28 DECEMBER 1839, Page 6

SCOTLAND.

The Court of Session have granted an " interdict," on the applica- tioirof the Reverend J. Cruickshank and the six other ministers mem- bers of the Strathbogie Presbytery, " suspended" by the Commission of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This civil pro-. eees will prevent the ministers who may be appointed in conformity with the Assembly's order, from entering the churches, churchyards, or schoolhouses, or in any manner interfering with the legal rights of the " suspended" ministers.

An attempt was made on Sunday last to execute the sentence of sus- pension pronounced by the Commission of the General Assembly against two members of the Strathbogie Presbytery, the ministers of Mortlach and Keith. A correspondent of the Scotsman, writing.from Mortlach on Sunday afternoon, describes the proceedings there-

" Such an extraordinary- scene and state of excitement as have just occurred here were-never before witnessed in the memory of the oldest inhabitant in the parish of Mortlach. The Reverend D. Grant, of Torres, accompanied by the Fiscal and others, made his appearance here about a quarter of an hour before the hour of public worship (twelve o'clock.) lie then proceeded to the parish- church, which is about a mile from the village of Datitowu; where the people were all collected on the road, the church-doors and gates being barred and guarded. On arriving, Mr. Grant was met by Mr. Gatherer, solicitor, Elgin, who supplied him with the Court of Session's interdict. Finding it in vain to attempt admission to the ehurch, he invited the people to the village, where he has just preached in the open air, and declared the sentence of suspension against Mr. Cruikshank, the parish-minister. his own remarks, after so doing, showed that it was a service he would very gladly have passed into other hands ; but he said he was obliged to perform it under fear of a much more severe sentence being passed against him than what he had delivered—'a sentence,' he said, of complete and final deposition front the work of the holy ministry.' The feelings of the people were altogether in behalf of their minister, and they were anxious to escort him in triumph to his pulpit, had he been willing; but he has judged it expdient to deeline preaching to-day. Mr. 'Grant has Intimated to the people that they will he supplied with preaching next Sabbath by appointment of the General A'semidy ; and 'Ir. Gatherer, the law-agent, has at the same tiro; stated that any party sent will be treated in the sante way as Mr. Grant. The people are collected in groups is every quarter of the village, discussing the merits of the question."

The church at Keith was also barred and guarded ; and Mr. M'Kay of Raiford, the minister appointed by the Commission to perform that duty, intimated " the finding of the Commission " to a small congrega- tion at the church-gate.

From the Glasynw Satunlay Post we learn, that a negotiation for the union of the Secession and Relief Churches is making progress in Paisley. Thus, says the Glasgow journalist, " while rebellion and di- vision is the order of the day between the contending parties at present established by law in this country, most certainly a striking contrast is afforded to all who may be desirous of finding the truth as far as it refers to the constitution of churches."