PERKINS LIBRARY Dulte University Kare Books m&Mw&& FOR TUB MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH £3 PETERSBURG, Virginia PREPARED BY THE PRESENT PASTOR, AND PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SESSION " The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob."— Ps. 87 : 2. " // ' forget thee, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her sunning' If J do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chiefjoy."—¥9 137 ; 5, 6. PETERSBURG; PRINTED BY YANCEY &. WILSON, BANK-STREET. July, 1833. N. B. It is requested that all errors and omis- sions noticed in this Manual, may be reported to the {session of the Church. R. E. denotes Ruling Elder — D. Deacon — H* husband — W. wife — Wid. widow — S. and G. S. son and grandson — D. and G. D. daughter and grand- daughter — B. brother — Sis. sister — C. cousin — D. died — Dis. dismissed — R. removed — A blank ( ) signifies that the name of a person stands opposite the number in the record, who ceased to-'be a com- municant in this Church. The names of those who were received from other Churches, are, so far as known, printed in Italics* A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE P483F1 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, f\^ IN PETERSBURG.* So far as is known, the Rev. Samuel Davies, was the first Presbyterian Minister, who ever preached in Petersburg. This was about the year 1750. f Few *The land on which the Town of Petersburg now stands, was first settled and possessed, by Peter and Thomas Jones, the forefathers of most of the families of that name, now so numerous in Virginia. Peter Jones opened a trading establishment with the In- dians, a few rods west of what is now the junction of Sycamore and Old Streets. This position for trade was called "Peter's Point," subsequently changed to Petersburg. fin the blank leaf of the Bible, which President Davies used, and which is now in possession of the "Cottage" family near this Town, are the following entries in his own hand writing: "Samuel Davies, born in New Castle County, Pennsylvania, Nov. 3, 1723. Licensed to preach, Jul}' 30, 1746, Ordained by the Presbyter} 7 of New Castle, February 19, 1746-7. Settled in Hanover, Virgiyja, May, 1 748. Sailed for England from Phila- delphia, November 16, 1753; returned to Virginia, February 13, 1755." Added by his eldest son: — "Removed from our world, February 4, 1761 ; aged 37 years, 3 months, 1 day." persons would consent to hear him ; as prejudice ran high against every thing decidedly evangelical. He was popularly called a "new light," and preached but a few times. "In 1755 the Presbytery of Hanover was organiz- ed, with six ministers — viz : Messrs. Samuel Davies, John Todd, Alexander Craghead, Robert Henry, John Wright and John Brown. There was then no Presbytery South or West of Virginia." After the organization of the Presbytery, there was still no stated preaching, by the Presbyterians in Pe- tersburg ; until more than a tenth of the present cen- tury, had passed away. Occasionally, however, a Minister passing through the country, called and preached a few times. "In the summer of 1812, the Rev. Benjamin Holt Rice, (now, Rev. B. H. Rice, D. D.) a native of Vir- ginia — having laboured for a short time as a mission- ary, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, was returning Southwardly, with a missionary commission from the General Assembly's Board, to seek afield of labour, and determined to select that where there seemed to be the best prospect of building up a Church. Whilst travelling in the stage, it was powerfully impressed on his mind, that Petersburg, a town which he had rarely, if ever visited, was the place where he could most effectually serve his master in the ministry. He immediately determined to spend the coming winter in this Town, and make a full experiment of the prac- ticability of his gathering here a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. During the summer of that year, he visited the Town for a few days, preached once or oftener, and won the affectionate regard of all with whom he became acquainted. Towards the close of the year, his stated labours commenced. At that time there were in his congregation but two members of the Church ; and probably at no previous period, since the foundation of the town, had many more re? sided in it at one time. Religion was at a low ebb in the town and neighbourhood. The number of communicants in any Christian Church, was small, and the number of regular attendants upon public wor- ship, by