SCOTLAND.
We understand that the heads of a new bill for settling the Church question have been again drawn up with the concurrence of the Non- intrusionists, and which the Government is disposed to accede to. It is Sir George Sinclair's bill in substance, but with some alterations to please the Nons. It recognizes the veto of the male heads of families, and permits the Presbyteries to give effect to it or not as they shall think fit in each case. This discretionary power is in reality more ob- jectionable than the absolute veto, because it opens a door for jobbing and private partiality, and invests the Church Courts with an almost despotic power, which they may employ at pleasure against the patrons, the presentees, or the congregations. The same high legal functionary who took charge of the last fruitless negotiation is said to have been the go-between in this instance.---Scotsman.
This statement is contradicted by the Edinburgh Observer and other papers ; but the Scotsman adheres to the assertion that parties " usually classed" with Nonintrusionists are negotiating with Government.
The Times quotes part of a circular for calling a general conven- tion of the Nonintrusion clergy, to assemble in Edinburgh on Thursday the 17th November, in order to a full and unreserved interchange of sentiment on the prospects of the Church in its contest with the Civil power. The length of the sitting is left undeterminate : bat "all brethren from the country " are forewarned that they should " lay their account with being absent from their pulpits on Sabbath the 20th."
The Synod of Aberdeen is a sore thorn in the side of the Nonintra- sionists. It will be remembered that the General Assembly, in May last, passed a resolution suspending Dr. Grant and ten other clergymen from their judicial functions, for the alleged crime of assisting the Strathbogie ministers in the administration of the Lord's Supper. Among that number were the Reverend James Robertson of Elton, the Reverend George Peter of Kenmay, and the Reverend Alexander Cushny of Rayne ; all in the Presbytery of Garioch. Accordingly, at the half-yearly meeting of the Synod of Aberdeen, held on Tuesday last, objections were taken to the names of these gentlemen appearing on the roll of members. Similar objections were also taken to the names of the Reverend Mr. Middleton (whose settlement in the parish of Culsamond was declared void by a vote of last Assembly) and Mr. James Middle- ton the elder. The Synod, however, by a majority of 81 to 71, have refused to give effect to the sentences of the Assemby with respect to these gentlemen, and have retained their names on their roll. This is another serious blow at the usurped authority of the Nonintrusion party, and will carry great dismay into their ranks. It was easy to suspend or depose some dozen or so of contumacious members ; but what will they make of eighty-one P—Scotsman.
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