Strauchan is most willing to do, and for which he is so well fitted, by his perfect familiarity with the Spanish language.

MALTA." The Church in Malta, since the return of Mr Bayne, has been ably supplied by Mr Fairbairn, of Newhaven Church; and the Committee have gratifying accounts of his labours, as they also have of the labours of Mr Wilson, the respected teacher sent to Malta.

LEGHORN." In Leghorn, Mr R. W. Stewart still continues to labour singlehanded in the ministry. But he neither flags nor wearies, and the congregation continues to prosper; while the rights and privileges of Presbyterians can nowhere be in more judicious hands than in those of our friends in Leghorn. An instance of this the Committee take this opportunity of mentioning. The Bishop of Gibraltar having consecrated the burial-ground in Leghorn, objection was made by the Episcopalian authorities, to the use of the ground by Presbyterians, without conforming to the burial rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. As the burial-ground is private property, held under British authority, this was resisted and complained of; and after much correspondence, in which great judgment and discretion were manifested by our friends in Leghorn, the claims of Presbyterians were at length acknowledged, and the gratifying intelligence communicated in a letter from Lord Palmerston, to the effect that there is to be no hindrance to the members of the Free Church using the British burial-ground, with such rites as they may choose.

"Such is the brief outline of the principal proceedings of your Committee during the last year. Brief as the account given has been, it shows distinctly the immense extent of the field, and yet there remain large settlements of Scotchmen still unvisited and still uncared for. In Norway, in Holland, in Russia, in Turkey, there are many of our fellow-countrymen permanently located, and who have been sadly neglected by this Church. The Committee are engaged in making inquiries as to the number and religious condition of their fellow-countrymen, and they hope that opportunities may occur from time to time of visiting them, and ministering to their spiritual wants. In conclusion, there are one or two things to which the Committee would more especially draw the attention of the Assembly.

1st, The Assembly will observe that the Committee have devoted a much larger amount of attention, and appropriated a much larger amount of its funds, This to education preparatory to the ministry than on any former occasion. has been done, because the Committee are convinced that in this way they secure a larger amount of good by a less expenditure of the means at their disposal than by any other. It creates an interest, awakens a spirit, and secures a permanence, which nothing else can do. In this point of view, the Committee look with much satisfaction to the College at Toronto, which three years since had only seven students, but which now numbers forty-three students, a goodly staff of professors, and a preparatory school of 170, under the able superintendence of Mr Gale. They feel that nothing effectual will be done for Nova Scotia or Australia till similar institutions be raised there; and they consider that part of the funds committed to them cannot be better employed than in aiding the erection of such halls of study and divinity, both in the one place and in the

other.

"2dly, The Assembly will observe that the Committee are still sending deputies for a few months' service to accessible places. This plan, to which necessity compelled us at first to resort, has been blessed for doing much and extensive good. When we think of the thousands who, by this means, have heard the gospel-of the Churches visited, and the precious results which have marked, and do mark, the track of such deputations when we see congregations gathered, and confirmed, and churches rising up on every side-when we look on the Canadian Synod growing from twenty-three ministers and nine elders to upwards of seventy ministers, and a hundred separate missionary stations-when we look to Nova Scotia, fast following in the same course when deputy after deputy is blessed to awaken, to convert, and to edify-and when, at length, the labours and prayers of all are answered exceeding abundantly above what they had ventured to think, and decided symptoms of spiritual revival appear, we

cannot but bless God that ever this Church was led to engage in such a work. Still it is obvious that such a way of supplying these places cannot be continued indefinitely. And your Committee are of opinion that the time has come when it should be gradually withdrawn, and these distant places thrown more upon such permanent labourers as may now be available either on the spot or elsewhere. Only this must not be done too abruptly, but gradually, and with due consideration, not only of our own convenience, but also of the Churches who look to us for guidance and support. And even when the system is generally given up, the Committee would still strongly recommend to the Church to continue to supply some of their stations by ministers who may require a change; and to visit as many of them as possible from time to time by deputations appointed for this special work. The former of these has already been of essential service to many whose health was failing. At least fourteen of our best ministers have, within these few years, been so employed, and their valuable labours restored to the Church. And the latter, they are convinced, will be found of essential benefit, refreshing distant brethren with a visit of brotherly affectiondrawing the cords of union closer-cheering those distant congregations with assurances of the continued interest of the Church in their welfare-and deepening that interest by the return of these brethren to tell what they had seen, and how the vine doth flourish' in these remote places.

