it is true we have not merely cleared off our debt, but paid our teachers without anticipating our revenue,-while we were enabled at the last term of Whitsunday to pay our teachers at a somewhat higher rate than at the corresponding period of the previous year, and that without encroaching upon our income, yet I beg the Assembly to remember, that, so far as regards the extension of our Scheme, this has been a year in which we have been forced to stand still. Let it be borne in mind that we have not, in the first place, reached that rate of payment to our teachers which we have all along aimed at, and that we have not, in the second place, been able to extend our Scheme. For these purposes a considerable increase in the monthly contributions will still be necessary. They have hitherto steadily increased, and I hope they will continue to increase; but still, for accomplishing the objects referred to, a large augmentation is requisite. I have also to state, that the Committee still receive numerous applications for assistance in paying salaries attached to new schools, which they are obliged, for want of funds, to refuse and evade in every possible way. We are still in the position of being compelled to discourage, rather than promote, the educational movement, to resist, rather than invite, applications for aid. We are convinced that our Scheme has not yet reached its proper limits; and if the people of Scotland belonging to the Free Church are pleased to intrust us with a somewhat larger share of their contributions, we are still anxious to go forward, and do more than we have heretofore done in the way of promoting the godly upbringing of the youth of Scotland. (Applause.) Mr ELDER was afraid that if the resolution went forth from this Assembly that the Macdonald Fund was at an end, those who were in arrears to it might hold themselves discharged of any obligation on that score. He questioned therefore the propriety of coming to any such resolution, unless the Committee agreed, in such cases where arrears had been handed over to local parties to collect for local objects, to extend the benefit of the new Fund which they might raise in consequence of the termination of this one. He was glad to hear the Convener report that the Committee had relaxed the resolutions which had been intimated to their teachers some time ago regarding examinations; but he could not help thinking that there might be some little hardship to some of their teachers who had already passed through the constitutional ordeal of being examined by their Presbyteries, to send them to another examination by the Government Inspector or by Presbyteries. It looked something like a new probation; and though he was glad that the resolutions of the Committee had been so far relaxed, he would have them still further relaxed, so as to make it optional to the teacher to appear before the Government Inspector, or any authority appointed by this Church for that purpose. Mr SHANKS of Buckie, felt the same objection, as Mr Elder had expressed, in reference to the Macdonald Fund. If the attention of Presbyteries were directed specially to the subject, much of the arears at present outstanding might be collected during the next year. Dr CANDLISH had no particular wish that this Fund should be brought to a close. The plain truth was, that they (the Committee) had in some cases been making over the present arrears to local purposes, in the hope that where the efforts of the central power failed to collect these, the local appliances might succeed, as the people might be more willing to pay up their arrears for a local object, than they would be if they were to be swallowed up in a more general fund. He had no objections to make a present of all the arrears to local parties, according to their present necessities; but the Committee could make no more of them. With regard to the other matter of Mr Elder's he would say, that they did not, of course, require any teacher to submit to any examination either by the Government or by this Church; but the Committee felt themselves perfectly entitled to stipulate, that those who wished to be classed among their first-class teachers should be subjected to such an examination as they might see their way to apply. The report was then approved of. COLLECTIONS FOR THE SCHEMES. The Assembly then called for the report of the Committee appointed to prepare the daft of an Act for Collections for the Schemes, and took up Overtures anent Collections from the Presbyteries of Dundee and Paisley. Mr Gray, Convener of the Committee, gave in draft of an Act, which, being considered, along with the Overtures now on their table, the Assembly approved of the following arrangement for the collections for the Schemes during the year : 1. On the fourth Sabbath of June, for the Colonial Missions. 2. On the third Sabbath of August, for the Church Building Fund. 3. On the third Sabbath of October, for the Home Mission. 4. On the third Sabbath of December, for Foreign Missions. 5. On the third Sabbath of February, for the College. 