no means considerable. The habits of the people, were such as might have been expected under these circumstances. Whilst the worship of Godw T as neglected, fashionable amusements were followed with great avidity. Even among those who were the more moral, and respectable members of society, the Sab- bath was the great day of visiting and feasting. — Card-playing, horse racing, the theatre and the ball- room — engaged the affections of those hearts, into which the love of a crucified Saviour had never en- tered. Under these circumstances, Mr. Rice com-' menced his labours here, by preaching sometimes in a large unfinished store-house on Bank Street, occu- pied by Mr. John Gowan ; who, though not then, nor during the ensuing fourteen years, a pious man ; yet from the effect of early education, felt a strong interest in the prosperity of the Presbyterian Church.t Scme were led from love of novelty, some from a de- sire to receive sound religious instruction, and some from their admiration of Mr. Rice's talents, to listen to his preaching. Soon the word as dispensed by him, was found by some of his hearers to be qii;* k and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword. The word of God began to take root, and precious fruit was in a short time borne. By the close of 1 8 1 3, Mr. Rice was enabled to orgazine a Church of about twen- ty members, who unanimously chose hi ro as their fThis house has since been burned dcwn. 6 pastor ; into which office he was installed by the Presbytery of Hanover, at their Spring meeting, in the year 1814. The Presbyterian Church being at that time, little known in this whole region, Mr. Rice thought it expedient, (with the concurrence of his ses- sion,) to introduce a practice, which has been since abandoned. Some persons who in his opinion, form- ed from conversing with them, and observing their conduct, gave good evidence of genuine personal piety, and who preferred attending the worship of God with the Presbyterian Congregation, but from mis- taken scruples, judged it improper to become mem- bers of the Church, were admitted to the Lord's sup- per, without having their names enrolled on the re- gister of names. Of these some had before commun- ed in other churches — but the residue had not. Of these persons, the only survivor, in 1827, became in form, as he had previously been in substance- — a mem- ber of the Church. And ail the others continued till death, to make a credible profession of Religion; and were as diligent in their attendance on the stated wor- ship of the Church; and as zealous in their support of its interests as their brethren. Those of them, who had infant children, brought them to the Church to' be baptized, and such of their children, as have pro- fessed religion in this neighborhood, became mem- bers of this Church; and consider it, the Church of their fathers, as well as of themselves." "The infant Church, from the period of its organi- zation, until the year 1821, continued to grow and thrive as a vine planted in the garden of the Lord, by his own right hand. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper w T as administered every two months ; and it is believed that on every such occasion, new members were received ; but about this time, a considerable decline in spirituality and zeal, manifested itself in the Church ; and additions to its numbers became more rare. Yeteven at that moment of darkness, the glory of the Lord was about to rise upon this Church. Some young men, most of whom were attendants on Mr. Rice's ministry, though scarcely any of them were members of the Church, resolved to form a domestic missionary society. May we not say tin Lord put -it into their hearts ! They engaged as their missionary during the winter of 1821—22, the Rev. Peter Lockwood, who opened a place for week even- ing lectures, which during the few months that he continued in Petersburg, were well attended, espe- cially by young men." "About the time of Mr. Lockwood' s departure, a deepening seriousness began to manifest itself in the Church. The Spirit of Grace, and of supplications, was imparted. The pastor, always bold, and fa i thrill, and zealous — preached with increased power and unc- tion. He prevailed on a number of unconverted members of his congregation, to accompany him to a meethig of the Presbytery at Hampden Sidney Col- lege Church. There the Lord poured out the Holy Spirit, and blessed the labours of Mr. Rice, to those members of his own congregation, ind to many per- sons in the neighborhood of the College. His youn^ people