there been any communicants, the table would have been spread, and the elements would have been brought forward. But though the table might be spread, there are no elders to convey round the elements, and even if there were, there are scarcely any communicants to receive them. But this is not the whole condition of the county of Sutherland. We see its spiritual destitution-we see the condition in which its people are placed. There are none now left to secede from the Church, and I would only ask, how are the ordinances of religion to be provided? The ministers have been warned off the soil; they have been prohibited. from residing in the district, and they have been of necessity placed at such a distance that their flocks can rarely enjoy their ministrations, their consolations, or their advice. Nay, more, I believe that in some instances the people have assembled to worship their God in that place which is most consecrated to their meeting-in the church yard, where repose in everlasting rest the ashes of their fathers. They conceived that over the graves of their relatives they might raise their orisons to the Lord; but no, they w re deprived of that also, and, excepting the barrier of the maximum and minimum of the salt sea, every spot of ground was denied them. (Hear, hear.) Under these circumstances, can any one say-can even their bitterest enemy say, that there has been a single act of violence, or a single expression emanating from the people of Sutherland, which could be construed by the sharpest lawyer into a breach of the peace. (Applause.) Their oppressions and endurance have been unexampled; and I feel that in their trials a monument will be raised up which will earn for them, however lowly in estate, the love and respect of every friend of Christian truth and Christian principle. (Loud applause.) I am anxious about these Sutherland men. I know their value, and the estimation in which they are deservedly held as the defenders of their country, and as ready to serve their sovereign on every occasion. I have myself served in a Highland regiment; I have had the men of Sutherland in my company and under my command; and I can bear this willing testimony, that they were in an especial manner orderly, active, intelligent, and serious-(hear, hear, and cheers)—and above all men in the regiment, the men of Sutherland most readily merited and earned the confidence of their officers. I therefore look with the deepest anxiety to the result of this great question in Sutherland. (Hear, hear.) From all I know of the neighbouring country, I give them the same high character. I believe them to be orderly, peaceable, not easily irritated; but as we have heard from the depu tation, the temptations to which they were exposed-though it cannot for one moment justify the breach of the law-does not make that which has taken place surprising. No doubt it was very wrong; and the fathers of the Church, as well as the Commission, have pronounced it sinful that men should be provoked into open violence, even though they are tempted to the uttermost. We should remember that the stronger the temptation, the more does the tempter get possession of us, and the more watchful should we be to guard against him. (Hear, hear.) It is impossible to justify the proceedings which took place at Resolis; but, at the same time, it does not prevent us as a Christian community, and as free British subjects, from proclaiming to the world that we consider the exercise of the rights of property there have been unduly severe, and express our anxiety, lest by such extreme severity as this, the love and attachment of the people of this country should he alienated from those in which it has been and ought to be concentrated, and men may find that, instead of living amongst an orderly and a contented community, such as the Free Church would make, they are living amongst a discontented and disorderly people, amongst whom there is neither confidence nor comfort. (Hear.) If these things happen, it is not our fault. It cannot be said that we have made a violent inroad into these counties, and carried forth some new-fangled doctrines, to lead the people from the Establishment. There is no ground for such a charge. The people have rallied round them and have resolved not to swerve from the cause they have taken, whatever their landlords may resolve to the contrary. And I will say, that so long as the rights of property are exercised with due consideration-so long as man does not assume to be the dictator to the conscience of his fellow man-so long as he simply exercises those rights over his property that will give him the due returns he has reason to expect so long will the rights of property remain sacred and inviolate. (Ap

plause.) But I warn all men in this country, that if we are to claim a right on the land which we possess hereditarily, and at the same time claim a right over the consciences of those who remain on the land, then may our titles come to be questioned; and when this comes, there will be raised a storm which will not soon be allayed. And then will come the time when the nobles, and aristocracy, and landowners will find, that those to whom they could trust best as the protectors of their rights-that those in whom they could rely as the guardians of peace and good order-that those to whom they could look with the greatest confidence and security for the preservation of the bonds that unite society-are those very men whose hearts are fixed on true and enlightened Christian principle. (Hear, hear.) They are the men whose minds have been trained from their youth upwards, by teacher and pastor in whom they have reposed, and can repose, their confidence-to whom they apply for advice-who is consulted in their varied walks through life-and whose consolations they seek at the end of their days, when they lay down their head for the last time on their pillow, blessing God with their latest breath that they have been taught to honour their earthly sovereign, to love those around and above them, and to look with a certain hope to the reward which descends from above. (The hon. gentleman then moved the resolutions, and sat down amidst the most enthusiastic plaudits.)

