know whether or not he was right, but be that as it might, he would dismiss the subject as one that really ought not to have occupied the time of the Assembly at all. He thought that the house ought in some way or other to express to Dr Mackay their sense of the great services which he had rendered to the cause of the Church and of humanity; and also that they should express the same to Dr Aldcorn. (Hear, hear) Dr CANDLISH suggested that the Assembly should also, in connection with Dr Mackay and Dr Aldcorn, express their thanks to those brethren who, at great inconvenience, and at some risk, had acted as deputies to the Highlands for the purpose of alleviating the destitution existing there.

The Assembly approved of the Report, and of the actings of the Committee in the discharge of the important duties entrusted to them; and, in particular, record the deep sense which they entertain of the great personal exertions of Dr Mackay, the Convener of the Committee. The Assembly also recorded their sense of obligation to Dr Aldcorn, the Secretary of the Committee, and to those brethren who, in circumstances of difficulty, visited the destitute districts of the Highlands and Islands.

SITES.

The MODERATOR stated that, agreeably to the directions of the Assembly, he had communicated the thanks of the house to the Hon. E. P. Bouverie, Chairman of the House of Commons' Committee on Sites, and that he had received a reply, which the Assembly ordered to be recorded. The following is the reply:

"London, June 1. 1847. "SIR,-I have this day received your letter of the 28th ult., conveying to me, on the part of the Free Church of Scotland, the purport of a resolution of that body, expressing their approval of my conduct of the inquiry of the House of Commons into the refusal of sites for churches to Free Church congregations.

"For the tenor of the resolution, as well as for the kind expressions with regard to myself personally, which you make use of, I beg to tender you my sincere acknowledgments.

"Next to the gratification which God has given to a man's sense of having fulfilled a part of his universal fealty to truth and right, must be the gratification to any one engaged in public life of receiving the public approbation of a body of enlightened Christian men.

"I need not say, therefore, that my feeble services in a cause which I am convinced to be just, are more than sufficiently rewarded by the friendly estimate formed of them by the Free Church of Scotland.-I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, "E. P. BOUVERIE.

"The Rev. J. Sieveright, D.D."

CASE OF MR MACNAUGHTAN.

The Assembly now called for the Report of the Presbytery of Paisley, in reference to the case of Mr Macnaughtan, of the High Church, Paisley, in regard to whom the Colonial Committee have requested that he may be relieved from his pastoral charge, with the view of his proceeding to Australia.

A Report of the proceedings of the Presbytery of Paisley, of date 31st ultimo, was then laid on the table and read; after which Mr Bonar, Convener of the Colonial Committee, addressed the Assembly.

Rev. Mr MACNAUGHTAN said,-Moderator, I had no desire to address the Assembly at present; but, called on as I have been, I may, in a very few sentences, indicate what are my views and feelings on this subject, so important to myself as a minister, and to the congregation over which I am placed. It is now a considerable time, nearly twelve months, since the members of the Colonial Committee inquired whether I would undertake the mission to Australia, and I was disposed and inclined favourably to entertain the proposal. There were, however, various domestic and congregational difficulties in the way, which, in the absence of any very special emergency in the colony, hindered me from yielding to the request. At length their Disruption came,-the necessities of the brethren in that distant land became more urgent and apparent,—and although my difficulties were as great as ever, the claims

