demand years of preparation,—we must be at such work as he has already laid to our hand. My people, too, have won my regard, if possible, more than ever, by all that has passed. Still, with all these scruples, I would not take upon myself personally the responsibility of drawing back. I would dread almost some visitation on the congregation, to humble them and me, if I were ultroneously to assume the necessity of my remaining; and I feel that I can, with a clear conscience, and an humble reliance on God, go forward, as in the path of duty. At the same time, I shall rejoice if the Church relieve me from all embarrassment, in some such way as your letter suggests. A representation from my fathers and brethren, such as you speak of, will be a positive relief to me. And I cannot but think that they ought to speak out. I am entitled to the most frank expression of their views. It cannot possibly offend me; for I know their love to me, and the very reason of their movement would be only too flattering to myself."

Such were the circumstances in which this matter took the shape, or began at least to take the shape which it ultimately assumed. It is well known that, after this correspondence, communications flowed in from various quarters expressive of the same sentiments. I think, now that, in deference to the pressure of several members of this House, I have felt it to be my duty to lay this correspondence before it, the House will feel that I was fully justified in saying, as I did at the commencement of my observations, that the conduct of Dr Candlish was in entire harmony with the unselfish character, and that devotedness to the interests of the Free Church of Scotland, for which he is so eminently distinguished. (Hear, hear.) I don't think it is needful to say more in reference to the question of his resignation. I remain of the opinion which the motion expresses, that his resignation should be accepted, and that the prayer of the memorialists ought to be granted. In reference to the manner of doing it, I would beg leave to read the motion again with a slight change which has been made upon it. I have to remark, in explanation, that the substance of what was pointed out in the suggestion of my friend Mr Gibson, was in the motion, and was intended to be in the motion, although it was not so specifically brought out in detail as might be desirable, or even in the circumstances as even needful. This narrative embodies the consent of the only parties concerned. We have here the call, in the voice of the congregation, given forth at two meetings, -the one held at an interval of four months from the other. We have here, likewise, the desire of Dr Candlish himself; but still I think it right, when any departure from established usage is permitted, that the peculiarities of the case should be distinctly set forth. I would just say, in reference to what fell from Mr Macnaughtan, that I think he will be satisfied, on further consideration, that there are, in point of fact, but two alternatives,-that we must either follow the prescribed law and usage of the Church in the matter, or lay the law aside. I think there are but these two alternatives. The Assembly, with its nobile officium, can dispense with the ordinary rules in reference to this case; but in the Presbytery of Edinburgh, if it is sent back to the Presbytery to repone Dr Candlish according to the laws of the Church, it will be found that the laws referred to require induction, and they have no power to modify those forms, and no power to dispense with those forms; therefore, if sent back to the Presbytery, it must do the very thing which it is the object of this motion to render unnecessary. If this thing ought to be done, then it should be ordered by the Assembly itself; but if it is not to be done, as I think it ought not to be done, then the Assembly is the only party that can dispense with the ordinary forms. After the most deliberate consideration of this question, I heartily concur with Mr Carment in his view of this case, and I believe that a strict observance of the letter of the law would be doing a great injury to the spirit of the law. It would be keeping the letter at the expense of the spirit of the law. It is therefore with great deference I lay this motion before the Assembly for your approval.

Mr WILSON said, if the motion was to be pressed to a division, he had no wish to divide the House, and, with the consent of the seconder, would withdraw his amendment.

Mr CRICHTON responded to the call which had been made, but would have liked that the House should have divided, in order to show the exact mind of the Assembly on this question. Important principles were involved, and the dignity of the House, in his opinion, had been offended.

Mr SHERIFF MONTEITH was about to express an opinion in reference to part of the motion which proposed to restore Dr Candlish to St George's congregation per saltum, but, being informed that the discussion was closed, he gave way. Dr Buchanan's motion was carried nem. con.

THE BARVAS CASE.

The Assembly then took up the protest and appeal of the Rev. Mr Anderson, minister of the Gaelic Congregation, Rothesay, against the decision of the Presbytery of Dunoon and Inverary, agreeing to his translation from Rothesay to Barvas, in the Island of Lewis. The record of this case stated, that the call to the Rev. Mr Anderson to Barvas was signed by 418 males, and concurred in by about 400 females above 16 years of age. On parties being called, Mr Alexander Brown appeared for the congregation of Rothesay; the Rev. Mr Anderson for himself; the Rev. Dr M'Kay for the Presbytery of Dunoon and Inverary; and the Rev. Mr M'Rae of Cross for the Presbytery of the Lewis.

