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Les diagrammes suivants iilustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 THK TRIALS AND TRIUMPH \^\ OF TH« FREE CHURCH OP SCOTLAND. iro. 1. THE HARP ON THE WILLOWS, Mr mm rbv. jambs Hamilton, londow. Meiul aod Circulate I Afc MONTREAL •AlUT PAUL STAEKT. ^^ *i *F L • ^ PREFACE. It ifl believed that the greater part of those into whose hand thi« tract may fall, are aware that a controversy has been jfoing on, for some years, between the Ecclesiastical Courts of th« Church of Scotland, and the Civil Courts of the country ; whjch has lately terminated in the volimtary withdrawment of nearly the one half of the clergy, and two.thirds of the laity, from the communion of that Church, and the formation of the Fr« Church of Scotland; but, it is feared, that, owinjr to the di.lanc. of this colony from the Mother Country, and the difficultii^s of communication, there is a want of information generally, respect- mgthe gf^^i principles involved and determined in this contro- ▼ersy, and the interest which all Protestant Christians in tbii Province ought to feel in such determination, especially Scotch Presbyterians. To supply this information, it is intended to pub. Iish a Series of Tracts, of which this is theirs/. The nature of the above controversy may be explained in a k^^ sentences. Within the last fifteen or twenty years, there hat b-^en a growing revival of religion in the Church of Scotland which has shown itself in the adoption of various schemes for th« extension and reformation of religioi. at home, and its diffusion throughout the world. Of these, one was intended to introd.»ce a reform into the mode of inducting persons to the office of th« ministry ; and another to provide for the erection of new cburcbet and the settlement of Ministers, in destitute localities. In voluntary churches, the induction of a person to the office of the ministry, is an act which is partly spiritual, and as such, pro- vided for m the New Testament; and partly ecclesiastical, and as such, provided for in the ecclesiastical rules and «anons •f 8 m m mm \k ■*- ™ _f~- ■* tar IT. PR£FAC£. ths religious body interested: But there is nnother clement in a State Church ; for there, the above act is also partly and prim- arily civil; and as such is provided for by Parliamentary •tatutes. Now the reform which the Evangelical party in tha Church of Scotland attempted, consisted in assigning the para- mount importance to the first of these elements, in ascertaining the fitness of an individual for the office in question, and investing him with it; without, as they supposed, rejecting the second and third, or acting inconsistently with the statutes, Civil and Ecclesiastical, which had created them. They conscientiously believed that, according to the constitution of the Church, they had' full power to take cognizance of this matter ; and that, in putting forth thia powei in the manner proposed in the Veto Act, they were only reviving the practice of the Church in the earlier and purer times of her history. But in this they were overruled by the CourU of Law, which determined that, whenever a candidate for the ministry could satisfy the second and the third of the above provisions, agreeably to the compt system under which the Church had of late years been administered, the Church Courts were hound to ordain him, and liable to civil pains and penalties ii they refused to do so, even though they might conscientiously b€'. lieve him to be unfit for the sacred office. The second attempted reform was prohibited by the same authority i and it was found, whether right or wrong, that the Church of Scotland, as by law established, had not power to erect new churches, and appoint ministers over them, having the status and authority of other ministers, in any locality, however destitute ; though she might employ as many mission, aries, stationed or itinerant, in these localities, as she pleased. In other words, it was declared to be the law of the land, that the Church of Scotland had not power to extend herself in Scot- land, however necessary it might be f jr her efficiency, without the authority of an Act of Parliament. Different opinions will be formed of the conduct of the Reform- ing Party in the Church of Scotland, in attempting to carry these reforms in connexion with the State. With these opinions we shall not interfere ; let every man follow his own judgment. But we think there can he but one sentiment regarding the vital im- portonce of the objects contended for in these reforms, and the duty PRSrACC. «f every Church of Christ to pursue them by every means whieh may appear Scriptural and expedient. Where the liberty to do mt 'm taken, or given away upon any consideration whatever, theindt- pendence of the church is gone, her purity and spirituality defiird in the dust, and her efficiency at an end. If a church cannot erect a new congregation where an increase of population may require it, and appoint a minister over that congregation, and of herself ascertain the fitness or unfitness of said minister for the •acred office, before he is invested with it, she is in so disabled a state tliat she cannot do much good, nor expect a full blessing from above ; she is in bondage, and ought to take immcdiatr steps for*hc-r emancipation. So thought the Reformers of the Church of Scotland. And having ascertained that they could not follow out these important reforms without being opposrd, trammciled, ansed advantages which it con- ferred on them. They boldly declared that these objects were far dearer to them than the boasted *' emoluments'* of the statf, and the influence arising from Rtate-conncxion, — that they could not give up their spiritual independence — that they must, as a true Church of the Redeemer, have full liberty to prosecute every pbn which might appear to them necessary for advancing His spiritual kingdom ; and since the State would not permit this, they shook themselves free from the alliance, and retired to a