IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I Uuu 11 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 == = — < 6" ► V] <? ^ /2 "^ : c>% 7 e^.. ' o>. ^'^^ M y Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.''. 14580 (716) 872-4503 % ^2l^ ^ .*%. ¥??» ^1.^ "% W Pi? CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historlques \ Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a M possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mithode normale de filmage sont indiquAs ci-dessous. D D D D D D D n Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagie Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaur^ et/ou pelliculAe I I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque I I Coloured maps/ Cartes giographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relii avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serr6e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge int^rieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches aiout6es tors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 filmies. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppldmentaires: □ Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur □ Pages damaged/ Pages endommag^es □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaur^es et/ou pellicul6es y/ ^ D Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages ddcolories, tachetdes ou piqu6es □ Pages detached/ Peges ddtachies Showthrough/ Transparonce I I Quality of print varies/ Quality inigaie de ('impression includes supplementary material/ Comprand du matdriel suppl^mentaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition dispon^bie Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 fi!m6es A nouveau de facon d obtenir la meilleure image possible. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filmi au taux de reduction indiqu6 ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X y 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thank* to the generosity of: Douglas Library Queen's University L'exemplaire film* fut reproduit grflce A la gAnArositA de: Douglas Library Queen's University The images eppeering here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or Illustrated Impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. Ail other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or lllustreted Impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol ^^ (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Lee Images suivantes ont M6 reprodultes avec ie plus grand soln, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettetA de l'exemplaire f iim«, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de fllmage. Les exemplalres orlglnaux dont la couverture en papier est Imprlm6e sent filmis en commenpant par Ie premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'Impresslon ou d'illustration, soit par ie second plat, salon Ie ces. Tous les autres exemplaires orlglnaux sont fiimts en commenpant par la prernlAre page qui cokuporte une empreinte d'Impresslon ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboies sulvants apparaftra sur la dernldre image de cheque microfiche, selon ie cas: Ie symbols — ► signifie "A SUIVRE", ie symbols y signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure ere filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diegrams illustrate the method : Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre fllmte A des taux de rMuction diff^rents. Lorsque ie document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seui clich6, 11 est fllmi d partir de I'angie supArieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant Ie nombre d'Images nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivaints illustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1837 yif~^:_'f?r^r '< f ^ 4;- FROM THE SYNOD OF THE PRcSBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CAHADA , IN CONNEXION WITH THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. IN NAMfi, AND BY APPOINTMENT OF THE SYNOD, AT KINGSTON, WILLIAM RINTOUL, MODERATOR. LP 1837 PRINTED AT THE CHRISTIAN EXAMINER OPPICE. 1837. f.^ T. SKWEi.r,, Printer, Niagara, U, C. ''%^ PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE SYNOD OF THE PRESBYTEBIAN CHURCH IN CANAD/i, IN CONNEXION WITH IHE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. Introductory JVotice^ * The authority of the Synod, under which the Moderator has written tills letter, warrants liiiii to call, as he now does, on his honoured Brethren in the Ministry, ns well us on the Mission- aries uf tiie Synod, to read tlie same to their several conKregations, on the tirst or second :4u.b- bttth after it shall have come into their hands. Mr. W. 1). Miller, Niagara, Publisht-r of the I'hriatian Fixominer is instructed to transmit a few cu|)ie» to every session or congregation i:a- der the jurisdiction of the Synod. AVM. UINTOUF,, :\fodeTntur. SiieetBville, '27th May, 