should we consent to become state stipendiaries, and take the wretched pittance of a precarious annual grant, when we say that if justice were done us, we are entitled to the whole civil rights of the Church of Scotland, and we will not take one atom less. If they are prepared again to restore the violated constitution,-to undo the infamous Act of Bolingbroke,-to undo, in fact, all that they have done since the Revolution and the Act of Settlement, they may then come and ask us to go quietly and take possession of the Established Church; though even then they will have to come and fetch us. But as to thinking that we will compromise this claim, and that in place of all they have robbed us of, we will take a wretched boon as hush-money, as it were, to keep us quiet, it is to expect that we should be willing to disown the whole testimony which God has raised us up to bear, and I trust God will never leave us so far to ourselves as even to permit us to dream of it."

Poor Law. The statutes under which provision is made for the poor in Scotland are certain acts of the Scotch Parliament, which are loose and vague in the extreme-the parts of them which are anything like definite and stringent, being chiefly those against vagrancy and sturdybegging. On all the leading points, however, there are decisions of the Court of Session which are looked to as precedents, and which being precise may be considered as in reality the poor law of this part of the realm. With this law, very general dissatisfaction has long been felt, especially by dissenters, and that not without reason. We are glad. therefore, that there is a prospect of the whole being speedily revised, A Commission was appointed some time ago, and has been receiving evidence, and collecting information, in Edinburgh and various parts of the country. Its report, we presume, will shortly be given in, after which an attempt at legislation will probably be made. We wish very much that public attention were turned to the subject, and a sound opinion formed and duly expressed ere it be too late. The time for this clearly is before any measure is proposed, especially before the government has committed itself. Very often the public just begins to be awakened when a bill is actually brought before Parliament; and then a convulsive effort is required, which, after all, frequently proves unsuccessful, for checking some obnoxious procedure, which would never have assumed form, had the voice of its opponents only been calmly and distinctly heard a month or two sooner. It may not be expedient for dissenters, in a denominational capacity, to interfere in the matter of the poor law at present, but we hope our friends in their several localities will be on the alert, and not allow the subject to be lost sight of by the liberal portion of the community. We beg to submit the following as some of the points on which it is desirable that public opinion were judiciously and equitably made up. 1st. For whom ought legal provision to be made? Only for the aged and infirm as at present, or for able bodied persons also in indigent circumstances? It is too obvious that persons possessed of bodily ability, and not wanting in industry and the other qualities of good citizens, may in this country find themselves in destitution; and it seems revolting that such persons should have only the horrible alternative presented to them of stealing or starving. If relief is to be extended to them, what checks are to be provided against abuse?

2d. From what quarter ought the relief to be sought? From the parish in which the applicant was born, or, as at present, from that in which he has acquired a settlement by so many years' residence? One great objection to the present system is, that parishes containing towns and villages, especially those in which there are a number of ruinous old houses, which may be had for almost no rent, are inundated with paupers, while the purel rural agricultural parishes are unfairly eased of the burden. In the latter, scarcely a single dwelling-house is allowed to stand which is not needed for some serviceable person. As soon as one becomes infirm, he gets a hint that he is now unfit for his place; an offer of assistance is kindly made to remove him to the next village; thither he comes, perhaps with two or three pounds, and jobs about for a few years, at the end of

which, his strength and his means are exhausted, and he is quartered for the remainder of his days on that parish, while the one in which he spent his prime escapes scot-free. Another inconvenience attending the present law is, that many persons have no parish at all from which they can claim.

3d. To whom ought the disbursement of the funds for the poor to be committed? On this point we presume to speak decidedly, and hope to carry all candid and liberal minded men along with us. The powers of the kirk sessions ought to be annihilated, and a board of managers for each parish ought to be chosen by the rate-payers, for a limited period of time, and without reference to the religious profession of either the electors or elected. A number of details would be required here, but if the general principle as now stated were adopted, (and we hope the nation will not accept of less) subordinate points might be easily adjusted.

4th. On what principle ought the rates to be levied? What proportion from landlords and tenants? What exemptions ought to be allowed? Here we venture to say little, except that none should be exempted but the poor -no College of Justice-no parochial clergymen, nor other well paid officials. The following extract from the act of 1649, will serve, at least, as a specimen of the vague legislation of the day :-"Those who impose stent are to have special regard to lay the greater proportion on those masters that deal rigorously with tenants, and thereby impoverish and put them to beggary, and to deal more favourably with those masters who endeavour to maintain their tenants and deal charitably with them." A moral principle also was required to be acted upon in granting relief:"And in distributing of the alms, special regard is to be had to the pious, and distinction to be made between such, and the profane, deboist, or drunken sort."

