§ The Earl of Aberdeenpresented petitions from Cromarty and several other places in Scotland, against the intrusion of ministers into the Church of Scotland. All these petitions prayed that no ministers should be intruded on the Parishes in Scotland without the consent of the parishioners. Their Lordships, perhaps, knew, in some degree, the agitation and excitement that existed in Scotland on the subject of these petitions. He said in some degree, because he believed that noble Lords, not personally 1278 connected with that country, would find it exceedingly difficult to form any conception of the nature and extent of the feeling which prevailed in consequence of the proceedings of the Church courts and civil tribunals with reference to this matter. The state of feeling which now prevailed, and of which the noble Viscount opposite might be aware, was pregnant with mischief to the good order of society, and to the general peace of the country, which must necessarily he affected by it. That was not the occasion to enter into any inquiry as to the nature and causes of those dissensions which now so unhappily prevailed. Nevertheless, he should now state his conviction, that the principle of what was called "non-intrusion" had always existed in the Church of Scotland—had always been recognized—and effect had been given to it, more or less at different times. The will of the people had, in fact, always formed an essential ingredient in the election to the pastoral office. Those who now adhered, to that principle, did so he was convinced, from a sincere and conscientious conviction. The difficulty was to give, in a reasonable way, effect to that popular will, when duly and properly expressed, having, at the same time, a just regard to other rights and interests. He was himself disposed to believe, that the Church possessed within itself the means of regulating this matter; but after what had passed on the subject, he feared no attempt could be made for such a purpose by that body without being called in question. In his opinion their Lordships ought to have recourse to some legislative measure, having for its object to restore the peace of the Church of Scotland, and to heal and compose those dissensions which now distracted that country from one end to the other. In saying this, however, he wished it to be understood, that he did not presume to question the decision pronounced on the subject by that House in the course of last Session, and which had been made public by a noble and learned Lord, who was not then present. In that decision he entirely and perfectly concurred. He thought it was a decision favourable for the character of the Church of Scotland, and for the morals of the people of that country; both of which, in his opinion, would have been likely to suffer by the endurance of that law—the Veto law, which the Geneneral Assembly had attempted to establish, but which that House had pronounced to be illegal. He should conclude by asking, 1279 whether it was the intention of her Majesty's Ministers to introduce any measure, having for its object the removal of the difficulties which now surrounded that question? And, if so, at what time it would be brought forward?
§ Viscount Melbournewas aware of the great importance and deep interest of the subject to which the noble Earl had called the attention of their Lordships. The matter was under the consideration of Government, and probably a measure would be introduced on the subject. Ministers had not, however, made up their minds on the question, and not having determined on the course which they meant to pursue, it would be highly inexpedient, for him to enter into any explanations at that moment.
§ The Earl of Aberdeen, as some measure on this subject was under the consideration of Government, would not press the matter further. He hoped, however, that when such a measure was brought forward it would be adopted by the Cabinet, and would not be treated as an open question; because, if it were so treated, the Church and the country would be apt to question the sincerity of the Government.
The Earl of Haddingtonwas only anxious to say, that the great difficulty of this question turned on the exact meaning of the phrase "non-intrusion." He hoped, that ho measure proposed by the Government would confer on the people the arbitrary power of rejecting a minister capriciously and without due cause.