but since then, the Reformed Synod have waited in vain for an opportunity, in conjunction with the head of the nation, of renewing their public engagements. Other seceders exchange these pledges among themselves, but the Cameronians require the king and his people to unite; and until he do, they refuse officially to acknowledge and pray for him in their churches; they do not, with the establishment of Scotland, and the Presbyterians of Ireland, accept his royal bounty; and until lately they refused to support his government by the payment of taxes. Their numbers are small, amounting to 26 ministers and 36 churches, who compose 3 Presbyteries, and are all under the supreme court before named, 'THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.' "All these had their rise in 1733, when the Rev. Messrs. E. Erskine, Moncrief, Wilson, and Fisher, having seceded from the establishment, formed themselves into the The Associate Presbytery.' The reasons of their secession were laid in the tyrannical measures of the General Assembly, under the law of patronage; in the countenance they gave to fundamental error; and in their arbitrary restraint upon the freedom of those who would testify against their sinful proceedings. "In 1744, the number and location of the Associate Presbytery made it convenient to be subdivided into three Presbyteries, who were all united under 'The Associate Synod.' "At the first meeting of the Synod in 1745, a controversy arose upon the propriety of taking an oath, which, in most burghs, was required before one could become a freeholder, or a civil officer. The offensive clause was in these words; Here I protest, before God, and your lordships, that I profess, and allow with my heart, the true religion presently professed within this realm, and authorized by the laws thereof; I shall abide thereat, and defend the same to my life's end, renouncing the Roman religion, called Papistry.' The lawfulness of this oath, to them as seceders, was long and warmly discussed, until in 1747 the controversy issued in a division of the Synod. Those who held the oath unlawful, were called Antiburghers, or the General Associate Synod. Those who were willing to tolerate the oath, were called Burghers, or the Associate Synod. "Thus was the Synod divided into two separate and conflicting bodies, each of which asserted that it was the majority, and laid claim to the title and powers of the court. Those who defended the burgess-oath, passed an act nullifying the Synod constituted by those who condemned that oath; and the latter proceeded against the former, in a gradual course of discipline, to the highest censures of the church.' This mournful breach affords a lesson to churches. "In 1806, the General Associate Synod adopted a Narrative and Testimony, which, in the opinion of several members, departing from the received doctrine on the connexion between church and state, and the national character and obligation of their covenants.' Four ministers upon this occasion, among whom was Dr. M'Crie, withdrew and formed the • Constitutional Presbytery; better known as the Old Light Antiburghers, in distinction from their brethren, who are called New Lights. Associate "About the same time, disputes arose in the Associate or Burgher Synod, which resulted in a separation into the Original and the Associate Burgher Synods. The former were better known as the Old and the latter as the New Light Burghers. "In 1820, the New Light Burghers and Antiburghers united, and are now known as The United Associate Synod of the Secession Church.' They number 19 Presbyteries, 345 churches, and 305 ministers. Their divinity hall is at Glasgow, under Dr. Dick and Dr. Mitchell. "The Old Light Burghers retain their separate existence, under the name of the Original Burgher Associate Synod. They consist of five Presbyteries, fiftyfour churches, and forty-two ministers, of whom five ministers and eight churches are in Ireland. Their divinity professor is Dr. Taylor, of Perth. "The Old Light Antiburghers are also separate, and being joined by Professor Paxton, and some eight other ministers of the New Light Antiburghers, who could not join in the union, they are now known as 'The Associate Synod of Original Seceders.' They have four Presbyteries, thirty-three churches, and thirty ministers. Professor Paxton instructs their candidates for licensure. "The two last-named Synods, and the Synod of the Cameronians, have had a a correspondence on the subject of merging their differences in a general union of the three denominations. The plan progresses but slowly, however. The points in dispute do not seem to be numerous or important; but the Scots, above all people, are jealous of interference in matters of religion; and among the Scots, none more so, probably, than the Covenanters, and other Old Light Seceders. They are the same in church government and discipline, and generally in doctrine; but in regard to the abuses against which they shall bear their synodical testimony; in regard to national covenanting; and to the time of covenanting, there are shades of difference. The Burghers, besides, in their public worship, sing certain scripture paraphrases, as well as Rouse's version of the Psalms. Their ministers are also at liberty to wear the gown and band, when preaching. All this the other Synods reject as unscriptural. "I have only one other branch of seceding Presbyterians to name. In 1752, two ministers who were particularly aggrieved by the law of patronage, withdrew from the establishment, and formed a Relief Presbytery. Their object was relief from the operation of that law simply, though having separated, they are at liberty to carry their reformation to other abuses. They have a divinity hall at Paisley, under Dr James Morrison, and number 7 Presbyteries; 89 churches, and 83 ministers. Over these, as the supreme court, is "The Relief Synod." "After this detailed view of the established and dissenting Presbyterians of Scotland, it would be natural to bring their religious character into comparison. A general comparison, however, is not easily made, and particular