The Rev. Mr ANDERSON said, he was exceedingly sorry that he should have been placed in the painful position of being obliged to appeal this case to the Assembly; but he had no alternative. He expressed his mind very decidedly to the Presbytery when this case came before them. He took two full months to consider the call; and he could assure them that he had made it the subject, during that time, of the most serious consideration and deliberation; and the conclusion to which he came, after these two months' deliberation, was simply, that it was not his duty to accept of this call, solely on account of the state of his health. He had most distinctly to say, that all his predilections and associations would have been in favour of accepting this call; but whilst he said this, he must likewise declare that he had not bodily strength for the work. He had been cupped three times; and having had thirty-six ounces of blood taken from his side, he was subject to great bodily weakness ever since. He felt it to be a great hardship that he should be obliged to bring this before the Assembly; and nothing but a deep-felt sense of its being his duty, in the sight of the great Searcher of hearts, could have induced him to bring the case there. His reverend fathers and brethren of the Presbytery of Dunoon and Inverary said it was for the greater glory of God and the good of this Church that the translation should take place; but he took leave to ask how it could be for the greater glory of God and the good of the Church that his translation should take place contrary to his own feelings in the matter? How could it be for the greater good of the Free Church to send one of the weakest and most delicate men within the bounds of the Church to take charge of two thousand souls, -a task which he could no more undertake to do in his present state of health, than he could attempt to remove mountains. He had only four hundred and fiftytwo souls under his charge where he was in Rothesay; and he felt that that was even a charge which was greater than he had health and strength to undertake. It was stated, in answer to his protest and appeal, that the climate of the Lewis agreed with him whilst he was there before. He was extremely sorry to say that this was not the case. When he was sent there by the Edinburgh Gaelic Society, and during the few years that he was the teacher of that Society there, he was in a most delicate state of health; and this was confirmed more especially during the eleven years that he was inspector of that Society's schools, travelling, as he constantly did, in the Highlands and Islands. Mr Anderson then went on to say, that such was the state of his health, that, after being four years in Barvas, he applied to the Directors of the Gaelic School Society for permission to leave Barvas, and to go to a situation on the main land. He begged, in conclusion, to state that there was a member of that house (Dr Smyttan), who was in possession of medical certificates, which would show clearly and distinctly the state of his health; but unless required, he (Mr Anderson) would feel exceedingly sorry to be under the necessity of troubling the Assembly with them.

Mr A. BROWN, for the congregation of Rothesay, said, he hoped that, as a Christian Assembly, they would take it into their most serious consideration how it was consistent that an afflicted and delicate man should be taken away from the salubrious climate of the island of Bute to a quite different climate, and that against his own will and consent. He was sure if any of the members of the Presbytery

of Dunoon had seen one-half of the attacks which Mr Anderson had had during the eighteen weeks that he had lodged in his (Mr Brown's) house, they would never have come to the decision to which they had arrived in this case. He hoped, therefore, that the Assembly, taking this into view, in connection with the fact that between 400 and 500 of Mr Anderson's beloved congregation had presented a petition against his removal, would find it an easy task to decide this case, by reversing the decision of the Presbytery. He would only say, in conclusion, that the congregation of Mr Anderson in Rothesay had as much regard for him as the great congregation of Free St George's had for Dr Candlish.

