ing them, they were indirectly benefiting the church. And was it nothing even at present to bring up the spirit of their church, and elevate the standard of feeling and inclination in regard to such a duty as this? If any said they wanted the means, he was not prepared to admit the allegation. He feared there were many in their congregations poor, who paid their sixpence for tobacco, and only their penny for the Gospel. Besides personal selfishness, there was something of the nature of congregational selfishness which existed among them. Let it be proposed to a congregation to raise L.1000 or L.2000 for a new church, or for repairing an old one, and the object would be set about zealously, while that same congregation could scarcely contribute L.100 for any object beyond the bounds of its own particular interests. He wished an extension of zeal on the part of the people and of congregations. Instances were frequently occurring of individuals leaving large sums in order to institute educational establishments: but he desired to see the measure supported, not by the dead but by the living, and not even by living individuals but by living churches,-churches pervaded with the spirit of vital godliness, rising above small scruples and difficulties which were never wanting where they were sought, and meeting the great exigencies of their position by a large-hearted munificence. In conclusion, he expressed a hope that when all existing scruples shall have been scattered, and difficulties surmounted-when all those who had engaged in the origination of this measure shall be mouldering in their graves-there would be young men of worth who, struggling with difficulties, would look to this measure with hope, and accomplished ministers who would look back to it with gratitude, while their churches were feasting in its blessed fruits, fed by an enlightened ministry with knowledge and with understanding.

Dr ROBSON expressed his earnest hope that the Synod would go into the measure proposed, and endeavour to place the scheme in such a position as that it would be more entirely the scheme of the church than it was at present. It had been of immense advantage to students looking forward to the ministry; and as proceeding on the principle of administering pecuniary aid only for eminence and attainments, it was one which appeared to him to be free of any disadvantage what

ever.

Mr STOBBS, Stromness, had watched this scheme with interest since its commencement, and he pointed out instances in his own congregation, in which, if this scheme had been in existence sooner, it would have conferred great benefit upon deserving young men, who, from circumstances, had been compelled to renounce their views of the ministry; and also instances in which, since its formation, it had been of signal benefit. He saw in the distance, if this scheme were encouraged, a high grade of scholarship in their ministry. He moved" That the report of the committee be most cordially adopted; that such measures be entered into with the view of carrying out

the object proposed as the committee may think best; and that the thanks of the Synod be given to the committee, and more especially to Dr King, convener, for their labours in the prosecution of the scheme."

Dr ANDREW THOMSON Said, the Synod were deeply indebted to Dr King for the admirable report he had presented, which was not only valuable for the statement of facts which it contained, but for the high-toned sentiment which pervaded it. If the L.10,000 were once raised, the scheme would be based upon a foundation which would ensure its success for the ensuing age. The question of practicability had been referred to; but it, he thought, might be regarded as already settled, for, besides Wellington Street and other churches in Glasgow famed for their liberality, and which were as yet untouched, and calculating Edinburgh to raise L.2000, that would, allowing another L.2000 to be subscribed by Glasgow, raise the amount to L.8000; and surely the other portions of the church would make up the remaining L.2000. He would suggest that the committee, or eight or nine of the brethren, be appointed to set themselves vigorously to the raising of the L.10,000, so that the amount might be accomplished before next Synod.

Mr PRINGLE, Newcastle, seconded Mr Stobbs' motion.

Mr CAIRNS, Berwick, contrasted the disheartening character of last year's report of the committee with the present one, which was highly encouraging. That circumstance showed that Dr King belonged to the class of leaders who are never so formidable as upon the eve of a defeat. He trusted that this scheme, to which the committee had been shut up, would terminate successfully, and not render necessary a return to the system of subscriptions and annual collections. An objection might be started, that it partook of the nature of an endowment, but that was a complete misconception; for the same principle would reduce their churches, manses, and the hall in which they were now assembled, to the precarious footing of being supported by annual collections. He concurred in the suggestion of Dr Thomson with regard to the raising of the L.10,000 before next Synod, and concluded by expressing a hope that the triumphant success of this scheme would be the result.

