operate. We cannot be behindhand with our brethren of that Church. We should rejoice to meet their advances, and without any sacrifice of our principles, agree to promote along with them these great objects of Christian usefulness. I cannot doubt but you will appoint a Committee to meet with them, and with other Committees that may be desirous of holding intercourse with them, for the good of our common country, and the advancement of our common Christianity. (Cheers.)

Mr ALEXANDER DUNLOP had great pleasure in confirming the statement made by Dr Candlish as to the great cordiality, harmony, and unanimity which prevailed in all the consultations in committee. He had no doubt but the Assembly would concur in the importance of the object proposed by Dr Candlish. The arrangement referred to would give them the advantage of the territorial system in co-operating with other Christian bodies in the spiritual superintendence of the poorer classes; and in reference to the educational part of the plan, the school was the nursery for the church; and nothing could be more important than to maintain the sources and springs of the church in the training of youth. ( (Hear.) He concluded by moving, in effect," that the Assembly approve of the diligence of the Committee, rejoice in the progress made in laying the basis for a friendly co-operation with other Christian bodies in the planting of churches, and in bringing their common efforts to bear on the promotion of their common objects."

The motion was unanimously and cordially agreed to; and it was also agreed to appoint a committee to follow out the objects, which committee is to be divided into two, one to sit in Edinburgh, and one in Glasgow.

On the suggestion of Mr Thomson of Banchory, supported by Dr Candlish, it was agreed to empower the Committees farther to sub-divide themselves, by appointing sub-committees for Aberdeen, and any other place where a committee was required.

Tue Assembly then adjourned till the evening.

EVENING SEDERUNT.

Dr MACKAY of Dunoon reported, from the joint Presbyteries of Tain and Dunoon, to whom had been remitted the question of translating Mr Macallister of Nigg, in the Presbytery of Tain, to Inverary, in the Presbytery of Dunoon, that the two Presbyteries had come to an understanding that Mr Macallister should be translated, and that without summoning the people of Nigg to be heard for their interest. This, however, was keenly opposed by other ministers; and in the end it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Sheriff Monteath, to remit to the Presbytery of Tain to summon the parishioners of Nigg and to proceed in the matter of the proposed translation of Mr Macallister according to the laws of the Church, and in the mean time appoint Mr Macallister to officiate for two months to the congregation at Inverary.

Dr CHALMERS then rose and shortly explained, as we have before given it, his new scheme for raising funds for building churches, and intimated that collectors would proceed through the house to receive the names of those that were inclined to subscribe a half-crown or more for each of so many churches afterwards to be built. The collectors accordingly proceeded to receive the names while the business

went on.

On the motion of Dr CHALMERS it was also agreed to appoint a large committee, to be named the Finance Committee, which was to take charge of all money received for the Free Church. It was to be sub-divided into an active committee and two sub-committees; and its first meeting was appointed to be held in 7 North St Andrew Street, Edinburgh, on Monday next, at three o'clock.

Dr CLASON intimated that only 333 congregations had reported as to the number of elders adhering to them; that few of the congregations had sent in reports; but that of those who had sent in reports, it appeared that the number of adhering elders amounted to 1680, and deacons to 32. (Loud cheering.)

1687,

HOME MISSION COMMITTEE.

The Rev. C. J. BROWN of Edinburgh read the report of this Committee, which we give at length.

"It will be borne in mind that, of the four distinct objects which, prior to the disruption of the Church, were under the care of the Home Mission Committee, and by them intrusted to four several sub-committees, viz., the building of additional churches, the aiding of weak congregations-the employment of probationers,-and the encouraging and assisting of young men coming for ward for the ministry; the three first, in the altered circumstances of the Church, are now either provided for otherwise, or merged in the general operations for providing for the sustentation of the ministry; and accordingly, it was recommended in the report given in to the last Assembly, and by them agreed to, that for the present, and at least until matters shall have been brought to the state in which the extension of the Church shall have resumed its gradually progressive character, the attention and funds of the Home Mission Committee shall be directed exclusively to the remaining object, that of encouraging and assisting young men coming forward for the ministry.' Your Committee will venture to affirm that, although they have thus but one object now entrusted to their charge, in place of four, yet there is as strong a necessity as ever that one should continue to hold its place among the great schemes of the Church, -as loud and urgent a call as ever on the liberality and prayers of the friends of the Church, in behalf of the operations of the Home Mission.