position where their hands would be unfettered, and their right lO use them in the cause of Christ no longer liable to questioning. Honour to the men who gave up so much for the liberties of Christ's church, and the rights of His crown. Their noble dis- interestedness is not only a more novel spectacle than the woyld has witnessed for many years, but a more instructive one also, when taken in connexion with the principles for which they have " suffered the loss of all things ;" while their acknowledged piety, genius, and learning, contribute to render it grand and iinpreseive. Let their example be held up to the view and admi- ration of all, and let the sympathies of all be strongly enlisted en llieir behalf. They have done a great service not only to th« (/hurch of Scotland, but to the Church of Christ ; they have awerted a doctrine which ie precious to all Protfstant Christians, VI. PRXrACK ! ,1 and have done to in a manner which is fitted to make an impre«. sion on those who oppose the truth. It is belieyed that we are not sufficiently acquainted in this Province, with the faithful contendings of these men, with th« strength and purity of their motives, smd the important results to which their long struggle is likely to bad. With the hope of supplying this defect, it is intended, as before stated, to issue a scries of tracts illustrative of these points. They are especially recommended to the attention of Scottish Presbyterians, who are earnestly requested to examine the subject in all its bearings, and then ask themselves, whether they do not owe some duty to their illustrious countrymen and fellow Christians, who have been led, by the grace of God, to perform such an honourable part ; and to those great principles which they have so nobly asserted. Is it possible for them to remain altogether silent^ without leaving the world at liberty to conclude, that they have no fellowship with the Reformers, in their staunch defence of the purity of Christ's ordinances, and the mdependence of his Church ? But, is this the ceise ? Fellow countrymen and Christians, the answer remains with you ! iinprM- in thia rith th« suits to hope of issue a peciallj vho are iga, and to their sen ledf and to . Is it leaving ilowship urity of But, is answer 9 I ^ EXPLANATORY NOTE. Tlic Convocation, referred to in the following Tract, was held in Edinburgh, on the 14th — ^27th November, 1842. On that occasion, the Evangelical clergy of the Church of Scotland, assembled from all parts of the country, after long and prayerful consultation on the state of the Church, unanimously resolved to address a final memorial to Her Majesty's Government, stating their claims, and the critical aspect which the qucs. tion had assumed, and at the same time solemnly pledged themselves by a series of resolutions, to separate from the Establishment, in the event of their Vv 'cc being unheard, or their claims disregarded. It was with the view of awakening the English mind to a sense of the cruel wrongs inflicted on the Scottish Church and pco- jJe, that the following tract was originally written. It presents at once ?. simple and striking view of the lead • ing features of the case, and though penned before the disruption actually took place, the events it prognosti- cates, have by that movement been fully confirmed . The tract obtained an immediate and extensive circula. tion throughout England. It is now reigpectfully sub- fitted to the attention and notice of the Christian public of Canada. THE HARP ON THE WILLOWS. Two months ago I went to Edinburgh to attend the Convocation of Ministers. Like many of my country- men, my heart used to beat harder wlien I came in sight of that city of reformers and covenanters, of hallowed Sabbaths, and crowded churches, and solemn assemblies. Its towers and steeples used to say, Moui^t Zion stands most beautiful. But on this occasion " how did the city sit solitary I" Its pleasant sanctuaries had a look of widowhood ; and the most melancholy object of all was, a gorgeous unfinished structure on the Castle-hill, reared for the Assemblies of the Church of Scotland, but more likely to be their cenotaph. Ministers preached, and congregations vtrorshipped, as under warning to quit; and there was much of a farewell solemnity in every service. In private it was the same ; and, amidst many joyful Meetings and much longed-for intercourse, there was a prevailing tendency to sadness. There was a mournful and foreboding feeling, like that which reigned in Jerusalem after the voice had cried in the temple, "Arise, depart!" and just before the abomination of desolation took his stand in the holy place. There was a conviction deeper than ever thai 8 • m'^- III the cause of the Church was the cause of God, aiul therefore not soon likely to become the e^use of man. However, a few " hoped against hope ;" and the last evening I spent in Edinburgh, and being rather a cheering word, I remember it the better, in the course of conversation about the Church's prospects, an ac- complished barrister said in my hearing, " I have great hope from the honesty of Englishmen. The English nre a just people, and, if they understood our cat^e, would do us justice." Now, dear friends, to be as honest as yourselves, I have great fear that you do not understand the case, and some fear that you will not study it. If the Wal- denses were about to be ejected from those valleys, which they hold by solemn treaty, I could count on your interference. Or if the civil courts of Constanti- nople were tampering with the internal arrangements of our Ambassadors chapel, I believe that you would think it right that our Government should remonstrate. Now that the Queen of Madagascar is concussing Christian consciences, I know that many of you are indignant, and would interpose your protection if you eould. If you will hear me patiently, I promise to •how that the eases are too parallel ; and as I shall endeavour to relieve the subject of all intricate detaiii and metaphysical niceties, so I earnestly