the land had made it imperative on the landed interest to support the poor, they would be failing in their duty did they not, should these men refuse to do so, give them a taste of those legal measures which some of them not long since so profusely showered upon them, in order that the poor might get what was due to them, and what their necessities required.

Rev. Mr CUPPLES of Doune said, when Mr Begg proposed his committee, it struck him that they had sufficient materials already for effecting the object he had in view by that committee. They had the Law Committee; and he thought that, considering Mr Dunlop was the convener of that committee, they had no need of any additional machinery. He considered that the statement made by Mr Dunlop would go far to remedy the evil complained of, and should advice be required in the matter, it could easily be procured by communicating with the committee in Edinburgh. He thought it highly desirable that Presbyteries should have committees of their own upon the subject; but as the Law Committee were fully qualified to give all the advice necessary, he thought they should not appoint another, as he had no doubt but that their doing so would be ascribed to an act of hostility and enmity to the landed interest, when nothing was farther from their thoughts.

Mr DUNLOP was willing that an addition or alteration, if thought fitting, should be made to the motion. At the same time, he was not so scrupulous about giving offence. Do what they would, they would not fail to give offence to those whom they opposed. They should not limit their protection to their own poor. As the real Church of Scotland, they should extend their sympathies to the poor of all denominations. He would deprecate the exclusion of the poor of other Dissenting people. He thought it was not enough to refer the motion to the Law Committee, but that the house should appoint a special Committee, and that an earnest injunction be given to Synods and Presbyteries, to attend to the state of the poor within their bounds, and report all cases of difficulty to the Law Committee, and enjoin that committee to give advice and assistance as may be necessary.

Rev. Mr GRIERSON of Errol considered there were two principles to be considered, 1st, what we owed to the poor, and 2d, to ourselves. It was well known that many of the poor had suffered much from kirk-sessions in consequence of the disruption, but at the same time they should not forget the conduct they themselves pursued in respect to the poor before the disruption. It was then, he thought, an understood principle, that when a pauper applied to a kirk-session for support, before granting it, an inventory was taken of the effects of the individual so applying. It was the practice of sessions to take a dispositio omnium bonorum from paupers, on the ground that their getting relief was that they had no available effects of their own, and that it was proper their effects after death should go to the kirk-session. That he knew was generally believed to be the law, and he should be sorry if any were to put themselves into a position now which they did not occupy before, as if they were agitating the country. Most assuredly the cases stated by Mr Dunlop were most discreditable, and he hoped that the very expression of indignation which they called forth would go far to repress them. But, at the same time, he should regret if we did what might invite the poor to urge us to do what they were not accustomed to do. We felt before that we were doing the greatest good if we could raise the poor in their own estimation, and give them a feeling of independence; and he should be sorry if anything was done inconsistent with this; and instead of inviting the poor to ask us to take up their case, it would be better to wait till they brought cases of oppression before us, and then give them directions how to apply for redress, so as to make them aware that no man should suffer persecution. He thought that was the proper position for the Church to occupy, and was satisfied that though there were landed proprietors and kirk-sessions who could act in the way described, the feeling was not universal, and what had now been said would go far to prevent such cases occurring again.

Rev. Mr M GILVRAY of Keith supported Mr Begg's motion. He stated the case of a poor blind man who was for thirty years unable to do anything for himself, and lately lost his wife, by whose industry he was supported. The allowance given him

was just 5 d. per week. He took up the case, and at last the kirk-session were compelled to increase the allowance. That man was a member of the Independent Congregation. It was only by taking some such decisive step as that proposed that they could protect the poor, who had been told that unless they attended the Established Church, they would not receive anything, or, at least, their allowance would be reduced. Allusion was made by the last speaker to our own past conduct; but he should say that if any minister of the Free Church acted, when parish minister, as bad been represented-placing the poor under a bann,-the sooner that man retraced his steps back to the Establishment the better. But he had no suspicion that any of their ministers could reproach themselves with such treatment of the poor. He had himself done for their relief what he could in his own sphere, but he could not afford the time necessary for it, and should hail the appointment of a committee as a great relief, and as the discharge of a duty incumbent on all the members of the Church of Christ to protect the consciences of the poor.

Mr DUNLOP explained that whilst it had no doubt been customary, as stated by Mr Grierson, to take an ad-valorem disposition of the effects of the applicant for relief to the kirk-session, this was confined to himself, and to what he then had, but here the obligation was to extend to his heirs, so that should they at any future period come into possession of any money, the kirk-session could claim from them the amount now to be made to the court.

