right disposal of this question. It was never the policy of their fathers to concentrate or confine theological education in one place, but to make provision for it at all places where there were university seats. Neither had the principle of confining it to one place been that upon which this Church had proceeded since the Disruption. The Assembly had recognised the principle that more than one theological faculty was necessary, and had set up a theological faculty at Aberdeen. All that was now asked was, that having recognised this, the Assembly should take steps to render the theological instruction set up in the northern capital more effectual than it has been. He then referred to the great number of students which attended the two colleges in Aberdeen, many of whom intended devoting themselves to the ministry in connection with the Free Church, and said that it was of great importance to the interests of the Church that the youth there should not be cast for their instruction into the hands of those whose teaching must be opposed to that which the Assembly could desire to see impressed on their minds at their period of life. He next adverted to the great inconvenience to which the young men in that part of the country were subjected in being required to come to Edinburgh, and to the importance of availing themselves of every facility which providence might present of increasing the number of young men for the ministry.

Professor M'LAGAN and Mr WM. BROWN (elder) from Aberdeen, supported the views of Dr Brown.

Dr FORBES of Glasgow addressed the Assembly, for the purpose of showing the manner in which Glasgow suffered from the want of theological education in that city and in the surrounding district. He said, that although it might appear that, from the speedy means of transit between Glasgow and Edinburgh, that its claims were not so strong as those of Aberdeen, he could state that the circumstance of young men requiring to come to Edinburgh and spend four years there in the prosecution of their studies, discouraged many young men from setting themselves apart to the ministry. He did not ask for the erection of a theological hall at Glasgow, as he did not consider the Free Church to be in circumstances to warrant that; but it was necessary that an individual should be appointed at Glasgow to be a theological professor and tutor; and he thought that an individual of that kind could perform, in connection with that work, several other important services in connection with the interests of the Free Church in that place. If anything was done for Glasgow in that case, he was sure that Glasgow would see to it that the Free Church would not suffer on account of it. Dr HETHERINGTON said that much of what had been adduced to enforce the claims of Aberdeen and Glasgow would apply in no inconsiderable degree to St Andrew's. However, as there was so much specialty in regard to St Andrew's, he would rather rest his case on the specialties of his case. There was this peculiar disadvantage in St Andrew's, that while Aberdeen and Glasgow had many distinguished and eminent men to take charge of the students who attended the university seats, in St Andrew's there was but one minister in connection with the Free Church. His brethren resided at such a distance in the country, that they could not come to render any aid, except merely occasionally to come and see what had been done, and to give to it their sanction. He adverted to the strong influences which the Free Church had to contend with in St Andrew's, and to the consequent necessity of the Free Church vigorously supporting the efforts that might be made in behalf of the cause of the Free Church there. What he asked for was, that for the work of two men, two men should be provided.

Mr BONAR of Aberdeen then addressed the Assembly in support of the claims of that place.

Dr CANDLISH hoped that the Assembly would suspend the farther discussion of the subject until they shall have disposed of the matter connected with the Sustentation Fund, and the Report of the Sustentation Committee, given in at a former diet, which suggestion was agreed to.

SUSTENTATION REPORT.

The Assembly then resumed consideration of the Sustentation Report.

Mr TWEEDIE begged to submit a statement in connection with this subject. About two months ago he had occasion to write to their late lamented father a letter, in which he stated that from the state of his health he was afraid he would be obliged

to resign the Convenership of the Sustentation Committee. He might mention, what perhaps the House were already sufficiently aware of, that he was in that position merely in consequence of Dr Chalmers' urgency, and to save him from the trouble and annoyance of managing the details of office; he, in short, acted as deputy. On communicating his intention of resigning to their departed father, he urgently requested that he (Mr Tweedie) would change his purpose; and on the evening before he left for London, he (Mr Tweedie) restated his purpose, and their revered father urged him again to reconsider the matter. On the morning after his arrival from England, he received a note from Dr Chalmers on the subject. On the afternoon of Saturday week, he went out to confer with Dr Chalmers on the subject, and reiterated to him his continued purpose to resign; and on account of the reasons he assigned, he received his acquiescence in the proposal. At the same time he took the liberty of mentioning to Dr Chalmers the name of an individual, whose appointment he believed met the approbation of the Church, were he to accept the office. Their lamented father approved of the selection, if the Church should do the same. He (Mr Tweedie) now begged to lay his resignation of the office of Convener of the Sustentation Committee on the table, and also begged that Dr Buchanan of Glasgow should be appointed in his stead. In retiring from the office of Convener, he begged to say, that after the experience which he had, it was his deep and growing conviction that there were abundant materials within the bounds of the Free Church for carrying out the great designs of their lamented father,-large and ample as these were, and for accomplishing all that the Church wished to aim at even during the current year.