Mr ROBERTSON, of Glasgow, could now unhesitatingly support the scheme, to which previously he had considerable objections. He combated the argument that the scheme savoured of an endowment. The great disadvantage of endowments was, that they superseded, on the part of certain parties, the performance of incumbent duties; as, for instance, if a congregation or a minister were endowed, the congregation were not called upon to contribute to the support of their pastor; but in this case there was nothing superseded in the way of duty or exertion on the part of young men who desired to commence and prosecute their studies; and if the church were quite competent, by annual collections, to meet the necessities of the case,

he would object to this scheme. If these endowments, by no means desirable, were necessary in consequence of peculiar interests of the church, there was no help for it. But the duty of the church in this matter was not superseded, because appeals would be made to it from year to year, and as a Voluntary he held he was consistent in supporting this scheme.

Mr KER, Glasgow, bore testimony to the zeal and energy displayed by the committee on this subject, and especially by Dr King, who, he had no doubt, had erected for him self an enduring monument, and to whom a tribute of gratitude was owing by this church, if the scheme succeeded, as succeed it must.

Dr M'KERROW could not concur in the opinion that if this scheme did not succeed, they would want an effective ministry in the church, nor was he at all sanguine that if it were adopted to the fullest extent there would be any perceptible improvement. It did not, he thought, properly recognise the piety and general abilities of the parties applying for Scholarships. He had no objections, however, to the raising of the L.10,000, but he would oppose the appointment of an annual collection.

Mr INGLIS, Stockbridge, said that Dr M'Kerrow should be made a member of the committee, in order that he might see the working of the scheme, as then he would, in all probability, come to a different conclusion.

Dr BEATTIE approved of many things connected with the scheme; but some things about it he disapproved. Greater prominence should be given to piety, in the examination of students. He also would object to making any collection imperative, because it would fritter down their other collections to a mere nothing. It had been said that the chain of provisional measures had now been completed with this scheme regarding Scholar ships; but until they aimed at some provision for their teachers, whom they were turning out without a morsel of bread to eat, and scarcely any teeth to eat it if they had, there was a link wanting.

Dr KING said that there might be a collection made to include all objects of education. This proposal was highly approved of by some of their professors themselves.

Mr ROBERTSON, Stow, concurred in this scheme in principle, and the only improvement he would suggest concerned a mere matter of detail. His remarks must not be construed in the light of opposing it, but the reverse. He did not think it was wise to enter into any measure without looking comprehensively at it, and the difficulty appeared to him to arise after the L.10,000 was raised. He did not allude to the alleged difficulty affecting the Voluntary principle, but to the fact that all endowments operated against exertions to supplement them. He approved of the scheme in principle, and admired the diligence of Dr King; but he thought they should appoint this same committee to look at some of the practical difficulties, and, in an appeal to the church, to state the manner in which these

might be obviated; for he thought they might be obviated.

Dr JOHNSTON, Limekilns, moved "That the Synod having received the report of the Scholarship Committee, cordially thank the committee, and especially Dr King, for the diligence which they have manifested; express decided approbation of their proposal to raise L.10,000; appoint the committee to exert themselves with that view; and also express a conviction, that if this effort should be successful, an important step would be gained towards placing the Scholarship Scheme on a permanent and efficient basis."

Mr WALKER, Dunfermline, while persuaded that the times called upon them to elevate as much as possible the standard of ministerial attainments, seeing that Popery and Infidelity were appearing in their most subtle forms, could not go along with his brethren in recommending this scheme to congregations. He was one of those who opposed it on principle.

Dr BROWN, Dalkeith, would not like to be construed as saying anything unfavourable to the committee and the scheme, for he cherished a feeling of gratitude towards the parties who had originated it. He thought, however, they were going into it rather hurriedly, before considering all the difficulties that might attend its practical working. He felt that the fund of L.10,000 to be raised would damage the appeal that would require to be made annually to their churches to at least the extent of L.400, which that fund was expected to yield. He approved of Mr Robertson's suggestion as to the appointment of a committee to consider the practical difficulties that might arise.

Mr STOBBS having withdrawn his motion, that of Dr Johnston was agreed to.

The MODERATOR, in very appropriate terms, conveyed the thanks of the Synod to Dr King, and to the committee through him, in terms of the motion.

The committee was re-appointed as follows: the Professors, Dr John Taylor, Dr James Taylor, J. S. Taylor, H. M. Macgill, Dr King, Dr Anderson, Dr Robson, J. Robertson (Glasgow), Joseph Hay, D. Connell, W. Beckett, W. Pringle, Dr Johnston, Dr Andrew Thomson, P. Davidson, John Ker, J. Cairns, ministers; J. H. Young, J. Peddie, G. Paterson, D. Anderson, J. Marshall, W. Duncan, elders,-Dr King, convener.

CONGREGATION OF NORTH SUNDERLAND.