statements convey no correct information. My impression is that evangelical sentiments and practice prevail more among the Dissenters; and yet my own observation might have led to an opposite conclusion. "The Independents of Scotland number 84 churches and 68 ministers. Their divinity hall is at Glasgow, under the instruction of Dr. Wardlaw and Mr. Ewing. "The Episcopalians reckon 6 dioceses, 68 parishes, 6 bishops, and 71 ministers. Their house of worship, which, in England and Ireland, is exclusively denominated the church, is in Scotland the chapel, and its services are supported by voluntary contribution. "The Roman Catholics have 3 right reverend bishops, 45 parishes, and 54 priests They have a Catholic College in Aberdeenshire, called Blair's College, with a president and 2 professors. Their apel in Edinburgh has no pictures, and is fitted up, like other chapels, with comfortable pews, in one of which is frequently seated the ex-king and devotee of France, Charles X. "In Edinburgh there are 4 Baptist chapels, several Methodist, I Berean, 1 Glassite, 1 Friends, 1 New Jerusalem, 1 Jews' Synagogue, 1 Unitarian. How many of these, and of other denominations of Christians and Antichristians there may be in Scotland, I cannot say. My statistical notes are exhausted, and I have not access to such tables as would renew them." THE ASSOCIATE FUND. Though the important object of this Society has been repeatedly brought before the Christian community, still the Committee feel it their duty, at the commencement of another year, to repeat its urgent claims upon the Christian sympathy and generous exertions of every individual who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and sincerely desires the promoof his glory. Hitherto the annual bounty dispensed to poor Ministers has scarcely reached £700.; and when it is considered that the applications for relief are continually increasing; that from the embarrassed state of trade and agriculture in many counties, humble congregations are less able to support their spiritual teachers, that many valuable ministers, with large dependant families, are often involved in the greatest pecuniary difficulties, yet that except in some very special instances, the grants cannot exceed the sum of £5. it is to be hoped that where the claimants are so numerous, and the relief afforded in each individual case so moderate, the Committee will not be compelled to disappoint one deserving applicant from the failure of resources. Few understand the full meaning of the command "to deal out our bread to the hungry," but, in its lowest sense, it implies some personal sacrifice in the practical efforts of Christian benevolence, and it is, indeed, earnestly to be desired that a fund, consecrated to such a laudable purpose should be far more generally and liberally supported. At the last quarterly meeting of this Society on the 6th ult., forty three cases were submitted to the consideration of the Committee, being a larger number than had been received on any former occasion, and in some instances in consequence of death and sickness in the families of the applicants, the appeals were peculiarly affecting and pressing. Increased annual subscriptions, as well as congregational collections, are earnestly requested, and will be gratefully received by Joseph Procter, Esq. the Treasurer, No. 18, Cheapside; by the THE SEPARATION BIBLE SOCIETY. We had proposed to invite the attention of our readers to the authorized Report of the proceedings of a public meeting, for establishing the "Trinitarian Bible Society." It is with pleasure, however, we find, that some forcible strictures, upon the transactions of that assembly, from the pen of the Rev. John Scott, M.A. of Hull, are stitched up with our present number; and, to them, we beg leave to direct the attention of our readers; and also to his advertisement which furnishes another illustration of the upright and honourable proceedings of the Record newspaper! our It would be doing violence to feelings, if we did not take this opportunity to express our own opinion, which we know to be the opinion also of many of our brethren, that the conduct of those Evangelical clergymen who have stood firm to the original constitution of the Bible Society, and who, by advocating from the platform, and through the press, its wise and catholic principles, have exposed themselves to the bitter reproaches of their own brethren, deserves our liveliest sympathy, and our best thanks; and we trust that this exhibition of their honourable feeling and Christian regard toward the bodies with whom they are associated in that great Institution, will increase mutual confidence and friendly co-operation. The business of the exclusives, we understand, proceeds but slowly, as their "committee of triers" are at present occupied in measuring the consciences and creeds of the candidates for official honours amongst them. Poor Mr.Spencer Perceval, though he filled the chair at their public meeting, does not reach to their orthodox dimensions- and we have heard the names of others who have been most courteously black-balled. More thall all the subscriptions already received must have been absorbed by preliminary expences, and we shall not be surprised, in the course of a few months, to hear that the Trinitarian Bible Society has gone to Edinburgh in the mail, to grace the anniversary meeting of their elder sister! In the mean-time we beseech our brethren to watch the movements of the emissaries of these gentlemen, for we regret to record, that what they want in numbers, wisdom, and charity, is abundantly supplied by zeal, misrepresentation. and bitterness. SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE FAMILY OF THE LAMENTED MR. GREENFIELD. We wish to invite the attention of our benevolent readers to an advertisement in the present Magazine, relating to the subscription for the widow and orphan children of the late Mr. Greenfield. It has not yet amounted to a sum at all equal to and bereaved family; and we regret to the decent maintenance of that interesting Bible Society have not exerted themlearn that the