ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

The following letters from several of the different Continental Churches, addressed to the Free Church, will be read with deep interest. They are by far too precious records to be allowed to slumber amid the common mass of ecclesiastical documents. They will repay a thorough perusal; and apart from this, they are interesting memorials of that spirit of brotherly-kindness which is awakening among the true Churches of Christ throughout the world. In God's marvellous providence, the Free Church seems destined to be the rallying point for the Protestant Churches of Christendom.

No. I.-From the Synod of Va., Lewisburg, Va., United States.

"The Synod of Va., in Session at LEWISBURG, Va., October 12th, 1843.

"It was on motion of Dr Plumer resolved,

"That a Committee of five be appointed to prepare and present a draft of a preamble and resolutions, expressive of the views of this Synod in regard to the Free Church of Scotland. The Rev. Messrs Plumer and Skinner, and Messrs Beard, Moore, and Watkins, were appointed this Committee.

"The next day a report was made by said Committee, and adopted, (after filling a blank thus appointing the Committee); the report was considered and adopted, and is as follows:

"The history of the Reformed Church in Scotland has ever been full of interest and instruction. Her Reformers stand among the boldest and wisest of the servants of Christ, in the annals of redemption. Every step in her reformation was taken in the face of numerous foes without and within. Covenant-breaking kings and nobles have more than once combined with jesuits, ambitious prelates, and a violent populace, to raze her to the foundations. But in all her contests she has been more

than a conqueror, through the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

"Her conduct under recent difficulties shows that God has not forsaken her. To enter fully into particulars is unnecessary. Things have not been done in a corner. For years she has been a spectacle to angels and men. It may, however, be proper to observe, that she has been compelled to encounter almost, if not quite, every form of opposition possible under the British constitution. In nothing do we admire the wisdom given to her leaders, more than in their ready perception of the wiles of an artful government.

"The relation of pure Protestantism, and especially of the Presbyterian Church, in the United States of America, to the Church of Scotland, as is well known, is that of a child to a parent. Nor has the mother Church been unmindful of the interests of the daughter. In the infancy of the American Church, most sub. stantial proofs of lively interest in her welfare were given by the Church of Scotland, and in subsequent periods the afflictions of the child have been mourned over by the parent. Even down to the last great conflict for truth, order, and righteousness, the pious of Scotland deeply felt, and publicly declared their sympathy with us. "We do not, indeed, regard the Free Church of Scotland as in every respect right. It would have been gratifying to us had they for conscience sake, renounced the doctrine of church establishments; yet inasmuch as they have renounced the establishment itself for the great principles of gospel liberty, we are not disposed to feel the less affection for them on account of their adherence to an impractical abstraction.

"In view of these and other things well known in the Christian world, and of the fact that the last General Assembly could not at its meeting be advised of

the real state of things in Scotland; it seems proper that our judicatories next in dignity should give expression to their sentiments on the whole subject; be it therefore,

"1. Resolved that the Synod regard the doctrine of the Headship of Jesus Christ, as sole Lawgiver in his Church, as of fundamental importance to the welfare of the house of God, as abundantly taught in the Scriptures, and never to be conceded to the powers of this world, under any pretence whatever.

"2. Resolved that we can but admire, and give thanks to God, for the grace vouchsafed to the brethren of the Free Church of Scotland, enabling them to maintain an intrepid adherence to this great principle, notwithstanding the menaces and devices of their powerful opponents, and to lay in wisdom, and with prospects of astonishing prosperity, the foundations of a Free Church.

"3. Resolved, that it would be ingratitude and indifference to the best interests of Christ's kingdom upon earth, for us to withhold a decided expression of our sympathy in the labours, trials, and successes of those who have thus been honoured to set up a standard in the name of the Lord Jesus.

"4. Resolved, that should a delegation of the Free Church of Scotland visit the bounds of this Synod, we pledge ourselves to such co-operation as the nature of the case and our circumstances shall permit.

