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M »«--;. Av\VA\.ve, i-^C. ru .... i' /r- i- TO ''I'' L^ IT E L^ J { ESI D E N T , THE VICE-PRESIDENTS, TilK MANAGERS A:N1) MEAlBElliS OK THE ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY, MONTREAL. PREACHEU BEFORE THEM ON THE ANMVEUSARV OF TIIEIK dOClETy, AND PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST, IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, RV TUKir. OBEDIENT .SERVANT, TTI K A r Til OIL seemo:n " Walk about Xion, and go round about her, tell tho towers the: eof-m well her bulwarks, consider her palaces ; that v tiou3 Ibllowing."— P*. xlviii, 12, 1?. ark e may tell it to the genera- My countrymen, and Christian friend8,-it cannot be to us an object of much importance, whether our text bp as some imagine it to be, a grand, but laudable expression of national partiality, or which is much more likely, from the strain and structure of the Psalm itself, a fervent call on the citizens, to acknowledge by a solemn religious act, the Di- vine goodness manifested in some recent deliverance of the Jewish capital from imminent danger. In either ca<.e we can easily enter into the feelings of the inspired penman If in generous pride, he invites us to contemplate the exter- nal grandeur, and internal beauty of the « City of the Great King,»_the palaces, avA the Temple of the " Holy Moun- tain," with their strong vural defenses, frowning defiance on every foe. we readily sympathise with the patriotic en- thusiasm, that leads him in spirit-stirring strains to exult in the glory of Ins country. This is the common sentiment of humanity, not the peculiarity of a race. We all love the ]and we call our own. Every expression of admiration or regard for the land of his nativity that comes from the lips of another, touches a harmonious string in our own hearts and instantly, as if by magic power, our own native land with Its smiling landscapes, and endearing recollections start up before our minds. Or if with others we suppose' that ihe Psalmist's design is to lead us in solemn reii^us procession around the intact walls of Zion, which proud and powerful foes had confederated to level with the dust w can with equal, or even greater facility, enter into the spirit of glowingpiety, which directs the admiring eye to the lofty lowers of Zioii, rcaniiar ti.cir 'ri.T-n.iin i i ■ Uoca,u,ol, ray frie„d,, <,vo„ i„ i.n.ginatio,,, cn,„o,„plalu c ro„„..„,l,e, ,l,„ ..upcdou, ..an^acion, ,l,a, i o"l,e .e.rsac,odcara,=,er„„ every objee, we !„„,< „„o V ° !,•""' "': •''"' '"'' •"■' ™"^"'. -XI deela, h1 r * pi u jic. vve everywhere fnf<« H; . A,o,s.e|. we l,e,„. ,li, awful v„ice-we see Hi, wo,," -".■l<„,g |,a„J. This is „,„e ,ha„ ,he exci.e, ," ,r I bel alf ol I,,, anc,e„l people, f„, with Iheir privileges L n,eU,urcl, of G„d, our owu .,pi,i,„„| privi^e, aT „" na^eybleuded. The very God wl,o dwel, i„'|,e pala es Followi„g„,„,i,i, viewof il,e le.vl, we mi»i,| a,„„ni,ri ale.y »„d prnrl.ably eall your a„e„.io„',„ vour V il ' T, ' prospecs a, ,„o,„ber, of ,|,e C.urcl, of Chris.-,„ ,i,: cl de,ree w,ll, wl,ieh you ,„ay rely o„ the Diviue favor Id prcee.o.y,, every diffieully a„d in everv dauger, if you are uuly God s people ; a„d ,o ,l,e obliga,i„„,°wl ich Z expenenee „, ,l,e I)ivi„e g„„d„e,s irapoL,-vi.. bumble su.o,,„s.,o, ,o ,1,,, will of God-fai.l, in Hi, p,.„,J4t! gra„u,de ,„r Hi, ,„e,eie,, a„d .he diligen, ,„o ,,ea io of employ ,,,e beauua,. languag, of ll,e (ex., we n,ig!„ iuvi.e II uiibroK-eii lalient j)oiii' '13: ill stalely (^nce, \vl)it;li elects llieni i'oulJ u-aicli '■i in tlie (lay :ont('inpIalt! 'salmi-st so oly ground, ler tirncfj." it inscribe i|)Oii. Wo the; doing.s dared His trace His 3 wonder- lement of pired jjoet. Jcliovah," vileges as ^ are iiifi- palaces rcver and approjiri- lege.s and the conli- favor and r, if you 'liich tlie humble smises — cation of 1. Or to ht invite 5 you to walk about Zion and go round about hcr-to tell lu-r towers, and , nark l.er bulwarks, and consider her palaces tliat we might tell it to posterity. * ' But we purpose in this discourse, very slightly to depart ro.n th.s general, and more obvious course of illustratlo' by accommodating our text to the peculiar circumstances winch have brought us this day together " within the courts of God s House." VVe trust we shall not go beyond the legitimate bounds, which the rules, both of just imer prctation, and faithful application of scripture, allow bv rnakmgonr remarks bear directly on those distinguishing eharactenstu..s of her people, that under God constitute at once the security and ornament of Scotland-thai form her nZ?,Trf' ^'"""''"'^ ofdefer.e-and the glory in the midst of her. =" •' It must be a pleasing, and lo a well conslitutcd mind a profiiable croploymcrt, to cherish Ihe tender and benevolent .eealllhepleas.ng.neidcnlsofjomh-inmelrj., to ,„„se e™e s^of le? "" ,"".""'