of Secession authors, 809 et seq. Bishops' courts, not to be acknowledged by the Antiburghers, 255. Black, Mr. David, his settlement at Perth opposed by the session and a raajority of the heads of families, 114; the General Asserably order the presbytery to proceed with the settlement, 115. Blair, Rev. Adam, noticed as an author, 924. Boston, Rev. Thoraas, strongly recoraraends the Marrow of Modern Divinity to some of his brethren, II ; dissents from the decision of Assembly respecting Professor Simson's case, 24 ; is strongly urged by the Moderator not to raark llis dissent, 25 ; is made choice of by the parishioners of Jedburgh to be their minister, 280 ; is rejected by the Crown, and another rainister presented to the vacant charge, 280 ; the people build a place of worship for him, 280 ; he gives in his demission to the presbytery of Jedburgh, 281 ; forms a connection with Mr. Gillespie, 282 ; he is chosen Moderator of the Relief Presbytery, 283. British and Foreign Bible society, movement of the Burgher sypod in favour of, 628 ; supported liberally by Secession ministers, 628. Broadfoot, Rev. William, ordained rainister of the Secession Church at Kirkwall, 392. Brown, Rev. Ebenezer, noticed as an author, 925. Brown, Dr. John, of Edinburgh, appointed Professor of Exegetical Theology, 691, 793 ; noticed as an author, 928. Brown, Rev. John, of Haddington, appointed Professor of Divinity, 543, 787; his systera of tuition, 787 ; his death 564 ; his character, 565 ; his exhortation to synod, 565 ; his life and writings, 854 — 859. Brown, Rev. John, of Whitburn, some account of his life and writings, 907 — 910. Brown, Dr. Thomas, noticed as an author, 925. Bruce, Rev. Archibald, elected Professor of Divinity, 336, 781 ; dissents against transmitting a report of Associate synod's comraittee to Pennsylvania, 349 ; his reasons of dissent, 349 ; dissents frora synod's declaration concerning their con nection with the brethren in America, 334 ; prepares a statement of principles respecting civil government ; 383 ; his statement not adopted by the synod, 383 ; protests against the act which required students of divinity not to cove nant in present circumstances, 435 ; he remonstrates and protests against the deeds of synod concerning the Testimony, 448 ; he and his protesting brethren decline the authority of synod, 449 ; presides as moderator at the formation of the ' Constitutional Associate Presbytery,' 451 ; disobeys the summons of synod to appear before the presbytery of Edinburgh, 457 ; sentence of deposition pronounced against him, 458 ; his address to his congregation, 458 : some ac count of his life and writings, 896—899. Bruce, Michael, his life and writings, 839—863. .j„„,„,i Buckhaven, meeting at, to promote the Secession union, 648; resolutions adopted aud published by the meeting, 649. Homnrs about Bunvan Mr. Andrew, licensed by the Edinburgh presbytery, 258 , demurs about unde tak ng a miss on to Pennsylvania, 258 ; his objections declared irrelevant. a^d he is deprived of his licence, 258 ; acknowledges h,s fault, and is adraon- 936 INDEX. ished, 258 ; dissents from synod's declaration concerning their connection with the brethren in America, 334 ; is sent with Mr. Stewart on a mission to Orkney, 391 ; they are captured by a French privateer, 391. Burgess oath, angry disputations concerning the, 198; the author's reasons for detailing the steps of the controversy, 208 ; overture concerning the oath, 210 ; Mr. Gib's views respecting the religious clause, 211 ; Mr. HaU's views, 212 ; motion raade concerning the religious clause, 214 ; counter-motion for delay, which is carried, 214 ; Mr. Gib dissents, and is joined by Messrs. Moncrieff and Campbell, 214; various healing measures proposed and rejected, 213; motioi against the religious clause, 215 ; motion carried, 216 ; Mr. Ralph Erskine and several others protest, 216 ; molien concerning making the former motion a term of comraunion, 217 ; Mr. Gib and others protest against the putting of this motion, 217; great interest excited, 218; discussions concerning the state ment of the vote, 219; Mr. Gib's protest, 220 ; a vote stated concerning the decision of synod in 1746, 220 ; Mr. MoncriefFs protestation, 222 ; occasions a disruption of the synod, 223 ; reflections on the breach which the oath occa sioned, 236 et seq. Burgher Synod, proceedings of, 227 ; send a letter to Mr. Thomas Mair and Mr. Gib, 228-, the synod meet at DunferraUne, 229; act of nuUity passed by thera, 230 ; letter to the Antiburgher brethren, 231 ; are served with a libel by their Antiburgher brethren, 232 ; charges contained in the libel, 232 ; are deposed and excommunicated, 234 ; first meeting of the, 497 ; ministers and elders present, 497 ; choose Mr. James Fisher as Moderator, 498 ; delay answering petitions from societies for serraon, 498 ; appoint a fast on account of the breach, 499 ; propose to enlarge the psalmody, 499 ; agree to observe another day of fasting and humiliation, 500 ; send ministers to preach in Ireland, 300 ; enjoin sessions and presbyteries to observe privy-censares, 502; formula of ques tions appointed to be put to elders, 502; a case of casuistry brought before them, 506 ; condemn episcopacy, 507 ; Mr. Matthew of Midholm joins the synod, 509 ; they take under consideration the difficulties of their Irish bretb ren, 510 ; the loss they sustain in the death of Mr. Ralph Erskine, 511 ; pass an act concerning the scope and design of the Testimony, 512 ; bring before them two causes of insubordination on the part of preachers, 51'6 et seq.; mourn the death of Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, 622 ; they mission Mr. Thomas Clerk to America, 523; acts for public fasts, 324; their attachment to the reign ing sovereign, 524 ; overture concerning tbe Testimony, 325 ; they testify against encourageraent given to tbe theatre by ministers, 527 ; formula of questions to be put to presbyteries on occasion of privy censures, 528 ; engage in the exercise of privy-censures, 530 ; proceedings concerning covenanting, 531 ; raake a collection for presbyterian ministers in America, 538 ; collection for evangelizing North American Indians, 538 ; petitions for serraon from Philadelphia and Truro, 538 ; they send out Messrs. Telfar and Kinloch, 339 ; enactment concerning students of divinity, 544 ; form a students' library, 344; pastoral warning issued to their congregations, 344 ; proceedings against John M'Cara, 546 ; decision respecting the constitutional powers of ininisters and elders, 548 ; decision respecting the Annat, 553 ; institute a fund for behoof of ministers' widows, 553; publish the Re-exhibition ofthe Testimony, 654; repel the charge of being schismatics, 555 ; their sentiments respecting the national church, 555 ; vindicate their continuing in a state of secession, 356; publish a ' Warning against Popery,' 558 ; send a deputation to Irish synod, 561 ; petitions laid before them for a union with their Antiburgher brethren, 361 ; improvement of the Formula, 562 ; regulations concerning students of divinity, 563; overture about mode of preaching, 563 ; pubUsh a ' Warning against Socinianism,' 556 ; agree to celebrate the centenary of the Revolution, 566 ; conference with members of Reformed Presbytery, 686 ; institute a fund for supporting weak congregations and aged ministers, 586 ; American mission appointraents, 570 ; send mission aries to Nova Scotia, 674 ; resolve to support the London Missionary society, 675 ; increase tlie salary of probationers, 676 ; appoint ministers to itinerate, 677 ; the Old and New Light controversy, 679 ; discussions on Mr. Fraser's re presentation and petition, 581 ; appoint a committee to review the questions cf the Formula, 582 ; delay giving judgment on the committee's overture, 583 ; adopt an Interira Formula, 589 ; several rainisters dissent frora the adopting of INDEX. 937 >t, 584 ; Mr. John Dick's sermon from the synod, 584 ; complaints preferred against Messrs. Dick and Lawson, 590 ; tho synod table covered with petitions, 390 ; motion by Mr. James Hall, 590 ; motion by Mr. Michael Gilfillan, 591 • latter motion carried, 591 ; dissents entered by a number of ministers, 591 • Preamble to the Formula adopted, 591 ; petitions against it, 595 ; debates upon the subject, 593 ; motion to adjourn the discussion of the question, 596 ; motion to disraiss the Prearable, 596 ; the former motion carried, 596 ; several rainisters and elders protest against the decision, 696 ; address published by synod, 597 ; they are charged with disloyalty, 600 ; spirited conduct of some rainisters on this occasion, 601 ; the synod vindicated by the Lord-advocate, 601 ; assailed by Dr. Porteous, 603 ; defended by Dr Peddie, 606 ; explana tory stateraent concerning power of the magistrate, 609 ; letter written to the separating brethren, 609 ; Perth process, 610 ; decided in favour of the New Light party, 611 ; interlocutor of Lords of Session, 611 ; application from Mr. Slason of New York for preachers, 618 ; recognise the Associate Reformed synod of America as a sister church, 619 ; articles of correspondence betwixt them and the American Reformed synod. 620 ; address the king on an alarm of invasion, 621 ; publish an address to their people, 624 ; are petitioned by the managers of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for aid, 626 ; liberal collections made, 627 ; receive a letter of thanks from managers, 627 ; movement in favour of British and Foreign Bible society, 628 ; scanty supply of students of divinity, 628 ; overture concerning students, 629 ; reproof administered to them, 629 ; letter from Reformed synod in Araerica, 629 ; answer returned, 630 ; petition from Halifax in Nova Scotia for a minister, 632 ; have in contemplation the enlarge ment of the psalmody, 632 ; petition parliaraent about missionaries to the East Indies, 633 ; address the Prince Regent on the termination of the war, 634 ; appoint a day of thanksgiving, 634 ; overture about education, 634 ; the over ture rejected, 635 ; answer to letter from Moderator of Original Burgher synod, 636; send four ministers to Nova Scotia and Canada, 636; memorial to synod on the state of the Highlands, 639 ; appoint a committee to concert raea sures for improving the Highlanders, 640 ; elect Rev. Dr. Dick Professor, 644 ; present an address to George IV., 644 ; movements towards a union, 644 ; eighty- eight petitions presented to thera, praying for a union, 649 ; appoint a numerous comraittee to correspond with Antiburgher brethren, 650 ; letter to Antiburgher synod relative to their proceedings, 650 ; basis of union adopted by, 654 ; arti cles of basis, 656 ; interchange of deputations between the two synods, 6o7 ; reunion of the synods accomplished, 661. See United Associate Synod. Burghers, why thus designated, 227; at the rupture assume the title of Associate svnod, 227 ; proposal for a union betwixt them and the Antiburghers m Ifeland, 426- terras of coalescence, 427; discussed in the Irish provincial synod, 428; Burtt^tev.