"5. Resolved, that it be affectionately recommended to all pastors, and stated supplies within our bounds to present some time before the meeting of the next General Assembly, this cause to their respective congregations, soliciting their contributions in aid of the Free Church of Scotland, and to forward the amount thus raised to Rev. Dr Plumer, Samuel Winfree, and John C. Hobson, in the city of Richmond, to be by them remitted to Scotland, and disposed of as shall seem best to Rev. Drs Chalmers and Candlish, and Sir David Brewster, or to any Committee duly appointed to make distribution of the funds of the Free Church of Scotland. "6. Resolved, that the stated Clerk of this Synod forward a copy of the forego. ing preamble and resolutions to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, to be laid before that body at its next meeting.",

"A true extract from the minutes,

(ANSWER.)

Wм. S. PLUMER, Stated Clerk."

"COMMITTEE ROOMS, 7 NORTH ST ANDREW STREET, EDINBURGH, 25th October 1844.

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"REV. DEAR SIR,- The Committee appointed by the last General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, to answer letters of congratulation from other Churches, acknowledge with much pleasure the receipt of resolutions by the Synod of Va., of date the 12th October 1843, addressed to Dr Chalmers, and bearing your signature.

"We have no doubt that we express the mind, not only of the General Assembly, but of all who have had an opportunity of perusing the resolutions of your Synod, when we assure you that we reciprocate most entirely the truly Christian spirit by which they are characterised. There is nothing which our Church more earnestly desires, than a friendly correspondence and real union and co operation with the churches of Christ throughout the world, in the extension of Christ's kingdom, and the fulfilment of the great ends of a visible church. Instead of complaining of the frankness with which you have expressed your dissent from us on the doctrine of church establishments, we receive it as a pledge that our differing in opinion on that subject will not prevent our uniting in these times of trouble and rebuke, in asserting the kingly authority of our great Head, and in reclaiming lost sinners to a willing subjection to his authority.

"We return our heartfelt thanks for your pecuniary aid so freely and ultroneously offered, and earnestly praying that the Divine blessing may rest on you, and the flocks committed to your care,— We are, Rev. Dear Sir, your faithful servant in the Lord. "In name and by appointment of the Committee, "To the Rev. Dr Plumer, "PATRICK M FARLAN, Convener. Stated Clerk to the Synod of Va., Lewisburg, Va., United States."

(To be communicated.)

II. From the Presbytery of Lovedale, Caffraria, South Africa.

LOVEDALE, 30th August 1843. "The Moderator stated, that he had called this meeting to afford the Presbytery an opportunity of expressing their views and sentiments, with reference to the large secession, which, according to intelligence recently received, has taken place in the Established Church of Scotland.

"An account of the meeting of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, on the 18th May last, with the secession which on that occasion took place, and the constitution of the General Assembly of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, as given by the Caledonian Mercury, in the South African Commercial Advertiser, having been read, the Presbytery unanimously resolved:

"1. That this Presbytery, holding as they do the principles of the Church of Scotland, to which they individually cherish a deep-rooted filial attachment, have watched with intense interest the momentous contest, in which, for some years past, that Church has been engaged, in vindicating and maintaining the great principles of nonintrusion and spiritual independence.

"2. That they hold it to be an unquestionable truth, which in the course of this contest has been most satisfactorily proved, that these two principles, as they have been repeatedly defined by the General Assembly, not only are in full accordance with the word of God, but also formed parts of the constitution of the Church of Scotland, as by law established.

"3. That the late decisions of the civil courts, approved and confirmed as they have now been by the Government and the Parliament of Great Britain, having placed the Church in a position in which it behoved it to renounce either these great fundamental scriptural principles, or the benefits of State connexion, this Presbytery feel themselves called upon to give an expression to the high satisfaction with which they have just learned, that upwards of four hundred ministers have unhesitatingly embraced the latter part of the alternative, and that these are likely to be followed by a great majority of the members of the Church.

