temptation to be in daily communication and familiar intercourse with those who trampled upon the dictates of God's Word, lest in an evil moment the allurements of the world might get the better of the conscience, and make shipwreck of a sound faith? Was it not a great temptation when they saw that the work of the Lord was seeming not to prosper, notwithstanding all their efforts, lest they might be ready to give it up as impracticable, and fall into despondency and despair? And was it not, too, a great temptation,-one which many become shipwrecked upon,—when they saw that same work of the Lord prospering to a degree which their most sanguine expectations could anticipate, lest they should ascribe all the praise of such progress to themselves, and not to God, to whom alone it was due? Many and various were the temptations to which the missionary was subjected, many and various were the difficulties he had to encounter,-many and various were the fears which from time to time annoyed him,—fears from within and fears from without,—at times having to brave the resolutions of a hostile government, and almost invariably subjected to the oppression of a rancorous superstition; while the opposition of the Jews, and even the uncertainty of trusting those individuals connected with his own flock, make up a catalogue of difficulties and fears which makes him a fitting object of the prayers of all. He trusted, therefore, they would give the missionaries their prayers, that they would not only pray for the success of the various mission stations, but also for the missionaries; and if to-day he had been the means of adding any to the interest which already existed in regard to the mission to the Jews, he would feel much gratified. The reverend gentleman resumed his seat amid much applause.

Dr BROWN of Aberdeen said, after the statement they had heard in connection with the important subject of the Jewish missions, he had no doubt but they would all be induced to feel a greater interest in the subject, more particularly as these statements had been made by individuals whose names were so identified with the cause. He was sure he only echoed the feelings of the house when he said that they had heard the Report with the greatest satisfaction and interest. There was only one part of that Report which he had listened to with feelings of pain. It was that part of it where it related the manner in which the mission had been deprived of its funds,-and that, too, by means considered so unfair,-and that the members of the Established Church, without regard to the claims of justice, should have so unceremoniously taken to themselves the fruits and the produce of other men's labour. No, he was wrong,-not other men's labour, for they had no labourers. (Lengthened applause.) All they had got was the money. The Establishment had got the money; but the Free Church had still all the men, and all the converts; and while they had these, they would not regret the loss of the money. (Applause.) It was not necessary for him at this time of day to stand here and advocate missions. Their practicability was already fully tested; and they now saw that it was not a physical impossibility, but a want of faith in the principles of God's Word, that caused so long a detention in setting them agoing. He recollected that Dr Keith last year, while giving in the report of the Jewish mission, stated that one of the greatest barriers to the conversion of the Jews was a doubt which they still harboured in their minds, that missionaries petitioning them to become Christians, did not believe or would not suffer for the faith he was then endeavouring to get them to adopt; but that now, by the testimony which the Free Church had borne to principle, no such barrier would be raised up in the way of the missionaries,-that now an application could be made that they had given up all for the cause of Christ, and no Jew could have any doubts or misgivings as to their sincerity. If, then, they considered this, how great, how exalted the position they occupied in regard to the Jews, how great was the responsibility entailed upon the Free Church regarding them, and how great would be her condemnation if she did not take advantage of the hold she had thus obtained! He trusted, therefore, that great exertions would be used in behalf of this mission, and that it would not be left in the hands of a few individuals. He trusted also that missionaries would not be held back for fear that they did not possess the requisite qualifications, but that, seeing the responsibility which was laid upon this Church, and the hold she had got upon the minds of the Jews, all who had a mind would willingly come forward, and enable the Church to carry out her testimony. He would, therefore, move the adoption of the Report.

Dr WILSON seconded the motion. The report was an exceedingly interesting one, and bad, he had no doubt, excited feelings of gratitude in every one present. He could bear personal testimony to many of the statements contained in it. He last year had the pleasure of visiting all the Jewish mission stations. The converts at Pesth were an exceedingly interesting set of Christians,-people desirous of the sincere milk of the Word, and of growing in grace. At Constantinople their exertions hitherto had been principally among the German Jews, but the number of conversions taking place had excited the attention of all the others, of whom there was a large number. A still more important station was that of Damascus. When Mr Graham, the talented missionary of the Irish Church, arrived there, he was denounced from the pulpits by the Greek priests, and the inhabitants cautioned not to give him lodgings. Instead, however, of taking this amiss, Mr Graham took it in good part, stating that, as he was unknown in Damascus, it was the best means of making him known, and might be the means, further, of making him find his way to the hearts of the Jews. Mr Graham's correspondence was one of the most interesting documents he ever read; and it was an honour to the Irish Church that they had a missionary of such zeal, and such talent. Aden was another station, where there were 1050 Jews, and where the work was going on promisingly. The circumstances everywhere were encouraging; and if there was a united effort made by the Protestant churches, success must in the end be the result.

