IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // K. 1^ v.. ^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 156 |3L2 :^ »£ 12.0 111^ III 2.2 1.4 1.8 1.6 V] <^ >^ / 7 'v Photographic Sciences Corporation V m ■^ <> "9> .V 6^ '^ %^ ^^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 .V &.. CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques €^ ^ 1987 Technical and Bibliographir Notes/Notes techniques et bibtiographiquas The( to th 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. n D D n a n n Coloured covers/ Couvarture de coui«ur Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagde n Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurie et/ou pellicul^e Cower title missing/ Le titre de couverture mana'is Coloured m".-:^/ Cartes giographiques en coulsur 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 illustrati'^ns an couieur Bound with other material/ Relii avec d'autres documents Tight binding may catisa shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge interieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been mitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout^es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texts, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas iti filmies. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppldmentaires; L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a st^ possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-etre uniques du point de vue bibiiographique, q-ji peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la m^thode normale de filmage sont indiquis ci-dessous. I i Coloured pages/ Piges de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endomm^g^es Pages restored and/oi Pages restaurees et/ou pellicul^es Pages discoloured, stained or foxe< Pages d^colorees, tacheties ou piquees I I Pages damaged/ I I Pages restored and/or laminated/ I yj Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Tht i poss of th filmii Origl begii the lj sion, othei first sion, or ill) □ Pages detached/ Pages d^tachees Showthrough/ Transparence j I Quality of print varies/ n Qualite inigale de ('impression Includes supplementary materia Comprend du materiel supplementaire Y edition available/ le Edition disponible r~~| Includes supplementary material/ □ Only edition available/ Seu The; shall "ilNU whic Maps diffei entirt begir right requi meth 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.. cnt *t6 f'imdes d nouveau de facon a obtenir la meilleure image possible. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film^ au taux de reduction indiqui ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X / i?y 26X 30X ] i'iA. «SA J^A tails du jdifier une nage The copy filmed here has bean reproduced thanks to the generosity of: The Nova Scotia Legislative Library Thb imagea appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and ir keeping with the filming contract specifications. L'exampiaire fllmi fut reproduit grioe h la g^n^rositi de: The Nova Scotia Legislative Library Lea images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec la plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettetd de I'exemplaire filmi, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. 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. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. Les exemplairos originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprim6e sont filmds en commen^ant par le premier plat at en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplairas originaux sont film6s en commen^ant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The East recordbd frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — ^> (meaning "CON- If INUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symboSe — »> signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too Serge to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, a& many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmds A des taux de reduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est filmd d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de hsut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants IHustrent la mdthode. rata ) elure. a J UA 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ^OVA SCOT/4 PROVINCE HOUSE 'FI'IMBNT m' tnv m AMM or THE REV. E. RENNY, AHD THE CONGREGATION «» SAZSfT * ■ HALIFAX, NOVA SGOTIA. GREENOCK: PRINTED BY JOHN HISIiOP. 1831. i Xi f^ ♦> 1 ,* \r ADVERTISE 1ENT. It may be proper to explain the reason that this Statement has not been printed sooner, since 1 returned from Halifax in the be- ginning of 1826. This delay was owing to the following causes: * The original papers, which were submitted to the Presbytery of Linlithgow immediately after ray return to Scotland, were com- mitted to the care of a Member of Presbytery, in whose hands they had fallen aside, and they were only recovered in October, 1829. Since that time, the case was submitted to the Presbytery of Paisley, and the General Assembly of last year ; and has lately been brought under the notice of Government. A letter has just been received from the Secretary at War, refusing to grant the application for redress ; and the whole details are now laid before the Public. * A short statement of facrs was printed and circulated among the different Free- ly teries, m September, 1826. Erratum.— F age 10, 23d line, /or 1825, read 1826. m STATEMENT OF THE CASE OF THE REV. E. RENNY, AND THE CONGREGATION OF ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA. The ^o** imentij which appear in this publication, will folly explain the UAtare of this cnse, which, it h bel'eved, will be found interesting by those wto fcfl a cjnooru in the we! aie buii prosperity of the Church of Scotland, au(.' which it is n^ w *houg\t ttdvisabie to make more generally known. It >vill bo nece^sry, hcwevjr, pre^ioasly to state some particulars connected -with the case, in order to irake the subject to which these documents refer more fuily understood. In the outset it may be proper to mention, that at Halifax, which is the chief town of Nova Scotia, and the seat of government for that colony, there are two churches in connexion with the Church of Scotland. To the one of these (St. Matthews) it has for many years been customary, on the re- moval or decease of the Minister, to request the Principal of the University of Edinburgh to appoint to the vacant charge. An opening of this kind, in the appointment of Junior Minister to that churchy occurred in the month of May, 1823, in consequence of the nomination of Mr, Knox to a church in Scotland.* The Very Reverend Principal Baird and Rev. Dr. Brown, University of Edinburgh, were accordingly again requested to fill up the vacancy by nominating his successor. Having been recommended and nominated as competent to discharge vhe duties of Junior Minister of St. Matthew's, I applied for ordination to the Presbytery of Linlithgow. I wa« accordingly duly ordained at Linlithgow on the 8th September in that year, and having taken passage at Greenock, in October, arrived at Halifax in the beginning of December. During the first six months of my residence in that place, the greatest concord and unanimity in the congregation prevailed. The Committee • Mr. Knox encountered the difficuky which, as will afterwards appear, led to my resignation. He was at last prevailed on t^ bind himself by a written engagement to remain in Halifax for life ; but notwithstanding, accepted of a presentation to the church of OrdiquhilL Prebbytery of Fordyce, in 1823. .•i-r^'*fe^fti|ft?'" 6 «rc con ,l„iro„, ,l,,„ Dr. Or,y, .he Senior Mim«„, ,|,„„,,| ,„;,, „„ ,„ allowance and ll,„, I ,„o„l,l te appointed ,„,, Minister. Tin, i,Torn Z ...c^,o,oh,„„n, .Idol, wereagrocd .