which surround the Spaniards in general, leaves us no other appropriate means of expressing our gratitude than a public testimony of our cordial thankfulness, of which these lines are the evidence, signed by our names, assuring you, that the name of W. J. Fox, and the generous aid contributed by the Unitarians, will be topics of indelible remembrance on the minds of this Committee, as in those of the other Spanish Refugees in this capital. And, be it granted by Heaven, Sir, that the political gloom which surrounds us may disperse, and that, restored to the bosoms of our families, they, our friends, and Spain, may unite to bless this hospitable nation, and to remember Mr. Fox and the Unitarian body. "J. M. DE TORRIJOS, General. INDIA. RAMMOHUN ROY is expected in this country early in the spring, as Ambassador from the Emperor of Delhi to the British Court. This appointment is understood to have been conferred upon him solely in consequence of that high and extensive reputation which his character and talents have obtained, and to which it is an honourable testimony. We are happy to find that it is the intention of the Unitarian Association Committee to send for the second son of William Roberts, of Madras, a youth of promising talents and good disposition, and to have him educated in this country, so as to qualify him to return to India as their Missionary. The age of his father, and the rise of a second native Unitarian congregation in the neighbourhood of Madras, render this measure very expedient. We cannot but 'anticipate from it important and beneficial results. The success of Wm. Roberts will, we believe, bear a very advantageous comparison with that of any missionary of any denomination now in India; and if his son be the inheritor of his piety, his principles, and his diligence; and, to the advantages which he will possess as a native, be enabled to add those arising from English education, and from being sent thither as the accredited agent of the Association, we may reasonably expect a large extension of the good already accomplished, and which, though sometimes overlooked, is in reality far from being inconsiderable. Abolition of the Suttee in British India. -Lord William Bentiuck has, by proclamation, and on his own responsibility, prohibited the burning of widows; and it does not appear that there is likely to be any of the opposition which was apprehended from either the prejudices of the people or the influence of the Brahmins. Sketch of Proceedings relative to the Secession of the Remonstrants from the Synod of Ulster. In the Monthly Repository for August last, an account was given of the debates in the Synod of Ulster, assembled at Lurgan, in the latter end of the preceding June; and our readers were informed that the consideration of the main question between the majority of the body and the Remonstrants, was deferred till the second Tuesday of August, when a special meeting was to be held to determine that important affair. It may appear strange, although it seems to be the fact, that by the Irish public the blame of the indecent bickerings which for some years have disgraced the Synod of Ulster, was thrown equally on the nominally Orthodox, who were in every instance the aggressors, and the small party who, with Mr. Montgomery at their head, stood forward as the advocates for freedom of conscience, and who in every instance acted purely on the defensive. It would appear from some expressions which have been dropped, that no small degree of censure was cast upon the latter class of persons, even by those who ought to have been better able to appreciate their conduct and estimate their motives. False as this judgment was, these gentlemen were willing to defer to it, since it only affected themselves as individuals; and in order to take away every pretence for cavil, they agreed to absent themselves from the special meeting at Cookstown. They sent forward a Remonstrance, urging the Synod to return to its ancient practice as defined in the Code of Discipline drawn up previously to the agitations of the last few years, or else to appoint a Committee to confer with them on the terms of an amicable separation; farther union, under present circumstances, being no longer practica ble. The Remonstrance was to be presented by Mr. Porter, who in his official capacity as clerk was obliged to attend the meeting of Synod, but who it was understood was not to take any part in the discussion which was expected. The following speech which this gentleman pronounced at the Ordination Dinner of his nephew, the Rev. John Porter, in Belfast, a short time before the special meeting of Synod, is supposed to express the feelings of the minority at that period. His bealth having been given from the Chair, coupled with the Synod of Ulster, Mr. PORTER rose and said, "Mr. Chairman, and Gentlemen-The annunciation of that toast has placed me in a situation of considerable delicacy. Owing to certain transactions which have lately taken place, I stand in a position, with respect to the Synod of Ulster, which renders it expedient that my words, on the present occasion, should be few, aud, if possible, well chosen. That they should be well chosen can hardly, under existing circumstances, be expected; but I think I may venture to promise that they shall be few, and perfectly inoffensive. "The time was, Mr. Chairman, when I could have addressed you, on behalf of the Rev. Body to which I belong, without the slightest difficulty or embarrassment. The time was, when I could have characterized the members of the General Synod as advocates for the exercise of private judgment in matters of faith, and defenders of the sacred rights of couscience. The time was, when I could have held them up to view as an assembly of theologians, differing from one another ou many of those points, by the discussion of which the Christian world has been divided, and yet preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. It grieves me