4. That while they cannot but regard the momentous event just alluded to as a great national calamity, and therefore to be deeply lamented by every one who is interested in the true prosperity of his country, they yet feel constrained to recognise the hand of God very strikingly manifested, in bringing the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland' to occupy a position, in which it is obviously prepared with peculiar advantages, to bear a distinguished part in that mighty contest between Christian truth and antichristian error of the awful magnitude, as well as the near approach of which, the voice of prophecy, and the signs of the times, concur in affording most unequivocal indications.

"5. That it is in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland that this Presbytery recognise our beloved Scottish Zion, now in this season of trial and persecution more endeared than ever to their hearts, as in times of affliction it has always been to the hearts of the Christian people of Scotland; and that while they pray for the peace of Jerusalem, this honoured portion of the Church of Christ shall ever form the first object of their supplications, because it can never cease to hold the first place in their affectionate regard.

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6. That the Moderator be requested to transmit the foregoing resolutions to the Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland."

JAMES LAING, Moderator.

(ANSWER.)

"COMMITTEE ROOMS, 7 NORTH ST ANDREW STREET, EDINBURGH, 25th October 1844.

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"DEAR BRETHREN,-The Committee appointed by the last General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, to answer letters of congratulation from other churches, acknowledge with much pleasure the letter of your Moderator, and reso

lutions of the Presbytery of the Missionaries of the Glasgow Missionary Society, of date the 30th and 31st August 1843.

"The testimony which you have given to the soundness of those great principles which have guided our Church, in its recent separation from the State, affords us the most heartfelt encouragement. We have received similar testimonies of approbation from all the missionaries of the Free Church, and from some of the missionaries of other Protestant churches. It is peculiarly gratifying to learn, that those who, like the most of you, were born and educated in Scotland, and may be supposed to be well acquainted with the constitution of our Church, have, at a distance from the field of strife, formed so decided an opinion on the course which we have pursued. We would thank God for this, and take courage.

"The liberality which our people have shown in support of our missionary undertakings, leaves no room to doubt that we shall be enabled, with the continuance of the Divine blessing, fully to occupy, and it may be, to extend the sphere of our operations in that department. How far this will be in our power, it is impossible for us at present to say. But of this we may confidently assure you, that bearing in mind the holy men who were the founders of the Glasgow Missionary Society, and the fidelity and perseverance with which its missionaries have laboured, amidst many hardships and discouragements, we shall ever take the deepest interest in your welfare, and by all the means in our power, shall endeavour to strengthen your hands, and encourage your hearts, in the work of the Lord.

"We return the sincere thanks of the Assembly for the contribution which you have remitted to our funds; and earnestly praying that the Lord may bless you more abundantly, and give you many seals of your ministry among the heathen, we remain, dear brethren, yours in the best of all bonds,

“ In name, and by appointment of the Committee, (Signed) "PATRICK M FARLAN, Convener. "To the Reverend the Moderator and remanent members of the Presbytery at Lovedale, Caffraria."

No. III. From the Synod of New Jersey, United States.

Extract from the Minutes of the Synod of New Jersey, in session at Newton, Sussex county, New Jersey, October 19, 1843.

"Whereas the Presbyterian Churches of America have derived their origin and their principles in a great degree from those of Scotland; and, whereas, during the present year, the most important and awakening events have taken place in the history of Scottish Presbyterianism,-therefore resolved,

"1. That this Synod regard with unfeigned sympathy the recent dispensations of Providence in respect to the Church of Scotland.

"2. That, in the late act, by which hundreds of ministers, and thousands of communicating members have rejected the yoke, and sacrificed the emoluments of the existing Establishment, we regard them as abandoning every worldly interest for the sake of maintaining the headship of Christ over his church, and the independence of ecclesiastical polity, and, accordingly, that we hail them as acceding to the great prin ciples for which American Presbyterians have contended.

"3. That, in this view of the position taken by our brethren abroad, we do unhesitatingly commend the Free Church of Scotland to the sympathy and the prayers of all our churches.

