teering their services on that occasion. With reference to the evil of Sabbath desecration by railway travelling, he remarked that it was utterly hopeless to expect to make any permanent impression on railway shareholders and directors, if they did not succeed in carrying the tide of Christian opinion throughout the land along with them; and it was therefore the bounden and primary duty of the Church to leaven the minds of the people with right views on this subject. The reverend Doctor then proceeded to say, that he could not but fear that, when this country came to be intersected with railways in all directions, the minds of the people, even of the godly among them, might come to be familiarized with this great national sin, so as to shock them less, and, perhaps, if they did not take care, after the lapse of a few years, many might look back and wonder at the opposition that was offered to Sabbath travelling on railways at first. Now was the time, therefore-now was the opportunity to warn the people of their danger, before the evil was thoroughly perpetrated, and to impress on them that the only possible way of preventing the evil, was to make a decided, obvious, and permanent advance in an opposite direction; and who would say that there was not room for amendment in the mode of observing the Sabbath, even among themselves? If the tide of Sabbath profanation was to flow, as it threatened to do, the only defence, under God, he felt assured, was to set up again the high Puritan's standard. He would rejoice if the Committee, now about to be appointed, were to become far more lynx-eyed than they had ever been before; and he would especially rejoice if they began to keep an eye on the Church, as well as on the world, and upon the ministers and elders among them, as well as upon the people at large. It did seem to him, that if the Committee to be appointed on this subject were to turn their attention to the inquiry, whether the Sabbath might not be better observed in their closets, in their families, and in their congregations, and by this means not manifesting merely a negative aspect in opposing the evil, but a positive aspect, striving after higher good, it might, by the blessing of God, be the means of yet recalling our beloved country to a right sense of what was perhaps her best birthright by far,-the high and holy esteem for the holy day of God. The reverend Doctor concluded by proposing the following motion:

"That the due observance of the Christian Sabbath, as enjoined by the eternal law of God, is a fundamental part of true Christian religion. And, considering the prevailing temptations, now and increasingly presented by the god of this world, which may endanger even the godly, and have already caused in the world at large such great and grievous declensions, the General Assembly deem it necessary that this Church should both take its stand on the truth of God regarding the Lord'sday, and use every lawful means to warn all its members, and the country at large, of the impending danger. They, therefore, re-appoint the Committee, with instructions to follow up these principles in the most strenuous and energetic way, both in this country and in the sister kingdom, and in the colonies, authorising them to communicate with other churches, particularly in England and Ireland; to address and use influence with shareholders, on the existing and new railway companies, from whom great injury to the Sabbath has arisen, and is likely to arise, so that these individuals may use their privileges in such companies for the protection of the Sabbath. Believing that a blessing attended the order of the last Assembly on the subject, they hereby appoint all ministers of the Church to preach on the requirements of the fourth commandment, with special reference to existing evils, and to the desecration of the Sabbath by railway trains, and steam-boats sailing, and otherwise, at least once on a diet of public worship, on the first Sabbath of December 1845; and to report their diligence to their respective Presbyteries. And as the due and effectual fulfilment of these instructions will cause expense, they authorise a collection to be made on the above occasion for this object.

"The Assembly learn with regret the proposed retirement of the Rev. Mr Elder; and sympathising with him in his present indisposition, they consent thereto, and hereby appoint the Rev. George Ramsay Davidson, minister of Lady Glenorchy's, Edinburgh, in his stead. They, at the same time, return thanks to Mr Fairbairn and Mr Elder, for their past valuable services, and to the gentlemen of the deputations present; in particular, requesting Sir Andrew Agnew to receive for himself, and to con

vey to the gentlemen associated with him in the struggle now being made for the putting down of Sabbath traffic on the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, the renewed thanks of the Assembly for the stand thus made by them, and the hearty encouragement of the Church to them to persevere therein, as a cause eminently subservient to the glory of God and the best interests of mankind, and on which the blessing of God will assuredly rest."

Mr BLACKADDER, elder, suggested to the friends of the Sabbath cause the propriety of becoming shareholders in the North British Railway, the first line which would bring them into connection with England,-in order to prevent the desecra tion of the Lord's day by the running of trains.