trust that, if I make out a case of grievance or of suffering for con- •cience sake, you who have ere now listened to a voice from Piedmont, will not shut your ears against a voic* from the Church of Scotland. At the Revolution-— which you and we agree in 9 )ur catie, calling GLORIOUS— the Government restored to Scotland the religion which the Reformers gave it, Presbyteri- anism was established ; that is to say, a Presbyterian minister was planted in every parish. A house was assigned to the minister to live in ; four or five acres of land were annexed to this house, on which some oats and barley might grow, and a cow might pasture ; and then to purchase books and furniture, and fuel, and other creature comforts not indigenous to the glebe, a small salary from a portion of the ancient tithes was superadded. In consideration of the manse, glebe, and stipend, the people of the parish were entitled to the services of the minister, could claim their seat in the parish church, and enjoy, rich and poor alike, the ordinances of religion. In those happy days each parish chose its own elders, and they, along with such of the landed proprietors as were members of the Church, chose the minister. And as they usually chose the best, Scotland " flourished by the preaching of the Word." So eminently had Scotland become a Christian nation, that when a union with England began to be agitated, the main subject of solicitude was the national religion. The wisest men then perceived, what has since been amply verified, that the Union would be productive of many temporal benefits to the Scottish people. But all were apprehensive that their Church might eventually sufier. They knew that in the Parliament which would hereafter govern them, not one vote in ten would be a Presbyterian vote; and when any question arose affecting the Church of Scotland, it might be raisunder- * / -■#: 10 •tood and mis-settled. To relieve thrs nervousness of the nation, a clause was put into the Articles of Union providing that the Church of Scotland, as it then existed, could never be altered, and that the Sovereign should swear, on his accession, to maintain that Church in all its privileges. This solemn stipulation quieted the apprehensions of the people; and after the pathos naturally felt at the " end of the auld sang"* had passed away, the country was settled down into complacency with the new state of things, when an incident occured which verified the gloomiest forebodings of the old patriotic party, and fixed in the vitals of the Scottish Establishment an arrow which, after rankling for a century, threatens to be fatal now. Towards the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, it is well known that the Jacobite pp.rty were engaged in machinations to subvert the Protestant succession and restore the Pretender to the throne. Kightly judging that Presbyterian ism, and the Presbyterian clergy, formed the main barrier to their purposes in the North, they resolved, if possible, to neutralize this element. It struck them that if they could get the appointment of the clergy into then own hands, they might gradually fill the Church with men after their own hearts. Ac- cordingly, to the consternation of every leal-hearted Scotchman, word arrived in Edinburgh in the end of March, 1712, that a Bill had been introduced into Parliamen t for bestowing on certain patrons the power • " There's an end of an auld sanoM_the obaervation of the Lord Clua- ••llor Seafield, as ho adjourned the SJcoltish Parliaraent for livw. ill «!i^SM'' u^.-&rd CtuB- ef presenting ministers to all the parishes in Scotland. Some of the ablest ministers were forthwith despatched to London with instructio o offer the most strenuous opposition to the measure. But it was the policy of it« aut or o precipitate it to the utmost, that it might be an Act of Parliament before Scotland could raise it* remonstrance, and they succeeded. Though Principal Carstares and his colleagues posted to London as fast as their horses could carry them, they found the Bill in the House of Lords already ; and though they succeeded in getting a hearing at the bar of the House, Lord Bolingbroke had made up his mind ; and no sooner had the counsel for the Scotch Commissioners ended, than it was moved that the Bill be now read a second time, which being agreed to, it was committed, reported, and read a third time — the whole five stages being condensed with dramatic effect into a single day. By this Act, Presbyteries were " obliged to receive and admit such qualified persons as should be presented by the respec- tive patrons." Heavy as was this blow, and di and her Church courts, spiritual freedom. This persuasion became positive assurance, when it was found how scrupulously the secular counts abstained from tamper- ing with spiritual sentences. In those days the Supreme Civil Court of Scotland* refused to interfere when asked to discharge or overrule the deliverances of the ecclesiastical courts; and they did so on the simple ground that the Church courts knew best how to deal with spiritual questions ; and even if they did not, the constitution of the country has made the Church Courts supreme in the spiritual province. Whether Lord Kames and Monboddo and the other judges of the last century were too fastidious in their non-interference — whether they were actuated by a spirit of chivalrous etiquette, or by their knowledge of constitutional law — certain it is, that they forbore from reviewing the sentences of spiritual courts, even as the spiritual courts forebore from reviewiag theirs. The General Assembly did not decide on disputed march- dykes, or marriage settlements ; nor did the Court of Session decide on the fitness of ministers for their, parishes, or of obndidates for admission to the commu- nion-table. The General Assembly imposed no fines, and sent nobody to prison ; and the Court of Session, with similar forbearance, neither ordained ministers^ nor deposed them— neither admitted church members, nor excommunicated them. Somehow