Mr ROBERTSON of Aboyne wished to know whether it was the party accused that brought the case before the Presbytery, or the Presbytery that called him up before them. Dr CANDLISH stated that it was the party himself that brought the case under the notice of the Presbytery, but that at the meeting at which he did so, other charges were ready to be preferred against him. After a short conversation, Dr Candlish's motion was agreed to. CARMYLIE AND KILMALIE. Mr BUCHAN of Kelloe read the following Report: "The Committee agreed first to take up the case of Carmylie. "With regard to this case, it has been found that the distance of the site proposed to be given by Lord Panmure, is two and a-half miles from the tent at present occupied by the congregation for worship. It has been stated to the Committee, that the congregation are unanimously opposed to the acceptance of this site. This opinion is strongly confirmed by the minister, Mr Wilson, and also by an elder of that congregation now present. "To show that this objection proceeds from no captious feeling, it has been stated to the Committee that an offer has been made by the factor of Lord Panmure, of a site in the heart of a morass, more than a mile from the present place of worship, and in an opposite direction from the site now offered, which the congregation had expressed their perfect willingness to accept; but after this willingness had been intimated in the proper quarter, the offer was withdrawn. "The Committee may be permitted to state, that in the arrangement of sites it seems of essential moment that the opinion and interests of the congregation and their minister should be consulted. In the present case, a very small proportion of the population is in the vicinity of the proposed site, but even the portion of the population thus situated are opposed to accepting the site, thinking that the acceptance would be fatal to the congregation, and feeling what is truth too evident, that the proposed site must have the effect of injuring the interests of the Free Church in that quarter. "The Committee observe with much concern, that the minister of Carmylie is obliged to reside at the distance of six miles from the place now occupied by the tent where public worship is held; and that if the offered site were accepted, this would, of course, aggravate the great inconvenience he now experiences. "In the above circumstances, the Committee have no hesitation in thinking, that the proposed site should not be accepted, as it would manifestly cause much inconvenience to the congregation, and might in every point of view occasion much serious injury. They feel it, as a general principle, to be of much moment, that care should be taken to accept of no sites that may appear not to accord with the convenience and permanent interests of the congregation for which a site is required, as an opposite system might no doubt have the effect of encouraging proprietors, in the course so unhappily taken by many proprietors, in refusing sites. "The Committee next proceeded to consider the case of Kilmalie. "The Committee have attentively considered the information furnished by the minister of the congregation, and also other individuals from the district, possessing full local knowledge. The population in this parish amounts to 2000, of whom about nine-tenths adhere to the Free Church. The site that has been offered is remotely situated from a large portion of the population, who would be distant from the proposed situation from six to twelve miles. It is understood that the congregation are willing to accept, if they could procure it, a site on any one of ten crofts, embracing a range of not less than a mile distant from either side of the Established Church. "An offer of a site has been made at a still farther distance, but this would subject many of the congregation to great inconvenience. The congregation feel that in expressing the acquiescence which they have done, they have gone to the utmost limits to which they can go without producing much inconvenience and injury to the general interests of the congregation; and they, as well as the minister, unanimously concur in the view that the site in question should not be accepted, in which view the Committee entirely concur. "The Committee observe, with great concern, that Mr Davidson, minister of the congregation of Kilmalie, has been subjected to peculiar inconvenience and hardship. "Mr Davidson was obliged, in the course of five months, to change his residence not fewer than five times, and is now obliged to pay an extravagant rent for a house at the distance of three miles from the place of worship. "G. BUCHAN, Convener." Mr BUCHAN then expressed, in strong terms, his own sense of the admirable spirit which had been manifested by both ministers and people in these two parishes, and in other parts of the country where the adherents of the Free Church were similarly situated, under their painful privations,-a spirit which could only result from faith in the promise of Him who has said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Addressing himself to his lay brethren, he said, it was quite impossible for them to appreciate the obligation under which they were laid to the ministers of the Free Church, for what they had done and suffered in the vindication of their consciences; and it was the duty of all to do what in them lay to alleviate the circumstances of these good and faithful men, who had, without a murmur, given up manses, and glebes, and stipends, their earthly all, rather than abandon their principles,-a sacrifice on their part worthy of their Christian profession, and which the history of the country would record as reflecting a gleam of lustre on human nature. (Hear, hear.) He trusted that the landed proprietors who had hitherto resisted the progress of the Free Church, would now open their eyes to the real state of the matter; and, looking to the character and conduct of these excellent men, he thought they could not but feel some compunctions for the injuries they had inflicted upon them. (Hear, hear.) But whatever these ministers might receive at the hands of their fellowmen, there was one consolation of which they could not be deprived, that they could not leave houses, and lands, and an earthly inheritance for the sake of Christ, without receiving manifold more in this life, and the promise of an everlasting reward in the life that is to come. Mr BEGG said, he was, of course, glad that the report he had given in respecting these two parishes had been borne out by the Committee; at