to say, that those times are gone. A few restless and intolerant individuals have risen up amongst us, who, by the incessant agitation of questions on which it is well known that we entertain discordant opinious-by fomeuting the prejudices of the uneducated and uninformed multitude, and by stirring up the expiring embers of political and religions animosity-have created discord and contention in our church, aud lowered our character as a body in the estimation of the public. I do not despair, however, of seeing better days ;-the present fermentation will soon subsidemen's passions will gradually cool-their minds will emerge from the mist of misrepresentation, and they will perceive the delusions which have been practised On on them. I am convinced, Mr. Chairman, that amongst our Calvinistic bre thren in the Synod, there still exists a mass of quiescent good sense, a store of latent liberality. I am convinced, Sir, that there are men amongst them who' do not wish to impose restrictions upon conscience, or prescribe limits to religious inquiry-who do not wish to say to the traveller in quest of truth, Hitherto shalt thou go, but no farther." It is to be hoped that those men will at length lay aside their retiring timidity— their mischievous modesty." Now that the moment of emergency has arrived, it is to be hoped that they will step forth in the character and attitude of men, and insist on a return to Presbyterian principles and practice. The questions which agitate the Synod are not points at issué between the Unitarians and Trinitarians; no, they are points in dispute between the friends of peace and of genuine Presbyterianism, and men who, let them disguise themselves as they may, are, in fact, the enemies of both. the part of those ministers of our body with whom I am in the habit of acting in concert, I have one thing to state which we consider a hardship: we think we have cause to complain of being unkindly dealt with, even by liberal-minded members of our church-even liberalminded laymen, when speaking of the existing Synodical contentions, do not sufficiently discriminate between the assailed and the assailants-between the party aggrieved and the party guilty of aggression. They cast equal blame upon both, and represent them as equally chargeable with doing discredit to the Presbyterian cause. This we cannot help feeling as a censure unmerited by us. Throughout the whole of the late unpleasant transactions, we have acted entirely in self-defence. In no one instance have we manifested a desire to impose our opinions ou others. In no one instance have we made the slightest encroachment on the religious freedom of our brethren. In no one instance have we attempted the slightest innovation in ecclesiastical discipline. All we ask, and all we wish, is, that the constitution of the Presbyterian Church may be restored to the state in which it was when we were encouraged to enter on the ministry-a state which was deliberately, for mally, and unanimously ratified by the Syuod in the year 1825. Our opponents are the innovators. If separation is inevitable, they, not we, are the persons who ought to secede. "There is another ground of complaint to which I request permission to advert. We make no claim to infallibility: our opinions, however sincere, may be erroneous; but even on the supposition of their being so-surely we cannot be considered as deserving the obloquy and opprobrious appellations with which we have been loaded by some of our fellow christians. We may be vastly inferior to our orthodox neighbours in judgment, talents, and information; but our purity of intention can hardly be disputed; and, on this ground alone, instead of meriting reproach, we think ourselves entitled to esteem. Instead of reviling us, the advocates of orthodoxy ought to compassionate our involuntary error, and endeavour to convert us by mild persuasion. It is impossible--morally impossible, that we can be actuated by any other principle thau that of conscientious conviction. Does the profession of Unitarianism contribute in any one way to our worldly advantage? Does it contribute to our temporal ease and comfort? Does it contribute to the augmentation of our professional emoluments? Does it contribute to the augmentation of our popularity? Does it contribute to the augmentation of our influence in society? No, Sir, instead of promoting, it injures our interest in all these respects. I ask, then, what selfish or sinister motive can we have for adhering to a cause which, whatever may be its concomitants in other countries, yields neither profit nor popularity in this? We can have no other inducement than a desire to obtain the testimony of a good conscience, unless it be supposed that we expose ourselves to persecution in this world in order to secure perdition in the next. If we are not honest men, we are mad men. That there are very few evils which are not attended by some good, is an observation as well founded as it is common. The present theological agitation has excited a spirit of inquiry which must ultimately terminate in the advancement of evangelical truth. If the doctrine which we have been led to espouse, is of men, most fervently do we pray that it may soon come to nought ;but if it is of God, human strength will not be able to prevail against it, and every attempt to suppress it will only contribute to its propagation. One word, Mr. Chairman, relative to a matter of personal concern, and I shall no longer occupy your time. Let the result of certain recent proceedings be what it may, I owe to the Synod of Ulster a debt of gratitude which I will always be ready to acknowledge. The only lucrative si tuation which its members have the power of bestowing, they bestowed on me. The emoluments connected with that situation, I will not affect to disregard; at the same time, I can safely say, that it was principally valuable, in my estimation, as being a testimony of the kindness and confidence of my brethren. But, however