A. E. MONTEITH, Esq. stated, that if the matter was remitted to the Law Committee, of which he was a member, -as a humble administrator of the law in one of the counties in Scotland, he would be under the necessity of withdrawing from that Committee, as his being a member of it would mix him up with cases which, in the exercise of his functions in the capacity he had mentioned, might come before him. GRAHAM SPEIRS, Esq. said he had no hesitation in concurring in the duty which devolved upon the Deacons' Court or Presbytery, to take special care and oversight of the condition of the poor within their bounds. It was, moreover, the duty of every Christian man, in cases of oppression, to render assistance to every pauper and to every individual, whether they belonged to the Free Church or not. (Hear, hear.) But he considered it inexpedient at the present time, when a change in the administration of the poor-law was contemplated, by which greater facilities would be given to the poor to maintain their rights, to take a decisive step upon the subject. If they were to set themselves up as judges of all cases of mal-administration of the poor's funds, the effect would be not to limit their labour to those cases where there were proper claims upon the fund; but there would be an increase of paupers by a large influx, especially in large towns, of poor people drawn to the Free Church not from regard to its principles but because they found this a shorthand method of getting relief-they would be involved in discussions as to the right of administration of this Assembly.-He thought that all the good wished to be accomplished would be done by the discussion which had taken place, and every minister would now be fully aware where to apply to state any cases requiring redress which might occur without any motion of the kind proposed.

Dr CUNNINGHAM said, if his respected friends felt any difficulty in acting on the Law Committee, should this matter be referred to, it might obviate the difficulty to appoint a small separate Committee.

Mr DUNLOP said, since he had been a member of the Committee on the state of the poor, the Committee consisted chiefly of the convener, who happened to be himself. (Laughter.) He therefore thought that the following motion on the subject would meet the views of all parties:-" The Assembly recognize the duty that still lies on this Church to attend to the interests of the poor in regard to their temporal concerns; and earnestly recommend to Presbyteries and Deacons' Courts to continue to pay especial attention to the state and condition of the poor within their bounds, endeavouring always to foster habits of industry and self-dependence on them, and to do what in them lies to aid and protect them, and to report any cases of flagrant oppression and hardship to the legal adviser of the Church, instructing him to give his advice and assistance, and to report on this subject to the next General Assembly.”

This motion was unanimously agreed to.

DEPUTATION EROM THE ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

The Assembly called for the report of the deputation appointed by last Assembly to visit the Synod of the English Presbyterian Church.

A commission from the Synod of the English Presbyterian Church was then read appointing a deputation to visit the General Assembly.

The deputation having been called upon,

The Rev. MR FERGUSON of Liverpool, in proceeding to address the House, expressed his regret that his reverend father, Dr Paterson of Sunderland, who was appointed to head the deputation from the Synod, had been unable to attend, seeing that his years and experience would have given weight to the exposition which the Synod had commissioned its deputation to make of the position and prospects of the Presbyterian Church in England. I feel, besides, the reverend gentleman proceeded to say, that I personally require to throw myself upon the indulgence of this house. I have sat as a member of this court while yet it basked in the sunshine of state favour. I had, last year, the honour of sitting as a member of the first Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland; and I confess that I feel deeply the position in which I now appear before you the position, if not absolutely of a stranger, at least of a minister and representative of another Church, deputed by that Church to sympathize with you in your trials, and congratulate you on your triumph. (Hear, hear.) It perhaps may account for the non-appearance of your deputation in our Court, that last year no deputation from our Church appeared before your house. It may be well for me to explain the reason of this. The Church had appointed a deputation to correspond with the Scottish Assembly, but ordered the commissions of their delegates to cease, in the event of a disruption occurring in the National Church. This they did on two grounds; first, they thought it improper to anticipate the decisions of their brethren in Scotland, and then they felt that it was right to exercise prayerful and deliberate consultation, in deciding on a question of such deep moment as the choice which they required to make betwixt the two parties in Scotland. We have taken a year to consider the matter. We have given it a calm and full consideration; and I have the gratification of announcing to this venerable Assembly, that we have come to the unanimous conclusion, that in this Free, this National Church of Scotland, we recognize the heirs of the heroes of the Covenant, and the principles, the living piety, and the Presbyterian energy of our Scottish ancestors. (Loud cheers.) Permit me now, Sir, to lay before you a statement of the position which the Presbyterian Church of England now occupies, and the prospects that open before her. This will best be done by giving you a condensed view of the resolutions adopted by our Synod. Two of these were of great importance. The first resolution passed by us embodied a declaration of independence. By that act we proclaimed ourselves a Church, free and untrammelled in the exercise of all our functions, adhering to our own standards and formula, and exercising discipline independent of all foreign control. We felt it necessary to emit such a declaration, at a time when some parties on this side of the border are pretending to wreak their vengeance on some of our office-bearers, although I do not think that such men as Mr Hamilton of London, and others, whom they profess to deprive of their licences, need feel greatly distressed by any such sentences. (Cheers and laughter.) In doing what we have done, we only regarded ourselves as exercising a right as well as a duty. We have done besides, what 1 thing is consistent with sound policy, and what, I think, the Free Church will approve; for were we to be attached to the Free Church, we would be a drag upon you, and you would be a drag upon us; and we have done no new thing :-the resolutions passed at Berwick only indicate an intention of returning to the old trodden path. A friend some time ago said to me, you cannot look up with the same reverence to the mother you have now, as her you left in Scotland-she is too young. My reply was,- We will clothe her with the grey hairs of the Puritans. (Hear.) She is no young church which can number among her ministers Cartwrights, and Calamy, and Merton, and Howe, and Owen, and Baxter. We only remember that England was once Presbyterian before, and we wish that it may be so again.