Mr BEITH of Stirling thought that while they sent so much of the means abroad, they should not be unmindful of home concerns. When last in London, he met with a person with whom he was talking as to the state of the Jews there, and who expressed to him his surprise that while so much money and so many missionaries were sent to convert the Jews abroad, nothing was done to convert the Jews in London, of whom there was a very large number. He trusted this would be explained, as, in his opinion, London was the most important field to which they could send missionariǝs.

Dr CANDLISH stated, that a mission such as Mr Beith referred to, had been appointed under the authority of the General Assembly in 1842. Finding thereafter that parties in London were anxious to join them, and in order not to give their proceedings a sectarian character, they agreed to leave the mission open to the support of all denominations of Christians. An Association was, therefore, formed in London, and previous to the disruption L.500 was given to the Association. He deeply regretted that that Association had not more effectually occupied the London field; but it was the existence of that society which had prevented them from doing anything as yet in reference to establishing a mission in London.

Dr DUNCAN stated that several of the members of the London Society would be most willing still to co-operate, were a new Association established.

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The MODERATOR then addressed Dr Duncan and Mr Moodie Stuart. much pleasure I obey the Assembly in conveying our united thanks to you for your valuable services in conducting the business of the Committee for the conversion of the Jews, and particularly for the Report now given in. I especially thank Dr Duncan for the important observations with which he favoured us; and I am sure the Assembly will allow me to go a step beyond my commission in offering our warm thanks to Mr Schwartz, for the interesting intelligence he communicated, and to assure him that the address he gave has secured for him a high and endeared place in our esteem, our memory, and our prayers. This Scheme of our Church, though sometimes called the Jewish Scheme, is eminently a Christian undertaking, carrying out the declared will of Christ in pursuance of his own example, and in compliance with his own injunctions. I need not remind you that, in giving directions to his Apostles as to the preaching of the gospel, he commanded them to "begin at Jerusalem;" and that, in conformity with this, St Paul declares that "the gospel was the power of God unto salvation, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." And many are the promises that encourage our confident expectation of the restoration of that singular people; promises familiar to you whom I address, and to all my brethren. Above all, we draw assurance from St Paul's express words already referred to, in the epistle to the Romans. Hitherto, indeed, attempts for the conversion of the Jews

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have been attended with little success, that is, if you consider them nationally; but considering them individually, a remnant have been called in every age, abundantly showing that God has not cast off his people, nor shut up his mercy from them. Report now given in proves that we ourselves have much to encourage us. conversion of the venerable Saphir and his family is enough to animate our hopes; and the interest awakened by your own personal labours (addressing Dr Duncan), and by our other missionaries, the inquiries of not a few of the seed of Abraham, -the promising opening for the instruction of the Jewish youth,-the beautiful picture you have been able to draw of the Christian conduct and domestic order of the converts that have been given us as the fruit of our mission, and all the evidences of individual conversion,-combine in calling on us to thank God and take courage. Much also has been done by our enterprising messengers who have visited the seats of God's ancient people,-much both to elucidate their history and the Old Testament Scriptures, and to ascertain their present circumstances and character, and the best means of gaining access to their minds. Long has been their night of darkness; but the dawn approaches; and you, Sir, may live to see its unfolding light. We sympathize in your sorrow for the loss we have sustained in the death of Mr Wodrow. And in this connection our thoughts revert with deepest affection to our beloved brother who, after visiting the Holy Land, and making large and interesting contributions to the published account of that visit, was withdrawn in early life from his much blessed labours; whose memory cannot be recalled without edifying and quickening us. We think also with much interest of our venerable prophet Dr Keith, who still prosecutes his inquries in these time-hallowed scenes. May the pillar of cloud and fire be his guide, and the over-shadowing glory his defence! And may you, Sir, (addressing Dr Duncan) be long spared among us to "seek the good of Israel," to instruct the future teachers of the Church, and to bring many, both Jews and Gentiles, to the knowledge of "Christ and him crucified." Our best wishes attend you both in all your labours of love. The General Assembly had transmitted to them from the Committee on Bills, papers connected with the

TRANSLATION OF REV. JOHN THOMSON FROM YESTER TO CATRINE.