The Marquis of BREADALBANE-Moderator, it has been suggested to me that I might with propriety second the resolutions which have been proposed by my excellent brother elder sitting on my left; but I must confess that I do so quite unprepared. And I am loath to enter on the subject, more especially after the able addresses which have been delivered, and particularly that of my excellent brother elder who has just spoken. The question, too, is one of great delicacy and great importance, and calculated to excite a depth of feeling which I can hardly trust myself without preparation to express. But this I must say that 1 concur most cordially in all the sentiments which have been expressed to you in the last address; and that if this persecution is to exist-this slavery-(hear, hear.)—this worst of slavery—the slav. ery of the mind-(cheers,) the slavery of the consciences of men-(loud cheers)—on a question of the deepest and most vital importance, namely that of religion,—we may hear of Egyptian bondage, we may hear of slavery in the West Indies in the worst of forms, but I will say that the slavery which exists in this country, as it has been detailed to us this evening by the spectators of it, is worse than any thing that was ever contemplated in the worst-(the conclusion of the sentence was lost in tumultuous cheering.) The noble Marquis added that he most cordially seconded the resolutions, and resumed his seat amidst enthusiastic plaudits.

The resolutions were then agreed to.

Dr M FARLAN expressed a hope that before the Assembly broke up for the night, they would agree to appoint a collection to be made for the people of Sutherlandshire. Mr GUTHRIE said he was unwilling to detain the meeting by making a motion, but he could not refrain from expressing the delight he had experienced in listening to the noble speeches of the noble elders whose presence graced the Assembly, and who were so nobly prepared to stand up for the rights of the people. He would move, and he hoped the Assembly would agree with him, that the collection for the suffering people of Sutherland take place throughout the Church on the last Sabbath of November; and he trusted it would be a collection, the sound of which would reach the ears of the Duke of Sutherland, and make him to understand that the cause of the people of Sutherland was the cause of the people of all Scotland. (Immense cheering.)

The Assembly then adjourned till Friday at eleven o'clock.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20.

The Assembly met this morning at eleven o'clock, and was constituted by praise and prayer.

The MODERATOR intimated that a letter had been received from Dr Muirhead of

Cramond, regretting that, through infirmity and old age, he was unable to attend the Assembly, but assuring them that, though absent in body, he was present in spirit, and that his prayers would not fail to be directed to the throne of grace for their guidance and direction. The Moderator added, that he doubted not that the sympathies of the Assembly were with this aged servant of God, and that their prayers would be that the evening of his days might be cheered by the Divine mercies.

Dr CANDLISH moved, that it be remitted to the Committee appointed last night, to prepare a suitable address in reference to the collection for the people of Sutherland, which was to take place on the last Sabbath of November.—Agreed.

EMPLOYMENT of counsel.

Dr CANDLISH said, that before the Assembly proceeded to take up the cases which were about to come before them, he begged to move, without a single word, that it be a standing order of the House, that counsel be not heard at the bar.-The motion was received with applause, and agreed to without remark.

CASE OF ABBEY CONGREGATION, DUNFERMLINE.

This case was brought up on appeal by the Abbey Free Church congregation of Dunfermline and the Presbytery of Dunfermline, against the refusal of the Presbytery of Haddington to loose from his charge the Rev. Mr Fairbairn of Salton, to whom the Abbey congregation had given a call.