Sheriff SPEIRS expressed the great regret with which he had heard the announcement made by Mr Tweedie, of his intention to resign the Convenership of the Sustentation Committee. He felt that it would be improper and vain for them, after the deliberate way in which the resignation had been considered by Mr Tweedie, to ask him to re-consider the resolution he had taken. He then referred to the great services which Mr Tweedie had rendered to the Church in the discharge of the duties connected with the office of Convener of the greatest fund of the Church, and said that he was sure that the only feeling in the House must be one of hope that his health might be speedily restored. It was not necessary that he should say anything in the way of expressing his opinion of the pre-eminent qualifications of Dr Buchanan for the office. He felt that Dr Buchanan came before them with a testimony which no living man had,—namely, a testimony in his favour from the friends of this great Scheme itself; and that, he thought, was alone sufficient to stamp him with the qualifications of fitness for the office, and to evince to the Church that the duties of the office would be adequately discharged. In reference to this great Central Fund, he would only say, that it always appeared to him to be one of the great proofs of the singular wisdom of the master mind who formed it. He trusted, that in laying the foundation of this Scheme, Dr Chalmers had laid the foundation of his own monument. It remained for them and for the members of the Free Church to raise the proportions of that monument in a way that would be commensurate with the hopes and expectations of its founder, and in a manner that would be honoured from on high. He trusted that every congregation of this Church would consider, that in contributing to this Sustentation Fund, they were not only discharging a duty, but that they were helping to perpetuate, in the best and most befitting manner, the memory of him whom they had just lost, and whom they must ever lament. He hoped that the Sustentation Fund, in some way or other would be associated with the name of Dr Chalmers; and he thought that it would be an appropriate tribute paid to his memory if, some how or other, it was linked with his ever-to-be remembered name. Mr Speirs then enforced the vast importance of vigorously prosecuting the Sustentation Fund, so as He was quite satisfied that their strength and efficiency as a Church depended upon the strength and efficiency of their ministry at home. Unless they kept up their own central fire at home, he was convinced that they could not be in a position either to irradiate the heat or light of their Church to the more distant

to increase its revenue.

parts of the earth.

Mr M. CRICHTON said, that it was with deep regret that he heard of the resignation of Mr Tweedie, because he believed that while the office remained on its present footing, a more efficient Convener could not be found. He had mentioned on a former occasion that he had received communications on the support of the Sustentation Fund

from his revered and much loved father, and he had withheld these communications from the House, but he now felt it to be a sacred duty to publish these communications for the sake of the Church, as they might be said to be his dying words, as the best method for maturing and maintaining this great key-stone or Central Fund of the Church. He hoped that although Mr Tweedie might retire from the Convenership, he would still remain a member of the Committee, that they might have the advantage of his experience. He also trusted that by God's blessing he would be soon restored to the complete possession of his health and strength.

The following deliverance by the Assembly, in reference to the Report of the Sustentation Committee, which was given in at a former diet, was agreed to:

"The Assembly having resumed consideration of the Report of the Sustentation Committee, record their thankfulness to Almighty God for the measure of success that has hitherto been vouchsafed to this important Scheme of the Church. They at the same time declare, in terms of the Report, that the stipend payable to each of the ministers entitled to the equal dividend, at Whitsunday 1847, is £60 (or £120 for the year), subject to the reservations and conditions of the Act of Assembly regulating the Widows' and Orphans' Fund of the Free Church of Scotland. In reference to the ministers of new charges, the Assembly sanction the payment of their stipends, in terms of the regulations of 1844 applicable to their case, subject as above to the reservations and conditions of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund Act. And with a view to the increase of this important Fund, and to induce all the members and adherents of the Free Church to discharge their duty in the matter, the Assembly sanction the adoption of such measures as the report suggests, especially the employment of deputations of ministers and elders, to visit the different districts of the country, with consent of the Presbyteries, in order that adequate means for maintaining and extending the preaching of the gospel in the land may, by the blessing of God, be realised. They at the same time enjoin the ministers and elders to whom the Sustentation Committee may apply, to hold themselves in readiness to engage in this work. And as the Committee have reported that the business of inspecting the Associations may be accomplished by a smaller number of inspectors than the present, the Committee are empowered to regulate the number as they shall see cause. As regards the Select Committee appointed regarding the Sustentation Fund at last Assembly, and who are not yet prepared to recommend any definite system of distribution, the Assembly approve of their diligence, re-appoint the Committee, with the addition of Rev. R. Buchanan of Glasgow, and empower the Committee of the Sustentation Fund to carry out the interim suggestions that have been made, viz.,-In the event of the retirement of a minister, or the appointment of an assistant and successor, when the Presbytery of the bounds deems that necessary, the matter of allowance from the Central Fund, or provision from the congregation, shall be arranged between the Presbytery and the Sustentation Committee. The consent of the General Assembly or its Commission being obtained, the arrangement shall then be considered final, the rights of the congregation being of course reserved.

"In respect to the Pastoral Letter referred to by the Committee in their Report, the General Assembly approve of the same, order it to be subscribed by the Moderator, and circulated throughout the Church."

The Assembly then agreed to the following deliverance, consequent on the announcement made by Mr Tweedie of the resignation of the office of Convener of the Sustentation Committee :

"Mr Tweedie having craved leave to resign the Convenership of this Committee, the Assembly, in accepting of the same, express their heartfelt thanks to him for the valuable and effective service which he has rendered to the Church in connection with the Sustentation Fund; and Mr Tweedie having proposed Dr Robert Buchanan of Glasgow as his successor in the office of Convener, and having stated that the suggestion of the name of Dr Buchanan to the Assembly met with the entire approbation of their venerated father whose death they now lament, and to whom, under God, they are so much indebted in reference to the originating and establishment of this Fund, the General Assembly unanimously agree to this proposal, and hereby appoint Dr Buchanan to be Convener of the Sustentation Committee."

The MODERATOR then intimated to Dr Buchanan, who is not a member of the house, the decision to which the Assembly had come, and that he had been unanimously appointed Convener of the Sustentation Committee.

Dr BUCHANAN having accepted the office, stated that he was desirous to lay before his brethren his views as to the best means of promoting this great scheme. He did not think that it would be proper to unfold these at present, but would do so in private conference to-morrow morning, at a meeting of the General Sustentation Committee, and that he might afterwards present them to the house.

On the suggestion of Dr CANDLISH, the thanks of the Assembly were then given to Mr Tweedie from the chair.

COLLEGIATE EDUCATION.

The General Assembly then resumed consideration of the subject of Collegiate Education.

Dr CANDLISH said that he would submit a motion for the consideration of the Assembly in reference to this subject. The Church, in settling this question, was bound not to look at one plan, but to review the whole, and to count the cost. It had all along occurred to him that it was very urgent, and of great importance, that they should have a Hebrew tutor at each of the four University seats, to drill the students into the elements of that language. This might probably go far to meet the views which had been stated by some of their friends to-night. It was his conviction that, before advancing any farther in the matter of teaching theological education, the Barrier Act ought to be put in force. But then a question arose, were they ripe to adopt any overture just as they could, with any measure of approbation, sent down to Presbyteries for their consideration ? He did not think that they were. But, at the same time, he thought that they were in circumstances to take measures towards this object next year. The following was the motion he would submit :-"The General Assembly having considered the overtures and petition relative to collegiate education in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and St Andrews, and having also adverted to the Acts of Assembly 1845, at Edinburgh and Inverness, relative to Aberdeen, are of opinion, that before any farther step be taken towards the erection of additional professorships, or the providing of additional superintendence for students, the mind of the Church ought to be deliberately and maturely directed to this whole subject, in all its bearings, with a view to such an adjustment as may seem, in the present circumstances of the Church, desirable and practicable; and accordingly, the General Assembly appoint the several Presbyteries of Aberdeen, Glasgow, and St Andrews, to transmit, with the least possible delay, to the College Committee, such suggestions and views as they may deem it important to lay before the Church, and they appoint the Committee to hold a special meeting at the time of the August Commission, and to send down the suggestions and views transmitted to them, with nch observations as they deem right, to the Presbyteries of the Church, for their consideration, in order that they may report thereon, or instruct their Commissioners to next Assembly, so that the Assembly may be in a condition to arrive at a ripe judgment in the whole matter. And in respect of the peculiar position of Dr He. therington at St Andrews, the General Assembly instruct the College Committee, in the event of no arrangement such as that contemplated by the last General Assembly being carried out, and no other satisfactory arrangement being found practicable, to relieve Dr Hetherington of the extra duty towards the students, which he has hitherto been asked to perform."