=' --"y"— » -ark ,l,a el c of the laws and institutions whieh we have been aught to venerate, on the inlelleetual. moral, and religious sl with a profound knowledge of the human heart, and a warmth of enllmsiasra that did honor ,0 his feelings,. ."It man is li„ e ,„ be envied whose patriotism would i^o, »ai„ foree, on the plains of Marathon, or whose piety woiUdlo" grow warmer among the ruins of lona." Nor is that man to be envied, my eoun.rymen, whose thonghls seldom rever o the ineidents of early life, and the dis,ing°„ishi„g events in hi nation's history. Or, who seaning the record of the pa "• feels not his hear, more firn^ly bound to his eoun.ry ■ fee s' not a more arden, affeetion for his countrymen ; feels „« a more fervent love fo, thai Gracious Rein/ who ha I , up so many sources of enjoyment, in the^'swee; ec'll cZs bLtin^ • "°"'"'' "" "" ^""' "> ™-^ -'™al B 6 My brethren, it ought to be to us, a matter of heartlelt grati- tude to God, that in turning our thoughts to our common country, we have so many noble objects to admire ; so many beautiful models to imitate ; so much that has a direct ten- dency to transfuse into our own characters the virtues of our f^rey-haired sires, whose venerable forms rise up before us with something of that awful reverence which we pay to beings of a srperior nature. Give me for a little your atten- tion, my brethren, while, with the finger of admiration, I point to your beloved native land, and bid you marlc well the gracious arrangements of a kind Providence, so visible in her history and institutions. Although the gnawing tooth of time has left some marks of its destroying power on the towers and bulwarks, raised for the nation's defence, by the profound wisdom and indomitable courage of our Godfear- ing fathers, still there is enough visible to command admir- ation, and call forth our profound regard. God is still known in her palaces for a refuge ; her intellectual might, her moral grandeur, her religious excellence still remains intact ; her time hallowed institutions which have diffused happi- ness through the halls of the rich, and contentment and peace around the cottage hearths of the poor, survive the hostile attacks of their impious assailants, and still secure the rights, privileges, and liberty of all classes of the people. Let her children continue true to themselves, loyal to their Monarch —faithful in the service of Him who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and long with patriotic enthusiasm, they will be able to appropriate the triumphant language of the He ore w Monarch, " walk about Zion," &c. In taking a cursory glance at Scotland— her people— her in- stitutions: first of all turn your eyes to her intellectual strength. Scotland has achieved a renown through the intellect of her gifted sons, wide as the globe ; and more enduring than the massive monuments, which a grateful nation erects, to per- petuate the memory of those who have adorned her with ihcir virtues, or died in her defence-the products of Scottish thought and Scottish energy ; like strong towers erected for beauty ' heartlelt grali- our common mire ; so many ,s a direct ten- i virtues of our up before us icli we pay to ittle your atten- f admiration, i ou mark well ;nce, so visible gnawing tooth f power on the ■jefence, by the of our Godfear- immand admir- God is still ;tual might, her remains intact ; iiffused happi- nent and peace me the hostile !cure the rights, eople. Let her 1 their Monarch King of Kings tic enthusiasm, ant language of &c. people — herin- lectual strength, intellect of her iduring than the 1 erects, to per- d her with their Scottish thought cted for baauty and defence, rise gracefully over the length and breadth of the land. Born of divine truth-cradled in continual struggles lor civil and religious liberty ; " nurtured by the sincere milk of the word ;'Miving in the blessed light, and breathing the iree air of heaven, the national mind early burst from its swathing bands of ignorance and superstition, and attained a masculine vigor, which fitted it to grasp the most stupen- dous truths in science and philosophv. And now and again, disporting amidst the wild flowers of romance and poesy which spring up spontanec , from the softer and gentler feelings of the