"And lastly, The Committee have to report that, notwithstanding the wide extent of their operations, and the heavy expenses attendant on them, the funds committed to their charge are not yet exhausted. With so large a field, and so many claims as they have, the Committee feel that it is quite necessary not only that they should avoid debt, but also seek to have somewhat laid aside to meet unexpected emergencies, or to improve opening opportunities. In all ordinary circumstances, therefore, the Committee would have been amply warranted to reserve carefully the funds which they have been able to accumulate. But the Church this year is not in ordinary circumstances. Some of our most important Committees are not able to carry forward the work committed to them for want of funds, and must either obtain these funds, or withdraw from some part of the field. This is especially the case with the India Mission; and as all other means of relief seem to have failed, the Colonial Committee would now express their willingness to carry forward their operations without any collection for this year, on the understanding, that they obtain the first collection made after the Assembly of 1850-thus leaving space for the India Mission receiving an additional collection during this year, or for any other plan being adopted to redeem it and other Committees from their present difficulties.

"Meanwhile we must look to our friends both at home and abroad doing what they can for us in other ways; and we are fain to think, that, while thus great good may arise to other Schemes from this arrangement, there will be no obstruction to our labours, or crippling of our efforts.

"In conclusion, we will not fear either for this Scheme or any other of the Schemes of the Church. The Lord hath blessed us, and he will bless us still, Though men's hands may be tied up at present, the Lord is teaching lessons, both at home and abroad, as to the things of the world, which will not be lost on Christian minds. At home, he has been teaching in the most affecting way, that they are wise who lay up treasures in heaven, and they alone. Abroad, he has been signally showing us the utter instability of all earthly things, and bidding us seek a kingdom that cannot be moved. And by the devotedness of men in these lands to their principles-their willingness to cast rank, and wealth, and time, and labour, into the common treasury to advance them-their spending and being spent, that they might not fail, He has been renewing to each of his professed disciples and friends this searching question, What do you more than others, or even as much? And we cannot but think that this question will enter the heart of every follower of Christ. They have suffered so many things for an earthly good-how much more should we for a heavenly? they for things which are of the earth, earthy-how much more we, for what is of the heaven, heavenly? they for a kingdom which is unstable in its foundation, and uncertain in all its fruits-we for a kingdom which is glory to God in the highest,

peace on earth, and good will to the children of men. How unworthily shall it be, if, in such a time, and amid such dealings and lessons, we shall be found cold, and selfish, and tenacious of the world! How doubly guilty if any of the work of the kingdom of Christ shall be left to languish and decay in our hands, at such a time, for want of the requisite means to carry it forward! How doubly binding is it on us to work while it is called to-day-to sow by all waters, not knowing how soon or how suddenly doors at present open may be shut against us!"

Mr BURNS suggested that, as Dr Willis, Professor of Theology in the College at Toronto, was present, he should be called upon to give the Assembly any information which he possessed in regard to that institution. The suggestion was agreed to.