the same it was not at all to be wondered at, that those who had not had an opportunity of personally inspecting these places should have had the idea that the congregations in question might have been too rash in refusing to accept of the sites which had been offered to them. He must confess, that he had himself some idea of this kind till he went and saw the places, when he became convinced that the state of matters was as it had been represented. He trusted that cases like the present would warn the Assembly against prejudging other cases where sites might be offered, with the view, not of aiding, but of injuring the Church. He hoped that what had been said on the subject on Monday night, with the help of public opinion brought to bear on the subject in such a place as this, would have the effect of leading the landed proprietors to reconsider the matter, even without our going to Parliament for redress. He had himself seen, since then, a letter from a landed proprietor to his agent, expressing his desire that a site should be granted, and that his name should not be brought before the public in connection with these proceedings. (Hear, hear, hear.) Sheriff SPEIRS said, that when the two cases in question were brought before the Assembly, it appeared to him that some explanation was required, in order to show that the people were justified in refusing the sites which had been offered to them. He was glad that the result of the investigation of the Committee had shown, that what had been affirmed by his friend Mr Begg was justified, and in accordance with the real circumstances of the case. It was of great importance that, when sites were refused, it should be on just and sufficient grounds; and, in order that public opinion, on which they must rely, should have its just and salutary operation, they must in all cases be perfectly sure of the ground on which they stood. The Report was adopted, and the sympathy of the Assembly expressed with the two congregations. FINANCIAL STATEMENT-PUBLIC ACCOUNTS. Mr BRIDGES read a report on the financial state of the affairs of the Free Church since the secession, from which it appeared that the total sums raised and paid to the various objects of the Church, were as follow: Making a total of sums received since the secession, of L.725,452, 15s. ld.; and besides this, there falls to be added the sums subscribed for, but not paid, being— being altogether a sum of upwards of three quarters of a million sterling! Mr BUCHAN of Kelloe, in moving the adoption of the Report, congratulated the Assembly on the successful state of the funds, which was greatly owing to the activity and energy of Mr Bridges, to whom he proposed that the thanks of the Assembly should be awarded. This was done, and the Report adopted. Committee reappointed, with other names. DEBTS OF THE CHURCH. The Committee on the Liquidation of the Debts of the Church gave in a Report to the effect, that these debts at last Assembly amounted to L.4000, but that since, funds had been collected, and all these debts cleared off, with the exception of L.1700, the damages in the Lethendy case, which were paid by Mr Stirling. To meet this, there was a balance of about L.1200, but a deficiency of L.500 still remained; and as it was but right Mr Stirling should be refunded of the sums paid by him, it was to be hoped that funds would speedily be raised for that purpose. The Report also stated that about L.528 had been raised for trying the question of quoad sacra churches in the civil courts, as to whether the Establishment was entitled to the property of them; and as the Church was now nearly clear of debt, it was hoped that a sufficient sum would soon be raised for that purpose. The Report was adopted, and thanks returned to the Convener. REPORT BY THE ROSS AND SUTHERLAND COMMITTEE. It was stated in the Committee's Report to the last General Assem- Leaving a balance of Additional sums received, including interest In the hands of the Committee And for the application of which it is now their duty to account. During the course of last year the following payments have been made, To Ministers To Schoolmasters To persons ejected To printing, &c. L.2286 17 71 1859 7 4 L.427 10 34 29 5 8 L.456 15 111 And this sum has been disbursed by the Committee since the above state was prepared. Report was approved of and farther deliverance delayed till a future diet. Report on Psalmody was given in by Mr Bridges and approved of. Authority given to raise the necessary funds, or by application to the Deacons' Courts for small grants. The Assembly then adjourned at half-past five o'clock, till eleven on Monday. MONDAY, JUNE 2. Devotional Exercises-Minutes read-Communication from Deputation to Dr Chalmers-Report of College Committee of Slavery-from Committee on Charges-on Applications from other Churches on Maybole Case-on Formula-Overture anent Duties of Elders and Deacons-Report on Presbyterial Visitations-Resolutions as to Report on Sutherland and Ross, and as to Small Isles -Report on Presbyterial Arrangements on Assembly Accommodation-as to Meeting of Assembly at Inverness of Law Committee-on New Poor-Law Bill-Meeting of Assembly at InvernessPresent from Wesleyan Conference-Report on Cheap Publications. The Assembly met to-day at 11 o'clock. The MODERATOR said, on the part of the deputation that had been appointed to convey to Dr Chalmers the thanks of the Assembly, especially for his great exertions in regard to the Sustentation Fund, and to request him to lend his assistance and advice in future, although no longer the Convener of the Finance Committee, I have to state, that we waited on him on Saturday last; and that he assured us, in the first place, of his intense and growing interest in the prosperity of the Free Church, and of its financial scheme, and expressed his willingness, in so far as was consistent with the right discharge of his other duties, and especially with his professional duties, to give his assistance and his advice on any future occasion when it might be required. He accepted the deputation as a mark of kindness which the Assembly had shown to him in a way which I cannot express, and begged me to return you his thanks. We came away very much gratified with our visit. (Applause.) The Assembly called for the REPORT OF COLLEGE COMMITTEE. Dr CUNNINGHAM said he had prepared merely a very brief statement on matters that were indispensable to be brought under the notice of the Assembly. The Assembly were all aware that it was less needed that they should enter on other important topics, to