or other, they held on their several ways in wondrous harmony. There were no collisions, for each kept his own line. Dear reader, i f I thought you had patience for it, I ♦ The Court of Seeeion. B 14 j^ would tell you how the colliijion arose, and I am sure, if you knew all the particulara and were on the jury, you would give a deodand on the Court of Session engine. It was in the year 1834', ou the 24th of May — I re- member it well, for I was there myself — and in the Tron Kirk of Edinburgh, where the General Assembly was sitting, that a ruling elder rose to bring forward a motion. His name was Sir James INioncrieff, a man long known at the bar of Scotland as the best lawyer there, and by that time one of the Lords of Session. He made a speech, very learned and very long ; r't which speech the substance was, that ever since the Reformation, the Church of Scotland had paid respect to the wishes of the people in the settlement of ministers ; so much so, that according to its uniform interpretation, no minister was qualified for a parish, unless he were acceptable to its Christian people, the communicants of that parish. But though the doctrine of the Church had been uniform, its practice had varied. A cail or invitation from the people had always been, in Presby- terial usage, a pre-requisite to the settlement of a minister. But sometimes this call had been so scanty that it could scarcely be deemed an invitation. And with a view to make the practice correspond with the theory, he would propose that, whenever a patron issued a presentation, the very first thing the Presb) tery should do would be, to send the presentee to preach in that parish, and then to call together the male heads of families in communion with the Church, and ascer- tain their mind. If they consented to have this man am sure, the jury, f Session ly — I re- d in the Assembly orward a f, a man t lawyer ' Session, ong; ft ince the I respect linisters ; iretation, he were icants of I Church L call or Presby- ent of a scanty n. And with the El patron •esb) tery »reach in heads of id ascer- ;his man 15 for their minister, good and well. The Pre>bytery should proceed to exannne him, and if they found hi:* literature, theol-gy, and character, sufficient to warrant them in ordaining him, they should admit him to that parisii. But if a majority cams forward, and solemnly declared that—apart from all factious motives — tht y were constrained, by regard for their own and their children's souls, to refuse this man for their minister. Lord Moncrieff proposed, that this Veto by a majority of the people should disqualify that presentee, and that the Presbytery should not intrude him into that parij^h against the expressed mind of its Christian houije- holders ;* but should !?end word to the patron that he miglit present another. The majority of the Assembly thought this an excellent proposal ; all the rather that the Crown lawy-rs, the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General, declared that it was perfectly competent tor the Assembly, in virtue of its inherent fowers, to pas» t?uch a law, and as it was a judge of the Supreme Civil Court, and one so noted for his legal skill, who intro- duced the measure. And so, to the great joy of thou- rsands, the Veto Law was passed.f For some time it wrought delightfully, and almost every one was saying, How much the patrons are im- proved ! for> in point of fac t, the patrons presented JJ.^XlT,}'^'''' "'^^y'}^}^'^ 'he privilege of objectin;? in the settleme.a <,( ot the Chnrch. In Scotland, none are communicants, or members of the Church, except those with whose religious knowledge and good cha^act, r he ministers and elders are satisfied, "jr. Church.of:Scot;and aiKM a4 , h £hSian'V^>ple""'™""'''"''' '""' '"'""''" °'^'' Church, th J proff.L;'" tit is important to remark, thatinthia Assembly were no ciiapel miu. SCO f«nH TT'% «-^i!?l^ ''",? V^rhhe.. Beside'^ the Crown lawye"" ", fwTh »^f '. 1 k'^'i^'^^ <^ hanceilcr, and the Attorney General of En/a.i both extolled the Veto Law, aa a great public improvement ^ ' 16 ;f such acceptable ministers, that out of 200 only ten were vetoed. But at last, the new lavy fell heavy on one individual. A licentiate,* — was presented to a large parish, with 3,000 'nhabitants. Two of the people thought that he might do well enough for a minister; but all the rest thought he was not fit to be their minister. Consequently the Presbytery refused to admit him. Hereupon this man and his patron raised an action against the Presbytery, and petitioned the Court of Session to find that the Presbytery was hound to take him on trial, with a view to admission. So far as any spiritual consequences (such as ordination) were implied in the decision, the Presbytery declined the competency of the Court of Session to judge the c{jpe ; but as they were anxious to ascertain whether their rejection of a vetoed presentee implied that be should also lose the living, they allowed the case to be argued in their name so far as any civil effect was con- cerned. Five of the judges held that this was not a case for the Court of Session at all ; but that if thev were to give an opinion, they must say that the General Assembly had done quite right in passing the Veto Law, and the Presbytery had done ao wrong in obeying it.f But on the other hand, eight judges were of a con- i»— ■■^^— ^ II' I I <■ ■ ■ I.- I ■ I M l >■■ II 11 ■ .■—■Ill I II I — — — ■ W I I—— — — ^ ♦ In the Church of Scotland there is a staff of probationers or licentlatcB who are allowed to preach, but who exercise no other function of the minia- try. These probationers are eligible for the ministry, but they are n^.