^lr:" '(i-berweU, sent as a delegate from Congregational Union to United Associate synod, 696. C Caithness, the Secession introduced int^' 3^0- .^p^itefield's description of what he Cambuslang, extraordinary work at, 'f^, Mr "nue "-j ^.^^^ g^_ witnessed there, 163; the revival at, regarded in an^°^ the Associate ceders, 165; <=''"'™^r^'d°^v™Mr^ Robe f 67 opinions concerning it, 168; ^^^J:^:t:^^ ":a r 'tifsubje-'cts of the revival, 170. Cameroriians, principles of 'h^;^^; objectionable passages in his writings, 98 ; ^' le"nSc!ntrf th^isstfy with egard to him, 99. CamnbeU Rev. Robert, noticed as an author, 923. S"iSa mission to, by the I'-.f^f'^-'f saram'enYb^ld there, 405. Cane Ridge, extraordinary excitement at ^^'^^^'^f ^^.^^^ „f the tragedy of Carlyle,ofInveresk,altends the theatre on t^ p^ „,bytery, 626 ; libel put ^^t"htn^d^; 526:rd::^rrd d^rvlng of censure, 527. 938 INDEX. Carraichael, Rev. Robert, accused of heresy, and appears before the synod, 285 ; sUtement of his opinions, 286 ; is declared conturaacious, 287 ; deposed and excommunicated, 287. Carraichael, William, appointed to proceed on a mission to Nova Scotia;, 301 ; is relieved from his raissionary appointment, 301. Carolina, North, application frora, to General Associate synod, for a preacher, 358 ; the synod appoint Mr. Thomas Sraith, 358; he declines the appointment, 359. Carolinas, the Associate Presbytery of the, formed, 407. Centenary of the Revolution, resolution of the Antiburgher synod for celebrating the, 344 ; complaint against its celebration, 345 ; complainants receive from the synod a satisfactory explanatory declaration, 345 ; celebration of, by the Burgher synod, 666; reasons for its. coraraemoration, 567. Central Board, formation of the, 745 ; its activity, 746. Chalraers, Dr. , his description of the Voluntary church controversy, 719; hit misrepresentations of the Voluntaries, 723. Church of Scotland, circurastances connected with its state at the beginning of the 1 Sth century, 1 ; the act of Scottish parliaraent re-establishing the presby terian form of church-governraent, highly unpalatable, 2 ; act enjoining the oath of allegiance likewise unpopular, 2 ; character of the ministers admitted into it by the presbyterian formula, 4 and n. ; the imposition of certain oaths by gov ernment a source of division, 5 ; the oath of abjuration peculiarly offensive to, 5 ; the Caraeronians refuse to join its coramunion on account of its Erastian ism, 6 ; Arminian and Pelagian sentiments defended by its ministers, 8 ; cor ruption raakes rapid strides within its limits, 10; controversy in, originating in the republication of tbe Marrow of Modern Divinity, II; its ministers prohibit ed by an act of Assembly from recommending the Marrow, 13 ; a number of ministers draw up a representation against the act, 13 ; results of the Marrow controversy, 17; party spirit pervades all its synods and presbyteries, 18; the spirit of discontent spreads wider and wider among the people, 27 ; views of tlie first reformers concerning patronage, 28; the people remonstrate against it, 32 ; unbending spirit displayed by the more popular ministers, 32 ; the peo ple, groaning under the yoke of patronage, in vain apply for relief, 33 ; eccle siastical despotisra, 34 ; raeasures adopted well-fitted to secularize the church, 35 ; a way of escape from it opened up by the Secession, 36 ; arbitrary conduct of its courts, 42; Messrs. Erskine, Wilson, Moncrieff, and Fisher, expelled from its comraunion, 62 ; the people abandon the parish churches, and forra them selves into associations for prayer, 96 ; the breach betwixt the church and Se ceders widened bythe publication of the Testimony, 105; all the ministers required to read the Porteous act from the pulpit, 109; many of thera refuse, 109; violent settleraent at Denny, 116; another at Muckhart, 119; breach between the Secession and the Establishment irreparable, 141; spirit of hos tility displayed inthe Scottish church, 141 ; many of its ministers regret the separation, 143 ; Air. Whitefield's cause espoused by many of its ministers, 161 ; state of affairs after the breach in the Secession, 240; preponderance of the moderate party, 242 ; speciraen of the raode of government that prevailed in 1751, 245 ; its tyrannical proceedings create disgust and disaffection araong its best friends, 249 ; application to government for an increase in ' livings,' which is rejected, 250 ; Mr. Boston leaves its communion, 281 ; deplorable effects of Dr. Robertson's policy; 317 ; scenes of strife in the church courts, 319 ; violent inductions, 321 ; process against Dr. M'Gill for heresy, 369 ; a number of its ministers attend the theatre, 625 ; discipline inflicted on them, 526 ; Mr. Car lyle censured, 527 ; ministers cautioned against attending the theatre, 627 ; the arbitrary course of the ruling party cause many to desert their ministry, 634 ; the schism-overture, 635 ; sentiments of the Burgher synod concerning the National church, 555 ; the proposal to repeal the penal laws against Roman Catholics spreads general alarm, 567 ; the synods of the Establishraent pass strong resolutions condemnatory of the bill, 658 ; union proposed betwixt Ori ginal Burghers and Establishment, 613; the union accomplished, 617; associa- tionsformed for support of National chuich, 733; Church of Scotland Magazine, 738 ; Vindication of Establishments by Dr. Inglis, 733 Church-extension scheme, 742; remarkable discovery of the church-extensionists, 713 ; their charges against dissenters, 760. INDE-X. 939 Churchwarden oath condemned by the Antiburgher synod, 253. Clarkson, Andrew, entered on trials before the Associate Presbytery 1 24 ¦ his sen timents respecting the civil magistrate, 124; the piesbyt4ry dissatisfied with his statements, 126 ; he afterwards renounces his obnoxious sentiments, and re sumes his trials, 125. Clarkson, Mr., of Ayr, notice of, 924. Clerk, Mr. Thomas, missioned to America, 523; is prevented from fulfiUing his appointment, 623. Cock, Rev. Daniel, first Burgher minister who permanently settles in America, 642. Collier, Rev. Thomas, admitted to the charge of a congregation in Colinsburgh, 282 ; required by Messrs. Gillespie and Boston to give a solemn declaration of his faith, 282 ; is one of the first three members of the Relief Presbytery, 283. Commission of the General Assembly, appoint a committee to consider the Mar row of Modern Divinity, 12 ; propose twelve questions to the Marrow-men, 15 ; arbitrary and odious powers exercised by, 34 ; Mr. Ebenezer Erskine and other brethren appear before them, 66 ; interrogate Mr. Erskine at their bar, 65 ; re fuse to read his papers and those of his brethren, 66 ; aocount of Mr. Erskine before them, 56 ; call Mr. Fisher to their bar, and desire him to retract his protest, 57 ; next interrogate Messrs. Wilson and Moncrieff, 57 ; refuse to bear these two brethren read their representation, 58 ; refuse various petitions, 38 ; suspend the four protesting brethren, 38 ; effect of their harsh treatment, 59 ; appoint a committee to induce the brethren to retract their protest, 60 ; seven synods lay communications before them in favour of the suspended ministers, 60; appoint another committee to converse with the protesting brethren, 61 ; proposal of the committee, 61 ; which is rejected, 62 ; they loose the pastoral relation of the four brethren, and declare their churches vacant, 62 ; unable to carry their sentence into effect, 81 ; their sentence removed by the Assembly, 86 ; account of the Coramission, 318 n. Commission, Royal, appointed, 749 ; is not agreeable to churchmen nor dissenters, 7t0 ; conderanatory resolutions by Commission of Assembly, 751 ; Asserably's resolution respecting instructions to Coraraissioners, 751 ; resolutions of United Associate synod respecting tbe appointraent of Commission, 762. Communion, questions respecting terms of, 113, Confessions and Creeds, the practice of publishing them vindicated, 654. Congregational Union of England and Wales, letter frora, to the United Associate synod, 694 ; send Rev. John Burnet as delegate to the synod, 696. Constable-oath, condemned by the Antiburgher synod, 265. Constitutional Associate Presbytery, formation of, 451 ; reasons assigned for its formation, 451 ; they consider themselves as raartyrs and witnesses for the truth, 458 ; declaration published by them, 459 ; make a loud outcry against . the Antiburgher synod, 459 ; statement of points at issue between them and the synod, 461 et seq. ; remarks on the controversy, 468 et seq. Covenanting, the ceremony of, described, 192; remarks on covenanting, 193. Covenants, the Associate Presbytery resolve to renew them, 184 ; the draught of the, approved by aU the raembers present, except Mr. Nairn, 184; the bond publicly entered into at Stiriing, 189 ; names of those who subscribed the bond, 190 ; the renovation of the covenants declared to be a term of ministerial cora munion 191 ; qualifications of those who were admitted to subscribe them, 192 ; renewing of the, in 1806, by ministers and others, 421 ; the bond which they subscribed, 423 ; five ministers protest against the deed about covenanting, 446 ; extended reasons of protest presented by these brethren, 447 ; proceed ings of Burgher synod concerning covenanting, 531. Cowan, Mr. Robert, appointed to proceed on a mission to America, 299 ; his rea sons for not complying, 299. j ¦ tt •. j A„r.