which otherwise they would have required to direct the attention of the Assembly, as the Assembly itself had appointed a large Committee, embracing the mind of the Church, to take up some of the more important questions. It would be more in accordance with the feelings of the Assembly, to leave these topics in the hands of that full Committee. The Committee now reporting, therefore, confined themselves merely to a detail of what had been actually done in the course of the past year, in regard especially to two important departments, namely, the arrangements connected with the raising of money for the erection of a building, and the steps taken for the erection; and the other was just the ordinary educational arrangements. The reverend Doctor then read the following report: "The College Committee have, in the providence of God, been deprived of their Convener, Dr Welsh, and feel it to be a duty specially incumbent upon them to unite with all the friends of this Church in expressing their admiration of the talents, the erudition, and the many excellent and valuable qualities for which he was so eminently distinguished. The New College was an object of his peculiar affection and solicitude, and to his exertions mainly is it owing that the New College has already a large and valuable library, and that the sum of L.20,000 has been subscribed by twenty individuals for the erection of a suitable building. As the Assembly has already recorded an expression of their profound respect for Dr Welsh's character and memory, and of their deep sense of the loss which the Church has sustained by his death, the Committee need not enlarge farther in attempting to give expression to the sentiments on this subject which are universally entertained. Soon after last Assem-. bly, the Committee appointed two Sub-Committees,—one to make arrangements for the raising of funds and building a College, and the other to take charge of the rest of the ordinary business. In the exercise of the powers entrusted to them by the General Assembly, they made choice of Mr Patrick C. Macdougall to be Professor of Moral Philosophy, having thorough confidence in his pre-eminent qualifications for the office. His appointment was cordially and unanimously approved of by the Commission in August, and Mr Macdougall entered upon the duties of his office in the beginning of December. He had a course of four months, which was attended by about seventy students,-almuch larger number than what the Committee, in the circumstances, expected. The duties of the office were discharged in a manner which fully justified the very high expectations which the Committee entertained, and which hold out the most encouraging prospects of the most beneficial results to future students in this most important department of their studies. "No material change was made in the arrangements of studies for theological students, except that all the students entering the Divinity Hall for the first time were placed under the charge of a separate professor. The number of students attending the theological classes was much the same as last year, about 200 in all, of whom 170 were prosecuting their studies with a view to becoming ministers of the Free Church, the rest consisting of young men preparing for the ministry in connection with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and a few extra professional students. The Committee consider themselves fully warranted to express the highest satisfaction with the zeal and ardour, the diligence and perseverance, with which the great body of the students prosecuted their studies, and especially with the indications which they afforded of their realizing the solemn responsibility of their present position, and of the work to which they are looking forward. "Dr Black, Professor of Theology in Aberdeen, having resolved to quit that place and come to Edinburgh, and having offered to deliver a course of lectures upon exegetical theology, the Committee accepted his offer, and sanctioned his having a class three times a-week for that purpose. They did not, however, make attendance upon his class imperative, but left it optional to the students. A considerable number embraced the opportunity thus afforded them, and derived from it much useful instruction. The Home Mission Committee suggested to the College Committee the propriety of providing some superintendence and instruction for those students who were receiving assistance from the funds of the Home Mission, and who might be somewhat deficient in their knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages. The Committee approved of this suggestion, and having obtained the consent of the Commission of Assembly, they appointed the Rev. John Millar Classical Tutor, with the view of carrying the above object into effect. Mr Millar entered upon his duties at the commencement of the session of college, and during the whole of it conducted four classes for instruction in the Greek and Latin classics, and also New Testament Greek and Theological Latin. These classes were attended by above 130 students, two-thirds of whom were prosecuting their studies in philosophy, after having attended the literary classes in the University, and the other third were students of theology attending the Divinity Hall. The Committee are satisfied that Mr Millar's classics were conducted in a manner eminently fitted to be useful, and to promote the proficiency of students in the Greek and Latin languages; and they would strongly recommend to Presbyteries to require of students, whom, on their examination for admission to the Divinity Hall, they may find deficient in the knowledge of these languages, to take advantage of Mr Millar's instruction. A mathematical class, attended by about thirty students, was also taught in the College by the Rev. John Wallace. "The Committee were directed by last Assembly, to consider the subject of the establishment of a Theological Seminary at Aberdeen. The Committee, after mature deliberation, came to the conclusion, that it was not necessary nor expedient in the mean time, to make any provision for theological education at Aberdeen, different in kind from what might require to be made at other university seats, where there might be students who could not attend the Divinity Hall in Edinburgh. They resolved that the arrangement of the theological instruction of such students should, in the mean time, continue substantially the same as last year, authorising the Presbyteries in the university seats to devolve, if they saw cause, the superintendence of |