was actuated,—it might be possible for them to return to the House with some resolution in which the Assembly could concur, and thus put an end to a state of feeling which he feared otherwise would be most injurious to the Assembly.

Mr CAMPBELL of Tillichewan said, that the question before them was one which was destroying the whole Church, and it was quite clear that it must be settled sooner or later. (Hear, hear.) While he would be quite ashamed, for his own part, if he did not keep the interests of the College at Edinburgh thoroughly at heart, it was also perfectly evident that cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen required by and by to have establisments of the kind; and he thought that, instead of hanging up the question, it would be better to settle it; and he quite agreed with Dr Buchanan, that very likely, by appointing a small committee, they might make arrangements for opening the door at once. They could not hurry on at once the erecting of their institutions; but by coming to a settlement of the question, it would silence all differences that existed in the Church on the subject. It was perfectly evident from the temper of this House, that the sooner the matter was settled the better.

He sympa

Dr CANDLISH had not the least objection to the proposal. thised in every word that fell from Dr Buchanan. He had a solemn conviction that it was absolutely indispensable that this discussion should now close. He would just take this opportunity of saying, that as regarded anything personal to himself, he was most thoroughly satisfied with what had taken place.

Mr Gibson, Dr Buchanan, and several others, engaged in conversation for a short time. After an interval of from five to ten minutes, Mr GIBSON came forward and said, that after consulting with a considerable number of his friends, while they had a very strong conviction that the vote on this preliminary point might be made in their favour, they were perfectly willing to agree to the proposal made by Dr Buchanan, on the condition that the Committee to be appointed should meet and report to-morrow, so that if they could not agree, the question of making a substantive motion by him and his friends should not be foreclosed. It was obviously necessary that that condition should be understood, inasmuch as the Assembly was getting near the end of the business, and they did not know what the House might be even to-morrow.

Dr TULLOCH Suggested that the debate be adjourned. (Cries of "No, no.") Dr BUCHANAN said there was no necessity for that. He was perfectly willing, like the Moderator, after the rising of the Assembly in the evening, to sit up all night to consider this question; and he thought that the names placed upon the Committee would be such as, when announced to the evening meeting, would satisfy all parties that the utmost fairness had been used

in their selection.

The MODERATOR said, it seemed to be really desirous that they should put it to the House whether the motion now made was adopted. (Cries of "Agreed, agreed.") Having agreed to the motion, he might be permitted to say one word. He felt that he would be a shortcomer in his duty if he did not, on a subject so fitted in itself to awaken strong feelings, congratulate the House upon the kindliness, the hearty good-will, and the brotherly feeling which had been manifested throughout the debate (hear, hear) -and if he did not express the hope that, by their united prayers, they might desire that these feelings might continue to prevail amongst them. A Committee was then appointed in terms of Dr Buchanan's motion; and the Assembly adjourned about half-past five.

EVENING SEDERUNT.

After devotional exercises, and the reading of the minutes of the forenoon diet, the Assembly called for the

REPORT ON WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' FUND,

which was given in and read by Professor MACDOUGALL, as follows:-

"On the state and progress of the fund, the Committee have to report as followsreferring for explanation to the more detailed view of particulars contained in the lists and states subjoined :

"1. That during the year ending 15th May 1850, being the fifth year of the fund, one minister connected with the fund was translated to a congregation not previously connected with the fund.

"2. That during the year aforesaid, one minister connected with the fund, who had ceased to be a minister of the Church, was again inducted to a congregation not previously connected with the fund.

"3. That during the said year, twenty-seven ministers were admitted to full pastoral charges for the first time, of whom eighteen were inducted to congregations not previously connected with the fund.

"4. That during the said year, six congregations became vacant by the death, and two by the removal of ministers connected with the Widows' Fund of the Established Church, of which seven remained vacant at Whitsunday 1850.

"5. That six congregations which had previously to said year become vacant by the death or removal of ministers connected with the Widows' Fuud of the Established Church, still continued vacant at Whitsunday 1850.

"6. That during the year aforesaid, one minister connected with the Widows' Fund of the Established Church was translated to a congregation previously connected with the fund.

"7. That during the said year, two congregations previously connected with the fund were reduced to preaching stations.

"8. That during the said year, four ministers connected with the fund were loosed from their charges, and relieved pro tempore from their duties as ministers.

"9. That during said year, five ministers connected with the fund ceased to be ministers of the Church.

“10. That at Whitsunday 1850, three ministers, through non-payment of their contributions, ceased to be connected with the fund, in terms of the proviso contained in article 5th of the constitution of the fund.

"11. That giving effect to the changes before specified on the numbers connected with the fund at Whitsunday 1849, as stated in the last report, there were connected with the fund at Whitsunday 1850:

Of congregations (whereof 28 were vacant),

Of ministers emeriti, or not attached to particular congregations,

Of professorships,

Of ministers who have ceased to be ministers of the Church,

510*

12

522

3

14

539

"12. That during the year ending the 15th May 1850, twenty ministers connected with the fund married, and three ministers, who became connected with the fund that year, had been married at the date of their admission, of whom twenty-one were under and two above forty-five years of age.