returned home, some of them rejoicing in hope — others earnestly seeking salvation. The work gradually spread through the congregation ; and af- ter a time, reached to many who were not in the be- ginning attendants on Mr. Rice's ministry. The Methodist Church shared largely in the heavenly gift ; and some valuable additions were made to the Epis- copal communion. Such a scene had never been witnessed in Petersburg. Despisers beheld and wan- b ::d; and infidelity itself, was almost constrained to cry out : — "Surely God is in this place." The work of conversion continued, till towards the close of the year, and the number added to the Church was seven- ty-nine, of whom thirty-six were males, including in the number most of the members of the missionary society. It is believed that of these, and of their bre- thren admitted to the Church in subsequent seasons of refreshing, *heir christian character has upon the whole, about equalled that of their brethren, who unit- ed themselves with this Church under other circum- stances. There is nothing in the faith or practice of different classes of the members of this Church, by which those who are the fruits of a revival can be dis- tinguished from their brethren. For many months, trie Church walked in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost and was edified." "Soon after this revival, measures were taken for the erection of a larger and more comfortable house of worship, and in October, 1823, it was finished ; so i :atthe Synod of Virginia, at their meeting in that year occupied it. This is the house now known and used as the Presbyterian Church." "In 1824, there was a little shower of refreshing, and twenty-three members were added to the Church. In this work the Rev. Robert Roy was very useful ; Mr. Rice's health at the time being" very bad." The year 1828 is painfully memorable in these an- nals, as the only one, in which not one member was added to the Church. Yet in the autumn of this year, it became manifest, that the meetings of the Church for prayer, gradually became more crowded; and the petitions of those who led the devotions of their brethren, were more earnest— and of course less for- mal. A deeper solemnity pervaded their public, and 9 social assemblies for worship ; and their pastor seem- ed to preach with unwonted power. These indica- tions that the Lord was drawing nigh, re-acted on the hearts of the people ; and they earnestly prayed and humbly waited, for a still more marked out-pouring of the Spirit. "In the early months of 27, a few persons united themselves with the Church, and the revival seemed to spread and deepen until, during the spring meeting of Hanover Presbytery, held in this Town, the Holy Spirit seemed to be copiously poured out ; — and the work continued till the autumn of that year. During this season there were added to the Church fifty-two, of whom seven were males." During the autumn of 1829, the Rev. B. H. Rice, accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church, in Pearl Street, New-York. Many a sigh, and many a tear, proved the regret felt on this occasion. He might to most of the members of the Church, have said as Paul to the Corinthians : " Though ye have ten thou- sand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fa- thers, for I have begotten you in the gospel."* Yet. the resolutions passed in session on the occasion, were such as shewed a spirit of submission to the divif* will. He "on whose shoulders is the governme/A r not only calls and qualifies his ministers, but also de- signates the field of their labors. Such designation seemed to point to another field. In December of the same year, the session employed Mr. John R. Roy all, as a stated supply for three months. At the expiration of his time, Mr. Roy all left. In April 1 830, the Rev. John D. Annan, late pro- fessor in Miami University, was invited by the session to supply the pulpit ; and, his labours giving gene- 10 ral satisfaction, he received a unanimous call from the Church to become their pastor ; and in the month of July following was installed. Sermon by the Rev. S. K. Kollock, on 1 Thess. 