Extracts of the minutes of the Synod of Lothian and Tweddale were read, and parties having been called, Dr Candlish appeared at the bar for himself, as a dissentient from the judgment of the Synod, Mr Barclay for the congregation at Catrine, Rev. Mr Wallace of Barr for the Presbytery of Ayr, and Rev. Mr Elder for the Synod of Lothian and Tweeddale.

Dr CANDLISH began by stating, that it appeared to him that the Assembly would not do justice in the case unless they adopted the course that he had proposed in the Synod, namely, before deciding in this case, to hear also parties in the other case of translation from the same Presbytery. The reason why he had recommended this course to the Synod was, that, in the arguments stated at the bar by the commissioners from the Presbytery of Haddington, the chief stress was laid upon that, that the removal of Mr Thomson would be against the interests of the Church; and it seemed to him that they should hear both parties before pronouncing judgment, in order to ascertain whether both or either of them ought to be removed; and if only one, which case presented the more urgent claim. In confirmation of this he might observe, that the pleading of the Presbytery against the removal of both was identically the same in each case. The Synod did not entertain that proposal; and therefore, although he did not like generally the practice of inferior courts referring cases to the Assembly, seemingly shrinking from the responsibility they ought to undertake, yet he really felt, that, as a member of Synod, it was his duty to make a reference in this instance to the Assembly.

Mr ELDER said he was truly in a painful position in finding himself opposed to bis excellent friend Dr Candlish on this occasion: but at the same time it appeared to him, that the arguments he had used in support of his appeal were what this Assembly would not be disposed to sanction or homologate. He has given (continued Mr Elder, looking at the printed "Reasons of Dissent,")-he has given in at the

bar of this house a very laconic reason of dissent, in which he says,-" Because it appears to me that the two cases of translation from the same Presbytery ought to have been under the view of the Synod at the same time, before giving judgment upon either." I will show, in two or three sentences, why the Synod refused to go into this view. To do so, would have implied that we had made up our minds that it was certain that one or other of these two men behoved to be taken away. Dr Candlish's proposal, practically, if not formally, amounted to this. The members of Synod were not prepared to go so far; for it might be, that neither of them would have to go. Another reason against complying with the proposal was this, that it would have likewise implied that there were no distinct and definite grounds on which we might come to a decision in the Yester case, on its own merits. Many of us felt that there were distinct and tangible grounds for a decision; and it appeared to him, and did still so appear, notwithstanding all that had now been stated by Dr Candlish,-that it would have been an injustice to the congregation of Yester, who had the deepest stake in the matter, and were the parties most closely and nearly interested, to hang up their spiritual interests on another case, with which they had no immediate interest. It was not quite accurate to say that the chief stress of the Presbytery's arguments lay on the injury which Mr Thomson's removal might produce. It was quite true that; but it did not form the whole argument. There were other considerations against his translation besides the state of the district, which would be urged in due time.

Dr CANDLISH would not reply, but simply state that he did not know how the giving in to his proposal would imply that one or other should be translated. Unless the pleadings now were very different from those given in before the Synod, he was sure the Assembly would come to the conclusion that parties ought to be heard before issuing judgment.

GRAHAM SPIERS, Esq., said that the only thing in point of form, he found on the minute was, that it was moved and seconded that the Synod refer the case to the Assembly. There was no notice in this minute of Dr Candlish's reasons; and, therefore, in point of form, they just had the sentence of the Presbytery affirmed by the Synod, and they could not sustain the appeal without referring to that sentence. appeared to him, also, that the case could not justly be decided until they heard the arguments of the Synod in respect to the grounds on which they thought that the case should be decided, without reference to Mr Fairbairn's case.

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Earle MonteiTH, Esq., thought that the appeal of Dr Candlish should, in point of form, be dismissed, but that this should not preclude hearing the other case before pronouncing judgment on this. The principle on which it ought to be decided was plainly the majus bonum ecclesiæ; and it was of great importance that they should be in possession of all the elements of the case. He begged, therefore, to move, that Dr Candlish's appeal be dismissed, with the reservation, that before judgment is pronounced, the other case shall be heard.

Mr GRAY of Perth thought that essential justice could not be done unless both cases were heard and considered before judgment. (Hear, hear.) He did not think with Mr Elder, that by adopting the course proposed by Dr Candlish, they would decide that one or other of them should be translated: but they would keep the whole matter open, and if they found that one must be translated, then they could decide upon which of them,

The preliminary point was then dismissed, Mr Monteith's motion baving been agreed to, and the Assembly proceeded to hear the case on the merits.