"13. That during the said year, two ministers connected with the fund died, without leaving any widow or children.

"14. That the number of annuitants on the fund at Whitsunday 1850, remained the same as at Whitsunday 1849, viz :

* The number here stated would have been 511 but for the congregation of Denny, which is not now regarded as a vacant congregation.

Of widows entitled to an annuity of £27,

Of children under 18 years of age, entitled (their mothers being still

alive) to an annuity of £10 each,

7.

6

"15. That at 31st March 1851, when the accounts for the bygone year were closed, the accumulated funds were as under :

Of the Widows' Scheme,

Of the Orphans' Scheme (Mrs Mackay's donation of
£1155 being now excluded and stated separately),

£20,722 16

6,009 13 10

£26,731 15 4

And that the amount was invested in the manner, and at the rates of interest, specified in the state of the funds hereto appended.

"The Committee have much satisfaction in reporting the receipt, during the past year, of two donations in aid of the fund,—the one a legacy of £100, bequeathed by the late Mrs Wright, relict of the Rev. Dr Wright of Stirling, and the other of the sum of £5 from 'A Member of Helensburgh Congregation.' The Committee have also received intimation, that the late Miss Elizabeth Ogilvie of Aberdeen has bequeathed to the fund the residue of her estate, which it is understood will probably amount to several hundred pounds.

"In their Report to the General Assembly held in May 1847, the Committee stated that a lady in Edinburgh, whom they were not then permitted to name, had made over to the Committee of Management a fund consisting of bank stock, amounting in value to £1155, to be applied after her death in granting annuities to children, above eighteen years of age, of deceased ministers. The Committee have now to mention, that for this gift the Church has been indebted to the late Mrs Mackay of Rockfield-a lady whose Christian liberality has conferred so many benefits on the existing generation, and the memory of whose worth, benevolence, and fervent interest in objects of enlarged Christian philanthropy, cannot fail to be long cherished with gratitude and regard. Mrs Mackay died upon the 15th of November 1850, and her benevolent design having thus come into operation, it will be proper now to explain more precisely its nature.

By her trust-deed it was provided, that the fund made over by her should remain invested in bank stock, and that the dividends accruing thereon should be paid to herself during life; that on her death the trustees might sell the bank stock, and invest the proceeds in such other stocks or funds, or in such securities, heritable or moveable, as they should think proper; and that the interest, or annual proceeds thereof, should be applied in manner following-viz: To and for payment of an annuity or annuities to such child or children of the ministers of the Free Church of Scotland, who shall cease to be entitled to draw any annuity from the Orphans' Scheme of the Free Church of Scotland, in respect of such child or children having attained the age of eighteen years, or such other age as the said annuity from the said Orphans' Scheme shall at any time hereafter cease to be payable (at), or to such child or children of deceased ministers of the said Free Church of Scotland, and who have attained the said age of eighteen years, or such other age as aforesaid, previous to the decease of their father, and who, in respect thereof, never were entitled to draw any annuity from the said Orphans' Scheme.' It is also provided, that the trustees alone shall have power to determine on the child or children to whom the annuity or annuities shall be paid; but under this proviso, that a preference shall always be given to such child or children as shall be blind, or otherwise disabled or incapacitated in body or mind;' and it is further declared, that the amount of the annuity or annuities to be granted, and the period or periods of endurance of the same, shall likewise be determined by the trustees alone from time to time.

"The Committee have further to report that, in terms of the powers contained in Mrs Mackay's trust-deed, the bank stock, as will appear from the annexed accounts, has, since her death, been realised, and the proceeds, amounting, after deduction of expenses, to £1190 6: 11, have been invested on the security of an estate situated in the counties of Perth and Forfar, bearing interest from 8th January last, at the current rate, which, for the time being, is 3 per cent. The amount applicable to the purposes of Mrs Mackay's trust will, accordingly, be about £40 per annum. As yet, the Committee are not in possession of any proceeds from this fund, but in the course of the ensuing year will come to be so-by which time they will have matured a plan of administration, and will give due notice thereof to all concerned.

"In obedience to a remit from the last Assembly, to consider the propriety of obtaining an Act of Parliament, the Committee lost no time in directing their attention to the subject. After due consideration, it appeared to them expedient to have the Widows' Fund of our Church constituted, like those of similar public bodies, by Act of Parliament; a measure which would, in many respects, benefit the fund, and facilitate its administration. The Committee accordingly, in virtue of the powers conferred upon them by the remit, caused the draft of a bill to be prepared, and having, from time to time, carefully deliberated thereon, and under the advice of counsel finally adjusted its several clauses, the bill as thus adjusted was introduced into the House of Commons, under the sanction of the following gentlemen, who kindly consented to take charge of it, namely, the Right Honourable Fox Maule, M.P., Mr Bouverie, M.P., and Mr Cowan, M.P. It was the intention of the Committee not to have proceeded further with the bill than the second reading in the House of Commons before the meeting of the Assembly, in order that, before going into Committee, it might be submitted to the consideration of the Assembly; but from the uncertainty that prevailed as to the probable duration of the present session of Parliament, the solicitors for the bill strongly advised that it should be carried through the House of Commons, and be introduced into the House of Lords, and there read a first and second time, after which the further progress of the bill might more conveniently be stayed until the General Assembly should have an opportunity of considering it. In pursuance of this advice, the bill has been carried through the House of Commons, where it has been approved of, with only one or two verbal alterations, and introduced into the House of Lords, where it has been read a first time. Instructions have been given to the Parliamentary solicitors to regulate its future progress in conformity with the course pointed out by them.

