members who have been distinguished for their
Christian piety, Christian learning, and Christian benevolence. Is all
external communion to be interdicted with a church which has produced
such men as we might name amongst the children of our Established and
other Churches in Scotland? Look back upon half-a-century, and ask if a
similar act with that of the Archbishop of York and Bishop of Winchester
would then have created a like feeling. I can remember well the interest
and admiration called forth by the eloquence, the philanthropy, and the
moral fervour of Dr. Chalmers, amongst the High Church school of the day
too--the good Archbiship Howley, Bishop Blomfield, Rev. Mr. Norris of
Hackney, Mr. Joshua Watson, etc. I remember, too, the perfect ovation he
received in the attendance of Archbishops, Bishops, Clergy, Peers,
Princes, etc., of the great London world, at his lectures on
Establishments. We can hardly imagine any one saying then, "This is all
very well, but the Church that produced this man is no part of the true
Church of Christ, and no English prelate or clergyman could possibly
take service in it."

No one, I believe, who is acquainted with my own views and opinions on
religious subjects would say that I look with indifference on those
points wherein we differ from the great body of our fellow-countrymen. I
am confident that I should not gain in the estimation of Presbyterians
themselves by showing a cold indifference, or a lukewarm attachment, to
the principles and practice of my own Church. They would see that my own
convictions in favour of Episcopal government in the Church, and of
liturgical services in her worship, were quite compatible with the
fullest exercise of candour and forbearance towards the opinions of
others--I mean on questions not essential to salvation.

I believe that there are persons amongst us coming round to this
opinion, and who are ready to believe that it is quite possible for
Christians to exercise very friendly mutual relations in spiritual
matters which constitute the essential articles of a common faith,
whilst they are in practice separated on points of ecclesiastical order
and of church government. I am old, and shall not see it; but I venture
to hope that, under the Divine blessing, the day will come when to
Scotsmen it will be a matter of reminiscence that Episcopalians, or that
Presbyterians of any denomination, should set the interests of their own
communion above the exe