religious heart, it acquired a gracefulness and ease that has rarely been equalled, and never surpassed by the genms of any other nation. The products of Scotch literature and thought, are as varied as they are bold and beautiful— we cannot describe them— we can only " tell her towers." Were we to examine the distinguishing excellen- cies of each, the shades of evening would descend upon us and call us away to other duties, before we could have done' Her divines and moralists-her philosophers and poets- Jier historians and statesmen-her men of erudition and practical science-her warriors and artificers-we must past them all by, without even a passing tribute to individual worth Advancing in long and unbroken succession, at first they seem like god-like shadows out of the dim profound of past ages. But as they near our times they give defined lorm and practical development to their genius-genius that has extorted from nature some of her profoundest secrets, and has compelled into its service, some of her most stupendous powers. The still equal march of Scotland, with the most enlightened nations of the earth in the paths of literature and science ; her unflagging energies, whether exhibited in the fascinating pr d uctions of the pen and pencil, or in the com- plicated mechanical forms that start into existence from beneath the hammer-her freedom of thought, and prudence ot action, at once spurning away spiritual despotism and the tyranny of arbitrary power, give goodly promise that the line of her worthies " shall extend far into the future with undiminished — yea, with increasing glory. The fruits of Scottish intellect, as exhibited in the growing wealth and splendour of her cities — in richer crops waving in her natur- ally sterile fields, and under her somewhat Inclement skies, than ever gladdened the eye of the husbandtnan on the most fertile soils, and genial climes. Her vast mineral resources, extracted in shapeless lumps from the dark bowels of the earth, and by the combined skill of science and art, presented in the most beautiful forms, for the uses or elegancies of life or converted by the brawny arms of her artisans into propel- ling poswer for those stupendous palaces she has set afloat on every sea, or those elegant vehicles that give the speed of the winds to human intercourse, and bid fair, not far hence, to bring the utmost ends of the earth into contiguity " and man wi' man the world o'er shall brithers be," are living monuments of our country's greatness — trophies of her intel- lectual might. They are her strong towers of defense — for they are attended with a consciousness of power and inde- pendence, in which she can securely trust, should a foreign foe threaten her peace ; and with the will and ability to repel the aggressor that would endanger them, and being all connected by one living band of union, the free and enlight- ened minds and loving patriotic hearts of her people, they stand as " a wall of fire around our much loved isle." Per- haps no country in the wide world affords such a happy il- lustration of the benefits arising from intellectual cultivation, and the diffusion of knowledge among all classes of the community, as Scotland at this day presents to the eye of the intelligent stranger. In the second place, brethren, I invite you to " mark well her bulwarks" — the moral habits of the people of Scotland ; — that present the most formidable bulwarks against the en- croachments of tyranny and oppression, and give such se- curity to the rights and the liberties of all classes of the com- munity. Without a wide difiusion of truth and of virtue, a people could neither appreciate, nor obtain real freedom. Liberty and morality are inseparable companions. The ■y. Tlie fruits of wing wealtli and ving ill her natur- fnclemenl skies, dinan on the most nineral resources, irk bowels of the and art, presented elegancies of life tisans into propel- slie has set afloat at give the speed fair, not far henee, contiguity " and s be," are living iphies of her Intel- 's of defense — for power and inde- , should a foreign ill and ability to em, and being all ! free and enlight- her people, they loved isle." Per- such a happy il- sctual cultivation, .11 classes of the ;nts to the eye of )U to " mark well opie of Scotland ; ks against the en- nd give such S2- lassesof the com- 1 and of virtue, a lin real freedom, ompanions. The truth maketh mon free indeed. Surely, brethren, never was there a people so bles.ed of heaven, with the knowledge of the truth, and the faithful inculcation of the duties founded on