The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland commenced its
sittings on the 19th instant. The usual procession took place, and was
flume-co:1.1y attended. The only business transacted was the election of the Moderator, or President of _Assembly. Dr. Macleod, of Glas- gow, was unanimously chosen ; but Dr. IVelsh made a strong state- ment of the claims of Dr. Lee to that honour, with a view to pre. engage tl:o Assembly for his election Its Moderator next year. The mod-ruir party consider that they will enjoy the asneu+mney in this Assemb:y. In the last two Assemblies they have been in the minority. We obsi ve the oracles of the Church urging the members of Assem- bly to practise the usual courtesies which regulate the eneduct of gen- tlenum iru their debates. This advice is not less proper than it is necess;:ry. The last General Assembly was characterized by extreme coarseness and violence in the speeches and conduct of its members. These exl:ibitions of vulgar passion afford a lamentable commentary on the practical influence of the Gospel on the minds of the spiritual guides of the people. If Christianity can be brought into contempt by ally means, none are so well calculated to effect that end as the vol• gar railing and blustering passion exhibited by the clergy in their pub lie discussions. No public question has yet came before the As- sembly. Our contemporary the Scotsman has got his hands over a document, from whom emanating we cannot tell, for it is anonymous, but it is addressed to the Ministers of the Church of Scotland, and urges than strongly to pre mit politics from the pulpit. The pre- text is, "that Popery and Infidelity combined have their bands on the helm of the State." The ailvi, e giveit is, " to take Koox's mantle and a portion of 11:s 5;drit, and ascend each man his pulpit, aud raise the warning to us ell." Well may the Scotsman say, that if the clergy should follow this advice, their "et:dim' " and their " billuence "
would come to a speedy tel initiation ! But the very fact of such a proposal being made to them. show, the fierce fanaticism which barns in some Northern minds.—Gimrier.
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