1S37. The Srpiod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in communion imth the Church of Scotland; — To the members of that Church, and all who attend on the ministry of the tvord by her Pastors and .Missionaries, wish peace an4 salvation from God the Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Dbarey Belovkd,— Bearing in mind that the high and proper objects for which we, the Minis- ters and Elders assemble in Synod, are the edification, peace, and enlargement of the Church; and, that these objects, through the divine blessing, mu.y b« promoted by a word of counsel and admonition from us, as well as by our de- liberations; we the rather address you all, in this common epistle: and we du 80, with the greater liberty, because of the esteem and confidence which you entertain towards us. Were we addressing ourselves only to those of you who make a full profession of Christian discipleship, by attending at the sacra- mental table, as well as the other institutions of the Saviour, charity itself would forbid us from speaking to them, as though they were all in truth, belie- f a TUB MODKnATOll's PASTORAL LnTTKH. verf, and saints; knowing, as we do, that neither in any past age, nor in tho present, amongst ourselves, or in any otlicr Christian coniniiinity, lias it been, or is it so, that "all arc Israel which aro of Israel." Hut, seeing that wo aro expressly addressing ourselves to many who, in a certain respect, aro of us, while yetthcy make onlya partial or equivocal profession of their coinicxion with tho Saviour — those wc mean who have been baptized in infancy, and now, excepting in so far as regards their attondings on the preaching of tho word, and contri- buting, it may be, to uphold It, give no other distinctive evidence of being Christians — wo cannot but speak to thcni according to the character which they sustain. We know, indeed, that such of you aro often expostulated with, and repro- ved, in tho ordinary ministrations of tho word, for your inconsistency: and yet, " dearly beloved and longed for," as we may call you, wo would, even now also, plainly and aflbctionately admonish you, that, if you would not be tho veriest fools for time and eternity, you must bo not almost, but altogether Christians. You must realize your baptism, by putting away all your sins, and cordially embracing Jesus as he is tendered to you in the Gospel. So shall yon bo- come one with him; and salvation, in all the boundless extent of its present ajid reversionary blessings shall be yours. You will then love Christ su- premely, and devote yourselves to his service; you will glory in Ins death, delight to commemorate it, and number yourselves with those who are waiting for his coming. And to all into whoso hands this letter comes, who, with or without a pro- fession of heing the followers of Christ, have never seen the glory of his charac- ter and salvation; nor surrender themselves to him as his willing and obedient people, but continue worldly and ungodly— -it may be even vicious,licentious, and intemperate— we would say deceive not yourselves concerning your charac- ter and condition. You are of " tho congregation of the dead," and nothing but an entire renovation of heart and life can save you from having your por- tion with the lost in the regions of outer darkness. It is good for us Brethren, as v, ell as for you, frequently to remember, that our office as rulers in the Churnh of God, is directly conversant with your spiritual and immortal interuets. The Ministry is the very principal institu- tion of that Kingdom which God has established in our world for the salva- tion of lost men, and the manifestation of his own glory. It is charged with the administration of the laws and privileges of that Kingdom; it interprets liis oracles, and fetches from these instructions to men according to their varied circumstances and characters. It is in short, a grand instrument of the Holy Spirit, by which he brings men into union with the Son of God, and a fellowship with each other, and by which also, he purposes them for a ho- lier and more exalted condition in liis heavenly kingdom. Ministers them- t-elves may well feel their entire unworthiness of their office. — A deep sense of this indeed, will always characterize those who are best accomplish- ed for it. They may yet properly call on their hearers, as we would now do on you, to honour the ministry, to expect much from it, to attend diligently on it, to concur in tlie gracious designs of God respecting it, and to strive ear- nestly in prayer, for the Holy Spirit to put forth his saving power by it. You THE MODERATORS PASTORAL LETTKR. pp, nor in tlio y, liaH it been, tliat wo aro ro of us, wliiio \iou with tho iovv,cxccptii)g ■d, and contri- ico of being laractcr which th, and rcpro- jncy: and yet, !ven now also, )o tlio veriest ler Christians. and cordially shall yon bo- of its present ive Christ su- in liis dcathf ho are