highly I may prize this token of esteem, it shall be respectfully returned to the donors, the moment it can no longer be retained with honour; and my friends may rest assured, that I shall surrender the appointment with feelings not less comfortable than those with which I received it at first. I received it with a feeling of gratitude to others-I shall surrender it with a feeling of respect for myself." Expectations had been entertained that the members who are styled "orthodox and moderate," would have come forward at Cookstown to oppose the proceedings of the more violent Calvinists. Had they done so, they possessed strength enough to carry the decision as they professed to wish; but, with the characteristic irresolution of moderate counsellors, their courage failed when it was put to the trial, and no effectual opposition was offered. The meeting took place, according to appointment, on Tuesday, August 18. After the transaction of some routine business, memorials from several congregations were presented, on the subject of the Overtures of last year, and the division of the Body; most of them praying for the adoption of this measure. The Remonstrance against the Overtures was also read. A desultory discussion succeeded, respecting the conduct of the Committee for Theological Examination of Candidates for the Ministry; in the course of which several members took occasion to deliver their sentiments on the general question of the late regulations. Mr. Elder expressed his respect and esteem for Mr. Porter, but could not hold ministerial communion with him, as he is an enemy to the Lord Jesus. Mr. F. Dill thought it was more deplorable that Arians should be over the people, than that a few ministers should be spoiled of their goods. Mr. RICHARD DILL, Sen., said, "An unsound minister is a poisoned fountain, sending around noxious exhalations and death. I would rather leave a hundred ministers and their families to starve, than put an unsound minister over a congregation. Arianism is not Christianity. I will not say that an individual Arian is not a Christian; but I say Arian ism is not Christianity. I am not sure that Arianism contains a single principle of Christianity, with the exception of the doctrine of the resurrection. I wish to be charitable; but charity begins at home. I must say if Calvinism be Christianity Arianism is not." ministry he conceived to be much preferable to this Committee. In the one case you would have, as it were, labelled on your door, the express and precise terms on which a person can become a member of this body. If your terms were such as he could not conscientiously conform to, he might pass your door and go to a society congenial to himself. On these grounds he could not, in his conscience, with his present view of it, vote for the re-appointment of this Committee. Mr. GRAY (Dungiven).—“ I last year thought the Overtures only a temporary measure that would soon expire. I regarded them as a cloud throwing a shade over the landscape for a time, but which was soon to pass over, and leave us to enjoy the fair prospect around us. I now find, however, that the cloud is still to brood over us; and there is good reason to apprehend that its darkness will continue to thicken, till we shall be at last involved in the gloom of midnight. Against such an event, it is our business to endeavour to guard. I was well aware that certain favourite measures were to be compassed; and that in order to effect such objects, every possible means was to be pressed into the service; but I saw that such attempts produced the effect of convulsing this Synod to its very centre; I saw that the measures brought disgrace upon this body; and I felt convinced that the means adopted were most impolitic. I did look forward, however, with something of hope to the adoption of a milder course of procedure, and one more in accordance with the gospel of Christ, and therefore did I conceive it to be my duty to address you for a little, to try if I can persuade you to abandou your present unchristian course. I am well aware that clamours may be resorted to, aud that the cry of the Ariau heresy may be raised against me for the course which I purpose to pursue; and I know that the fear of such unjust clamours has kept many ministers from attending here; but, as my opinions are well known, as I have always believed in the Deity of Christ, I have no grounds of fear, aud shall therefore speak openly. Mr. HAY said, he could not satisfy himself with giving a silent vote on this important question, but wished to state, briefly and distinctly, some of the reasons why he could not conscientiously support the re-appointment of the Committee. The House, he said, would have it in recollection, that when that Committe was established, he had expressed his doubts and fears of the propriety of the asure. He had given it very much of his consideration since; and he had often prayed to God to direct him in all he should say and do upon this occasion. First, he could not vote for its re-appointment, because, notwithstanding all that bad been so ingeniously urged, he considered it contrary to the spirit of Presbyterianism, and superseding the legitimate authority of that part of our own body from which we are called Presbyterians. The Synod have a power, if they will exrcise it, of obliging Presbyteries to do their duty; and let Presbyteries be enjoined and obliged to do this duty-to be scrupulous and minute in ascertaining the principles of young men, before they are permitted to preach the gospel, and axiously and earnestly to ascertain that they possess fervent and genuine piety. All this a Presbytery can do, and the spirit of Presbyterianism be preserved. But in the appointment of this Commit, as now constituted, Presbyteries, as th, had no power of appointing their constituent members. The conduct of the late Committee had been unanimously pproved by the Synod, and must deservedly. He rejoiced that the aspersions that