HL Deb 13 March 1843 vol 67 cc712-3
Lord Camp- bell

gave notice that on Monday, the 20th of March, he should ask their Lordships to agree to certain resolutions respecting the disputes that at present agitated the Church of Scotland, with the view either of preventing the schism that had unhappily occurred, or of rendering it less calamitous than it might otherwise be. He refrained at present from making any observation upon the subject; but their Lordships need hardly be told that it was one of vital importance to the peace and well being of Scotland. On an early day he would lay on the Table the resolutions which he should feel it his duty to move.

Lord Brougham

thought it highly inexpedient that their Lordships should enter into any discussion upon this subject prior to the determination of the Stewarton case, which was now pending.

Lord Campbell

certainly could not think of postponing his resolutions until after the Stewarton case was decided; because if he were to do so, the object that he had in view would be utterly defeated. He very much doubted whether the Stewarton case would be decided before the meeting of the General Assembly, which would be the crisis of the Church of Scotland. But in the resolutions which he proposed to submit to their Lordships he should cautiously avoid any collision between the judicial and legislative functions of that House.