Such is the general effect of the recommendations. The Free
Church is to be given the possession of all the property which, under a liberal interpretation of its ability, it can properly administer. When, however, a failure of execution in the trust would obviously result from a transfer to it of any property, such property is to be handed over by the proposed Commission to those whom it may deem capable of executing the trusts adequately, and in the spirit of their creation. The Report strikes us as not only affording a reasonable and just settlement of a very bitter and painful controversy, but also as a document conceived throughout in a wise and liberal spirit. At first sight, and before it is carefully studied, the Report may seem as approaching very nearly to a reversal of the judgment of the highest Court in the land. If, however, it is closely perused and the line of argument employed is properly grasped, it will be seen not to be open in reality to such an objection. It is rather a recommendation for legisla- tion appropriate to the situation created by the decision of the House of Lords.
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