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CHURCH or SCOTLAND:

Murine or an GENERAL ASSEMBLY or TEE cnuncu price-rum), AT enmnonen. “ I, Thursday, May 21, 1840.

~The Supreme Court ofour National Church

0 i I met on Thursday. On Monday, Lord Belhaven,

Her' Majesty’s Lord High Commissioner to the Assembly, with his suite, arrived in Edinburgh, ind took possession of the royal apartments in

olyrood House; and on Wednesday afternoon, according to annual custom, the Lord Provost and Magistrates, the Dean of Guild, and Con- vener, waited upon his Grace in the 'throne Room, and presented the keys ofthe city in the usual form. The municipal deputation had afterwards the honor of dining with his Grace the Commissioner, along with a select party of final thirty to forty, amongst whom were the Earl of Stair, the Earl of Morton, Lord Viscount Mel- ville, Lord Greenock, almost all the Judges of the Courtbf Session, including Lord Ivory, Mr. Solicitor General Maitland, the Procurator, drc. 65c.

His Grace the Lord High Commissioner held his first levee on Thursday forenoon, which was attended by about 320 noblemen and gentlemen.

A. detachment ofthe 2nd Dragoon Guards, 8nd ofthe 78th Highlanders, formed the guard in the Palace yard. About twelve o’clock, his Grace proceeded in his carriage to the High Church, preceded by the military guard, a car- riage in which were the pages, ushers, doc. and by parties of the day police. The streets were lined the 2nd Dragoon Guards and the 78th Hi rs.

ev. Dr. Duncan, of Ruthwell, Mode- rator of the last General Assembly, preached from Psalm lxxxv. 6, “ Wilt than not receive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee ’1” Public worship having been concluded, his Grace 'the Commissioner walked in procession to the Tron Church, where the Assembly was consti- tuted with prayer.

ELECTION 01" MODERATOR.

The Moderator (of last Assembly) rose and aid, the last Moderator nominated his successor; ’but ‘there were circumstances which made it his duty to decline exercising the privilege of his predecessors. He would abstain therefore from nominating a successor, leaving the matter entirely to the wisdom ofthis House.

Dr. P. Macfarlan, ofGreenock, moved that lt'he Bevd. Dr. Alex. Hill be elected Moderator: which motion was seconded by Sir C. D. Fer- guson. .

Principal Dewar proposed (the Revd. Dr. Makellar, and was seconded by Mr. Buchan, of Kelloe. Dr. Makellar ‘was brought forward as being a non-intrusionist. Dr. Chalmers, and others, spoke warmly in his support, Dr. Brown, of Largo, remarking that every consistent non- intrusionist should, in vindication of his senti- ments, vote for Dr. Makellar. Mr. Gibbon,‘ of Lonmay, gave his cordial support to Dr. Hill, and several others spoke in his behalf; Dr. Simp- son, of Kirknewton, reinarking*:“:? he was himselfa decided, staunch, and‘y‘tm nonintru. oionist, but he believed that hr. could, as he in. tended to do, vote for Dr. Hill. After discus- sion, and Dr. P. Macfa'rlan having replied, the vote was taken, when there appeared :

For Dr. Makellar, 195 For Dr. Hill, 147

Majority for Dr. Makellar, 48

Dr. Makellar having been installed, the com- :mission of his Grace the Lord High Commiss- ioner, and also the Queen’s letter, were read and ordered to be engrossed.

Her Majesty‘s Letter to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Vicronis R.

Right Reverend and well-beloved, we greet you well !

Impressed with the same lively interest which we have ever taken in the prosperity of the Church of Scot- land, from which so many blessings flow to a large portion of our people, and relying on the advantages which they derive from the deliberations ofthe General As- sembly of that Church, we contemplate with satisfac- tion the approach ofthe period fixed for itl meeting.

We place confidence in your anxiety, that all your note should be directed to the true interests ofthe church ofChrist founded amon you, and in your discretion, that in all on do, nothing shall occur to diminish our esteem and" confidence, or derogatory to that dignitv which is the attribute ofso venerable a body. '

In all matters ofsolemn deliberation, we rely on your judgment and temperance, and as there will be matters ofgravo and serious im ort, that they will be considered with calmness and mo oration.

We earnestl and affectionately commend you in all things to Alm1ght God, and pray that he may guide your counsels, on lead them to an .issne which shall tend to secure permanent 'security to the church, and fix it more deeply in the affections of the people of Scotland.

Having been satisfied with the fidelity and zeal of our right trusty and well-beloved Robert Mont omery,

rd ,Belhavcn, we have again made choice of him to represent our porson in this General Assembly; and we feel fully orsuaded that, from his known attachment to the Churc of Scotland, his rudence and courtesy, he will prove acceptable to you in the execution ofthe im—

ortarit trust committed to his care, and so we bid you eartin farewell. '

Given at our Court or St. James's, the seventh day of lily, 1340, in the third year ofour reign.