-: ministers. They have received no ordination, and are permitted to preach merely to make trial of their gifts. If a probationer who is presented to a parish be not unacceptable to the people, he is ordained, and becomes a minis„er. Allowing that patronage is a trust reposed in patrons by the State, it becomes an interesting question, whether this trust is designed for the benefit c. probationers or the good of the people? It has usually been exercised for behoof of the former. Besides Lord Moncrieff, the original author of the Veto Law, these five included Lords Jeffrey (more familiarly known in the worldj ofphilonophy trary judgn Sin North into t ^frora theft, ment. Kirk Table tion. to adr disapi: Lords! when has be CHurs€ "it is, fine, t paymt with t incomi mattei corapli nation knowr But I tery oi civil ci and criti names ol ihtcrcKtit 17 only ten leavy on ted to a ) of the gh for a fit to be ' refused s patron etitioned t^ry was dmission. dination) declined udge the whether 1 that be ise to be was con- i^as not a it if thev i General the Veto 1 obeying of a Con- or licentiates of the minia- liey are Tf^'. ed to preai;h resented to a d becomes a rons by the designed for usually been w, these Ave if philonophy trary opinion, and the House of Lords affirmed their judgment. Since this decision, it has become the fashion in the |North to carry every case out of the Church courts into the Court of Session. Presbyteries are prohibited from deposing ministers convicted of drunkenness and I theft. Ministers are prohibited, under pain of imprison- ment, from preaching in certain districts of the conntry. Kirk sessions are forbidden to debar irom the Lord's Table parties whose presence they consider a desecra- tion. And the General Assembly itself is not at liberty to admit any member, whom the Court of Session may disapprove. And so uniformly do a majority of their Lordships decide against the ecclesiastical parties, even when their decisions contradict one another, that it has become the more prudent, because more economical C'.urse, to allow judgment to go forth in absence. As it is, the law expenses have become such a grievous fine, that the stipend of some parishes is arrested for payment of costs, and pious and accomplished ministers, with their families, are, in the absence of their wonted income, reduced to painful straits. Though this be matter of exultation with their oppressors, and not complained of by the sufferers themselves, the English nation is not what it was, if such severities, when known, arouse no indignation. But to resume and end this narrative. The Presby- tery of Auchterarder did not obey the sentence of the civil courts, ordering them to admit to the ministry the and criticism as Francis Jeffery), Cnclcburn, Glenlee, andFuIlerton The names of the other eight, however respectable in their station, would' not bm ^iiitcr«iititig to English readers. ii lit 18 vetoed presentee. They refused, because they believed that the court had, in this cane, no right to comiuand. They refused, because they thought it would be a solemn mockery and a sin to ordain a man to a cure of souls, where every one deprecated and dreaded his admission. They thought, th«t the only inducement to ordain him would be to give him a right to the stipend ; and as the patron was now in the possession of the stipend, he might, if he pleased, hand it over to his protegee. But the presentee prosecuted the Pres- bytery for £16,000 of damages, because of the wrong whicii hey had done him in refusing to admit him ; and both the Court of Session and the House of Lords having found in his favor, it is now finally declared by the civil courts, that they will enforce their sentences against the spiritual courts by civil pains and penalties, the ordinary compulsitors of the law. When this decision was given last autumn, it put an end to all expectation from the civil courts. Till then, the most desponding could scarce believe their own forebodings, or persuade themselves that their Church wa!J so changed from what their ancestors had left it, and they themselves once imagined it to be. But the decision o2 last August ended every dream, and bade the Church make ready for the worst. It was in this emergency that the meeting or Convo- cation mertioned in the outset was convened. It originated with a select body of the oldest and most experienced ministers. They invited all of their brethren who had manifested concern for the ancient constitixUon of the church, to assemble in Edinburgh, 19 ' believed omiuand. aid be a a cure of iSided his lucement :ht ta the ossession t over to the Pres- he wrong mit him ; of Lords glared by sentences penalties, it put an Till then, heir own p Church id left it, But the and bade r Convo- ined. It md most of their ', ancient iinburgh, on the 17th of November last. Nearly 500 came together ; and it was very plain that no ordinary call could have brought from the remotest heailand-; of a riigged land, such a company in the dead season of the year. After a prayer-meeting in St George's Church, and a sermon by Dr. Chalmers,— " Unto the upright there .ariseth light in the darkness," — the ministers adjourned fto Roxburgh Church. Dr. Chalmers took the chair. ,It was agreed, that during each sederunt three of the ^brethren should engage in prayer; and in this way confession and supplication assumed a prominent place in the business of each Meeting, None but n, nUters were present. In order to encourage each member freely to speak his mind this privacy was requisite, and it tended greatly to impart a confiding and conversa- tional tone to their proceedings. For our own part, it made us feel, that the innermost side of good men is the best side; and whilst listening to the brotherly tone of their communings, so unlike the defiance and disdain of high debate, and to the noble sentiments of Christian heroism and self-renunciation which were ever and anon expressed, we wished that the world were present. And, during the devotional exercises, and at intervals throughout the deliberations, when sudden light or consolation broke in, in a way which brought tears to many eyes, we would have liked that all the Christians in the kingdom had been present, for we felt assured that the Lord himself was there. And then, when we looked at the materials of the Meeting, and saw before us, with few exceptions, all