that the New Church in Halifax will be remembered at home as a station of great need, and of long promise. A little assistance at the outset will give them life and vigour, while they offer the prayer for themselves, Establish thou the work of our hand upon us-yca, the work of our hand establish thou it." RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.-DOMESTIC. UNITED SECESSION CHURCH. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEES OF THE UNITED ASSOCIATE AND RELIEF SYNODS ON THE PROPOSED UNION BETWEEN THEIR RESPECTIVE CHURCHES. GREYFRIARS SESSION HOUSE, At which time and place the joint committees of the United Associate and Relief Synods met. Present of the Secession committee, the Rev. Drs Heugh, Beattie, King, Robson, Ritchie; the Rev. Messrs M'Gill and Mackelvie, and Messrs David Anderson, Andrew Mitchell and Walter Black, elders. Of the Relief committee, the Rev. Dr Struthers, the Rev. Messrs Auld, sen., Taylor, and Muir; and Messrs Paterson and Nicolson, elders. Letters were read from the Rev. Dr Hay, and the Rev. Mr Johnston, expressing their regret at not being able to attend the meeting of the committees, and earnestly desiring that the union respecting which they had met, might be speedily consummated. Verbal apologies were made in much the same terms for the Rev. Messrs French, Kirkwood, Gorrie, and Anderson, who were also prevented from attending. The Rev. Dr Struthers was called to the Chair by acclamation. The Rev. Mr Mackelvie was appointed clerk. The Rev. Dr Heugh opened the meeting with prayer. The Rev. Mr Mackelvie commenced the business of the meeting, by reading the following resolutions of the United Associate Synod, on which their committee have been instructed to proceed "1. That the Synod entertains towards the Relief church the warmest sentiments of esteem and affection. 2. That this Synod rejoices in the steps which have been already taken to effect a union between the Secession and Relief churches. 3. That, in the opinion of this Synod, there are no sufficient reasons for long deferring such a union, and very powerful reasons why it should be speedily consummated. 4. That the proposed union, to be happily effected, must have the manifest and zealous concurrence of our people; and as a free interchange of ministerial services has already received the full approval of both Synods-this Synod recommend that its approval be more extensively acted upon, and that it be followed up by such devotional meetings, and other demonstrations of fraternal regards on the part of the churches, as to leave no doubt of the deep and friendly interest everywhere felt upon the subject. 5. That a committee be now appointed to use their best endeavours in carrying out the design of these resolutions, and more especially to meet with any committee that may be appointed by the Synod of the Relief church, and consult with them whether it might be thought advisable that the Synods appoint commissioners to each other, to take part in their deliberations as corresponding members, and whether the scheme of union which was generally approved of by both churches should be reprinted and circulated." The Rev. Dr Struthers read the resolutions of the Relief Synod, which approved of those of the United Associate Synod "as highly judicious, and intimated that "they cordially close with their proposition." It was moved by the Rev. Dr Heugh, and unanimously agreed to, that the recommendations contained in the resolutions which had been read, be considered seriatim; but before doing so, the members of both committees have a confidential conversation respecting the state of feeling in both denominations in reference to the proposed union. Members having delivered their sentiments, all of which were in favour of taking a decided step towards union, and each of the recommendations of the Synod having been duly considered, a sub-committee, consisting of the Rev. Drs King and Struthers, and the Rev. Messrs Taylor and Mackelvie, were appointed to draw up a minute expressing the views of the general committee as to the practical steps immediately to be taken to facilitate the objects recommended by both Synods, and report to the committee, which it was agreed should meet again in the same place at seven o'clock in the evening. The joint committee met after adjournment, when the sub-committee submitted a draft of the minute which they had been appointed to draw up, which, after some verbal corrections, was adopted as part of the committee's report, and ordered to be engrossed in their minutes, and is as follows. After a long, frank, and most gratifying conversation, the committees found that on the part of both bodies, the way for a thorough and speedy union has been greatly prepared; the discussion of the subject in the United Secession Magazine, and the Christian Journal; the holding of friendly meetings in different parts of the country; the liberalizing influence of late public events; the sending of deputations to the meetings of the two Supreme Courts; and, still more, the interchange of ministerial services, having done much to remove prejudice, correct misapprehension, and produce sentiments of mutual esteem and confidence. Following out the course indicated in the resolutions of the two Synods at their meetings in May last, the committee would, with all earnestness and affection, recommend that ministerial services be interchanged to a still greater extent than hitherto; that joint meetings of a devotional and practical character among the members of contiguous congregations be countenanced and promoted; that ministers and elders of the sister churches, who by local position can come conveniently together, meet for prayer, conference, and consultation, as often as possible; and that corresponding members from either body respectively be invited and appointed to sit in church courts, and aid in their deliberations. It is respectfully submitted that these demonstrations of brotherly regard, becoming in themselves, are loudly called for at the present moment; and should they be made with the readiness, and to the extent desired, the committee are sanguine in the hope that matters will soon be in such a state of progress, as to enable the Synods of the two denominations to condescend upon the time when a union, from which