Dr WILLIS, on coming forward, was received with applause.—Had I been aware, that this business connected with the Colonial Scheme was to come on thus early in the day, and had I anticipated being called upon at this time to address the Assembly, and that it would be necessary for me to say anything on the subject during the early sederunt of this day, perhaps I might have brought some documents with me containing some interesting information; at the same time I do not doubt, that a brief statement may serve all the purposes in view, even better than if I were to go into large details, especially after the very suitable exposition of details submitted by the esteemed and excellent Convener of the Colonial Committee. I have to mention, as is indeed known to a number here, that when the invitation came to me, I made up my mind at once to accept the call laid before me to go out, to take part in conducting the studies of the young men in the College at Toronto. I had been out there two years before in temporary service, and had been on duty on the ground, and I found that the studies of the young men had been very efficiently and judiciously superintended by Mr Church, and other ministers on the spot had also given their attention during the early part of last session before my arrival, and between these, the young men had been continued in an uninterrupted study of the system of theology. I took up the system at the very point where I found they had left it, on my arrival, and was anxious, with regard to the fourth year's course, to reach the close of it, so as altogether to bring the field of didactic theology within the compass of four sessions, a thing which I very much approve of; and I am happy to say, that, under the blessing of God's providence, I was able to complete what I thus desired. The young men had had the disadvantage of being under a great variety of teachers; and of course had been taught on a variety of different systems, but still they had the advantage for four sessions of being continuously passed under our view. Thus we have made shorter work of it than one professor of theology, to whom Dr Chalmers once referred, who having begun in early life a course of divinity, had not finished it when old age arrived, and at the same time, it is very possible that his course was as deep as it was long-(a laugh)-for I read the other day, and understand that the same reverend gentleman of the olden time used to take with him in his summer excursions to the country a full synopsis of theology for his light reading. (A laugh.) I am happy to say that our students in the College at Toronto are of a very promising description. They are, as Mr Bonar has already reported, about forty-five in number; and here I may mention, that this number includes those who have been admitted into the institution for the study of theology, with other views, as well as those who are already formally enrolled as students of divinity. My own class numbers twenty-four; and it is very likely that next session I will have a class of nearly forty regular students of divinity. There is also an academy, as you have heard mentioned, auxiliary to the College, and which is in excellent working order. That academy is available for general instruction to others, as well as to those destined for the ministry; and it has a special claim to your favour, as it is for the benefit of our friends abroad. The system of instruction that is organised there, has been organised with the view of combining religious with secular instruction, and it is very serviceable to the College in the way of supplying that which, in the circumstances of some of the youths, may have been wanting in the earlier stages of their progress, namely, regular academic ini

tiatory instruction in those branches which are absolutely necessary almost before coming to the College at all. I have to speak very favourably, not only of the habits of the youth there, but of their piety and their seriousness in regard to religious matters. I believe that all of them, so far as I could be cognisant of their motives, had embraced the profession with a good conscience, and from a serious wish to be useful in the vineyard of the Lord. A number of them who have already gone out have been exceedingly acceptable to the people whom they addressed. I may mention, as a feature of the institution there, that in consequence of the extensive spiritual wants which seem to prevail on every side from the absence of stated pastors, the young men who attend upon the instructions of theology are allowed to go out every Saturday to supply the stations in the character of catechists and preachers, and returning, of course, to their studies on the Monday, or such of them as have been sent to a greater distance, on the Tuesday. Now, I may mention, when I am addressing you, that I have great reason to bring to you a favourable report of the efficiency and assiduity of those who are associated with me in tuition there. You are aware, as it has been already referred to in the Report, of the extent of our staff of teachers. There is a Professorship of Theology and Oriental Languages, a Professor of Philosophy, a Professor of Literature, and one, the Rev. Mr Gale, who kindly gives lectures to the students, and conducts their studies in Latin and Greek. But I can give no account of the state of matters in the College at Toronto, without referring to the valuable services of Dr Burns, not only in the pastoral work, but amongst the students, during the two previous sessions of the College. He is identified with its very origin; and he has laboured in every manner of way for its advantage. I do hope one good result of my labours this session, has been to maintain the entire unity and mutual confidence formerly obtaining amongst the parties connected with that institution; and I have every reason to contemplate that we will all be brought together again during the ensuing session, in the same spirit, with Dr Burns giving his valuable aid. It has been a very great point with him, and the object has been anxiously pressed on the attention of all parties there, that we should supplement our staff by the appointment of another professor, who would devote himself to the teaching of logic and rhetoric. I have seen it right to support him in that proposal, although I have not been able to support him in every proposal regarding the arrangements of that College. I think he is right in that, and that it would be a valuable addition to our staff of teachers. I need not here insist upon the value of it, or the benefit of it in a theological curriculum, nor of the necessity of being accomplished in the principles of logic, and a knowledge of the principles of evidence, and to be able to give some reasons in reference to the inductions of the Christian faith, for I do believe that sound principles of logic, and sound principles of rhetoric, are at the bottom of sound principles of hermaneutics. I think the necessity is very great, and the claim on this Church is very strong, for additional labourers to go out to take charge of congregations there. I perfectly agree in what has been said by the Convener in expressing the mind of the Committee, that however valuable the visits of deputies are, and I am sure the congregations in Canada are deeply thankful for the labours of the deputies,-but still far less service is rendered to Canada by the deputations, than if, I do not say preachers merely, but if some ministers would go out and settle there. And sure I am, although you may not thank me for saying it here, that so important is the position, that it is one of such usefulness, that the demand is so great, that the acceptance of the labourers is so ready when they go in the right spirit to serve the Lord in that portion of his vineyard, that I do not give an exaggerated statement of the necessity when I say that they have an imperative claim upon the brethren in this country. I think it would not be a too great sacrifice made by this Church although she were to allow her ministry to be decimated, and one in every ten to go forth to labour in that portion of the vineyard. I am sure, in rendering help to the Church there, in following out the cause of sound Presbyterianism there, and in prosecuting the cause of Protestantism there (for there is a fight at hand there, as well as in Europe, with the great anti-Christian power of this world), in entering upon that enterprise you would, on the whole, do a