5 : 25 — charge to the people by the Rev. Wm. J. Armstrong — charge to the pastor by the Rev. J. Silliman. But God had a plan far different from that fondly horished by the people. In July, his health became i-ery bad, and he determined on visiting the Virginia Springs. He went, but he never returned. Some of" his Petersburg friends were permitted to attend Ik m in his last illness, and witness his departure. • His end was calm and peaceful. His confidence in the merits of that Saviour, whom it was his delight to pre arli, was strong and unwavering. He died at Greenbrier Bridge, and is interred in the burying ground, connected with the Presbyterian Church in L . hurg> His friends have taken pleasure in con- tributing to the erection if a suitable marble monu- ment over his grave. The. death of Mr. Annan, was deeply felt by this Church. Although he had been but a short time among them, his friend? were many and ardent. From the death of Mr. Annan, the pulpit was not V^ularly supplied, until it was occupied by the pre- sent pastor ; who received an invitation from the ses- sion to spend six months, as a stated supply, and who preached for the first time, ( the 1st Sabbath in Oc- tober 1330. On the 10th of March following, a unanimous call was given him -by the Church, and in July following:, he was installed. Sermon and charge to the pastor, by the" Rev. William J. Armstrong- charge to the people, by the Rev. A. Converse? fc Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Oct. 26. OUR CHURCH IN PETERSBURG. Howe's "Sketches of .Virginia*' mentions the tradition that Sam- uel Davies preached at Peter's Point as early as 1750. But the Presbyterian Church was gathered there by the Rev. Benjamin H Rice, D. D., a younger brother of Dr. John Holt Rice, of Richmond, in 1812. After Dr. Rice, the church had the ministry of John E. Annan, William S. Plumer, E. C. Hutchi- son, S. J. Love, John Leyburn, A. B. Van Zandt, A. W. Miller, and the beloved and lamented William J. Hoge. For some of the later months of the war, Dr. R. L. Dab- ney preached in Tabb Street church, and he was followed by the Rev. L C. Vass. Since those days there has come the notable pastoral suc- cession of Dr. E. H. Ruthe^ord, Dr. T. D. Witherspoon, Dr. |R P. Kerr, and the present efficient pas- tor, Dr. J. W. Rosebro. If there were giants in thos^ days, who shall say that these are not worthy sons of the giants? Where is there> a church in the land that has echoed nobler and more faithful preaching of the word for fifty years than old Tabb street? There ought to be a generation of mighty good people in Petersburg to greet us this fall. The Second church was well filled by the voice of Dr. Theodoric Pryor, who was followed by the Rev. John Miller, now of Princeton, by Dr. George L. Petrie, now of Charlottes- ville, and by the present faithfuJ |. servant of God, the Rev. S. K. Winn. The Old Street church, now under the pastorate of Rev. F. L. Kurtz, is a newer but a hopeful and growing enterprise. ^w>m>^ Castoria %iudCl: for Pa It is I Millioi feveris cures teetbii Castor and b toria i ii tf cq 3 O H m o Hi S3 CD ** # o Tj< O 4 m < S O ^ «- u-5 CO cm cm CD CO S3 ^ 00 CO oo w r: . o O O *■• to £2 ri rt rt « § "tf ^* CM CM CM CM CO CD 00 00 HH >> >> a a. -♦«» -vj ^4* ^^ _ps oa cm cm, CM CM CM* CM CM CM CM CM 00 CO CO CO {A 7 o ?neaws of ascertain- ing from the Books wlien these were ordain- ed, but it was in 1813. a o a 1—* o to » a as K **.ru.. . c c/2 EH eft -^ ^3 qo £"■ CD Qi o "3 bo -a a o ~* 13 • ■ REMARKS. Dismissed, Nov. 1829. do. May, 1829. * • o ■ CM K • > o CO O $-1 Z O < hH Ph W -fi -— o [cm CM CO S3 < o CM Q 9 S CO O o r-« £ ^ K 03 • en i— i CO S o m >> • s «5 . _, • o T— 4 CM crt "* *o S3 i B» 14 * • • CD — , <5 CO J3 P3 S T— < 00 c H O o »— 1 *— «•» H ffi go 4 > E- QQ £ fi e O Rev. Benj amin H. Rice. S E-« s 1 * • CC ' CO 'T s o •- a ^a ■* • J-. . & u CQ f& -"■s * -♦— +J REMARK rv. s W. (E.) John, B. II. (E. a* s ►-5 *~s . o **-< S5 ££ f— » i— i S3 g %-H ^5 ^ "-*-< V_ <*, %-i «-. o o o o O -4 O O o • • "•'•• • * *— • « •> ■ a^ mn ■£ ££*: fe £££ fe 03 I— H Q -J a GM GO ^ HO* "C3 bT a tf s a o cs cs a <; c3 H CO 1-7 ^H a a < 53 a 35 a a 15 BS CM CO CD • »— i i-H CO W3 O CO CO TF CO «k CM CM i-rt i-H CM r— * T— t i™ H CO CO CO CO CO CO CM • i— i I-H »— ( »-4 T— < 1— t 1— < 1815. Oct. • Aug. 1818 May, • • • • » * • d-§ A P OQQQ QQ Q, Rev. Beni. H. Rice. P.B. do. PU a • ■n a i— en O Ha o ofW.B. of S ami. of John, ;o above. . — < . . • » a o be fa 03 03 C/J -faJ o o pq Fh *j i — O « 0) fe o"3 o ^ s£ in U be o PS PQ k! 