"The Committee now beg to submit to the General Assembly, for their consideration and sanction, the Act as it has passed the House of Commons. In doing so, it may be proper to state, that the Committee have spared no pains, and have availed themselves carefully of the best advice, in framing and adjusting the provisions of the bill. It will be seen to be in substantial conformity with the existing constitution, and where any alteration has been made, it has been in form merely, and with the view of obviating inconveniencies which have been experienced in the practical working of the Scheme. It will be perceived also that, while no alteration has been made which will affect the interest of any party, some clauses have been added which will serve materially to facilitate the administration, and promote the general objects of the fund. "

Professor MACDOUGALL also laid upon the table of the Assembly copy of a Bill entitled "An Act for the better raising and securing a Fund for a provision for the Widows and Children of the Ministers of the Free Church of Scotland, and for Widows and Children of the Professors holding Professors' offices in any College connected with the Church," the same having been prepared and brought into Parliament in terms of a remit from last Assembly.

The Assembly approve of the report, and appoint a Committee to report thereon to a future diet.

FOREIGN MISSIONS.

The Assembly then called for the Report on Foreign Missions,* which was given in by Mr Tweedie, the Convener of Committee.

Dr HETHERINGTON, in moving the approval of the report, said, there was not one minister-not one member-of the Free Church who did not feel it to be alike a duty and an honour to engage in the support of the missionary enterprise; and for that reason it would be unnecessary to say anything to recommend it, either with regard to India or with regard to the heathen generally over the whole world. And yet he thought it expedient to direct attention to one or two thoughts that might be liable, perhaps, to slip out of the mind. It must ever be remembered, for example, that the missionary enterprise rested on the direct command of Christ, which was, to

go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; and it was a fact full of meaning, that when the Apostles hesitated, and seemed unwilling and reluctant for the time to enter on that great commission, persecution drove them from Jerusalem, and scattered them abroad over the world, till the gospel was diffused. When we were not ready and willing to obey God's direct command, he laid upon us by the hand of providence a compulsitor which required and secured its being done. With regard to our own duty to go forward in that great work, the fact of British supremacy in India should ever be borne in mind. It was a great principle of moral truth and duty, that power is the measure of responsibility, and that, to the extent of their power to serve God, to that extent responsibility was laid upon them to do it. And thus, while they possessed the power, they could not escape from the responsibility. Another thought that ought to stand before their minds was, the relative proportion of importance in the duties they had to discharge, whether with regard to the home operations, or to those connected with foreign lands. They should never forget, that whatever be the amount of Scotch Christians, of British Christians, or European Christians, or of entire Christendom, heathendom outnumbered them all by ten to one, and far more. Taking into consideration and comparing the millions of Christendom with the millions of heathendom, they would see it was a strong reason for giving even more strength to their foreign missionary enterprises than to their home operations. At least, certainly, when they did the one, they should not leave the other undone. He would further suggest another general principle namely, that the acts of faith must not be measured, limited, and regulated by what were termed mere prudential considerations. It was right that prudence should be employed in framing plans, and regulating and proportioning their efforts of every kind; but prudence was not the measure of duty or of faith. Prudence was the application, but not the measure. Their command was direct from God; and often, indeed, the direct operation of that command called forth a power and gave a might which previously they had no conception of. It might have been a prudential consideration for the monk of Wittemberg to remain in his cloisters there, and ask himself whether or not he was entitled to go forth and confront the power of Papal Christendom; for it was almost entirely Papal then. But when God did give him light, and laid on him the responsibility of diffusing it, he was enabled to say, that though the Pope was against him, the empire was against him, and the kings of this country and the other, he would take them all in one hand and God Almighty in the other. Where was the proportion? (Hear, hear.) Thus mere prudential considerations could never be regarded as a rule of duty or a rule of faith; but the principle or basis was the actual command of God, the actual obligation laid on them to go forth in obedience to that command. Further, there was a great power, as every one knew, in a great idea or great principle. It lifted man above himself. It sent him onward with a power and energy that he never otherwise should have possessed. He was lifted, by the strength of the great idea, to an elevation far above any that he could have attained without that indwelling might Was it a prudential consideration of his own strength that sent our hero Wallace to confront the power of all England? (Hear.) No; the great thought that liberty was a thing for which a man might die, gave him power not only to die for it, but, by being willing to die for it, he was able to conquer. (Applause.) It was a great idea taking full possession of a man's mind that sent him forward with the utmost certainty of victory. Now, look at the whole missionary world; it mattered not how extensive the