„i»to Cox, Rev. Dr., frora New York, is affectionately welcomed by United Associate synod, 693. ,„ Cr^e, Mr., refused extract of license by Auchterarder Presbytery, 10. rr»»H= »nd Confessions, the practice of publishing them vindicated, 5S4. Creeds and Confessions, the practice of publishmg ;ulbertson, Mr. Robert, noticed as an a 'urrie. Rev. John, of Kinglassie, highl] isters of Secession, 82 ; attacks the attempts to injure the Secession, IOS Culbertson, Mr. Robert, noticed «f .»" »""'°'' »2*- ^^^^ „f the first min- ^-^^•s^^^iX^^f-S^'^^MXr^irny, 105; his inefl^ctual 940 INDEX. D Dairy, Mr. Wilson preaches in a tent at, 100 ; anecdote respecting the patron of the parish, 100. Declinature, Act of, prepared by the Associate Presbytery, 128 ; outline of the act, 128; read by Mr. Mair before the Asserably, 130. Denny, complaint of the parishioners of, against the violent settlement of Jir. James Stirling, dismissed by the Assembly, 98 ; contendings of the people at, 115 ; they renounce the Establishraent, and connect theraselves with the Seces sion, 119. Derry, formation of the Presbytery of, in connection with the Burgher synod, 560. Dick, Mr. Alexander, sent by the Antiburgher synod as a missionary to Nova Scotia, 411 ; his arrival occasions much joy to the brethren, 412. Dick, Andrew Coventry, Esq., his speech at the formation of the Voluntary Church association, 731. Dick, Dr. John, his synod sermon, 584 ; it is published, and gives offence, 586 ; extracts frora it, 685 ; complaints preferred against him, 690; elected Professor of Divinity, 644, 792; curriculum of study pursued by him, 793 ; his death and character, 688 ; the synod's tribute of respect to his memory, 689 ; some ac count of his life and writings, 883 — 886. Directory for Election of Ministers, sanctioned by General Assembly, 30 ; con tinues till tbe restoration of Charles IL, 30. Discipline, First Book of, declaration of the, respecting patronage, 28 ; the Second Book opposes patronage, though only to a certain extent, 28. Dissenters, Case of, prepared by deputation of United Associate synod, 747 Dissenters, charges against^ by church-extensionists, 760; dissenters vindicated, 76 1 et seq. Divine grace, the Associate Presbytery pass an act concerning the doctrine of, 178 ; outline of the act, 178. Douglas, a tragedy, written by Mr. Home, 625 ; represented on the Edinburgh stage, 526 ; the theatre attended on the occasion by several ministers of the national church, 526 ; discipUne inflicted ou the ministers, 526. Douglas, Mr. John, of Kenmure, presented by the Crown to the vacant charge of Jedburgh parish, 280 ; the presbytery refuse to proceed with his admission, 280 Down, the Associate Presbytery of, formed, 509. Dragoons employed to aid the serving of the edict of Mr. Thoraas Laurie, 04. Dufl'us, the parishioners and the patrons opposed in the settleraent of a minister there, 115 ; the Assembly decides in favour ofthe patron, 116. Dumfries, the presbytery and synod of, ordered by the Assembly to enrol Mr. ' Jaraes Pursel as a member of their judicatories, 98, Duncan, Rev. Alexander, elected Professor of systematic theology, 691, 795 ; noticed as an author, 929, Dunfermline, presbytery of, refuse to enrol Mr. Stark as rainister of Kinross, 41 ; are summoned to the bar of the Asserably, and sharply rebuked for their con tumacy, 42 ; are peremptorily enjoined by the Assembly to proceed with the settlement of Mr. Richardson at Inverkeithing, 245 ; they refuse compliance, 245 ; the Assembly order all the raerabers of presbytery to meet on an appointed day, and to proceed with the ordination, 245 ; only three ministers attend, 246 ; reasons given in by ministers for not attending, 246. E Eaglesham, violent settlement at, 326. East India charter, renewal of the, 633. Edinburgh Christian Instructor, review of Mr. Marshall's sermon in, 726. Elders, formula of questions appointed by the Burgher synod to be put to, when convened for the purpose of privy censures, 502 ; decision of synod respecting their constitutional powers, asetseq. INDEX. 941 ^"tnTeT7i5''Tr'' \°- ?"r' ?*^ ' P'=""°"^ <¦"'• '** ' -ounter-petitions by dis- Co,n2ns ^is Irrlf"' °- ''™"f' "^^ S''' ^"'""" R- ^0^°'^ the House of L.ommons,748 .great meeting m London against additional endowments 758- proposed plan of ministers regarding, 759 ; plan condemned by Genera" AsLm bly, 759 ; plan not carried into effect, 760. uenerai Assem- Episcopal church, act of the Antiburgher synod concerning support of, "65 Erskine, Ebenezer, and Mr. Wilson of Maxton prepare answers to certain ' ques tions of the Commission respecting the representation of the Marrow-raen 16 • Erskine and other brethren protest against the decision of Assembly, concerning an overture relating to the method of settling vacant parishes, 40; their protest refused, 40; Erskine's character, 43; gives offence by his serraon preached at the opening of the synod of Perth and Stiriing, 44 ; a committee appointed to collect the passages which had given offence, 43 ; list of objectionable passages, 45 ; four charges founded upon them, 47 ; is denied a copy of the committee's report, 47 ; his answers to the charges, 47 ; the synod find him censurable for the expressions uttered in his sermon, 50 ; twelve ministers protest against this decision, 50 ; he resolutely adheres to his protest, 51 ; decision of the Assem bly regarding him, 31 ; presents a written protest against tbe sentence, 52; his paper not permitted to be read, 63 ; leaves the paper on the table and quits the Assembly, 33 ; bis paper being read, the whole Assembly is in an uproar, 53 ; is interrogated before the Commission, 56 ; the Commission refuse his papers and those of his brethren, 66 ; his appearance while at the bar, 56 ; he and the other brethren suspended, 58 ; declaration of adherence to their protestation, 59; become more popular from the usage they rceived, 59; present themselves at the bar of the Commission, 59 ; the paper which they laid on the table, 69 ; reject the proposal of committee to withdraw their protestation, 62 ; are de prived of their pastoral relation, 62 ; adheie to their former protestation, and claim the pastoral relation, 64; Mr. Erskine and others frequently represented as factious demagogues, 66; he was driven out of the communion of tbe church, 66 ; peremptorily ordered to withdraw his protest, 67 ; he is elected Moderator by the presbytery of Stirling, 87 ; declines the honour, 87 ; extracts of a letter stating his reasons for not returning to the communion of the Church, 87 ; after his deposition, is forcibly excluded from his church, 137 ; conducts the services in the open air, 138; engages to preach at Blairlogie, 141 ; the tent erected for him is broken to fragments, 142; stands conspicuously forward to oppose the rebellion of 1746, 203; raises by bis influence a band of six hundred volun. teers, 203 ; bis letter to the Marquis of Lothian, 204 ; for his activity and zeal receives the thanks of the Duke of Cumberland, 205 ; his letter to Mr. Thomas and Mr. Gib regarding the breach in Associate synod, 228; the students of divinity placed under his charge, 499, 786 ; the infirmities of age cause him to relin quish his charge of the students, 601 ; his share in preparing the exposition of the Shorter Catechism, 601 ; his last illness, 619; his death, 521 ; his character, 622 ; his life and writings, 810 — 819. Erskine, Ralph, joins the Associate Presbytery, HI; his reasons for withdrawing from the national church, 112; corresponds with Mr. Whitefield, 153; re fuses to htar Mr. Whitefield preach, 159; his death and character, 511 ; his hfe and writings, 835 — 844. Ferguson, Rev. Adam, moves for investigating the sennon delivered by Ebenezer Erskine before the synod of Perth and Stiriing, 46. Ferrier, Dr. William, noticed as an author, 926. „,lj,™. Findlay, Rev. Robert, Moderator of the presbytery of Stiriing, his singular address to Mr. Thomson at his ordination, 322. „. . .. , , Fisher, Edward, originally writes the Marrow "f Modern Divinity, H- Fisher Rev. James, protests against the -"tence of synod in the ese of Ebe^^^^^^ Erskine, 60 ; refused a hearing at the ™««^°e°f^„7^,if 61 ; grounds of his repeal refused to be transmitted by the -onimUtee of bU ^ ^J^^ ^^^ ^^^^_ 942 INDEX. elected Theological Professor, 501 ; completes the exposition of the Shorter Catechism, 502 ; frora infirmities of age resigns his professorship, 543 ; his death and character, 551. Fletcher, Rev. WUliam, noticed as an author, 923. Formula, representation and petition of Mr. Fraser to Burgher synod respecting its alteration, 580 ; a coramittee appointed to review the questions of the, 682 ; proceedings of comraittee on the, 682 ; an interim Forraula adopted, 583 ; several ministers dissent from its adoption, 584. Forrest, David, receives a call from the congregation of Midholm, and another from that of Stow, 516 ; he refuses to be ordained at Stow, 516; gives his con sent, and again draws back, 516 ; the call from Stow withdrawn, 518 ; he is rebuked for his contumacy, 619. France, John, appointed by Antiburgher synod to po on a mission to America, 299 ; states reasons why he cannot fulfil the appointraent, and, in consequence, his trials for licence are stopped, 299 ; afterwards obtains licence, but is not em ployed in missionary labour, 299. Fraser, Dr. Donald, noticed as an author, 928. Fraser, Rev. John, his representation and petition to Associate synod, 580 ; dis cussions in synod concerning it, 581 ; some account of his life and writings, 906. French Revolution, creates strong political excitement, 372; calls forth the loyalty of the Seceders, 373. Fulton, Andrew, appointed by the Antiburgher synod as a missionary to Kentucky, 388; he and Mr. Armstrong constitute themselves into a presbytery, 394 ; gives an account of the prospects that were opening upon the mission, 398. Gaelic students, encouragement given to, 310. Gellatly, Alexander, licensed and ordained with a view to his proceeding to Pennsylvania, 258 ; his death, 297. General Assembly, unpopular proceedings of, after the Reiolution, 2 ; injure the church of Scotland by their leniency in adraitting • conforra ' ministers into ministerial communion, 3 ; subject themselves to different charges, 4 ; depose Mr. John M'Millan on account of his anti-government principles, 7 ; suspend, aud then depose, Mr. John Hepburn, 7 ; their lenient deaUngs with Professor Simson for teaching error, 9 ; condemn the Auchterarder Creed, 10 ; refer a complaint made -against the Marrow of Modern Divinity to their Commission, 1 1 ; pass an act against recommending the Marrow, 13 ; rebuke and admonish the Marrow-men, 16 ; enjoin the Glasgow presbytery to examine into Mr. Sim son's opinions concerning the doctrine of the Trinity, 21 ; overture adopted by them respecting Mr. Simson, 23 ; have a long discussion, and bring in another overture respecting him, 23 ; these and other causes lead to the Secession, 27 ; they sanction a Directory for election of ministers, 30 ; order ministers to be inducted in opposition to the wishes of the people, 32 ; their mode of conduct ing a violent settlement, 33 ; enjoin the presbytery of Chirnside to proceed with a violent settleraent in the parish of Hutton, 36 ; arbitrary proceedings of the dominant party highly injurious to the church, 35 ; overture for producing uniformity in the method of settling vacant parishes, 38 ; refuse to redress the grievances of ministers and people, 41 ; pass an act discharging the presbytery of Dunfermline from offering any protest or dissent in the case of Mr. Stark, 43 n. ; impose restraint upon ministerial faithfulness in the pulpit, 43 ; fix up on Ebenezer Erskine for the purpose of making the experiment, 43 ; enter on the consideration of Mr. Erskine's protest, 51 ; their decision respecting him, 6 1 ; the whole Assembly in an uproar on hearing Mr. Erskine's paper, 53 ; order their officer to summon him and his three protesting brethren to appear at their bar, 54; overture adopted in regard to said brethren, 54; meeting of, in 1734, 82 ; appoint their Commission to petition for the repeal of the patronage act, 83 ; pass an act authorizing the restoration of the four brethren to their charges, 64; remarks on this act, 86; meeting of, in 1736, 93; measures adopted by them, 94; their meeting in 1736, 96; sanction an act against the intrusion of ministers into vacant congregations, 97 ; disregard this and similar acts in INDEX. 