Mr THORNTON of Milnathort, on the part both of the commissioners from the Presbytery, and from the congregation, laid on the table a short statement, which had been unanimously concurred in at a meeting of the congregation, to the effect that though they believed that the translation of Mr Fairbairn would be a blessing not only to the congregation, but to the town of Dunfermline and the surrounding district, and though the trying circumstances of the congregation, and the unanimity of the call, would all justify them in pressing the appeal, yet, in respect that Mr Fairbairn's services were specially required at the present time for consolidating the congregation of Salton, which was formed from two different parishes, they had agreed to depart from the appeal.

Dr CANDLISH moved that this document be recorded in the minutes; and he could not but express his opinion, that the Church was greatly indebted to this congregation for the admirable example they had given of the principle that congregations should consult not only their own peculiar interests, but those of the Church. (Loud cheers.)

The motion was cordially adopted.

ADHERENCE OF THE MADRAS MISSIONARIES.

The MODERATOR then rose and said-He had the pleasure of announcing the gratifying intelligence which had been received that morning, of the adherence of the missionaries at the Madras station to the Free Presbyterian Church. announcement was received with immense cheering, several times renewed.)

THE MODERATOR OF THE IRISH ASSEMBLY.

(The

Dr SMYTH intimated that he had received a letter from Dr Stewart, the Moderator of the Irish Presbyterian Church, stating that he had fully determined to be present at the Assembly, but that he had delayed setting off in order to preach for a friend; and having afterwards, when he reached Port Rush, found that the steamer was unable to call there on account of the state of the weather, he had been obliged to return homewards.

CASE OF MR MACNAUGHTAN.

This case came up on an appeal from a finding of the Presbytery of Paisley, refusing to translate Mr Macnaughtan from the High Church Congregation, Paisley, to the Congregation of North Leith, whose call he had received and accepted.

Drs Clason and Candlish appeared for the Presbytery of Edinburgh; Mr Gall and Mr Charles Philip for the Congregation of North Leith; Mr M Farlan for the

Presbytery of Paisley; Messrs M'Queen, Lyon, Stewart, and several others for the Congregation of Paisley; and Mr Macnaughtan for himself.

Parties having been heard and removed, Mr Carment of Rosskeen opposed the translation, and was supported by Mr Macdonald of Ferintosh. Mr Dempster of Denny supported the translation, and was seconded by Dr M'Farlan. Mr Barclay

of Old Kilpatrick supported the first motion, and was followed by Mr M. M. Chrichton. Dr Buchanan felt himself constrained to come to a decision on this question, different from that which at the outset he was inclined to adopt, and would support Mr Carment's motion.

Mr DEMPSTER said he did not know whether to feel disappointed or rejoiced. He was full of joy at the turn the discussion had taken. Has party received its death-blow here? Is every thing done here to have for its one object-how is Christ to be glorified most? how are we best to express love to one another, and best engage in promoting the cause of Christ? We have cause to rejoice in the spirit that manifests itself in the Free Protesting Church of Scotland—individuals giving up most readily their views to the opinions and views of the greater number of their respected brethren. Mr D. then stated that though he had not altered his opinion as to the translation of Mr Macnaughtan, yet, finding that the general wish of the House was opposed to his motion, he would yield to the views of his brethren, and with the permission of the seconder, withdraw it. (Hear.) In doing so he was only acting in that spirit which seemed now to distinguish every movement of the Free Protesting Church of Scotland. Leave was accordingly given to Mr Dempster to withdraw his motion; and that of Mr Carment refusing the translation was unanimously agreed to.

THE FALKIRK CASE.

The next case before the Assembly was a case of appeal from the congregation of Falkirk against a decision of the Presbytery of Linlithgow, under the following circumstances:-The adhering members of the Free Church in Falkirk gave a call to Mr Irving of Abercorn to be their minister. The Presbytery of Linlithgow refused to sustain his translation; on which the Commissioners from Falkirk appealed to the General Assembly.

Parties being called, Commissioners appeared from the competing congregations of Falkirk and Abercorn, and Messrs Martin of Bathgate, Hetherington of Torphichen, and Laing of Grangemouth, appeared for the Presbytery.

After some discussion on the motion of Mr BEITH, it was agreed to translate. The Assembly adjourned a little before six o'clock, to meet at half-past seven.