the talent, and, with ) r' 20 I: i still fewer exceptions, all the piety of the Church of Scotland, we wished that those were present in whose power it was to preserve to the Scottish Establishment all this learning and this worth. There was the chair- man, who might so ea:*ily have been the Adam Smith, the Leibnitz, or the Bossuet of the day ; but who, having obtained a better part, has laid economics, and philosophy, and eloquence on the altar which saactified himself. There was Dr. Gordon, lofty in simplicity, whose vast conceptions and majestic emotions plough deeper the old channels of customary words, and make common phrases appear solemn and sublime afte he has used them. There were Dr. Keith, whose labours in the prophecies have sent his fame through Europe, and are yearly bringing converts into the Church of Christ; and Mr. James Buchanan, whose deep-drawn sympathy, and rich Bible-lore, and Christian refine- ment, have made him a son of consolation to so many of the sons of sorrow. There were Dr. Welsh, the biographer and bosom friend of Thomas Brown ; Dr. Forbes, among the most inventive of modern mathema- ticians; and Dr. Paterson, whose " Manse Gar- i:n" is read for the sakeof its poetry, and wisdom, and rivn-'JiiO kindness, where there are no gardens ; and will be read for the sake of other days, when there are no manses. And there was Dr. Patrick M'Farian, whose calm jndgm« nt is a sanction to any measure ; and who, holding the richest benefice in Scotland, most appro- priately moved the resolution, that rather than sacrifice their principles, they should surrender their possessions. And not to mention " names the poet must not speak," 3iF«i P. /rjfi 21 !hurch of in whose blishment he chair- m Smith, but who, Tiics, and saRctified implicity, IS plough and make 3 afte hn ie labours I Europe, Jhurch of lep-drawn an refine- > so many ^elsh, the wn ; Dr. mathema- -1 »« • farui:;n is II be read o manses, lose calm and who, ost appro- n sacrifice 3ssession8. ot speak," nhere were in that assembly the men who are dearest of all to the godly throughout the land — the men whom the Lord hath delighted to honour — all the ministers in whose parishes have been great revivals, from the l^postle of the North, good old Mr. Macdonald, whose Aappy countenance is a signal for expectation and gladness in every congregation he visits ; and Mr. Bunis, of Kilsyth, whose aifectionate counsels and prayers made the Convocation feel towards him aj» a ilither; down to those younger ministers of whoni, but for our mutual friendship, I could speak more freely. When we looked at the whole, knowing something of all, we felt, first, such an assembly never met in Scot- land before ; secondly, it will depend on them, under God, whether Scotland can ever furnish such an assembly again ; and, thirdly, what a blot on any reign, and what a guilt on any Government, which casts forth such a company I And then, after some sadder musings, came in this thought. Yet, what a blessing to the world if they were scattered abroad, everywhere preaching the word I Six days were spent in deliberation. Nearly all e 2^-fi the < Ifth lishmei ^he Go flpnd lar n protract the he Establish- i made ; and ngland what i^ill meet the 3 of Scotland [discharge of no measure an people of believed till unquestion- The follow- leasure, are , generosity, id:— I. By that Vesbyterian be the only ' Scotland ; his or her 3cribe, that he foresaid h the goV' ivileges of vvs of this stipulation id essential 3 coming." Jnion was privileges" 23 ^ hich the Church of Scotland enjoyed before the Union, ^iriiual freedom was unquestionably one. Her people were not liable to the intrusion of unacceptable ministers ; »or were her Church Courts, when deliberating on the ^ost sacred interests of Christ's kingdom, liable to the itrusion, the intimidation, and coercion, of secular ibunals. If the Church has lost her freedom, whm fid she lose it ? To this there is only one answer : In ,^e year i7l2, five years aftor the Union was eificted. A law was then enacted, which, if the interpretation put m It by the civil courts be sound, has robbed the Chuich of Scotland of the dearest « right," the most precious ^privilege," which, at the time of the Union, she en- >yed : her accountability, in sacred things, to God alone. |f this interpretation be incorrect, if the civil courts mis- ^derstand the law, then the Legislature should say so, l^d rescue the Church from the groundless molestations * the secular power. If the interpretation be correct, if m civil courts rightly interpret the statute, then the treaty of Union is broken, and Scotland must look to the good faith of England for redress. 2. The case of the Church of Scotland is one of pecu- ^ar hardship. And when I say the Church of Scotland, |mean those in the Scottish Establishment who adhere* «s almost all her pious ministers and people do adhere' to the original constitution of the Church of Scotland. ' If they do not get redress, they must leave the Est'ab- #shment; and even though it be for Christ's sake and the Gospel s, there is some hardship in forsaking houses .*nd lands. The manses of Scotland are pleasant homes • and If you will ask any friend who ever took leave of 24 one he will tell you that it was a desolate day when the flmng w« moving down the avenue, and after seeing hat the kuchen-fire was out, and • king a last look of the dismantled parlour, he delivered the key to the new- comer, shook hands wUh the neighbours, and went away. The manse of a good minister is a hallowed dwelhng, and more of in-door quiet, and family affection, and Sabbath-gladness, is condensed into it than into anv home on earth ; and after one who has been long ite .nmate has taken his last look of the deserted fields and smokeless chimneys, he feels it of little moment where he shall kmdle his next fire. Besides, it is the place where all the parish naturally resorts when advice or assistance .s needed ; where the siek send for cordials, and the sad go for comfort, and the perplexed go for counsel ; and whose simple hospitality ranges from the Sunday scholars up to the parish elders, the farmers, m" T^T' "" ^'''"^- ^"« consequence is, that 7t .,''?' """" ""y "^^ ^"'" "P fo^ years, and the landlord with his establishment cease to sojourn m It, except in rare instances, it will not awaken such tenderness on either side as a removal from the manse. The people of Scotland are not given to the melting mood ; and two centuries ago. when 400 ministers were constrained to leave their parishes for conscience' sake, they felt ,t very hard; but neither they nor their people sa.d much. When the creels* were getting [f;;dMhe_wi(e^o„ |d, pe^^p^, d,^„ ^ ^^^^J^^ ^^^ .oc. before been banished from his naHr'™. i^'J'"" °' """' "h" I""* > .erond Urn,, he merely sa d, " We?! »oodwS . '' " '""'."'