with the progress of the Reformation, not in a portion of Switzerland only, but in a great part of Europe, and specially in Scotland. It will be a ground of fervent thankfulness if, as there seems reason to hope, this work has been left by its author in a state of sufficient forwardness to admit of its publication. But how does one grieve to think that such a work should not have come forth complete from his own hand, and still more that that hand, which might have been employed in the execution of other and kindred works, and which has filled so many a classic and noble page, is now mouldering in the grave! But there is another department of Dr. M'Crie's writings, which it would be unpardonable to pass by without special remark, even in this slight notice, where several things must be wholly omitted. Every one knows that this great and good man was a Seceder from the Church of Scotland. To her doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, in all its parts, he was warmly attached; and he retained his attachment undiminished to the day of his death. But he not only believed that certain serious evils had entered in and cor. rupted the Church's administration, but deemed these sufficient to justify, nay require, his remaining in a state of separation from her communion. When that controversy arose in the Secession, which, under a peculiar name, turned upon the very question respecting the connection of Church and State, that now threatens to convulse these kingdoms, Dr. M'Crie warmly espoused what among his brethren, rapidly became the unfashionable side, maintaining the same doctrine for which we contend at this day. So entirely was this opposed to his temporal interests, that, on account of his strong and inviolable attachment to that and kindred doctrines, he was actually at one time, as we understand, thrown destitute on the world. He had more.. over, to bear the scorn of many, as one supposed to be suffering for a mere trifle; for the question of the magis trate's power had not then assumed the shape of an attack on existing institutions, but merely that of a difference in abstract principle. The importance of this difference was not perceived even by most in the Established Church; and on different hands, therefore, Dr. M'Crie was held up to ridicule, as contending and suffering for what was at best a theory. But his acute and penetrating mind saw the important practical bearings of that theory. opened these up, together with a full defence of his own principle on the subject, in a very able paper, partly writ ten and wholly revised by him, which appeared as far back as the year 1806. For a long time, however, the difference still appeared to many to be one of little importance; and this paper was scarcely known beyond the limits of that small body of Seceders, who avowed it as the declaration of their sentiments. In due time, however, what Dr. M'Crie had foreseen as not unlikely, came to pass in fact. The New Light opinions, from a variety of causes, continued to gain ground; and as they entirely fell in with the spirit of the age, were at length in circumstances for exhibiting their true character in an open and avowed attack, no longer on the principle merely, but on the very existence of the Established Church, together with all those fences and safeguards which public law has hitherto thrown around the institutions of religion. In the controversy to which this attack has given rise, this eminent man did not directly appear as a writer. Indirectly, how. ever, he did. His sentiments on the subject having been already before the public in the paper just referred to, it only remained for the friends of the Church to reprint such portions as were applicable to the existing state of the controversy. This they did accordingly, with his permission; and great benefit has thus doubtless arisen to the cause of truth on this important subject. But it was not by the force of his arguments alone that Dr. M'Crie formed a powerful friend of the cause of our Establishment in this its time of need. The very testimony of such a man, living as he did in a state of separation from the Church, his having suffered for adherence to these very principles, his having done so at a period when the Church was so generally corrupt, as to furnish a plausible argument for the essential inexpediency and unlawfulness of Established Churches,-and, in a word, his continuing to adhere to the same sentiments after all that had been spoken and written against them, and though he openly said to the last, that he saw no immediate prospect of being able conscientiously to join the Church,-all these facts, independently of the arguments by which in his writings he so ably defended the principle of Establishments, form a very powerful argument indeed in its favour, and one to which, on various accounts, we are able to appeal with a peculiarly good grace. On the whole, in whatever light we view this eminent man-whether we look to his personal character, to his ministerial gifts and usefulness, or to his writings,-whether we connect him with the cause of the Reformation in Europe at large, with the history of the Church of Scotland in its most interesting periods, or with the present and peculiar difficulties by which she is beset, it is impossible not to regard his unexpected removal from the midst of us, at the age of 64, in the full vigour of his faculties, and in the midst of his varied labours, as affording ground of deep regret, not only to his family, his