A reference from the Presbytery of Berwick, arising out of circumstances that took place in the congregation of North Sunderland, was read. Fourteen years ago, the Rev. Andrew Broom, minister of the congregation, having renounced the authority of the Synod, and withdrawn from communion with the church, endeavoured, along with a party that adhered to him, to keep possession of the congregational property. The party who still adhered to the Synod had recourse to legal measures to regain their property. The bill of costs, amounting to L.621, was not presented till September last, and L.41 only had

been previously paid. The necessity of meeting the demand had thrown the congregation into circumstances of great difficulty and perplexity. The members, numbering about 250, had a debt besides this of L.140 resting upon them. The presbytery referred the whole matter to the Synod.

After the subject had been spoken to by Mr Peden, clerk of presbytery, and Mr Glover, minister of the North Sunderland congregation, various members of court expressed sympathy with the distressing circumstances in which the congregation had been placed, and the following deliverance was come to "The Synod express sympathy with this congregation in their difficulties, request Messrs A. G. Ellis and James Peddie to advise with the parties responsible for the debt as to the best measures to be adopted to relieve them from their difficulties."

SYNOD FUND AND PROFESSORS' SALARIES.

The Treasurer also gave in a report on the state of the Synod Fund, with the number of congregations in each presbytery that had been in arrears to said fund. The Synod authorised him to send a circular to all the pres

byteries within whose bounds there were congregations in arrear, calling their attention to the subject, and enjoined them to attend to this matter at their first ordinary meeting after the rising of Synod.

An overture from the presbytery of Glasgow, praying that the Synod would take into consideration the best means for collecting the Synod Fund, and increasing the remuneration given to the Professors of Theology, so as to render it more adequate to meet the expenses connected with the duties of their office, was read.

Dr ANDERSON supported the overture, and, on his suggestion, the Synod agreed to appoint a committee to report on the whole subject, and as to the best means whereby the fund may be increased, so as efficiently to support the different objects to which it has hitherto been applied. The following is the committee appointed:-Dr Anderson, Wm. Beckett, Dr James Taylor, Dr Joseph Brown, Andrew Robertson, John Symington, ministers; with Messrs Andrew Fyfe, David Anderson, Robert Smith, Thomas J. Dunn, James Peddie,-elders; Dr Anderson, con

vener.

Arbroath. This presbytery met at Arbroath on the 6th of April-the Rev. A. R. Johnstone, moderator. It was found that all the congregations of the presbytery had made the annual statistical returns for 1851, to the Synod's committee. In reference to the remit of Synod, as to whether there ought to be a separate Synod formed for England, it was agreed to report, that this presbytery was not prepared to give a definite opinion; but that if the presbyteries there expressed a decided wish for it, all due consideration ought to be given to the proposal. The presbytery was then occupied with the consideration of some difference which had occurred in one of their congregations, on some matter of secular management, which had considerably affected the comfort of the congregation. And a committee of presbytery was appointed to meet on the spot, with all parties interested, to be followed up by a special meeting of presbytery there, with a view to the restoration of harmony.—This special meeting of presbytery was accordingly held there, on the 20th April, and the matter brought to a satisfactory adjustment. The presbytery held its next ordinary meeting at Brechin, on the 8th of June, when the

Rev. John P. Millar was chosen moderator for next twelve months. The annual committee of presbytery on missionary affairs was appointed, according to standing order. A transference was received of a student of theology; and a committee appointed to receive what remained of his annual exami

nations. A report was given in by the committee which had been appointed to prepare a digest of the statistical returns given in by the congregations of the presbytery; when the diligence of the committee was approved, and thanks given to them; their report being laid on the table, to be taken up at next meeting. One member, who was not present when this committee was appointed, entered his dissent, as he objected to such a use being made by the presbytery of these returns. Next meeting of presbytery at Arbroath, on the 27th of July.