<"'» '« l«ave it "..1. .gain... Th. .ayW be'ca™ i'S„Tof ;;oVj,V''"" "° '"°'"' "" Sl*«»an3«xs*-j-- 25 ipron across her eyes, and the childreo could not very Iwell comprehend it. There was little demonstration jof feeling: and judging by the peaceful submission of [the pastors, and the silence of their people, you would jalmost have thought that they acquiesced in the [doings of that day. It was an illusion. The heart of [Scotland was heaving with an indignant sorrow, which [found its first relief when it hurled Janaes Stuart from the throne. Should 400 ministers again be forced [from their people and their homes, there will be no commotion. All will pass over silently and peacefully ; but in the hearts which constitute the heart of Scotland, in the bosom of its noble-minded and Christian people, will be felt a lasting and cruel sense of injury. There are other hardships connected with this case which I will not weary you detailing. For instance, I within the last eight years, and at a cost of about (£300,000, the people of Scotland, with a few extra- f neous contributions, have built nearly 200 new churches [for themselves. Almost all of these churches are built [and occupied by people and supplied by ministers who imust leave the Establishment, unless the Establishment ^be emancipated. And what forms the hardship of this case is, that when the ministers and people go, the Ichurches which they have reared at such a sacrifice will be claimed by others. Besides, many parishes are the property of a single individual, and that individual I may be so hostile to the Gospel as to refuse ground for I erect. ng another place of worship. Again, the India and other missions of the Church of Scotland have been mainly supported by the parties about to be C ''m^hi^fn.:- •r*B'^^i3£^t^% r .t . ' iK ' m '-^?SaU;; -»«<'v4i5Slfai. 26 driven from the Church. The mission premises wHl fall into the hands of parties unable or unwilling to support them. The mission will be broken up ; and with crippled resources, the faithful remnant will be ill able to organize them anew. And last of all, some of the parishes which most prize the Gospel, are least able to support it. In many places, the utmost efforts of the people are insufficient to procure food and raiment for themselves. It would be mockery to ask them to maintain a ministry. It would be deprivin<> them of their greatest blessing for either world, to take the ministry away. Putting out of view the intrinsic merits of the case, the constitutional rights of the Church of Scotland, the equity of her claim, it would surely need to be a strong necessity which would justify any Legislature in virtually driving from their homes 500 ministers of Christ, scattering the largest and liveliest congregations in Scotland; and leaving as sheep without a shepherd, those parishes which most prize a faithful ministry. Perhaps some may say, But why go out ? Who bids them go ? Why not obey the law of the land, and remain where they are? I answer, or rather they answer for themselves, because the law is such that they cannot obey it. Had they known soon enough, that the civil law is what it is now declared to bo, they would never have entered the Established Church ; and If the Legislature understand the law as the civil courts interpret it, now that they are in the Established Church they must leave it again. They wish to obey the law of the land, and in the hope that haply if they « ■'BaBSBw*!.*- 27 [were out of the Establishment the law would then ask hem to do nothing contrary to their consciences, they I are leaving the Establishment. They go because they feel that it would be sinful to remain. Even as I might I leave my dwelling if I found that the lease by which I hold it contained a stipulation with which it were criminal to comply. If I entered in ignorance of its [import, and if, now that I know the construction put upon it, I cannot get it altered, I must even go. It may be very hard, but I cannot help it. The ministers of ^Scotland wish to lead quiet and peaceable lives; and rather than disturb the peace they will abandon their earthly all. Outside of the Establishment thev are sure to find a clear conscience ; and there also there is more hope of a quiet unmolested life. 3. Our common Christianity is endangered. The principle for which the Church of Scotland is contending is one dear to every Christian man. It is oi»e for which the early Nonconformists and the New England worthies contended so nobly — that God alone is Lord of the conscience, and that the highest tribunal on earth may not abridge the liberty wherewith Christ hath made his people free. The doctrine of the Church of Scotland is, that the head of every spiritual man is Christ, and that when a company of spiritual men meet together in their spiritual capacitj , Christ is still their head. In other words, they hold that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only King and Head of the Church. In their ecclesiastical pro- cedure tiiey desire to follow his will as that will is reveMh'H in his Word. They believe that the Spirit ^11 1 ! ,.f • ;il ■'' il"!