„ hy .l,em,„nd of „,doh . el^ i' ^n! .utaiLT',';""'"' '" "': """"' °' '"•"• "*'^' ""« >" "■» Committee .n e of „ i " '" "'" "''""='' ""» """= '"'""'"W' to the existing «a.e of ,h,„g,, „o,o not earriod into elfect. At this meeting a call »"' g vcn te me to continue m, labour, ., Junior Minister. A reL"uo" IZ llial in ease Mr. Renn, should afterwards receive a call to a church In A^rr ;, ""''""°° '° '"'S" "'« "«" "f 'ho congregation." rasoirlT r: """:"""'" ""'•" °'"- '" """"• "■« -I'-e'mentioned d^^ L „ "''""':''/ ""'' ' ""•'"'»"°° '■'»'" •"= Committee and El- with D.rfecTfrrr '°.'";"' '■'""''' ""'' """""'"'oly objected to, and, ort o eomp^r'::?,- h rr""?""'* «, intended to be held" poned oX to 11 " ' ^'" «'™"' "»' "">,cq„cntl, post- twelve'raoMh f '^r™'' "■""''" ■"'"'■ »'"" «■« «"-»i' layo.erUll a ii e:r;p;ssT;!:v'"n"'':r':"'"''''™''»''°""'"''-^ other cause induce me rrem^frl" tL •■ °'""°° """' '"°"^"'' " If agarn an absolute .„d uueondiUonal refusal should be rc'lj ,o C it: d t: ,f'":oJdX'"T''''''- "r »■"'- -"p-uonTtwe:::; Scotland ,Sltan»enledSr'- " " *"""' "' ■"™""^ •- '"°™ '» an, settled provision or permanent appointment. Placed ! «fmmitmi.iimim!. in this dilemma, I judt.5C(l it pi'opcr to try vvliat impression reasoning; mi((lit produce upon the minds of the Committee ; and it was with this view that the following representation was drawn up, and submitted to several Mem- bers In the congregation. — This forms No. 7. — Statement of the Question. The sentiments of the Committee on the subject of previous intimation continuing to remain unaltered, it was judged advisable by my friends that I should make an oiler of six months' notice. This clTort to restore that harmony and good understanding which it was dcnirable on many accounts should continue unbroken, was made by a letter (No. 9.) addressed to Mr. G. N. Russell. The communication contained in it having been laid before a meeting of the congregation, called a few days afterwards, to decide on this proposition, was accepted by a majority of 19 to 9. The call was ac- cordingly drawn out, but at first was subscribed by only 30 Pewholders, a majority of the Committee having refused to sign it in that shape. About the middle of January, 1825, copy of a resolution was transmitted to me officially that had been adopted by the Committee, bearing, " that out of 109 persons entitled to vote, only 30 had signed the call— that the Commit- tee in consequence consider the call incomplete and of no effect." In this emergency, it was in my opinion high time to consult my friends on this side of the Atlantic, with respect to the course which in these lir- cnmstances it was prudent to follow. My brother-in-law, Mr. Young, therefore, was requested by me to correspond with a confidential friend in Edinburgh upon the subject. As this letter is of importance, inasmuch as it shows the position in which the parties then stood towards one another, an extract from it is here inserted. " Halifax, February 7th, 1826. " My Dear Sir, " A have been looking for your reply to my last by every Pacquet This subject is not the cause that has induced me to address you at this time. A nearer and more pressing object that touches deepiy both our feelings and interests, has started up in Mr. £benezer's prospects, and calls loudly for an unreserved and full communication. Not a moment should be lost in making known all the details, because some effort in bis behalf may be immediately needed. " Towards the close of last summer, St. Matthew's congregation gave !iim an unanimous call, to which the condition was annexed, of ' his afl'ord- ing them twelve months previous notice, in the event of his pastoral relation being dissolved by his removal to some other charge.' Mr. Renny wished to waive the discussion of this point, and in his answer to the intimation of the call by the Committee, he promised to give them as long previous notice as was in his power, apprising them, at the same time, that he had no pro- sent intention of -quitting them. This- cautious reply led immediately to a conference betwixt him and the managers, in which they insisted upon a specific piemoniiion, and he argued upon the impossibility of compliance* » •■»-'^f«S ''•<*s*ss»- 8 A nieetinff of the Commilfoc was then convened, for the express purpose of deciding upon your '» determination; nnd at thatmcetinR they came^o Ihe resolution ' that .^r. Kenny's letter was not satisfactory.' This happened about November last ; and was coram unioa ten to your — by the Chair- man (G. N. Russell) in a.i oilioia! form. His friends in the Committee, as well'as his sister, now importuned him to promise at least (i monlhs' notioo ; and after much solicilatiun on their part, and much reluctance on his, he was prevailed on to yield to this point. This was considered hy all hi^ friends as a certain rer..cdial concession that would allay the ferment and restore peace to the consrcgalion. A general meeting of al> the Pewholder. was then called, before which were laid all the procecdinj^s ; and on the vote bein»^ put, whether Mr. Kenny's acceptance of the call on 6 months premonition should be received, it was carried in the affirmative by 19 to 9. This vote of the con-rejiation disappointed the wishes of a majority of the ' Committee, and they fell npon a scheme to defeat it. Two of them only siRned the call, and left a blank space for the names of tho other five, .vhicto they refused to give no facility to the plan which seems to me to be at the bottom of the proposal— tl>at of getting yor to resign— but on the contrary, rather allow yourself to L« forced out, than go out willingly. Your chief object must now be, to look to consequences. If you do not take care to preserve evidence of being clearly in the right, recollect, that the world will take it for granted that it was you who was in the wrong. The world always presumes, in the ease of a quarrel between a clergywias and his Hock, that it is the clergyman who is in the wrong : und unless you take care to preserve proof to the contrary, you may have difficulties to contend with even when you return here, on accoupt of what has taken place. I shall not trouble you farther on the point at present. I can only regret that this matter has been stirred at all ; but if it is to be made a sine qua 7ion by a majority of your Hock, you can have no alternative but to leave them. I shall hope, howe^ er, tliat the un- reasonableness and injustice of the proposed condition, will become ap- parent to the agitators of it, and that you will be allowed still to continue your ministrations in peace. I shall, however, be anxious to hear the re- sult. So wri^o to mo immediately. " I remain, " Your's, kc. t 1 The Rev. Mr. E. Renuy, Halifax. //' i 10 The congregauon, at the Quarterly Meeting held on 10th March, having confirmed the view formerly taken by them of the subject, two gentlemen were nominated to call and request the signatures of ihe Pewholders. This commission was executed by the gentlemen to whom it was intrusted ; and in their hands the call was rendered a valid and efficient instrument, 80 Pewholders having signed it, out of 109 persons entitled to vote. At the Annual Quarterly Meeting, 10th June, 1825, a majority, as had been the case on former occasions, was obtained in my favour; and another Commit- tee, consisting of new members, was ballotted for and appointed. In October i wrote to the Chairman, Mr. John Howe, requesting that the call, which I had examined, and which had received the signatures of so great a majority, should be delivered to me. This proposition was sub- niitted to a meeting of the congregation which took place on 18th October, and at