❝4. That if application, as is expected, should be made to our churches for pecuniary contribution to relieve the extraordinary necessities of the Free Church in the mother country, it is the judgment of this Synod, that the object is in all respects worthy of being commended to their generosity.

« 5. That a Committee be appointed, of which the Moderator of the Synod shall be the chairman, in case a delegation should be sent from the Free Church of Scotland to confer with them, and to make arrangements for public meetings to be held at different places within the bounds of the Synod, in furtherance of their objects, and to aid in making application to the churches for pecuniary contributions.

"Ordered, That the Committee consist of the following persons :-) -Rev. Daniel V. M'Lean, Moderator of Synod, Chairman. Rev. Drs Murray, A. Alexander Janeway, and Messrs John Hall, Gray, and Kollock, ministers; and Messrs Enoch Green, Robert G. Johnston, Stacy G. Potts, Kern Pruden, Alexander Ogilvie, and George P. Mollison, elders.

"Attest:

"RAVAND K. RODGERS,

Stated Clerk of the Synod of New Jersey.

"BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY, Oct. 23, 1843."

(ANSWER.)

"COMMITTEE ROOMS. 7 NORTH ST ANDREW STREET, EDINBURGH, 25th October 1844.

"DEAR SIR,-The Committee appointed by the late General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, to answer letters of congratulation from other churches, beg leave gratefully to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23d October last, enclosing resolutions of the Synod of New Jersey, of date October 19, 1843.

"Convinced that the Free Church abides by the great principles of the Reformed Church of Scotland, and that we could not, without a sacrifice of these principles, have continued in connection with the State, it affords us the most heart-felt gratification to learn, that the course we have been enabled to pursue has met with the approbation of our Presbyterian brethren in America, and in general of Protestant Evangelical Churches in all parts of the world. In particular, we feel it to be a cause of gratitude to the God of all grace, that, when Popery is striving with so much earnestness to regain its ascendancy, there should be so general an agreement among true Christians respecting the great fundamental principles for which we have been honoured to testify, and so strong a conviction of its necessity to the existence of pure and undefiled Christianity. It was in defence of the doctrine of Christ's headship that our fathers bled. May we and our brethren everywhere be saved from the heinous sin of trampling it under foot.

"We return our sincere thanks for the eagerness which you, and many of our Christian brethren in America, have shown to promote our interes ts,and to contribute to our funds. And with earnest prayers for your spiritual and temporal prosperity, we are, Rev. dear Sir, your faithful servants in the Lord,

"In name and on behalf of the Committee,

"To the Rev. RAVAND K. RODGERS,

"PATRICK M.FARLAN, Convener.

Stated Clerk of the Synod of New Jersey,

Bound Brook, Somerset County, New Jersey, United States."

IV. From Earltown Nova Scotia.

Extract from the Minutes of Congregational Meeting held at Earltown, county of Colchester, Nova Scotia, on Monday, 1st October 1843.

"The congregation of Earltown having, with much concern, maturely considered the Disruption which took place in the Church of Scotland, held a meeting in order to ascertain to which of the parties they were to adhere. The said congregation, being (ever since they were settled in their adopted land) without a gospel minister to preside over their deliberations, called Robert Murray, Esq. to the chair, after which, the following resolutions were moved, seconded, and carried.

"1. That the said meeting has maturely considered the protest laid upon the table of the General Assembly of the Church, convened the 18th of May last, and followed, as it was, by a secession from the Establishment, of a great number of the most worthy and distinguished ministers it contained, and also the Act of Separation; do approve of the forementioned proceedings.

"2. That having considered, though these reverend gentlemen left the Church of Scotland as established by law, yet they adhere to the Confession of Faith, and to the true standards of the Church of Scotland; do conclude that they hold their prin. ciples decidedly more fast than their livings.

"3. That we consider the principles of the Free Presbyterian Church to be in