Union of Upper Canada, which took place in Guelph, in the last week, the following resolution was adopted, and handed to me to be carried into effect :"That having our attention called to a public statement that the several religious communities which have been silent respecting the recent Bill for the disposal of the Clergy Reserves, were understood to acquiesce in that Bill, we feel called upon explicitly to avow that we and our churches greatly disapprove of it, and we request the Rev. John Roaf to state and explain our views upon this matter to the Rev. Egerton Ryerson, with a request that the statement may be corrected as regards our body.

"W. CLARKE, Chairman.'

"You will perceive that the 'public statement' here alluded to was in the 'Christian Guardian,' being in the article relating to Dr. Strachan's recent proceedings, in your number of the week before last. The views' that I have to 'state and explain,' refer, I believe, to the silence of the Congregational body, and our non-acquiescence in the Clergy Reserve Bill. We have been publicly silent, because our wishes having been privately represented to his Excellency the Governor General and the leading politicians with whom we have any communications, we had no remaining means of affecting the question but that of popular agitation, and to this we would not resort, because, as it has been distinctly admitted, that the public are strongly and finally in favour of appropriating the Clergy Reserves to General Education and public improvements, we could only have elicited an expression of what was already known.

"The objections which the Congregational Union entertain against the new Clergy Reserve Bill, are such as entirely to preclude our acquiescence in it. We consider it to be, in most of its provisions, bad in principle and mischievous in tendency. We notice and admire its repudiation of the Church Establishment principle, and in its recording the vote of members of the Legislature against that principle we cordially rejoice. But the measure itself we consider bad, for the following (amongst other) reasons:

"1st. It is based upon the principle of making public appropriations for the support of the Christian Religion, which principle we consider to be subversive of part of Christ's arrangements for the promotion of his cause, and thus altogether inadmissible among his servants. Whether the Bill institutes, or merely adopts, the appropriation to religious purposes, makes but little difference in our opinion,-in either aspect it is in our view unchristian. In its operations, too, we expect it to be very injurious to the liberality of the members of the churches.

"2. It makes an unjust distribution of the public property with which it deals. It gives to two denominations security against the operation of a principle to which all others are subjected, viz. the proportion between their numbers and their receipts, and it excludes the denominations not recognized by law, which denominations have as good a moral right to participate in public property as any that are mentioned in the statutes.

I

"3. It gives to members of the Roman Hierarchy a large public endowment; say, 'large,' under the impression that every priest will receive far more than any Protestant minister. Every distant and secluded Roman Catholic will swell the amount to be received by the priests; but the former attendants upon the ministry of Protestant denominations will not thus range themselves with those denominations. I especially object to the public endowment of popery, not that I think that when public property is being distributed, Roman Catholics should be excluded from participating, but I think that the necessity of including their church amongst the participants renders the distribution especially objectionable.

4. It makes it the interest of every clergyman in the Churches of England and Scotland to have as few ministers of his own order as possible. A half of the proceeds of the Clergy Reserves is for ever secured to them; the smaller

the number, the larger the share of every individual. Now, I can expect much purity and nobleness from individuals, but from no class of men can I expect a continued course in direct opposition to their private interests. Therefore, I do not expect that either of the clerical bodies referred to will be anxious to introduce numerous missionaries to take part of their stipends. The Bill, then, is likely to limit the number of the Clergy.

5. It places the denominations interested in the second provision of the Bill in a state of rivalry and even collision. The more your denomination shall receive, the less will be our portion, et vice versa. Will not this tend to make these denominations regard one another with an evil eye? None of us can well bear inducements to envy and jealousy.

"6. It professes to aid Religion upon the preposterous scheme of giving most to the bodies that are least needy; and least to those that are almost helpless. A church in a city, will (though possessed of ample resources) bave great help; one in a back township and new settlement have hardly any.