waiting without a pro- • of his charac- g and obedient ous,licentious, g your charac- ," and nothing ving your por- cmeniber, that ant with your icipal institu- for the salva- 3 charged with it interprets ding to their rument of the >f God, and a ;hem for a ho- nistera them- ice. — A deep 3t accomplish- ivould now do end diligently to strive ear- T by it. You must entertain honourable thoughts of the ministry if you duly recognise itB Divine authorit)', and its high ends — tho presenting men perfect in Cliri&t Jesus— the displaying to principalities and powers in heavenly places the man- ifold wiedom of God. And you must diligently attend on it, and earnestly implore God to bless it, if you would prove its cfFicicncy to your own salva- tion, and that of others : fur, his sovereignty and grace must be acknowledg- ed and honoured in all the means which ho employs in his spiritual Icingdom. Yea brethren, we beseech you all, by your own supremo interests in that kingdom, and by all that should constrain you to seek its establishment in thin land, to pray for us, who minister the word that it may have free course and be glorified. Plead with him in our behalf, and for tho soke of hia GrcatNamc, in your closets, and families, and social meetings; and then, we may be well asBumd, that ho will look down from heaven, and behold, and visit us ns n church, and cause liis face to shine upon us. We are not here formally treating of your duty towards tlie ministr}', and pn there are many views of it which we are not at present setting before you ; yet, there isono wliich, both on account of its own importance, and of its being seldom exhibited in our ordinary ministrations, wo would be bold in this epistle to press upon you — that, wc mean, which respects your providing for the maintenance of tho Ministry. We may say, that it would not in all respects be seU'-deiiial for Ministers to bctalic themselves to secular employ- ments for their support: some of those have their own allurements, and most of them in this land, their abundant profits. It is on the score of self-de- nial, tliat they should eland aloof from such employments. Tho public and private work of the ministry do properly claim the whole time of those who aro called to it : and hence, it is the very first duty of a people, to c-ee that so far as their influence and abiUty extend, their ministers shall have no temptation to alienate their time to any inferior concerns. If, unhappily,Ministersmu8t engage in secular employments for a temporal provision for themselves and their families, the abstraction of even a large portion of time is not the great- est injury which their spiritual work sustains. They are too opt to contracf. a worldly and covetous spirit, and then at best the spiritual life can only etrug- gle for '■11 existence within them, and in such a case, it may not be expected, that ;.' j;. are to he extensively useful in communicating that life to others. Christiar, < then, who allow their Ministers to struggle with poverty, or to la- bour in worldly callings to keep poverty at a distance, aro treacherous, nliko to their own eternal interests and to the cause, as well as the authority of their blaster. All Princes and Powers on earth owe a homage to Him by whom thoy reign, and when, happily, they contribute their resources to the support and extenbion of the Saviour's kingdom, in 130 far as they may be available to these ends, they are, in the very way of promoting the temporal and eternal welfare of their subjects. But, if rulers fail to appreciate the truth and to do it due iiom - age, who does not see, that the followers of Christ arc thcnisolvos, on tiiis account, bound to do more for its support ? ' But beloved brethren, we need scarcely remind you, tliat tho pastoral uflico is conversant about more than preacliiug Hi« word. Tlitro u a visible or- TllK MonKHATOR S rABTORAI, I.RTTKR. jTonizntion of Chrint's kiiipdom on earth, called tlio Chnrrli, wliirli \vr, your \)M- tors and elders, arc called to inaintnin. To ns, conjunctly, iHcntruHted the nd- miniatration of the laws which roajject ndmiHHion into the (!^hnrch, the conduct of its members as such, and the administration of the BncnimentH. And wit now call on you to honour and support us, in the mainteimneo of tlio discipline of the Church. Ah, we painfully feel that the discipline of tho Church is not by many of us at least so zealously and vigorously maintained, as to give occasion for us to deprecate your displeasure for even ai)i)«rcnt severity. The many infirmities that beset us, to say nothing of our liability to error, from a wish to judge f harilnbly of those who are the subjects of discipline, do rather, we fear, expose us to the charge of lenity. Y'et, there arc too many menilHjrs of the church, who arc impatient of admonition, and reproof, however tenderly applied; and who seem to tl'ink, that their religious profession should subject them to no