this meeting it was resolved by a vote of 27 to 2l, that they should send to Scotland for another Minister. In these circumstances, and finding it difficult to obtain my salary,* no choice— no alternative remained, but to withdraw and return to my native country. Previous to my departure from Halifax, I considered it to be incumbent on me to transmit to the Commit- tee a protest (No. 14) against the proceedings of the congregation in this affair, appealing from them to the Presbytery of Linlithgow, County of West Lothian, by which I had been ordained to that charge. Little remains to be added to this cursory and unvarnished statement. In the month of February, 18?5, I appeared before the Presbytery of Linlithgow, and laid before them all the documents and papers, up to that date, which will be given in this collection. A Committee consisting of four Members of Presbytery, was, on that occasion, named by the Modera- tor. An overture, in consequence of their report, waf; made to the General Assembly of that year ; but it was not till last year (1830) that the deliver- ance which is here given was agreed to, nemine dissentiente . Various refiections of an interesting kind, arising from this subject, pre- sent themselves to my mind ; but in dwelling on these, I will not at present indulge. No one, it is believed, who attentively, and with an impartial mind, considers the subject, will hesitate to acknowledge that it is a case " of great hardship," and that much and fiagrant injustice has been ex- perienced. The subject has been brought under the notice of Government, by Archd. Campbell, Esq., of Blythswood, M. P., and latterly by Sir M. S. Stewart, M. P. The applications thus made, through the good offices of these gentle- men, I regret to add, have hitherto terminated in dissappointmcnt. Copies of the correspondence that has been entered into with His Ma- jesty's Government, will be given in the Appendix. \.—Lette • Vid. Letter to Mr. How.;— No. 18. Gentlemei again oirigi it is with e: to us his ac the continu the necessii in selecting Gray, in tli We havt notice of h pleased to will pardoi to state, th tions, and pews, it wi preacher, i acquaintec ter. As 01 man witho should be i approbatio being left very seriou We offei rency, to c of all exp credit for i defray his the above the choice approbatic h, having gentlemen ;rs. This sted ; and inaent, 80 ;. At the 1 been the r Commit- sting that natures of I was sub- I October, ley should nd finding ed, but to rture from ) Commit- on in this County of iteraent. sbytery of up to that isisting of B Modera- w General le deliver- bject, pre- at present I impartial t is a case s been ex- , by Archd. I. Stewart, ese gentle- u. h His Ma- LETTERS RELATING TO THE CASE, I.— Letter to the Very Rev. Principal Baird, and the Rev. Dr. Brown, University of Edinburgh. Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1st May, 1823. Gentlemen, The Committee of Saint Matthew's Church in this town, are again oL'i^ed to solicit your good offices on behalf of the congregation ; and it is with extreme sorrow we have to inform you, that Mr. Knox has notified to us his acceptance of a presentation to a church in Scotland, and that from the continued indisposition and infirmity of Dr. Gray, we are again under the necessity of trespassing on your kindness, by requesting your assistance in selecting a person competent to act as an Assistant and Successor to Dr. Gray, in the room of Mr. Knox. We have tn express to you, that it is with feelings of regret we received notice of his intention to leave us. From the prompt attention you were pleased to give to our former applications, we are induced \o believe you will pardon the trouble we now give you ; and we think it necessary again to state, that as we are surrounded with able preachers of other denomina- tions, and the revenues of the church arise entirely from the rents of the pews it will be actually necessary that the Gentleman should be an able preacher, a good orator of orthodox principles, duly ordained, and well acquainted with every branch of literature necessary for a Christian Minis- ter As our means are limited, we would further suggest, that a young man without a family would be preferred ; as a'so, that the person selected should be one that would be likely to remain with us, provided a mutual approbation of each other should take place, as the chance of our again being left without a preacher of our own persuasion, will be productive of very serious inconvenience to the congregation. We offer to the perso.i you may nominate, a salary of £200 Halifax cur- rency, to commence from the time of his embarking for this country, in lieu of all expences, and we have by this opportunity transmitted a letter of credit for the sum of £45 Sterling, to be paid to your order, if necessary, to defray his expences in coming here, *hich sum we consider m advance of the above mentioned salary ; and though we have the fullest confidence that the choice which shall be made will prove agreeable, yet, in case a mutual approbation shall not take place within 12 mouths of his anival here, we 'W.lKW?^^-? t. 12 will agree to continue the salary, at the same rate, for sueli reasonable time as may be necessary for his return to Scotland. As Mr. Knox will leave us in the month of June, and as a vacancy of even a few weeks will be very detrimental to the interests of the congrega- tion, we most earnestly entreat that his Successor wuy leave Scotland as soon as possible. We cannot conclude this letter without expressing our grateful thanks, and those of the congregation, for the very judicious selec- tion you made in the appointment of Mr." Knox. He has discharged all his duties most faithfully, and returns to Scotland with the best feeling of our regard and esteem. With the fullest reliance on your kind, benevolent, and prompt exertions on our behalf, We have the honour to remain, Your obedient humble Servants, (Signed) Mich. Wallace, Chas. Hill, D. M. Archibald, Rt. Hume, John Brown, William Strachan, G. N. Russell, James Fullarton, Joseph Alison, James Bain, James Foreman. (Signed) James Dechman, ■\ Alexander Phillips, ^£;^.^,,.,^ Robert Anderson James Smith, ips, f II. — Extract Minute of the Ordination of Mr, Renny. At Linlithgow the 8th September, 1823 years,— which day the Presbytery met, pro re nata, in consequence of circular letters addressed to all the Ministers, by the Moderator, for the purpose of taking on trials, and ordain- ing to the Holy Ministry Mr. Ebenezer Renij, appointed to the Presbyterian church of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Moderator stated that he had appointed to Mr. K^enny, subjects of trial discourses, of which step, in the particular circumstances of the case, he hoped the Presbytery would approve. Mr. Ebenezer Renny appeared, and laid before the Presbytery a letter addressed to the Rev. Dr. Baird, Principal, and the Rev. Dr. Brown, Pro- fessor of Rhetoric in the University of EdinburUcc shall id, or any to a wish ius notice, difficulty, trust, be y me pre- RENNY. 1826. send you ed to pre- LERTON. XI.— Letter— Mr. licnny to John Howe, Esq. Halifax, I2th Octoder, 1826. My Dear Sir, I received to-day your note of yesterday, with its enclosures. Permit me to return the letter of 5th September, addressed to the Commit- tee of Saint Matthew's, which you were so good as to enclose for my perusal. I have now been for nearly two years labouring among you in word and doctrine, in the discharge of my duties as a Minister of the Gospel of our Lord ; and according to the terms of the original letter, written to the Rev. Prm- clpal Baird and the Rev. Dr. Broxva of Edinburgh, in consequence of which I received my nomination from these Rev. Gentlemen, it was stipulated that when a twelvemonth had elapsed, a definite answer would bo given with respect to my future appointment as your Junior Minister. The causes that have led to the delay originating, I am sorry to say, m the opposition of some individuals in the Cor.