mestic order, public peace, and righteous government, which, under your Majesty's gracious rule, we so eminently enjoy, may be transmitted unimpaired through happy years to come, and that a life gladdened by the Gospel hope, and adorned by its heavenly graces, may merge at last in blissful immortality, is the earnest prayer of your Majesty's loyal subjects and devoted servants.

"Signed in name and by authority of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in England in Synod assembled, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, this 19th day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.

"The Right Honourable Sir George Grey, Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State for the Home Department."

"Whitehall, April 24th, 1848. "Sir, I have had the honour to lay before the Queen the loyal and dutiful address of the Ministers and Elders of the Presbyterian Church in England in Synod assembled, on the occasion of the birth of a Princess, and

strongly expressive of their loyalty and attachment to Her Majesty's person and throne.

"And I have the satisfaction to inform you that Her Majesty was pleased to receive in the most gracious manner the expressions of loyalty and affection conveyed by this address. "I have the honour to be, Sir,

"Your obedient servant, (Signed)

"G. GREY. "The Rev. J. Hamilton, 7, Lansdowneplace, Brunswick-square.”

The thanks of the Synod were presented to Mr. Anderson for his efficient conduct in the chair during the period of his Moderatorship, and also for the excellent sermon preached at the opening of the Court.

The Synod then called for the overture from the Presbytery of Newcastle, on the precise powers of Deacons' Court; on the relative position of said Court to the Session; and on Court of primary appeal from the Deacons' Court, whether the Session or the Presbytery;—which having been read, and Messrs. Miller and Porter heard in support of the same, it was moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed to, That the overture be remitted to the Committee on a code of discipline, already appointed, with instructions to consider the constitutional question raised therein, and to report their judgment thereupon to a subsequent diet.

The overture from the Presbytery of Newcastle on the Bill now before Parliament, for establishing diplomatic relations with Rome, having been read, Mr. Blackwood was heard in support of the same. He observed that the tendency of legislation in recent years had been to encourage the advance of Popery,

especially in the colonies and another section of the empire-a gentle compassion being shown, even by many Protestants, towards the cause of the man of sin. He considered this Bill hostile to our Protestant constitution, and complained that it had been brought in by the Ministry rather like a railway or private bill, than a great and mighty measure affecting the religious interests of the nation. He contended that the country ought to have been apprized of the intentions of Government in this matter, by the contemplated measure being announced in the Queen's speech, in which case he was sure a strong feeling would have been raised against it in the question itself, examining the arguHe then entered into every direction. ments by which the Bill is supported. He would not have objected to this country having diplomatic relations with Rome any more than other nations, had there not been something special in the circumstances. The Pope of Rome was not merely a temporal, but an ecclesiastical ruler in temporal matters. Further, he did not see how any true Briton could support the Bill, when he remembered the appalling fact that there stands on the records of the Papacy a dire anathema against his Sovereign and all her subjects who give her allegiance. He was aware that it is denied that this bull (In Cœnâ Domini) has now force and effect; but it is well known to travellers that it is read every year at Rome; and besides, is it not a doctrine of the Church of Rome that it is infallible? so that, having once promulgated such a bull, its anathema is still uttered against the excommunicated. He denied that the Papacy has changed, and alluded to the so called liberalism of the present age, the efforts of Rome, and the Romish tendencies in a sister Church, as reasons why the Synod should oppose the foul system under which their forefathers suffered.

The Synod appointed Messrs. Blackwood, Miller, and Storie to frame a petition against the Bill, and to report.

The Report of the deputation appointed to visit the various congregations of the Church, with a view to give counsel to the deacons and managers regarding financial matters, and aid in the formation of Congregational Associations, being called for, was given in by Mr. Nisbet, (who expressed his regret at the absence of Mr. George F. Barbour, the

The Committee on Bills, &c., gave in a second Report, which was received, and they were re-appointed, with former in

structions.