943 ency'let'ofl'nf r'f' " """P^'^i,"',"' the parishioners of Denny, 98 ; thoir leni- thrhope'Tof leLfrT ^"P''^"' 98 ; their proceedings completely dissipate n nTnl. r/^ '^'•^thren respecting a reunion, 99 ; their proceedings in 1737. 1 14 ; order various settlements of ministers in opposition to tho wish!s ofthe people, 114; are alarmed at tbe rapid progress of^ho Secession, 26 serve a libel against tbe Seceding brethren, 127 ; the Seceding brethren an'. pear at their bar in a constituted capacity, 130 ; appoint an overture against the Seceding brethren, 130; pass a sentence of deposition against thera, 134- their sentence renders the breach between the Secession and the Establishment irreparable, 141 ; abolish 'riding committees,' 244 ; rebuke the presbytery of Linlithgow at their bar for conturaacy, 245 ; peremptorily enjoin the presbytery of Dunfermline to proceed with the settlement of Mr. Richardson at Inverkeith ing, 245 ; their injunction not complied with, 245 ; they depose Mr. Gillespie, 248 ; take credit to themselves for not inflicting a similar sentence upon others, 248 ; pass a sentence of suspension upon three other ministers, 249 ; refuse a petition praying the removal of the sentence, 249 ; make an application to gov ernment for an augmentation of stipends, 250 ; opposed by the Scottish coun ties, and rejected by government, 250 ; tbey are taught a lesson of humUity, 251 ; their lordly system of government gives rise to tbe Relief presbytery, 279 ; Dr. Robertson's policy in the, 318; violent induction of Mr. Thorason into the parish of St. Ninians, 321 ; reverse a sentence of tbe synod of Glasgow and Ayr concerning process against Dr. M'Gill, 362 ; caution ministers against attend ing the theatre, 527 ; the schism overture introduced, 535 ; discussions con cerning it, 536 ; alarm excited by a proposal to repeal the penal laws against Roman Catholics, 557 ; they discuss tbe subject, 557 ; proceedings regarding patronage, 735 ; they pass the Veto Act, 737 ; regulations regarding calls, 738 ; scheme of church-extension, 742 ; petitions for endowments, 744 ; condemna tory resolution of the Royal Commission, 75 1 ; resolutions respecting instructions to Commissioners, 751 ; condemn the plan of ministers regarding additional en dowments, 759. General Associate synod. See Antiburgher Synod. George IV., his visit to Scotland, 675; the United Associate synod present a loyal address to him, 675. Gib, Rev. Adam, assembles his congregation at Dreghorn while the rebels kept possession of Edinburgh, 201 ; the raanner in which he addressed his people, 20 1 ; preaches for five successive Sabbaths in the open air, 202 ; disregards the pre sence of the rebels, 202 ; letters to him from the Marquis and Marchioness of Lothian, 205 ; his testimony to the loyalty of the Seceders, 206 ; his views re specting the religious clause in the Burgess oath, 211 ; on the disruption of the synod a number of the brethren meet at bis house, 224 ; his reply to Rev. Ebenezer Erskine respecting the breach in Associate synod, 229 ; his account of the privy-censures administered by the Antiburgher synod, 235 ; the synod constituted in his house, 251 ; opposes the proposal to address the king on the state of religion, 269 ; his sentiments in unison with those held by the Volun taries at the present day, 271 ; his overture respecting the Secession Testimony, 303 ; reasons for adopting it, 303 ; consideration of it postponed, 305 ; his protest against the decision of synod, 305 ; absents hiraself from the meetings of synod, 306 ; is called to account, 306 ; reads a paper in explanation of his conduct, 206 ; his paper inserted in the minutes, 307 ; overture rejected, 307 ; proposes that the synod should erase Mr, Masons name from their roll, 315 ; resumes his seat in the synod as formerly, 315 ; protests against the synod s entertaining the question concerning the mode of lifting the bread in the ordi nance of the supper, 327; his death and character, 354; sorae account of his life and writings, 845 — 849. Gibraltar, mission to, 674. Gilfillan, Rev. Michael, noticed as an author, 924. Gilfillan, Rev. Samuel, some account ofhis life and «'"t'"g=' ^'^T^^^^bytery for Gillespie, Rev. Thomas, of Carnock, ref^^ses to attend a meeting of presby ery lor the induction of Mr. Richardson 246 ,• represen at o^ give" '» y ^^^^^^ others to the Assembly, 246; •' 'J^P"^^^^ his oton P^y^ S his sentence, 248; continues to exercise his ™'n^'terml 1 , ^.^,^^H^^ ^^^^ for several months in the open flelds, 249 , he ana m the Presbytery of Relief, 249, 279. 944 INDEX. Glen, Rev. William, employed by the United Associate synod in translating the scriptures into the Persian language, 713. Glendoig, Laird of, supports an investigation into Ebenezer Erskine's synod ser mon, 45 ; how characterized by Mr. Wilson, 45 n. Graham, Rev. Hugh, labours in Nova Scotia for a number of years, 671. Graham, Rev. WiUiam, some account ofhis life and writings, 899 — 901. II Halifax, in Nova Scotia, petition from, for a minister, 632 ; Mr, Robson undertakes the mission, 632. Hall, Rev. Archibald, his views regarding the religious clause in the Burgess oath, 212 ; some account of his life and writings, 872 — 874. Hall, Rev. James, his motion respecting the second and fourth questions of the Formula, 590 ; which is rejected, 391 ; his motion to adjourn the discussion ofthe question concerning the Prearable, 396; joins the 'Old Light,' or Associ ate Presbytery, 600. Hepburn, Rev. David, his scruples concerning the power of the magistrate in matters of religion, 562. Hepburn, Rev. John, heads a party occupying a middle station betwixt the Estab lishment and the followers of Macmillan, 7 ; is suspended, and afterwards de posed from the ministry, 7 ; a considerable party adheres-to him, 7. Heugh, Rev. Hugh, his letter to the Moderator of Associate synod relative to a union, 631 ; is sent as one of a deputation to the Congregational Union of Eng land and Wales, 696. Highlands, missions to the, 639 ; memorial presented to Associate synod on the subject, 639 ; report on religious state of the, 640 ; Gaelic preachers trained up, 641 ; opposition made to Secession missions in the, 641 ; religious destitu. tion in, 642; unjust complaint against dissenters regarding, 642. Hill, Rev. George, protests against the deed of Burgher synod in retaining the Preamble to the Formula, 596 ; joins the Old Light Burghers, 600. Hog, Rev. James, of Carnock, republishes the first part of the Marrow, with a re commendatory preface, 1 1 ; is summoned before a committee to account for his conduct, 12; he vindicates himself, 12. Hog, Jaraes, appointed by Antiburgher synod to go to Araerica, 333 ; proves re fractory, 335 ; gives satisfaction, and is ordained at Kelso, 335 ; declines the authority of synod, and withdraws frora their comraunion, 449 ; is suramoned before the presbytery, but does not appear, 457 ; his death, 457. Home, Rev. John, of Athelstaiieford, publishes tbe tragedy of Douglas, 525 ; his tragedy brought upon the stage, 526 ; its representation attended by several ministers of the national church, 626 ; he demits his charge, 526. Horn, Rev. David, presents to the Glasgow presbytery the deraission of his charge, .547 ; the presbytery refuse to accept of it, 547 ; he appeals to the supreme court, who dissolve the pastoral relation, 547 ; is refused a seat in the court, 647 ; his claims as urged by hiraself, 647 ; decision of synod on his case, 548. Hurae, Rev. James, ordained by the presbytery of Ireland to be sent as a mis sionary to Pennsylvania, 257 ; assigns various reasons for not complying with his appointment, 237. Hume, Rev. William, appointed by the Antiburgher synod to go as a missionary to Kentucky, 402 ; arrives at the scene of his labours, and is settled at Nashville, 402. Hunter, Andrew, a mason, is taken to task by the Burgher synod for building an episcopal church, 506. Hunter, Rev. John, is entered on trials before the Associate Presbytery, 124; his sentiraents respecting the civil magistrate, 124; isthe first licentiate of the Secession church, 125 ; ordained minister of the united congregations of More- battle and StitcheU, 145; anecdote of Principal Robertson respecting bim, 146; his death, 146; reply of a Seceder to a meraber of the Establishment concerning his death, 147 ; notice of, 922. Hutton, parish of, the presbytery enjoined by the General Assembly to proceed with a violent settlement at, 35, INDEX. 945 " proc"eedw7.'J"r' ""'T" ''"'"'^ '"" Antiburgher synod, 233 ; attacks the the Tin .^ .^,. ^ "'^ ,'" ^""^^^ terms, 234 ; is deposed from the office of tlie ministry, 234 ; noticed us an author, 922. I Imrie, Robert, minister at Kinkell, is charged with heresy, 484 ; articles of libel put into his hand, 484 ; is rebuked and suspended, 487 ; decl.-iration made bv him, 489; sentence of suspension removed, 488; twenty-one ministers and four elders protest against this deeision, 488 ; decision reviewed, and reversed, 489; nine ministers and one elder dissent, 489; additional charges againsthim! 489 ; several articles of heresy proved, 490; he is solemnly deposed, 492; pro tests, and declines the authority of synod, 492. Indians. North American, scherae for evangelizing them, 275, 538. Inglis, Dr. John, his vindication of Establishments, 733 ; reply to it by Mr. Mar shall, 734. Ireland, manner in which the Secession was introduced into, 101 m. ; the Associate presbytery send a preacher to, 177; tbe Associate synod undertake a second mission to, 198; formation of the Associate synod of Ireland, 339; case of casuistry from, 387 ; deliverance of synod concerning it, 387 ; proposal for a union betwixt the Burgher and Antiburgher parties in, 426; discussed in the Irish provincial synod, 428 ; the union postponed, 428 ; discussions concerning Regium Donum, 478 etseq.; difficultie%of the Burgher brethren in regard to the swearing of oaths, 610 ; have encouragement given them by the synod, 510; increase of Secession there, 660; Synod of Ireland formed, 560 ; deputa tion sent from the Burgher synod to that of Ireland, 561 ; union of Seceders in, 637 ; missions of the Secession synod, 644 ; deputation of United Associate synod to, 67.S ; Irish brethren send deputation to synod, 673. Jack, Dr. Robert, notice ofhis life and writings, 910. Jaffray, Rev. Robert, noticed as an author, 924, Jamaica, missionaries sent to, from United Associate synod, 713, Jamieson, Dr, Hugh, noticed as an author, 924. Jamieson, Dr. John, some aocount of his life and writings, 878 — 88.3. Jamieson, Rev. William, appointed by synod to proceed to Philadelphia, 298 ; re ceives a call from the parish of Kilwinning, 298 ; his reasons for not going to America sustained by synod, 298. Jedburgh, the Crown gives the presentation of the church of, to Mr. Bonar, and afterwards to Mr. Douglas, in opposition to the wishes of the people, 280 ; the people make choiee of Mr. Thomas Boston, and build a place of worship for him, 280. Jerment, Dr. George, some account of his life and writings, 874—876. Judicial Testimony, finally sanctioned by Associate Presbytery, 102; ite design. 