Mr CAIRNS of Cupar, and Mr LONGMORE of Aberdeen, all made some suggestions on the subject, after which the motion of Dr Candlish was unanimously agreed to. The MODERATOR then conveyed the thanks of the Assembly to Mr Fairbairn, and through him to the Committee, for their able services on this important subject. The Assembly then adjourned till Saturday, at eleven o'clock.

SATURDAY, MAY 24.

Minutes read and approved of-Report from Committee on Business-Overtures anent New CollegeExamination of Students' Divinity Hall at Aberdeen-Dr Candlish's Speech-Overtures anent Formula and Protest-Applications from other Churches remitted to a Committee-DrChalmers requested to introduce the Members of Foreign Churches who are to be present next week-Irish Deputation received-Speeches of Drs Brown, Stewart, and Houston, and Mr Johnson - Reference by the Presbytery of Dunkeld in case respecting Rev. Mr Waddel of Burrelton-Case of Translation of Mr Swanson of Small Isles delayed, and Committee appointed to procure better accommodation for Mr S.,-Speeches of Mr M'Leod, Mr Swanson, Sheriff Spiers, and Mr Dunlop. The Assembly met this forenoon at eleven o'clock, and after praise and prayer, the minutes of the previous sederunt were read and approved of.

Dr CUNNINGHAM then gave in a report from the Committee appointed to arrange the business to be brought before the Assembly.

On Tuesday it was proposed that the Assembly would meet at one o'clock, as the members would be occupied up till that hour in attending the proceedings at the laying the foundation-stone of the Normal Seminary. They would then take up the overtures and petitions on the subject of Popery, and on the grant to Maynooth. The evening sederunt would commence, if possible, at six o'clock, when the Report of the Committee on the State of Religion, the overtures on the same subject, as well as the overtures anent a Pastoral Address, would be considered.

On Wednesday the Assembly would meet at eleven o'clock, for the disposal of private business, when the members of the House would have every opportunity of talking over various matters of interest, especially those regarding their financial affairs. The public meeting would be held at two o'clock, when they would take up the report of the Jewish Committee, and the report of the Committee on Publications. In the evening the Assembly would take up the report of the Committee on Foreign Churches, and the overtures on Christian Union, and at the same time they would hear addresses from some of the excellent and eminent foreign ministers who were then expected to be present.

On Thursday forenoon the Assembly would hear the deputations from the Presbyterian Church in England, and dispose of the remainder of the cases which might be left over from Monday. In the evening they would receive the report from the Sustentation Committee and from the Colonial Committee.

Dr CUNNINGHAM farther explained, that at the diet for private business on the early part of the forenoon of Wednesday, the members would not only have an opportunity of talking over matters connected with the Sustentation Fund, and their financial schemes, but they would take up such other matters in regard to which a difference of opinion existed, and which might be arranged harmoniously by a friendly conference, such as the University tests, and the overtures on slavery.

Mr CAIRNS agreed in the propriety of having a private conference in regard to those matters on which the members might differ in opinion. If it was delayed,

however, till the private business regarding the Sustentation Fund was disposed of on Wednesday forenoon, the important conversation upon University tests and slavery would not receive justice, or it might be postponed till too late a period in the week. He therefore recommended a special meeting for private conference on these matters, to be held on an earlier day. Many of the members, for instance, would be leaving the city on Friday afternoon.

Dr CUNNINGHAM then announced that the meeting for private conference on the University tests and slavery, would be held on Tuesday morning, at seven o'clock, in the New College.

Dr CANDLISH was sorry to hear that any of the members intended to leave the Assembly so early as Friday, and that Mr Cairns himself seemed prepared to set them so bad an example. The business Committee had done all in their power to economise the time of the house: and though they had put forward important business to be taken up at an early period, they had not yet got through the half of that which they intended. He therefore hoped that those gentlemen who had intended to leave on Friday would reconsider their resolution.

Mr CAIRNS only meant to leave on Friday for the purpose of being back as soon as possible on Monday morning.

NEW COLLEGE.

