The funeral of the late Rev. James Forbes of John Knox's Free Church, took place on Friday afternoon.

Before the funeral procession started, the mourners attended divine service in John Knox's Church, which was conducted by the Rev. John Tait of Geelong. After singing a portion of a psalm, an impressive prayer was presented by the Rev. John Hume of Kilmore. The Rev. Mr. Tait then read a few verses of the Sacred Scriptures from John's Gospel, and second Corinthians, and afterwards delivered an eloquent and most appropriate address. The Rev. William Jarrett of the United Presbyterian Church then offered up another prayer, also distinguished for its devotional fervour and entire adaptation to the solemn occasion, it was the design of these services to impress and improve. The interesting exercises were concluded by singing a verse of a hymn, and pronouncing the apostle benediction.

The procession formed a long train of mourners, comprising most of the heads of families of Mr. Forbes' congregation. It was also pleasing to observe among the number attending the service in the church, and following the remains to the grave afterwards, the very Rev. Dr. Patrick Bonaventure Geoghan the Vicar General, several Episcopalian Clergymen, and all the Ministers in the city whom it is yet customary in this colony to regard as only presiding over 'dissenting' congregations. His Excellency the Governor was also present, with the Colonial Secretary, Colonial Treasurer, Collector of Customs, Sheriff, Postmaster General, and other head of public departments, together with many of our most highly esteemed citizens of all ranks and denominations.

Mr. Forbes was the senior minister of Melbourne, having been engaged on that field for upwards of fourteen years. His loss is much regretted by his congregation to whom he had justly rendered himself endeared for his exalted piety and active benevolence.

The funeral sermon was preached on Sunday by Mr. Tait, from these significant words in the first chapter of Revelations, "And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, fear not! I am the first and the last; I am he that liveth, and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore amen, and have the keys of hell and of death." The discourse was an admirable one, being eloquently delivered, and in a high degree combining in its composition all the necessary elements for making a lasting impression upon the crowded congregation to whom it was addressed.

We refrain from saying more on the subject, having no doubt the managers of the church will consider it their duty to print and publish the sermon for the benefit of the public generally.