the most beneficial results may be confidently anticipated, will be effected in form as well as in heart. It was moved by the Rev. Dr Heugh, and unanimously agreed to, that the proceedings of the joint committees upon this occasion be printed, not only in the Secession Magazine and Christian Journal, but also in the form of a circular, a copy of which to be sent to each minister, session, and clerk of presbytery, in both denominations, with a request to take steps as early as possible towards carrying into practical effect the committee's recommendation. The Rev. Mr Auld, senior, was requested to conclude the business, by returning thanks to God for the delightful meeting of the two committees, and for the prospect now afforded of a speedy union between their respective denominations. GAVIN STRUTHERS, Chairman. SPECIAL PRAYER FOR THE SUCCESS OF MISSIONS. THE Committees in Edinburgh and Glasgow of the United Associate Synod, appointed to devise an improved scheme of missionary exertion, have agreed to recommend to ministers and sessions, that meetings for special prayer be held in all our congregations, on the evening of Sabbath the 22d December, for the purpose of supplicating the divine blessing on the efforts of our church, and especially on the measures of increased activity and more systematic effort, to which, in name of the God of missions, our congregations are now solemnly summoned. The work must be conducted in the spirit of prayer if we would have it prosper. If we forget to acknowledge God in our undertaking, let us plan never so wisely, we shall fail of success. To seek help of Him is to do the work of the Lord in his appointed way. O! then, let ministers and elders hearken to the call, and with the assembled people, invoke a blessing from on high, to guide our counsels, to fulfil our hopes, and to cause his name to be exalted by the work of our hands. PRESBYTERIAL NOTICES. Wigtown. The presbytery met at Wigtown on the 22d of October. Heard reports from sessions respecting the Draft of Hymn-book, and found that, while they approve of the object which the Synod has in view in preparing a hymn-book, they consider the time allowed far too short for making up their mind on such an important subject. Heard, also, reports from sessions respecting the appointment of a salaried agent for managing the Synod's missionary business, and found that they all approve of the measure proposed. Agreed to ask L.20 from the home mission fund to aid the congregations at Gatehouse and Kirkcowan during the next half-year. Recommended that the congregations within the bounds of presbytery should return thanks to God for his kindness during the past seedtime, summer, and harvest,sessions to fix the time. Read a professorial certificate attesting that Messrs M'Crackan, Ross, and Semple, had duly attended last session of the Hall, and satisfactorily performed the exercises prescribed to them; when subjects of lecture were prescribed to them by the presbytery, and also the following subjects for reading and examination, viz. first three parts of the 119th Psalm in Hebrew, the Epistle to the Colossians in Greek, and the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. Messrs Hogarth, Smail, and Smellie, were appointed examinators. The committee appointed on the 16th of July gave in the following report, which was adopted, recommending: "That the presbytery resolve to visit, during the winter months, if possible, all the congregations within their bounds. "That, in fulfilling this work, they meet first with the session of each congregation, and hear from them an account of their state, their discipline, and membership; the money which is raised for missions and other benevolent objects, and the means employed by them to sustain religious principle, and increase christian effort. Should it be deemed advisable, the managers of the congregation, and those who hold office in any missionary society connected with the congregation, might be introduced during this meeting, to acquaint the presbytery with any difficulties connected with their work, or receive suggestions from them. "That, after some time spent in this manner, the presbytery shall proceed to meet with the congregation for devotional exercises and special exhortation. "That a member of Iresbytery, previously appointed, shall then deliver an address on the principles of the Secession, as a presbyterian and dissenting church, which, from the beginning, has acknowledged the one head, Christ, and contended for the freedom and immunities of his people. "That, after prayer and praise, another member of presbytery deliver an address to the minister and elders, as the office-bearers of said congregation, reminding them of their vows, their duties, their responsibility, &c. "And that, having again joined in praise and prayer, a third member of presbytery address the members of the congregation generally, reminding them of their profession and privileges, and their obligations to act out the principles they have espoused, urging them to renewed engagements to be the Lord's. "That, while it must be left to sessions to determine when it may be most convenient to hold these meetings, so as to secure a good attendance, the presbytery shall, at its first sitting, appoint those who are to labour in this good cause, and assign to each labourer his department of the work. "That although three members of presbytery will be able to perform the public services at each meeting, it be expected that the whole presbytery will attend, if possible; congregations being expected to do what is in their power to defray travelling expenses." Agreed to a scheme of distribution of the members of presbytery for carrying into effect the suggestions contained in said report, and appointed the next meeting to be held at Stranraer on the Wednesday after the second Sabbath of January next,-the presbytery to meet with the sessions and congregations in Stranraer on the evening of said day; with those of Glenluce on the evening of the following day; and with those of Wigtown, Whithorn, and Kirkcowan, during the following week. Selkirk.