Presbytery of Paisley; Messrs M'Queen, Lyon, Stewart, and several others for the Congregation of Paisley; and Mr Macnaughtan for himself.

Parties having been heard and removed, Mr Carment of Rosskeen opposed the translation, and was supported by Mr Macdonald of Ferintosh. Mr Dempster of Denny supported the translation, and was seconded by Dr M'Farlan. Mr Barclay of Old Kilpatrick supported the first motion, and was followed by Mr M. M. Chrichton. Dr Buchanan felt himself constrained to come to a decision on this question, different from that which at the outset he was inclined to adopt, and would support Mr Carment's motion.

Mr DEMPSTER said he did not know whether to feel disappointed or rejoiced. He was full of joy at the turn the discussion had taken. Has party received its death-blow here? Is every thing done here to have for its one object-how is Christ to be glorified most? how are we best to express love to one another, and best engage in promoting the cause of Christ? We have cause to rejoice in the spirit that manifests itself in the Free Protesting Church of Scotland-individuals giving up most readily their views to the opinions and views of the greater number of their respected brethren. Mr D. then stated that though he had not altered his opinion as to the translation of Mr Macnaughtan, yet, finding that the general wish of the House was opposed to his motion, he would yield to the views of his brethren, and with the permission of the seconder, withdraw it. (Hear.) In doing so he was only acting in that spirit which seemed now to distinguish every movement of the Free Protesting Church of Scotland. Leave was accordingly given to Mr Dempster to withdraw his motion; and that of Mr Carment refusing the translation was unanimously agreed to.

THE FALKIRK CASE.

The next case before the Assembly was a case of appeal from the congregation of Falkirk against a decision of the Presbytery of Linlithgow, under the following circumstances:-The adhering members of the Free Church in Falkirk gave a call to Mr Irving of Abercorn to be their minister. The Presbytery of Linlithgow refused to sustain his translation; on which the Commissioners from Falkirk appealed to the General Assembly.

Parties being called, Commissioners appeared from the competing congregations of Falkirk and Abercorn, and Messrs Martin of Bathgate, Hetherington of Torphichen, and Laing of Grangemouth, appeared for the Presbytery.

After some discussion on the motion of Mr BEITH, it was agreed to translate. The Assembly adjourned a little before six o'clock, to meet at half-past seven.

EVENING SEderunt.

The Assembly met at half-past seven.

Mr PITCAIRN, the Clerk, stated that Dr Chalmers had received an address from the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, which would be remitted to the Committe, along with the others, to be answered.

Dr M'FARLAN intimated arrangement of business, after which

Dr WELSH, Convener of the Assembly's Committee on Education, read the following

REPORT ON EDUCATION.

"The subjects placed under the charge of the Education Committee were found to embrace four departments,-first, the College; second, Elementary Schools; third, Sabbath Schools; fourth, Musical Education.

"It formed the subject of consideration with the General Committee, whether four separate Sub-Committees should be appointed for the management of these different branches, or whether they should be all placed under the superintendence of one acting Committee. The subjects were too varied, and some of them too extensive, to be effectively conducted by one Convener; but then, on the other hand, the Committee did not afford materials for so many Sub-Committees, and the time

of the members was too valuable to admit of so many calls on their attention. A middle course, therefore, was proposed in the mean time; and while one acting Committee was appointed to watch over the whole, a secretary was named over each particular department.

"THE COLLEGE.

"The first business that the Committee had to discharge in reference to the College was the appointment of Professors. The Committee considered it a high privilege to be able to appoint to preside, and to give prelections in theology in the new institution, an individual whose name is identified with the Church; and as John Knox took the lead in the first reformation, Alexander Henderson in the second, Thomas Chalmers stands forth as representative in the third Reformation. Dr Welsh was named Professor of Divinity and Church History. Dr Duncan's unrivalled attainments in Hebrew and Oriental Literature, connected with the rare art of kindling to enthusiasm the youthful student, secured him the nomination to the Hebrew Chair. The general voice of the Church and country indicated Dr Cunningham for a fourth Chair, but, as his services will not be required till the session 1844-45, it was with the understanding that he should proceed to the United States, partly with the view of pleading our Church question, and partly that he might have an opportunity of witnessing the manner in which education, and particularly theological education, is conducted in the seminaries of the New World. The vast learning of Dr Black, his mastery over languages, his virtues not less conspicuous than his talents, presented him as a proper person to be called to a Chair, and he was appointed Professor at Aberdeen, where his labours will greatly increase the interests of the Free Church.