6. On the third Sabbath of April, for the Conversion of the Jews. The Assembly farther recommend that a collection be made on the third Sabbath of November, for the special object of aiding to increase the means of grace in the city of Glasgow, and promoting the evangelisation of the masses therein. And the Assembly recommend that a collection be made on the third Sabbath of March, for the Propagation of the Gospel on the continent of Europe. The appointment of a collection for Foreign Missions is not to apply to those congregations in which efficient Associations in aid of the said Missions are or shall be established. SYNOD BOOKS, &c. The Assembly then called for the report of the Committee appointed to visit Synod Records, when the same was made by Mr Laughton, Convener, the Assembly order the books of the Synods of Argyle, Angus and Mearns, Fife, Stirling, Merse and Teviotdale, Lothian and Tweeddale, and Dumfries, and Presbytery book of Orkney, to be attested as correctly kept, and the business orderly conducted. They order the books of Sutherland and Caithness, Moray, Aberdeen, Perth, Glenelg, Glasgow and Ayr, Galloway, and Ross, to be attested with the remarks of the Committee. The Assembly order the Synod Book of Glenelg to be attested with the remark, that while it was competent to them to revive the Presbytery of Skye and Uist at the meeting of 7th April last, it was not competent to them to give validity to the meeting previously held by said Presbytery, at which it professed to revive itself. Further, in ordering the Presbytery Book of Shetland to be attested, the Assembly did, and hereby do, confirm the proceedings of that Presbytery from 27th August last, said Presbytery having, in its Synodical capacity, revived itself at said date, and they enjoin the Presbytery to avail themselves of the special power which is given to Presbyteries in the northern and western isles of adjourning with continuation of days. On the report of the Committee, the Commission Record was ordered to be attested as correctly kept. The Assembly instruct the Presbyteries in India to prepare duplicates of their Records since their formation under 9th Act of the Assembly of October 1843, and to send up the same, in order that they may be visited,. to the next Assembly. And further, the Assembly enjoin that in future, duplicates of the Records be sent up for examination every second year thereafter. Adjourned at half-past one A.M. on the morning of Tuesday the 1st of June, to meet at half-past nine o'clock for private conference on matters relating to the Committee on the Conversion of the Jews, and at half-past ten for business. TUESDAY, JUNE 1. 1852. Reports on Collections and Sanctioning of Charges-Case of Maryculter and Bourtreebush-Reports on Sabbath Schools; on Newport and Rhynie; on Missionary Record; on College Acts; of Board of Trustees-Minutes of Committees-Report on Temperance-Parochial Schools-Spiritual Interests of Students-Deliverance on Sustentation Fund, on Foreigh Missions; on Popery; on the Highlands; on Home Missions-Amsterdam-Deliverance on Colonial Report-Model Trust Deed -Original Seceders-Commission appointed-Moderator's Address. The Assembly met in conference according to adjournment, and having been constituted by prayer, Mr Milne of Perth in the chair, spent some time in conversation relating to the affairs of the Jewish Mission, and thereafter adjourned. The Assembly having again convened, was constituted with devotional exercises. The minute of last diet was then read. COLLECTIONS. The Assembly having called for the report of the Committee appointed to class Returns of Collection Schedules, the same was made by Mr Nixon, Convener. The Assembly approve of the report; and with the view of more effectually carrying out the objects contemplated in the original appointment relative to these Schedules, the Assembly direct the Treasurer of the Church to transmit to the Clerks of Assembly, as soon as possible after 31st March in each year, a list of those congregations who have failed to make the Collections appointed by the General Assembly in the course of the year ending at said date; and the Clerks are instructed to communicate immediately with those Presbyteries within whose bounds these congregations are situated; and said Presbyteries are hereby enjoined to send up a report to the Clerks at latest one week before the meeting of Assembly, stating the reasons assigned for such Collections not being made, that the same may be laid before the General Assembly. SANCTIONING OF CHARGES. The Assembly having called for the report of the Committee on the Sanctioning of Charges, and on Cases remitted to them, the same was given in by Dr Buchanan, the Convener. The Assembly approve of the report, resolve in terms thereof, and accordingly,― I. In regard so the proposed New Charges, viz. :— (1.) Foveran, Presbytery of Ellon:-The Assembly sanction this station; but at the same time, remit to the Sustentation Committee to see that no proceedings be taken towards the settlement of a minister till arrangements be made to the satisfaction of that Committee. (2.) Towie and Leochel Cushnie, Presbytery of Alford.-The Assembly consider that the application for sanction of these two stations is still premature; and they instruct the Presbytery to watch over the stations, and endeavour to mature matters for coming before the Assembly at a future period. (3.) Rayne, Presbytery of Garioch.-The Assembly decline to sanction this station; but they express the hope that such progress may be made as to warrant the Church in sanctioning it as a ministerial charge at no distant date. (4.) Burrelton, Presbytery of Dunkeld.-The Assembly declare that Burrelton is not a sanctioned charge; but, in the whole circumstances of the congregation, and more especially in the expectation and on the understanding that Burrelton will be a selfsustaining charge, the Assembly now sanction it, and the Assembly instruct the Committee on the Sustentation Fund, before acquiescing in any application for leave to call a minister to Burrelton, to see that the congregation at Burrelton are prepared to make good the expectation and understanding on which this charge is now sanctioned. II. In the cases relative to Reduction of Charges to Stations, viz. :— (1.) Saltcoats, Presbytery of Irvine.