Mr BARCLAY was then heard for the congregation of Catrine. He would not enter much upon the reasons of dissent, but confine himself to stating a few facts concerning the congregation. He believed the call to Mr Thomson was the largest ever laid upon the table of any court of this Church. It was signed by 686 commnnicants, and 237 adherents, all most anxious to obtain Mr Thomson for their minister. A large proportion of the inhabitants of Sorn were dependent on Catrine for religious ordinances, and many parishes around, as, for instance, Auchenleck, Muirkirk, &c., were likewise dependent on Catrine; hence it was of importance to have a man like Mr Thomson stationed there. From the large number of young people

there, and its being in the neighbourhood of Kilmarnock, whence the Morrisonian views were introduced and zealously propagated, much evil might result were Mr Thomson not translated thither. Mr Barclay then enumerated what the congregation-not a wealthy one-had done for the support of their church, which they had agreed to build without having recourse to the General Fund, and to liquidate the debt by instalments for another year or two, till all shall be paid off. They had had only one large subscription, viz., L. 100 from a gentleman, with a site for the church at a nominal rent. Considering, too, all the circumstances, he did look forward with trembling to the result; and he would conclude by saying, that he would not have appeared here to-day as the advocate of the Catrine congregation, in the way of a dispute between two bodies, but from the solemn conviction that it would be for the good of the Church that Mr Thomson should be translated to Catrine.

The Rev. Mr WALLACE of Bar then addressed the Assembly in behalf of the Presbytery of Ayr. He did not know where they were to land, if the Assembly deviated from the great principle,—that the question should be treated on this ground,—whether the translation of Mr Thomson from Yester to Catrine would promote the interests of religion and the Free Church. If the case were to be tried by the comparative weight of the attachment of the people of Yester and that of Catrine to Mr Thomson, he would at once give up the case, and say, that the flock who knew his merits, and had reaped the fruits of his labours, should be preferred. But if Mr Thomson felt that he could not in duty forsake his people, and would say as much to the house, then he (Mr Wallace) should not plead his translation. But keeping in view the principle he had referred to, how did it apply in this case? They had heard the circumstances of the congregation of Catrine, which was about double that of Yester. Mr Wallace then argued, that there was much want of the aid of such an experienced person as Mr Thomson in the Presbytery of Ayr, whose number was only fifteen, and the greater portion of whom had been ordained within the past two years. On these grounds, therefore, he humbly craved the Assembly to authorise the translation of Mr Thomson.

Mr ELDER then followed on behalf of the Synod. Were Mr Thomson disengaged at present, there would be but one mind among them as to his settlement in Catrine, It has been said that we are to consider this as a case of majus bonum ecclesiæ; but then to ascertain what that is, we must take all the circumstances of the two parishes into account, and compare them together. There can be no doubt as to the importance and urgent claims of Catrine; but then it is obvious that, when you consider the claims of a congregation calling a minister already settled, you must take into account the circumstances of that minister's present station. It appeared to the Synod that there were two grounds warranting a refusal to translate Mr Thomson. The first of these was the state of his own mind, and I pray the Assembly to consider this, as I consider it the most important element of all. I doubt whether the church courts ought to take the responsibility of translating a minister if he has not a sense of duty in the case himself. I am aware that Mr Thomson did at first accept of the call, but the Synod was afterwards made aware from his own mouth that circumstances had occurred to make him change his views. At the same time, he may perhaps be anxious to hear the opinions of his brethren ; and I believe, from what he said in the Synod, that he will cheerfully comply with what the Church may think to be his duty. The Synod considered that, although more numerous than Yester, the congregation of Catrine was not sufficiently important to set aside all the considerations arising from the eminent position Mr Thomson now occupied in the district where he laboured.

Mr THOMSON of Prestonkirk then rose on behalf of the Presbytery of Haddington. We own at once, he said, that the numbers of Catrine far surpass those of Yester; but what we maintain is this, that the latter holds the same reference to Lothian county at large that Catrine does to Ayr; and that, though possessing a smaller number of communicants than Catrine, it is one of the largest country congregations we have in East Lothian. One reason why Mr Thomson should not be removed is, the aristocratic persecution to which we are exposed, and which would, in the opinion of all acquainted with the circumstances, be renewed in the event of