The Sun.
London, England, 1834-06-02 00:00:00

GVNEitAt- ASSinIIy;I",..§.(?OTL'ANP.

CHUB Cif PATRONAGE,

by an able and powerful speech. His lcrAship entered into
a detailed view of the various acts of assembly in regard to
the subject of the overtures, and contende& from the divi-
sions of the church courts prior to 1740 • that
the practice
was agreeable to what was now urged, and thevekre it was
only enforcing or revising the old laws of the church. v:
are told that, even at present, if any objections be broupt
against a man, they will be attended to. But this is nct
enough. Are there no cases when there may be abundant
and solid and sound objections to the acceptance of the it-
dividual, which is possible for any set of men to state acct.
rately? The presentee may be a tattle, insipid, frivolova
preacher, or may be contemptible by his affectation, cr
disgusting by his vulgarity; he may have learning without
good sense or good temper—knowledge withom the power
of communicating it; he may have purity of motes with
much indiscretion—there may be little religion in his cha-
racter, while the bounds of morality are not overstepped
he may be even unsound in doctrine, while yet no
proper proof could be produced of it;
the most important truth with the coldness and in-
difference which afford sufficient conviction that he
is not believing them ; now, this is a catalogue which
might be increased by any man, and pith all the respectthe
Z.
I I have for our Church, am compelled tf.' appeal to he may speak
knowledge of this Assembly, whether, in their "vn,_
expe-
rience, they have known no such cases as these? k "7,;
hear.) And if so, what satisfaction is it to a parish to
them that no man shall be intruded on them, if you must
verify the objection, and condescend upon particulers';
Great fears are expressed regarding the negative tr.at.:td
are to propose, but it is not a little singular that these ing.
are of very opposite descripfons—so opposite as, in my
opinion, to show the beauty and practical uses cf the scheme.
One class fear that we shall have in every iintince a cabal
and dissent by a majority. Others think it will seldom
come into operation at all. My own opinion is, it *ill be
always in operation to this effect—that the Matron, 11_10w'
ing the possibility of his rejection, will take care not to sen:s
a man against whom any such thing may arise, and thus
the law will work reflexly, as Dr. Chalmers expressed it,
and produce the effect by silent pressure. .We have heard
a great deal of doubt whether the Assembly has power to
pass such a law. On this point I cannot entertain the
slightest doubt—if it be established (as I hope has been done)
that the Presbytery has full power to judge the whole matter
of qualifications, then it is undeniable that the General Assem.
bly may give instructions to all its Presbyteries for its guid-
ance in such matters. I grant this is a check on the patron's
power, and where is the statute that gives the right of
patronage uncontrolled and unchecked ? The very mode-
rating of the call indicates a check of this kind, and there-
fore I say, that as the law stands, the patron has his place
to appoint--the people their place to prove or disapprove,
and the Presbytery to determine. It may be said, that
there is a great danger of excitement, but I have faith
enough in the understanding and Christian honesty of the
people of Scotland, to believe that they will not come for-
ward to make opposition without cause. Ido not mean to
say there may not be exceptions ; causes of trouble may,
arise—but what is there that is perfect? And, Oftgn these
things take place, you have your church courts fir fulf
vigour, to exercise their powers. I shall just make t*et
other observations. It is said that this will injure EA,'
cause of learning; but is it the case throughout Scot-
land, that men of least learning are most popular ? (Hear,
hear.) Is it not the case, that those of the highest intel-
lect are the most acceptable? It never fails to be so,
if the man possesses the qualities necessary to make up
the accomplished preacher and minister ; and, in my
opinion, it would tend much to stir up ministers and
youth of our land to more diligent study—more active
pursuits—more veritable acquirements. The other objec-
tion is pf a different kind. It is said great injury will be
done to the individual who shall be rejected by a majority.
Now this will happen either very frequently, or it will be
very rare. If it happen very frequently, then I would say
that there would no more injury result from his rejection
tban from the rejection of individuals who now offer them-
selves and are rejected. But my belief is, that it will be
exceedingly rare, and that the evil is nothing in reality.
But of all objections, this excites most wonder
in my mind, for I put this to the Assembly,
either the people are right, and there is some de-
fect in the individual (and then our sympathy should be
with the people, and not with the individual who is reject-
ed), or the individual is a worthy man of good gifts and
qualifications, of pure and upright principles ; and then I
appeal to this assembly, if it can be really said to
be an injury to the man that he is thus prevented
from entering • into a parish situated, as we suppose--
for I come back to the man of pure and upright
heart, and honest intentions, who desires to minister in
the church for the benefit of those under him and the
glory of God—and I ask whether such a man, introduced
into the parish against the wish of the people, can be said
to enjoy a benefit, or to have suffered an injury, in being