^regation, ha ^ not escaped my noUce ; but as matters cannot any longer remain in their present state, it appears to me to be most advisable to request, that the call which was formerly agreed upon, and duly signed, and is now I believe lodged in the hands of the Secretary, be transferred to me. This proposition, I trust, will meet with the approbation of the Members of the Committee. I am, Dear Sir, Your's very truly, (Signed) E. REN NY. d this day, ill, Xll.— Letter— John Howe, Esq. in answer. Halifax, October 13th, 1825. Mv Dear Sir, .... u r Your letter of the 1 2th instant, was this day laid by me before the Committee of Saint Matthew's Church, and I have l>«=» ff«f to state to you, that as a special meeting of the Congregation will be held on Tuesday next, at ten o'el.ck in the forenoon, it is considered advisable to refer your request respecting the call, to that meeting. I am, My Dear Sir, Your's truly, (Signed) J. HOWE, Jr. Chairman of Committee. Rev. Mr. Renny. ^^^^^ XIU.— Resolution oftl" Committee, I9lh October, 1825. Resolved,-That in consequence of the Congregation being so much di- vided in opinion, as to the propriety of settling the Rev. Mr. Renny asthexr permanent Pastor, and the dissatisfaction existing in the minds of many of its Members, tending greatly to lessen his usefulness amongst them, it .s 20 l/i. i therefore expedient, in order to preserve that unanimity and harmony which 18 so uesirable and necessary for the well being of the Congregation, that immediate steps be taken to obtain a Minister who may be more unani- mously approved ; also, that the Rev. Mr. Renny be continued (provided ho thinlcs proper to remain) ut the present salary, until another Minister shall be procured, pnd that he be a'lowed a liberal sum to defray his cxpences to Scotland, should he wish to return to that country. It XIV. — Protest by Mr. Renny against the Proceedings of the Congregation, TO THE COMMITTEE OF SAINT MATTHEW's CHURCH, HALIFAX. Gentlemen, In consequence of the termination of the connection which existed between the Congregation of Saint Matthew's, in this town, and myself ^ Junior Minister of that Church, I have deemed it my duty to make a con- cise and faithful statement of the nature of that connection, and of the cir- cumstances which produced its dissolution ; that I may enter my solemn Protest before the Congregation here against the cause and manner of my dismissal from the situation which I lately held ; and also, that I may here- after be enabled to lay the subject before the Presbytery of Linliihgow, in the County of West Lothiau, Scotland, by which I was ordainec to the Holy Ministry. It will be remembered, that a letter was addressed by the Congregation of St. Matthew's, in the month of May, 1823, to the Rev. Dr. Baird and Dr. Brown, of Edinburgh, requesting their good ohices in selecting a person competent to act as Assistant and Successor to Dr. Gray, upon the intended removal of Mr. Knox to a church in Scotland. The te^ms and stipulations specified in that letter, are as follows : " We offer to the person whom you may nominate a salary of £200, Halifax currency, to commence from the time of his embarking for this country, in lieu of all expences, and we have by this opportunity transmitted a letter of credit for the sum of £45 Sterling to your order, if necessary, to defray his expences in coming here, whiuh sum we consider in advance of the above mentioned salary ; and although we have the fullest confidence that tljc choice which shall be made will prove agreeable, yet in case a mutual approbation shall not take place within twelve months after his arrival here, we will agree to continue the salary at the same rate, for such reasonable time as may be necessary for his return to Scotland." Upon reference to this letter, it is obvious, that no stipulation or condition was exacted in it respecting any notice from the person accepting the situa- tion therein offered, should he feel a disposition to return to his native conn- try at a subsequent period. It is true, that in the preceding part of th-i letler, a strong wish was expressed that his residence and situation should be permanent, but the possibility of his removal was at the same time con- templated ; and any condition respecting notice to be given, ou bis part/ !9«^SSSSEfg^WWi ^« L>1 might very properly, and ouffht, I humbly conceive, to have been there In- troduced, if it had been intended that a stipulation of this kind should form- purt of liis engagement. Having been recommended by the two Rev, Gentlemen already mention- ed, and duly ordu'.ied on the 8th September, 18'i3, by the Presbytery of Linlithgow, at a pro re nata mcotinj,' held on that day, I left my native country, and having arrived at Halifax in the month of December in the same year, I took upon myself the sa< red duties of that important trust ; and after the approbation of so many Members of the Congregation of St. Matthew's, expressed by thair written certificates, I may be permitted to avow, that with conscientious and faithful zeal, I have discharged those duties. After ofliciating about six months as your Junior Minister, and without any furtiier engagement than the one contained in the letter to Dr. Baird and Dr. Brown, at a meeting which took plnce on 10th June, 1824, when it ■was unanimously agreed by the Congregation, that a call should be given to me, a resolution was proposed in these words : " That iv case Mr. Renny should afterwards receive a call to a church in Scotland, and should wish to accept thereof, or other circumstance should induce him to leave the Congregation, he give 12 months' notice, in a regular manner 'his inten- tion to resign the call of the Congregation." And to this s> alation my consent was then first required, as a condition to my obtaining such call.— It would have been obviously an engagement of too narrow and limited a nature on the part of the Congregation, and certainly not fair towards my- self, that I should resign all natural desires of returning to my native coun- try, and consent to fix myself permanently in my present situation, at the sum stipulated in the letter referred to. And yet such would have been th© real effect of that condition, as I must have thereby becoiuc unable to accept any situation in the Church of Scotland, to which I might afterwards be appointed, unless I did so by a breach of this engagement into which 1 vas required to enter. Although I did, then, however, and do still conceive, that no such terms could be exacted from me, I willingly and frankly offer- ed, in my letter to the Congregation of 12th November, 1824, to give the earliest notice in ray power of any such intended removal which it might be desirable for me to make. My proposition was considered to be unsatisfac- tory, as appears from the following letter : — " Haufax, i3th December, 1824. " Rev. Sir, " At the Quarterly Meeting of Saint Matthew's Church, held on Friday 10th instant, the Committee laii before the Congregation your letter of 12th November, in which you declare your acceptance of an invitation to act as Junior Minister with the Rev. Dr. Gray ; and the same having been read, a"d the votes taken thereon, it was unanimously deemed unsatisfac- C UJII-L III UMHI — I'lW L>y tory. ..wins to your not Laving specified n time for giving notice, should a presentulion from Scothu.u <.r other cause, induce you to remove from hence. •' I