of Australia bulked out more largely in my view, till feeling that the call of duty overbore the claims of home, I wrote to the Convener in these terms :-" Although my difficulties are as formidable as ever, I feel as if the Lord had enabled me to say, 'Here am I; send me."" In this state matters remained till this day fortnight, when I expected that the Assembly would have confirmed the appointment, and in all likelihood have loosed me from my charge. I felt then,-I stated it in the Presbytery, I repeat it now,-that I think it far more desirable for the sake of the mission, and for the good of the Church at home, that when it is necessary to separate a minister for so lengthened a period as two years from his flock, the pastoral tie ought to be dissevered altogether. That, however, is a matter for the Assembly to consider and determine. The case, as you are aware, was remitted to the congregation and Presbytery, and they, in their turn, devolve the responsibility on this venerable Court, declaring their readiness to acquiesce in whatever may be judged to be most for the glory of the Lord and the advancement of His kingdom in the earth. No doubt, the fact announced by the Convener that steam communication to Australia is resolved on, and is being arranged, is a new element in this case, but one which merely affects the time of departure, and not the necessity of a mission to that great country. I must, however, say, that there is an event which has somewhat staggered my own mind, that solemn dispensation which has covered Scotland with sackcloth, and called our Church more specially to serious consideration; and I did feel that, when the brightest lamp in our temple below, her earthly ornament and glory, was suddenly removed by the sovereign hand of the great Master of Assemblies, that it became us for a season to make as few changes as possible in the lesser lights that glimmer in our tabernacle on earth. What the effect of that sad bereavement may be, no one can fully anticipate; but its probable consequences the Church and the brethren assembled are, I have no doubt, at present forecasting. Having said this much, I must add, that I do not decline this mission,-I comply with the call, not as a matter of personal desire, but of positive duty. If this Assembly feel that my services in Australia are likely, with the Divine blessing, to advance the cause of truth and righteousness in connection with our beloved Church in Australia, I am ready at once to set out on the mission; if the Assembly judges that for the present I ought to be occupied with the duties of home ministration, I am ready to remain, recognising the voice of our living Head speaking through His Church, and desirous of being an obedient son. I say to this Assembly, I am in this matter absolutely at its disposal; and shall cheerfully abide by whatever it may conclude to be nost for the honour of the Redeemer, and for the advancement of his kingdom on the earth.

The Assembly then gave the following deliverance :-"The General Assembly having considered the minute now laid on the table, continue to be impressed with a sense of the importance of the proposed mission; but in respect it now appears that the call to Mr Macnaughtan is not so urgent, in respect of the time of departure, as it was understood to be when this matter was last before the Assembly, and in respect of the statements made by Mr Macnaughtan himself, the General Assembly delay for the present to sanction the arrangement proposed, and remit the case, with the minute aforesaid, to the Commission in August, with power to pronounce a final judgment."

COMMITTEE ON POPERY.

The Report of the Committee on Popery having been called for, the same was made verbally by Dr Cunningham. The Committee was reappointed-Mr Tweedie, Convener; and all the ministers of the Church were enjoined to preach on the subject of Popery and the state of religion on the Continent, on the last Sabbath of November, or the first Sabbath of December next.

The Assembly having called for the Report of the Committee appointed to prepare the draft of an Overture and Interim Act respecting the acceptance of Calls by Probationers, and the moderation therein by the Presbyteries of the Church, Mr Gray submitted the same.

The General Assembly approve thereof, adopt the Overture, order it to be transmitted to Presbyteries, and pass the same into an Interim Act.

The General Assembly having called for the Report of the Committee appointed to prepare Declaratory Act relative to Colleagues and Successors sitting as Members of Presbytery, and the representation of Presbyteries in the General Assembly, Mr Gray, the Convener, submitted a draft, of which the Assembly approved, and did and hereby de enact and declare in terms thereof.

DELIVERANCE ON REPORT OF EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

The General Assembly having resumed consideration of the subject of the Report of the Committee on Education, approve of the same, and reappoint the Committee, with its former powers. The Assembly having considered that part of the Report which relates to the fund for the Sustentation of Schoolmasters, and being satisfied of the inexpediency of the alternative left to Deacons' Courts by the last General Assembly, as to the two methods proposed for raising that fund, and, in particular, of the inexpediency of the plan of monthly collections at the church-doors, withdraw the sanction given to that plan, excepting in so far as the annual churchdoor collection is concerned; and enjoin upon all Deacons' Courts to provide, without fail, for a monthly contribution being made by their respective congregations, either through the existing agency, if at all possible, or otherwise, by such association or plan of termly subscription as they may judge best. And with a view to the carrying out of this injunction, the General Assembly instruct the several Presbyteries of this Church to see that every congregation within their bounds has the opportunity afforded to them of contributing, in the manner now appointed, to this important object, and to report to the Education Committee, before the stated diet of the Commission in August. The General Assembly farther authorise the Committee to call upon such ministers and elders as may be willing to assist in visiting the Presbyteries and congregations of this Church, for the purpose of explaining and enforcing the Education Scheme, and awakening a more general interest in its support and extension. The General Assembly remit to the Committee to watch over the Scheme for School Building, which Mr M'Donald of Blairgowrie has been so assiduous in prosecuting; and they also approve of the proposal suggested in the Report, as to the opening of a subscription for assisting in the erection of additional schools, and empower the Committee to adopt all prudent measures for carrying it into effect. The Assembly, having learned with much satisfaction that the Committee have been taking steps with a view to the establishment of a Schoolmasters' Widows' and Orphans' Fund, remit to them to prosecute this matter, and mature a Scheme to be submitted to the next General Assembly. Finally, the General Assembly remit to the Education Committee the Resolutions adopted by this Assembly on the 26th day of May, anent the Government Education plan, together with the instructions agreed upon at the evening diet of yesterday, for their guidance in such negotiations and proceedings as they may require to undertake. The Assembly add the following names to the Education Committee:-Mr Noble, Edinburgh, Mr Elder, Rothesay, Dr Alexander Wood, Edinburgh.