"Your Committee cannot refrain, at the outset, from congratulating the venerable Assembly, as they would desire to thank Almighty God, that, in the present unexampled demand for labourers, in all parts of our vineyard, there seems to be a very fair prospect opening, of a large, and ultimately, in some measure, adequate supply, if the Church shall but put forth the efforts, and make the sacrifices necessary for availing herself of the means placed within her reach. In answer to circulars some time ago issued, returns have been received from all parts of the country, of young men, in different stages of progress, looking forward to the ministry in connection with the Free Church. These returns, made chiefly by the ministers of the Church, afford information, more or less full and satisfactory, regarding the age and progress in study of the young men,-their character in respect of piety and devotedness to the great objects and ends of the ministry,-their gifts and qualifications generally,- -as also, their means of supporting themselves, with or without assistance, during their preliminary studies. The returns are not in a state of sufficient completeness to be laid before the Assembly. But your Committee would respectfully offer one or two observations on the contents of them; and,

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First, The whole number of young men looking forward to the ministry of the Free Church, can by no means be gathered from these returns. Besides that they are still coming to hand daily, they are doubtless very defective in regard to those students, especially in different stages of progress, who require no aid from the Church. The inducement was much less, of course, to report their cases to your Committee. They appear also to be very defective in regard to students already at the hall, or about to enter it this winter. Probably it was conceived that these would be sufficiently known on their coming before their Presbyteries for examinaon, and thereafter applying to be enrolled for the session.

"Secondly, Taking the returns, however, as they are, the whole number of young men reported, in all stages of progress, up to this date, is 220, of whom 72 are acquainted with the Gaelic language.

"Thirdly, Your Committee rejoice in being able to say, that the testimony borne generally to the character and qualifications of those reported is of the most gratifying kind, such as to afford ground of signal thankfulness to God, and of earnest hope that if He has committed a great and arduous work into the hands of the Free Church of Scotland, He is also raising up and preparing the instruments whereby it is to be accomplished. Some of the ministers, when referring to young men in their congregations of superior talents, and good worldly prospects, resolving to exchange these for the work of the ministry in the Free Church, in a spirit to all appearance of single-heart

ナ

ed devotedness to God, exclaim It is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes.' "Fourthly, The whole number of young men reported fall to be divided into four classes, in regard to whom your Committee lately issued a circular, intimating the terms on which they proposed, for the approaching winter, giving aid to those of each class requiring it. The terms were fixed by them with the view of striking a medium as near as possible between the undue discouragement of worthy persons, and the inviting of such as might be unworthy and unfit. This circular bears directly upon the peculiar objects intrusted to your Committee, and they have to ask the venerable Assembly to sanction its transmission, with some additions, to all the ministers of the Church for their guidance.

"And now, fifthly, Your Committee would observe once more on the returns, that, taking the rules in the foregoing circular, in connection with the number of young men that have been reported as standing in need of aid in prosecuting their studies, a very large expenditure must be incurred, such as will probably require all the funds that may be at the disposal of your Committee, after the annual collection appointed by last Assembly for the Home Mission, shall have taken place. Of the whole young men returned, no less than 124 have been reported by their ministers as requiring either total or partial aid from the Church. This may seem a large number; and doubtless the cost will be large-perhaps not under L.2000. But while it is unquestionably right and necessary that every precaution be taken against abuse, and such rules laid down as may secure the thorough scrutinising of each case, and judging of it by competent parties upon its own merits, your Committee cannot too strongly express their conviction that, for the all-important object of obtaining, without delay, an adequate supply of thoroughly educated ministers, to meet the present exigency, no pecuniary sacrifices ought to be shrunk from by the Church, or can be, without consequences of the most disastrous kind. There are considerations on this subject,—reasons of very special urgency,—in regard to the Highland districts, which your Committee willingly leave to be laid before the Assembly by those intimately acquainted with the Highlands. It seems impossible, however, to look at the state of the country generally, without seeing far more than enough to bear out the conviction your Committee has just expressed.