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substantial and rightful service to the common cause.

I know that it is difficult to entertain such an idea, and I know that the Synod of Canada would be very thankful for even a fifth or a fourth of that number. Let me take leave to say, that Canada is a country occupied by large classes of very intelligent English and Scotch people, and it is not every preacher we want. I may, without offence, say in this place, "for we are all honourable men," that I may take it for granted there are some both of the comparative and positive degree; and I may say the gratitude of the Canadian people will be most surely engaged by sending out to them good and effective preachers, men well accomplished in theology,―pious men,--for there I have found a laudable appreciation of piety at every place I have visited. I believe that if we had a few pious and zealous men, and at the same time effective preachers, these men would not need to go there in vain. Besides, in looking, as we are in the habit of doing in our missionary enterprises, to the means of pecuniary support, I believe that would not be wanting, and that they would receive every encouragement, whether of a spiritual or secular kind. As regards health, there is an idea among many that the climate is not healthful, but I may say for myself that I found it very healthful; I have generally found that the verdict of those who have laboured there longer than I have done, and of those who have laboured shorter; and I hope none of our friends will be afraid of Atlantic voyages, for in consequence of the excellent means of transit, there is every reason to calculate on very safe communication between the two hemispheres. I may say, during my late voyage home, had I not known historically that I was sailing on the ocean, I might have been frequently convinced that I was sitting in a hotel in Edinburgh or Glasgow, so quiet was everything, and so imperceptible the motion of the vessel. I would earnestly beseech your continued sympathy and interest in the cause of the Church in Canada. I am happy to tell you this Church now numbers seventy ordained ministers, and I am perfectly satisfied that it might soon number three times that if we have only a due and reasonable average contribution of, not money, but men, from year to year. But it is quite plain, that whatever prospects we may indulge ourselves in of training young men for the ministry at Toronto, anything that can be done by that seminary from year to year can be but a mere driblet in proportion to the wants of the province, for there is occasion each year, not for two or three, but for twenty or thirty. A gentleman well acquainted with the Gaelic districts, I may mention for the information of our Highland brethren, both clergymen and laymen present,-and who was a member, I think, of the Provincial Parliament, assured me, and begged of me to assure others, that there was immediate occasion, with plenty of money and a sufficient field, for the labours of twenty Gaelic preachers in the districts alone of Perth and Glengarry. I will not detain you longer, and only beg to thank you for the kindness with which you have listened to my statement; and I will be very happy, in private, to go into details for the information of any of the brethren who may have a desire to go to that part of the world to labour,-not in a larger field than Scotland, but in a larger field than Scotland, England, and Ireland, all put together. (Applause.)

Mr MONTEITH of Kingarth, in a speech of some length, referred to a recent visit which he had made to Marseilles, Leghorn, and Alexandria, and submitted several suggestions as to what should be done to spread and maintain their principles in those places. The education of the Mahometan and Coptic population in Alexandria, he showed to be a most inviting field of labour; and Mehemet Ali, he said, was perfectly willing to give every countenance to any sect who would take upon themselves the education of the children. Whenever they were prepared to set the scheme agoing, he would get them a teacher, who would remove at once to Alexandria.

Mr MACNAUGHTAN said,-I rise to move the adoption of this Report, and the thanks of the House to our esteemed brother Dr Willis, who has just addressed us. I never listened to a more interesting detail of the proceedings of our Colonial Committee than that which has now been submitted. The Lord has been doing great things for us, whereof we are glad. We cannot reflect on the vast extent of territory over which this Report travels, without a solemnizing sense