University Reform.-It will be recollected that our Synod, at its last meeting, adopted an overture from the Presbytery of Cupar, relative to the educational institutions of the nation, particularly the universities, and passed a series of resolutions to the effect that the exclusive and sectarian principles on which these seminaries are constituted are injurious both to religion and to education; that the present is a favourable juncture for having the obnoxious restrictions removed; and that efforts ought to be made for accomplishing that object. We have great pleasure in recording that, on the 7th November last, the senate of the University of Glasgow adopted a series of admirable resolutions, conceived in the same spirit and aiming at the same result. The meeting was presided over by a Free Church elder, the Hon. Fox Maule, as Lord Rector; the resolutions were moved by the celebrated chemist, Dr Thomson, and seconded by the no less celebrated astronomer, Sir T. Makdougal Brisbane. The majority was eleven to seven. Had the whole senate been present we believe it would have been sixteen to nine. We regret that we have not space for the resolutions themselves-fifteen in number. They clearly show that the chief object for which the present tests were imposed, viz., the exclusion of Episcopalians, is no longer generally deemed desirable, and, in fact, not gained, as there are, and have long been, several professors of that persuasion both at Edinburgh and Glasgow; and that the only effects produced are the alienation of a large portion of the community from the universities, the engendering of bad feeling within them, and the depriving the country of the services of many conscientious men, who, but for these tests, would have aspired to chairs and filled them with honour and advantage. The seventh resolution is "That the operation of this law is not less unjust nor less prejudicial as regards the students than as regards the professors in the Scottish universities; since students of dissenting persuasions must not only have their feelings hurt, but their energies greatly impaired, by the knowledge that those seminaries into

which they are admitted as students, they can never hope to enter in the character of teachers." The last is "That a petition, embodying these resolutions, and praying that the legislature may be pleased to abrogate the laws which impose religious tests on those appointed to professorships and other offices in the universities of Scotland, so far as these professorships and offices are not of a strictly theological character, shall be presented, on behalf of this senate, to both houses of parliament." A protest was taken by the seven who composed the minority, and a series of reasons have been put on record, subscribed by them, and adhered to by two aged professors who were absent. These reasons are of very little force, but manifest bitter and mortified feeling on the part of their authors; and an amusing circumstance is, that one of the professors who subscribes them is himself an Episcopalian. We see, also, that Principal M'Farlane has introduced the subject into the Established Presbytery of Glasgow; and he will, doubtless, receive all the support which the worn-out residuary church is able to give. The senate of King's College, Aberdeen, have adopted, by the casting vote of Principal Jack, a series of resolutions similar to those of Glasgow. The senate of Marischal College and University, Aberdeen, have resolved, by a majority of seven to four, “That a petition be presented, under the seal of the University, to each House of Parliament, praying that, except in the case of professors of theology, the religious tests at present required of professors and other office-bearers in the Colleges and Universities of Scotland be abrogated; but under such provisions as to leave no professor or lecturer at liberty to mix up with his proper department of instruction any matter contrary to the doctrines of the Westminster Confession." We have heard it confidently affirmed that the senate of St Andrews are to follow; but surely with no great consistency, considering the efforts they are making to eject Sir David Brewster for having adhered to the Free Church.

We surely need not say that this movement has our most cordial approbation; neither need we add that, if the country, and especially dissenters, do not bestir themselves promptly, it will come to nought. Petitions ought to be got ready, wherewith to load the table of parliament as soon as it meets. Memorials also ought to flow in on her Majesty from all quarters, and resolutions should be everywhere adopted, and handed to members of parliament by their constituents, and kept constantly before the eye of the public. Some disapprove of ecclesiastical bodies interfering in such affairs, but where no objection of that kind exists, presbyteries and congregations might take the matter up. The Presbytery of Edinburgh, it will be seen, has set the example.

Edinburgh Free Church Meeting.---On Thursday, 14th October, an evening party was held in Canonmills Hall, with reference to the recent visits of deputations to England. The speeches on this occasion, which are generally excellent, were received by the audience with the most enthusiastic delight. That of Dr Candlish, we were glad to observe, was in a peculiarly liberal and kindly tone. "It is high time," said he, "that the interrupted conference of the Westminster Assembly, two hundred years ago, should be resumed; and when I found how nearly we agreed [with the English Congregationalists] in all the essential parts of doctrine-nay, particularly how nearly we came together in all ecclesiastical arrangements-I came home with a deeper impression than I had before of the importance of aiming, in some shape or other, and sooner or later, at a friendly conference between our brethren of the Independent and Presbyterian persuasions. It is well known that the former consultations were interrupted and frustrated by interference from without; and it would be well if there were now a common meeting among the members of evangelical churches somewhere in the kingdom, year by year." All who had been in England spoke in the strongest terms of the friendly and

generous reception they had met with. A motion expressive of the gratitude of the Free Church to the evangelical dissenters of Scotland was very appropriately entrusted to Mr Guthrie; and, in the course of a long characteristic speech, he gave utterance to a number of the finest thoughts and feelings, some of them in sentences deserving letters of gold. "I am a happier man than ever I was. I always coveted the condition of the voluntaries at the very moment I was combating their principles." Several dissenting ministers were on the platform. The only two who spoke were Dr Brown and Mr Alexander. Both were received with the heartiest applause. The speech of the former was distinguished for singularly apt, and felicitous quotation of scripture. The latter is reported to have acknowledged himself, in a great measure, satisfied with the voluntaryism of the Free Church; and gave them some salutary counsel respecting purity of communion. It was stated that the sums realized by the deputations had amounted to L.25,000. Altogether the affair went off with great eclat, and produced a considerable sensation in the city, as the report of it will do in the country.