It, as the people of Scotland have been. The hi-h prin- ciples of conscience,, of the fear of God, and of rev^'erential respect for all his laws, were impressed upon the hearts of her people with sacred care. Jn public, in private, in the church, and around ,« tho clean hearth stane," the doctrines and the duties of morality and religion were solemnly incul cated These were the subjects of constant and profound thought with our pious forefathers. They conceived, and they conceived rightly, that the firmest foundation on which they could rest the nation's freedom and glory, and peace was in the well-informed minds, and well enlightened and cultivated hearts of her people. They foresaw that the surest bulwarks they could raise, to protect the ri"hts and privileges of all classes, from the usurpations of ambi- tious power, on the one hand, and the dangerous encroach- ments of popular tumults on the other, was the fear of God and a sacred regard for the dictates of an enlightened cons! science. They judged, and they judged rightly, that the best way of making Rulers just, generous and benignant and the people loyal, happy and independent-independent jn the noblest sense of the word-was to give them an edu- cation based on the word of God, and to cultivate the moral sentiments. This, they set themselves to do, calmly sys tomatically, perseveringly ; they struggled against the'most lormidable opposing difficulties, till success crowned their foils. The blessed fruits of their efforts have been a com- bination of moral excellencies, that have qualified their children for filling offices of the highest power and trust with credit to themselves and honour to their nation. Mark well your country's bulwarks; to which with the blessimj of God, you owe the peaceful enjoym.ent of the fruits of your industry, and the security of your lives and liberties. IMiigh intellectual developrr^ent and the general diffusion of knowledge, by evokin^^ i<« resources, give grandeur and 10 strength to a nation, it is a terrible grandeur, a dreadful strenglri, for they may be turned and have ever been turned, to the destruction of all that is great and good, when not directed and controlled by a pure morality. There is a fearful sublimity, in uncontrolled intellectual might. Like the rush of the tempest it sweeps everything in its course, into indiscriminate confusion and ruin. But like the sweet breath of the Spring, that wakes from the yielding earth in- numerable forms of beauty and beneficence, intellectual energy tempered and purified by a pervading piety, and re- gulated by moral principles, by calling forth the industry and accumulating the enjoyments of man, and at the same lime awakening a conscious independence and love of li- berty, will advance him in the scale of social elevation and spiritual enjoyment. "^rd. Consider her palaces.— Consider the deep religious sentiments of the Scottish people. Our religious sentiments are the true abodes of Majesty— the seat of legitimate autho- rity and supreme power — God is the Lord, He is Ruler over the Nations. He alone is to be feared and held in reverence by all his creatures, A deep reverential acknowledgment of a divine Super- intending Power, is the fundamental principle of the British Constitution. And it implies a sacred respect for the wor- ship of God, and dutiful obedience to all lawfully constituted authorities, in the legitimate exercise of their functions, as the vicegerents of heaven. " Let every soul be subject to the higher powers— for there is no power but of God— for the powers that be, are ordained of God." " Whosoever there- fore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God" is the absolute law of the Almighty. Our civil duties are thus placed on a sacred basis, and enforced by the awful sanctions of Je- hovah himself. We mean not to entangle ourselves ii those speculative disciit^^sions, respecting the nature of this "di- vine right"— discussions in which many monstrous doctrines have been broached ; on the one hand demanding as a sacred duty abject submission to the will of the Supreme Magifttrate, n eur, a dreadful it been turned, 3od, when not y. There is a il might. Like in its course, t like the sweet elding earth in- ce, intellectual J piety, and re- ih the industry nd at the same and love of li- xl elevation and deep religious jious sentiments egitimate autho- He is Ruler over eld in reverence a divine Super- le of the British ;ct for the wor- 'fuUy constituted iir functions, as )ul be subject to but of God — for kVhosoever tliere- iceof God"is the s are thus