am, Rev. Sir, •• Your's Very ilespectfully, (Signed) " KUFUS FAIRBANKS." To fix with sufficient certainty this time, I named six months, as in itself perfectly reasonable, as I apprehended, and whi. :, would, if necessary, give the Congro-ation sullicient time to procure a person in my room. It would appear that such had been the sentiments of a large portion of tho Congre- Ration ; for at a meeting which took place un the 28th December, 18?.4,this proposition was accepted by a majority of 19 to i). A call was accordingly drawn out to this effect, and after some delay, was acturdly subscribed by 80 Pewholders out of 10^ persons entitled to vote. This call, though it has been seen by me, has never been in ray possession ; but judging, after some time, that it was both expedient and my right that I should be in possesion of this instrument, and that after the signatures of so great a majority, it could not with any propriety be withheld from me, I applied for it by a let. tt addressed to John Howe, Esq. the Chairman of the Committee. In re- oly i was informed by Mr. Howe, that this letter having been submitted to tue'consideration of the Committee, they had resolved that my request should be referred to a meeting of the Congregation, whicn was fixed for the 18th October. Accordingly, at this meeting, 48 Members being present, a reso- lutiou was passed by a majority of 27 to 21, a copy of which has been de- livered to me by the Committee as follows : — " Resolved,— That in consequence of the Congregation being so milch di- vided in opinion, .s to the propriety of settling the Rev. Mr. Renny as their permanent Pastor, and the dissatisfaction existing in the minds of many of its Members, tending greatly to lessen his usefulness amongst ti.om, u is therefore expedient, in order to preserve that unanimity and hnrmony which is so desirable and occ.ssrryr for the well bein{ of the Congregation, that immediate steps be taken • obtain i Minister who may be luore unani- mously approved , also, that the Rev. Mr. Renny be continued (provided he thinks proper to remain) at the present salary, until another Minister shall be procured, and that he be allowed a liberal sum to defray his expences to Scotland, should he wish to return to that country." And to this proposition of remaining ontl.se terms for an uncertaift period, I declined acceding. Thus, then, Gentlemen, do I find the connection between us severed, and I now cease to till the situation to which you invited mo, and <> which a call from so large a majority of the Pewholders of the Church, has been, though formally, yet ineffectually, made, and from which, the small number of 27, and that by a majority of six individuals, have removed a>-i, by the resolu- tion now referred to. To this rcsoluticn. thus weakly sanctioned, and formed 1 conceive il init ; and eqi nrcscrvc una benefits may in whom the (Cem and go( any mind rea towards any derstood as s me to deny t in the dissoli the Presbytc this manner, and my into upon wiiich stated ; ind this appct.!, I DO, II power, or at tliereof, to ii pecting mysi to Dr. BainI try was fou Church of S And I do power and a assumed am 1825. 1. Bccaus claimed, to j dained Mini I this meeting with the law 2. Becau! Ivitaticn wa the pledge I [ period of pre 'and within ' Iright, if at s And lastli eall priiviou formal, ani Alinister of precedent a 23 should 3 utn hence. BANKS." an in itselT ssary.give It would i<3 Congre- , 18?.4, this accordingly iscribed by ough it has after some posscs-tion majority, it it by a let- ce. In re- ubmiUed to |ucst should for the IWh ent, a reso* as been de- so milch di- ;nny as their I of many of tiiem, u is mony which igation, that laorc unaiii- (provided he linister shall i expences to in uncertain severed, and J which a call been, though umber of 27, ;y the resolu- 1, and formed 1 conceive in dcfinncc of precedent and reason, I •lavc no option hut to sub- mit ; and equally anxious as I am, with every member of my late Hock, to imity and hs to the hone that the Dre.Hcrvo u benefits may be thereby prf»duccd, 'ind that a Successor may be obtained, in whom the aifectinns of all will centre. Conscious that I possess (be es- teem and good wishes of many, and that whatever dissatisfaction may ox.st in any mind respecting myself, I cherish no unfriendly sentiment or disposition towards any individual in the Congregation, I would not willingly be un- derstood as saying ought personal on the subject. And while my duty leads rae to deny the authority of those whose proceedings have thus terminated in the dissolution of my pastoral connection, and to pmtc t bcfo* < you and the Presbytery of our Church, against such assumption of power, I do so in this manner, that I may anpearto act openly before all ; that mj sentiments and my intentions may not be mistaken or misinterpreted; that the faeU upon wiiich this Protest is founded, may challenge remark, if incorrectly stated ; ind that upon these, the Presbytery of our Church, to which I make this appe>.l, may hereafter decide. I DO, IHERF.FORE, solemnly and publicly Prn'est against any righi, power, or authority, in the Congregation, or any iiidividuK ' or members thereof, to introduce, demand, or make any .-itipi'lation or condition, res- pecting myself, or my situation, which was not stated in ilic letter addressed to Dr. Baird and Dr. Brown, upon A'hicn, and upon which alone, my minis- try was founded, and the charge undertaken as Junior Minister of the Church of Saint Matt' ew*s in Halifax. And I do also, and further, solemnly and publicly Protest against ine power and autho^'ty of the Members of tiie Congregation of Saint Matthews, assumed and acted upon at their meetinjp; held on the 18th day of October, 1825. 1. Because the Church of Scotland does not recognise the 'ight thus claimed, to dissolve the connection that has been formed between an or- dained Minister and his flock ; and consequently, the Resolution passed at [this meeting, is contrary to the authority of our Church, and inconsistent I with the lawful privileges and acknowledged rights of its Ministers. t. Because this resolution is a violation of the terms upon which the in- Ivitation wa? given, accepted, and confirmed; and expressly contrary to [the pledge held out in the letie: to Dr. Eaird and Dr. Brown, in which the [period of probation was limited by the Congregation themselves to 12 months, land within which period, therefore, and before the call was executed, this [right, if at all, could have been alone exercised. And lastly. Because not only was such a resolution ineor.sistent with the Ball priiviously made, and of no validity or effect to annul the -.olemn, iTormal, and ctfeetivc .node by which I was confirmed xs the Junior (Minister of this Church ; but because, also, it is in itself contrary to all .precedent and justice, principle and rei^sop, that the act of a greater num- mtmimii m IkJ !)er can be destroyed by a lesser, and tliat liavinj? the sanction of eighty Pewholders, J can be deprived of the situation, and dismis-ed from the charge to which tlicy had invited me, by a meeting at which scarcely more than Iialf of that number were present, and of which, in fact, a majority of six alone have annulled and rendered void their solemn call, by which I had been confirmed as the Junior Minister of the Church of St. Matthew's. I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant, ,,,^,, (Signed) E. RENNY. Halifax, 10th ^ov. 1823. "^y.