descend from his high vantage ground to mingle in the heats and ferments of the day, without at the same time letting down the dignity and tarnishing the sacredness of the ministerial character. Besides, I am convinced that men's minds are far too much engrossed by politics, and that after having caught at every scheme of the political millenarianism of the age, they will find that they have all along been dazzled by a bauble and have believed a lie. The more I see of the manner in which our politicians flounder from one expedient to another, without obtaining any permanent relief, the more firmly am I convinced of the conclusion of one whose prelections upon this and many other subjects I shall long remember, I mean the great and venerated Dr. Chalmers, that there is no specific for a country such as ours, but that alone which a sound and scriptural education can supply. I am persuaded that the true means of our regeneration as a people will be found in a quarter wherein the heat and hurry of popular excitement will not, now give us time to look for it, and that it is neither by the application of the principles of mere worldly jurisprudence, nor by any triumphs that may be won on the political arena, that our unhappy but beloved country can be saved. National enactments, it is true, may not be altogether unavailing, but they must be comparatively inefficient unless they go to elevate the moral and social well-being of the community. And while the politicians of the world are busied with their calculations, and anxiously awaiting the fate of their favourite theories, I would endeavour, for myself, to withdraw from the elemental war that they have raised around us, and would seek to breathe the atmosphere of a serener sky.

Before concluding, give me leave to say, that as I expect co-operation, so shall I endeavour to co-operate with my ministerial brethren of other denominations in this place and neighbourhood. I would fondly hope, that not only will there be no strife or division among us, but that our common object will be to close rather than to widen the breaches that already exist in the walls of Zion. We are fellow-labourers in the same field-we are co-workers with each other in the great enterprize of saving a ruined world. Let not sectarian prejudice forbid that we should hail each other cordially, and with the kindly and considerate attachment of brethren in the Lord. Too long have the different religionists in Christendom scowled upon each other, each assuming toward the rest an air of coldness, if not of defiance. I rejoice to think that better days are approaching, and that even now is the horizon streaked

with the tinges of a glorious dawn. It is true the signs of the times are ominous, and the tempest sighing in the distance may be destined yet to beat upon the church; but if it do nothing else than bear down the barriers of sectarianism, it will do much to usher in the latter day of her prosperity and greatness. It is delightful to behold the symptoms of that day-to think that Churches that had long been separated from each other, begin to give forth and receive the tokens of Christian fellowship, and that the true servants of God in every communion long and pray more earnestly for the consummation of the unity of Zion. Again, I say then to my brethren in the ministry, let us be of one mind, and of one spirit-let us engage with heart and hand in the same noble enterprizes of Christian philanthropy-and let us not give occasion to the world to upbraid us with our feuds and paltry jealousies-and then shall we contribute in our day and generation to the advancement of that era of millenial glory, when that word of prophecy shall be fulfilled concerning us-" Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing, for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion." Having now, Sir, said enough, and perhaps more than enough, in the way of profession, may I be allowed to hope that I shall obtain the hearty sympathy and support of every member of my congregation, in forwarding these my purposes and designs? There is a heavy responsibility entailed on them as well as me. Let there, therefore, be a unity of action and of sentiment on the part of both, that, by the good hand of our God upon us, we may be enabled to cultivate the wastes of Zion, and build up the desolations of her sanctuary. We are here not far from the frontier territory of Presbyterian Ulster, and the Church expects that we shall maintain the post of more than ordinary prominence, which, in the providence of God, has been assigned us. May we, therefore, stand fast in the possession of our peculiar principles and privileges; and may the Lord God of our fathers, who has upheld his people under many trials, let his power appear unto his servants, and his glory to their children.

And now, Sir, I have done. I might say much concerning the nature of that relation which we are met to celebrate; but so much has been so well said on a former part of the day, that I shall not recapitulate. Besides, I shall have ample opportunity of returning to the subject with more advantage in another place. On looking back to some of the sentiments that I have now expressed, I fear that they may seem to some

to be advanced with an air of too much boldness and ostentation; and if any of my fathers whom I see around me should be of this opinion, I must throw myself on their indulgence, reminding them at the same time that I am one of the youngest and least experienced of their children. Meanwhile I would address to those, whom I must now consider as the people of my charge, a parting word and say, I come to you in my Master's name, to spend and be spent among you. Though I dare not magnify myself, I trust I shall always magnify the office to which I have been ordained. In the discharge of its high functions I must calculate on experiencing much anxiety and many crosses, and much heaviness of spirit, for the motto of the ministerial warfare is, "without are fightings and within are fears." But let me hope that whatever difficulties and trials I may have to contend with in my ministerial career, I shall be enabled to encounter and overcome them all-that none of these things, even when they seem most formidable, will move me, and that, in the high spirit of Apostolic devotedness, I will not count even my life dear that I may "finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the Gospel of the grace of God."

