did estimators, that its proceedings have been fair, well-intentioned, and judicious. The matters introduced were in themselves befitting the deliberations of a spiritual court, and the judgments come to were the unquestionable results of patient investigation and free interchange of thought, for which opportunity was given in the many anxious conferences which preceded the more important public discussions. And it is no slight evidence of the wisdom and sincerity with which your debateable questions were brought forward, that there were so many unanimous, or next to unanimous, decisions in so large an assemblage of independent minds; and if independence of mind shall ever give place to assenting without conviction, farewell to the reputation and usefulness of this Assembly.

If we failed of success in some measures, little disappointment was felt, because by most of us success was hardly expected. As an instance of this, I allude to the attempt made to persuade another Assembly to suspend vexatious law proceedings respecting the Quoad Sacra Churches, and fairly meet the questions at issue on a common sense ground of equity. But our amicable and Christian proposals were rejected, and it was resolved to cling, if not to the Bible, to the bench and the bar. We have somewhere read-Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law?" -a question of some weight to men who make conscience of Christian morality. We have tried, and have failed, to divert that House from persevering in what we think an unjust and cruel career; but let the world know that our cause, neither in this nor other matters, will take end in the House of Lords,-it will go to the judgmentseat of Christ! Till then, let us be patient, brethren, and rather suffer injustice than make hasty and questionable advances to those who do us wrong. At the very mention of the step already taken, the minds of many felt alarm (as private communications made to me testify), lest that step should be construed into a sort of recognition which was not intended. The jealousy was no doubt excessive; but the motive was respectful. It is hardly consistent ostentatiously to express sympathy for the oppressed in Switzerland, and trample on the property of a like body at home.

Another matter has been anxiously discussed, and not with an entire harmony of opinion in the result. I refer to the Government Education Scheme, which numbers have regarded with apprehension, not without cause, I think, as that scheme is at present interpreted. No Church has had more at heart the education of the people; and none has practically done so much to secure and advance it. We are in a position that renders aid exceedingly desirable, and Government comes opportunely tendering it. But if, in order to obtain that aid, a sacrifice or partial abandonment of great principles be demanded, let it be unto us as a "tree of knowledge,"-on abstinence from which depend the life and power of our Testimony and Protest. The tree to many, no doubt, seems good for (mental) food, and pleasant to the eyes; a tree, moreover, to be desired to make one wise; yet we must not buy knowledge at the cost of principle. Wise modifications may possibly alter its character, but if not, we must regard the seeming advantage as forbidden fruit; and should there be a conflict in our people's mind betwixt a good conscience and a money grant, we must endeavour to bring the greater power of principle to bear upon their hesitation.

-a fault

What has been done relative to two most pressing and important matters,-temperance and Sabbath observance, will convince the community that we are alive to the necessity of strenuous efforts, both on their part and on our own, in order to preserve them from violation. Avoiding extremes in the positions we take,into which some of the Puritan body (as they were called in reproach) fell,—a fault which provoked injurious reactions, and lessened the effect of their virtuous contendings,-avoiding, we say, extremes in the positions we take, it is our imperative duty, by all legitimate means, to encounter intemperance in its fouler or its fairer forms. It is one of Satan's chief implements for ruining men, both in body and soul, and fitting them for destruction.

On this point, as well as Sabbath profanation, more than argument will have to be resorted to, where that fails. If men will not hear the Church admonishing them by its office-bearers to keep the Sabbath, and refrain from excess, they must be dealt with in the way of discipline,-separating the infected from the sounder part. As to Sabbath breaking, the temptations to it are fast multiplying around us, and begin to bring sadly to Light by what slender ties many people professing religion are bound to the institutions of Christ. Railroads, we fear, will soon diminish our church

members numerically, and much pains will be needed to fortify the ill-informed and feeble-minded against strong temptations.

It was my purpose on this occasion to say something on our modes of financial arrangements, which in some departments have been thought objectionable. But I have had too much reason to be diffident of my own judgment not to doubt my competency to suggest alterations. One remark only touching expenditure would I offer, namely, that we should never be tempted to go beyond our legitimate means. Many grand and inviting prospects of distant but probable good may open up to our view, and solicit the enterprise of faith, and faith is a most enterprising principle; but Christian wisdom imposes limits beyond which we may not in duty go. Our legitimate means I hold to be the mark and measure of Providence for regulating our outlay; and all beyond it is, in the speaker's conviction, without the warrant of Scrip

ture.

The inadequacy of our funds, however, suggests to us a sad consideration of the very low state of religion in many of our congregations; of which that inadequacy is but too clear an exponent. The work of conversion seems at a stand. Personal concern about salvation is rarely shown. Numbers sit under the preaching of the Word with listless apathy, or chiefly to criticise the preacher's voice or style,-heedless of the message he brings, and wholly unmindful of their own responsibility for the way they receive it. Whence is this? Brethren, let us see to it, that sin lie not at our own door. Are we impressed with the dread importance of the ministry we have undertaken? There must be obstruction somewhere to the communication of blessing from above. Are we not the professedly ordained and ordinary channels of conveying to men the message of reconciliation? But will God use the ministry of the unholy to make his mercy known by? Everything should be clear in our character, and clear in our own views. We should speak because we believe, not because we learn from books, and can tell what other men, reputed sound in their experience, believed. Ere we require from others decided faith, we should first be decided in our own,-which is no common attainment, we conceive. It was the opinion of one of the most eminent of the ancient fathers, that "few ministers would be saved!" He spoke of his own contemporaries; and far be it from us to broach a like opinion as to ours; yet when we calmly consider what we in fact are, and what we ought to be, who has not just cause for holy fear?-who does not tremble at his responsibility before God? It is not the "understanding all mysteries and all knowledge" that will secure our entrance into heaven. Some of us may "preach to others, and yet be ourselves cast away." ""