— Certificate sipted by Members of Council, the Moderator, and Acting Committee, in favour of Mr. Benny, We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do Certify, that the Rev. E. Renny has officiated as Junior Minister of Saint Matthew's Church here, for nearly two years, during which time he has conducted himself with the strictest propriety and attention to his duty as a Christian Minister. His preaching and doctrines have been such as to merit our warmest approba- tion. His moral conduct has been pious, exemplary^ and altogether be- coming his profession. Given under our Hands at Halifax, Nova Scotia, this 28th day of October, 1823. Mich. Wallace, > Members of His Enos Collins, S Majesty's Council. James Foreman, Moderator. (Signed) Archd. Giay. D.D. a J. Howe, jun. William Forsyth, Alex. Murison, John Dempster, Adam Esson, Rt. Hume, David Fletcher, ■ - ^ Sis) U ~ ft *» X-W.-^Letter of the Conyregation to Mr. Renny. Halifax, 28th October, 1823. Rev. Sir, The Congregation of Saint Matthews Church understanding that it is your intention to return immediately into Scotland, offer their best wishes for your safe arrival in your native country, and for your future wel- fare and happiness in life. The doctrincf you have taught, and the morality which has distinguished your conduct in the dischari^c of the .Ministerial duties of Junior Pastor of their Churcli, have been every way worthy of your profession. Notwith- atauding the unhappy dilleiences which occurred between yourself and a n\ IppiiWwpfWB i T -gj a u- ' t. ilMlHHll fl MiMiiWiii on of eighty ^ed from tho ^arcely more a majority of which I had itthew's. t, t. RENNY. , and Acting the Eev. E. Ilhurch here, self with the nister. His e.st approba- together be- . Scotia, this ers of His tt/'s Council, ator. J, 1825. iderstanding er their best • future wel- istinguished or Pastor of . Notwith- irsclf and a 23 portion of its members, they all feel bound to bear this testimony to your character. And wherever Almighty God, in his wisdom, may hereafter direct your footsteps, they sincerely hope his blesrJng will attend you, and that all your labours in the great cause of religion, will be crowned with the happiest success. — We are. Rev. Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants, (Signed) Mich. Wallace, Enos Collins, James Foreman, John Howe, jun. Joseph Allison, G. N. Russell, Alexander Murison, John Demptster, Adam Esson, Rt. Hume, David Fletcher, William Forsyth, W. Crawford, James Wilkie, Robert Romans, William Patterson, James Carmichaul, John Benzie, George Thomson, Archibald Sinclair, Wm. Cleaveland, William Gordon, Chas. Esson, Thomas K. Orassie, Errol Boyd, John Fillis, John Esson, Joseph Wilson, James Donaldson, John Farquhar. JohnM'Lean, James Greig, James Giant, Saml. Story, David Walker, Wro. Stairs, F. Jlitchell Alexr. Fiddes, D?'id Hall, Alex. Am. Ferguson, William IMitchell, Robt. Noble. James D. Fraser, Alexander Mitchell, James IMitchell, Peter Lynch, Wm. Annant, James Bain, John Brown, •James Foreman, jun. Jos. Lee, Rufus Fairbanks, James Smith, James Deckman, jun. William Merrick, Alexander Philips, Nathl. Callander, Edward Wallace, ,Iohn Williamson, John Liddell, William IM 'Donald, G. W. ArchiJ)ald, Charles D. Archibald, John Young, AVilHam Young, James Deckman, sen. M''illiam Knox, Jane Knox, Thomas Knox, Chas. Alexander, Dun. M'Farlane, AYillian: 'irant, Peter M-Nab, John Ross, John Davie, Nicho)a8 Vass. The Reverend Mr. Renny. XVII.— JoAji Howe, jun. to Mr. Renny. Halifax, 11th November, 1825. Rev. Sir, As Chairman of the Committee of Saint Matthew's Church, it was my duty to submit to their consideration your letter of yesterday's date. Called upon, as they now are, in justification of the conduct of the Con- gregation towards you, to transmit to Scotland a full explanation of all the circumstances that led to the separation that has taken place between them and you, and to account for the motives that induced them to address to you their farewell letter, I have been directed to notify you of this their in- tention, and distinctly to state, that such representation will be forwarded by the first pacquet which sails from hence for England, unless you should, upon rcllection, and in the course of to-morrow, think proper to withdraw it, I am, Rev. Sir, Your obedient Servant, (Signed) J. HOWE, Jun. 26 V' • ■ Halifax, Nov.MBiiR 12. XVItl. Mr. Renny to Mr. J. Howe, jr. in answer. Mr. Renny presents his compliments to Mr. Howe. Previous to liis set- tiner sail upon his return to his native country, he thought it proper and ad- visable to address his letter of the 10th instant to the Committee, for thef reasons which he stated therein at large, and feels no disposition to with- draw it, as he conceives it to be his duty to submit a copy of it to the Pres- bytery of Linlithgow, immediately after his arrival in Scotland. He is persuaded that the Committee must be sensible qf the candour and fairness of this proceeding. John Howe, Jun. Esq., / Chairman of Conuuittee. ji XIX. — Mi: Benny to Mr. Howe. 7th October, 1825. Dear Sir, I am obliged, though unwillingly, to nddr.ss to you this note. I have repeatedly applied to our Treaaurer, Captain Fullcrlon, for the pay- ment of my salary, but without success, and the reply made to my applica- tion is, that he has no church funds in his hands. There are at present duo to me, two quarters' salary, and the want of so large a sum, as you must easily imagine, puts me to great inconvenience. By your interference> and ordering the payment of the sum due to me, you will oblige, Dear Sir, Your's very truly, (Signed) E. RENNY. .1. HowK, jun. Esq. ^ Chairro'^n cf Committee. S XX. — Certificate by Principal Baird and Dr. Brown, to Mr. Renny. College, Edinburgh, 3lst December, 1829. Wc, who united in recommending the Rev. Ebenezpr Renny, ordained a Minister of the Gospel to the Congref,ation of Saint Matthew's '^hiirch, Halifax, Nova Scotia, feel ourselves called upon, injustice to that Gentle- .at«ri, to bear witness, that though his settlement among them was not car- ried into efl'ecl. we have never heard any allegation made against his private morals, or the soundness of his doctrine, or his faithfulness in the exercise of pastoral duty. We therefore entertain the pleasing hope, that by the blessing of God his additional studies and experience may enable him to become an active, useful, and acceptable. Minister in the Christian Church. (Signed) GEO. H. BAIRD, D. D., One of the Ministers and Principal of the University of Edinburgh. ANDREW BROWN, Minister, Old Church, and Professor of Rhttoric. K >•">,'» ''-^.: 2T XKl.^-Ccrlificate by Mr, Menzies, East Parish, Greenock, and Members of Session, to Mr. Kenny, I hereby Certify, that the Rev. E. Rcnny has resided within the bounds of my Parish for a considerable length of time, and that I have had frequent opportunities both of hearing him in the pulpit, and of cultivating a friendly intercourse with him in private. That the opinion which, in these favour- able oircunistances, I have been led to form of his talents, acquirements, and character, is very high, and that the prevailing sentiment by which I am actuated in staling this opinion, is that of deep and cordial regret, that an individual so very meritorious as Mr. R., an ordained Clergyman withal, and of larger and more extended experience than myself, should be under the necessity, at this time of day, of requiring my humble testimony. I for- bear purposely going into a long detail of Mr. R;'s qualilications, lest I might be suspected of being inlluenced by private friendship more than by a regard to truth ; but a sense of what is due both to him and to myself, constrains me to say in general terms, that I know of few, who, from supe- rior intelligence, integrity of conduct, scrupulous fidelity, and unwearied patience, and good temper, are so well qualified, or promise so fairly, to be an useful and efficient Minister of a Parish. (Signed) WILLIAM