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Do you believe that you are sinners, and as such deserve the wrath of God forever? Do you believe in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of sinners, the only Mediator between God and man? Do you believe in the necessity of the renewing and sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit; and that you must be holy in order to be happy? Do 3011 believe m the resurrection of the dead; and in a general judgment? Do you believe thes3 things ? (Here the candidates bow assent.) And, now, do you take this God the Father, to be your Father, the Son to be your Saviour, and the Holy Spirit to be your sanctifier ; and to this glorious Trinity, one God, do you heartily and wholly giva yourselves away, and all you have ? b 38 Do you receive these scriptures as the rule of your faith and practice ? Do you, as far as you know your own heart, unfeignedly repent of all your sins; and, especialiy your enmity to God, and your rejection of the Saviour so long; and do you now look and trust for salvation to the righteousness of Christ, received by faith in him? Do you engage to walk with God in the ways of new obedience, and to strive after eminent attain- ments in christian knowledge, piety and usefulness? And in order to this, do you engage to be diligent in the use of the means of grace, such as reading the scriptures, prayer, self-examination, and attend- ance on the public worship and ordinances of God's house ? Do you promise subjection in the Lord to the con- stituted authority of the Church to which you belong, and to walk in brotherly love with its members ? And thus, through the grace of God strengthening you, you engage to act until death ? (Here again the candidates bow assent.) The minister then says: In consequence of the professions which you have now made, and the engagements into which you have now entered, I do, in the name of the Lord Jesus, receive you to the communion of this Church, and give you a right to all its privileges. Tliis is followed by a suitable exhortation to the new members, and the congregation. The above form should be read by the communicants frequently, and with careful self examinationi particularly before every sacramental occasion. 39 MATURE OF THE COVENANT ENTERED INTO AT THE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN. ABRRESSED T© PARENTS, Baptism was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ r to be a seal of the covenant of grace, and the ordi- nance of admission to a visible standing: in his church ; and m presenting your children for baptism, you do publicly give them away to God, and to his church, and you bind yourselves to bring them up accordingly. The water, in this ordinance implies guilt and pollution, and represents to us justification by the blood of Christ, and regeneration and sancti- fication by his spirit. But remember " No cuticard FORMS can make you clean." The procuring the efficient, and the instrumental cause of sanctification, can be nothing else than the blood, the spirit and the word of Christ : and to him you must ever look for your own salvation, and for the salvation of your children. As soon as your children are capable of receiving instruction, it becomes your duty to have them taught to read God's Holy Word; to instruct them in the principles of the Christian religion, of which there is an excellent summary in the Confession of Faith, and the Catechisms of our Church ; to pray for them- and with them; to set an example of piety and godliness before them ; and, by all the means of God's appointment, to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. These duties, and whatever others you may dis- cover from the word of God, to be binding on you^ as Christian parents, you do promise and covenant, in the presence cf God and his church, that you will endeavor to perform and do. It is recommended to parents, who have offered children to God in baptism, frequently, and with careful self-examination, to peruse the zboi"? explanation of their baptismal engagement. 40 EXCEEFT'§. "My first great business upon earth is THE SANCTIFICATION OF MY OWN SOUL." — Henry luartyn. "Whenever we become un watchful, and self-confident, we are near some humilia- 1INGFALL." — -Br. Scoit. It is our duty to rest satisfied, that God has placed us in the situation best for us; and, instead Gf corn- faring its advantages and disadvantages with those of othersj we should carefully inquire, what are the temptations to which I am .most exposed f What facilities does my situation afford me for doing good ? Eow can I turn my present circumstances to the best account? Change of situation in this world, can only be change of duty and trial. The great secret of being happy, is to keep the heart right. My experience in the first years of affliction was comfort. My sins seemed laid asleep : and! thought 'the stroke that sundered me from the chief source of temporal enjoyment, had also stamped upon the world an impression of uncertainty and vanity and taste- lessness which would never be effaced. But alas! I now feel my present duty, as well as experience, is — Conflict — to maintain that engagedness and fervor of spirit and fixedness of eye upon the things which are not seen and are eternal, which becomes me and vhirh God requires. 