spiritual controul. Hut we would have such to consider, that if it is the occa- sional duty of all the followers of Christ to counsel and reprove each other, it is the proper duty of tho rulers of tho Church to do so, to those whose con- duct openly contradicts tho profession they have made of being a peculiar peo- ple ' rrdeemed from all iniquity.' And that if it is with the rulers of the church, to declare the terms of admission into it, and to judge of the qualifi- cation of candidates for its privileges, so, they are also authorized, even to <'a.st out of its coninmnion, those who spurn at admonition, and reproof, or rontinue in their evil courses after having been afl'ectionatcly H'arncd to for- sake them. This letter may conic into the liands or be read in the hearing of some, who have been admitted into the Church by baptism in infancy, trained up to an nttcndaiico on its ordinances, and it may be even formally numbered with his people at the sacramental table; and who yet, for all this, have drawn back from us r.nd well nigh abdicated all connexion with Christ and with his cause. Oh, that a word of expostulation and reproof might be eflectual to the reclaiming of such to the way of peace and safety! ('an such say that their own experience of the ways of religion and of irreligion justifies them for casting off the fear of God, and neglecting the Cospel and its ordinances? — that they hove arrived at a well grounded assurance, that the word of (Jod with its tesliiiionies to the character of God, its promises of a present iiiid everlasting salvation, audits threats of a second death id all who disobey it, IS a cunningly devised fable 1 Will they pretend, thu! tiie world for which tlieyare now living gives and promises them a satisfying and durable peace'? Ah, wc know that all backsliders arc self-condemned, and as wc would have them escape tho condemnation of Ilim who is greater than conscience and kiitiweth ill! things, we beseech them, to return to that God whom they have tnrsakcn. Lot them bewail and confess their folly before him, embrace the nverturcs of reconciliation which he still holds out, and cast in their lot for timn Mud eternity with hie people. There are not a few, whom wr areforinnily nddrespiiig in this letter, wiip. alas, cannot ordinarily attend on the ordinnnces of the Church, from the want of the stated adnimiytration nf these nnioncst theiii. Some of voii. wc '■no\\. <Vt>l keen her the you wen praise, for bettet mate to your chi of (tod n shall fiou arc most clearings, isters and the settle ernment, despair the Gosr them. TUK MOtlKnATOR.S I'ASrolXAL l.KTThR. r> wc, your pas- riiHtod tlio n<I- ), tlio roiuliict, t.B. And wc tlic (liBciplinR by many of Lsioii for UR to ny intirmities ivish to judge fear, expoeo )f ttic churcii, applied; and b them to no it is the occa- ch other, it ie !c whose con- 1 pccuhar pco- rulers of the of tiio qiialih- rjzcd, even to id reproof, or arncd to for- of some, who led up to an umbered with <, have drawn t and with hie JO effectual to "iuch say that ustifiea them ordinances? the word of of a present 10 disobey it, rid for winch rable peace'? '0 would have iiscicnce and •rn they have embrace the ir lot for time letter, wlip. om the wnnr oil. wc 'nctsv. feel keenly your present ppiritual deMtitution, and even weep, when you remem- ber the privilcffes whicii jou enjoyed in the land of your fsthers, when you went with the nuiltitiide to the houne of God, with the voire of joy and praiHC. Mut, take it not os a mockery of your sorrow, that wo bid you hope for better days. The Hoil which many of you are now clearing, and the cli- mate to which you have removed, teem with promises of plenty to you, and to \ our children. And an enliifhtened acquaintance with the spiritual economy of God may warrant the belief, that ere lonjjf the most forbidding moral desert hhall flouiiMh and blossom like the rose! The jilaccs in these Provinces which iircmost favoured as to spiritual privileges — alas, at best small and imperfect clearings, in surrounding wastes, were yet only a few years ago, without min- isters andclmrches; and, now, through the Divine blessing, on the exertions of the settlers themselves, assisted, as in many cases they have been by the gov- ernment, or the church at homo, they are, what they are. Do not ye then despair of yet enjoying a stated ministration of the word and ordinances of the Gospel. Above all things, guard against becoming indifferent about them. Ah, many on their first coming to this country, thought that all the temporal Tomforts which it afforded or promised them were nothing, because of the wnnt of schools and churches for their children and themselves which they encoun- tered: and yet of these, not a few have been found willing to forego the educa- tion of their children for the profits of their labour; while they have sunk into an apathy about divine things through their eager pursuit of the