Dunfermline. This presbytery met on the 1st of June-the Rev. Mr Wilson moderator-when, inter alia, were taken from the roll the names of those members that were disjoined from the presbytery by the Synod at its recent meeting, in order to their being formed, with certain members of the presbytery of Perth, into a new presbytery, under the designation of the presbytery of Kinross. A new arrangement was adopted in reference to the clerk's salary, and other presbytery expenses. The committee appointed at last meeting in the case of Crossgates gregation, gave in their report, which was received and considered. At a former meeting in April, the mission committee of the presbytery, in the conclusion of a report and digest of the statistics of the congregations, which they had been appoint. ed to prepare and present, called the attention of the presbytery to the state of that

con

congregation, as requiring the particular consideration of the presbytery. A committee was in consequence appointed, consisting of the Rev. Dr Johnston, convener, with the Rev. Dr M'Michael, and Messrs M'Dowall and Fleming, and two elders, to inquire into the existing circumstances of the congregation, and report at next meeting. From their report, it appeared that they had met, first with Mr Wilson, and the elders and managers, and afterwards with the congregation, and had ascertained that, from the age and growing infirmities of Mr Wilson, and other causes, as the depressed condition of some public works, at which numbers of the congregation were usually employed, and the efforts of the Establishment and of the Free Church to obtain a footing in the neighbourhood, the congregation for some time past had been in a declining state, both as to numbers and finances; that the committee, considering the present condition of the congregation, and looking at the very probable risk of its incurring still further decrease and injury, should some effective measures to prevent such a result not be immediately employed, judged it expedient, on the whole view of the case, to recommend the propriety and the desirableness of the congregation getting a colleague to Mr Wilson; and at the same time suggested the way and means by which that object might be obtained. The proposal was in general favourably regarded at the time; and the congregation, at a meeting called a short time after for the further consideration of said proposal, unanimously approved of it, and resolved that steps should be taken without delay for carrying it into effect, in the hope that by their own increased contributions, with some aid from the Home Mission Committee, as suggested to them they might obtain, they will be able to realise the contemplated and desired object. The presbytery cordially approved of the conduct of their committee-agreed to recommend the case of the congregation to the favourable consideration of the Home Mission Committee, and to request from them a grant to aid the congregation in the laudable efforts they are now making; and also instructed the clerk to procure from the committee of supplies, preachers to the congregation for every alternate Sabbath, with a view to their calling a colleague to Mr Wilson, who, the presbytery were glad to find, is very cordial to the measure. Two students, Messrs Wilson and Whyte, gave discourses, which were highly approved of. The committee for superintending the students, reported a meeting lately held with them, and the exercises then performed; and all the students were appointed to attend next

meeting of presbytery, on the 20th of July, for examination, etc.

Edinburgh. This presbytery met on Tuesday, 1st June, in the Queen Street Rooms-Rev. Mr Parlane, moderator, in the chair. A petition from College Street Congregation, for a moderation, with a view to calling a colleague to their present minister, was granted; and Dr Harper was appointed to preside at the meeting, assisted by Dr French, on Wednesday, 16th June. It was reported that the Rev. David Croom of Sanquhar had accepted the call from Portsburgh Congregation, Edinburgh. His induction was appointed to take place on Tuesday, the 29th instant,-Mr Ballantyne to preach, and Mr Jack to preside in the induction. The call from West Linton to Mr J. A. Johnstone was sustained. Dr A. Thomson called attention to the centenary of the Relief Church, and suggested that on the evening of the opening of the Theological Hall (in the beginning of August), a public meeting should be held to commemorate the deposition of the excellent Gillespie, the founder of the Relief body. The proposition was cordially entertained, and arrangements were made for holding the public meeting.

Falkirk. This presbytery met on Tuesday, 1st June. The Rev. Andrew Gardiner was chosen moderator for the next twelve months. The Rev. Mr Welsh resigned the office of presbytery clerk, and received the cordial thanks of the presbytery for past services. The Rev. Hugh Baird, Cumbernauld, was chosen clerk in his stead. The presbytery then proceeded to dispose of the call from Kilmaurs to Dr Jeffrey, Denny. Commissioners being called for, those from Denny were present, but there were none from Kilmaurs. A letter, however, was read from Kilmaurs congregation, intimating, that having received notice from Dr Jeffrey of his intention to decline their call, to save trouble and expense, they would not be present to prosecute it farther. In these circumstances, the presbytery agreed to set aside the call, and hear Dr Jeffrey, when he formally declined it, and intimated his resolution to remain in his present charge. Mr Grossart, student, was examined on natural philosophy and theology, and his examination was sustained. Appointed next meeting of presbytery on the last Tuesday of July,