41 i NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE UNTO YOU, THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER. TWELTB RULES, FOR PROMOTING HARMON Y AMONG CHURCH MEMBERS, 1. To remember that we are all subject to failings and infirmities, of one kind or another.- — Matt* 7: 1—5. Rom. 2: 21—23. 2. To bear with and not magnify each other's in- firmities.— Gal. 6. 1. 3. To pray one for another in our social meetings, and particularly in private. — James, 5. 16. 4. To avoid going from house to house, for the pur- pose of hearing news, and interfering with other people's business. — Lev.. 19. 16, 5. Always to turn a deaf ear to any slanderous report, and to lay no charge brought against any person until well founded. — Prov. 25. 23. 6. If a member be in fault to tell him of it in private, before it is mentioned to others. — Matt. 18: 15. 7. To watch against shyness of each other, and put the best construction on any action that lias the appearance of opposition or resentment. — Prov. 10 : 12, 8. To observe the just rule of Solomon, that is, to leave off contention before it be meddled tciih. — ■ Prov. 17: 14. 9. If a member has offended, to consider how glori- d2 42 ous, bow God-like it is to forgive, and how unlike a Christian it is to revenge. — Eph. 4: 2. 10. To remember that it is always a grand artifice of the Devil, to promote distance and animosity among, members of Churches, and we should, therefore, watch against every thing that furthers his end. — James, 3: 16. 11. To consider how much more good we can do in the world at large, and in the Church in parti- cular, when we are all united in love, than we could do when acting alone, and indulging a contrary spirit. — John, 13: 35. Lastly, to consider the express injunction of Scripture, and the beautiful example of Christ, as to these important things. — Eph. 4: 32. — 1 Peter, 2: 21.— John, 13: 5. 35. 19 QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. 1. Do you sincerely desire to know and to do your Lilly, and how do you evince your sincerity ? 2. Do you endeavor to keep the Sabbath? Do ycu regularly and seasonably attend on the public worship of the congregation ? Do you endeavor to BE STILL : to be attentive ; frequently to lift up your heart to God during the service; to sing with the spirit, and the understanding, making melody in your heart? 3. Are you always in your place at the Lord's table? Have all your children been baptized? How are voti fulfilling your covenant engagements ? 4. Do you daily worship God in your family? 5. Have you a Bible of your own? Do you daily 43 read it ? How often have 3*011 read it through ? Do you assent to every part that it is good ? 6. Do you statedly pray in private ? Why do you pray? For what? What is the general character of your prayers ? 7. What good book are you reading? What is your object? Have you thought of the influence of the press upon public morals? Do 3011 support the religious press ? 8. What are you doing to support and spread the Gospel? What is the state of religion in different parts of the world? • 9. Do you speak evil of none? Do you suppress evil reports? Do you promote peace and friendly feelings in 3'our neighborhood? Do 3011 speak the truth? Do 3 T ou keep your word? Do 30U pa3 r 3~our debts? Are 30U strictly honest ? Do you relieve the poor? In ail companies and places do 30U give and get all the benefit you can ? 10. Do you pra3' for your brethren in the church r Do you rejoice in their spiritual and temporal wel- fare? Do vou aive and accept christian reproof? Do vou wish to correct your faults ? 11. What station do you hold in the family ? How do you discharge the duties of your station ? 12. Do you guard against pride, selfishness, covet- ousness, anger* moroseness, levity, discouragements Against a contentious, censorious, unforgiving, dis- contented temper ? Against improper companions, books, songs, sights, amusements? Against intem- perance, idleness, impurity ? Would fasting assist you in mortifying the flesh ? How have you profited by aiiiictions? How do you bear prosperity? 13. What value do you put upon time? What is the great end of life? What is the great end of 44 vour's? For what will any fellow-creature have rea- son to bless you in eternity? How would yon, a hundred years hence, wish you had spent your pre- sent life ? 