world, and destitution of religious principles ; so that, after the lapse of a few years, when the Gospel has come to their doors through the labours of Missionaries, or Ministers, their relishjor concern for it, have altogether vanished. We would have those of you then, who are sensible of your spiritual privations to exert yourselves to the utmost, to obtain the ministrations of the Gospel. Invite the occasional service of the Ministers who are nearest to you. Endeavour to asso- ciate yourselves in your several neighbourhoods for procuring the labours of a Missionary or stated Pastor. And where these cannot be obtained, you may do well, to meet together on the Lord's day, in a school house, or pri- vate dwelhng, for prayer, and praise, and other spiritual exercises. For God will meet with you, and bless you, if you do indeed seek to know and honour him; and you will thus be in the way of keeping alive religionin your families and neighbourhoods, and of preparing also for a more abundant and effective administration of its ordinances. The infant settlements of this day, should know, that some congregations which have now acquired a measure of vigour and stability, had their origin in little companies that for a time, went Sab- bath after Sabbath, from one log house to another, to sing and pray, and read the Bible with the exposition of its truths, by some of the worthies of our native land. If there be among you Elders, honour their oiRce by inviting I hem to preside in your devotional meetings; and, if there be not, we recom- mend you to lay your case-before the Presbytery, within whose bounds you reside, and seek their direciiofi and assistancp. They may see fit, to organ- ize you into cougicjrationF, and ordain Eldert amongst you. They mny direct TIIB M«)l)imATOU'» PASTORAL LRTTnil. I I MlHMionnrius to \ii*it ynii, or 8ciul from tiino to tituo, n Minislcr to dinpcnao imioiijXfit \^,i, Diviiin ordiimnms. Uut, '»lc««e(l bn (iod, nil acccRH to iiiin, nnd ooinmunion with liim arc not for- biddct liig people even tlioiifjli they rimy bo diHperaod in the lonely wildorneM, nnd fir from IiIh Hiinctiiari( ... For Jciiovuii who ih great in Zioii lina hin dwelliii;,' " with him, that ia of a contrite und hiimblo Hpirit, to revive the spirit of the hiimbli', and to rcvivn the heart of the contrite oncH." And he heara the prayer poured out to him in secret, and apoukB peace to hia people throufjli hid word: nnd, wlien they wait humbly on Him with their familicH, ho causca the voice of rcj^icin;: nnd .snlvalion to be heard in their tabornaclefl! And hcri!, Uhktmrkn, permit uh to Hay in roforcnco to FAMii.r Woiiship, that if the Btatcd atid uerious obscrvanco of it i« ncceusary to the healthy cxiatencd of family religion, ovun when all llio public ordinances of the Church are enjoyed, then, the want of thoBO ordinances only enhances the neceaaity for its observance; by everyone at least, who would adopt thoresolution of Josh- ua: "as for me, and my house, wo will Korve the Lord." Attendance on the jjiiblic wort^hip of (iod, to which wo have been ndvertinp, is but one brunch of another more comprchcnHivc duty, to which also we would now call your attention— that of honouriko the Lokd'» Day And, in res- pect of this great duty, which draws its sanctions alike from the law of the Ten Commandments, and the gospel economy, wo dcsiro to leave a formal testi- mony with all whom wc are now addressing, whether dwellers in the woods, or in villages and towns. Be assured then, tliat a conscient/ou3 regard to the Sabbath as a day for spir- itual exercises is essential to the existence and perpetuity of the Divine life in the soul. Tlie glorious character and works of God, especially as they are moiufested in the plan of redemption, must liave a set time for being studied. The fear and love, adoration and praise which are supremely dun unto him, must have a time for being cultivated and expressed. The glory and immortality which the gospel oilers to our faith nnd hopes, to be seen by ns in their own transcendant importance and excellence, must bo contemplated at a time, when ouv minds are withdrawn from tlic cares and pursuits of earth. And such a time, a time too appointed by Cod is our Wkrklt Sab- bath. Sec then, Bkloved Buethiien, that you prize the Sabbath, and honour it, according to the gracious designs of God in instituting it, and the directions of his word. Sabbath profanation you may at once perceive is in its very na. ture a master sin — a sin, not merely malignant in itself, but subversive of all that is good, and introductory to all that is evil in the character and life. — Where it prevails, personal, family, and national religion alike are destroyed. — The annals of crime uniformly attest, that the habits of lircntinusnoss, fraud, and violence, which have brought multitudes to din ignominiously in beggary, or in hospitals, or by the public executioner, were in many cases formed, and in