EVENING SEDERUNT.

The Assembly met at half-past seven.

Mr PITCAIRN, the Clerk, stated that Dr Chalmers had received an address from the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, which would be remitted to the Committe, along with the others, to be answered.

Dr M'FARLAN intimated arrangement of business, after which

Dr WELSH, Convener of the Assembly's Committee on Education, read the following

REPORT ON EDUCATION.

"The subjects placed under the charge of the Education Committee were found to embrace four departments,-first, the College; second, Elementary Schools; third, Sabbath Schools; fourth, Musical Education.

"It formed the subject of consideration with the General Committee, whether four separate Sub-Committees should be appointed for the management of these different branches, or whether they should be all placed under the superintendence of one acting Committee. The subjects were too varied, and some of them too extensive, to be effectively conducted by one Convener; but then, on the other hand, the Committee did not afford materials for so many Sub-Committees, and the time

of the members was too valuable to admit of so many calls on their attention. A middle course, therefore, was proposed in the mean time; and while one acting Committee was appointed to watch over the whole, a secretary was named over each particular department.

"THE COLLEGE.

"The first business that the Committee had to discharge in reference to the College was the appointment of Professors. The Committee considered it a high privilege to be able to appoint to preside, and to give prelections in theology in the new institution, an individual whose name is identified with the Church; and as John Knox took the lead in the first reformation, Alexander Henderson in the second, Thomas Chalmers stands forth as representative in the third Reformation. Dr Welsh was named Professor of Divinity and Church History. Dr Duncan's unrivalled attainments in Hebrew and Oriental Literature, connected with the rare art of kindling to enthusiasm the youthful student, secured him the nomination to the Hebrew Chair. The general voice of the Church and country indicated Dr Cunningham for a fourth Chair, but, as his services will not be required till the session 1844-45, it was with the understanding that he should proceed to the United States, partly with the view of pleading our Church question, and partly that he might have an opportunity of witnessing the manner in which education, and particularly theological education, is conducted in the seminaries of the New World. The vast learning of Dr Black, his mastery over languages, his virtues not less conspicuous than his talents, presented him as a proper person to be called to a Chair, and he was appointed Professor at Aberdeen, where his labours will greatly increase the interests of the Free Church.

"Professors having been appointed to the new Institution, it was desirable that a building adapted to the purposes of the College should be secured. The Committee accordingly purchased a house in George Street, and are making alterations, which it is hoped will be completed by the end of the present month.

"The course of education during the ensuing session is to continue in all respects the same as in former years. Many important changes are in contemplation, but it is judged of consequence to proceed with them warily, and to introduce no change without due consideration. The question as to the propriety of establishing preliminary classes, by which students may be fully prepared for the Theological curriculum, without being obliged to attend the present universities, has not been lost sight of; though the same reasons that have induced them to attempt no change during the present session upon the Theological Classes, have seemed sufficient to delay the introduction of preliminary classes. The subject is meeting with the most anxious attention, and the Committee are in hopes that at next Assembly they may be able to communicate their views. In the mean time, it may be sufficient to state, that in the plans they have been considering, no proposal has been made to lessen the amount of preparatory acquisitions on the part of young men. On the contrary it is their anxious wish to elevate the standard of literary and philosophical attainments, and to secure for the ministers of the Free Church young men thoroughly educated. But they conceive that this may be effected as well in certain cases where there is a year less of university education. For example, if a young man attends the seventh class in the Edinburgh Academy, which he leaves when he is seventeen, it is conceived that he may pass at once to the logic class in the university. His attainments must be incalculably higher than those of many young men who enter the junior Greek class; and if the Greek must be attended, it may be in one of the years appropriated to the philosophical classes.

"When literary and philosophical classes are established in the New College, lectures on Greek and Roman literature might supersede the teaching of the Greek and Latin languages, which might be thoroughly learned at school; and the Committee also contemplate great changes in regard to Natural Philosophy and Moral Philosophy, but which are not sufficiently matured to admit of being stated.

No appeal has been made to the public hitherto upon the subject of funds.