Brethren, suffer this word of exhortation from one that gives it, not because he deems himself wiser or more perfect than those whom he addresses, but because put into a place that imposes on him the imperative duty to exhort. Go, then, back to your several charges, with a resolved devoted purpose to preach and live the gospel, -to spend more time with God in secret prayer, and more in patient study, for which too little is sometimes allotted in the haste and hurry of running to and fro amid the distraction of the times. High literary accomplishments are not essential to success in our ministry; but surely they are not merely ornamental, but useful, as so finely exemplified in our departed friend. Bring direct intention of doing the Lord's work while ye labour in his vineyard. Guard against a sensual, self indulgent life,-make the Lord's law your rule, and the Lord's Word your study, day and night. Be mighty in Scripture, for the sword of the Spirit is there. Deal plainly with saints and sinners: tell them faithfully both your hopes and fears concerning their state. Above all, let not your trumpet give an uncertain sound. Deal not in a multiplicity of reasonings concerning grace and salvation. Christ crucified was the Apostle's theme; let it, Oh, let it be your's. Preach the gospel as a message, which it is, and call on every man for an explicit answer; call authoritatively, holding forth in realising statement the consequences of refusal.

One thing I would much press, that ye fall not away from a high estimation of what the Lord hath wrought in our day, and through our instrumentality, in the formation of the Free Church. Beware of discontent or backdrawing, even in thought. Reverence her courts,-respect her ministers, uphold her honour, for it is of God; and lose not sight of the differences betwixt this Church and that from which we came Of the latter, some are now affecting great charity and forbearance toward us.

out.

Soft and soothing language of conciliation is in vogue. Complacently assuming their own righteous position, they condescend to smile invitingly around them, as if they harboured no resentment for our former doings; and, sitting at their ease, they can afford to speak in a mollified tone concerning our schism,-for that still adheres to us. But as we did not abjure our principles for their menaces, neither will we be lulled into submission by their smiles; nay, for our own sakes, for the sake of our people, for Christ's sake, we believe, we must stand to the terms of our Protest,—at the same time watching against every movement of uncharitable feeling towards the persons of those from whom we differ, and never shunning to meet or act with them on the ground of humanity. In bidding you cherish high esteem for the Free Church, I cannot help connecting with it, a strenuous prosecution of all that tends to promote her stability and extension. Give much serious consideration to the overtures sent down to the subordinate courts for a preliminary judgment thereon. The consideration of such documents is too often delayed until time is not left for a right discussion of their contents. The transmission of overtures to Presbyteries is an excellent device. It gives to men too diffident to address General Assemblies, an opportunity freely to deliver their sentiments more privately; and were these documents patiently and conscientiously dealt with, it would be a grand safeguard to the Church against crude and inexpedient measures. Let me remind the brethren that from this Assembly overtures will be transmitted, which it will greatly wrong the Church to neglect or treat slightly. And as to the authorised Schemes of the Church, I would stir up my own soul, and the soul of every minister, every office-bearer, and every member or adherent, to throw into the work a greater energy and devotion. Let it not be said, we began to build a tower and were not able to finish it. We have lost one whose very name was a persuasive to liberality. We have read of armies that, on the fall of their commander, lost courage and fled,—we have read of others, who, in like circumstances, were roused to a more determined bravery, and carried all before them. Which of these shall we resemble? It is superfluous to ask. Were it not that the sanctuary of grief is violated by a perpetual and longcontinued reference to its cause, we would have spoken out our feelings on this occasion; but we restrain ourselves, and turn your thoughts to our ever-living and everloving Head. I beseech you to consider Jesus, the Captain of the Lord's host, as at your head, and as presiding over your righteous schemes. They are all meant to be subservient to the advancement of His kingdom; and He marks, as of old, when he was sitting over against the treasury at Jerusalem, what every one brings to His cause,-what labour, what thought, what donation. Let this consideration have its just weight. When considerations like this fail, it will be going ill with the Free Church,-ill with ministers individually-ill with congregations. Yes, when preaching the grace and love of Christ affects them not, and when their chief dependence shall be placed on a machinery of strangers and deputations, lay or clerical, her glory will be gone!

In conclusion, be seriously awake to the manifestations of God's fearful hand in the late-it may be, coming-events of providence. Strive much to keep the people's attention awake to the movements of His judgments. We put this momentous subject last, not because least in importance, but that it may be uppermost and above the rest in your recollections at the present time. And it will be the proper exercise of ministers and congregations seriously to revolve, and lay it painfully to heart. On this and other subjects of most serious moment we would have spoken at greater length, but for the lateness of the hour, and the state of feeling I know to be prevalent, a feeling which indisposes the mind for attending to a variety of suggestions not in harmony with its emotions.

But I have trespassed too much, esteemed friends and brethren, on this occasion,— trespassed on your time and patience; and shall say no more, but with sentiments of deep respect and affection, entreat you to take the above ill-arranged remarks in good part; and in the hope you will, we bid you farewell in the Lord.

The Assembly was then closed by the offering up of prayer, singing of the two last verses of the 122d Psalm, and pronouncing of the blessing.