GAELIC COMMITTEE.

The General Assembly grant power to the Gaelic Committee to call upon the following ministers to visit those portions of the Highlands and Islands which may seem to require their services :

English Ministers.-Dr Candlish, Mr Guthrie, Mr Tweedie, Dr Buchanan (Glasgow), Mr Gibson (Glasgow), Mr Cairns (Cupar), Professor M'Lagan, Professor Brown (Aberdeen), Dr Makellar (Edinburgh), Mr Sommerville (Glasgow), Mr Laughton (Greenock), Mr Dymock (Perth).

Gaelic Ministers.-Mr Noble (Edinburgh), Mr D. Kennedy (Killearnan), Mr Beith (Stirling), Mr M'Nab (Campbelton), Mr D. M'Rae (Kilmorie), Mr H. Mackay (Kilmun), Mr Lauder (Strachur), Mr G. Kennedy (Dornoch), Mr Fraser (Kirkhill), Mr D. Clarke (Aberfeldy).

The Assembly reappointed the Gaelic Committee, with their former instructions and powers.

DELIVERANCE ON REPORT OF COLONIAL COMMITTEE.

The General Assembly having resumed consideration of the Report of the Colonial Committee, approve generally of the Report, adopt the same, and reappoint the

Committee, with their former powers and instructions. The General Assembly rejoice much in the success of the College at Toronto, and hope speedily to see a similar institution in vigorous operation at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and instruct the Committee to give it every encouragement in their power. The General Assembly express their heartfelt sympathy with their brethren of the Synods of Australia and Aus tralia-Felix, and instruct the Committee to give them all encouragement in the great work which now lies before them. The General Assembly have very great pleasure in the renewed prospect of the speedy establishment of the Scotch colony at Otago, in New Zealand, consisting of members of the Free Church, and giving security to the colonists for the maintenance of the means of grace and of the means of education in connection with the Free Church. The Assembly recommend this subject to the earnest attention and care of the Committee.

The General Assembly, in conformity with the recommendation in the Report of the Jews Conversion Committee, remit to the Presbytery of Edinburgh to take Mr Koenig on trials, with a view to his ordination, according to the laws of the Church.

DELIVERANCE ON THE REPORT OF FOREIGN MISSIONS COMMITTEE.

The General Assembly having resumed consideration of the Foreign Mission Report, and having heard a statement from the Convener of the Foreign Mission Committee, relative to the adopting of some effectual provision for relieving the Committee of their present embarrassments, and for permanently increasing their annual revenue,-approve generally of the measures suggested for this purpose, as well as of the Report of the Committee; and, in particular, the Assembly find, that with the view of elevating the fund to an amount more adequate to the exigencies of the mission, it is necessary to raise immediately, by an extraordinary effort over the whole bounds of the Church, a sum of not less than ten thousand pounds. And for this end the Committee are authorised to appoint, if they see cause, a well-qualified agent to conduct the home correspondence, and to co-operate with the brethren in raising the requisite funds; that the contributions towards this object be collected under the superintendence of the ministers of the Church, by subscription or otherwise, as may be deemed most advisable, on the week preceding the last Sabbath of July, and that all ministers be enjoined to bring the subject before their several congregations, so as to afford them an opportunity of contributing according to their ability, and to report and remit the sums contributed immediately thereafter to the treasurer of the fund. And further, the Assembly authorise the Report to be circulated, and an address prepared, for the purpose of diffusing information in regard to the present state and claims of this Scheme. Dr Buchanan having stated that, owing to the pressure of other duties, he was wholly unable to undertake the undivided labour and responsibility of the Convenership, the Assembly reappoint him to that office, on the understanding that his duty shall be limited to the conducting of the foreign correspondence; and they hereby appoint Dr Henderson of Glasgow as Joint-Convener, to manage the home correspondence and operations in connection with this Scheme. The Assembly further considering the critical position of this Scheme, and the urgent necessity of an immediate and simultaneous effort throughout the bounds of the Church for relieving it of its present embarrassments, resolve to recommend it anew to the prayers and support of God's people; and empower the Committee to request the co-operation of the brethren to aid them in prosecuting this great work, in name and with the sanction of the Assembly. Reappoint Com

mittee.