"Professors having been appointed to the new Institution, it was desirable that a building adapted to the purposes of the College should be secured. The Committee accordingly purchased a house in George Street, and are making alterations, which it is hoped will be completed by the end of the present month.

"The course of education during the ensuing session is to continue in all respects the same as in former years. Many important changes are in contemplation, but it is judged of consequence to proceed with them warily, and to introduce no change without due consideration. The question as to the propriety of establishing preliminary classes, by which students may be fully prepared for the Theological curriculum, without being obliged to attend the present universities, has not been lost sight of; though the same reasons that have induced them to attempt no change during the present session upon the Theological Classes, have seemed sufficient to delay the introduction of preliminary classes. The subject is meeting with the most anxious attention, and the Committee are in hopes that at next Assembly they may be able to communicate their views. In the mean time, it may be sufficient to state, that in the plans they have been considering, no proposal has been made to lessen the amount of preparatory acquisitions on the part of young men. On the contrary it is their anxious wish to elevate the standard of literary and philosophical attainments, and to secure for the ministers of the Free Church young men thoroughly educated. But they conceive that this may be effected as well in certain cases where there is a year less of university education. For example, if a young man attends the seventh class in the Edinburgh Academy, which he leaves when he is seventeen, it is conceived that he may pass at once to the logic class in the university. His attainments must be incalculably higher than those of many young men who enter the junior Greek class; and if the Greek must be attended, it may be in one of the years appropriated to the philosophical classes.

"When literary and philosophical classes are established in the New College, lectures on Greek and Roman literature might supersede the teaching of the Greek and Latin languages, which might be thoroughly learned at school; and the Committee also contemplate great changes in regard to Natural Philosophy and Moral Philosophy, but which are not sufficiently matured to, admit of being stated.

"No appeal has been made to the public hitherto upon the subject of funds.

The unexpected demand for churches absorbed the attention of the friends of the Church, and it was judged prudent, therefore, to delay the claim, receiving only the donations of individuals whose liberality and benevolence spontaneously prompted the gift. "As there is only for the present one College in Scotland connected with the Free Church, a question of very considerable difficulty has arisen in regard to enforcing regular attendance on the part of those students who had it in view to conduct their studies at other of the university seats. After full consideration, it was agreed to recommend to the Assembly to appoint a Committee for the present year, before whom all students having a claim of non-attendance should bring their case to be decided on; and that where the case seems sufficiently strong, they shall put them in communication with their respective Presbytery, in the university seat, who shall appoint a committee of their number to direct them in the course of their studies, to prescribe books, to examine them upon what they have read, and to give occasional prelections. In Aberdeen, students will enjoy the unspeakable advantage of attending also the prelections of Dr Black.

"A considerable step has been made towards forming a Library,-between L.800 and L.900 have been collected, and about 3000 volumes.

Perhaps it may be in the recollection of some, that it was mentioned that L.2000 in money would be necessary to lay the foundation of a good library, and there is reason to believe that this sum will be procured before the opening of next Assembly. This hint, given in the city of Glasgow will not, it is hoped, be without its effect. In last report it was mentioned that ministers should not contribute to the fund; but, perhaps, as many clergymen demonstrated on the subject, we may come to a compromise, and receive one work from every clergyman. And in this idea of just giving one work, we will not confine ourselves to ministers of the church. We will also extend it to elders of the church, and all the members of the church. A great number of booksellers have already given donations to the Library, but it is not necessary to read their names. The Rev. Mr Murray of Elizabeth Town, New Jer sey, has been written to on the subject of the Library, soliciting contributions of books, and in due course a most friendly answer was received. There is but one opinion,' Mr Murray wrote, in this country as to the action of the Free Church, and that is one of the most unqualified and unbounded admiration.' He added, that he would lose no time in endeavouring to procure donations of books, and hoped to despatch several boxes in a short time.