"7. It invests the funds arising from the sale of the 'Clergy Reserves,' in provincial debentures; while this step will aid public improvements, it will place the interests of ministers and churches in direct collision with the interests of stockholders and the public. To secure the per centage required for religion, it will sometimes be necessary to institute prior and full claims to dividends, and in unprosperous undertakings this will occasion very painful reflections. The Legislature is likely to have one or another part of this business constantly on hand, and the result will be the frequent utterance of every infidel sneer at the Ministers of Religion, and, through them, at Religion itself.

"8. It exposes religious bodies to repeated litigation respecting the right application of their receipts, and, what is worse, it exposes them to delays, insulting questions, and numerous other annoyances from the Governor in Council.'

"These bearings of the measure as respects religion reuder further explanations of our aversion to it unnecessary, or I would remark upon the abandonment of the cause of education—the probable renewal of strife and aversion to the British Government if it commit itself to the arrangement-the defiance of public opinion here and consultation of British_parties in a matter of purely provincial concern-and the use of our present Legislature to effect an object repugnant to the feelings of the people, after that Legislature has been repudiated not only by the public, but by her Majesty's Secretary and by its own votes. I trust that these explanations are sufficient to show you that our refusal to acquiesce in the Bill is founded upon real and very earnest objections, and that you will do us the service of releasing us from the position in which you have placed us.

"I remain, Dear Sir, with all respect, yours,

"J. ROAF."

We observe in the Canadian papers that other bodies of dissenters are also dissatisfied with the Bill, so that it is highly probable that between the hostility at home and in the colony, this will not be "a final" measure. But if the legisla tive union of the two provinces take place, the two establishments will not find their prospects improved, when the disposal of those lands again becomes the subject of colonial legislation. They will find, we suspect, that the truth of Lord Ashburton's declaration, "that they might as well attempt to set up their establishments in the moon."

BISHOP OF TORONTO AND THE INDEPENDENTS OF UPPER CANADA.

Dr. Strachan, Bishop of Toronto, in his speech on the Clergy Reserves, in the Legislative Council, said, that "Unitarians are commonly styled Independents." The Rev. J. Roaf, feeling that a statement so erroneous should not remain uncorrected, addressed a polite note to the Bishop, pointing out his mistake, and enclosing a copy of the Declaration of the Faith and Order of the Congregational Union" "as clearly affirmatory of the doctrines of the

Trinity, the supreme divinity of Christ, and his atonement." Dr. Strachan immediately sent the following courteous reply :

Toronto, 22d February, 1840. Rev. Sir, I beg leave to acknowledge your letter of the 21st instant, which I have this moment received, and in which you object to the expression, "Unitarians are commonly styled Independents," in a speech delivered by me in my place in the Legislative Council,

"1st. As it was not my intention to give just cause of offence, I readily admit, on your authority and the document enclosed, that the words are appli cable to the Congregational or Independent Communion to which you belong, being, as you say, strictly Trinitarian, and so far they are withdrawn.

2nd. But my speech had reference to the distribution of the Church property among all denominations recognized by law in this province, and knowing that in England, as well as the eastern division of the United States, Unitarians have, as Presbyterians and Congregationalists, obtained possession of many endowments which belonged of right to orthodox Presbyterians and Independents, I see nothing in the church government or discipline of Unitarian congregations, if there be any in Upper Canada, to prevent them from assuming such names, if they consider it for their benefit.

"In this sense the words were used as being pertinent to my argument, and cannot be applied to Orthodox Dissenters.

"I thank you for the copy of the Declaration of Faith, Church Order and Discipline of the Congregational Dissenters.'

"I have the honour to be, Rev. Sir, your obedient and humble Servant, "To Rev. J. Roaf." "JOHN TORONTO."

In this satisfactory answer we have another proof of the advantages which result from the presence of such a man as Mr. Roaf at the seat of Government, and a striking instance of the utility of the Declaration of Faith published by the Union.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCOTTISH CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

We are happy to learn from the columns of The Scottish Pilot, that our brethren in North Britain have enjoyed delightful services at their annual gathering in Dundee.

The meetings commenced on Tuesday, April 14th, and were continued during the two following days.