The Synod then adjourned to meet privately, in Conference of the whole house, to-morrow at eleven, a.m.; and publicly, for the transaction of business, at five, p.m. Closed with prayer.

WEDNESDAY, April 19.

The Synod sat in conference throughout the day. The position of the English Presbyterian College, and the Sustentation of the Ministry, were the main subjects under consideration, and a free expression of opinion was elicited in a colloquial way on these important topics. In the devotional exercises, light and direction from the Great Head of the Church was especially implored, in order that the deliberation of the Court might be guided aright. Adjourned.

The Synod met again at five, p.m., pursuant to adjournment, and was constituted by prayer, praise, and the reading of holy Scripture.

The Minutes of last Diet were read and sustained.

The Overture from the Presbytery of Newcastle, on the institution of Normal Schools and Gymnasia, in connexion with the Church, being called for, read, and the Rev. Mr. Storie heard in support of the same; it was moved, Receive and adopt the Overture, and remit the matters contained therein to the Committee (yet to be appointed) on Schools, with instructions to take such matters into their serious consideration, with the view of instituting such seminary as is desired; which Motion, having been seconded, was unanimously agreed to.

MR. STORIE, in supporting this overture, said, the first object designed by such an Institution was to receive young men after they left school, under their own inspection and control, so that when their character was formed for good or evil, and their ecclesiastical connexions settled, it might be for ever, they may not be allowed to escape the Church. The second object was this: some young men develop abilities not only fitting them

the blossom and promise of Christian graces and gifts, which make their service in the ministry most desirable; and he looked to such an institute for affording them such an education as will prepare them for entering with efficiency on the duties of the theological institution. The third advantage which he anticipated was, that young men intended by their parents either for influential positions in the mercantile world, or to be trained for professional life, instead of being sent to schools in London, Manchester, Liverpool, or Scotland, distant from their own homes and probably connected with ecclesiastical bodies distinct from or opposed to the Presbyterian Church, would be educated under their guidance and affection; and the last object was, that they might have such a control over the appointment of a Government Inspector of schools as he thought their position as an intelligent and united Church warranted them to demand and exert. He was willing to leave the choice of the locality for such an institution to a Committee, but suggested Newcastle as a central place; and with reference to the means, he believed that such a building would cost 2,500l. or 3,000l., but he had good reason for the opinion that if the constitution for the institute were opposed, they might receive a grant of 1,000l. or 1,2007. from the Privy Council.

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Mr. Cupples, Minister of Doune, and Mr. John F. Macfarlane, of Edinburgh, a deputation from the Free Church of Scotland, having presented their Commission in due form, were introduced by Mr. James Anderson, and addressed the House at length; expressing their own and their Church's fraternal affection towards this Church. Whereupon it was moved, That this Synod, mindful of past obligations to the individual members of the deputation, and warmly attached to the principles and the interests of the Church they represent, express their great satisfaction at reciprocating the sisterly regards which the Free Church of Scotland has always manifested towards this Church; and that the thanks of Synod be, from the Chair, given to the deputation; which Motion, having been seconded, was cordially agreed to, and thanks given accordingly.

Mr. Francis J. Porter, member of the deputation appointed by the last meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, having pre

the answers to No. 4, "What means do you employ for the good of your people, in addition to the preaching of the word on the Sabbath?" we find a somewhat lively description of the means which the brethren are using for the great purpose of feeding the flock, and of winning souls to Christ.

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For example, we have, even in the case of one brother, who fears that the state of religion is declining, the somewhat encouraging notice of "two adult classes on Sabbath well attended, promise of good, one week evening service from which good arising;" another speaks of "visiting from house to house, prayer meetings, occasional preachings in the villages, a Bible class attended by a good many, a Sabbath-school;" another, "lectures Wednesday evenings, Sabbath-school teachers' meeting, visiting, village preaching;" another, "preaching on week-days, catechizing old and young, visitation, library;' another, "weekly prayer-meeting, Bible class, Wednesday evening lecture, regular visitation, large Sabbath school, including three Bible classes, two ladies' Missionary Associations." And so we might go on, the Sabbath-school, the Bible class, and week evening lecture, are privileges which most of the congregations are enjoying. The day of the Lord will shew how many of our people have been refreshed beside these streams of the water of life.