66 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

"The Secretary, Mr Lewis, will read the Report, and we have only to advert to a scheme for founding schools, by Mr M'Donald of Blairgowrie: he will explain it to you at length. It cannot be doubted that it will prove successful. Mr M'Donald is well known as a most indefatigable parish minister; but such portion of his time as he is able to spare from his labours among his people, he intends to employ in carrying his scheme into effect throughout the country; and I am sure all of you will be glad to facilitate his work.

"SABBATH SCHOOLS.

"Very important work is in progress, and at next Assembly we shall be able to give in a full report.

66 MUSICAL EDUCATION.

"The services of Mr Mainzer for two months, for promoting this important branch of instruction, have been secured.

Mr LEWIS read the following report on

"PRIMARY INSTRUCTION AND NORMAL SCHOOLS.

"In the department of elementary instruction, the attention of your Committee was directed, first of all to ascertain the number of teachers throughout Scotland adhering to the principles of the Free Church, that they might know the materials at their command,-the men to whom they might look as the future teachers of this

Church. With this view, the Committee addressed a circular of queries to all adhering ministers, accompanied with an urgent enforcement of the importance of accurate returns, with regard to all classes of teachers,-parochial, Assembly, privately endowed, and adventure. The returns, however, in many instances, have not yet been received, the outstanding arrears still amounting to more than one-half of the whole circulars issued.

"Such as they are, the facts which the returns bring to light are of the most satisfactory description, and assure both the Church and the country, that whatever may be awanting for conducting an efficient scheme of education in connection with the Free Church, we are from the very outset of our enterprise, in possession of the services of a body of men who have sustained, in time past, the educational character of our country, and are ready, for the future, to sacrifice all that is dear to them, that they may continue to prosecute their labours in connection with the Free Church. Partial as are the returns, they present us with the fact, that 360 teachers adhere to our principles. Of these, 80 are parochial schoolmasters, 57 Assembly, 27 Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge, 196 privately endowed and adventure teachers; and if we take the moderate average of 60 children in attendance on each teacher, we have, as the gratifying result, and from these limited returns, that upwards of 20,000 children are already receiving daily instruction under masters adhering to our Church.

"Respecting the parochial and Assembly teachers, the Church and country are aware that the inevitable result of their avowal of their principles is the forfeiture of their charges. Already not a few of the parochial schoolmasters have been deposed from their offices, and Assembly teachers dismissed.

"It is, therefore, with very great satisfaction that the Committee now find themselves, from the state of their finances, in a condition to hold out, in more distinct terms than heretofore, the prospect of a salary to all teachers ejected, either from parochial or Assembly schools. They think they are warranted in submitting the following as an arrangement which, through the continued liberality of the country, they confidently reckon on being able to carry into execution:

"Ist, That all teachers ejected from the full enjoyment of the emoluments of a parish school shall, when enrolled on the Committee's list of teachers, and during the period they remain connected with its schools, receive the annual salary of L.20. 2d, That all teachers ejected from the Assembly's schools, shall, in the same circumstances, receive a salary of L.15 annually, except where the allowance from the Assembly was less, in which cases the teachers shall receive the same as that formerly enjoyed.

"We are well aware how utterly inadequate are such allowances as a remuneration for the services of educated men. We deeply feel that they are neither sufficient to provide for their personal and family comforts, nor for maintaining their professional respectability. But we are passing through a transition season; and if your Committee can only help their teachers through their present difficulties, they confidently anticipate a period when the country, awakening to the importance of our great educational enterprise, and to the sense of what it owes to the teachers of youth, shall, in return for their services, provide a remuneration more befitting their responsible station.