103 ; corrected and extended, 554. Jus devolutum, overture concerning the, 37; passed into a law, 38; Ebenezti Erskine and other brethren protest against it, 40. K Kentucky, the inhabitants of, made application to the Antiburgher_^nod for mis sionaries, 388 ; two preachers appointed, who are instructed to fc«^m «»« A^^o- oiate Presbytery of Kentucky. 388; th^ constUute thejnseh^^ mto a presby^^ tery, 394 ; letters from the .'"¦^'°°»"«» '"'f,^,''. ^fff 'reit opini"- concerning to, 402 ; great religious excitement at, 403 el seq. , ainei r- the excitement, 405, . . . , ,, withdraws from the communion of the KUpatrick, Mr. Wateon, minister a^ withdraws iro 946 INDEX. Burgher synod, 600 ; process before Court of Session regarding place of worship, 600. Kinclaven, the session of, give in their accession to the Associate Presbytery, 173; the solemn manner in which it was made, 173; Thomas Watson appointed their first lay-elder, 174. Kinloch, Rev, Samuel, goes on a mission to America, 640 ; receives a call from the congregation of Truro, 541 ; returns to Scotland, and is settled in Paisley, 341. Kinross, violent settleraent at, 41 ; complaints and petitions against the proceed ing rejected by the General Asserably, 41 ; the inhabitants of, apply for sermon to the Associate Presbytery, 95 ; petition for one of their elders to act as a member of presbytery, 174 ; their petition refused, 174, Kirk of Schotts, violent settlement at, 322. Kirkaldy, a committee of Associate Presbytery meet at, to prepare an overture regarding Mr. Nairn, 1 86. . Kirkwall, the inhabitants of, apply to the Secession for a supply of sermon, 390 ; erect a place of worship, 390 ; Rev. William Broadfoot ordained minister at, 392 ; Mr. Magnus Anderson employed as a catechist, 392. Laurie, Thomas, his violent induction, by aid of dragoons, at Bathgate, 34. Lawson, Rev, George, appointed Professor of Divinity, 566, 789 ; issues a pam phlet, urging forbearance, 387 ; outcry against it, 587 ; extract from It, 588 ; complaints preferred against Mr. Lawson, 390 ; his death and character, 642 ; synod's memorial of him, 643 ; some account of his life and writings, 864 668. Lay-preaching, representation of the Aberdeen presbytery to the General Asso ciate synod, concerning, 393 ; decision of the synod, 393, Lerwick, the Secession introduced into, 713, Lesly, disowns the civil government of the country, 113 ; is laid by the Presbytery under tbe sentence ofthe lesser excommunication, 113. Lethendy case, some account ofthe, 741. Lindsay, Henry, receives a call from a majority of the heads of families at Perth, 114 ; is rejected by General Assembly, 115. Linlithgow, presbytery of, proves contumacious, 244 ; rebuked at the bar of the General Assembly, 245. Literature and autlters of the Secession, account of the, 777 et seq. London, the Secession introduced into, 199. London Missionary society, liberaUy subscribed to by the members of Secession, 575. Lord's supper, diversity of opinion about lifting the bread and the cup at the or dinance of, 326 ; Mr. Smyton insists upon uniformity, 326 ; the matter brought before the synod, 327 ; resolutions of synod upon the subject, 330 ; these resolutions have the effect of consigning the controversy to oblivion, 331. Lothian, Rev. Andrew, noticed as an author, 924. Lowrie, Rev, William, notice of, as an author, 925. M M'Bean, JEneas, invited by the congregation of Pictou to take part in the min istry along with Mr. M'Gregor, 355 ; is appointed by the synod, but refuses to comply, 856. M'Cara, John, rebuked for neglect of duty ; he demits his charge, which is ac cepted, 646 ; the question proposed whether he ought to have a seat in the court, 546 ; is debarred sitting in any of the ecclesiastical judicatories, 547. M'Crie, Dr, 'Thomas, his doubts before his ordination concerning the power of the magistrate in reUgious matters, 380 ; the subject brought before the supreme court, 381 ; declaratory act of the synod on this point, 381 ; his doubts so far INDEX. 947 removed tbat h.e submits to ordination, 382 ; his representation and petition ^uncerning the power of the civil magistrate, 437 ; declines the authority of synoa, and withdraws from their communion, 449 ; disregards tho summons of tne presbytery, who remit his cause to tbe synod, 435 ; tbe synod depose bim from the ministry, 456 ; his opinion of tbe Veto act, 740 n. ; some account of Ins Mle and writings, 890 — 895. -M'CuUoch, minister at Cambuslang, a devoted admirer of Mr. Whitefield, 161- extraordinary success attending his preaching, 162. ' ' M'CuUoch, Rev. Thomas, resigns his charge at Stewarton, and embarks for Nova Scotia, 416 ; is admitted to the pastoral charge of the Associate congre gation of the Harbour of Pictou, 416 ; suggests to his brethren the formation of an academical institution, 416; is appointed president ofthe Pictou colle^'e, 417. M'Ewan, Rev, William, his scruples concerning the power of the magistrate in re ligious matters, 380 ; his scruples so far removed that he subraits to ordina tion, 382, M'Ewan, Rev. WiUiam, Dundee, sorae account ofhis life and writings, 868 871. M'Gill, Dr, William, of Ayr, publishes a heretical book, 359 ; heresies taught by hira, 360 ; scoffs at creeds and confessions, 361 ; process instituted against bim, 862 ; convicted of Socinianism, 362 ; makes an apology, 366 ; no adequate cen sure inflicted on hira, 368 ; the people disappointed by tbe result, 369 ; at terapts raade to revive the process, 369 ; complaint and libel against hira pre sented to the presbytery of Ayr, 369 ; is remitted to the General Assembly, 369; dismissed by the Assembly, a69 ; his heresies condemned by the Burgher synod, 366. Mackie, James, supports a proposal to investigate into Ebenezer Erskine's ser mon, 43 ; character of him by Mr, Wilson, 45 re. M'Millan, John, deposed by General Assembly, 7 ; resumes his ministry of his own accord, 7, Maconochie, Lord Advocate, vindicates the Burgher synod from the charge of dis loyalty, 601, Magistrate, scruples concerning his power in religious matters, 376 ; a committee of Antiburgher synod appointed to prepare an act relative to his power, 380 ; declaratory act of the synod regarding, 381 ; controversy regarding his power, 430 ; committee appointed to prepare the draught of an overture respecting it, 431 ; consideration ofthe overture delayed, 432 ; is remitted to sessions, 432; Mr. M'Crie of Edinburgh presents a petition to the synod conceming the ma gistrate's power, 437. Mair, Rev, Thomas, his accession to the Associate Presbytery, 111; gives his rea sons for withdrawing from the national church. 111; reads the Aet of Declina ture before the General Assembly, 130 ; his letter to Ebenezer Erskine respect ing the rupture in Associate synod, 228 ; objects to some of the articles con tained in the act conceming Arminianism, 262 ; charged with holding erro neous opinions, 262 ; dealings of the synod with him, 263 ; suspended from the exercise of his ministry, 265 ; deposed and excommunicated, 266 ; makes ap plication to be restored, 296 ; application unsuccessful, 296. Mair, Rev. William, noticed as an author, 922. tt •. j c Major, Rev. Charles F., of Strasburgh, accedes to the principles of the United be- Malan,' Rev. C, expeUed from his church at Geneva, 679; is adraitted a member of United Associate synod, 680 ; correspondence respecting the doctnnes held by him, 680. Manchester, Secession preachers sent to, 677. , , ., M;„»+mn 11- Marrow of Modern Divinity, controversy occasioned by its T^P""?""*;"",', ;' excUes agreatfemient araong the ministers ofthe Scottish church II ,^. complained of to the General Assembly as containing unscriptu aland dang^^^^^^ expressions, 11; extracts from it laid before th«f7rably 2 act P^^^^ j^^^ hibiting its rcommendation, 13; '"^^'^'Z Z^^J°j7rsy, 17; much zeal repealed, 13; important resuIU of the Marrow controversy , ^^_^^^^_^. displayed in suppressing the Marrow doctrines, IB, g Ma^rXlm-koId a meeting in order to get the obnoxious act against the Mar- 948 INDEX. row repealed, 13 ; agree to a representation to be laid before the Assembly, 14; their representation referred to the Commission, 14; twelve queries de livered to them by the Commission, in reference to the representation, 13 ; agree to answer the questions under a protest, 16 ; are rebuked and admonished by the Moderator of Assembly, 16; present a protest, which is refused, 16 ; subject of their protest, 17; have the current of popular opinion strongly in their favour, 19; their communions numerously attended, 20 and n. Marshall, Andrew, broaches opinions opposed to sound doctrine, 289 ; is rebuked, and debarred from church privileges, 289. Marshall, Rev. Andrew, of Kirkintilloch, his sermon on Ecclesiastical Establish ments, 723 ; its publication produces an instantaneous and powerful impression, 725 ; is reviewed in the Edinburgh Christian Instructor, 726 ; his letter to the Rev. Andrew Thomson, 727 ; publishes ' Ecclesiastical Establishments farther considered,' 728 ; powerful impression produced by his publications, 729 ; his reply to Inglis' Vindication of Establishments, 734 ; character of his writings, 927. Mason, John, settled in New York, 297 ; advocates a coalition with the separating brethren, 314; his name struck off from the roll of Antiburgher synod, 315; visits Scotland, and makes application to Burgher synod for preachers, 618; several ministers accompany hira to America, 619. Matthew, Patrick, joins the Burgher synod, 509. Memorial to Lord John Russell^ frora United Associate synod, 758 ; Lord Rus sell's letter in reply, 765. « Mercer, Rev. James, supports a proposal to investigate into Ebenezer Erskine's sermon, 45 ; Mr. Wilson's character of him, 45 m. Mid-Calder, origin ofthe Secession union at, 646; statement published by Com mittee, 647. Ministers, regulations of Antiburgher synod respecting the support of 420 ; reso lution concerning their stipends, 482 ; formula of questions appointed by the Burgher synod to be put to them when convened for the purpose of privy, cen sure, 504 ; fund instituted for behoof of their widows, 634 ; decision of synod respecting their constitutional powers, 648 et seq. ; fund instituted for the sup. port of aged ministers, 569. Missionaries in India, petition of Associate synod in behalf of, 633. Missionary societies, spread of, 383 , tbe Antiburgher synod pass an