placed sanctions of Je- arselves ii those lure of this " di- nstrous doctrines iding as a sacred reme Magistrate, under all circumstances whatsoever ; and on the other hand claiming for the ever fluctuating opinions of the popular mind, or even for our own capricious judgments, a right to deter- mine to whom, and to what extent we should yield our obedience. The only standard of duty is the will of God. The knowledge of His will is to be earnestly and diligently sought after, both by Rulers and people. By the one, that Ihey may know with what limitations they have a right to exact obedience. By the others, that they also may know, to what extent it is their sacred duty to yield it. This' knowledge all may obtain. God hath graciously given to mankind a revelation of his will. By the light of revelation, that law,— the almost obliterated law "written on the (lesh- ly tables of the heart" may again be read,— and can only be accurately read and interpreted, in the light reflected from the inspired volume, aud it is the sacred duty of all men, to con- form themselves to those intimations ofthe divine will, so that rulers and people may be united in the subjection to their common Sovereign, the King of Kings, and discharge aright their reciprocal duties, which are the great ends designed to be efTected by all civil governments. It is true, in the inspired records there is no special form of government laid down, and enforced by divine authority, applicable to the temporal condition and circumstances of all mankind. But the fund- amental and eternal principles of all civil governments, are distinctly stated, and it is an indispensable obligation upon all mankind to honor these principles, by incorporating them as essential elements in that form of government, what- ever it may be— which they are pleased to adopt as most conducive to their own peace and security. Kings must rule in the name and for the glory of God, otherwise they are impious usurpers of a divine right. The people must obey as the willing subjects ofthe Eternal King, the righte- ous mandates of the earthly rulers, for they are the " Lord's anointed," otherwise, they are daring rebels. The fundamental principle of the British constitution, as we have said, is the eternal truth that Jehovah reigns su- 12 prem(\ This principk 3kiiovvledged llie legend* of sovereign power and authorily— in tlie spirit of National law,— and in the reverential sentiments of the people ; and if it were only practically and faithfully wrought out, peace and prosperity would overspread the land. " Consider her palaces"— consider how many inestimable blessings flow from a constitution where the civil and religi- ous elements are so righteously conjoined— where kings rule in the name and fear of God— where the people submit themselves to those who bear rule over them, " as unto tbc servant of God for concience sake." There are no encroach- ments on natural rights. The privileges of each class of the community are distinctly defined and acknowledged. The liberty and independence of each and all in their mutual relations are secured, not only by the supreme authority of Law, but also by a conscientious sense of duty. A free a noble, and permanent impulse is given to the mental and moral faculties of our nature, by the fervour of religious en- thusiasm, far above the temporary excitement of a mere love of counliy. Patriotism is hallowed by religion. It becomes a holy duty. The dearest interests of man are involved in its actings. Even his civil liberties become of infinite magnitude, from the eternal spirit of religious trulh, which nourishes them and consecrates them to higher aims, than be- long to time. We spoke but the truth when we aflirmed, that the intellectual strength and moral worth of the Scottish people, are the offspring of her religious institutions. Both their minds and their hearts were nurtured by « the sincere milk of the word." Notwithstanding the deteriorating change, that, as we fear, has passed upon the character of Scotchmen, they still exhibit a just subordination, and a reverential regard to Supreme authority. There is still a great savour of piety throughout the land. The people of Scotland born to a rich inheritance of spiritual privileges,— the fruits of many prayers— of much religious instruction— of much battling for religious freedom, are, universally allow- ♦ By the Grace of God, King of Great Britaia and Ireland. fie legend* of of National people ; and ht out, peace ''inestimable il and religi- re kings rule ople subn:i;t ' as unto tbc no encroacli- i class