We have dwelt chiefly on the pastoral. What a beloved and departed father delighted to call the home walk has been, in some measure, gone over. We must now turn to the outfield of the careless thousands and tens of thousands around us. What has been done, what has been attempted, in the midst of them?

Tracts have been distributed, and families have been visited, in various parts of England. The Gospel has been preached by some of the brethren in the villages around them, and here and there Sabbath-schools have been planted in destitute spots.

In a large town in the west of England a well-organized and sustained effort has been made by one of the brethren on behalf of a poor district. And these efforts appear to have been blessed by God to the reclaiming of upwards of thirty persons from the waste of practical heathenism. They are now regular hearers of the word from the lips of our brother. Regarding a few of them, he entertains the comfortable hope that they have truly passed from death to life, and are now "sitting at the feet of Jesus clothed and in their right mind." In this work of love our brother was and is assisted by twenty visitors; each visitor had assigned to him a small section, and the families living within the limits of this section formed his and her home

walk. We have dwelt for a little on this example of well-organized and sustained Christian effort partly to encourage all who may be engaged in like manner to persevere, having the assurance that "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love" which ye are shewing towards his name, and partly "to provoke others unto love and to good works." But can nothing more be done for those many thousands and tens of thousands for whom no Church, no man,

seems to care? One brother announces his purpose of preaching in the open air during the summer months, along with Dissenting brethren, who are willing to help him in crossing the path of the careless multitude on the Sabbath-day with the glorious Gospel of the blessed God.

Another brother has already made known to his people his intention of preaching the Word in the open air in various parts of his district. Another of the brethren preached in the open air in various places during last summer; with the exception of a few interruptions, the attendance was encouraging, and the attention of many was deep and earnest. Were it possible to combine the wellorganized and sustained effort in the heart of a poor and dark locality with that evangelistic fervour which constrained a Whitefield to go forth and cry aloud to perishing multitudes; were our Church found loving enough, persevering enough, courageous enough, to go forth upon the masses of English heathenism, combining the patient toil of the constant visitors with the dauntless, because believing, spirit of a M'Cheyne or a William Burns, then would multitudes hear that Gospel preached, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.

(Signed) J. PATERSON, D.D., PATRICK L. MILLER, Joint-Conveners.

This Report having been read, it was agreed that a Committee should be appointed on this matter, and with former instructions, and in the meanwhile thanks were recorded to the Conveners.

The Presbytery of London obtained leave to sit during the session of Synod.

The following, viz., the Conveners, Secretaries, and Treasurers of Committees, with Mr. Henderson (the Moderator, Convener), were appointed a Committee, with instructions to prepare a plan for re-constructing and re-organizing the various Committees of Synod, and to report.

It was then agreed, that the brethren should meet, in private conference, tomorrow at nine, a.m., and that the Synod should meet at twelve o'clock, noon. Closed with prayer.

REPORT OF COLLEGE COMMITTEE. THE Synod cannot have forgotten the cordiality with which it was resolved at last meeting to offer the Primarius Professorship to the Rev. William Arnot, of Glasgow. From his personal worth, as well as his academic attainments and popular talents, it was confidently believed that Mr. Arnot's arrival amongst us would give fresh life to the College, and a notable impulse to the cause of English Presbyterianism. Fully participating in this impression, and acting as the Synod's Commissioners, they spared no lawful effort in prosecuting Mr. Arnot's call. They made three successive appearances before the bar of Glasgow Free Presbytery: the Moderator, Mr. Murdoch, Mr. James Hamilton, having each appeared once; Mr. Nisbet twice, and Mr. G. F. Barbour three times; and they stated, as they were enabled, the exigencies of our Church, and the various reasons in favour of Mr. Arnot's translation. But the same Presbytery unanimously decided to retain Mr. Arnot in his present charge, and with equal unanimity refused this Church's Commissioners the usual means of obtaining redress against their adverse decision.