-' If II 28 of God, speaking throuj;h t^piritual won, is the sole interpreter of that Word; and they cannot allow the commandments of men-the verdicts of secular courts •—to interpose between them and their Heavenlv Kins Every Bible Christian will sympathize with them here.' Daniel and his friends were not rebels. They were faithful to their king, though the king was a Pagan and their conqueror. But in matters of faith ti.ey deemed it no disloyalty to disregard his drcree.. The apostles respected lawful authority, but with the com- mission of their Master, « Preach the Gospel to every creature," they could not suffer any tribunal to inter- fere «We ought to obey God rather than men." And every Christian, be he a minister or a private member of the Church, will acknowledge that there are many things "pertaining to the law of his God" in which he could not consent to be ruled by secular men. The Church of Scotland is an Established Church, Its ministers are endowed. But it has always been their belief that in accepting this endowment they sur- rendered nothing. The theory of an Establishment i. that the nation selects a Church whose constitution and worship it approves, and on this Church, for the benefit of the nation, bestows the bounty of an endowment. But they do not see how this necessarily implies subiec- tion to the State, or the lo.s of any spiritual privii;ge. Suppose a rich man endowed a dissenting chapel it is presumed that upon the whole he approves of the' doc- trines taught and the worship practised there ; whilst on the other hand, their accepting of his liberality does not imply that they give him the powe^ of admitting or is the sole ot allow the 'cular courts avenlv King. 1 them here. They were 'as a Pagan, ' faith they crees. Tlie h the corn- el to every lal to inter- than men." )r a private at there are is God" in ?cular men. sd Church, I ways been t they sur- ishment is, tution and the benefit idowment. ies subjec- privilege. fiapel, it is f the doc- e; whilst, 'ality does mitting or 29 rejecting the members or of tampering with the inter- nal order of that Church. The Church of Scotland existed as a Church before it became &u Establishment' The nation found it a Church already existing. The nation approved its polity, its doctrines, and worship. The nation offered to take it even as it stood, and endow it. The Church accepted the nation's ofFer. But so far from surrendering any peculiarity or privi- lege, it was expressly stipulated that, in accepting this endowment, the Church should surrender nothing— that it ^h()uld remain the same free, and spiritual, and independent Church whiqh it had ever been. And whatever may be the case with other endowed Churches, it has always been the belief of its members, that the Church of Scotland, thouffh Established, is free— as free as Churches not Kstablished are. In other words, the office-bearers and members of the Scotch Establish- ment believed that if civil courts found a pretext for interfering with them, tliey would find as good a pretext for interfering with the office-bearers and members of non-established Churches. Independently of this, I cannot view the coming overthrow of the Scotch Establishment — for if its best ministers and most devoted members be driven out of it, it is virtually overthrown — I cannot contemplate the destruction of the Scotch Establishment at the present moment without apprehension. Different Churches have been honoured to testify for different truths ; but of all National Churches, the Church of Scotland has borne the louilest and most emphatic testi- mony to the Supremacy of Christ. It has testified for -ra3ir3i~,*{iliv-. ;^'f!j1SS,;., 30 tLiYruth in opposition to the supreumcy of the priest- ■ood on the one hand, and of the civil power on the othe^ t p otests hat the clergy shall not be "lords over God's Jentage ;" but recognising every regenerate ™an as one o the ' roya. pnesthood," claims for the Christian peo- intermeddle. And on the other hand it protests that C.sar shall not ciaim the things which belon To G d but behevmg that Christ's "kingdom is not of this world," « clatms for the rule, in Christ's house, righ interfere. These pnvileges of the Christian people, and h.s .ndependence of the Church, are obnoxious aliL to spiritual despots and unbelieving worldlings. The lorflv ecclesiastic cannot trust the people ; the infidel civihan cannot trust the Church. The supremacy of ChSis doubly assaulted at this day; and if the faithful witne which has prophesied this truth so long should nlw be slain a main barrier to InfiJe, and Papal incursions will be taken out of the way. Christian Brethren of this free English land, I leave he matter ith you. Necessity was laid on me w e„ It ok up this pen, and nothing but a solemn conviction of duty could have urged me to bring this matter before aTi:"tMrTb" " T' ""' '"'""^'"''- -'^-i a. IS this. I boheve that the case of the Church of Scotland ,s a case of injustice and oppression, and I beheve tha it is m the power of the people of England by petitioning Pariiament and enlightening their rel ve representatives, to redress the wronj end remo" thegnevance. And, I have much faith in the just II "^'"'' Wmmf^ i^ 31 of Englishmen, and some experience of their generosity ; but I have more faith in Christianity, than even in national character. I believe that a man who 'is both just and generous may be too busy to attend to an appeal ; or even if he do attend, that he may miss the merits of the case, and not comprehending it, may pro- nounce an unrighteous judgment. But I believe this is a case, which every enlightened Christian may under- stand, for its first principles are familiar to him. And I believe, moreover, that it is a case in which English Christianity is concerned, " for if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it." And I believe, finally, that it is a case in which English Christians will lend their sympathy and aid— for such is the Master's will : « Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law OF Christ." For Sale by the Publisher : Price Id or Is 6d per 100< iKmn^aK^SKiX^