By gar Majesty's command, Nonpnr.

His Grace the Commissioner then addressed the Assembly. He said it had pleased her Majesty again to appoint him to represent her Royal person and authority in this Assembly; and her Majesty had commanded him to express to them the high respect which her Majesty entertained for everything that related to the Church of Scotland. Her Majesty relied with undonbting confidence on their zealous exer- tions in promoting the best interests of the coun- try. Her Majesty was too well aware of the vast benefits which the peopiief swtland had for a long time derived mtho'esiablished church of the land, and whigh‘hid pryved, under Providence, the source of's’lfifi-prosperity and happiness, not to feel more“thaii ordinarily camera-pectin; the peculiar circumstances in

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which they were recently placed; and While H?’ Majesty recognized in the fullest manner their undoubted right to discuss wuh entire freedom every subject which might come before them-— and he was commanded by her Majesty to afford them every facility to do so—her Majesty trusted that their deliberations would be conducted With that calmness and moderation which was alsoa peculiar distinction of their venerable body. Her Majesty sincerely prayed that all their dis- cussions might tend to the glory ofGod, to the peace and tranquillity of the church, and to the happiness and prosperity of the country. It should be his study to do every_ thing in his power that would 'conduce to their comfort and convenience during their sittings. His Grace concluded by presenting the usual Royal dona- tion of £2000 for the propagation of the gospel in the Highlands. . .

The Moderator, in reply to his Grace, said,— While the General Assembly deeply feel the solemnity, and would suitably. appreciate the high and holy privilege of_mceting iu the name and by the authority and favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Divine and .sole head of his church—they desire at the same time to receive with alPdue respect and gratitude .the sanction of Royal authority. By the gracious providence of God, the established Church of Scotland has long enjoyed this advantage, under the consti- tutional and benign sway ofprinces of the house of Brunswick; and the General Assembly re- joice to find that our present gracious Sovereign the Queen, agreeably to the principles that sea- ted her family on thethrone, and the solemn oath required by the treaty of union, and taken by her Majesty at her accession, has renewed to us, through your Grace, the a55uraiice of her unal- terable attachment to the constitution of these realms, and firm determination to maintain antl uphold all the rights and privileges ofthe church of Scotland. Such an assurance is most valuv able at all times, but especially on occasions like the present, when it has pleased God to appoint unto us a visitation of trouble and distress. We desire to humble ourselves under the mighty and merciful hand ofGod,trusling that he will exaltus in dtie season, and that the things that have hap- pened unto tis will be for the furtherance ofthe Gospel. The sympathy of our gracious Sove- reign. and her testimony to the admirable con- stitution and efficiency of our church, and its fitness to promote the temporal and spiritual Welfare of her people, are circumstances of a very encouraging and consolatory nature to us. Our earnest desire and prayer to God is, that we may receive grace to fulfil her Majesty's pious expectations, and at the same time accomplish the great objects and ends for which Christ has a Church upon earth; and we trust that this seasonable expression ofthem will confirm our hearts more and more in love and loyalty to her Majesty’s person and government. The Royal donation of two thousand pounds, for the stipport and spread of religion in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, we receive with grcnhimuk. fulness, as a sure indication of her Majesty’s interest in the real welfare of that portion of her dominions, and as the means of imparting very precious benefits to its inhabitants. We regard the appointment of your Grace to represent her Majesty’s person in this Assembly with high and heartful satisfaction. Besides the advan- tages of an ancient house and noble family, of a name distinguished in the annals of Scotland, and dear to its inhabitants—we recognize in your Grace the additional and endearing bond of being a‘member of our own communion, and one whose excellent character and exemplary con- duct are calculated to reflect lustre on his own exalted station, and to adorn the institutions and ordinances ofthe church of our fathers. We accept, therefore, .of your Grace’s appointment as a special token of her Majesty’s favour to us, and as a sure pledge that every .propor respect shall be paid t6 our character and proceedings, and all manner of courtesy and kindness towards us as individuals. We cordially respond to the wish expressed by your Grace respecting the character of our proceedings. Surely it well becometh us, as loyal subjects of an earthly Sovereign, and devoted servants of the King of kings, to see to it that our speech and behaviour be right in the sight of God and of men. May he with whom is counsel and wisdom, enable us to act so as that your Grace may give a favourable account of us to our earthly sovereign, and that we shall be saved and accepted of him who is our great Lord and Master. The usual commit- tees were then appointed; and at six n’clock, the Assembly adjourned.