The Assembly then took up the overtures regarding the New College, and the Divinity Halls at Aberdeen and Glasgow. The Clerk read the following overture on the subject from the Presbytery of Edinburgh:

"Whereas it is of the utmost moment as regards the best interests of this Church, especially in the education of candidates for the ministry, and the youth of the land generally, that without farther delay the entire subject of the constitution of the New College should be maturely considered, with a comprehensive regard to all the circumstances which ought to affect the decision of the Church on this most vital matter; and that, with a view to such an adjustment as may be satisfactory to the people in her communion, and may promote the glory of God in the godly upbringing of youth: And whereas, in particular, such topics as the following require to be taken into serious deliberation, viz.-1. The extent of the education to be provided --whether it should be restricted to the institution of theological professorships, and such as bear immediately on theology, or should comprise a full curriculum in languages and philosophy, adapted for general students, as well as candidates for the ministry; 2. The manner of appointing professors, theological and others, and the conditions and qualifications that ought to be insisted upon; 3. The regulation of the curriculum, especially in theology, and the due superintendence of professors and students; 4. The right ordering of the library, the museum, bursaries, and other appendages of the College; 5. The arrangement of fees and salaries, as to the amount of such salaries, and their source; and, 6. The vesting of the property in such a manner as may best secure it for the objects intended; and other matters secular, as well as spiritual and moral, on the right settlement of which the prosperity of the institution must depend. Therefore it is humbly overtured that the General Assembly take this subject into their serious consideration, and do therein as to their wisdom may seem fit."

Dr CANDLISH said, I beg to propose the appointment of a select committee for the consideration of all these overtures, and the several important points they embrace, with instructions to report on Friday forenoon, with the view of the whole subject being taken up by the Assembly on Friday evening. It must be obvious that the College Committee appointed at last Assembly, being intended only for the business connected with the College here, is too limited to be considered a free and full exponent of the mind of the Assembly, or to take up the various important matters embraced in that overture; and therefore I have to propose, that we should appoint a Committee, composed of members from all the Presbyteries of the Church; and I trust they will give some considerable time during next week-possibly the morning of two or three days in succession-for the consideration of this important subject. Of course, in proposing that the Committee shall report before the rising

of the Assembly, it is not expected that they shall report on all the matters in those overtures, for many of them will require more time and consideration than can well be given to them at this Assembly. It will be necessary, however, that the Committee should give some broad suggestions as to the extent of the education in the New College whether it shall be a theological education merely, or whether it shall embrace a complete curriculum of arts and literature, as I hope it will do. (Hear, hear.) But as to the other matters, it would be premature to expect a definite report before the rising of this Assembly. It will be enough that the Committee should make some suggestions bearing on these matters before Friday evening. But there are some topics that require to be specially reported on. These will have reference to the proposed arrangements regarding Aberdeen, Glasgow, and St Andrew's, and especially as to the propriety of the Assembly making some arrangements for the establishment of theological institutions at these places. The Committee will be expected to bring up a specific report on this. There are also some other points arising from the peculiar circumstances in which we are placed, which will require to be fully and fairly considered by the Committee; and though I cannot trust myself to allude to all these in detail, they must be obvious to the minds of the brethren. But we must determine, if not upon the mode of appointing professors generally, at least we will expect a report on the professorial appointment which now requires to be made, and which must be done by the Assembly itself. The present Committee might make a suggestion on this subject, but, as I have already said, it is limited; and it has been thought better that the suggestion should come from the Committee now to be appointed by the Assembly itself. If they do not report, therefore, as to the best mode of appointing professors permanently, they will at least suggest the best manner of meeting the existing emergency, which has spread a gloom over the minds of all of us (alluding to the lamented death of Dr Welsh). The reverend Doctor then moved the appointment of a large committee,-the Moderator to be convener-which was agreed to.

THE FORMULA AND PROTEST.