Mr BROWN thought that the motion that had been now submitted was likely to meet the views of those who had spoken that evening.

The motion was then unanimously agreed to.

Dr CUNNINGHAM then read the deliverance on the College Report, which was given in at the forenoon sederunt. The deliverance, which was unanimously agreed to, was as follows:

"In reference to the Report of the College Committee, the Assembly approve of said Report, including the Reports on the Funds, the Bursaries, and Buildings; sanction the proceedings of the Committee therein described; recommit the Report of the Sub-Committee on the Constitution of the College, with instructions to the General Committee, by the time of the Commission in November, to prepare it for being sent down to Presbyteries for their opinion and suggestions. Retransmit the Reports given in to last Assembly, in so far as the curriculum is concerned, with the exception of the provision referred to in the Report about attendance on the class of

Moral Philosophy, specially enjoining all Presbyteries to send in their opinion and suggestions on all topics contained in the Report about the curriculum to the College Committee, before the 31st of March next. Reappoint the Committee with the same powers as last year, with the addition of Mr John Bonar, and Mr William Brown of Aberdeen."

DEACONS' COURTS.

The Assembly having called for the Report of the Committee appointed to consider the overtures anent the Deacons' Courts, and administration of financial affairs of congregations, Mr Gray, the Convener, gave in and read the Report, which was as follows::

"The Committee appointed by the Assembly with reference to the overtures anent Deacons' Courts and the administration of the financial affairs of congregations, report that they have prepared the following recommendations, which, they think, might with advantage be addressed to Deacons' Conrts by the General Assembly, viz. :

:

"Recommendations to Deacons' Courts.

"1. That the minister's supplement be understood to consist of the money paid to him during any one year out of the congregational funds, or by his congregation, in order that, including the dividend for that year from the General Church Fund, he may have a suitable maintenance.

2. That, after deducting feu-duty, the cost of insurance, the salaries of beadle and precentor, Presbyterial Synodical charges, and the current yearly expenses that are necessary for the maintenance of public worship and the due administration of gospel ordinances, an adequate supplement for the minister be provided out of the congregational funds, before these funds are held applicable to any other purpose whatsoever.

"3. That the minister's supplement be paid at the terms of Whitsunday and Martinmas.

"4. That the average ordinary collection be deducted from all special or extraordinary collections made on the Lord's-day at the usual diets of worship.

"The Committee have further prepared a draft of a declaratory act, which they propose for the Assembly's adoption."

The Assembly approved of the Report, and recommended accordingly to Deacons' Courts. Mr Gray then submitted the following draft of a

Declaratory Act Anent Deacons' Courts and Kirk-Sessions.

"Whereas it is desirable that the existing and constitutional law of the Church respecting the business to be transacted in Deacons' Courts, and the relation of these courts to the superior judicatories, and respecting the jurisdiction of Kirk-Sessions, should be clearly known, the General Assembly declared,

---

"1. That the business to be transacted in the Deacons' Court consists in the administration of the funds, and property, and temporal affairs of the respective congregations.

"2. That while it is inexpedient to sustain appeals against the ordinary administration of the Deacons' Court in secular and financial affairs, the said Court is nevertheless subject to the review of the Presbytery, in so far as it may take any step, or adopt any resolution which the Presbytery can pronounce to be of a censurable nature, or in violation of any enactment of the General Assembly.

"3. That it belongs to the Session to receive and accept the resignation of elders and deacons.

"4. That it belongs to the Session to determine as to the election of elders and deacons, whether as regards the time and circumstances, where such election may be necessary, or the number of those office-bearers that ought to be chosen; and to superintend and regulate the whole proceedings therein, according to the laws of the Church.

"5. That congregational meetings are called by authority of the Session.

"The General Assembly, in passing this act, exhort the ministers and elders of the Church to be diligent and regular in their attendance at the meetings of Deacons' Courts."