thrust upon the people? A deserted church—desolation
in his heart—the meeting-houses rising around him—
Sabbath after Sabbath treading his way to the church
door, and there finding none whom he can spiritually
edify—returning to his house meditating upon the condi-
tion into which he has been brought—and the total abuse
and frustration of his powers—his learning becomes a
burden—his talents utterly useless, because he has not
been placed in a sphere where he might employ them. It
is in vain to say he may bring back the people. Oh yes,
this does happen sometimes, but it is not the course which
this church should desire to follow, or any man of pure
principles would desire to be the course he himself should
run. His lordship then moved that the General As-
sembly, having maturely considered the overture, do
declare that it is a fundamental law of the church
that no pastor shall be intruded on any congregation con-
trary to the will of the people ; and that, in order to carry
this principle into full effect, the Presbyteries of the church
shall be instructed, that if at the moderation in a call to
a vacant pastoral charge, the major part of the male heads
of families, members of the vacant congregation, and in
full communion with the church, shall disapprove of the
person in whose favour the call is proposed to be moderated
in, such disapproval shall be deemed sufficient ground for
the presbytery rejecting such person, and that he shall be
rejected accordingly ; and due notice thereof forthwith
given to all concerned; but that, if the major part of the
said heads of familes shall not disapprove of such person to
be their pastor, the presbytery shall proceed with the set-
tlement, according to the rules of the church ; and farther
declare, that no person shall be held to be entitled to dis-
approve, as aforesaid, who shall refuse, if required solemnly
to declare, in presence of other presbyteries, that he is ac-
tuated by no factious or malicious motive, but solely by a
conscientious regard to the spiritual interest of himself or
congregation ; and resolve, that a committee be appointed
to report to an interim diet of the assembly in what man-
ner, and by what particular measures, this declaration and
instruction may be best carried into full operation.
Dr. C. BUCHANAN seconded the motion.
Dr. MEARNS took the lead in the opposition to this
measure. He contended that the church courts, and the
members of congregations enjoyed at present all the pri-
vileges, in regard to this matter, which they bad ever pos-
sessed. Abuses, he said, attached themselves to every sys-
tem ; but it must be in the recollection of many members
in this house, that about thirty-five years ago many cases
came before the Assembly in which great hardships would
indeed have been suffered had the ultimate decision been
left to the people. It was not by individual cases that we
must judge of the utility of any system, but by the general
average, and by that rule he would test the excellence
of the present system. He was, therefore, very un-
willing to resort to such changes as those proposed for ex-
pected advantages, when, according to his judgment, so
far from the result being what was so sanguinely antici-
pated, the consequences would be a shock and collision
between the patrons and the people, introducing dis-
sent to a far greater extent than now. When the nomi-
nation is made by the authority of the patron, for 4hat is
it that the people are called on ? Is it not either to give
consent to the man well qualified to execute the duties of a
minister, or to express their dissent with reasons to be
judged of? These objections are not confined merely to
literary or moral qualifications, but objections of every
kind have been received and sustained. It is proper that
the rights of the people should be attended to, but if you
give them an absolute veto, what do yon do but constitute
them supreme judges in the matter of qualification ? That
is the only conclusion to which such a proceeding could
lead. Look (said the Rev. Doctor) to the effect of the
enactments on the character and prospects of your proba-
tioners. A patron may now pass over a probationer with-
out hurting his interests, but will that be the case if re-
jected after two or three presentations ? Why did the
church go on petitioning
other reason than that our forefathers saw full well
that they would thus relinquish important rights
tothis simpleyea r afterremedy year ?against
I can its
seeevils,n
withoutresorting
o
to the people. But this system, it is said, will quietly
remedrem
y
its evils. I do not expect that result—
noriink that—in the present state of public
sentiment, this power will be temperately used. And if
this is not the case, you have deprived yourselves of the
only means of correcting these disorders. lam most re-
luctant to a change, which may produce a great over-
balance of evil. I agree that it is the duty of every man,
however incapable of doing so, at least to express his senti-
ments in this great crisis of the church. lam very appre-
hensive that the measure will only lead to further innova-
tions, to others of greater and greater magnitude, because
you will thereby denude yourselves of the power of bring-
ing these heats and animosities to a favourable adjustment.
Dr. Mearns concluded by moving in substance that the re-
port of last year's committee be approved of.
After a long debate a division took place.
The vote was then taken—
For the motion of Lord Moncrieff
For the motion of Dr. Mearns l3B
Majority —46
Upon the announcement of the state of the vote, the
cheering was tremendous, which was severely rebuked by
the moderator