act disapprov ing of their constitution, 384 ; remonstrances against this act, 385 ; United As sociate synod's extended plan of missionary operations, 710 ; scheme of home missions, 711. Mitchell, Dr, John, elected Biblical Professor, 679 ; noticed as an author, 928. Moir, Rev. Andrew, sorae notice of his life and writings, 863. Moir, Rev, James, noticed as an author, 923, Moncrieff, Rev, Alexander, protests against the decision of synod of Perth and Stirling in the case of Ebenezer Erskine, 60 ; is refused by General Assembly a hearing in support of his reasons of protest, 61 ; adheres to his protestation, 32 ; he and Mr. Wilson interrogated at the bar of the Comniission, 57 ; refuses to retract his protest, 57 ; after his deposition preaches in the open air, 137 • appointed Professor of Divinity, 161, 778; suffers spoliation of his property by the rebels in 1 745, 203 ; proposes to address the king on the state of religion, 269; his proposal rejected, 271 ; again brings forward his motion to petition the king, 273 ; his death and character, 273 ; some account of his life and writings, 825 — 636, Moncrieff, Rev. John, noticed as an author, 925. Moncrieff, Rev. WiUiam, elected Professor of Divinity 274, 779 ; course of study pursued by him, 780 ; his death, 336 ; his disinterested labours, 837 ; noticed as an author, 922, Monnard, Rev, John, missioned to France, 714; his death, 716. Morison, Rev. James^ some account of his life and writings, 902—904. Moyrah and Lisburn, the presbytery of, present an overture to the synod to pro mote a union betwixt the two bodies of Secession, 331 ; the synod disapprove ofit, 332. Muckhart, parish of, applies for sermon to the Associate Presbytery, 96 ; violent settlement at, 119, Murdoch, James, appointed by Associate synod as a missionary to America, 299.' INDEX. 949 N ''ta"' ;"'dits!:rS thi d^^u^rotttT^vintrd^'^"^' '"'" "^ ^"^ •>-"-• bytery. 184; deaUngs of the Presbytery;irhl''T8T.Te r' """"^ ""'''• nection with them, 186 • anerilv nHH™.L '""'•.'85 ; he renounces his con- answers to his reasons of '^,'187 l"e' rTnthis^h"', TY'I ^«« = synod, 252; he declines the aut'horily^f synod and w^\hdra"w^ f'' Anti^rgher 262; is deposed and excommunicatid, 262rCorTedbv Refer ?p"T'' tery, 253 ; returns to the national church 25r-T»kp. .^u,** ?™'''5'- 254 ; rebuked in the Kirkcaldy presbyte^, Sin " •""""" «''"f«=''on. Narrative and Testimony, presented to the Antiburgher svnod 4V\ ¦ dr»n„i.* ^t : considered, 433; revision of it finished. 439; if en^^dand pubUshed' V39 ^5ded to TTn '^y Messrs M.crie, Whytock, and others. 439 f ntrod'uttion added to It, 440; made a term of communion, 441; extracte from it 442 ministers and others required to join in the bond, 446. ' New Light controversy, account of the, 579 et seq. New York presbytery, formation of the, 314; the Antiburgher synod refuse to acknowledge it. 814. = j Ninians, St., forced induction of Mr. Thomson into the parish of, 321. Nisbet, Rev. Alexander, notice of, 925. Nova Scotia, formation of the presbytery of, 359; communications from the breth ren there, 408 ; make an urgent request for more missionaries, 409 ; two mis sionaries sent by Antiburgher synod, 411 ; address of the presbytery to the synod, 412 ; union of Presbyterians in, 495 ; sorae inhabitants of Londonderry. in Nova Scotia, petition for sermon, 541 ; Messrs. Cock and Smith sent to, 542 ; Mr. Cock the first Burgher minister who permanently settled there, 342 ; Mr! James Thorburn appointed to go to Nova Scotia, 370 ; his appointment not fulfilled, 570; exertions of the Burgher synod to send missionaries to, 573; two missionaries sent, 374 ; union of Presbyterians there, 637, O Oath of abjuration, enjoined to be taken by all ministers, 6 ; is peculiarly offen sive to the Presbyterian clergy, 6 ; popular feeling against' the ministers who had taken it, 6, Oath of allegiance, passing of the, by parliament, gives grievous offence, 2, Old and New Light controversy, account ofthe, 579 etseq. Old Light Burghers, forra themselves into an Associate Presbytery, 600 ; consti tute themselves into a synod, 609 ; the Perth process, 610 ; decided in favour of the New Light party, 611; attempt to effect a union with tbe Original Anti burghers, 613; proposed union betwixt the Old Light and tbe EstabUshment, 613 ; the union consummated, 617 n. Qrkney Islands, introduction of the Secession into, 389; account ofthe religious state of these islands, 389 ; rapid progress of the Secession there, 390 ; happy effects attending the labours of Seceders, 391 ; affecting incident, 391. Parliament, Scottish, proceedings of the, 2. Pastoral charge issued by Burgher synod, 644 ; extracts from it, 546. Paterson, Rev. David, noticed as an author, 929. Patronage, considered a great evU by tbe Reformers of the Scottish churcb, 28 ; condemned in the First Book of Discipline, 28; and in the Second, though to a limited extent, 29 ; is abolished by pariiament in 1649, 30; again revived at the restoration of Charies II., 30; alternately abolished and revived, 31 ; dis- cussions concerning, 33 ; what provided by the law of, 37 ; fruits of, 241 ; pro ceedings in General Assembly regarding, 736. Patterson, Rev. James, noticed as an author, 924. 950 INDEX. Paxton, Dr. George, appointed Professor of Divinity by the Antiburgher synod. 477, 764 ; resigns his Professorship, 672 ; notice of his life and writings, 918. Peddie, Dr. Jaraes, his paraphlet in defence of Associate synod, 606 ; noticed as an author, 926. Pennsylvania, petition from, to the Associate Presbytery, for sermon, 177 ; appli cation to the Antiburgher synod for rainisters. 257; Mr, Andrew Bunyan re' fuses to proceed thither. 268 ; raissionaries sent to. from the synod, 259 ; four other missionaries despatched, 274 ; presbytery of, 298 ; appointment of stu dents to go to, 298 ; the Antiburgher and Burgher brethren form a coalescence, 300 ; almost all the brethren of tbe presbytery of, form a union with Reformed Presbytery. 333 ; design themselves the Associate Reformed synod. 334 ; the presbytery of. become jealous of the jurisdiction clairaed and exercised over tbem by the Scottish synod, 847 ; they propose articles of co-operation, 348 ; a committee of synod appointed tn consider their affairs, 349 ; pres bytery of, strengthened by the addition of several ministers, 368, Perth, Mr. Black's settlement at, by Assembly, in opposition to the session and majority of the heads of families, 114; the session of. give in a declaration of secession from the judicatories of the national church, 174 ; anoraaly connected with the session. 174 ; the theological seminary opened at. 778. Perth and Stirling, synod of, offended at Ebenezer Erskine's sermon preached be fore them, 44; appoint a committee to collect the offensive passages, 45; eight objectionable passages brought before them by committee, 46 ; lay four different charges, against Mr. Erskine, 47 ; find Mr. Erskine censurable for the expres sions used in his sermon, 60 ; follow up this decision by another to rebuke him, 60 ; this decision protested against by twelve ministers, 50 ; refuse hearing a petition in his favour, 51 ; act of, in 1734, restoring the four Seceding breth ren, 66, Philadelphia, resolutions of the Associate synod of, respecting the holding of slaves, 1 94 ; they petition the Burgher synod for sermon, 638. Philosophical class, instituted by the Associate Presbytery, 1 76 ; first taught by Mr. Archibald, and afterwards by Mr. WUson, 176; object for which this class was instituted, 259 ; Mr. Alexander I^rie, teacher of, accused of recommend- ipg heterodox books to the students, 269 ; curriculum prescribed to those who attended it, 293 ; examinations, 293 ; report of an examining comraittee, 294 ; removed from Kirkcaldy to Edinburgh, 333. Pictou, the inhabitants of, petition Antiburgher synod for Mc, Macgregor's services, 336 ; tbe synod accede to their request, 336 ; petition the synod to send out Mr. M'Bean, 355 ; Mr. M'Bean refuses to coraply, 856 ; the college of, found ed, 417; Mr. M'Culloch appointed its presideut, 417; the Associate Pres- bytery of, resolve to establish a fund for the advancement of religion, 493 ; opposition made to the acaderay of, 682 ; is supported by the United Associate synod, 683 ; sura raised for it hy Secession students, 686 ; its charter remo delled, 687. Pierson, James, appointed by Associate synod to proceed, after licence, on a mis sion to Nova Scotia, 301 ; refuses to fulfil the appointment of synod, 301 ; afterwards receives licence, 301 n. pirie, Alexander, teacher of the Philosophical class, 289 ; accused of recommend ing heterodox books to the students, 289 ; subjected to discipline, 290 ; de prived ofhis Ucence, and excommunicated, 290 ; leaves the Secession, 291, PoUok, Robert, notice of his life and writings, 916 — 918. Poor, bill for tbe relief of the, 676 ; opposed by United Associate synod, 676 ; legal opinion concerning maintenance of the. 676. Popery, the Burgher synod publish a warning against, 558. Popular election, act of Associate Presbytery respecting, 121. Porteous, Dr., of Glasgow, pamphlet by, against the Associate synod, 603 ; ex tracts from the pamphlet, 603 ; he is chastised by Dr. Peddie, 606. Porteous riot, account ofthe, 106 ; the Porteous act, 109 ; excites great dissatis faction in the country, 109 ; the act refused to be read by many ministers of the Established church, 109. Potts, Mr., noticed as an author, 922. Preachers, resolutions of Antiburgher synod respecting the appointment of, 420. Preamble to the Formula, adopted by ijurgher synod, 591 ; remarks on it, 592; INDEX. 951 6^6 fmotfofto'adtoum flt^d" "•'°" "i" l^'J^"'' '^'' "'°«''° to dismiss it. «>ini'ster3 eYde='rrpre:i'tgtrrZdts:n.T9r '"'""^' "« ' '--' '^'Srrno^ratn:."49;! '*=°"=" '°™^«°- °^' "^ ^^« -"'¦' "^ three presby. "'dlSrortbtr^^Lrc;^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ '» -^'-o e^ectth. Pringle, Dr. Alexander, notice of bis life and writings 9'>0 Privy-censures, formula of questions appointed by Burghs synod to oe put to elders when engaged in, 502 -, formula of questions proposed to ministers, M4 formula of questions to be put to presbyteries, 528. Probationers of the Burgher communion, their salai^ increased. 576 ¦ thev net! ion the synod, 576. ' ' '^ Professors of Divinity, list of Secession, and dates of appointment, 807 Proudfoot, John, averse to go to America, 301. Psalmody, the Wells-street congregation petition its enlargement, 632 ; the As sociate synod appoint a committee to exaraine the paraphrases and hymns, 632, Public fasts, act of the Associate Presbytery concerning, 148 ; difference of opinl ion respecting it, 146; gives offence to many of the best friends of Seces- sion. 150. Public fund of Antiburgher synod, regulations of the, 309. Pullar, William, appointed to go on a mission to America, 336 ; resisU the ap pointment. 