ng so as to support their claim, would be
guilty.

B.

Reflecting on the descending obligations of the British Covenants on the
people of these lands, by the current of an eventful providence we are
conducted to the consideration of the circumstances of the "Free
Presbyterian Church of Scotland." The events in the National Church of
Scotland which have led to the separation from her communion, of the
Protesting Church, and finally, the disruption itself, cannot be
forgotten. The struggle that was maintained for the rights of the
Christian people, for the independence of Christ's house, and the glory
of the Redeemer as King of Zion and King of kings, is worthy of the most
cordial approbation. With those who were employed as the willing and
honoured instruments of emancipating the Church from the tyrannical
restraints under which she so long groaned, and effected a dissolution
of a connection with the State, fraught with so many evils as have been
long felt by her, there ought to be but one feeling of Christian
sympathy. A testimony for the truth, calmly, and effectively, and
devotedly, has been borne by her, to her lasting honour. The Church has
declared that the government has acted a tyrannical and wicked part by
interfering with her privileges; and the people of Scotland have
practically and memorably said, that it is sinful for the Church of
Christ to be connected with an anti-christian State. The government of
the land has been baffled. The rulers were not overborne by the voices
of a majority in either House of Parliament; but by a calm and efficient
resolution, we do not say, becoming the Scottish people, but worthy of
Christian men, they have been defeated; and that would be wise policy,
indeed, which would remove the shame of their overthrow. For the steps
of reformation taken, for the noble sacrifice made by those who gave up
their emoluments that they might be faithful, commendation is due; and
that the Free Protesting Church may come to maintain, to its utmost
extent, not merely doctrinally but practically, the testimony of Christ,
is ardently to be desired. The accession of a great proportion of the
youth preparing for the ministry, and of those engaged as itinerants in
preaching the gospel, is a token for good; and the devotedness of the
people of Scotland on the great emergency, in adhering to the
"Protesting Church," and in yielding of their substance for it, is
peculiarly cheering to the mind. The co