MENZIES, Minister. JAMES WATT, i:Wer. COLIN LAMONT, £lder. JOHN BUCHANAN, Jr. Elder. C. BUCHANAN, Elder. PETER M'MORLANjl., £Zrfer. JAMES LIKLY, Elder, MALCOM BUCHANAN, Elder. I am authorised lo state, that the forcmentioned Gentlemen, Elders of this Parish, give their cordial concurrence in the above Certificate. (Signed) W. MENZIES. East Parish, Greenock, 19th March, 1829. XXIL— Lett erf ram the Presbytery of Paisley to Sir Georye Murray, Hth April, 1830. The Presbytery of Paisley, feeling as they do the deepest interest in the sustained and increasing inlluence of pure religion, sound morality, and social order, among their countrymen, whether temporarily or more perma- nently resident in the colonies and foreign dependancies under His Majesty's paternal Government, and maintaining their connexion with the Church by law established in this part of the United Kingdom, have had at dilferent tiuies under their consideration, and do now humbly beg leave to bring un- der the notice of the Right Honourable His Majesty's principal Secretary of Stfte for the Colonial Department, certain circumstances of peculiar hardship, connected with the case of the Rev. Ebenczcr Renny, who has 28 l.ecn for these nine years resident wilhin the bounds, and under the inspec- tion of this Presbytery, with the exception of nearly two years, 1824 and 18'25. during which, he occupied the important situation of Junior or Assist- ant Minister, to the Rev. Dr. Archibald Gray, of St. Matthew's Church, Hahlax Nova Scotia ; and in that capacity of officiating Jlergy man, acted as Chaplain to a numerous body of troops in that station, who adhere to the iorms of worship of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland To that very in.porta„t situation Mr. Renny was regularly ordained by l.e Reverend the Presbytery of Linlithgow, the 8th Septembe;, 1823, having been in consequence of an application to that effect from the Congregation of St. Matthew s, specially nominated and appointed by the Ve^y Reverend Principal Baird, and Dr. Andrew Brown, one of the Ministers of the city and Professor of Rhetoric, in the University of Edinburgh. The confidence reposed ,n the judgment of these learned and Rev. Gentlemen, so weU grounded on other reasons, was the more natural in regard to Professor nXf^ n"s r 1 Xl'^'f "''" '"^'' ''"' '''' ^'^^••"- ^" St. Matthew's, Halifax, N. b., which Mr. Renny was now destined to i;il. On the facts of the case, as to which a considerable body of docuraentarv evidence has been produced to the Presbytery of Paisley, and might accom- pany this, did that seem necessary,-therc appears to be no diilercnee be- tween the parties. Mr. Renny 1, ing designated to the sacred ofiicc above described, received ordination fron hat Presbytery, (Linlithgow) by which he had been licen- sed a Probatio, r for the Christian Ministry, a few years beiore. He forf • With left Scotland, and arriving at Halifax early in Dec. 1823, immedl itelv entered on the discharge of his official duties. The stipulated salary of £200 currency, was held as beginning to be due from the day he left the onri, r M T'"" ''^"'' '"' "^^ ''''''' '' ^«"^""^ *•" ^ ^--->- sl'ould open the fu.l charge and entire emoJ-^ments. Of the manner in which Mr Renny justihed the recommendations of his Patrons in Edinburgh, the mosi satisfactory evidence is afforded by Ccrtilicatcs given under the hands of said Dr. Gray and the Managing Committee, together with Michael Wallace and Enos Collins Esc,s. and Members of His Majesty's Council, and 77 Pewholders out of 109 qualified voters. These attestations of 28th October 1820, bear'' that Mr. Renny, during the two years nearly of bis officiatin.: as Junior Minister of St. Matthews, has conducted himself with the strict<-sl propriety and attention to his duties as a Christian Minister ; that his preacaing and doctrines have been such as to merit our warmest approba- prfessbn.''*' """'' '""'"'' ''" ^'"^'"^'' ""' ^'^""^^'"^^ •^^^^^W- his com, .g the services of one s. advantageously known by ti>e fidelity and zeaF With which nis various duties were performed. This was evinced by an nmnmous agreement at a meeting on the 10th June, 1824, to give him a call, the acceptance of which is held, in similar eircumstanc s, asa co.plJe u s'tfCHnwvt^-g^^st^ •"•'-'**""'"■•■■' mMk or the inspec- irs, 1824 and lior or Assist- ew's Church, gjman, acted =idhere to the ordained by 1823, having Congregation s'-y Reverend s of the city, he confidence men, so well to Professor t. Matthew's, documentary wight accom- iil'ercnce he- ed, received [I been licen- !. He fort' ■ imniedl Italy ed salary of y he left the :;ancy should n which Mr. •gh, the most lie hands of ael Walhicc ncil, and 77 8th October, is ofliciating I l!ie strict'jst er; that his est approha- Jccoming his !ure in time lity and zeaf inced by an give him a IS a complete 29 investiture. To this call, however, was, by the infliiencc of some person or persons the condition appended, that a whole year's notice should be given by Mt i . y, should he have it in view, at any future period, to relinquisih Jiis ch i ' Halifax. Considering that by the laws of the Church of Scot- land, every vacancy must be fdled up, at least a Minister presented, within six months, he felt that twelve months' premonition must quite preclude hi^ acceptance of a living in his native land. Subsequently an offer of six months' notice so conciliated the body of the Congregation of St. Matthews, that a call on these terms was soon after drawn up, and subscribed by 80 Pewholders out of 109 qualified voters. Certain individuals, had influence, notwithstanding, to prevent sfud instrument— this call— from being delivered to Mr. Renny, whose application to obtain possession of it, was negatived by a narrow majority at a mectingof 48— scarcely exceeding in all, half the number of those who had sanctioned the said call by their signatures. Mr. Renny judged it his duty to retire, protesting against the defeating his just rights by art or violence. The Presbytery of Paisley beg to join in protesting against such acts of oppression, and authorise their Moderator and Clerk to subscribe this docu- ment, in testimony of what is above set forth, this eiglith day of April, 1830. (Signed) JOHN MONTEATH, Moderator. ROBERT DOUGLAS, P»c*. CZA. XXIII — Certificate in favour of Mr. Renny, by the Magistrates of Gree7iock. From the Rev. Mr. Renny having resided for a considerable time nj this town and neighbourhood, I liave had occasion to hear the particulars of his case, and abundant opportunities to judge of his character and general de- portment. His case, I humbly conceive to be one of great hardship ; and his character, I can safely aflirm, stands in every respect perfectly unim- peachable. (Signed) JOHN FAIRRIE, Chief Magistrate. I concur in what has been stated above by Mr. Fairrie. (Signed) ROBERT BAINE, Jun. Magistrate. Jreenock, nth April, 1830. XXIV. — Deliverance by General Assembly, \st June, 1830. At Edinburgh the first day of June, One thousand eight hundred and thirty. The Commission of the General Assembly took up the Petition of the Rev. Ebenezer Renny, who was ordained by the Presbytery of Linlith- gow, on the eighth day of September, 1823, as Minister of St. Matthew's Church, Halifax, but who, after having officiated in that capacity nearly two years, was under the necessity of relinquishing the appointment, because the Congregation insisted on his subscribing an obligation, by which he would have been restrained from accepting a presentation to any church in' P 11 ' wm^^i^^^'- 30 Scotland, without giving twelve months' notice previous to his removal, a condition r f which he had never heard before, and one which was alto- gether