congregation, his brethren in the ministry, and the whole religious connexion of which he was so distinguished an ornament, but to the Church of Scotland generally, and to the interests of religion and literature at large. No longer shall the pen of this ready and heaven-taught writer be employed in removing the reproach of Martyrs and Christian heroes, showing how true religion has ever gone hand in hand with solid learning and genuine liberty, and drawing lessons of wisdom for the world's use from history sacred or profane. No longer may we cherish the fond hope of seeing the historian of the Scottish Church one day grace the chair of her.General Assembly. No longer shall we catch the inspiration of that eye which, lighted up from a brighter within, was wont to communicate to many an anxious auditor a portion of its own sacred fire. That eye is now closed in the sleep of death; and those lips, which, from Sabbath to Sabbath, dropped wisdom, and faithful reproof, and heavenly consolation, are sealed "till the heavens be no more." "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel ?" How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!" 66 LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB, AND THE BLIND, IN COLLEGE-STREET. In the wide range of human misery, objects of greater commiseration than the Deaf, the Dumb, and the Blind, can not claim the generous regards of Christian Philanthropy. This affirmation we make not merely upon the ground that these portions of the community have been deprived of bodily organs, which are of immense utility to man; but because these persons frequently belong to families in the humblest circumstances of life, whose parents cannot afford them the necessary education, and whose poverty compels them to engage in employments, and to associate with persons that superinduce habits of the most pernicious tendency. Being thus destitute of sound instruction, and led often into the most depraved society, they imbibe bad principles, pursue evil practices, and ultimately sink into the depths of spiritual wretched ness. Then these unfortunate individuals become moral pests, as well as clamorous beggars at our doors-they attend as little to the improvement of their souls, as they seek to support themselves by lawful industry. They, in short, often dishonour God, produce mischief in the neighbourhood where they sojourn, and neglect all that pertains to pure happiness, either in this world or that which is to come. It is in this view that we take notice of the contemplated Institution for the Blind in the Town of Belfast, that we commend the exertions of those who have thus far conducted this important undertaking, and that we desire the blessing of the Almighty to attend the erection of this house of refuge, as also to rest upon the souls of the people that shall afterwards participate in its benefits. In this Institution for the Blind, the Deaf, and the Dumb, it is delightful to consider that the inmates will be rescued. from the barbarous treatment of the many who take pleasure in making the miserable still more miserable, that they will be taught the most useful branches of industry which are suited to their condition; and above all, that they will be instructed in the doctrines and duties of true Christianity. When we reflect upon the labours of Mr. Gall to improve the mode of teaching the Blind; the time, the anxiety, and the great expense which he has bestowed to raise them in the scale of intelligence and comfort; and the mighty success that has attended his many sacrifices and persevering exertions, we may safely affirm that he has not lived in vain, and that the blessing of many who were ready to perish, must come upon him. Pleased, therefore, as we are with the efforts lately made in behalf of these portions of fallen humanity, we gladly present our readers with the subsequent account of an Institution for their benefit. On Monday, the 17th inst. the Committee of this Institution met in the Exchange, at 12 o'clock, when the an rangements for commencing this important undertaking were made. In accordance with previous agreement, the Committee and many other gentlemen assembled at the Linen Hall, about one o'clock, where Sir Robert Bateson, Bart., M. P., joined them, and walked in procession to the ground fixed upon for the building. When the procession reached the place, the ceremony commenced with the reading of the 9th chapter of John's Gospel, by the Rev. Dr. Cooke; after which, the blind pupils sung the following original hymn: THE BLIND. "And He took the blind man by the hand."-Mark viii. 23. THEY tell us that the stars are bright, Which glisten in the sky; But vain they shed their heav'nly light They tell us of the tints of morn- But He who made the sun and moon, Our hands can read, our fingers trace Then let us willingly record His praise, who maketh known To our benighted hearts His word, Sir Robert then proceeded to lay the first stone of this benevolent Institution. Subsequent to this, the Rev. Mr. Macartney addressed the Ladies and Gentlemen assembled, in a speech highly appropriate to the occasion. The address being concluded, a suitable prayer was offered, by the Rev. Mr. Carlile-the blind pupils then sung the following Hymn, composed for the occasion: THE DEAF AND DUMB, AND THE BLIND. "Who hath made the dumb or deaf, or the blind? Lord ?"-EXOD. iv. 11. ALL praise and glory be to Him Who shed on earth Compassion's tear- The dumb to speak-the deaf to hear. Have not I the |