be abated by unfavourable circumstances. Let it be put forth in leading
to abstain from countenancing an evil constitution, and to raise above
the fear of consequences. Arising from Christian principle, deep hid in
the breast, let it give an energy which opposition would only increase,
and which death itself would not subdue, but hand over with increased
vigour to others.

The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland should recognise the
attainments made during the Second Reformation. Whatever steps of real
reformation have been taken of late, have been in accordance with some
of these. It is desirable that all of them should now be adopted. Tho
Revolution Settlement suffered not the Church to advance beyond the
Reformation made at 1592. Now that that compact has been abandoned by
the Church herself, let her occupy fully the ground on which the
Reformers, between 1638 and 1649, so honourably stood. By some laws of
the land, indeed, many of these are condemned. But these laws are
monuments of the tyranny and oppression of the government that made
them. The Revolution Church of Scotland never recognised, as a whole
the brightest attainments made in the history of the Church in the
land. During the late contest, indeed, the Act of Assembly, 1647,
adopting the Westminster Confession, has been pleaded as the Act of the
Church of Scotland at the Revolution, which had been made by the same
Church before. But though that could not have been properly maintained
without admitting that other laws of the former era, not
ecclesiastically repealed, were also the law of the Church at the
latter,[794] let the Church, now that she is completely unfettered, by
ecclesiastical legislation solemnly adopt all the distinct attainments
of the second reforming period, and thus serve herself an heir to the
highest privileges enjoyed by the Church in our land.

It is good that the Free Presbyterian Church contemplates the erection
of a Theological Seminary for a rising ministry. May it be called into
operation, and greatly prosper; and may her youth--kept from the
chilling influences of error, evangelically instructed and eminently
pious, prove the means of diffusing widely the truth, in consequence of
a momentous reformation.

And, above all, it is necessary that the Free Presbyterian Church should
have regard to explicit solemn covenant obligations. The vows of God,
made by the Church in this land, are upon her; these she ought to
acknowledge,