impracticable, unless he had renounced all hope of ever being ad- mitted as a Minister in his native country. The Commission of the General Assembly having heard Henry Cockburn, Esq. Advocate, as counse' for Mr. Renny. and having very deliberately con- sidered the whole circumstances, unanimously find that this h case of great hardship, and agree to recommend Mr. Renny to the favourable con- sideration of His Majesty's Government. Extracted from the records of the Commission of General Assembly. (Signed) JOHN LEE, CI. Eccl. Scot. sion. m -ami loval, a IS alto- ing ad- jkburn, ;ly con- case of lie con- iembly. I. Scot. APPENDIX. Corre^ondencc tcUh His Maje.tfs Government, connected with the case of the Rev. E. Refill}/. (No. 1.) Greenock, 25th OcxonER, 1830. S.R -The peculiarity of my case, in connection >vith the Congregation of St M;tthew'r Church, HaliL, was several months ago brought under vour note by Mr. Campbell of Blythswood, M. P. Sir Michael S Stewart the Member foVthe CoLy, has been so good as to say thathe will forward hutt™ to you on this occasion ; and without entering into detail on thjs S::-Lp.ncipalc.c— .ofwM^^^^ '^Z:::T^^T:^^^^-^-^'- ^ may ha. escaped Tnr-llnixon --Copy of Deliverance of the General Assembly, 1830 ' I ^uld only add, that during the two years that I renamed at Hal.- i,\ as Mini" r, I o iciated as Chaplain to the Presbytenan Troops M a tended Ts Church; and as £100 is allowed to the M.n. ter of Su.nt Matth w's Church, and my Senior Colleague, Dr. Gray, .s now deceased, fwouM r spectruly represent, that some redress is due to me in a case .a Ihi h a if P ved'by the documents formerly transmitted by Mr. Campbell If Blythswood, I have been treated with such Vagrant injustice and oppres- sion. I am. Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, E. R. The Right Hon. Sir George Murray. (No. 2.) Downing Street, IGlh Nov. 1830, S.R -I am directed by Secretary Sir George Murray, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, complaining of the injustice which you h.ve ex- perienced from the Congregation of St. Matthew's, Hahtax, and to express his regret that he has no means of aUoiding you any leliei. 32 The claim which you urpe, on account of your services as Chaplain lo the Picsbyterian Troops at Halifax, sliould be ■•ddrcssed to the Secretary at War. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, R. W. HAY. The Rev. E. Renny, Greenock. (No, 3.) GuEENocK, 2d Dec. 1830. S,ii^_I beg leave to bring under your notice my case connected with the Congregation of St. Matthew's, Halifax. The Minister of that Church re- ceives £100, as Chaplain to the Presbyterian Troops which attend this Church.— The nature of the ease is explained in the documents which are herewith transmitted. Prefixed is also a copy of the letter received from Sir George Murray,* in answer to that which Sir M. S. Stewart, Member for th? County, was so good as to forward to Sir George ; and having been directed to apply for redress to the Secretary at War, I sincerely hope that the application now made, will not be in vain. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, E. R. The Right Hon. the Secretary at War. (No. 4.) War Office, 23d Dec. 1830. Sir,—! am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d instant, and to acquaint you, that the allowance of £100 a year to the Minister of St. Matthew's Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia, to which you allude, not being issued under the orders of this office, the Secretary at War cannot take cognizance of your claim to a portion of it. I am. Sir, Your most obedient Servant, L. SULIVAN. Ruv. E. Renny, Greenock. Having addressed the Right Honourable Lord Goderich, requesting to be informed iroji what office the sum of £100 to the J.Iliiister of St. Matthew's was issued, the following is a copy of His Lordship's answer. (No. 5.) Downing Street, 29th January, 1831. Sir,— I am directed by Viscount Goderich to acquaint you, in reply to your letter of the 0th instant, that Sir George Murray referred you to the 33 to receive it. ^ ^^^ gir, Your most obedient Servant. ^^ ^^^^ The Rev. E. REjiNy, Greenock. E. R. (No. 6.) GUEENOCK, 9th February, 1831. , (j Dec 1830, No. „„ _I had the hmour to r«ei.c yoar >="" °/ '/„„„ yiscoont Gcic- 3, Mli and I beg Ua,e l» inclose a copy of a leU r < p,^,^,„ri,. riJh ku letter inttmatc that my "^^'^^Zl^,, r„, yoor decision; Cps a. Halifax, was referred b S, 0»^|; »„ J, Ministo of Saint •"" r '""ci::;:; t'not'::id't:" : war 0»,ce, I ta.e tbe liberty of r ":. 'ciUn >t attentL to tl,e ..bjec. „, .^^ 'm, case is declared, in the /»>"«'--»' I": «™j ^^, ,,^Mp. and C.„L of Scotland. — ^^^^ f ^t '^..e favourable consideratron they agree anan.niously to recomm of Ms Majesty's Government. Mattl,e»'s, «bile 1 Md the ,„„lo..edis alist "f'-'.^"^";",:, 82, and 1825, and in this list are appointment of Junior »»;»"*«'; ■"'"„;, Majesty's Conncil, ine.od.ns fonndthonamesotseveralMembersof^ J ^^^ __,,i^^„ that notonly his Honour the Pres.dent Hon. M m^ ^^^^^_ ^^ ^ ^^„„ , „, „f Lt. General Sir James K-c^l"; °»^„^j ^t Halifax. „ell known during the per.od remam ^^^ ^^^.^^^ ^^^,^^, r^rm:rr:=rrate, 1 1 ^. - - - - - 1 have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient h^mble Servant, E. R. The Right Hon. W.W.WVKKE, Sec. at War. wmm 34 I i U List of Pe Mders of S^.Maiihc's Church, HaUfa.. Doctor Hume, James Kidston, Mrs. Hall, Enoch Wiswell, James FuUcrton, Ml .^ Lloyd, Josb.'a Lee, WilliaK-. Cleaveland, David Muirbead, Mrs. Peeples, Mrs. Clunis, Mrs. Curry, Hon. Enos Collins, Joseph Allison, James Fraser, Charles C. Hill, John F. Salter, John Barron, John Dempster, James Foreman, sen. James Foreman, jun. William Merrick. John Boyd, Richard Best, Hon. Charles Hill, William M. Allan, Thomas C. Allan, Mrs. Cochran, Thomas Wallace, George N. RusseU, Archibald Stewart, Miss Salter, James Bain, Hon. Mich. Wallace, Alex. Murison, John Brown, Robert M. Brown, Thomas Williamson, John Williamson, Willian Annand, John Farquhar, William Patterson, James H. Donaldson, William Duffus, Alexander Fiddes, William Kidston, Joseph Wiswell, Callander, Archibald Sinclair, Mrs. Grassie, Rufus Fairbanks, Charles R. Fairbanks, •^ . Tktfru HnjriT. James Wilkie, Captain Rumford, Joseph Hamilton, Mrs. Grinton, Thomas Mvi^iie, Alexander M'Dougall, George Mitchell, Andrew Mitchell, James Smith, John Hosterman, Doctor Stirling, W'illiam Goreham, C. West, Alexander Mitchell, Duncan Black, Andrew D. Russell, Adam Esson, William Minns, John Ross, S. G. W. Archibald, Israel Allison, Peter M'Nab, James M'Nab, .John Howe, jun. PctLi- M'Nab, jun. Mrs. Hogg, A. M'Michael, Nicholas Vass, David Smillie, Charles Esson, Alex. A. Ferguson, James Cruickshank, James Dechman, sen. ^mes Dechman, jun. Will' .1 Strachan, Robert Smith, rro" Si ;iKo„,pt,Wi"ia.n story, jun. Sir instan Secret ianXi James Romans, Peter Lyncli, Mrs. Henry, David Fletcher, Thomas Gentles, William M'Kenzic, Mis. Knox, Mrs. lliiiitcr, George Thompson, Mrs. Fry, PUrlck Ross, Samuel Story, Alexander Phillips, Mrs. George Donaldson, William {?'tairs, John Thc.npson, John Fruser, William Forsyth, Daniel Grant, Robert Anucrson, George T. Filles, Doctor Avery, John Filles, Robert Noble. \ 35 ugaH. I, (No. 7.) War Offipe, 24th Feb. 1831. Sir,— I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, and to acquaint you that the existing regulations do not enable the Secretary at War to grant you any allowance as Chaplain to the Presbyter- ian Troops at Halifax, Nova Scotia. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, L. SULLIVAN. Rev. E. Renkt, Greenock. m. :hell, 11, uson, shank, lan, sen. lan, jun. chan, THE END. y, jun- hillips, Donaldson, irs, ison, > rsyth, It, icison, lilies, >-y, '» [)\C. k