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812 the law of patronage, but a fundamental and destructive change in the British constitution.

We are members of the Church of Scotland, not merely from the influence of education and from habit, but also from a sincere conviction that it is in all respects the Church best adapted to the country and to the people of Scotland; above all, because we know that it has been the instrument, under Providence, by which the cause of morality and religion has been steadily and efficiently promoted; and because we believe that the eminent character which attaches to Scotland and to Scotchmen, is mainly attributable to the purity of the Church's doctrine, the zeal of her ministers, and the wisdom of her ecclesiastical polity. But we cannot forget that the prosperity and the glory of the Church has been advanced and matured under a system of government which it is the object of modern Churchmen to alter or to destroy. The law of patronage has ever formed a component part of the constitution of that Church which we admire and reverence. We deprecate unnecessary change; and we refuse to yield to empty declamation, where there is no attempt to convince us by reasoning. Even if the demands of the present race of Churchmen were admittedly conducive to the welfare of the Establishment, and to the advancement of its influence and its usefulness, it is still possible that the prosperity or the agrandizement of the Church might be purchased at too high a price. But we record our opinions on this subject, chiefly because we are persuaded, that the law which the Church is now engaged in maintaining and defending, is unconstitutional and revolutionary in its tendency; subversive of the principles of a church establishment; ruinous to the character of the clergy, both individually and as a body; most pernicious in its influence on the habits and feelings of the people, whose interests it professes to advance; and, by necessary consequence, destructive of the national character.

a couch of golden woof, In royal hall, King Otho lay; Red banners hung along the roof Spoke loud of war and battle-day.

His long bright hair fell idly down Above a cheek of pallid hue; Though near him lay the imperial crown, His eye no kingly lustre knew.

For he was sick, and cold, and weak, Nor e'en the thought of Rome subdued Could clear the rust that stain'd his cheek, Or sooth his dark distemper'd mood.

In stepp'd to him a hoary lord— "My Liege! that mocking tale again A stranger brings, with boastful word Assevering she can heal thy pain."

"Now gold be hers, and thanks, and praise! For men by scores have come to me, And said that they would ease my days, And set my labouring spirit free.

Still here I lie. But never yet A woman's art to sooth me came. E'en now my pangs I half forget But say what aspect bears the dame?"

"My Liege! I wot her form is tall, And dark and wide the cloak she wears; Her speech with finely cadenced fall A noble Roman's birth declares."

"Nay, let her in, and wait without; To Rome's fierce men soul hate I bore; But even them 'twere dream to doubt Since now Crescentius lives no more."

In walk'd the leech in humble guise, With cloak, and hood that veil'd her brow: Upon the King she cast her eyes, Who said—"fair dame what seekest thou?"

"Oh, King! I know a medicine strong To heal the sting of mortal ill; To thee of right its powers belong; To thee I bring my best of skill."