The Rev. Dr MACKAY, for the Presbytery of Dunoon and Inverary, said he beseeched the Assembly to bear in mind that, while this might appear to be a small case, there were very important and extensive spiritual interests connected with it. The congregation of Barvas were, no doubt, chiefly interested in it, but from reasons which he would be able to state in a few words, the Assembly would see that the whole island of Lewis was deeply interested in the result of this case. That island, the Assembly would please to bear in mind, had a population of 18,000 souls, and contained, he would venture to say, a body of adherents to the Free Church of Scotland of, without offence to any, the most sincere, the most devoted, and the most earnest in its cause. Events took place in that island, at the period of the Disruption, to which he had no wish to refer; and the consequence had been, that the eight sanctioned charges in that island had all, except one, been divested of the benefits of a pastor until within the last year or two. There were now four ministers in the island of Lewis for these eight distinct charges. The congregation of Barvas was situated in what was called the west side of the Lewis. It was so situated that the people of that charge could have no benefit whatever, humanly speaking, from the ministrations of any of the four ministers now in the Lewis. Another thing was, that the other congregations in the west, of which there were two besides Barvas, had not the smallest benefit from the services of the four ministers living in Lewis. His friend Mr Anderson had complained of having been dragged up before this venerable House in this case; but he (Dr Mackay) would remind the Assembly, and remind Mr Anderson himself, that he (Dr Mackay) could not acquit him of blame; and that if he had ground of complaint, it was himself that was to blame. Let the Assembly bear in mind that this was the second call which Mr Anderson had had addressed to him from Barvas. The first one, two years ago, he was aware, did not come into his hands regularly. [Mr Anderson." It never came at all."] Mr Anderson must admit, at least, that there was one distinct call, and he (Dr Mackay) would take the liberty of reading a lecture to his Highland brethren and to himself, although he confessed that he was not much troubled with calls, (a laugh)—and that was to speak out their minds distinctly when called, and not to keep congregations in suspense. (Hear.) He was persuaded that if Mr Anderson had shown the least symptom of being fixed and firm in his determination not to accept of this call, the people of Barvas would not have troubled him again. Therefore, mainly and entirely, he had himself to blame for being in the position which he now occupied. He knew not a portion of the territory of the Church more deserving of the attention and the regard of the Assembly than the island of Lewis. So far as human judgment could go,—and he said this as one that had traversed most of the Highland territory,-he knew no part of that territory where there was more promise of work to be done for the great Head of the Church, and more abundant promise of fruit to be reaped, than in the island of Lewis. The congregation of Barvas had peculiar claims on the Free Church for the efforts which they had made. In building their church, for instance, all would admit this, if they had seen, as he saw, the materials with which they had to work. Their difficulties and trials were great, and their patience under these difficulties ought to warm the heart of every member of the Free Church towards them. He might mention that the members of that congregation carried the lime with which their church was built a distance of fifteen miles, and this they did with creels upon their backs. This was the third call which they had given. One of these they had withdrawn, from the determined opposition of the party to whom they had sent it. They consequently stood exposed to peculiar temptation; and he begged to warn the Assembly, that there was a point of endurance to which, as a congregation, they could not

be expected to submit. There was not a congregation whose temptation to unfaithfulness in their attachment to the Free Church was greater than that of the congregation of Barvas. This was known to Mr Anderson, as it was known to him (Dr Mackay). They came to Mr Anderson with confidence, not only on the ground of their former intimate acquaintance, but on the ground that he did not positively refuse the previous call.

Mr ANDERSON,-I never had another call.

Dr M'KAY,-There was a call.

Mr MAKGILL CRICHTON,-Is there any thing about another call in the record? If not, Dr M'Kay has no right to insist upon it.

Dr M'KAY would then give it up, and adhere to the present call as a unanimous call from the Congregation of Barvas. Mr Anderson had rested his case for refusing it solely on the point of health. The Presbytery of Dunoon and Inverary considered this matter in their decision. Mr Anderson was well known to them; and, from day to day, they knew him to be undertaking more duty, undergoing more fatigue, and submitting to more personal labour, almost by twice as much, as the oversight of the Church in Barvas would require him to submit to. With all his (Dr M'Kay's) knowledge of the Highlands and Islands, he did not know a single parish in the Highlands, or on the main land, of more easy management than this island. Mr Anderson complained of ill health; but he (Dr M'Kay) was sure that, in traversing the lanes and climbing the stairs of Rothesay, he endured more fatigue than he would do in Barvas. Extending to about five miles, there was not a single place in it to which he could not either walk or ride up to the very doors of the houses. There was not a church within the bounds of the Free Church in the Highlands or Islands more fitted for a man who had not very robust health to undertake. Mr Anderson complained of frequent attacks of sickness. He (Dr M'Kay) was not of sufficient skill to judge of this; but the Presbytery all came to this judg ment, that his worthy and zealous friend Mr Anderson made his illness very much himself, by undertaking labours which his present Congregation did not desire him to undertake, and which the Congregation of Barvas would not allow him to undertake. There was no residence at present for a minister at Barvas, but they had the promise of one; and he was persuaded, if Mr Anderson was to accept this call, that in six months he would have what he had not in Rothesay, a comfortable manse to reside in; and not only so, but a means of conveyance to convey him from one end of the parish to another. With regard to the evidence before them as to the state of Mr Anderson's health-far be it from him (Dr M'Kay) to bear hard on his brother; but the Presbytery did not find themselves competent to pronounce any judgment on that evidence. They maintained, however, that Mr Anderson's health, considering the circumstances of the two charges, was no bar to prevent him from going to Barvas. They had every respect for the Free Gaelic Congregation of Rothesay, but when they considered the facility with which they could hear candidates, as contrasted with the almost impossibility of the congregation of Barvas to hear ministers at all, there being so few that visited that island; and when they considered, further, that the congregation of Barvas had so long fixed their regard on Mr Anderson to become their pastor, the Presbytery felt that they would have been guilty of the grossest dereliction of duty if they did not arrive at the conclusion to which they had arrived. Mr Anderson could not be ignorant that there were deep interests connected with his declinature of this charge. He was also aware that the patience of the people of Barvas was well nigh exhausted,-that the temptation to which they were exposed was very imminent, and that a farther delay might cause evils to arise to the Free Church, in that most important island, which Mr Anderson would be the first to deplore. These were reasons which ought to weigh with the Assembly in urging on Mr Anderson the duty of closing with this call. Though it might, to some extent, be considered as travelling out of the record, he might also take leave to state to that honourable house this principle, that the opposition, or the judgment of the person called, was not surely to be the law in every case of translation. If the matter was to rest solely on the personal judgment of the party himself, he. (Dr M'Kay) could see no use for processes before the Church Courts at all; for a minister had only to state what his judgment was, and then there would be an end to the parties calling him. But he (Dr M'Kay)