COLONIAL cauacnes.

Principal Macfarlan said it would be neces- sary, in order to do justice to this subject, to go at considerable length into it; and be trusted that the resulp conveyed in the report would be found to produce”\ proper effects on the minds of all. By means of the Missionary Record, much information had been, already given under the heads of the different colonies ; but there was still farther and very interesting information to be .given. In Canada there were two subjects which required the close attention of the Com- mittee, as being of the very highest importance to the extension and well-being of the Protes- tant Presbyterian Church : one was the clergy reserves in Canada ; and the other, the rightof the ministers of the church of Scotland in Cana- da to a participation in them. The governor of Canada had directed the sale of these reserves, and divided them into four portions. This re- sult having arrived at home, had given rise to very great and keen debate. The Episcopalian church was not contented with the share which

cussion, the matter was submitted for the consi- deration of her Majesty’s Judges, who had'dis- tinctly decided in favor of the right of the clergy of the church of Scotland, and it was to be ho-

ped that that matter would be forthwith carried

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' tion but the committee of Assam- blijo ngllllo more; to watch narrowly over the proceedings. Another pomt of very great portance is the proposed establishment of a. ho - lege in Kingston, for the building of which 3 large sum had been already obtained; it .a also received the Royal sanction to its being called Queen’s College, and would receive a Royal charter whenever required. The '00!!!- mittee regard this as a most1mportantpomt in the affairs of the Church in Canada. as it would keep up a sufficient supply _ol able ministers, which could not be expected if they had all to be broutiht frotn the mother country ; and the committge most earnestly recommend this part ofthe subject to the support of the General As- sembly, and to the liberality of all who take'an interest in the spiritual welfare of our Canadian brethren. It was proposed. to place 5000!. at the disposal of the Committee for the endow- ment ofa Theological Professor; and .havmg already opened up a correspondence With the Synod, the committee are in hopes to find the Synod will be able to raise a constderable sum towards the support of another; and. they pro- pose, therefore, opening up a subscription to add to what the Synod may be able to do ; and the committee look with confidence to the Assembly to use every exertion to promote such a splendid institution. In what are called the eastern dis- tricts, two ministers had been appointed, and were now labouring for three years, at the rate of 1001. a year, with the prospect of501. more from their congregations or the Synod.

The Presbytery of Bathurst, which was of greater extent than Scotland, south of the Forth and Clyde, had six ministers spread over the dis trict, and the distance between some of the sta- tions was upwards ofa hundred miles. Atsome ofthe stations, churches had been erected, at others there were none; but the supply was to- tally inadequate to the wants of such an immense territory, and called loud] for additional aid. The committee would *estly plead for the

they proposed to give her; and after much dis~ 3“

means of supplying two ore ministers, one of whom should be able to preach in Gaelic. A Mr. Man, from the Presbytery of Aberdeen, had been appointed to a station at a salary of 701. a-year ; and the committee had granted 500[. towards the individual salaries of ministers who, i'rom various circumstances, were not able to r ecover their stipend. But the committee must a gain allude to the utter inadequacy of all that h as beeii done to what is actually required. Do- ring the last fifteen years much has been done, but much yet remains to be carried into effect ; an d to enable the Presbyterians of the Church of Scotland to take their proper position, some- thing most instantly be done ; and it has been so {gested that very great good would result from a deputation of the General Assembly be- ing sent 0mg”: Canada.

I n Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, and Prince Ed- ward Island, the claims were still greater and more urgent than from Canada. From Pictou they had a mosr urgent request, and the Com- mitt ee have sent £l00, and are on the outlook for an individual that knows the Gaelic, who may. be sent to that quarter. £200 have been sent to some of the districts of Nova Scotia for itinerating missionaries. Mr. Stevenson, be- longing to Edinburgh, has been appointed to St. John’s, and will soon go out for three years. The Com’mittee, in conclusion,las to Canada, proptise that, while the Edinburgh committee go on as at present, the shouid bea division of the committee appointed to sit in Glasgow; and act in concert with the Glasgow Colonial Societv. The committee would state, generally, that they were in communication with the whole British West India Islands, and were anxiously en- deavouring to collect statistical information,so as to lead to the means ofincreasing the num- ber of' Presbyterian churches in the colonies, and providing schools for Scotsnien as well as negroes. For this purpose, the Rev. Mr. M‘Vicar has been appointed by the committee, and the Government have agreed to give him £500 a-~year.