-The Presbytery of Selkirk met at Melrose on the 22d October. Letters from the professors were read, certifying that Messrs Cavan, Douglas, Riddel, Ballantyne, and Stewart, students of divinity, had attended the Hall during the session, and satisfactorily performed their prescribed exercises. Mr Ballantyne delivered a homily on Titus ii. 11, and was encouraged to prosecute his studies. Mr Cavan, having completed his course at the Hall, was entered on trials for license, and subjects for trial were assigned to him. Mr Jackson having returned from the Continent, and being present, was examined on the course of study which he had been prosecuting at Geneva. The presbytery expressed satisfaction at the account which he gave, and agreed to resume the examination at another meeting. The presbytery then took up the subject of a salaried agent, for conducting the business of the Synod's missions. Heard reports from the sessions. Selkirk reported favourably to the principle, but in present circumstances recommended delay in the appointment. Lauder, Melrose, Galashiels, and the 2d congregation, Jedburgh, reported that they unanimously approved of the appointment of a salaried agent. No reports were given in from the other sessions. After some conversation, the presbytery agreed to report, that while they approve of the principle of employing a salaried agent, they, by a majority, recommend the appointment of such an agent to be for the present postponed. The presbytery agreed to recommend to the congregations within their bounds to observe a day, or part of a day, for offering thanksgiving to God for his goodness in the late abundant harvest Mr Nicol was appointed moderator for the ensuing year, and took his seat accordingly. The next meeting of presbytery is to be at Galashiels, on Tuesday the 24th day of December. Stirling and Falkirk.-This presbytery met at Stirling on the 29th of October. A letter from Mr Hugh Darling was read, in which he expressed his resolution not to accept of the call from Bathgate. The presbytery recommended to sessions to set apart a day, or part of a day, for public thanksgiving in the congregations under their charge for the late abundant harvest. Messrs R. Robertson and Joseph Leckie, students in divinity of the first year, were attested to the presbytery by Professors Brown and Eadie. Called for reports of sessions on the subject of a salaried agent for conducting the missionary matters of the Synod, when it was found that those given in were in general favourable to the measure, and no objection offered by any. Appointed next meeting of presbytery to be held on the 24th of December. Kilmarnock.—The presbytery met at Kilmarnock, October 29. Having received the accounts required from their mission stations for last half-year, the presbytery directed a report to be made to the home mission committee, with a recommendation of the same grant for next half-year. The presbytery thought it would be of use, though not expressly called to it, to have some conversation respecting the draft of "Hymns for Public Worship." After members had expressed their sentiments at considerable length, the presbytery agreed in opinion as follows: That the collection contains many excellent hymns; that the number is by far too great; that there is too large a proportion of peculiar metres; that many of the hymns are objectionable in point of language, and some of them in point of sentiment; that it is desirable that members should forward, as soon as possible, their particular objections, or proposed improvements, to the Synod's committee, that progress may be made, if deemed advisable, towards the compiling of a good selection of hymns; but that there appear to be strong reasons for delaying to give a final sanction to any book of psalmody in the meantime, with the view of obtaining at length a book that shall be used generally by evangelical churches in Scotland at least; and corresponding, in the meantime, with other churches for this purpose,-especially with the view of obtaining the concurrence of the Synod of the Relief Church, with which we have the prospect of being soon united. On the question remitted by the Synod relative to the propriety of employing a salaried agent, it was found that there was considerable diversity of opinion; and the conversation resulted in a vote for the two following motions :-First, That in the meantime the present system be continued; and, second, that the proposal to have a salaried agent be approved. For the former of these there voted thirteen, and for the latter seven; one or two declining to vote. The congregation of Girvan obtained the appointment of another moderation, to take place, November 19. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be at Kilmarnock, December 24. Coldstream and Berwick.-The presbytery met at Coldstream on the 30th October. The Rev. John Hunter reported that, according to injunction of presbytery, he had preached and presided at a moderation in the congregation of Alnwick, when Mr John Kerr, probationer, received a call subscribed by 195 members and 82 adherents. The presbytery sustained the call, and assigned Mr Kerr subjects of trials for licence. The presbytery next resumed the consideration of the case of Mr Kidd. He was suspended from his office as a preacher, and from the communion of the church on the following grounds :-The presbytery having heard reports seriously affecting his character, and having appointed a committee to meet with him, and having received the report of said committee, finding that he had been guilty of gross imprudence, and, in many instances, of things seriously affecting his veracity; and having thereupon cited him to appear before them at their next meeting; and, in consequence of his non-appearance without assigning any satisfactory reasons for absence, having cited him a second time, with certification; and he having neither obeyed the citation, nor offered any valid grounds of excuse; it being, moreover, reported on credible authority that, since his meeting with the above committee, he has corresponded by written communications with a party in the congregation of Norham, encouraging them to leave the Secession Church. On Tuesday the 12th of November, the presbytery met in Norham to investigate into the present state of the congregation there, when they found that a large party of the congregation had been conducting themselves for some time in a very irregular and unconstitu NO. XII. VOL. 1. 4 H |