was aware that this had not been the rule. He knew that that house had often interposed its authority between the judgment of an individual so situated; and he thought they should do the same in this case. He must say that he was disappointed that Mr Anderson should rest so much of his case on the score of health, and that he should not rather be disposed to trust his bodily health to Him who was the health both of body and soul. He was astonished that Mr Anderson, when this line of duty was so clearly opened up before him, should talk about injuring his health, when called to follow that line. He (Dr M‘Kay) would be very clearly in favour of it, if it met with the approbation of that house, that this matter, before the house pronounced judgment upon it, should be sent to a small Committee, who should be instructed to reason with Mr Anderson, and to confer with him on the subject, and to present to him, of new, the claims, the important claims, of this important congregation, in the important Island of Lewis, and see whether he might not be moved from the inflexible resolution which he seemed to have adopted to continue in Rothesay, with such a call at his door. And, if health was the object, he need not remind Mr Anderson, that perhaps health might fail at Rothesay as well as at Barvas; and he need not also remind the Gaelic Congregation of Rothesay, who now cleave to him, and object to his being separated from them, how soon, perhaps, another kind of separation might take place.

The Rev. Mr M'RAE of Cross, was then heard for the Presbytery of Lewis. He said that, so far as that Presbytery was concerned, they were disposed to leave the case entirely in the hands of the Assembly. He believed that Mr Anderson was in as good health as he was twenty years ago, when he resided in the Island of Lewis; and he believed that at that time he went from this city to Lewis for the benefit of his health; and that he left it in far better health than when he went there. With respect to the climate, it was not so very bad—(a laugh)—and there was a great deal doing just now to improve it; for they had there more land doctors than lung doctors. (A laugh.) The parish of Barvas was just a stripe of land on the sea shore. There was not a house in Barvas, except one, more than three miles from the sea; and all the houses were just on the line of the road-side, so that a minister had nothing to do but to go along the road, and turn in here and there (A laugh.) He had no hills to pass over. The church was built in the centre of the parish, and he had not more than four and a half miles on either side of the church to go to. With all Mr Anderson's objections in regard to the state of his health, he did not think that they had much to do; but, with respect to the importance of the charge, there could be no doubt; and if Mr Anderson was disposed to labour among a people who were willing to receive him, he (Mr M'Rae) could assure him that he had great prospects of usefulness before him.

The Rev. Mr ANDERSON craved to be allowed to say a word in reply. It had been insinuated that he had had a hand in getting this call. To this he had to say, what his friends already knew, that he did not require to use his hands or any other means to get this call. He was their old teacher in Barvas, and they knew him well; and, as he had already said, all his predilections and associations would have been in favour of Barvas, if he had health and strength to undertake the work. If he had been blessed with these, he would never have thought of remaining for a day in Rothesay with such a call in his possession from the congregation of Barvas. That excellent people wrote him as early as the 16th of May 1846, but he distinctly declined to receive a call from them on account of ill health. He stated to them that he was strongly recommended by Dr Abercrombie and Dr Huie of Edinburgh to take this Rothesay call; and that these excellent men had stated that they would not recommend him to take a call from Barvas, or to go to the Island of Lewis. And when this call was sent to him, he sent them Dr Huie's certificate, and begged them to withdraw the call. He beseeched them also to do so, in order to save themselves both expense and trouble, because he regretted that a poor congregation should be brought up there. If the Assembly considered it necessary, Dr Smyttan would now read the medical certificates as to the state of his health.

The Rev. Mr THOMSON of Paisley, before parties were removed, begged to ask Mr Anderson how long he had resided in Barvas?

Mr ANDERSON said four years.

Mr THOMSON then asked if his health had suffered when there.