-The Assembly discontinue the congregation of Saltcoats Gaelic Church as a sanctioned charge, and place it upon the footing of a preaching station. (2.) Ellsridgehill, Presbytery of Biggar and Peebles. In the reference by the Presbytery relative to Ellsridgehill, the Assembly instruct the Presbytery to correspond with the Sustentation Committee, and they instruct the Sustentation Committee to advise with the Presbytery in regard to the matters therein referred to. (3.) Roberton, Presbytery of Selkirk. In the reference by the Presbytery of Selkirk relative to Mr Dow's resignation of the charge at Roberton, the Assembly dismiss the reference, accept Mr Dow's resignation, and declare Roberton to be no longer a ministerial charge, and remit to the Home Mission Committee to communicate with the Presbyteries of Selkirk and Jedburgh as to maintaining a preaching station at Roberton. III. In the other Cases remitted to the same Committee, the Assembly also approve of the report, and resolve in terms thereof; and accordingly iu the following Cases :(1.) In the petition of Mr Robert Sutherland, Probationer, praying the Assembly to confer on him the privilege of a Disruption Probationer, the Assembly grant the prayer of the petition, and sustain the claim as on the Home Mission Committee. (2.) In the petition from the Presbytery of Orkney, relative to the Congregations of St Andrews and Deerness, and praying the Assembly to authorise the Presbytery to proceed with the settlement of a Minister at Deerness, the Assembly are of opinion that the union of these two congregations is not practicable, and that the opinion expressed, by last Assembly, that an attempt ought to be made to unite the two charges under the pastoral care of the present Minister, cannot be acted on; but before any Minister is settled at Deerness, the Assembly instruct the Presbytery to communicate with the Sustentation Committee in the usual manner. (3.) In the application from the Presbytery of Glasgow, relative to the case of Mr John Sutherland, a Gaelic Student, who had in 1848-49 attended the Classes of Divinity and Church History in the New College, and during the two subsequent sessions the Greek and Logic Classes in the University of Glasgow, to allow him to enter the Divinity Hall at the conclusion of his course of Moral Philosophy, and to study Natural Philosophy in his first session in the Divinity Hall, the Assembly grant the application. (4.) In the application from the Presbytery of Edinburgh relative to Mr John Fordyce, Student of Theology, who is proposed by the Association of Ladies for promoting Female Education in India in connection with the Free Church, to be sent out as Superintendent of the Female Institution in Calcutta, for authority to the Presbytery of Calcutta to adopt the necessary steps for having Mr Fordyce taken on trials for licence, although he has not gone through the whole preliminary course of study; the Assembly grant leave to the Presbytery of Calcutta to take Mr Fordyce on trials for licence when they shall deem the same to be proper; on the understanding that, should Mr Fordyce return to this country, the sanction of the Assembly shall be obtained before he accepts any call. (5.) In the dissent and complaint by Rev. Mr Cook of Auchtergaven, Presbytery of Dnukeld, relative to certain proceedings arising out of the application for the sanctioning of the charge at Burrelton, the Assembly consider that it is unnecessary to enter into the merits of the case, and they accordingly recommend to the Assembly to dismiss the said dissent and complaint. The judgments in the above several cases were intimated to the parties who were present. MARYCULTER AND BOURTREEBUSH. The Assembly next resumed consideration of the appeal by Mr Thom and others, appellants against a judgment of the Synod of Aberdeen, in the case of Maryculter and Bourtreebush. Parties were called; the following report was made by the Committee to whom this case was remitted : "In the protest and appeal by certain members of the congregation at Maryculter, against a judgment of the Synod of Aberdeen, affirming the judgment of the Presbytery of Aberdeen, that the congregations of Maryculter and Bourtreebush be united, and that the necessary steps be taken for having a minister called to the united congregations, the Committee recommend to the Assembly to dismiss the protest and appeal, and affirm the judgment of the Synod, and grant leave to the united congregations to proceed with the settlement of a minister after obtaining the sanction of the Sustentation Committee in the usual manner." The Assembly having heard the report of the Committee, find in terms thereof. SABBATH SCHOOLS. The Assembly then called for the report on Sabbath schools, which was made by Mr Maitland Heriot, as follows: "Your Committee have taken the liberty of printing, for the use of the Assembly, an abstract of the information collected by them this year as to Sabbath schools, and likewise a selection of such answers as it was thought might be interesting to the Church. "It will be perceived that, while the number of Sabbath schools and teachers and scholars, were last year 1671, 8506, and 99,090, respectively, they are this year, 1806, 9122, and 103,945. There are 401 Congregations having fewer than 10 Teachers. 219 12 between 10 and 20 Teachers. 20 and 30 30 and 40 40 and 50 50 and 60 60 and 70 "The names of one or two of those having the largest number of Sabbath-school teachers deserve honourable mention. "St Peter's, Glasgow, has 50 teachers; St James's, Glasgow, has 53 teachers; St John's, Glasgow, has likewise 53; Lochs, in the Presbytery of Lewis, has 54; the South Church, Paisley, has 58; the South Church, Aberdeen, has 66; the High Church, Kilmarnock, has 70; the High Church, Paisley, has 75; and St George's, Paisley, has 90 Sabbath-school teachers. Paisley has thus the honour of possessing the two congregations throughout the whole Church that have the largest number of Sabbath-school teachers connected with them. "The Committee would mention to the Assembly the names of those congregations who are teaching the largest number of scholars, that other congregations having as many, if not more members, may, if possible, be provoked unto good works. "The congregation of St George's, Glasgow, teaches 639 Sabbath scholars; Stornoway teaches 643; Tron Church, Glasgow, teaches 790; Stockwell, Glasgow, teaches Uu |