836. Pursel, James, violently intruded into the parish of Troqueer, 98. R Ramsay, James, appointed by Associate synod to proceed on a mission to Pennsyl vania, 301 ; states some difficulties, which are reraoved by synod, 301 ; taken to task for not fulfiUing his engagement, 802 ; receives a call from a congrega tion in Glasgow, and is inducted as their minister, 302, Rebellion of 1 746, loyalty of Seceders during the, 200. Re-exhibition of the Testimony, publication of, by the Associate synod, 654 ; do cuments contained in it, 554 n, ; extract, vindicating the practice of publish ing creeds and confessions, 554. Reformed Presbytery hold a conference with a coramittee of the Burgher synod, 568. Relief Presbytery, circumstances in which it originated, 279 ; Messrs. Gillespie, Boston, and Collier, agree to call themselves the ' Presbytery of Relief,' 283; choose Mr. Boston for their moderator, 283 ; rapid increase of their congrega tions, 284 ; has no influence in impeding the progress of the Secession, 284 ; proposed union with United Associate synod, 700; interchange of deputations, 702 ; resolutions of Relief synod respecting the union, 702. Regium Donum, discussions concerning, 478. Rennie. Rev. Archibald, his violent settlement in the parish of Muckhart, 119; paucity of hearers during his long incumbency, 120. Revolution, resolution of Antiburgher synod for celebrating the centenary of the, 844 ; complaints against its celebration, 345 ; complainants receive from the synod a satisfactory explanatory declaration, 345 ; the Associate synod agree to celebrate the centenary of, 566; reasons for its commenioration, 567. Richardson, Andrew, presented to the parish of Inverkeithing, m opposition to the people, 245 ; the presbytery of Dunfermline refuse to proceed with his set tlement, 245. Rit^Mrhii^'srvlrtaSverston on the condnct of the Associate Presbytery Ro;iteol:\^n\iX-%t:t^^ succeeds in estabUshing the doctrine that a cTwas not Lcessary to effect a settlement, 242 ; his policy m the General Assembly, 318 ; his prudence extolled, 318 K^^amToSCrh/uXtates^ ml.ion to Nova Scotia, 632. 952 INDEX. Rodger, John, appointed to proceed on a mission to Pennsylvania, 301 ; is called to an account for delaying to fulfil his appointment, 301. Roman Catholics, repeal of penal statutes against, 312 ; alarm excited by this measure. 312; the Antiburgher synod testify against the repeal, 313 ; remarks upon it, 313 ; proposal to repeal the penal laws against them in Scotland, 667 ; the synods of the Establishment pass strong resolutions condemnatory of the bill, 558; the Burgher synod pubUsh a ' Warning ' against popery, 658; re marks on the repeal of the penal laws, 659, Royal Commission appointed, 749 ; appointment neither agreeahle to churchmen Hor dissenters, 749. Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Burghers make liberal collections in aid of, 627 ; letter of thanks from managers, 627, Russell, Lprd John, memorial to, by United Associate synod, 753; bis Letter in reply, 756. 1 s Sabbath evening schools, representation of the presbytery of Aberdeen laid before the General Associate synod concerning, 393 ; the synod's decision on the mat ter, 393 ; it gives dissatisfaction to some parties, 394, Schaw. Dr. William, noticed as an author, 929. Schism overture, introduced into the General Assembly, 685 ; discussions con cerning it, 536 ; it is rejected, 636 ;.is discussed in periodicals, 637. Scott, Rev, James, noticed as an author, 922. Scottish Central Board, formation of the, 745, Seceders, make a formal declaration of secession, 64 ; vindication of the first, 65 ; were driven out of the communion of the national church. 66 ; the ground which tbey occupied at that tirae, 68 ; extent of the Secession, 69 ; Seceding breth ren meet at Gairney Bridge, 71 ; form themselves into the Associate Presby tery, 72 ; reasons which influenced them in taking this step, 72 ; first Testi mony published by the, 73; their popularity, 82; an act passed by General Assembly to restore them to their charges, 84 ; they refuse to accede, 87 ; pro ceedings of Assembly of 1736 completely dissipate their hopes of a reunion, 99 i loyalty of Seceders during the rebeUion of 1 745, 1 99 ; forra corps of volunteers, 201 ; vindicated from the charge of disaffection, 206 ; subscribe a declaration of loyalty, 372 ; insinuations thrown out agiiinst their loyalty, 374 ; a coramittee of synod appointed to vindicate them from the charge, 374, Seceding ministers, falsely charged by tbe Duke of Argyle as exciting the Por teous rest, 107 ; tbey condemn the Porteous aet, 109; appear at the bar of As sembly in a constituted capacity, 1 SO ; overture adopted by tbe Assembly against them, ISO; sentence of deposition pronounced, 184; conduct of the magis trates towards them after their deposition, 137 ; riotous opposition made to them, 142. Secession, causes whicb led to it, 27, 35 ; formal declaration of it, 64 ; vindica tion of the fathers of the, 65 ; did not originate in a factious spirit, 69 ; quali fications of tbe first ministers ef the, 102 ; adherents of, form themselves into societies for prayer and religious conference, 112; the rapid progress of, gives alarm to Ihe General Assembly, 126 ; tenants belonging to the, persecuted by their landlords, 142; attacked by the press, 142; is introduced into London, 199; continued prosperity of tbe, 285, 543; its planting and progress in the Highlands, 310; progress of, in Orkney, 391 ; increase of, in Ireland, 560; liberality oftbe members of Secession in contributing for missionary purposes, 575 ; union of Secession church in Ireland, 637 ; literature of the, 777 et seq. ; authors of the, 609 et seq. Secession church, union of, 645 ; predisposing causes, 645 ; first movement of, 646 ; statement published by committee of Mid-Calder, 647 ; meeting at Buck- haven, 646 ; resolutions adopted and published. 649 ; eighty-eight petitions for union presented to Associate synod, 649 ; union committee appointed by As sociate synod, 650 ; seventy-four petitions presented to General Associate synod, 651 ; union committee a.ipointed by, 651 ; meeting of united coramittee, 652 ; high importance of their work, 652 ; their peculiar qualifications for it) INDEX. 953 653 ; basis of union prepared by sub.committee, 653 ; adopted by Associate synod, 654 ; several ministers in Antiburgher synod dissent from adopting the basis, 666, 658 ; articles of basis. 656 ; interchange of deputations between the two synods, 657 ; engage in devotional exercises with each otber, 658 ; great in terest excited by the proposed union, 660 ; meeting of the two synods, 660 ; reunion of the synods accorapUshed, 661 ; remarks on the union, 663, Shanks. Rev. Alexander, noticed as an author, 922 Shelby, remarkable revival at, 406. Shetland isles, mission to, 715. Shorter Catechism, a committee of Burgher synod appointed to prepare an expli- cation of, 498 ; completed by Jir. Fisher and published, 502. Sirason, Professor, libelled before the presbytery for teaching error, 8 ; his un scriptural opinions clearly established, 8 ; is not subjected to censure, 9 ; is again guilty of teaching error, 20 ; charges preferred against him, 21 ; his manner of conducting his defence, 22 ; charges against him fully substantiated, 22 ; overture adopted by Assembly respecting bim, 23 ; remarks on the Assera- • bly's decision, 26. Slavery, the United Associate synod petition parliament for tbe abolition of, 675 ; resolutions of Associate synod of Philadelphia respecting the holding of slaves, 494 ; declaration of Antiburgher synod concerning, 343. Smart, Rev, William, noticed as an author, 926. Smith, Rev. David, appointed by Associate synod to go on a mission to America, 642. Smith, Rev. John, missionary in Demerara, 677 ; condemned by court-martial for exciting rebellion among the slaves, 677 ; dies under harsh treatment in the colonial jail, 677 ; resolution of United Associate synod in his case, 678 Smith, Thomas, appointed by Antiburgher synod to go to North Carolina. 368; refuses to submit to the appointment, 359. Smyton, Rev. David, desires a uniformity of practice in the mode of lifting the bread and the cup in the ordinance of the supper. 326 ; protests against the pro cedure of the presbytery, 326 ; his protest disraissed by the synod, 326 ; ex- presses his dissatisfaction with the judgment of the synod. 328; urges a reversal of their.deed for mutual forbearance, 329; proves contumacious, and is suspend ed from the exercise of his ministry, 329, Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian knowledge, 275; makes application to Antiburgher synod for assistance in evangelizing the North American Indians. 275 ; application favourably received, 275. Society-men, or Cameronians, their principles, 6. Socinianism, Warning against, published by Burgher synod, 566. Soleran Warning published by Antiburgher synod, 267 ; some extracts from it, 267. Stark, Mr., violent settlement of, at Kinross, 41 ; the presbytery discharged the offering or receiving any protest or dissent against hira, 43 n. Starke, Dr. Jaraes, noticed as' an author. 929. Statistics ofthe United Secession church. 771. Stevenson. Rev. George, protests against the deed of synod respecting the basis of union, 658 ; noticed as an author, 926. Stewart, Dr. John noticed as an author, 926, Stirling, Jaraes, his settlement at Denny in opposition to the parishioners, 98, 116, Stirling, presbytery of, ordered to induct Mr. Thomson into the parish of St. Ninian's, 321 ; put off the settlement for seven years, 321 ; proceed to St. Ninian's, and find the manse shut against them, 322 ; are almost carried per force into tbe church, when they go on with the induction, 322. Stuart, Mr., sent on a mission to the Orkneys, 391 ; is captured by a French pri vateer, 391. Students of divinity, regulations of Antiburgher synod respecting, 41 8 ; act re lative to their covenanting, 435 ; their course of theological study enlarged, 476 ¦ enactment of the Burgher synod concerning, 544; students' theological library formed, 644; regulations respecting, 563; scanty supply of, 628; overture of synod concerning, 629 ; reproof administered to tbem, 629. •Swanston. Rev. Andrew, some notice of his life and writings, 852. Iwan on Rev. John, ordained at Kinross, 600; succeeds Mr. Fisher as Profes sor of Divinity, 643 ; his death, 543 ; some account of his life and writings, 850. 954 INDEX. Telfar, Rev. David, his letter to Antiburgher synod respecting the union of the Antiburgher and Burgher ministers in Pennsylvania, 300; the letter meete with an unfavourable reception, SOO ; he is appointed by Burgher synod to pro ceed on a mission to Philadelphia, 539 ; is accompanied by Mr, Kinloch, 340 ; settles at Pennsylvania, 542 ; the people of New Cambridge petition for his settlement amongst them, 670. Testimony, the first published by the Secession church, 73 ; summary of its con tents. 