"The facts are notorious generally, and will be laid before the venerable Assembly by other Committees in detail, regarding the present unexampled demand for labourers, the miserably scanty and imperfect supply of many congregations, the new congregations ready to be formed everywhere, if there were but the prospect of a stated ministry in them, the thirst that has been awakened all over the country for the preaching of the gospel, not for the mere supplying of ordinances in a particular communion, but for the preaching of God's Word by those to whom the people have been led to look up with an unwonted confidence and affection,-the cry, in short, that has been coming up from all parts during the last six months, "Send us more men," almost as uniformly met by the answer, " We have none, we are ourselves in want." Even if the present generation of ministers were able, as they are not, to continue the excessive labours at present devolved upon them, in the supplying of other congregations besides their own, how imperfect must such supply necessarily be, and given oftentimes at how great an expense to the comfort and welfare of their own flocks? Then, let it be remembered, that, so far from their being a prospect of supply in the ordinary course and working of our divinity hall, we have been compelled to meet, in some measure, the present exigency, by forestalling our students there, so that many of those are already sent forth into the field, who, in the ordinary course, should have been but entering it some time hence. Nor is it to be forgotten here, in reference to our foreign missions, that the growing zeal and devotedness of our students for the ministry can scarcely fail, in connection with the adherence of all the missionaries to the Free Church, to lead a larger number than before to turn their thoughts, and in due time bend their steps, to foreign fields of labour, thus farther diminishing our supplies at home.

"All these things which, in some views, are full of encouragement, and give ground for thankfulness and congratulation in other views, are fitted to suggest very serious and solemn thoughts to every reflecting mind. What a responsibility is at this hour

lying upon the Free Church of Scotland! How mighty a work has been committed to her hands! What an enterprise has she undertaken! What fields of usefulness are opened before her. And how miserable a thing if, with a price put into her hands,' as it were, to win multitudes of souls, she should be found to have had no heart' for the improving of this day of divine visitation ! Should the present intense desire be suffered to wear itself out unsatisfied, what danger of a reaction! If the people, once led to look for ordinances from the Free Church, and to attach themselves to her communion, should find their hopes disappointed, what danger of their either settling down into a deeper indifference than before, or else running into wild and extravagant courses, scarcely less injurious to the interests of religion! Your Committee, however, are very fully convinced that, if such melancholy results should arise, it will be the Church's own fault. The Lord appears to be graciously preparing the supply for which His own providence has created the demand. It were an anomaly in Providence, indeed, if it were otherwise. He is furnishing the materials, if we have but the wisdom to avail ourselves of them. He has stirred the heart of the country to its very depths by the late movement in the Church; and there are very many, of different ages, and in different stations in life, under the movings of His providence and Spirit, ready to offer themselves willingly among the people.' It is perfectly clear, at the same time, from the returns obtained by your Committee, and by the Gaelic Committee, that extraordinary means must be used by the Church, that those offers may be rendered available. It is clear that pecuniary aid, to a large extent, will be indispensable, in the prosecuting of the studies of the young men. Let caution here by all means be used, checks devised to prevent abuse, every possible care taken to secure a wise and judicious management of this branch of the Church's affairs. But decision is required, and boldness, as well as prudence and caution. The emergency is peculiar, and the measure must correspond with it in character. Your Committee would confidently throw the whole upon the wisdom and liberality of the Church, earnestly, also, asking an interest in her prayers, that as there are difficulties, unquestionably, connected with a scheme of this nature, so wisdom may be given to surmount these; that, as the Lord alone, whatever means it behoves us to use, can qualify and give pastors according to his own heart,' so He would fulfil to us His own promise in this respect, that as the harvest truly is great, and the labourers few, the Lord of the harvest would send forth labourers into his harvest."

Circular by the Home Mission Committee of the Free Church, with the sanction of the General Assembly, regarding Students.

There are four classes of students in regard to whom special provision requires to be made, in the present state of the Church:-I. Divinity Students, either already at the hall, or prepared to enter it this winter; II. Students, looking forward to the ministry, in the course of their preliminary classes at college; III. Students certified by their ministers as being ready to enter college this winter; IV. Young men requiring preliminary instruction before entering college.