of the dged. The lieir mutual authority of . A free, a mental and religious en- a mere love It becomes involved in of infinite ruth, which msjthanbe- e affirmed, the Scottish ions. Both the sincere eteriorating character of ion, and a e is still a 2 people of ivileges, — struction — iallyallow- land. cd to be a rehg.ous people. Amidst " abounding iniquity " hroughout the land, there are still many thousands " who L he Lord and serve him." There are still the most abundan and satisfactory evidences, that the Lord God sits enthroned am.dst tl,e reverential feelings of the Scottish heart,-and bmds m the unity of holy beauty the intellectual grandeur, the moral excellence and the religious fervour of the nation! The Lord rcgneth." " He is clothed with majesty," and the people rejoice, and are glad thereof. It is not, n.y brethren, to inflate your minds with vain pr de, hat we have called you to survey the towcrs-the bulwarks and the palaces of your Fatherland. It is to fill your mmds with the nobler ambition, to reflect in your per- sonal conduct and character, the virtues that consiitute the true glory ot your native country. The object we have had m view ,n leading you to survey her intellectual,moral, and |.p.ntual defences, is, that "you may tell it to p^sterity,"!- that you may transmit the fame of men so illustrious-of actions so distinguished-of national institutions so ad- nnrable to succeeding generations-and in your own persons presen such a picture of true glory, as will fire their' pirits wnh the noble ambition of giving a practical exhibition o national greatness. This duty divides itself into two great branches, both of which demand your consideration. First, that you may tell to posterity by what means these noble structures have been lerTed ^''°"'^' ''''''' ^^^^ ^^'^ ^'^" ^"'^ ""^^ '^'^^ ^^ P""^" The primary and by far the most influential of the means employed in raising the spiritual defences of our Fatherland, -was the Bible, and the system of domestic and public in- struction, iounded on free access to the word of God or in other words, the " Church in the House," and the " Chu'rch in the Land ; or that admirably devised, and faithfully executed agency-usually denominated the « Parochial Syst'em." com- pnsmg, St, the legal recognition of the Sabbath, not only as a Divine, but as a national institution, and essentially connect- 14 ed with it, the worship of God ; 2nd, the Eldership, or the moral and religious superintendence of the community, and the management and support of the poor ; and 3rd, the Par- ochial Schools, blending religious and secular instruction, in away that is perfectly consistent with the freest spirit of loleration and the widest extension of a good general edu- cation. Brethren, we have drawn so largely on your attention and lime, that we cannot enter now on the full statement and illustration of these topics. By shewing the intimate connect- ion that exists betv/een the domestic, the ecclesiastical and educational economics of our native country, and the influ- ence they have in the formation, and conservation of the national character, we can best " tell to the generations" following, how — A virtuous populace may rise the while And stand a wall of fire around their much lov'd isle. That the nation's greatness is chiefly to be ascribed to her religious institutions few will dispute whose judgment is of any value ; these are her principal bulwarks still ; or rather that spirit of civil and religious liberty, — that profound piety, and that moral excellence which these institutions inspire and cherish, is at once the glory and defence of the nation. True to these principles, which her church unwea- riedly and afl'eclionately inculcates, she may frown defiance on her foes. No attempt to enslave her physically or men- ially can succeed, so long as her venerable and sacred insti- tutions remain intact, and their principles are faithfully wrought out. For " God is known in her palaces for a refuge." We have invited you this day to walk about Zion, to tell her towers and mark herbulwarks, and consider her palaces that you may tell it to posterity, that God who has been your fathers' God, is your God for ever and for ever. Tell in your character what great things the Lord haih done for you ; lell in your conduct that God is your guide ; even unto death. Let your moral and religious feelings, — your steady, honor- l.j able and ever advancing course to excellence, tell, in what- ever land you are, that, you are Scotchmen. Let profound reverence for God's word and God's worship, tell to all