COLLECTION WEEK THROUGHOUT THE CONGREGATIONS OF THE SECESSION.

Full returns of the contributions to the debt liquidation fund have not yet reached us, but enough is already known to show that the churches generally have responded in the best spirit, and with the happiest results, to the Synod's call on their people's liberality. The sums already in the hands of the treasurers, or of which notice has been given them, are understood to amount to about L.6000. There is now the good prospect of speedy assistance to all our weaker congregations, who are willing to accept of help, on the Synod's condition of contributing in good earnest towards their own relief. It is a result in which every friend of our church must unfeignedly rejoice, and that not only on account of the direct good done by the present effort, but on account of the proof which it affords that the church possesses both the will and the power to do great things for the work of God. We have learned, and let us not forget, the advantage of united, simultaneous, exertions, after due preparation, by the full circulation of intelligence regarding the object, and pulpit appeals in support of it. All at it, and always at it, we understand to be the Wesleyan motto. Having proved the wisdom of the first part, why should not our churches go forward to exemplify the second? What should hinder an occasional collection week for the extension of our cause at home, as well as for relieving it from existing difficulties? Above all, ought not the extraordinary effort to be improved, as a stimulus and encouragement to many of our congregations, who are not seeking help, and who, we trust, would not take it, to throw off the debts which are felt, if not to embarrass them, at least to encumber their efforts towards promoting the great objects of christian enterprise? Why should there be a congregation in our body content to sit longer under a burden which serves as an excuse to the churlish for holding back the missionary offering, and which hangs out, like a bugbear, to the over cautious and the timid? There is wanting only the will, together with proper arrangement and general cooperation. Let every congregation, in these circumstances, try the experiment of an annual collection week. Or rather, the experiment having been so far made already, and found to be effective, let them determine to take the lesson home. Up and be doing. Every man at his post. All willing. All at it. Then should we see the bondman start from his depression with smiling countenance, with open hand, with limbs elastic and free; rejoicing to find that, in helping others, he had made the discovery how to help hiniself,

We are happy to be able to add, that the permanent practical improvement of the present extraordinary effort, will form the subject of a communication from the Rev. Dr Heugh in our February number.

QUARTERLY RECORD OF THE MISSIONS

IN CONNEXION WITH THE

UNITED SECESSION CHURCH,

FOR JANUARY, 1844.

JAMAICA.

Extract from the Minutes of the United Associate Synod, Friday, 6th October 1843.— "The Rev. Mr Robson, lately returned from Jamaica, whither he had been advised to go for the benefit of his health, and where he had spent last winter, gave a most interesting account of the state of our Mission stations in that island, containing many circumstances highly encouraging, and many things showing the continued necessity of Missionary operations there.

"The Synod expressed their high gratification with the communication Mr Robson had given; and the Moderator being called on, tendered to him the thanks of the Synod for the zeal with which he had improved his providential opportunities of aiding the cause of Missions, and for giving the Synod the benefit of so much important information-expressing, at the same time, the hope that he would give his statements still greater publicity."

In conformity with the concluding sentiment of the above minute, and with the concurrence of the Mission Committee, I take this method of laying before our churches the substance of what I stated to the Synod. From want of time, I have not altered the form of the address. At the express desire of many whose opinion I respect, I have made a somewhat fuller statement in reference to the salaries of Missionaries, and the expense of living, with the view of removing misconceptions which are entertained by some on these points.

Glasgow, 25th December 1843.

J. R.

SUBSTANCE OF AN ADDRESS delivered tO THE UNITED ASSOCIATE SYNOD at its last MEETING. By the Rev. JOHN ROBSON, A.M., Glasgow.

MODERATOR, I have been requested by the Committee on Missions to lay before the members of this court a brief statement respecting our missionary operations in the island of Jamaica. It is, I believe, known to all of you, that about this time last year, in consequence of ill health, I was under the painful necessity of leaving my congregation for a season, and of going to a foreign clime. The choice lay between Madeira and one of the West India islands. Medical opinion was more in favour of the latter; and all my inclinations prompted me to give it the preference, and to select Jamaica as the place of my temporary abode, because thus, if spared, I should have an opportunity of visiting friends who were dear to me, and who were actively engaged in the mission field, as well as of witnessing how the cause of the blessed Redeemer was prospering in that distant island of the sea.

NO. I. VOL. I.

G