I. Divinity Students.

1. The Free Church can have but one divinity hall for the present session at least; and her general rule, subject to exceptions only, must be the attendance of her students there. It will be the desire of the Church to afford every facility for such attendance within her power, and suitable aid will be given in those cases that may require it. Students desiring to be exempted from coming to Edinburgh, are desired, without delay, to signify this, together with the grounds on which they seek exemption, to the Convener of the Education Committee, 7 North St Andrew Street,-it being in contemplation to make such provision as the Church may have within her reach, for special cases, at the other university seats. Those students requiring aid, will be expected, as soon as possible after their arrival in Edinburgh, to give in an application to that effect to the Convener of the Home Mission Committee, specifying the amount which they expect to require.

2. In the present exigency, students who, by passing through the full literary and

theological curriculum, would be more than twenty-four years of age at the time of their receiving licence, will be admissible into the divinity hall after completing three sessions at college (subject, of course, to the usual Presbyterial examination). In the case of students who have already attended three sessions, this may be done by their being allowed to take their last literary class along with theology, in their first session at the hall. In the case of students entering college, and willing to stand a searching examination in Latin and Greek, the object may be attained by their being allowed at once to enter the logic class, or other class occupying the second year of the curriculum.

II. Students in the Course of their Preliminary Classes at College.

The Home Mission Committee will be willing, for the approaching session, to give aid to the students of this class requiring it, upon the recommendation of their respective ministers or any other minister of the Free Church, personally or thoroughly acquainted with them; but on the understanding, to be intimated to them, that they must be prepared to stand an examination at the close of the session, in Latin and Greek, together with the subject of the classes they shall have just completed, as the condition of their receiving continued encouragement. The examination to be by a Committee of Presbytery at the university seat, and having in charge, where they are satisfied with the student's progress, to prescribe suitable studies to him for the summer, and with a view to further examination at the opening of the following session. Ministers recommending students of this class for aid, are desired to transmit the recommendations, as soon as possible at the opening of the session (without regard to any previous communications,) to the Convener of the Home Mission Committee, (7 North St Andrew Street), specifying whether the aid required will be total or only partial, and if partial, the probable extent of it. They will also be expected to transmit the names to the Convener of the Committee of Presbytery at the university seat, that some superintendence may be taken of the students during the session.

III. Students certified by their Ministers as being ready to enter College this Winter. For the present year the Home Mission Committee will deal with this class as with the previous one, the same rules being observed by ministers recommending. IV. Young Men requiring Preliminary Instruction before entering College. The Committee will deem it indispensable to their aiding young men of this class,-1st, that they be recommended by their respective ministers to the Presbytery of the bounds; 2dly, That they be examined and approved by the Presbytery, hav✔n in view personal piety, good abilities, and declared serious desire and intention to study for the ministry as essential qualifications; and, 3dly, That the Presbytery, without delay, report them as approved to the Convener of the Home Mission Committee, specifying also what means of instruction they would suggest, especially in their own neighbourhood, as combining efficiency with economy; and farther specifying the probable amount of aid that will be requisite in each case.

aving

It is particularly requested that ministers, on receiving this circular, will proceed at once to act upon it, without waiting for any further instructions in regard to the cases they may have severally reported.

In name and by appointment of the Committee,

CHAS. J. BROWN, Sub-Convener.

Presbyterial Committees for

EDINBURGH.-Rev. Mr Grey, Mr Buchanan, Dr Candlish, Mr Elder, Mr Cowe, Mr Gregory, Mr C. J. Brown; Mr Tweedie, Convener.

GLASGOW.-Rev. Dr Buchanan, Dr Smith, Dr Henderson, Mr King, Dr Paterson, Mr John R. Anderson, Mr David Brown, Mr Lorimer; Dr Forbes, Convener. ABERDEEN.-Rev. Dr Black, Mr Davidson, Mr Foote, Mr Murray, Mr Spence, Mr Bryce, Mr Simpson, Mr Gordon; Dr Brown, Convener.

ST ANDREWS.-Rev. Mr Brown, Largo; Mr Nairn, Forgan; Mr Nicolson, Ferry-port on- Craig; Sir David Brewster; also the minister who shall be appointed over the Free Church congregation of St Andrews, and any others whom these may assume. Mr Brown, Convener.