Dr CUNNINGHAM saN,-It has previously been suggested, that the Assembly should take up its business by arranging it into classes of similar subjects. One of these has reference to our formula and our protest, it being thought expedient that some statement should be prepared in vindication of them, and expressive of the distinct principles we hold as a Church. It will be recollected, that last year the house passed an interim act regarding the formula, which was transmitted to Presbyteries, that they might carefully examine it, and report their opinions to the present Assembly. I believe that a good many have considered it—some approving of it, and others making suggestions with a view to some amendment. These reports should now be subjected to a most careful and deliberate examination; and the house will probably be of opinion, that it should appoint a Committee to consider the matter with care and attention. There are one or two points bearing on this subject, worthy of the most serious consideration. The house is aware that we have had negociations with other bodies, with the Presbyterian Seceders, regarding our adherence to the Westminster Confession. It is not yet time to bring these negociations before the Assembly; but I may state, that some of these bodies require a fuller statement than we have yet given, as to some points in the Westminster Confession, to which they attach much importance. The principal of these, I may state, is what is termed the Second Reformation. We should therefore, I think, draw out a fuller statement than has yet been given, expressive of our views on this point. A certain degree of jealousy, I need scarcely add, is entertained by some bodies, who do not agree with the churches to which I have alluded, respecting some of the principles of the Westminster Confession. These have reference chiefly to the power, the authority, and the functions vested in the civil magistrate. We have been accustomed to maintain and adhere to the whole of the Westminster Confession, and we are confident that when it is calmly investigated,-when it is regarded in the light of history, and of the controversies then in progress, -it will be found that it does not countenance on the part of the civil magistrate an Erastian control over

the church which he favours, nor does it countenance the persecution of the church of which he does not approve. At the same time, the statements on this subject are expressed in strong language. They may be liable to misconstruction, and therefore, as I have said, it requires a full knowledge of the state of the times, and of the controversies which agitated men's minds, to arrive at the true meaning. Other churches have taken offence at our adherence to the language of the Westminster Con fession. We do not and cannot make any change in that adherence; but, at the same time, some statement might be prepared for the satisfaction of other churches which have not considered the matter so deeply as we have done, or, at least, as we ought to have done; showing that we do not hold Erastian principles nor intolerance,-showing, in fact, that we countenance Erastianism as little on the one hand as we countenance the principles of persecution on the other. Some such explanation as this is due to those churches who have regarded that language as strong, and due also to men who are not so well informed on the subject as we are. It would require much elaboration to embrace all the subject, but I think we might embody in a sentence or two, the meaning which we attach to these passages, instead of being required to enter into a lengthened exposition, as we now do, or to detail old histories, or the controversies of former times. I suggest, therefore, that a committee be appointed to take this subject into its deliberate consideration. I propose this committee with the view of seeing whether some preamble might not be prefixed to the formula, -not, certainly, to make any change in the language of the formula itself,-and enable other churches to give, as we are prepared to do, an unqualified adherence to the existing Presbyterian standards. The Rev. Doctor then named the Committee.

Mr M'CORKLE expressed his concurrence in the remarks of Dr Cunningham. The time had come when the Church should consider whether it should take up the ground and principles of the Second Reformation; and the time had come also when the Church should entertain the question which had been proposed so frequently by the Original Seceders, viz., the descending obligations of the Covenant. This matter should be taken into their serious consideration when they looked to the circumstances in which the Church was placed, and the pressure of events from without; and he hoped a full opportunity would be given them of discussing this principle, which had been so often brought before them by the Original Seceders, and of establishing those grounds on which a union with other bodies, and, in the first place, a union with Presbyterian bodies, might be entertained. He was delighted to express his concurrence in the views which Dr Cunningham had set before the Assembly regarding that part of the Westminster Confession which referred to the obligation of the civil magistrate to promote true religion. In discussing the question of Church Establishments, this part of the Confession was found to be a great stumbling-block, not only to those opposed to them, but even to their most steadfast friends. He thought, therefore, that they were called on, without changing one word in the Confession, to embody in an explanatory note what they held to be the meaning of the passage, and what they considered the intention of the framers of the Confession in regard to the duties of the civil magistrate. They should interpret this in modern language, that it might no longer be a stumbling-block either to their own Church or to others.

Mr CARMENT of Rosskeen agreed with the old Seceders, as to the descending obligation of the second Covenant; and he was disposed to go a little farther than, perhaps, most of his friends in that Court were disposed to do, as he would go the length of their having district meetings in every part of the country, as in former days, for the purpose of their signing the Solemn League and Covenant. In allusion to what fell from Dr Cunningham as to an explanation of their views, he was afraid lest any thing should be introduced which would run counter to the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Dr CUNNINGHAM said there were two points to be considered-first, what would they say, and how far could they go, in the way of identifying themselves with the principles of the Second Reformation, and with those who have been usually accustomed to consider themselves as the purest and stanchest supporters of these prin