This disappointment naturally gave rise to others, knowing that four formal invitations to eminent divines had been successively declined, and aware that three years of negotiation had only led to repeated and more peremptory refusals, a feeling of despondency overspread the Church, and was more especially shared by intendants for the Church's ministry. In the year preceding there were nineteen students; this winter the matriculations were only nine. Four of our former students spent the by-gone winter at the Free College of Edinburgh, and others have discontinued their studies for the present, or for altogether. And from the Report which your treasurers will presently submit, it will be seen how signally the zeal of our congregations has subsided. Judging by contributions three years ago, the College was the most popular of all our schemes. Employing the same criterion, it has now dwindled to a rank no higher than the third. In the first two years of its existence the revenue was much more than sufficient for all the expenses incurred: this year the receipts fall short of the expenditure by nearly one half; and at a similar rate of contribution the College can no longer be conducted, even on its present restricted scale.

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Amidst all these adverse influences, both professors and students have fully acquitted themselves of their duty to the Church. In order to supply, in some measure, the place of a Theological Professor, application was made two well-known and highly qualified ministers of the Free Church of Scotland, who, on very brief notice, and with a generosity and cordiality which our Church should never forget, put their services at the disposal of the Committee. One, Mr. Fairbairn of Salton, devoted to our Students the months of November and December, lecturing on the Work of the Holy Spirit in Regeneration and Conversion, and embracing the consideration of both the Law and the Gospel, and conclud

ing with a brief exposition of those views of Sacred Typology which have made his name so favourably known to the theological world. One, Mr. Wilson of Carmylie, bestowed the first months of the year on the topics with which a course of Theology usually concludes; and, like Mr. Fairbairn, prescribed frequent essays on the subjects discussed in the lectures. In addition to the regular business of the classes, the Professor of Biblical Criticism carried the Students through a course of readings in Ecclesiastical Latin and Greek, employing as text books the writings of Augustine and the Apostolical Fathers; and the Committee believe that they are warranted in stating that the Students of last session enjoyed an eminent advantage in the comparative maturity to which our able and accomplished Professors have brought their series of lectures and modes of instruction. In addition to their other professional training, the Students have, during a portion of the winter, received lessons in Elocution and English Reading from a competent teacher, a privilege for which they memorialized the College Committee, and which they appeared to appreciate highly.

And regarding the Students, it has been to the Committee extremely gratifying to receive favourable reports from all who have superintended their progress. They have laboured diligently, and have not suffered their ardour to be chilled by the adversities which our Institution has encountered.

Of the Students of former years, three have now received license, and of these, two are, in consequence of unanimous and cordial calls, now ministers of this Church, and members of the Synod, viz., Mr. Henderson at Seaton Delaval, and Mr. Stewart at Norham. Having completed their curriculum of four sessions, other two Students have applied for license to Presbyteries of this Church; and should they be found qualified, will soon be ready for the supply of vacant congregations.

The Committee need scarcely add that the present conjuncture in the history of the College, so momentous and so perilous, has demanded and received the most anxious thought. Various plans have been propounded. On one hand it was recommended to close the College altogether, and turn into other channels the resources of the Church. By another party it was urged as the path of Christian prudence and chivalrous policy, nothing damped by past discomfiture, to proceed at once to the appointment of a third Professor. But after deliberations of unprecedented length, and to which all the members of Committee were specially invited, and at which several members from a distance contributed valuable counsel and assistance, a course commended itself to a large majority of the Committee, which they would humbly submit to the Synod as the means best calculated, by the blessing of God, and in the present position of our Church, to attain the end originally contemplated in the establishment of this seminary :

1. The Committee would recommend that in the College not less than eight months in the year should be devoted to the business of instruction.