The «committee had also been much occupied on the subject ofthe Presbyterian churches in New South Wales. Dr. Lang had come over to this country on the stibject of the differences, and the Committee appointed a small committee to. meet: with him. He required stich"an alter- ation of the Colonial Church Act, as would in- clude all] the_seceding ministers.’ They agreed With him that, in case ofa union, they should endeavour to prOcure a separate Church Act Amendment Bill, so as to remove the cause of difference. The committee distinctly declared that the Church of Scotland disclaimed jurisdic- tion over the churches of the Colonies; but that she had a right to declare what judicatories she shall recognise, and on what terms—The com- mittee have voted £l00 to Hobart Town; 'and the Government of New South Wales report, that there ,is now no want of clergymen in that district. On the point of New Zealand, the committee agreed to provide £300 a-year for three years, for Mr. M‘Farlane, and a purchase has been made of a town lot in favour of the Procurator of the- church, for the use of Mr. M’Farlane and his successors. In conclusion the committee referred to some differences in: troduced into the conducting of public worship, which were not sanctioned by the church at home; in particular the charging a fee on bap- tism.. The report concluded by urging increased exertion and prayer, in order to increase the results which have already been achieved. Only four years ago it was just in its infancv, and it now extended over the whole of British America;

d the amount of good done was incalculably great. The labors of the committee had been cheered by the consideration, that they had with them the sympathy and approbation of the church, and the liberality of the country.

Dr. M‘-Li;po was sure his motion would be ros-

nded' to, that the r it be approved} ' , fined; and that the oderaior p » Wu . thanks of the Assembly totbo very , ~ ; Convener and the committee, for?“ . u ~ '. . diligence with which they have dilehl : g V_ _ respective duties. The report has bro w I fore them considerations of the moat solemn ‘ , nature. It spreads its renew over the whole” V the British Colonies to which emigration M taken place, and was yet daily increasing. to eighty thousand had emigrated. from-alt ow ' country last year, and it might continnoag“ years. It was painful to see. the removal 0“ I‘ ‘3“ we value, but we 'could not regret that. prospects were openng up. for "'0'". H, , might promote both their spiritual and to m . welfare. Emigration is the only safety ’ for a redundant population, but the thou"! that are going away should be themsolv ‘ ‘ structed, and ministers sent with them to u g, over that instruction. Let them now the _ 7' in the infant colony, and the benefits of, ' l, ; sowing will be reaped by the parent - » .V . r perhaps many ages after. Great excitement“ ' ,7; ' prevailed on the subject of emigration of . _~* years, and particularly during last year, and. , is still increasing from the great want of emfifsi ,1 -, ment at 'home. The tide oférnigration is n08; confined to the poorer classes;eveti the very ' richest will tell you that they cannot find ems; ployment for their sons at home ;' and,” eneral‘ has emigration spread over the counjfiya ‘ few were left without having sot , ,d; other in the colonies. Such being the extort? ofemigraiion, the providing of proper religioufi“ instruction to the colonists should be one of the first objects of this country. Even the nobles'qi: the land were turning their eyes to the colonieni: and it was therefore important for the Cburcitofi; 7 », Scotland to send out labourers to sow the seedifi. " of Christian light. We should be grateful ‘ providence that such a field has been opened r for our population.

We cannot suppose that all the lovely Islands! ‘ - ofthe Pacific were created for nothing beyonfl v. n being the playthings of the ocean,~ w-He believer! ' Ii they were created for the use of man. and that fl is the command ofGod to go out and inhabitgt‘l‘ Britain has planted colonies in all parts ofthe. [1,, world, in the eastern and in the western hemis- ‘ phere, and to what extent this might increase it; ' ?_ was not easy to conceive; but as it who, millions upon millions, in every quarter of the globe, were '3’ - ' now speaking our language, and ifeadin ouch? -, books, and crying to us to come overot‘rdheifii t” them. It was a great thing to be disttogtsl' j'shetl ofGod as a beloved nation, and Britain secured- the chosen instrument of God in spreading Chris-f1 tianity throughout the world. It is forthigfihwg" providence has raised us high among the n'atidh,‘ and that our ships are found travérsifig every" sea 3,. and thmigh‘awe‘h'ave cause to be humbled that‘ we have done so little, yet thereiis hope in tho- ' rays oflight, of truth, and of knowled e, which,‘:r are daily spreading themselves over he earth“ . that so much has been done as will lead to 'iti-; creased hopes. The labour in which the c'om-. . mittee was engaged was partly one of missionary ' i“ enterprize. And we should feel grateful to God- that we have had the honor of being the means; of doing so much for New Zealand already; and' he urged in the strongest manner, the clairlis which their expatriated countrymen had upon them, to enable them to enjoy the church and the teachers of their youth. In speaking of the proposed college at Kingston, Dr. M'Leod said,‘ he hoped they would supply what was a-wanting» in the present colleges, a Professor of Gaelic, . that ministers might be trained up to teach the“ tens ofthousands, who know no other language than the Gaelic.