had been cast upon it had been Hated here, and that an opportunity had afforded for such satisfactory expla tation. But though that Committee had done nothing wrong, and though the et should do the same, yet such great Yer vested in that body is subject to at abuse, and may yet be productive of ach injury, without almost the possiCity of appeal or redress; and, therethe thought the Synod should be cations before they gave it permanence. knew the sentiments of many orthoministers respecting its probable teney, who are not at this meeting; and y entertained the same views and ulapprehensions from it that he did. said, a formula for admission to the Date "You have it not in your power to put down Arianism by any enactments of yours. What is the character of your present measures? You are rearing a motley pile of heterogeneous materials, which can never continue permanent, but will crumble down around you from its instability. Your enactments are incapable of effecting the objects which you contemplate, and they are opposed to the principles laid down in Scripture. Instead of tending to introduce genuine piety amongst us, I fear they are calculated to propagate and foster a hollow religion. Look at the working of your Committee. How can it go on well, when one part of your body may do what another part are competent to undo?for I tell you that you have not the power to prevent Presbyteries from sending out men to preach the gospel. Are these men accountable to you? Do you think it likely, that when twenty-six of the most influential members of your body are combined, they will not be able to carry the majority of this House? Besides, how can you have any hold upon them, or by what means will you be able to ascertain accurately, in what manner they may have discharged their duty? Their doors are closed against you, and their operations are completely concealed from your inspection. Will the young men venture to appeal from their deci sion? If so, what will be the result? How will their insulated and individual testimony for the young men are examined apart from each other-have any chance whatever of meeting, effectually, the combined and concentrated testimony of your powerful Committee? The thing is not to be expected; and when the characters of your young men shall have been thus stamped by defeat; and when they will thus have awakened the opposition of such individuals, they may go and preach to the Hindoos, or the Hottentots if they will, but their prospects of succeeding in the ministry in this country are gone for ever. There will exist in this body two forces likely to operate against each other-and how, then, are we to move on, thus propelled? There is reason to dread that, instead of advancing steadily, the body will become stationary, or more properly retrograde. But we have been told that the Committee is a Presbytery, and that the members of the one are the members also of the other; I tell you, Sir, what power is vested in this Committee. It has just the same power that his Majesty has over the bench of Bishops. He can call them together, and if they do not adopt the course which he wishes, he may dismiss them without allowing them to do any thing. Will gentlemen tell us that this is no power? Our church is formed upon the model of one described in the Scriptures, and the moment you deviate from your original constitution, you forsake your character, and abandon the original form of your church. Our forefathers contended and suffered, that they might preserve our form of church goverument undisturbed; and what is the course which we now see about to be adopted? I say this is one of the boldest attempts that ever was made to sap the interests of Presbyterianism. It is an attempt to overturn the sound and Christian policy which has hitherto prevailed amongst us, and to impose upon us restrictions destructive of the interests of religion. It is an attempt of such acharacter as would be immediately crushed, but for the fevered state of affairs in which we are at present situated. "The ostensible object of your Overtures is to put down Arianism; but let me tell you, that I consider it to be merely one step of a premeditated course of procedure designed to overturn the constitution of our church, and to introduce visionary theories, that will be most injurious to our body. If I were sure that the measure was adopted only as a temporary expedient, I would not be so forward to complain; but I fear that it will be permanent in its operation. There is no country in which liberty of conscience has not been fostered; but I would ask, is religious liberty recognized. in this Committee? On the contrary, does it not rest with the will of a few to select such individuals as they may deem qualified for preaching the gospel? Is this consistent with our privileges? Is it consistent with Scripture? I tell you it is not. I may be told that expediency warrants the adoption of the measure. But no considerations whatever, on the ground of expediency, can justify you in going beyond certain limitations. Instead of lodging so much power in the hands of a few individuals, the preferable plan would be to form a code of laws, leaving for error very little ground of latitude. From the worth of these gentlemen I am not at all disposed to detract; but they are nothing more than men, liable the more to error as they possess ample room for abusing their power. They have cleared themselves from the charges alleged against them; but after all that has been said, I have no doubt whatever that many visionary ideas were broached by them. Knowing this to be the case, the young men will come prepared for such a course; they will not venture to differ from their grave and reverend seniors.' They may be convinced of the error and im propriety of the proceedings; but they are subjected to the operation of strong temptations. In short, I would leave fancy to her wildest flights, and defy her to hit upon any measure more likely to |