"Before passing from this branch of our Report, we would embrace the opportunity of bringing broadly before the attention of the Church the fact, that from the stringency of the law subjecting parochial teachers in their office to the control of Presbyteries, we, as a Free Church, are for ever separated from the endowed schools of the land, as well as all teachers maintaining our principles. Let the fact only be universally proclaimed, that we are now barred from all superintendence of the parochial schools, nay, that one indispensable qualification for admission as teachers or superintendents, is the maintenance of principles which, as a Church, we abjure, and it will be the most persuasive reason that can be addressed to our people to spare no pains in the establishment of schools delivered from the disqualifications under which the parochial labour, and which shall be fitting channels for the education of the youth of our Free Church.

"The second part of our Report refers to the Normal seminary. We have already to congratulate the Church and country on the possession of a Normal seminary, having not only equal, but greatly superior capabilities for the training of teachers, to those afforded by the Assembly's institution at any former period. At present the seminary musters a roll of four hundred children and twenty students training for teachers, the whole institution being under the experienced superintendence of Mr Oliphant, whose eminent qualifications and vigour as a teacher are already so well known to the Church, from his successful labours in the Normal Seminary of the Establishment.

"One thing only we have left behind in the old Normal Seminary, at which we cast a lingering look. The teachers we have carried along with us,-the children spontaneously followed,—and their number has increased already a third beyond our former highest attendance; the students are daily flowing in from all parts of the country; and for accommodation, we have sustained no loss in being ejected from the old Market Street Seminary, to land in our present spacious range of apartments. One thing only have we to regret in the transition, we have lost the library for our Normal students. How shall this loss be repaired?

"The books we need for our Normal Library are books of history, civil and ecclesiastical, that our students may qualify themselves more fully for teaching in the historical department; books of natural history, and science in its several branches, more especially such treatises as are simple and elementary; books illustrative of the natural history of the Bible-the customs, manners, institutions of eastern nations, such as Paxton's Illustrations of Scripture, Burder's Oriental Manners and Customs; a few of our best volumes of practical theology; above all, books on the different systems of education, and treating of its theory and practice, together with the biographies of such men as have devoted themselves to the work of instruction, and the perusal of whose lives might stimulate to professional excellence and to higher attainments. Such a collection would be an invaluable auxiliary to the studies of our young men attending the seminary, and would serve to create, and stimulate where already existing, that taste for self-improvement which is a main element in the character of a successful teacher, and essential for preserving a teacher in intellectual life, whose lot may afterwards be cast in some remote district of the country, and far from the influences that quicken into activity the faculties of other men.

"But how, in the overtaxed state of our Educational Fund, is the library to be obtained? A contribution of L.5, sent for the library to our rector, Mr Oliphant, has suggested the way in which our object may be accomplished. If only half the success which has crowned the efforts of our learned Convener for the Theological Library attend this new, and humbler, and more easily realized effort for our Normal Seminary, the students will soon be put in possession of a library ample for all the purposes of their studies.

"It is also in contemplation to form a Museum of objects consisting of the products of nature and art. Specimens of the raw products and manufactured articles, the materials of commerce in this great mercantile city, would form no inconsiderable contribution to such a museum. We could afford space for a Glasgow cabinet, and it would not be the least valuable in our collection. Gifts apparently the most trivial viewed singly, yet if flowing from all quarters, and consisting of every variety of objects, would speedily complete such a museum as is required for the practical pusposes of a Normal Seminary. A penny a-week from every household in Scotland, as we are often reminded, makes a hundred thousand a-year, and would alone be adequate to the sustentation of the Free Church. An insect, a bird, a shell, a fossil remain, a mineral, an ancient coin, nay, the smallest contribution from every private cabinet and collection, would complete the museum of the Normal Seminary. All such contributions will be gratefully acknowledged, if forwarded to Mr Oliphant, at the Seminary.

"Other subjects of the most vital importance to the interests of education have during the last five months, occupied the deliberations of your Committee, to which we can only most cursorily refer. Amongst these was the subject of Sabbath schools, now more than at any former period demanding the careful