14. Are you doing any thing, of the lawfulness of which you are not satisfied ? 15. In conclusion, what evidence have von that you are a christian? Do you love all christians? Do you desire to requite evil with good? When you see others transgressing the divine law, does it give you pain ? Are you more afraid of displeasing God thantnan? Would you rather suffer than sin? Does your sorrow for sin continue even after you hope you have been forgiven ? Are you willing to have your sarictification promoted by any means? 16. How do you know that you are growing in grace? Do you feel more deeply your need of Christ? Do j-ou confide -in him? Have you more of a child-like spirit? Do you live near to God? Do you feel* an increasing interest in the prosperity of his church ? Do you find a growing thirst for divine truth? Have you a greater longing after holiness ? Do you groan more painfully under the burden of indwelling sin ? Is your devotion to God more fixed and entire ? Are you conscious of an increasing willingness to sacrifice even the dearest things to his will ? FIAIE for a church member aftfr reading the foregoing Covenant and Questions: Most Holy and ever blessed God ! With all humi- lity and reverence would I approach thee, through 45 Jesus Christ. Comnose and prepare my heart, that I may worship thee with acceptance and profit. To thee I have devoted "myself a living sacrifice." 1 have chosen thee for my portion: and I have re- solved in the strength of the Lord Jesus, that I would endeavor, henceforward, to keep all thy command- ments. I thank thee for putting the resolution into my heart. ' But alas! when I would search and try my ways, I find that in all things I 'come short. I am not filled with the knowledge of thy will: and often when I have known my duty, I did it not ; or I did it not in a right manner, or from a right motive. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness".; according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Lord be gracious unto me. Lift up thy countenance upon me, and give peace, Aeairijt tnv will, my sins prevail ; O Saviour! purge away their stain. And now, for the time to come, I would go and • sin no more. But my springs are in thee. Lord, teach me thy statutes, and enable me to keep them. Restrain and remove the evils of my heart, and influ- t/ J ence me, by the most speedy and effectual means, to a life of holiness. Help me to remember that to glorify thee is the great end of my existence : that to save my soul from sin and hell is my most important business on earth ; that to spend and be spent for Christ, is my highest dut}', honor and privilege; and that I have no more time, no more health and strength, no more substance, influence or talents than are de~ m&nded'fox this service. Make it one of my dailv 46 rejections that I have but one life to live ; that my eternal destiny is taking its character from my present every day course of conduct, and that the destiny of many others may depend on mine. Ma} 7 1, therefore, .he habitually sclicitcus that ever} 7 day do its full part towards fitting me, and all, whom I can influence, for a holy heaven* Help me to lay aside evfcry hindrance, whether it be in my business, my habits, my com- panions, or whatever else, and to labor for eternity with my whole might. And in order to this, do thou daily increase my faith, elevate my affections, and excite mv desires after christian knowledge, holiness, and usefulness, until I shall have finished my work in thy vineyard, and am myself prepared unto glory? and presented. faultless, in thy presence. rX.T» SPIRITUAL ATTAINMENTS. EE YE IJOLY. The demand for high attainments in personal holi- ness, on the part. of individual Christians, is at this day enforced — 1. By increasing opportunities for enjoying and improving the means of grace. 2. By increased facilities for extending individual influence. 3. By the pressing and constantly accumulating claims for christian self-denial and zeal. 4. By the continued effusions of the Holy Spirit, and the certain and glorious effects which follow enlightened and holy effort. 