The chairman then said :-I now rise to propose a senti.. ment, which I feel it will not be necessary to introduce by a lengthened preface after the manner in which the subject has already been referred to, in the very eloquent and impres sive address which we have just heard with so much delight; any observations I might have made upon the subject have been anticipated in that part of Mr. Gibson's speech in which he drew a contrast between the present position of the Presbyterian Church and what it was in a former period, when there was none to be found sufficiently valiant among its sons to stand forward boldly for the truth. A great change, we must acknowledge, has taken place in its polity and constitution, and our sleeping church has awoke from the lethargy in which she lay during a long, and dreary period in her history; and now that the change has been effected, is it not our duty as it is our privilege, to make honorable mention of the men who had sufficient nerve and stedfastness to bear the brunt of the battle, and repel the onset of the foe? I am certain that every indi. vidual here will join with me in saying, that their names are worthy to be remembered, and their exertions celebrated and handed down even to posterity. I trust that every true Presbyterian in Ulster feels grateful for the high tone which

this church has latterly assumed; and in proportion as he loves sound doctrine and evangelical religion, I feel convinced that he will cherish sentiments of regard and esteem for those, whom I am persuaded it is no flattery to call the renovators of Ulster Presbyterianism. There were, it is well known, several individuals who signalized themselves by their exertions in the cause; but of all these there was one, who stood proudly prominent as well on account of the splendid talents he possessed, as the moral intrepidity and reforming spirit by which he was actuated; and now that he has won the contest, I would propose, as the next sentiment for the consideration of the company, "Doctor Cooke, and the renovated constitution of the Synod of Ulster."

Dr. Cooke then briefly addressed the meeting thus:

:

The present happy state, Sir, of the Synod of Ulster is not owing to me or any one individual. It is owing, under the blessing of God, to combined exertion-to the willingness which many of the brethren whom I see around me, manifested, either to lead or to follow, just as their services would contribute to the prosperity of our Zion. In the critical times of the Presbyterian Church in Ulster, when she was like a balance in the scales, there were men, too, who, though their names were never publicly connected with the renovation which has taken place, were yet instrumental in effecting that great work in which we have so much reason to rejoice. We can all refer with happy recollection to the piety and firmness of some in the eldership, as well as the ministry, whose exertions deserve to be recorded in connexion with our renovated constitution; and, in parti cular, I might refer, with peculiar propriety on the present occasion, to one of these by whose descendants I am surrounded, but who, after having finished his course in the church militant, has entered into rest. I trust, Sir, that the spirit of those men of God who have adorned our church in this province, will manifest itself more and more, and be dispensed in rich abundance to their children. For there can be no thorough renovation in the church without a zealous eldership, and a zealous and believing people. If all the excellencies of our fathers, and the still greater excellencies of the pure and apostolic model, are to be attained, nothing will tend more to effectuate this object than the co-operation of a people willing to hear the Gospel and to practice it. The mere renovation of a church's constitution--the mere expression of opinions, however sound and scriptural-the mere es

tablishment of any framework, however beautiful, is comparatively nothing. But the living epistles which the Spirit of God traces on the living tables of the human heart, these are the tokens of a renovation which we should long most fervently to see. I rejoice to think, Sir, there are many symptoms of such a renovation. There is evidence of it even in the fact, that we can thus meet and temperately enjoy the good things which God has given us, in the spirit of piety and Christian fellowship and union: for we are not assembled here for the mere purpose of entertaining and being entertained, but mutually to communicate and receive instruction. I feel, in conclusion, that you have paid me a compliment which I do not deserve; but I have no objection to receive and acknowledge it, arising, as it does, from your good will, and indicating, as it does, your ardent and anxious interest in the prosperity of our Presbyterian Zion.

The chairman then rose, and, in the name of the congregation, returned thanks to the Committee of Synod in charge of the congregation, and mentioned, in particular, the Rev. Mr. Park, as one of its most active and efficient members; on which

Mr. Park spoke as follows:-I would belie my own feelings, Sir, and the feelings of every member of committee, did I not say that we contemplate the arrangements of this day with lively gratitude and high anticipation. We were concerned to think that any apparent disagreement should have taken place among the Presbyterians of Ballybay; but I am glad to say that it has been but a transient cloud which has passed away, so that a brighter sun and better days are now in prospect. In any part which I have taken in that settlement which has been so happily consummated, I can truly say that it was from mingled motives of regard to the interests of religion, and of deep interest in the individual who has been ordained to minister among you. When, in the providence of God, he is pleased to take away some of our fathers in the ministry, it is delightful to see their mantle fall on those who not only feel the responsibility of their office, but have boldness and honesty to declare their views and feelings, in reference to those high duties and responsibilities to which they are called. And as our young friend and brother has unreservedly declared his principles, I do hope, that, as a congregation, you will strengthen his hands in every thing that is excellent and valuable. I have much pleasure in returning you my best thanks for the great