dissenting members of the selves as might have been anticipated, when it is recollected that the orphan useful member of their own body claim children of a distinguished and most their benevolent aid. individuals connected with BibleAuxiliary A USEFUL BEQUEST OF THE LATE EARL The Mechanism of the Human Frame, On Geology and Mineralogy, Rev. Dr. The Adaptation of External Nature to the Moral Condition of Man, Rev. Dr. Chalmers. The Adaptation of External Nature to The Habits and Instincts of Animals, Chemistry and Meteorology, Dr. Prout. Astronomy and General Physics, Rev. PROTESTANT UNION. Country Ministers, who are Members of the PROTESTANT UNION, for the benefit of the widows and children of deceased Ministers, and who may be in London, or its vicinity, on Tuesday, the 14th of February, are respectfully informed, that, on that day a general meeting of the said Society will be held at the Congregational Library, Blomfield Street, Finsbury Circus, at 12 o'clock precisely. THEOLOGICAL TUTORSHIP OF CHESHUNT We are happy to announce, that the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND MINOR CORRESPONDENCE. Favours have been received from the Rev. Drs. Smith-Morison-Rev. Messrs. A. Brandram-George Redford—A. Tidman--George Rose-W. Bannister-J. Williams-B. Jeanes-A. J. Jupp--T. Bennett--J. Williams-J. Young-J. Knight.-C. Gilbert--J. Potts-T. Stratten -- Wm. Thorn--H. March -H. I. Rook-Wm. Chapliu--Thos. Mays-Thomas Lewis--A. Reed--W. Urwick-H. Kidgell—Wm. Blackburn-D. Jones-I. B. Shenston. Also from Messrs. W. Ellerby-Thos. Wilson-W. Youngman-H. RogersW. L. Alexander-A. P. B. We observe that the Editor of the Christian Advocate supposes the notice of his paper, which appeared in our last number, in an article headed, “The Religious NEWSPAPERS," to be "extremely injurious" to the interests of his journal. In this conjecture we trust he is mistaken, as we have no wish to injure his or any other Newspaper that is conducted in a Christian temper, and that pleads the cause of truth and liberty, especially as the great majority of weekly papers are unhappily, marshalled on the side of error and licentiousness. We, therefore, distinctly disclaim all feelings of " enmity," or even "jealousy," towards the Christian Advocate, and honestly declare that we have no wish to decrease its circulation, or lessen its usefulness. The remarks we made upon its circumstances were suggested by statements and proceedings which have appeared in the daily papers, and if we have incorrectly interpreted them, we are the better pleased, as we cordially wish that the numbers and the circulation of our religious papers may increase till they equal those of America. Our main design in the offending paragraph was to show that the existence of that journal did not supply a reason why the regular dissenting bodies should not have a weekly paper of their own. If our contemporary calmly revolves our commendation of the projected journal, he will, we think, perceive that we were perfectly disinterested therein, as it is well known that the existence of religious newspapers is unfavourable to the extended circulation of religious, Magazines; and as the profits of the forthcoming paper, if any should accrue, are to be devoted to benevolent purposes, all mercenary considerations are, of course, out of the question. The Magazines have been forwarded to Mr. Alexander, as we promised in our December number. We are obliged to piλos for his friendly letter, of which we shall avail ourselves, and shall be happy to receive his more extended assistance in other departments of our Journal. Anxious to have our Corrections and Additions to the List which appeared in our Supplement as complete as possible, we are compelled to defer them till our next. THE CONGREGATIONAL MAGAZINE. APRIL, 1832. MEMOIR OF FELIX NEFF, PASTOR OF THE CHURCHES OF FRESSINIERE AND QUERAS, THE subject of the following memoir manifested, in early life, traits of an uncommon vigour of intellect. His talents were characterized by simplicity, and, ere they had ripened into maturity, were devoted with ardent zeal to the cause of Christ. The generality of mankind seek transitory applause from their fellow mortals, but he, influenced by divine grace, chose rather to sacrifice the petty interests of time, that he might be made the humble instrument in turning sinners to God. His ambition was of a higher order than that of the mere worldling. Savingly convinced of the paramount importance of divine things, he was led to consecrate the energies of his life, and the full vigour of his intellectual powers, to the moral improvement and eternal welfare of his ignorant and degenerate countrymen. Born in Born in a romantic situation in Switzerland, he devoted himself to the service of God among the shepherds of the surrounding mountains, to carry instruction and consolation into their cottages, and to erect the standard of the cross upon their rocks amidst regions of perpetual snow. N. S. NO. 88. Felix Neff passed his infancy with his mother in a village near Geneva. Having received lessons in Latin from the village pastor, he next commenced, by himself, the study of botany, history, and geography. Possessing an inquisitive mind, he displayed at an early period a fondness for reading. Plutarch and Rousseau were two of his most favourite authors; from the former he imbibed his constant admiration of great actions, whilst the latter fascinated him by the originality of his thoughts, and the liveliness of his style. Young Neff, however, had sufficient discernment to detect the errors of Rousseau. When he was sixteen, he was apprenticed to a gardener and florist, and shortly afterwards wrote a small tract on the nature and culture of trees, which, from one so young, was remarkable for the precision and minute investigation it displayed. At the age of seventeen, he was compelled to enrol himself, as a private soldier, in the garrison of Geneva. His talents appear to have accommodated themselves to this change, for, in a short time, he was advanced to the rank of serjeant of artillery. The exercise of arms, and the fatigues C c |