(Cheers.) In order to carry this resolution of independence into active operation, we have originated missionary schemes, which I trust the Lord will strengthen us to carry on; we project schools in connection with our churches; and, above all, we have organized a plan for establishing a Theological Seminary in London, for the education of a native ministry; and if our plans are carried into operation,-if the Holy Spirit so direct the heart of him who has so well written "On the Work of the Holy Spirit," as that he shall be guided to the charge of our theological school, then do I anticipate glorious results. (Loud cheers.) I do not wish to say much on this point; but let me entreat this Assembly to remember that we require her aid,—and let the Free Church bear with us although we attempt to rob her of her brightest ornaments. (Hear, hear.) Scottish men and Scottish principles two hundred years ago leavened England through its length and breadth with Presbyterianisın. What was done before may be done again. I trust, Sir, that I do not speak in a sectarian spirit,-it is not Presbyterianism for itself,it is the cause of vital religion, of living Christianity, that I long for in England, which I think is best advanced in the way I propose. Oh, it would be a glorious day for England were this plan realized. I fear that there is much in England of what Dr Duncan would call a "diluted gospel;" but sure I am that had we our college established, and the man of our choice at its head, then will it be no diluted gospel that he will inculcate on our students; and, with the blessing of God on his labours, it will be no diluted gospel that those trained by him will proclaim from our pulpits, when God has put them in the ministry. (Loud applause.) I now pass on to the second important resolution passed by our Synod. It embodies a declaration of adherence to the principles of non-intrusion and spiritual independence, not because adopted by one body and disowned by another in Scotland, but because we find these two great principles in the Word of God,-because we recognise them in our standards, and regard them as absolutely essential principles of Presbytery. (Hear.) But we do something more. While we avow these two great principles as our own, we express our cordial sympathy with the Free Church of Scotland, in her struggles for these principles, and in the trials which her ministers and people have had to undergo in their support. (The reverend gentleman then read extracts from the resolutions of Synod, expressive of the strongest attachment and affection towards the Free Church.) He thereafter proceeded to say-Such, Sir, are the two great resolutions which our Synod adopted at its last meeting, and which the Synod instructed its deputation to explain in this venerable house. There are two points to which we have been instructed to request the favourable attention of your Assembly. We are first ordered to express the hope that your Assembly should emit some declaration, to lay before our Synod for their consideration, as to the manner in which translations of ministers are to be effected by the one church from the other. We have to acknowledge, Sir, the delicacy that has been manifested by the Free Church towards us in this matter,; but this is a point on which we are specially jealous, because of the proceedings of other parties in Scotland, who have manifested little delicacy and little regularity. I do not know, Sir, if we have great reason to lament the loss of the men who have, in this way, been removed to Scotland-(a laugh)—but I think that it is of paramount importance that we should have an understanding on this important subject with our sister Church in Scotland. Let me hope that some expression of sentiment will be given on this head. The other point which I would take the liberty of pressing on the attention of this house, is the call on the Free Church to come to our aid. We need your help greatly-we need it in every way: and there is one way in which you can render us great assistance-I mean by deputations-deputations not only for diffusing light regarding Presbyterian principles-but also for preaching the pure undiluted gospel of Christ Jesus. This is of special importance, especially about the border, and I do not know any assistance that our Synod would be more thankful for than this. I do not know that there is any other point that remains for me to allude to, except the fuller expression of sympathy towards the Free Church in her glorious career. Moderator, yesterday was the anniversary of a day which will be hallowed in Scottish history-during these twelve months how much have you experienced of the Divine goodness. And what reason have we all to say-" The Lord