na- tions that your fathers' God is your God. Let the sacred itisiitutions to which, with the blessing of God you owe so much, be transmitted unpolluted and unimpaired to posterity, to tell what you have seen, and what you have heard in the " city of the Great Kino''_the " city of God." When you cease to familiarize your minds with the truths of God's word, you renounce your allegiance to Him. When you cease to obey His Laws— when you profane His Sabbath and neglect His worship, you betray your country's honor and stain her glory. You may marshal yourselves undei whatsoever banners you choose to follow; no one will re- cognize in you the descendants of those noble hearted men, who in days of old unfurled these proud standards to the free winds of heaven, and under their shade, achieved your liberty and secured your national privileges. What ! are there any here who have left the shores of their Fatherland, and forgotten its heath-covered mountains, its sweet shady glens, and daisy-decked valleys. Are there any here who have forgotten their parental Home,— their Parish Church and Parisli School, and freed from the restraints which a parent's inspection, or a nation's sober piety imposed on the wayward impulses of youth, have renounced the dis- tinguishing characteristics of their native land, and virtually abjured the name of Scotchmen. Before you seal the record of your base defection, return with me in imagination but for a moment to the scenes of your youth. Mingle once more in that happy group of playmates, where lasting friend- ships were formed, and a desire for general knowledge was stimulated, sometimes under a stern, but aKvays under an affectionate discipline ; or, on the Sabbath morn, listen to that " church-going bell," and with the stillness and sere- nity that reigns over the peaceful landscape, enter that lowly Temple— give ear to the voice '' he man of Go^" telling to earnest worshippers what Jesus did and suflfereu to biin° 16 life and peace to men, and beseeching them « to Jive to th. as it is done in heaven » or fn ,t' ^7 '^''"^ °" ^^"""^ ofthe heart, that coZ/it you to God^^ 1!??"^' """^'"^^^ hH your earthly pilgrilge and then '^"''"^' ^'""^'^ l.onestfeelinir/ofamr f -r '^^°" '■^^^'" •he tell to poste hy!-to Tel ~f ' ''°" ''"' "'^^^^^^"^ ^" wee.,y^to the Lrld, W "^ tteLTal etra?-r ^^" country has been formed ; howTe It ^,^^^ lances were reared ; how thev ave hT ''''^^^^^ '" -ay still be maintained as I e'^^t o'e't oT.^'"" •"'' "'' wanes from generation to generatn' ' "''"" ^ '"'' Dear to my spirit, Scotland, Last thou been &.nce.nfant years, in all thy glens of green, Land of my love, where every sound and sight Comes m soft melody, or melts in light • Land ofthe greenwood by the silver rili, The heather and the daisy of the hill The g,uirdian thistle to the foemansiern, The w.ld rose, hawthorn, and tt.e lady fe „. Land of the lark, that like a seraph sLgs, Beyond the rainbow upon quivering wing ■ Land of wild beauty, and romantic shapes,' Of sheltered valleys, and of stormy capes. Of the bnght garden and the tangled brake Of the dark mountain and the sun-lit lake • Laud of my birth and of my father's grave,' The eagle's home, and the eyrie of the brave • 1 he foot of slave thy heather never stained, " |Vor rocks that battlement thy sons profaned ' I nrivalled land of science and of arts ; Land of fair faces and of faithful heartl • Land where religion paves her heavenward road Land of the Temple of the Living Ood , ' yet dear to feeling Scotland as thou art. Sbould'st thou that .;Iorious temple e'er desert 17 I would diaclaira thee— seek tlie distant shore ' Of lomo fair isle— and then return no more. JiMBS Gray, Edinburgh.-" Sabbath Aimn^ the Mountuins.' It has been customary on such occasions as this to cive a brief mmne of the officers of the Society for the vear"" No financial statement has reached me, to enable me^o do tliis m a satisfactory way. The good that has been etTected how- ever, has, I believe, been considerable, and I have no doubt details will be given to you by your office-bearers, through' another channel. The claimants on your bounty are name r- ous, and their destitution greater, than the ordinary re- sources of the Society can adequately supply. When you come together to acknowledge the living God to be your God, to " think of his loving kindness in the midst of his temple » and to thank and praise his holy name for all his -ood- ness,— with your hearts warmed with devotion, and stirred up into sacred enthusiasm, by the sweet memories of " what we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of Hosts, the city of our God," let them flow out in generous sympathies with the wants and sufferings of your brethren in obedience to the command of your God. " If thy brother be waxen poor and fallen in decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him, yea though he be a stranger or a sojourner. * * I am the Lord your God." It is not because hi. sullenngs appeal to your sensibilities.