The annual meeting of the Glasgow Theological Academy was held on Tuesday evening, in Ward Chapel. The attendance was respectable and numerous. John Bower, Esq., one of the magistrates of Perth, was called to the chair. Part of a psalm was sung, and the Rev. T. Pullar offered prayer. The Chairman briefly introduced the business, and called on the Rev. G. D. Cullen, of Leith, Secretary, to read the report.

The appointment of a gentleman to be wholly devoted to the duties of the tutorship was announced, and under highly favourable circumstances. The Rev. J. Morell M Kenzie has laboured since his election to the perfect satisfaction of the committee, and evident improvement of the students. The additional funds necessary for these improvements in the institution have been liberally provided by the churches. Several extraordinary donations have also been received; particularly the sum of £220 from a gentleman in Liverpool, who has, in this unexpected manner, expressed his regard to the memory of a deceased brother, who studied many years ago at the Academy. Of the students who have left it during the last year, some have gone as missionaries under the auspices of the London Missionary Society, and others have been settled as pastors. Eight new candidates were admitted at the commencement of last session, besides several others for missionary labour. It appears that there are at present about thirty students attending the classes. The ordinations of those who have recently left the Academy were announced, and the urgent need of more labourers at the present time strongly stated.

The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Russell, the Rev. Messrs. Low of Forfar, Machray of Dumfries, and Massie of Peterhead, Mr. J. A. Fullarton of Glasgow, the Treasurer, W. Smith, Esq. of St. Andrews, and the Chairman, who in the name of the meeting thanked the Tutors for their services, which was suitably acknowledged by Dr. Wardlaw, and Mr. M'Kenzie.

On Wednesday morning Dr. Wardlaw preached in Ward Chapel, and in the afternoon of that day, we suppose, for the Pilot does not tell us whether it was Wednesday or Thursday, a public dinner was given in the Thistle Hall, attended by about one hundred and thirty ministers and other gentlemen. The spirit of this meeting afforded the highest satisfaction. Dr. Russell was in the chair, supported by Dr. Wardlaw, Dr. Paterson, the Rev. J. M. M‘Kenzie, Rev. J. Watson, and other friends. After dinner matters of particular interest to the denomination were discussed. The subject of revivals was introduced by letters and communications, of a solemn and cheering nature, from the north, which Messrs. Watson and G. Cullen read to the company. Mr. Massie, from Perth, and Mr. T. Pullar, from Glasgow, followed them, and Dr. Wardlaw proposed that their statements should be followed by thanksgivings and prayer. His proposition was cordially welcomed, and Mr. Machray, of Dumfries, was requested to lead the devotional exercises. Dr. Wardlaw was afterwards urgently and unanimously requested to prepare a volume on the denominational views of Congre gationalists, as derived from the Scriptures. He acknowledged having formerly promised to do so; and repeated the assurance that he would, at no distant day, present such a work to the churches. This announcement was hailed with great satisfaction.

On Thursday morning the Rev. Mr. Arthur, of Helensburgh, in Prince's Street Chapel. Various private meetings of committees were also held for the transaction of business, and the attendance at the public meetings were large and respectable, and the collections also were very liberal.

In the evening of the same day the large chapel was crowded in every corner and at every door by a most respectable congregation, assembled to witness the proceedings of the annual meeting of the Union. In the lamented absence of William Baxter, Esq. of Ellengowan, through relative afflictions, JAMES RUSSELL, Esq. was called to the chair. The Rev. Mr. Smith, of Inverary, commenced the business by prayer. The venerable Secretary of the Union, the Rev. John Watson, of Musselburgh, read the report, of which the following is the summary.

An interesting reference was made in the introduction to the subject and appearances of revivals amongst the churches of Scotland. After last meeting £1579 were voted in aid of weak churches in the Lowlands, and for the preaching of the Gospel in destitute parts of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. To twenty-three churches in the Lowlands £372 were voted to aid the pastors in preaching the Gospel in the districts around, where much darkness prevails. Churches have been constituted at Alexandria, Dumbartonshire, Beith, Brechin, Stalloway, Dunfermline, and a second at Dundee. Ministers have been settled, in Hamilton, Mr. Kirk; Falkland Mr. Elric; Banchory, Mr. Monroe; Arbroath, Mr. Moir; Blackburn, Mr. Taylor. The church at Rothesay is still destitute.

