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pious youths in these Provinces to dedicate themselves to the Holy Ministry, and thereby to supply the spiritual destitution of their countrymen, it is necessary that a college he instituted, agreeably to a resolution of the Synod, held at Hamilton on the 9th of October.
Moved by the Rev. James George, Scarborough, and seconded by Edward Thomson Esq. M.P.P -
3. That this meeting recommends that measures be adopted through the Provinces to raise subscriptions for the behalf of the said college.
Moved by Mr. David Rintoul, and seconded by Dr. Workman -
4. That the formtion of said college being a christian and patriotic object, this meeting anticipates not only the support of members and adherents of the Presbyterian Church, but all classes of the Christian community.
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Moved by Rev. Alexander Gale, Hamilton, and seconded by the Hon. James Crooks -
5. That the following gentlemen be appointed a committee to recieve subscriptions: Messrs. Isaac Buchanan, William Ross, Archibald Macdonell, Walter Ross, Thomas Cafrae, John McMurrich, Hugh Scobie, and Dr. Workman, and that John Cmeron Esq., Commercial Bank, be treasurer.
(Signed) W. Morris, Chairman. H. Scobie, Secretary.
It was moved by John Cameron, Esq., that Mr. Morris do leave the chair and that it be taken by Isaac Buchanan, Esq., which beind done, it was moved by Mr. Cameron, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Leach, and carried unanimously, that the thanks of this meeting be given to Mr. Morris for his conduct in the chair.
(Signed) Isaac Buchanan, Chairman
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Hugh Scobie, Secretary.
It was explained by Mr. McGill, in his address, that although it might be said that we are poor, it was not, nevertheless, impossible to proceed successfully with this great work. Taking the number of Presbyterian in the two Provinces at 100,000, it was not too much to expect that out of that number there would be found
100 persons who would give each £ 100 100 " " " " " 50 200 " " " " " 25 400 " " " " " 12 10s. 1000 " " " " " 5 2000 " " " " " 2 10s. 4000 " " " " " 1 5s.
And very many more who would contribute of their substance as God has given them ability. This is, after all,
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but a small proportion of the number of members of the Church of Scotland in the country.
Mr. Gale, in his address, impressed upon the Committee the great importance of the duty imposed upon them, and he enforced the necessity of their giving it that attention which its importance demanded. This he was satisfied they would do. He further expressed his conviction that on the cumulative amount recieved from the mass of the people would depend in a great measure their success. He explained that it was the desire of the Synod, and of all who took an interest in the great undertaking, that everyone should have an opportunity of contributing, and that the smallest donations would be thankfully recieved and acknowledged. The Hon. Mr. Morris stated that he had lately been apprized by Dr. Burns, of Paisly, that he had recieved from a pious lady in London
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the donation of ten guineas towards the college, and that this being the first, it would be followed by many more from friends at home, who wished the undertaking success. Mr. Morris acquainted the meeting that by making the present laudable exertion it was distinctly to be kept in mind that it did not in any degree interfere with their claim to a proportion of the school and college lands set apart for the purpose of education in the Province, that their present proceedings would rather strengthen that claim.
After the meeting a subscription list was opened and upwards of £ 600 subscribed on the spot. This is a very fair beginning, and there can be no doubt that throughout the two Provinces this great undertaking will be entered upon with spirit and liberal contributions given towards it from all parts of the country.
It was explained to the meeting that the
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