hath done great things for us whereof we are glad." What reason have you for praise for the love and unity that have pervaded your councils-the third General Assembly is now nearly at its close, and you have never had a vote to disturb your harmony, oh this spirit of love cannot be too highly estimated. (Hear, hear.) Is there not great ground of thanksgiving in that the Lord hath put it into the hearts of the people to contribute so liberally to your schemes of missionary enterprise, so that actually your missions are on a better footing than on any former year. And, is it not a ground of wondering praise, that while a professing Christian Church has driven our missionaries out of their mission premises, a heathen woman's heart bath been directed to give a shelter to our missionaries; is not the hand of the Lord here? (Hear.) Is it not a ground of thankfulness that we have had such seasons of refreshing? I know what ordinances are in the Free Church. I have presided at five communions in the Free Church, and we have reason of thankfulness that we know now what the meaning of the communion of saints is. And have you not all the living churches of Christendom cheering you on? Nay, with one poor solitary example, there has been no one man, of anything like a spiritual character, that has ventured publicly to oppose you. All this is ground of loud thanksgiving; and I speak not of what has been done by you, in the way of praising you-of praising man-for the work is not yours, but the work of the blessed Spirit in you. (Hear, hear.) There is perhaps no sign more cheering, Moderator, than the position which we have found you occupying. Last year the cry was for light, for direction; and light and direction were given, so that a dear friend said to me, on leaving this house, on the evening of the disruption, in words that I shall never forget, "Never," said this friend," have I seen the promise so fulfilled, Those that honour me, I will honour." Last year then your cry was for light. God has heard and answered. And now I find you on your knees before the Lord, humbling yourselves for your shortcomings and your sins. (Hear.) Oh, let this be prosecuted,-let there be much crying for the Spirit,-let there be much confession of sin,-let our praying people be much on the high mountains of our Church,-let there be much looking for, much longing for the little cloud out of the sea, and soon shall we see the cloud spread and cover the sky, and send forth the shower. Oh, it will not be the mere droppings that we have had,- not the mere refreshing visitations here and there in some isolated parishes, but the large and general shower will come upon the whole length and breadth of Scotland; nay, not Scotland only, but of England also, basting on, and giving prelude of the day when the Spirit shall be poured out from on high, and the wilderness shall become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be counted for a forest. Brevity, I am sure, is the greatest recommendation of anything I can say,-I therefore, detain the Assembly no longer than to tender my thanks for this patient bearing.

Mr BLYTH then said,-Moderator, permit me to express the unfeigned pleasure with which we in England continue to contemplate the position and pro. spects of the Free Protesting Church of Scotland. We believe that Church to be based on the Rock of Ages, and hence, we have ever entertained the greatest confidence that God himself would be with her, and bless her, and make her a blessing. And, Sir, it is with feelings of gratitude and praise to Zion's King, that we are enabled to say, hitherto our most sanguine hopes and most enlarged expectations have been more than realized. It is indeed true that we have seen the Free Church called to encounter many difficulties, and to undergo many trials, but it is equally true that we have seen her sustained by an unseen but Almighty hand, and that these trials have been sanctified and blessed by an ever-blessed God to her ministers and her people, in leading them to look steadfastly to Christ, and to depend implicitly on Him who is God over all, and blessed for evermore. In regard to Presbyterianism in England, the time has but lately terminated when a system was too generally pursued, so heartless and cold as to damp the energies of the most faithful ministers of Christ, and to threaten ultimately the destruction of Presbyterianism itself. In proof of this, I need only allude to the then unhealthy state of many congregations, and the entire lapse of others into the possession of those for whom they never were designed. The Church has, indeed, had much to struggle against,-much from