Intimation made of the deposition of a Minister by the Presbytery of Irvine.
The Assembly then adjourned.

EVENING SEDERUNT.

The Assembly having met, the minutes of the former sederunt were read. Dr CANDLISH rose and said, that he was glad to call the attention of the Assembly to a circumstance which he was sure must give them peculiar satisfaction. They had

now sitting amongst the members of this house a venerable father and friend from England, Dr Bunting, to whom this Church, he would venture to say, was under deeper obligations than to any individual out of Scotland, both in reference to her contendings, before the Disruption, for great and essential principles held in common between them and that body of Christians which Dr Bunting's name adorned, and also since the Disruption, in repeated acts of friendship. He just thought it right, since they had the privilege of having among them that esteemed friend, that they should record their satisfaction at the presence of Dr Bunting among them, and should express their willingness and desire that their father should address them at some period of the evening. (Applause.)

Mr DUNLOP said that he need not add a word to what had been stated by Dr Candlish. Not only this Assembly, but the Christian world, knew the services which Dr Bunting had rendered to their common Christianity, in connection with that body which, he believed, above all other bodies of professing Christians, had given proof of zeal for the promotion of missionary enterprise in every part of the world. (Applause.)

ACT RELATIVE TO THE DEATH OF DR CHALMERS.

Dr CUNNINGHAM said, The act is very brief, and is constructed upon the principle, that it seems, upon the whole, to be more suitable and becoming, that in the act of Assembly on this subject we should simply express the feelings which this dispensation of God's providence has called forth from all the office-bearers and members of this Church, rather than to attempt anything in the way of eulogising or panegyrising our deceased father. I have only farther to say, that I regard it as in some measure a token for good to this Church, that hitherto in many of the references which have been made to this very striking dispensation of God's providence, all the office-bearers and members of this Church seem more constrained about inquiring and ascertaining for themselves what the Lord is saying to them in this dispensation of His providence, than merely to express their admiration of the eminent qualities and endowments with which the Lord had gifted him. The act is as follows:

"The General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland deem themselves called upon to record their deep sense of the maguitude of the loss which this Church, and not this Church only, but the Church of Christ, and the cause of true religion and philanthropy, have sustained, in the sudden and most striking dispensation of God's providence, which has removed Dr Thomas Chalmers, Principal and Professor of Theology in the New College, from the service of the Church on earth, to the exercises of the sanctuary above. They are deeply grateful to the author of every good and perfect gift, for the extraordinary combination of gifts and graces with which He endowed their revered father, the unceasing and unwearied energy with which God enabled him to devote his great powers to the highest and noblest objects,—and the large measure of success with which his labours, in many various departments of usefulness, were crowned. This Church must ever regard it as a signal token of the favour of the Head of the Church, and as a loud call to gratitude, humility, and activity, that she has so long enjoyed the services of this great man in preaching the gospel of the grace of God, in expounding the doctrines of the Christian revelation, in instructing candidates for the ministry, in developing and applying great principles fitted to promote the spiritual, moral, and social welfare of the world, and in enforcing all the lessons which he taught, both by his personal deportment and his public labours.

"They can never forget that this eminent servant of God guided and directed this Church in the eventful contest which preceded her Disruption from the Ecclesiastical Establishment of Scotland, and, when that event became inevitable, devised and carried out those great measures which have chiefly contributed to promote her prosperity and efficiency,—that he presided over the General Assembly by which her separation from the State was completed, and has ever since directed his great talents and unwearied energies to the promotion of her best and highest interests. And now that his Master has been pleased to remove him suddenly and unexpectedly, in the midst of his labours and in the full vigour of his faculties, while his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated, the General Assembly would exhort and beseech all ministers, office-bearers, and members of this Church, to see to it that, while cherishing en