all fostered, by the sin of Sabbath profanation. And a reference to the history of Christianity since the reformation will shew, tliat those churches which took up low views of the authority of the Sabbath, have been least efii- cicnt in holding forth the light of Divine truth; andhavo been, to the great, est extent, tainted with error end iniidclity. THR MOnnBATOR 8 PASTOIIAI. LKTTKH. lalcr to ilispcnatf Iiim arc not for- oncly wildoriiCBB, in Ziuii liaH Iuh it, to revive tiie oiicH." And tie ace tu Ilia peoplo their families, ho heir tabcrnacleH! T WoiisHip, that lieaithy cxistencQ the Church arc the necessity for tisolutionof Joali- D been advertinp, ich also VIC would AY And, in res- 10 law of the Ten a formal tcsti- ilerBinthewoodti, as a day for spir- jf the Divine life jecially aa they !t time for bein{f supremely din^ scd. The glory s, to be seen by )e contemplated and pursuits of r Wi'.RKLT Sab- atli, and honour id the directions s in its very na» nibvoi'eivo of all actor and life. — ire dcatroyed. — inusnesp, fraud, isly in bopf^ary, scs formed, and cforencc to the those churches been least efii- n, to the great. Wo exhort yo»i therofore, lJrollir<!n, a^ you would ponsoMs true religion, and prcncnt it in a vigoroiiH type for theiniitiitiun of the generation now riwiiig around you— to honour thk Lom/.s Dat. Not only rest from biifiinenB and journoyingM on it, but wfudy to enter into f he rent of God. (live yoiir- selvcR, with alacrity, to all the cxorciHcH which are designed, at once for tho exprcHsion of tlio homngo of the heart to our Father in heaven, and for tho conveyance by lliin to us of His Holy Spirit. Sonic of you, wo believe, are under peculiar temptations to tho violation of the Sabbath — who dwell in places whore this holy day in but rarely marked out from other days by tho sounding of the (Jospel trumpet, and is regarded an a day for bodily relaxation, and pleasure. Butconeider, BiiKTmiRN, that neitlier evil examjile, nor any other temptation however prevalent, or powerful, can bo on excuno for our sin. Cod rccpiires one whole day in seven, as well as a portion of every day for his worsiiip; and wo must neither allow the example of ungodly men, nor wordly connexions and friendships to inthioncc us to rob him, and rob our- selves of the Sabbath. Remember that exposition of tho law of tlie Sabbath, which you have known from childhood, and can verify from Scripture, <* The Habbath is to be sanctified by a iioly resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreotions as are lawful in other days; and spend- ing the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, ex- <^ept so much as is t>'li'j taken up in the works of necessity and mercy." The Rrligious Thainino of the You.vo is an exercise peculiarly proper for the Sabbatli, while it is in itself of such paramount importance, tliat it may properly be touched on in this address. Natural affection if rightly directed would lead parents to train up their children in the fear of God, and for liis service. Tho law expressly prescribes this duty to parents; and, tho very continuance, and enlargement of tho Church of God in our world are dependent on its being observed. We do therefore exhort all heads of fami- lies into whose hands this letter comes, by their regard to the present and eter- nal welfare of their children — tlie authority of God — and the advancement «<f tho Kingdom of our liord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to be diligent in in- Btructing the young in Divine Truth, and earnest and persevering in prayer for the Di\ine Life to be formed in them. Lot parents, as they have opportunity, send their children to Sabbath Schools, and Bible classes: — they must yet know, that no pains, and no labours of Ministers and teachers can exempt thorn from the obligation to instruct their household in the things of God; and this obligation is to be discharged by a godly example in every day hfe,by daily counsels fetched from the ora- <:lcs of God,and the more formal instructions of the Sabbath evening. • We would be far from unholy boasting concerning that branch of the church to which wc belong, yet we may say, that she hag been honourably distin- ^juished among the Churches of the Reformation for maintaining tho Divine authority of the Sabbath, and for pressing on all heads of families in her com- munion the duty of catechising their children and domestics on the evening of that day; and that to those causes mainly, under the Divine blessing, may l>e referred the hereditary character which the profession and practice of THE moderator's I'ASTORAIi I.ETTERv godliness has to a certain extent liad, in the land of our fathers, since the diry* of the Reformation. In exhorting you to the practice of family catechising, we would remind you of the use which may be made of those Formularies ok Scripture Doc- trine, which the Church has adopted for exhibiting her faith to the world. These