More extended itinerances during the past year.-Grants to Aberdeen and Banff Itinerating Societies: to the Perth, Angus, and Mearns Itinerating Association; as also to individuals in Moray and Inverness-shires, and in Dumfries and Galloway.

Labours in the Highlands and Islands; more than one-half of their funds have been dedicated to this service. Last year a christian friend committed to the disposal of this Union £200 for preaching in the Highland districts, and £10 for tracts, to be circulated, in the Gaelic language. This was faithfully devoted to the object contemplated by the donor.

The Northern Isles form an important part of the sphere of the Union's exertions, and affords a most gratifying return for labours and prayers. In the Ork

neys many scenes of revival have occurred. In Shetland the agents are actively and most laboriously employed.

The resolution of the Congregational Union of England and Wales actively to employ their resources in home missionary labours in their own country was alluded to. The deputy from the English Union, the Rev. J. Fletcher, D.D. is prevented from attending these meetings by indisposition. The Rev. T. Pullar has been requested to represent the Scottish Cougregational Union at the next meeting of the English Congregational Union, and Dr. Wardlaw has consented to visit the Irish Congregational Union.

The proposal was made to raise the income of this Union to £2000 for the year. £500, as part of the estate of T. Bailey, Esq. St. Paul's Church-yard, have been received through the kindness of the Rev. Dr. Bennett of London, and his son, a solicitor, who have aided in obtaining this money. Efforts should be made to liquidate the chapel debts throughout the churches. The committee urge this on the consideration of their friends. The funds were represented as being in a prosperous state.

We cannot attempt an abstract of the speeches of our brethren on this occasion; but the following are the resolutions, with the names of those who submitted them to the meeting:

It was moved by Rev. Mr. Ewing of Glasgow, seconded by Rev. Mr. M'Kenzie1. That the Report, part of which has now been read, be adopted; that the thanks of this meeting be given to the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Committee for their past services; and that a Committee of Management be appointed for the ensuing year.

Moved by Rev. Mr. Russell, Glasgow, seconded by Rev. Dr. Wardlaw

2. That this meeting, while thankful to the Most High for the continued prosperity of the Congregational Union of Scotland, regard with lively interest the progress of every similar institution in promoting our common faith and order in England, in Ireland, and the British Colonies; that they especially hail with delight the resolution adopted by their English brethren assembled at Birmingham, in October last, to enter upon extensive home missionary operations; and, rejoicing in fraternal intercourse with the Congregational Churches in the southern part of the kingdom, although they regret having no deputy from the Congregational Union of England and Wales, they cordially approve of their brother, Mr. Pullar, of Glasgow, appearing as their representative at the annual meeting of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, and of Dr. Wardlaw representing you at the meetings to be held in Ireland.

Moved by Rev. Mr. Munro, Knockando, seconded by Mr. Hutchison, Dundee— 3. That this meeting being deeply convinced, by the experience and observation of every successive year, that the country at large has received manifest spiritual benefit from the operations of the Congregational Union, while the churches thus associated in a work and labour of love have themselves been greatly enriched thereby, earnestly recommend to all the friends of the Redeemer increased liberality, and more extensively organized efforts, in contributing to the funds of an institution so admirably adapted to carry forward the christian enterprise throughout all parts of our native land.

Moved by Rev. Mr. Cameron, Portobello, seconded by Rev. Mr. Murdoch, Anstruther

4. That devoutly cherishing a desire for the revival of religion in all the churches, and rejoicing to know that, by the divine blessing, not a little has been done during the past year in strengthening the things which remain, this meeting would urgently call upon all who fear the Lord to continue instant in united believing prayer for an enlarged outpouring of the Holy Spirit to render successful the means now in operation, or yet to be employed, for the instruction of the ignorant, the conversion of sinners, and the spiritual prosperity of the people of God.