5. By the providential dealings of God, the signs of the times, and the eventful crisis in the affairs of the church and the world. What a privilege to live and act for God and for Zion, at such a period. — II, Peter, ch. iii. 47 R Q T E S • 1. It is a rule of the session of Petersburg, that Presb}teri9.ns from other churches, on removing into our bounds, may commune with us for one year; but, that after the expiration of the year, they must either produce a certificate from the church to which they have belonged, and connect themselves with this church, or give to the pastor or session a reason why they do not. 2. Members removing within the bounds of other churches, ought to procure certificates of dismission, and connect themselves with the church within the bounds of which they reside. The neglect of this duty deranges the order of Christ's house; is some- times greatly injurious to the members so acting ; and almost always prevents the church, into whose neighborhood they have gone, from enjoying the full benefit of their influence, counsel and support. 3. Members dismissed, are always considered under the watch, and subject to the discipline of the church dismissing them, until they are actually .received by the church to which they are dismissed. See Confession of Faith, under the head of Dis- cipline, chap. 10, sec. 1. 4. " No certificate of church membership shall be considered valid testimony of the good standing of the bearer, if it be more than one year old, except where there has been no opportunity of presenting it to a church." See Discipline, chap, ii, sec* 2. 5. Children should, ordinarily, be baptized in the congregation to which they belong. When they are not, the parents should carry a certificate of their 48 ■ baptism to their own pastor or session, that the proper record may be made in the church book. 6. Good order requires that candidates for church membership should oiler themselves to the session of their own church, and not to a session at a distance. When, however, for any special reason, they have been admitted to the communion of a church, which is not properly their own, they should immediately carry a certificate of the fact to their own session, and have their names recorded at home. 7. The Lord's Supper is administered on the first Sabbath in January, March, May, July, September and November. The services commence at eleven o'clock. Sermon on the Saturday preceding, at four o'clock, P. M. 8. Public worship throughout the year commences at eleven o'clock, A. M. 9. Petersburgh Bible Society — A. S. HoLDERBY. Treasurer, and H. Dugger, Depositary. 10. Female Bible Society — Mrs. Thrift, 1st Bi- rectrtss, and Mrs. (wife of Rev.) Mason, Treasurer. 11. Southern Sundav School Effort — E. James, Treasurer. 12. Petersburg Sunday School TJnion — J. E. Le- moine, Treasurer, and'J. C. Swan, Depositary. 13. The First Sunday School Association of Pe- tersburg — E. James., Treasurer. 14. Young Men's Missionary Society — A. G- McIlwaine, Treasurer. 15. Married Ladies' Missionary Society — Mrs.E. G. Plumer, Treasurer. 16. Young Ladies' Missionary Society — Miss E. H. Allinson, Treasurer. 17. Petersburg Tract Society — Abel Head, De- positary and Treasurer, 49 18. Tract Distribution Society — Mrs. Phebe He -i,, Treasurer. !9, House oi Industry — A. S. HoLDERBY, Trea^ surer, and n,. G. Plumer, 1st Directress, 20. Dorcas Society — Mrs. Holderby, Treasurer, 21. Orphans' Asylum — YY:u. Haxall, Treasurer* 2z. Ji,aucation Society — lUrs. S. C. BoTT, Li- redress. iio. Subscription to Union ^'ueological Seminary: Hugh Nelson, Local AgerU 24. bubscriptioii to General Assembly's Eoard of Education, obtained by Air. Chester: Hlgh i\EL- son, Local Agent. 2d. Petersburg; Temperance Society: Constitu- tion, kc, kept b\ L'Arcy Paul, Secretary. 26. Collection, the 1st Sabbath of eveiy months for Contingent Fund ot the Congregation. 27. Collection, en the Sabbath nearest the Fourth of July, for Colonization Society. 28. Monthly Concert of Prayer, for the Conver- sion of the World, observed regularly in the Church, and Collections raised for Missions. 29. John E. Lemoine, Treasurer ol the Board= of Trustees of the Church. SO. Hugh INelson, Clerk of Session. Am I a soldiei of the cross ; A follower of the Lamb, And shad I fear to own his cause, Or blush to speak his naruef Shall I be carried to the skies,- On flowery beds oi ease, E 50- While others fougat to win the prize, And sailed tiiroagn bioody seas? Are there ao foes for me to face, VTast I not stem tne riood; Is tiis vain world a friend to gracer To help us on to God? Sure I must fight, if I would reign : Increase my courage, Lord, To bear the cross, endure tne shame, Supported by tny word. T:ie saints, in all this glorious war, Shall conquer, though tiiey die; Tiiey see the triu nph from afar, With faith's discerning eye. PRESERVE AND USE WELL THESE PAliES. T ■ - ■