were drawn up by men who had been deeply taught in Divine Truth. They are plain, methodical, compendious, and, yet also,, minute; and they ap- peal so constantly for the truth of their statements to the Bible that none who use tliem are in danger of being led away from it. Yet, after all, the Bi- 15LE is the very fountain of inspiration, and we would have you to draw daily from it for yourselves and for your children. It is in reference to the words of God as they were spoken by himself that the commandment runs: "Thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittcst in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou iiest down, and when thou risest up." We desire that your faith may be founded not on the o{)inions of men, but on the word of the living God. And the prev- alence of gross error around us, some of which seeks its support from new Revelations, makes us jealous of saying any tiling that might even seem tO' countenance the deceivers who are abroad, in their attempts to introduce an authority diverse from that of the Apostles and Prophch' of our Lord. We may say this at least, of the Formularies of our Church, that theic Scriptural soundness has been witnessed to by the present Churches of tlie Reformation ; and that, in no age, either before, or since that event, has the life and power of godliness been long maintained, when the doctrines which they contain liave been abandoned. — And without arrogating any undue au- thority for them, we do also say, let none of you lightly give up their doc- trines, for those which new teachers may bring to your ears. We know that the zeal of false teachers now abroad, their pretensions in some cases to apostolical authority, as well as to piety and disinterestedness,, are very specious; and are too often successful in turning the confidence of those to whom they address themselves. But need we remind you, Dear Breth- ren, that the Scripture teaches us to expect false teachers, especially in times like the present, of iukewarmness, division, and corruption. A zeal, fervid as was that of the ancient Pharisees, has often been put forth by the propagators of errorgross as was thcirs,shaming the coldness of the teachers of a purer faith. The clothing of the sheep has often concealed the ravening ferocity of the wolf. And now, as in other days, the horns of the Lamb may be seen, where the spirit of the Dragon prevails, and his voice may be heard. Hold fast, then, the form of sound words in which you have been taught, and give way neither to heresies nor superstitions ancient or modern. Char- ity is to be exercised to all, even to deceivers and the deceived. But remem- ber, that errov itself,^ is no more an object of charity than is sin. It should ever be hated and shunned, and that in proportion to the dishonour which it does to the oracles of God and the Kingdom of his Son. Ciiristians should contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the Saints. And oh, that each of you would consider liow much you can do, yea, and ought to do, for that Faith, how humble soevennay be your gifts and contracteu your sphere. since the diiy* would remind CRIPTUIIE Doc- to the world. Divine Trutlj. !; and they ap- that none who er all, the Bi- i to draw daily to the words runs: " Thou em when thou vhen thou iiest lay be founded And the prev- )ort from new even seem to> 1 to introduce of our Lord, irch, that theic lurches of tlie event, has the ictrinea which any undue au- e up their doc- p pretensions in interestedness,. confidence of )u, Dear Breth- ecially in times zeal, fervid as le propagators if a purer faith, ferocity of the )e seen, where been taught, modern. Char- But remem- sin. It should )nour which it ristians should And oh, that gilt to do, for I your sphere. TUB moderator's pastoral LETTSR. 9 — By acting it out before the world, in a humble, gentle, benevolent, honeet, nnd holy conversation, you will draw from men a honaage both to the truth, and the excellency, of the religion of Jesus: and may happily also, in a day of merciful visitation, win eome to embrace and obey it. We may yet ngniii briefly advert to the importance of the Religious Cul- lURR OF THE YouNo, in connexion with another great duty— The PR0M0TI^(4 THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE KiNODOM OF THE Saviour. The children now oil the breasts of their mothers, and around our tables, and the youths acquiring the rudiments of learning, and the arts and occupations of life, must very soon take the place and the stations in the Church and in the State, of the present geuevation of men and women. Of what infinite moment, then, is it, that our children should be imbued with the fear of God, and love to the Saviour — in a word, regenerated! And, on what instrumentality does this blessed result so much depend, as Parental instruction? We would have the fathers and moth- ers then, who liear or read these lines,dcliberatcly to