74 ; the second or Judicial Testimony. finaUy sanctioned by the synod, 102; is distinguished from the first, 102; what was the design of it, 108; its beneficial results, 104 ; is attacked by Mr, Currie. 106 ; Mr, Gib's overture concerning, 803 ; his reasons for adopting it, 803 ; tbe consideration of it postponed, 305 ; committee appointed to extend the Testimony. 432 ; a new Testimony proposed, 433 ; review of it finished, 438; is enacted and published, 438 ; extracts from it, 442 ; ministers and others to join in the bond, 446 ; five ministers protest against the deed about covenanting, 446 ; extended reasons of protest presented by these brethren, 447 ; a new edition of the Testimony being required, it is agreed to omit the obnoxious clause, 495 ; act of Burgher synod concerning the scope and design of the Testimony, 612; the object of its publication, 512; overture concerning it, 525; a Re-exhibition of it pub lished. 554 ; the documents which it contained. 564 n. ; a New Testimony adopted by United Associate synod. 681. Theological seminary of the Secession church, commenced under Mr, Wilson of Perth. 778 ; transferred to Abernethy, 776 ; Mr, Alexander Moncrieff Profes sor of Divinity. 778; philosophical class commenced at Abernethy, 776; cur riculum of study pursued in it. 779 ; the seminary transferred to AUoa, 779 ; course of study pursued under Mr. William Moncrieff, 780 ; Professor Bruce and the Hall at Whitburn, 781 ; account of the exercises prescribed at Whit burn, 762; Professor Paxton and his system of tuition, 764; Mr.. Ebenezer Erskine takes charge of the students in connection with tbe Burgher synod, 786 ; succeeded in the Professorship by Mr. James Fisher, 786 ; Mr. Fisher resigns, ard is succeeded by Mr, John Swanston, 787; Divinity Hall at Hadding ton, 767 ; system of tuition by Professor Brown, 787 ; theological seminary under the Rev. Dr. Lawson of Selkirk, 789 ; Rev. Dr. Dick elected Professor, 792 ; Rev. Dr. Mitchell associated with Dr. Dick in his labours, 795 ; course of theological study greatly enlarged under the United Associate synod, 796 ; Messrs. Duncan, Brown, and Balraer, elected Professors, 795 ; course of study at present pursued in the United Secession church, 796 ; small expense of the theological seminary. 806 ; Ust of the Professors, 807. Thomson, Dr.. of Edinburgh, reviews the Rev, Andrew Marshall's Sermon on Ecclesiastical Establishments, 726 ; Mr. Marshall's Letter to him in reply, 727 ; publishes a Defence of Ecclesiastical Establishments, 727. Thomson, Dr. Adam, of Coldstream, noticed as an author, 929. Thomson, Rev, David, forced induction of, into tbe parish of St. Ninians, 321 ; singular address to him by Mr. Findlay, 322, Thomson, Dr, Henry, noticed as an author, 929, Thomson, Rev, John, sent as a deputation to the Irish synod, 561 ; noticed as an author, 923. Trinidad, missionary sent to, by the United Associate synod, 713, Troqueer, Mr. James Pursel violently intruded into the parish of. 98, Truro, tbe inhabitante of, petition Burgher synod for sermon, 638 ; the Truro presbytery petition for additional missionaries, 574. u United Associate synod, the two synods form themselves into the, 661 *, first meet ing of, after the union. 668 ; papers presented by protesters. 668 ; summary of principles published, 669 ; new Formula prepared, 669 ; pastoral address to INDEX. 955 the people, 670; final resolution of protesters, 671 ; declaration of synod on the subject, 671 ; Professor Paxton, and other ministers leave the synod, 671 ; home missions appointed, 672 ; deputation to Ireland, 673 ; mission to Gib raltar, 674 ; present a loyal address to George IV., on his visit to Scotland. 675 ; petition parliament for abolition of slavery, 675 ; oppose a biU affecting the interests of Secession poor, 676 ; resolutions respecting the case of Mr. Smith of Demerara, 676 ; elect Dr, Mitchell Biblical professor, 679 ; Rev. C. Malan admitted a member, 680; adopt a new Testiraony, 681 ; support the Pictou academy, 683 ; tribute of respect to tbe memory of Dr. Dick, 689 ; extend the plan of theological tuition, 690 ; appoint three new Professors. 691 ; letter to synod from the General Assembly of America, 692 ; give an affectionate wel come to Dr. Cox, 693 ; receive a friendly letter from the Congregational Union of England and Wales, 694 ; tbeir answer, 695 ; deputation to Union, 696 ; express their satisfaction with the bills brought before parliament for im proving tbe Scottish Universities, 697 ; these bills thrown aside, and another introduced, which gives dissatisfaction, 697 ; resolutions of synod condemnatory of the biU. 697 ; proposed union with Relief church, 700 ; appoint a deputa tion to wait upon Relief synod, 702 ; declaration concerning stipends, 704 ; enactment concerning competing calls, 705 ; enactment respecting elders from vacant congregations sitting in church-courts. 706 ; their attention drawn to the Bible monopoly question, 706 ; present a memorial to Lord Russell, 708 ; send a deputation to London, 709 ; extended plan of missionary operations, 710 ; scheme of home missions, 711 ; mission to Canada, 712; missions to Jamaica and Trinidad. 713 ; the synod employ the Rev, Mr. Glen in translating the scriptures into the Persian language, 713; obtain a footing in tbe Shetland isles, 715 ; the mission fund, 716 ; petition against endowments, 746 ; send a deputation to London, 746; resolutions respecting the appointment of tbe Royal coramission, 752 ; send a memorial to Lord John RusseU, 753; Lord Russell's letter to synod in reply, 766 ; extraordinary meeting of synod, 757 ; views of, concerning Establishmente, 765. United Secession church, statistics of the, 771. Universities of Scotland bUls introduced into parliament, for their improvement, 697 ; these biUs withdrawn, and another introduced which gives dissatisfac tion to dissenters, 697. Veto Act, passed by the General Assembly, 787 ; condemned by Anti-patronago society. 739 ; Dr. M'Crie's opinion concerning it, 740 n. ; ite illegality de clared by Court of session. 741 ; case appealed to House of Lords, 741. Voluntary church controversy, 718; Dr. Chalmers' description of it, 719; state- ment of the question, 719; misrepresentations corrected, 721 ; commencement of the controversy dated from the publication of the Rev, Andrew MarshaU s serraon, 724 ; Voluntary church association formed in Edinburgh, 730 ; Mr, Dick's speech at ite formation, 731 ; Voluntary church association forraed in Glasgow, 732; similar associations formed over the country 732 ; Voluntary church Magazine, 732; Voluntary church motion in House of Commons, 732; extensive diffusion of Voluntary- church principles, 738; resulte of the contro. versy. 766. w Walker Rev. David, noticed as an author, 923. „-..,„., Warntng against Popery, publication of the, by tbe Burgher synod, 558 , extracts wlrn^gatst Socinianism, published ^y tjie Burgh so 6^^^^^^, Wat, Jamel appointed by Antiburgher synod to go on am ^^^^^^, ^^ ^,^_ licence, and excommunicated, 378. 956 INDEX. Wateon, Rev, WiUiam, withdraws from the commumon of the Burgher synod, 600 ; he and others form the Original Burgher presbytery, 600. Waugh, Dr., the fundamental principle of the London Missionary society origin ally framed by hira, 575 ; his successful exertions in behalf of that society, 673, Webster, Rev. James, libels Professor Simson before the presbytery, 8. West Linton, the congregation of, refuse to pay the Annat to the minister's widow, 333 ; decision of Associate synod on the subject, 363. Whitburn, formation of the ' Constitutional Associate Presbytery " at, 451 ; theo logical seminary at, 781 Whitefield, Rev. George, his gre it labours and popularity, 151; invited by the Seceders to come to Scotland, 152; correspondence between him and the Messrs. Erskine, 153 ; he arrives at Leith, 166 ; preaches in Mr, Ralph Er skine's pulpit in Dunfermline, 166 ; his conference with the Associate Presby tery, 156 ; efforts to convert him into a Presbyterian ineffectual, 157 ; dialogue between him and the Presbytery at their conference, 168 ». ; unsatisfactory issue of the conference. 159; his cause espoused by the popular party in the church of Scotland, 161 ; condemned by Seceders asa deceiver and a destroyer of souls, 165 ; is warmly eulogized by bis friends, 166. Widows' fund, formed hy Antiburgher synod, 276 ; overture respecting. 808 ; fund formed by Burgher synod. 553, Williamson, Rev. David, some account of his life and writings, 902. WiUis, Rev, William, his motion to dismiss the Preamble, 696 ; motion lost, 396 ; he proteste against the decision of synod, and leaves their communion, 396 ; he and some others form the Old Light or Associate Presbytery. 600. Wilson, Rev. David, succeeds Mr, Archibald in tbe charge of the Philosophical class, 176 ; noticed as an author ,923. Wilson, Rev, Gabriel, proteste against sentence of Commission deposing the four protesting brethren, 63, Wilson, Rev. Robert, noticed as an author, 930. Wilson, Rev. William, of Perth, proteste against the decision of synod in the case of Mr, Ebenezer Erskine, 30 ; is refused a hearing at the bar of Assembly, 61 ; adheres to bis protestation, 62 ; is interrogated at the bar of the Commission, 37 ; refuses to retract, 67 ; is perplexed as to the path of duty. 88 ; afterwards feels thankful for having joined tbe Seceding brethren, 89 ; by the proceedings of Assembly he is prepared to go along with his brethren, 99 ; preaches at Dairy, 100; is chosen Professor, 102; his high qualifications for the office, 102; defends the second Testimony against the attacks of Mr. Currie, 103; sentence of deposition against him sumraarily and rigorously carried into effect, 188; preaches in the open air, 139; account of his deatb. 160; testimony to his piety and worth by Professor Brown of Haddington, 1 60 ; account of his Ufe and writings. 619 — 825. Wylie, Rev. James, refuses to be ordained over the church at Donachlonny, 313; his reasons for refusal answered, 314 ; pleads guilty to his offence, and urges the plea of bad health for remaining in Scotland, 515; the call of the people in Ireland withdrawn, 615; noticed as an author, 923, Wotherspoon, Rev. Laurence, publishes an essay, which is declared heretical, 288; is rebuked and suspended, 286 ; expresses his penitence, and his sentence re moved, 269. Young. Rev. George, his letter to the moderator of Antiburgher synod relative to a union, 650. Young, Rev, John, Hawick, publishes a pamphlet in defence of the British govern ment, 376; anecdote concerning it, '876n. ; it obtains an extensive circula tion. 376 ; pension offered to him, which he refuses, 376 ; complaint made to the synod concerning his essays, 876 ; a coramittee appointed to examine them, 376 ; some account of his life and writings, 876 — 878. FULLARTON .^ND CO., PRINTEIIS, EDINBURGH. 3 9002 00818 3288