— It is not because there is genuine satisfaction in relieving the poor and the needy.— It is not because you may receive the gratitude of the object of your bounty_or obtain the approbation of them who may witness your good deed. No; it h because he IS a brother, and your Great Father commands you If a sacred regard to the will of God be not the leading principle of your charity-it is spurious-a base oblation laid on the altar of vanity. It may be accompanied with the peans of national glory-it may be exhibited with all the pomps and circumstances of joyful anniversaries— as the year comes round you may assemble and greet one another as havin-^ come from the same smiling valleys and heath-covered hill° 18 --yoy may raise Mgl. .our bankers/ emblazoned with the e^b^ms of national prowc.a, and inscribed with the le J, d -/^y/.^.■MeZ>^.V;•...,rf,^^ unk love to God, and t chnst,uu ^ympathios which the love to God aspire it truth •."'"f '^^"'''' "" "'^-^^ ^^""- ^f i^ ^P-'^ks the truth, Will only speak to you in mockery, h will be the tauntmg record of the characteristic virtues of you fa hers, but virtues that belong not to you. flowever p'ow- Sionate love and generous beneficence ; however legitimate nanonal memor.ea may be to awaken your sympathies,- they are subordmate to the command of God-who has made estabhshed your practice' charily, as the criterion by ^hich the blessmgs of heaven, purchased by tne love and suflerinc^s of our gracious Redeemer, shall be awarded. "For the Kmg shall say, when he cometh in Ilis glory, Come ve from t e f"' f^'"^' 'f'''^' ''' '^^"^"^'^''" P^P^^ ^-^ou from the foundation of the world : for I was an hungered and ye gave me meat ; I was thirsty and ye gave me drink. I was a stranger and ye took ,ne in ; naked, and ye clothed me, sick and in prison, and ye visited me. For, verily I .ay unto you for-as-much as ye have done it unto the lea'st of these my brethren ye have done it unto me." The lea.t of my brethren ! !-done it unto me ! ! Mark these expres- stons-. your charity is the token of your brotherly love-the test of^your love for Him, who loved you, and gave Himself It is the Christly work of feeding the hungry, of clothin^ the naked, and providing a home for the homeless, that you have selected within your own limited sphere. Go o.^ in Uie cour.^ you have entered with increasing .eal and fi- delity h: >ne blessing of God on your labours you have bee^nthe_me. w>fr!o^ngTnuch_good The 10 amount of good done, has not buenin proportion totlie favors that God has bestowed upon you. — Be humble ! Your an- niversary collections have never been so great as the wants of yoiir indigent countrymen call for.— He more liberal. Some of you, not remembering that a collection was to be made, may have forgotten to put money in your purses ; borrow from those who have, unless they intend to empty liieir own into that of the Society's purse-bearer ; then take a pencil, give a hon for the amount, and some of the office- bearers will thankfully receive its liquidation. But whatso- ever you do, do it to the glory of God. Degrade not a holy duty, unto a selfish gratification. Dishonour not the gen- erous impulses of national feeling by the incitements of an- imal instincts. Give as conscience dictates, and as God commands. Listen to the words he has caused to be record- ed for yonr encouragement :— " God loveth the cheerful giver,"—" God hatelh the covetous,''—" He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord," — " Cast your bread upon the waters, for thou shall find it after many days" — " Bless- ed is the man that considereth the poor, * • * he shall be blessed on the earth." Your christian beneficence is the criterion of the power of the Gospel in your hearts— it is a test of the purity of your patriotism. May I hope that you will, at this time, give substantial proof that your religion is genuine, and your patriotism is pure, I add no more but my fervent prayer that God may bless and prosper you in your work of love— may make your boun- ty a biCssing unto the poor, and a means of showing forth His glory. Amen. MONTREAL: PRINTED BY .T. C. BECKET, 38 GREAT ST. JAMES STREET. EET.