Glasgow. This presbytery met on the second Tuesday of June-the Rev. Dr King, moderator. Mr Burgess requested his name to be withdrawn from the committee on missionary churches, as he was opposed to the scheme, and his request. was granted. Mr Thomas Kennedy, student, under trials for license, having delivered all his trials, was licensed as a

preacher. The following students were recommended for examination at the meeting in July, with a view to entering the Hall,-Messrs Matthew Crawford, James Craig, Daniel M'Lean, James Keating, Hugh L. Niven, Robert S. Patterson, William W. Watson, John Wilson, Andrew Black, John Bannatyne, John Taylor, John Pettigrew, Robert M. M'Innes, James Hay, John Boyd. Examinators were appointed by the presbytery on the several branches enjoined as subjects of examination by the Synod. Rev. J. Robertson, of Shamrock Street Church, was appointed for the year superintendent of the students attending the University. Mr Burgess was heard on the following motion, viz. "The presbytery resolve that, in future, the imposition of hands at the ordination of a minister shall be confined to the moderator, who may be appointed by the presbytery for the purpose.' Having found that this motion was one which, according to the law of the church, the presbytery could not entertain, Mr Burgess withdrew it, with the permission of the presbytery. Reports from the committee for the superintendence of students were laid on the table and read. After some unimportant business, the presbytery adjourned.

Kinross. This presbytery, composed of the two congregations in Kinross, with those of Milnathort, Balgedie, Edenshead, and Pathstruie, held its first meeting, by appointment of Synod, at Milnathort, on Tuesday, 25th May-Rev. Robert Leishman, of Kinross, moderator. The business was chiefly preliminary. Mr Young, of Milnathort, was chosen clerk, and Mr Middleton, of Kinross, was appointed treasurer. After making arrangements for the examination of students, and appointing their next meeting to be held at Balgedie on the 6th of July, the presbytery adjourned.

Kirkaldy. This presbytery met at Edinburgh, May 4th. At the request of Mr Patrick Greig, preacher, who has been appointed to the mission in Canada, the presbytery instructed the clerk to furnish him with an extract of his license, and appointed a committee to prepare a testimonial in his behalf. A complaint by Union session, Kirkaldy, was presented against a former decision of the presbytery, instructing them to disjoin a member of their congregation; and it was agreed to reconsider the cause at next ordinary meeting. This presbytery met again, May 25th. There was read a letter from the Synod's treasurer, containing a list of those congregations which had not collected for the Synod's general fund, and the clerk was instructed to write them, enjoining them to collect immediately, and to report their diligence. The committee formerly appointed presented a draught of

testimonial in favour of Mr P. Greig, preacher, which was unanimously adopted. The cause from Union Session was entered on, and, after some discussion, it was resolved, "That waiving consideration of the informalities chargeable on both parties, the presbytery do proceed to judge of the cause on its merits; from which decision Rev. J. Bain dissented. Papers were then read, and parties heard. In the course of the discussion, it having appeared that the cause had originated in a misunderstanding between a party who demanded the disjunction and a member of session, a committee was appointed to retire and confer with them, in order to bring them to a reconciliation. After some delay the committee returned, and reported that they had succeeded in reconciling the parties; when the commissioners from Union session declared that they were now ready to give the disjunction required. Largo session reported that they had followed the instructions of the presbytery in the case of a person under discipline, and were now satisfied with the evidence of penitence which she afforded. The presbytery directed her to be summoned to attend next ordinary meeting, which was appointed to be held in Leven on the last Tuesday of July.

Lanark. This presbytery met on Tuesday, the 8th of June-the Rev. Robert Cordiner, moderator. Messrs Frame, Scott, Mann, and Riddel, students in divinity, were present, and delivered the exercises prescribed to them. They were also examined on Hebrew, Greek, Theology, Biblical Criticism, and Church History. These exercises were sustained, and they were encouraged to prosecute their studies. Messrs Aikman, Henshelwood, and Scott, students in philosophy, were nominated for examination in order to their admission to the Hall at the approaching session. There was no other business of public interest. The next meeting of presbytery was appointed to be held on Tuesday, 20th July.

Newcastle. This presbytery met on the 1st of June. The call from Hull being declined by Mr Sandy, was laid aside. Congregations which had not collected for the Synod's general fund, were recommended to make their collections soon. Moderations were granted to Swalwell, Walker, and Stockton. The Rev. Messrs Bell, M'Creath, Parker, and Wilson, with Messrs Telford and Douglas, elders, were appointed members of the mission committee-Mr Bell convener-for the current year. Messrs Fraser and Wilson were appointed to prepare a digest of the statistical returns from congregations in the presbytery for 1851, and to report. The Rev. Henry Highland Garnet, a Presbyterian minister from America, applied for reception as a minister of