consider that it is with them, through the promised blessing of our Heavenly Father, on the right exercise of rlieir influence and authority in their households, to ^ive an increase of active and useful members to the Church of God. If our population shall henceforth increase at a rate only the half of what it has done, since the territory was divided into two Provinces, then, ere the youllis of our day shall have reached their threescore and ten years, the Upper Province alone will contain a population of seven millions of souls. How solemn the thought, that ere long, on a land that was but recently a wilderness, 60 large an addition is to be made to the Kingdom of God's Dear Son, or to the kingdom of the Prince of darkness! And, who that knows the natural tenden- cy of men to profligacy of principle and practice, and observes the many in- fluences of an evil kind that are now in vigorous operation in forming the char- acter of this youthful community, and observes also — we fay this with sorrow — how feebly Christian influence has yet been put forth by ourselves, or any other Church, to bring individuals under the reign of Christ, and mould the public mind to virtue — will not anticipate the future with the deepest solicitude'? The regeneriition of individuals and nations is indeed the direct result of the Divine Spirit; and yet, like any of the beneficial changes that take place in the natural world, it is in all cases brought about through the apphcation of suita- ble means: and hence we do certainly infer, that unless there shall be found amongst us increased activity and zeal on the part of the Church of God, to- gether with a more vigorous exercise of Christian influence, through the Press, Educatiox, and Leoislatiow, then, there must inevitably ensue a rapid in- crease of spiritual ignorance and error, superstition and infidelity, with their sure accompaniments — licentiousness, fraud, violence, and anarchy. Beloved Brethren, let all of us, Ministers, Elders and People, do our part; we may do much to avert these evils, and promote the reign of the Prince of Peace. Let us study to know "the love of God, which passeth all understanding," the "un- speakable gift of God," which is Christ the life of the world, and the commu- nion of the Holy Spirit, who quickens and sanctifies all the elect of God, and then,Bhall we present our very selves "living sacrifices to God," and improve ouv many opportunities for the advancement of His cause in this land. J J 10 rilli MOriKRATOUf PASTORAL LUTTKR. ft We specially commeai to yourcouatoiurc I support the Missionary un- dertakings oi" your several Presbyteries. Gn • not the occasional absence of your Ministers wlien they may be sent forth co niinister the word and ordinan- ces in destitute settlements; and give willhig-ly of your substance for the support of Migsionaries, according as the Lord has bestowed on yourselves temporal abundance, and spiritual privileges. Tlie liberality of the Church at home, in sending forth Missionaries, and in contributing to the nid of our feeble congre- gations, should encourage you to make increased exertions and sacrifices for the same objects . It is confessedly "the day of f mall things with us" : yet, we rejoice to announce to you, that a sciieme for the education and training of pious youths for the Ministry, is now under our consideration, soon we trust to be submitted to you, for your concurrence and support. But we must close this epistle, and though we are not without a suspicion that it is somewhat desultory, and may also be chargeable with omissions, we do yet call on you to receive it, in so far as it brings to you "the words of soberness and truth." And, Beloved Brethren, we do earnestly pray that we may be approved of God, and accepted of you, as wise and faithful in the ministry of the word and ordinances with which we have been severally entrusted; for then, indeed, shall you and we be made to lejoice together in the great salvation, and promote the glory of God. And now, heartily commending you all unto His Grace, we bid you farewell. In namci And by appointment of tlie Synod, At Kingston, Diet VI. Session VI. Year 1836. WILLIAM RINTOUL, Moderator. .',i I ERRATA. P. I, 1. 15— For communion read connexion. P. 2, 1. 7 — For attendings read attendance. Do. 1. 25 — Forsurrender read surrendered. Do. 1. 37 — For his oracles read the oracles of God. Do. 1. 40— For purposes rend prepares, P. 3, 1. 8— For interests read interest. P. 4, 1. 12— For lenity read laxity. P. 5, 1. 24— For principles reaa privileges , P. 8, 1. 22 — For present read purest. Do. 1, 3W— For turning read winning. lissionary iin- iiial absence of d and ordinan- for tiic support 3lves temporal ch at home, in feeble congre- d sacrifices for th us": yet, we nd training of oon we trust to L suspicion that ssions, we do ds of soberness lat we may be the ministry of asted; for then, t salvation, and u all unto His Moderator*